Going to the supermarket without a list or meal plan and just seeing what “catches your eye” can also lead to some bad decisions.

You can curtail all this temptation by simply planning. Look ahead in the next few days: how many meals you will have at home, how much time will you have to cook, etc. Knowing that on Monday you will be having a garden salad with grilled chicken instead of just heating up that frozen pizza will do wonders. So will a grocery list!

We all know how important sleep is for virtually every part of our body, but for some reason, most of us just don’t prioritize it. Well, if you are trying to maintain or lose weight, not getting enough sleep can really get in your way.

In addition to not having enough energy to get any exercise for the day or any motivation to eat healthily, lack of sleep can also trigger false hunger pangs. It has also been linked to increased belly fat, and even the slowing of your metabolism, which is vital in converting food into energy.

Sure, it can help to see how much fat, sugar, or calories a certain food or drink has, but there are other sneaky culprits lurking that can contribute to weight gain, such as salt, which is a known contributor to an assortment of health problems, as well as being responsible for tacking on belly fat.

Another one is added sugar. Many items already have sugar naturally, but don’t be surprised to see that more sugar has been added.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a magic drink that would help maintain your overall health? Well, count yourself lucky because there is one that is pretty available: Water of course!

Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, so it makes sense that it desperately needs water to avoid the discomfort and dangers of dehydration.

Often, thirst can even be mistaken for hunger. Why have that cheeseburger when all your body needs is a glass of good old H20? And the fuller you keep yourself with water, the less likely you’ll be to randomly snack.

And remember, water has ZERO calories.

It’s really easy to get bored, especially nowadays. And it’s also really easy to use eating for entertainment. Whether it’s cooking or just having something for your hand to do with your mouth, eating for fun is risky. You can certainly watch TV without a snack. And there are many things you can put in your hands other than snack foods.

And remember, you can go into your kitchen, or even walk by it, without grabbing something to eat or drink.

Not every fit person is sober. However, most, if not all, are careful about what they drink, how much they drink, and even when they drink.

Of course, the best and healthiest alcoholic beverage will differ based on your preference, but just know that no matter what you choose, those calories are empty and virtually nutrition-less, so make sure you are using them wisely.

No matter what you choose to help you in your weight loss journey, just always make sure it is proven to be safe and healthy, and always consult your doctor before making radical changes.