Change with the seasons

Snowshoe in the winter, swim in the summer and bike in the spring. Different workouts will keep you challenged.

Go plate shopping.

Downsize your dinner by eating off a smaller dish.

Buy fitted clothes.

Avoid expandable elastic waists that don’t let you feel or see those extra inches creeping up on you.

10. Don’t be deprived.

Teat yourself to a small portion of something sweet each day so you won’t crave it and binge later.

11. Train your brain to be flexible.

The rigid “either I’m on a diet or I’m not “frame of mind practically guarantees that you won’t be eating right for very long. When you slip up – and hey, we all do - you’ll end up thinking “I blew it, might as well have another cookie – or three. “ Instead, see your eating plan as a road with varied terrain. It can be narrow when you are feeling strong and focused and wider when you need to relax your efforts a bit. If you happen to step off the road entirely, whatever you do, don’t waste time on self-critical statements. Just get back on.

Go international.

Find a low-fat meal in every type of cuisine – Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Italian – so that you can still enjoy eating out.

Write before you bite.

Keep a journal of everything you put into your mouth. You’ll think twice before you eat it if you know you have to write it down.