Dieting is hard work! That’s why at Passanante’s Home Food Service we encourage our friends and family to give eating right a chance before they start looking into rigid diet programs that can be as pricey as they are difficult. Take a look as these three helpful tips for healthy “dieting” and give us call at 1-800-772-7786 to find out how eating hormone-free meats and organic produce can help you achieve your weight loss goals!

1. Don’t Crash Diet

• All diets work by reducing your calorie intake so your body is forced to burn stored fat. Crash diets, however, take this to an extreme level and can deprive your body of essential nutrients. Your body needs at least 1,200 calories a day to run properly so don’t give in to those 500 calorie a day crash diets. Set reasonable expectations for yourself. Remember, if your “diet” is miserable or too difficult you probably won’t stick with it long. Look for a long-term option like portion control, eating fewer preservatives, opting for organic produce and always allow yourself to eat!

2. Don’t Cut Out All Of Your Favorite Foods

• We’ve all done it. Sworn off chips and cookies and cokes and you name it.  If you’re trying to eat healthier and even lose weight it’s important to remember to keep it in perspective. Everything is okay in moderation – yes, even a REAL Coke – you don’t have to always choose diet. In fact, many experts agree that allowing yourself a real treat will satisfy your craving while allowing a semi-treat (ie. Diet Coke, not real Coke) will actually only boost that craving as it is not being fully satisfied. If you have a powerful sweet tooth you might allow yourself a piece of dark chocolate which offers great benefits for your heart and brain health all while satisfying your need for a treat.

3. Keep A Food Journal

• For many of us the problem isn’t a fast food addiction or even a lack of activity, its portion control. Try keeping a food journal so you can monitor what you’re eating on a daily basis and more importantly how much you’re eating. A recent study conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center revealed keeping a food journal is one of the most effective methods for women seeking weight loss.