Are there any easy methods to drop weight? It's common knowledge that diet, cutting down on caloric intake, and exercise, increasing calories burned, combine into a formula for weight loss. But sticking to the diet is the hard part. It won't be easy, but with a little work it sure is easier. Here are some tricks to make it easier.

Carry a notebook to jot down everything that passes your lips. Keeping notes helps you eat less. Studies show that people who keep track of what they eat end up eating 15% less. That's significant.

On average Americans consume 245 calories a day from drinks. Switch from juice, soda, and other calorie drinks to water. 245 calories a day is nearly 90,000 calories in the course of a year. That's 25 pounds. Are soda and juice really that good? Keep in mind too that juice and soda don't trigger a feeling of fullness, despite their calories.

Eat five or six smaller meals a day instead of three large meals a day. Eating more meals with smaller portions results in eating 30% fewer calories. You're also less likely to binge because the body won't produce as much insulin which leads to hunger.

Get rid of the "fat" clothes. If you don't have clothing that's comfortable when you're fat, you're more likely to be reminded to keep the weight off every time you dress. And if you have to purchase a whole new wardrobe you're less likely to gain weight.

Switch to smaller plates. It's proven that people eat what's in front of them. Use the salad plates instead of dinner plates.

Try serving meals on the plate, restaurant style, rather than in bowls and on trays. Again, people tend to eat what's in front of them.

Avoid white foods such as white bread, sugar, and white rice. Those are the foods with loads of carbohydrates which lead to higher blood sugar and weight gain. Stick to whole grain breads and dark rice. Don't be concerned with the sugar, pretty soon you won't miss it.

There are a lot of other tips for easy ways to lose weight. Don't be intimidated if it's only easier instead of effortless. If weight loss were easy, everyone would be a supermodel.