Slimming can be a miserable business, with delicious food tempting you wherever you go while you’re trying your best to cut down. But these six little tricks will reduce your intake automatically, without any battle with willpower. What’s more, you’ll find them empowering, helping you take control of your appetite. Pick your favorites from the list to start with, adding in the rest as needed.
Smaller plate
Take a smaller plate than usual, but fill it generously, so you’ll feel you’re eating more than you are, then do the same with your dessert dish. Place them on your best tablecloth or mats so you won’t be tempted to overfill them and risk spills. Downsize your cutlery as well to slow down your eating. These simple measures will steady your appetite and help you feel satisfied by the end of your meal.
Less available cash
When you withdraw money from your bank, only take as much as you need, including a carefully calculated sum for food. Then you won’t have any spare cash for extra nibbles and treats. You could also tidy your credit card away, out of easy reach, or give it to your partner or relative to keep when not needed, so you’re not tempted to dip in for unplanned snacks.
Drink water before eating
A full glass of water can be quite filling, despite being calorie-free, and a cup of herbal tea will have the same effect, which can be handy for controlling hunger pangs. Take a long, watery drink – hot or cold – before each meal, and your appetite will be satisfied sooner.
Hide your food away
Put all tempting food products out of sight, and if they still tempt you, pack them away in awkward places, like inside multiple storage containers on a high shelf at the furthest point of your home. If you’re still tempted, hand them over to a trusted housemate or neighbor until an appointed date, or even long term.
Wear tight-fitting clothes
Dressing smartly will help you feel aware of your figure and take pride in your appearance. Elegant cuts and close fits will also discourage you from bloating yourself out with large meals, as you won’t want to stretch the fabrics, spoil your shape or risk indigestion.
Harsh reminders
This snacking deterrent is fun to do, especially if you’re prepared to have a little laugh at yourself. Using “Post-it” notes or labels, write yourself a pile of strict reminders or mocking comments and distribute them through your refrigerator, freezer and food cupboards. If your willpower fails and you start rummaging around for snacks, you’ll be confronted by your own mocking messages.
Simple incentives like these will put you firmly in control of your eating habits. You’ll find them even easier to keep to when you get your weight-watching friends to join in.
