7 Mental Tricks That Shed Pounds

Comments (12)
Print

Pages in this Story:

Better Be Polite

THE LOGIC: I have to have one of Mom's giant homemade cookies -- she'll be insulted if I say no.

Whether it's your mother, your friend, or your boss who's the cookie pusher, one large chocolate chunk can pack more than 400 calories. But unfortunately, in many families, offering baked goods is the edible equivalent of saying "I love you"; to refuse is to reject the sentiment.

Change your mind: One strategy, says Stokes, is to ask for a cookie to go, then immediately toss it once you're home. If it's an ongoing problem and involves something less portable -- like that second helping of paella -- you'll have to take a more direct approach. Respectfully explain that you're trying to cut back on extra helpings. Or accept the offer of seconds, but say you've actually had your eye on another serving of tonight's veggie dish.

Next: Don't Waste It!

What do you think of this story? Leave a Comment.

Related Links

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say "Yes" to Fitness® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE – 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Fitness Band and Total Body Express Band Workout ABSOLUTELY FREE! (U.S. orders only)

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Email Address:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Fitness® Magazine is currently published 10 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

What do you think? Review this story! >

a3984502 wrote:

Right now I am following the Diet Plan for You blog by nutrition specialist Kate Hill. Kate helped me lose weight in a healthy way in few weeks, without starving! If you want to lose weight, just visit Kate's blog at: http://dietplanforyou.blogspot.com

1/31/2012 02:52:02 AM Report Abuse

rebekah131 wrote:

Excellent advice! Very good suggestions on how to change the way you think about different situations.

4/18/2011 12:07:58 PM Report Abuse

lovingbears wrote:

Very good advice on all 7 categories!! Several of these are major pitfalls for me. Keeping this in mind will help me on day to day, special occasion,vacations, etc. thanks so much!

4/5/2011 09:36:31 PM Report Abuse

LINDA3777431 wrote:

I accept something I can carry away,then give it away.In a hospital there are plenty of people looking for I snack I sure don't need!

2/21/2011 09:19:05 PM Report Abuse

Niks wrote:

One thing that I've done that has made a big difference is to incorporate an activity that I enjoy into my weekly workout schedule. I found a local co-ed volleyball league and its one of my favorite parts of the week. I highly recommend that you do this and you'll be more likely to stick with it. Here is the steps that I've been using to continue to lose weight. http://www.mysomeday.com/Niki/someday/Health-Wellness/weigh-what-I-used-to-in-high-school Good luck, Nikki

10/10/2010 11:12:25 PM Report Abuse