When you deprive your body of regular nutrients, it compensates by packing on what you do eat in the form of fat - exactly the opposite of what you're aiming for. It's better to just suck it up and eat a healthy portion of a balanced meal.
Step 2 - Give up the soda.
Think about it: The average person should consume 2000 calories a day, give or take depending on their age, sex, lifestyle etc. You could have a can of soda with dinner and take up 250 of those calories just for the sake of sugar, or you can have all the water you want for 0. The crazy thing is, the longer you go without soda, the worse it tastes. I've been soda-free for nearly two years and I can't even choke down more than a few sips anymore. Now, whenever I crave a refreshing drink, I need a glass of water, or lemonade with only a teeny bit of sugar.
Step 3 - Light your mouth on fire.
Spicy foods are known to boost your metabolism, so try adding a little zing to your meals. If you can handle it, challenge yourself to try things a little hotter than you're used to. Don't forget your glass of milk - not only does its chemical composition help to neutralize that burning feeling in your mouth, but calcium lends yet another boost to your metabolism.
Step 4 - You don't have to eat healthy, to eat healthy.
One of the worst things about eating healthy is picturing endless meals filled with cottage cheese and lettuce. However, you don't have to compromise taste in order to feel as if you're doing it right. Instead of a bag of potato chips as a mid-day snack, try mixing a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats: Just Bunches with a cup of vanilla yogurt. It's sweet and crunchy and much better for you than chips (not to mention you don't risk that gross, greasy stomach-ache). See the end of the article for more snack ideas.
Step 5 - Inconvenience yourself.
You've heard the tried and true methods of using the stairs rather than the elevator or parking on the opposite side of the lot from the store, so catch the trend and be creative with your exercise. Take the laptop to a higher surface like the kitchen counter and do some work while standing up - hey, it takes some pressure off your back too! Offer to run errands for friends or family. Not only do you get a little more walking done, you also score some points with your loved ones. Bonus!
Step 6 - Exercise sucks... unless you don't even realize you're doing it.
No one said you have to stick to the treadmill and free weights. Finding things that make you forget you're even working out can help you over that block that keeps you from starting a traditional routine. Even those of us who have an exercise phobia can get behind activities like playing tennis on a Nintendo Wii, or (if you can handle other people watching) playing Dance Dance Revolution at the local arcade. Heck ladies, if you're feeling extra adventurous, find a gym that offers aerobic strip tease. Not only will you keep in shape, you'll feel like a vixen while you're at it!
Step 7 - Think yourself thin.
The whole obsession with every little flaw on your body only makes you feel more bloated. Rather than concentrating on how big you feel, tighten your abdominals, straighten your back, and make yourself feel skinny. If you have the right kind of confidence, you can feel better almost instantly. Not to mention, a big smile and carrying yourself with confidence is going to do more for how people perceive you than losing a few extra pounds, I promise.
Tools Needed: Willpower!
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