3 Simple Ways to Get your Eating Habits on Track

January is the month when we're all gung ho for making changes, but many of us dread what comes along with making the changes we desire.  By February many of us have started to revert back to our old and unhealthy ways. 

One area I've vowed to improve is making healthier food choices.  Yea, sometimes I slip, but I have learned some effective ways to get myself back on track.  Here are some situations we all find ourselves in that may tempt us to lose control.  If you have similar struggles, here are a few strategies to help you make progress with your weight loss and dieting plans.

Fast Food Restaurants
Let's face it...in our fast-paced society, fast food offers convenience when we don't have much time.  So if you find yourself on-the-run and in the drive thru, here are some ways to stay on the healthy track.

• Think small and order a kid's meal
• Order your sandwiches without mayo or special sauces and you'll cut about 18 grams of fat
• Remove 1/2 of the bun from your sandwich (less carbs)
• If a meal comes with fries, substitute with a side salad
• Bigger isn't alwasy better, so take the words "biggie" and "super" out of your fast food vocabulary
• Check out the nutritional analysis of each item on your favorite fast food restaurant's website

Don't Eat All You Can
All-You-Can-Eat restaurants are very tempting, but aren't the best dining option if you want to eat better.  It is extremely difficult to have self-control when you're presented with an array of choices at one time.  So you don't overindulge, here is a helpful strategy:

Most All-You-Can-Eat Buffets have a salad section, so start there.  Choose the red and green leaf lettuce selections versus iceberg.  They have more nutritional value.  Then add tomatoes, broccoli, sprouts, carrots, and just a drizzle of light or fat-free dressing.  This way you're eating some vegetables.  Go for baked or grilled chicken or fish with steamed veggies.  Limit your portions of pasta, rice, potatoes, rolls and butter.  Lastly, when you feel slightly full...Stop Eating!

Dining Out
Dining out is a wonderful time to relax, socialize and be waited on.  However, if you do it often without making healthier choices, you will pack on the pounds.  Most entrees offer hefty servings that could feed two or more people.  And most times we feel we have to eat everything on our plate.  Well, it isn't so.  Take control with these ideas:

• Split a meal with the person you're dining with or ask for a carryout container to split the meal in half.  Then you'll have lunch or dinner for the next day.
• Choose selections from the lighter-side or low carb menu.
• Skip the breadbasket.  Yea, I said it!  If it isn't there, you won't be tempted.

Changing your eating habits may be difficult to do, but with these strategies you can do it.  The result?  You will look and feel much better.  Here's to a happier and healthier new year!