Some RULES of the ROAD when it comes to eating. These are things that anybody can do and that will allow you to lose weight without giving it too much thought.

Alright, let me get right into things here:

Rule 1: Clean Your Plate...Or Else!

Remember this one from growing up? Many of us were taught to eat everything on our plate, and often we were not allowed to leave the table before doing so, or we would be punishedby having to eat the same food for our next meal.

It may seem funny now, but the problem is that this method has taught many of us that we HAVE to finish what is in front of us...and because portion sizes are so big these days, this can cause us to overeat.

Rule 2: No More Overeating

Remember, you no longer have to finish all of the food on your plate. Here are some tips on how to make sure you don`t end up overeating:

• You can limit your portion by using a smaller plate to begin with, and then taking only a couple of spoon fulls of the foods you want...remember, you can always go back to get more.

• When you prepare a meal, make sure not to bring the serving dishes to the table, force yourself to get up and think about it if you take more.

• Eat slowly and enjoy your food. Try to eat without any distraction, such as the television. TV=OVEREATING! When we don`t focus on our food, we can finish our entire plate without even noticing.

• Sit for a few minutes after eat your food to make sure that you arent still hungry, and if you are no longer feeling hungry, dont eat more!

• Eat lean protein at every meal...it will make you stay fuller, longer. Make sure you are eating the right portion size though. A portion size for women is one piece that is about the size of the palm of your hand, and for men, it is two pieces about the size of your palm.

Rule 3: Don`t Overeat At Restaurants Either

Restaurants can be the downfall for a dieter, or someone who is health conscious. Overeating is commonplace at restaurants, one because we are often distracted while we are eating, and two because the portion sizes are huge! Some tips for not overeating in restaurants:

• Ask your server to split your meal before it comes, putting half on your plate and half in a to-go container

• Ask your server if you can order off of the children`s menu

• Stay away from the bread and crackers before the meal! This will only cause you to fill up on empty carbs, and you will still probably eat most of your meal. Ask the server to take them away, or if your friends are eating them, make sure to push them out of reach for yourself

• When your food comes, make sure to pay attention to how much you are eating, and eat slowly, enjoy your food!

BRAND NEW RULE: Eat Until You Are Full

Your new rule? Eat only until you are full. This is the eating habit designed by Strip That Fat, allowing you to eat as much as YOU need until you are full. Being healthy does NOT mean being hungry. But overeating is easy to do if you aren`t paying attention.