Eating the right foods is essential to losing weight and developing a healthier lifestyle. By restricting your diet to a limited choice of foods, you are denying your body the nutrients it needs and the energy it requires to get through the day. So instead of cutting out all comforting foods, follow these steps to keep healthy, good foods in your diet.

1. Identify your trouble foods. Being aware of the foods you know are not healthy will help you avoid eating them and buying them altogether.
2. Once you have identified these trouble foods, go through your kitchen and separate those you have from the rest of your food. If they are non-perishable, you can donate them to a local food bank. If they are favorites of other people in your home, set them aside, out of sight and out of mind. You might also try labeling them with their calories and fat grams per serving.
3. Before you go grocery shopping, prepare a detailed list with foods for the entire week. When you get to the grocery store, follow your list and shop quickly. You’ll do less browsing and impulse buying.
4. Spend some time in the produce section. Fresh fruits and vegetables make excellent snacks throughout the day.
5. Have pre-portioned foods ready to go. Yogurts, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and meats are now packaged in healthy serving-size containers. You can also separate servings into resealable plastic bags. This is especially convenient for making healthy lunches and on-the-go foods.
6. Make double batches whenever possible. You’ll have meals already prepared for the week, and you’ll have extra time for an evening walk.
7. Cut down on portion size. Eating recommended serving sizes will leave you satisfied, not uncomfortably full.
8. You should always enjoy what you’re eating. Be selective with what you prepare instead of eating mindlessly.
9. Be prepared and persevere through any slip-ups. For example, if you find yourself craving unhealthy foods, drink a glass of water. Sometimes your body will confuse thirst for hunger.
10. Always remember losing weight is difficult, not impossible. Stay dedicated, stay motivated. Keeping a journal is a good way to keep yourself on track, and it’s a nice keepsake to look back on as you become a healthier person.