Here are five simple ways to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle.

1. Use smaller plates and mugs

From a young age, we have been conditioned to finish all the foods on our plates. But the oversized plates and mugs we’re using everyday are not helpful for weight loss; they just encourage us to eat more rather than less.

If you’re used to using a standard size plate for your meals, replacing it for a smaller plate can go a long way in helping you control the amount of foods you eat. This simple psychological trick works very well; not only that it makes you eat less but you won’t feel any difference in fullness, as most times an empty plate has become a signal to your stomach that it is full.

While you’re out getting your new and smaller plates and mugs, also remember to choose the lighter colors. According to experts, the portion size of our foods would look larger on a lighter colored plate compared to darker colored one. This shows that human eyes are in fact easily fooled.

2. Portion control

Ask anyone who has succeeded in losing weight and you are like to hear the words “portion control”. It’s key to successful weight loss but it needs you to have good habit and discipline to be able to control your food portion. Replacing your plates and mugs to smaller size won’t do anything to help if you don’t have the habit to control the amount of foods you eat.

There is no easy way to calculate the portion size of certain foods; what you need is just some common sense. You can cut the calorie intakes by 50% anytime – just eat half. For example, if you normally use oversized mug for your coffee, make an effort to take only half of the mug as your quota. It will be difficult at first, cutting your foods or drinks by half, but you will get used to it if you really have the will-power to lose weight.

3. Eat slowly, chew your food properly

It takes time for the message to travel from your stomach to your brain telling you that you have had enough to eat. Chewing your food properly and eating slowly gives your mind time to process. Stop eating the moment you feel full. This is a good way to stop yourself from overeating.

4. Choose low calories foods.

Example of low calories foods include steamed vegetables, fresh fruit, and salad with dressing on the side. Choose chicken or fish over red meats; and choose whole grain bread and eat one serving only.

5. Choose sugar-free drinks

Instead of sugar sweetened drinks, order plain water or unsweetened iced tea. Not only do you need water to keep you hydrated throughout the day, but it can also give you that feeling of fullness which can help you avoid having to snack. When you do exercise, always keep a small bottle of water with you at all times. This way, you will be able to keep hydrated and forget about those sugar sweetened drinks.