It’s hard to resist that bowl of candy on your desk when it is in plain sight.  If you want to make sure your hand doesn’t go into that bowl, move it into a drawer where it won’t tempt your will-power.  

There are all kinds of traps and visual clues that prompt overeating, from the drive-through restaurant to your pantry stuffed with not-so-good-for-you foods.  Losing weight is hard and it’s even harder when you are surrounded by temptations.

Get your kitchen on your side.  Start by cleaning out your pantry of nutrient-poor sweets and treats that do nothing but add extra calories to your diet.  Stock your kitchen with healthy foods and keep them front and center so they are a constant reminder of what you should eat.  Use clear containers so you can see last night’s leftovers or those delicious cut-up fruits waiting to be enjoyed.   

Pack snacks and meals to take on the road or to work so you won’t resort to the vending machine or go out for lunch.  Not only will you be saving calories, you will also save time and money.  If you do go out to eat, keep it simple: broth based veggie soup, turkey sandwich (easy on the mayo or use mustard) with lettuce and tomato on whole grain bread or a big salad with lean protein and a light dressing.

Sometimes when you think you are hungry, you may just be thirsty.  Before you eat, try drinking a big glass of water and wait fifteen minutes and with any luck, the water will satisfy your urge.  Chewing a piece of sugarless gum is another strategy when that sweet cravings hits.

When you simply can’t resist the cake or specially made treats for the office, take a small portion, eat it slowly and savor every last bite.