7 weight loss rules that actually work

Stop stressing about your weight
There are people who tend to lose their appetites when stressed. But this number is actually very low. In fact, for most people, gaining weight is often synonymous with stress. Yes, most of us eat when stressed. Time to stop doing that!
Try this: Create alternatives to stress eating. Go for a walk, chat with a friend, wash the car, take a bubble bath, do deep breathing exercises or listen to some good music. Heck, just watch a movie… do anything else but eat.

Don't forget what you eat
We may think we are extremely careful about what's on our plate and that we're watching what goes in our mouths. But the fact is that 'eating amnesia' or forgotten nibbling does happen – and it can mess up all our 'watch-the-weight' initiatives. Learn how to put a stop to it.
Try this: Sit and eat after serving out a portion. Never just pick up a handful and eat while moving about. This way, you'll be able to account for everything that goes in your body.

Motivate yourself enough
Agreed, staying motivated is a struggle, but it is enjoyable once you get the hang of it. When you are motivated, you are on a high and are happy – and that's the same as having fun. Imagine having fun and also getting huge paybacks for it!
Try this: Don't wait for big breaks. Instead, bask in the success of every small victory. Successfully resisted the second drink at an office party? Go buy yourself new earphones or treat yourself to a lush pedicure. Love yourself, applaud every effort and celebrate. This will give you confidence and the courage to move on, take the next few steps, and stay on track.

Eat everything
No foods are off limits. I believe giving up a particular food completely is the most difficult advice to follow and stick to, which is why I never suggest this.
Try this: Instead of looking at foods as 'good' or 'bad', take a non-diet approach. Don't give up foods that are calorific – simply cut them to size. Eat everything, yes, even chocolates, but practice balance, variety and moderation.

Never skip dinner
Picture this: you've had a bad calorie day, you still have to tackle dinner and of course, you are very hungry! So you skip dinner completely, only to raid the pantry at midnight. Familiar? Don't skip dinner, just get smart about it.
Try this: You can't escape the bad food days, they will happen. So I suggest you make a list of five low-cal, high-fibre, satisfying dinner menus (sandwiches, meals in a bowl, salads, whole-wheat pasta dishes, etc.) and keep it somewhere handy. Go with this on the bad days.

Manage your weekends better
Weekends are definitely tough, with too much free time, too much food and zero inclination to exercise. This unfortunate trio of circumstances translates into extra pounds for most of us.
Try this: By all means, approach every weekend as a holiday, but avoid the weekend food frenzy. Set a regular fitness schedule for the weekends (alright, maybe you can let Sunday be an off day) as you need that brisk walk now more than ever.

Control your cravings
If only a fried pakora will do, it's a craving, not hunger. This is a vicious cycle. Have you ever had a hankering for cabbage or cauliflower? Or for tinda? Definitely not! Yet, when you eat fried foods, you crave more. Have some sugar, and you long for much more of it. So don't succumb!
Try this: Learn to wait. Simply postpone reaching for the biscuit tin on the table or the cake lying in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or so. By then, unless you are really hungry, the desire will dissipate.