Losing weight is difficult. I think one of the major problems involved is that we have misconceptions about food and how our metabolism really works. Many foods that we think are low in calories are not. We eat what we think is right, unaware of the hidden fat and calories. Yet, you don't have to eat "rabbit food." Many people are surprised that you can make great tasting homemade hamburgers using lean beef, low fat cheese, toppings like fresh tomatoes on wheat bread for the same amount of calories and less fat than a bowl of clam chowder. The trick is to simply modify what you normally eat.
Start reading the labels on foods. Evaluate the amount of calories and fat, and try to plan your meals ahead of time. Don't believe the hype. CALORIES DO MATTER! Don't give up your favorite foods, but try to use them as a treat instead of your main source of food. Manage your portions. My trick is to go for the smaller salad plate, especially in that infamous buffet line. And be "improper" and use your salad fork instead of the big fork. You'll be putting that much less food in your mouth for every bite.
You should never skip meals to lose weight. Many sabotage their metabolism by not eating. Too many of us think the only way to lose weight is to skip meals starting with breakfast. This practice is guaranteed to bring your metabolism to a screeching halt! The best ways to increase your metabolism is by eating smaller meals throughout the day and exercise. Now that doesn't mean you have to join a gym or become a triathlete, but rather walk stairs, park your car farther away from the entrance of your destination, or perhaps go for a nice brisk walk around the block. And if you miss a day, so what? Just start again tomorrow.
My best advice is to be easy on yourself, enjoy what you do eat and how you eat, but just think about it a little bit more.
-- Jenilee Harrison 
