One of the reasons women have trouble losing weight is because we’re just too nice. We don’t want to waste perfectly good food because, as our fathers drilled into us, there are starving children in Africa. And we don’t dare refuse our mother-in-law’s tuna casserole surprise, because that would hurt her feelings. So we often eat out of obligation and courtesy. These are certainly admirable traits but, let’s face it, they do nothing for our waist. It’s time to finally put a fork into these behaviors and start eating more assertively and, yes, even rudely. Here’s how to do it.
Arrive late for parties. By doing so, you’ll miss the appetizers and cocktails, which are usually the most fattening part of any shindig.
Eat alone. Studies show that the more people seated at the table, the more food each person consumes. If one person is joining you, you’ll eat 28% more; two people, 41% more; six people, 76% more. It’s a simple result of spending additional time with food.
Spoil your appetite. As long as your kids don’t catch you violating your own advice, this is a great way to lose weight. Fifteen to 20 minutes before dinner, have a cup of nutritious soup, an apple, or half a slice of bread dipped in 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Any of these will take the edge off your appetite, so you’ll eat less later.
Blot your pizza. Soaking up the grease with a napkin eliminates at least a teaspoon (4.5 grams) of fat per slice.
Grill the waiter. When dining out, don’t be shy about asking how dishes are prepared and whether you can swap fried for broiled or sautéed for steamed. If something isn’t prepared as healthfully as it was promised, send it back.
Leave the crust. If Grandma insists that you have some pie, eat the filling and leave the crust. A standard pastry crust contains 18 grams of fat per slice—almost twice the amount in a regular Milky Way bar.
Eat with your opposite hand. Never mind how much you fumble; doing so will slow your eating considerably, giving your body time to recognize fullness.
Sweat profusely. Eating spicy foods will also slow down your eating. Plus, it’ll slightly increase your metabolism, so you’ll burn more calories.
Wear sunglasses to dinner. Specifically, blue sunglasses. Research shows that this tint makes food look less appetizing.
Hold your nose. Did you know that the majority of your sense of taste is derived from your sense of smell? This is the reason foods taste bland when you have a cold. Try eating with a swimmer’s nose clip.
Leave dirty dishes on the table. A recent study found that people whose dirty plates weren’t quickly cleared away actually ate less than those whose table was kept tidy.
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
