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Losing weight isn't about going on a short-term "diet" and then forgetting everything you've learned during the process. In order to lose those extra pounds and then keep them off, you need to make some permanent lifestyle changes. This article contains some advice on what changes you should make to help you lose that weight.

Treating yourself can actually be an important part of any weight loss diet. Making hard and fast rules about food, such as telling yourself that you'll never eat chocolate cake ever again, can actually make you obsess about food. This leads to stress and overeating, both of which can ruin your weight loss plan. Try to give yourself a small treat everyday, or a slightly larger one at the end of the week for making your goals.

Feeling hungry causes us to eat. Eating causes us to gain weight. Feeling full reduces our feeling of hunger. So a way to lose weight is to full more often. One way you can "trick" your body into feeling full more often is by eating spicy foods that have more capsaicin in them, such as foods lightly spiced with cayenne or jalapeno pepper. No need to overdo it, just enough to burn a little will do fine.

For optimal weight loss, reconsider your preconceived notions about food and nutrition. For example, just because one item at the fast food place is healthier than another item doesn't make the fast food stop a good choice. Understanding the best ways to meet your nutritional needs will help you to best set up a diet that meets your desires and your body's needs.

If you are really craving something, don't deny yourself the simple pleasures of food. Take a bite or two, but try to keep yourself in moderation. If you deny yourself snack foods, you will end up mentally hurting yourself and complaining about it to your friends who will resent it.

When trying to lose weight stay away from white products. Products that are white are usually more refined. Things like white breads and pastas, are made from refined flour and have little nutritional value. Eating whole wheat breads and whole wheat pastas, will add fiber and nutrients to your diet.

When baking, try to reduce the amount of unhealthy fats that the recipe calls for. This can make your chosen recipe healthier in the long-run. Watch the amounts of whole fat milk, butter and oils and try to either cut their amounts down or find healthier alternatives.You can always use things like yogurt, healthier butter varieties, etc.

When you are trying to shed some pounds, you can use social media to tell the world how you are doing. It certainly is a good way to keep you accountable and it become more interesting and much more fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFMe-yt0PC4

Avoid multitasking while eating. Don't eat meals in the car or snack while watching TV or reading the paper. Instead, eat at a table and focus on the food you're consuming. If you eat while you're distracted, you probably won't notice when you start to feel full, making it more likely that you will over-eat.

People tend to psychologically feel that they ate enough when their plate is empty. The more food you pile on your plate, the more you have to eat, the more weight you will gain. Instead, put less food on your plate so that when you eat it all you won't feel bad, or gain weight.

Don't let your friends or family play the devil's advocate by enticing you to deviate from your fitness routine or dietary plan. Even the tiniest slip up can have dire consequences for the future success of your weight loss program. You might also explain your feelings to the offending party; he or she should be respectful of your decisions.

Do not take green vegetables for granted. They are rich in fiber and vitamins and can improve your diet. Salads (without dressing or with low fat dressing) are tasty and low in calories. Besides helping you lose weight and improving digestion, they can also improve you overall health and well being.

You wish you could wear your old clothes, but that just is not possible with your current weight. Use the great tips and tricks provided here to learn exactly what you need to do to get back to where you once were. Start immediately, and love your new self.