Know your triggers. If you're an emotional eater, have a sweet-tooth, etc do what you can to avoid falling (back) into unhealthy patterns. Clean out your fridge, freezer and cabinets and replace (tempting) unhealthy foods/drinks with healthier options.
And
don't assume that when something says 'Fat Free' that it is healthy (many companies just do this as a marketing scam, and the ingredients they are replacing the fat with can actually be just as unhealthy.)
Similarly with foods that say
'Sugar-free' (they are simply replacing sugar with a chemical substitute, and are often still full of starch/carbohydrates... which your body can eventually convert and store into fat anyway).
Pay attention to nutrition labels and ingredients on all food. The first three ingredients listed on a product are what the product is made most out of of... If sugar, salt, refined grains or saturated fats are listed (within the first few ingredients), don't eat it.
Sugar goes by many (many) names, so look out for any of these...:
http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Other-Names-Sugar-Appear-Labels-810571
Also look out for unnecessary sugar and sodium in soda, smoothies juices and energy drinks.
As a rule of thumb,
fresher is better. So anything that can sit on a shelf for months at a time is typically full of preservatives and not good for your body.
So-called 'health' foods labeled 'Multi-grain' are also not really good for losing weight. WHOLE grains are what you want to look for.
Avoid foods and drinks high in sodium, as these can cause your body to retain water (i.e. 'water weight). Reducing (or cutting these out of) your diet can also help you quickly shed a few pounds.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/23/bloating-foods-eat-gas-abdominal-discomfort_n_3320124.html
Do not think that all 'fat' is unhealthy however. Your body (especially skin, hair and heart) needs healthy fats to function. ( these can be found in fish, olive oil, and almonds just to name a few)
Include more water and green tea daily (eliminate soda entirely if you can. it has no nutritional value and will not help you lose weight).
Add a squeeze of lemon or ginger, and try to drink
5-6 glasses a day.
( I personally brush my teeth as soon as I wake up, followed by two glasses of warm water, with a spoonful of ginger and tumeric, followed by a cup or two of green tea.)
Don't skip breakfast. (when you skimp on meals or try to starve yourself, your body's metabolism plummets and your body tries to hang on to every calorie it can).
http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Healthy-Breakfast-Ideas-You-Can-Make-Night-Before-20048633#photo-20048633
And in general, it is wise to
plan meals ahead. This way (when you are hungry), you will already have healthy option(s) prepared and won't be tempted to grab something unhealthy instead.
If you eat meat, always opt for
lean protein (like chicken and turkey) that is also organic (no chemicals or hormones) and *skinless*.
If you like pasta, switch out reg pasta noodles for cucumber or zucchini noodles instead.
Flavor your meals with spices, citrus juices, marinades and viniagrettes (instead of butter, dips, creams and sauces).
http://www.spicesinc.com/t-salt-free-seasonings.aspx
http://lowsodiumgourmet.com/browse-recipes/
http://www.cookinglight.com/healthy-living/healthy-habits/lower-sodium-condiment-recipes/lower-sodium-salad-dressing
Cookbooks I recommend...
The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook: 200 Delicious Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less The Oh She Glows Cookbook: Over 100 Vegan Recipes to Glow from the Inside Out The Complete Vegetable Cookbook: Easy, Delicious Recipes for More Than 200 Vegetable Side Dishes
Lastly, mind your
portion size. (your plate should look like this)
https://blogthoughtforfood.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/platefoodportions.png
These (below) are foods/snacks you can feel free to munch on anytime, however, as they are negative calorie foods.
http://bembu.com/zero-calorie-foods
Keep in mind *any* diet is
more effective when paired with regular
exercise.
Weight loss should be gradual. When paired with exercise (esp weight resistance & cardio), your body's natural metabolism can be elevated, so you will continue to burn calories even after you've finished your workout. Find a routine that works into your schedule and is something you can stick to.
Remember to keep what you eat (and your exercise regimen)
BALANCED. (Your body needs fuel to function!) And always stay hydrated. (the more you exercise, the more fluid your body loses, so re-fuel with water, green tea and plain coconut water).
Make your daily choices
sensible, and don't compare yourself (your weight, or your body) to anyone else's. Everyone is different. You have to find the best balance that works for you.