10 Smart Eating Tips

Photo by: Monica Buck

1. Practice Portion Control. Turn down seconds, and eat five smaller meals rather than three large ones, say N.Y.C. nutritionists Lyssie Lakatos, R.D., and Tammy Lakatos Shames, R.D., who wrote Fire Up Your Metabolism.

2. Try the A-B-C-D-E-F Diet. According to N.Y.C. trainer David Kirsch, this means limiting alcohol, bread, other starchy carbs, dairy, extra sweeteners and fats.

3. Make It Champagne. It's the best choice among alcoholic beverages, says Carolyn O'Neil, R.D., co-author of The Dish: On Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!

4. Keep a Food Journal. Write down everything you eat during the day. "Once you're conscious of your intake, you'll be surprised by how quickly you'll change your diet," says O'Neil.

5. Eat Your Breakfast. A healthful breakfast will help stabilize your blood sugar, and you'll feel energized all day.

6. Snack Smartly. "Take a supply of fruit, roasted nuts, or whole-grain crackers to work daily so you always have something good on hand," says N.Y.C. nutritionist Phyllis Roxland.

7. Load Up on Veggies. "At meals eat more steamed, grilled or raw veggies, and you'll have less room for calorie-dense meats and grains," says Lakatos.

8. Don’t Fall for “Fat-Free.” Just because a food is labeled fat-free doesn't mean it's low in calories.

9. Stay Hydrated. "Drinking water helps keep the complexion clear," says Laurie Polis, an N.Y.C. dermatologist. It will also help you flush out toxins and prevent dehydration headaches.

10. Ban Bloating. The day before your wedding avoid high-sodium edibles like processed food, soup, sauces and cheese, which can cause fluid retention.