Switch hands
I learned to eat with the opposite hand—it slows me down. The food is absolutely the same, but because I’m taking my time, I’ve noticed a real difference in my weight-loss efforts. —Melissa Houghton, 30, Haslett, Mich.
Turn exercise into a guilty pleasure
I schedule my time on the treadmill or elliptical around my favorite TV shows. Not only does it provide a distraction, it’s also a built-in 30-minute or hour-long workout. —Tina Haupert, 29, Boston
Use a grade-school strategy
I use stars or smiley faces on a chart to track my success, like when I’ve stuck to my calorie range or exercise goals. It’s motivating to see all the smiley faces. —Kathi Bosilovatz, 44, Plainfield, Ill.
Skip one thing
When I’m trying to eat healthier, I’ll follow the cut-one-thing-out rule. For example, I’ll forgo croutons on my salad or say no to more Parmesan on my pasta. That way I can eat anywhere without giving up too much.—Celeste Hoang, 24, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Do something unexpected
I jog in the pool at my gym: It gets my heart rate up, and the resistance works both my arms and legs. Even though I’m working out, I feel like I’m on vacation! —Betsy Barrie, 57, Torrance, Calif.
Measure up
I use a small food scale every time I eat, and it’s been one of the best weight-loss investments I’ve made—really priceless. — Eleanor Price, 38, Raleigh, N.C.
