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Published: Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 / Updated: Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 07:09 PM

Top 12 diet and weight loss tricks for 2012

Special to the Fort Mill Times

Over the years I have learned many diet and weight loss tricks to help clients reach the next level in their fitness program. As the holidays get into full swing, dieting and eating sensibly become arduous tasks. I have seen many clients achieve great success even during the holidays with their exercise and nutrition goals.

I have provided a free eBook at faithfitstudio.com that should provide a little more insight. Here are my top 12 diet and weight loss tricks for 2012:

• Eat breakfast. It’ll energize you for the day and keep your diet in check.

• Eat at least 70 percent of things that grow and no more than 30 percent of things that walk.

• Before you eat, ask yourself, “Am I hungry?” Unless a craving comes from hunger, eating won’t satisfy it.

• Don’t blow off meals. You’ll lose eight more pounds on average, according to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

• If you live with people who like to indulge, buy treats for them that you don’t like yourself.

• Set a tangible goal with a firm deadline. For example, schedule an “after” photo shoot. It will help you stay motivated.

• Workout in the a.m. Brigham Young University researchers found that 45 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise in the morning reduces your motivation for food.

• No carbs after lunch is one of the hardest to follow. But if you follow this rule you will lose weight.

• Count calories. MyFitnessPal gives you a clear picture of how many calories you’ve eaten.

• Increase the strength component of your workout. Adding lean muscle to your body not only tones, it also increases you metabolism.

• Wear clothes that fit instead of hiding behind large, baggy clothing. It provides extra motivation.

• Cut sodium and carbonation. Carbonation can bloat your stomach, making it appear distended for hours or even days. Sodium holds onto fluid.

These tips and tricks are just a starting point because adhering to a healthy lifestyle is not something you do for a short period by only following what’s listed. It takes trial and error of discovering your body’s response to applying different exercise and nutrition principles.

I use Post-it notes at work to help with eating properly because I tend to use the excuse of being too busy. As you go about improving your health, you will discover what works best for you.

I wish you much luck!