Originally Posted by
tinkerbll695 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I would try to cut out condiments completely but if you do need to add condiments to foods, instead of using more salt, try adding different spices which kicks up the flavor but doesn't make you retain water as much as salt does. Instead of using mayo or ketchup, try using mustard which has very few calories, and instead of a bottled salad dressing use a little olive oil and vinegar. Condiments are a big hidden source of calories because most people just don't think about how much we're adding to our foods.
I stay away from all diet foods because they are loaded with preservatives and I've read that it's the preservatives that make you gain weight (just like another poster above noted). I'll occasionally indulge in a regular soda or a small bag of chips or a small bakery item. This sounds extreme, but honestly once you start eating clean and healthy your taste buds adjust and when you go back to the foods you ate before you'll find that they are too salty and too sweet. When I crave something I'll eat it (I won't eat a whole bag of chips or drink a 2 liter of soda, I'll still limit myself) but I'll be satisfied for a while because I didn't deprive myself.
I also have a hard time drinking water all the time (it's a little boring
) so I drink flavored seltzer waters ( still zero calories and sodium, but they're flavored with natural fruit essence and they make me feel like I'm drinking something other than water)
This is a pretty good blog in terms of getting tips on what to eat and when to eat it :
http://www.kimberlysnyder.net/blog/
My favorite tips are: eating pineapple to help with digestion and when eating fruits and vegetables eat those first before other foods (she says this will cut down on bloating and you'll get full sooner from eating good, clean foods). Eat crunchy foods so that you get the satisfying feel and sound from biting into the food (sounds weird, but when you engage all your senses while eating you do feel more satisfied). Celery is great for this because it is a negative calorie food - you'll burn more calories trying to digest it than the calories you gain from eating it - and baby carrots are great too. If I have to dip my raw veggies into something I'll use hummus or I'll drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over them.
Eating lots of fiber is also key to feeling full and satisfied with your meal longer. I mix fiber into whatever it is I'm drinking (normally it will be a big glass of water with a little fruit juice mixed in) so that I can get some extra fiber into my diet
And lastly, I try to go by the basic rule of eliminating all white foods - white rice, white bread, pasta, etc. This one is a little hard to go by since I love me some carbs! I've found that quinoa is a great whole grain that is packed with nutrients and is almost like couscous or rice so it's a great substitute. There is also quinoa pasta too! I don't really eat much bread to begin with, but If I do get bread I go with one where you can see the whole grains (I want to see the bits of grain in the bread!)
These are basically all the diet rules that I go by - hope this helps you!