Small Changes Lead to Weight Loss

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You don't need to diet to lose weight. Making simple changes, adjustments, or improvements can do wonders to your body. So don't starve yourself and don't believe the Atkin's Diet or HCG or whatever the newest fad diet plan is. Just be mindful of some minor things and you can have weight loss success. 

Keep your Eye on the Prize

Tape your "skinny" picture to your bathroom mirror, or a picture of what you think is the ideal body. You will see it every morning and it's more motivation to eat right and exercise so you can achieve those results. Or, hang your skinny jeans somewhere you'll see them every day. The more you see them, the more you will want to fit into them, thus giving you more motivation.

Use a Tall, Thin Glass

Using a tall, skinny glass instead of a short, wide tumbler will help cut liquid. You'll drink 25%-30% less juice, soda, wine, or any other beverage. Studies showed that all kinds of people poured more into a short, wide glass -- even experienced bartenders.

Time Your Meals

Scarfing down a meal leads to overeating and eventually weight gain. Set a timer for 20 minutes and reinvent yourself as a slow eater. You don't need a complicated diet plan, you just need to enjoy your food at a slower pace. So sit down, set the timer and savor each bite. Your body will recognize the feeling of fullness at this slower pace.

Sleep More, Weigh Less

According to research, sleeping an extra hour a night could help you drop 14 pounds in a year, based upon a 2,500 calorie per day intake. Results would vary for each person. That extra hour of idleness can cut out an hour of mindless tv watching or snacking. There's also other research that shows getting too little sleep revs up your appetite, leading to increased calories.

Eat More Veggies

Instead of having a carb or starch with your dinner, serve three different vegetables. You'll eat more veggies and feel fuller all while eating less calories. Vegetables contain lots of valuable vitamins, nutrients and fat burning power! The high water content in veggies helps you feel fuller faster.

Start with Soup, or Stop with Soup

The best soups for you are minestrone, tortilla soup, or Chinese won-ton. Soup slows your eating and curbs your appetite. So starting with soup can lead to a smaller main course or work perfectly as your main meal. Make your own in the slow cooker! Start with a low-sodium broth or canned soup, add fresh or frozen vegetables and cook. DO NOT eat creamy soups, they can be high in fat and calories.

Stop Eating when you Pause

You that moment when you drop the fork for a few minutes to digest, take a break or whatever your reason is? Well this break is known as the "eating pause." Make note of when you take this break and don't eat another bite. This is your body's way of telling you that you're full, but not stuffed. Most people miss it.