A Dietitian's View

2. Try to include some protein with each meal you eat. Protein moves slowly through the digestive system and can release a hormone to give the feeling of fullness. Three eggs for breakfast have the same number of calories as a bagel, but will keep you feeling satisfied longer.

3. Eat a moderate amount of fat (30 percent or less of your calories) each day. Healthy fats include olive oil, avocado, salmon, nuts and seeds. Try a glass of milk or some cottage cheese with fruit and flaxseed as an afternoon snack.

4. Give into cravings, in moderation. If you want chocolate, have a small piece of chocolate and really enjoy it. Otherwise, you'll binge later.

5. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. If you're trying to consume 1800 calories a day, try six 300 calorie meals rather than three 600 calorie ones. Eating smaller amounts more often will keep your blood glucose level stable and stave off the lethargy that can send you to the vending machine.

6. Never skip breakfast. Skipping meals will cause your body's metabolism to slow down. When this happens, your body will store calories as fat rather than discarding them. Skipping meals and forgoing necessary calories can cause a permanent slowing of the metabolism leading to lifelong weight struggles.

7. Reduce meat consumption to no more than five ounces a day. Choose lean cuts and cut off any visible fat. Remove skin from poultry before cooking.

8. Get enough sleep. Poor quality sleep can raise stress hormones, which causes extra calories to be stored as fat. Getting sufficient sleep can raise metabolism, which might cause an increased appetite, but the reduced stress hormone will permit you to make better decisions.

9. Drink plenty of water. The recommendation is eight cups, or 64 ounces of water daily. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas.

10. Eat slowly. It takes a while for fullness signals to kick in. Really take the time to taste and enjoy your food. It is not the enemy. Let eating be an experience.