The majority of your diet should be made up of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes—It is so important to eat a lot of foods like these that are low in fat, high in complex carbs., vitamins, fiber, and minerals, and fat and cholesterol free.

Eat a wide range of healthy foods. There are so many great options for a healthy lifestyle; it is great to be able to experience them all. Not only does it prevent your diet from being bland, it also allows you to get all of the vitamins and nutrients you need as they are not ALL found in one single food item.

Eat the right amount of calories. It is important that you consume enough calories to keep your body functioning, giving the energy it needs to move, and to keep it from going into starvation mode. A healthy diet provides a good balance between consuming enough calories to keep your body healthy while not eating more than your body is able to burn.

Be mindful of your portion. Most of the portion sizes we see, especially in restaurants are ridiculously large. Save money and calories by splitting your meal with a friend or spouse, or grab a “doggie bag” and put half of your meal in it before you even begin eating. Don’t forget to count your side items as part of your calorie intake.

Don’t drive yourself crazy! Too often people deprive themselves of their favorite treats for so long that eventually they cave in and eat far more than they should have. You can have your favorite food if you do so in small portions and only occasionally. Instead of eating an entire full size candy bar, reach for the fun size version. It will take care of your sweet tooth without ruining all of your progress.

Stay hydrated. Drinking a lot of water has countless benefits in our overall diet and weight loss. Water helps keeo our digestive system functioning properly and it flushes out or kidneys and bladders, ridding them of many toxins and harmful waste products.