You’re bombarded with fad diets- Atkins, South Beach, The Zone, Sugar Busters, The 3-Hour Diet, Nutrisystem – even supplements to suppress your appetite. They all claim to offer the most effective way to lose weight. With so many options out there, it can be confusing to figure out which diet to go on, and it’s hard to keep up with the latest diet that “WORKS!”

Trendy diets are (usually) doomed to fail. They only work short-term, and you regain the weight you lost once you start eating foods you’ve avoided.

Here’s the good news: When it comes to losing weight, you don’t have to keep up with the latest craze.

Omitting a particular food or food group, as many trendy diets do, is not a way of life. When you cut out one type of food, it only makes you crave it more. The key is finding what works for your body, not your friend or the celeb on TV. Every food you desire (in appropriate portion) can- and should- fit into any diet.

Tips:

1. At restaurants, ask for the lunch portion.

2.  Sit when you eat.

3. Get comfortable with leftovers.

4. Eat mini meals throughout your day.

5. Drink a glass of water before your meal.

6. Pause after eating to let yourself feel satisfied. Feeling mildly full is okay!

Distractions (weddings, holidays, a day when you’re depressed) and detours (going out) pop up all the time, but you still can eat what you want- with portion control in mind.

Most importantly, when you slide off the wagon, get back on it! And remember, no one is perfect all the time. When you overeat, or make a less than ideal food choice, don’t let one meal (or one brownie) lead to a day- then a week – of poor eating; and try not to get down on yourself.

Keep in mind: the more you eat, the more calories you take in. And, if you’re eating more calories than you’re burning, you’ll gain weight. When portions are large, calories add up.

Be mindful (and sensible) when eating. Monitor your portions. Make eating a healthy and balanced part of your lifestyle.

The way you eat, shouldn’t go in and out of style.