I thought I'd just take today and post a homework assignment. It was something that I thought I could use a refresher as I transition back into a "normal" schedule for me.

We all know that a few extra calories every day add up. What are your "tricks" to keep those extra calories from creeping in? Or, where can you shave extra calories if you're just starting out or stuck?

For me, having things like KDs Quick Carrot Slaw, and her Apple Beet slaw to snack on (I leave the oil out of both of these recipes).

I also always try to have my favorite teas on hand to help fill that void. I also try to keep baby carrots and salsa or a piece of fruit sliced up to munch on while I'm cooking.

1. I still write down what I eat nearly every day.

I write down the times and AMOUNTS... I do NOT like writing down "1 cup lf mac & cheese" and having to go back and change it to "1.5 cups". I also find that writing the amount makes me feel more accountable than just writing "crackers".

(I still do WW, but usually don't find it necessary to count or look up points any more.)

2. Not keeping tempting food in the house.

3. Weighing and measuring food rather than eyeballing it.

4. Cutting back on higher cal items and subbing lower cal ones. Deciding that I won't have an avocado "today". If I'm up 2 lbs... that isn't the time to be taking advantage of the "10 avocados, $10" sale.

Or I like two brands of bread... one is 110 cals a slice... and the other is 80 cals a slice. Most weeks, the 110 cal bread is fine (I lost all of my weight eating it and never switched to "diet" bread) and some weeks I want to shave those 60 cals a day.

5. Throwing food away (or at least not eating it). Sometimes when I am looking to "shave calories" because I want to stash them for later in the week - like before or after a party - I use KD's trick of leaving two bites behind. I put two bites of cereal back in the box. I throw one bite of sandwhich away. Put two bite of rice in the compost.

It is pretty easy to shave 10-25 cals off every meal and snack (and it adds up to 100-120 cals a day) and I generally don't even miss them.

EDIT: 6. Eating my healthy food before the "treats". Getting in my dairy/fruit/vegs/lean protein/whole grains/etc before a snack of "Nabisco 100 cal Oreo Crisps"... because if I'm eating enough food and healthy food... I usually don't even want the Oreo Crisps.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: GoingSkiing,

It's not really a trick but trying not to have foods in the house that are tempting works best for me. If it's not here, I can't eat it!

CG: I am with you, allowing myself to get extra hungry is a very deep hole for me. While I am fixing myself something healthy to eat, I am munching on other things. Not good.

My tip or whatever for shaving calories, is PLANNING. I do take an hour on Saturday or Sunday to sketch out our meals for the week. I do the main courses, and then stock up on whatever sides we can have to go with the variety. Saves me $$ at the store, and then there are no opportunities (or shouldn't be) for added foods. I have to admit though that when neighbors drop off their garden produce, we add a lot of vegetables. What can I say, I am a sucker for fresh stuff.

Cathy J

For me it is the extra bites. I have been super aware of this this past week and have probably avoided 200-400 calories each day in bitesof this or that.

I'm not one of those people that believes drinking water just for the sake of drinking water will help you lose weight. I do believe though if you are drinking drinks with calories and replace those drinks with water, then you can save lots of calories.

I used to drink a LOT of regular soda. Then I was down to about one soda a day. Now, I'm down to an average of maybe one per week. (I generally only drink them now when I have a headache. Coke is one of the few things that helps me get through a migraine.)

Dawn

I have two things I need to work on. First, I need to stop letting myself get VERY hungry. I end up eating lots of extra "bites" as I cook because I'm starving and too impatient to wait.

The other thing I need to do is get back to being on "portion control patrol" and start measuring again. In a few weeks, I'm not going to have all the extra exercise to compensate for (generously) eyeballed portions.