Diet Tips

Five Simple Food Rules to Lose Weight
By Angie Greenup | Summer Shape-Up – Wed, Jun 6, 2012 2:20 PM EDT

  
Celebrity trainer Bob Harper is here to discuss his new book The Skinny Rules, which shares his top tips for weight loss success from years of helping clients and contestants on The Biggest Loser. The book focuses on 20 "nonnegotiable principles for getting to thin" - and we've got five of them right here!

Rule: Drink a glass of water before every meal. Often when we think we're hungry, we're actually dehydrated. Drinking a glass of water can help curb cravings and will help you feel more full before eating.

Rule: Eat a real breakfast. Skipping breakfast doesn't help you lose weight! Eating first thing in the morning kick-starts your metabolism. Focus on getting fiber, complex carbohydrates, and protein- from sources like berries, oatmeal and yogurt- to help you feel satisfied longer.

Rule: Eat protein at every meal. Protein helps you feel fuller longer- Bob's top picks include fish, chicken, and grass-fed beef.

Rule: Make one day a week meatless. Try to incorporate plant-based protein sources, like black beans, lentils and garbanzo beans, into your diet. Setting a weekly routine encourages you to mix it up and try something new.

Rule: Eat your vegetables. Not only are they nutritious and high in fiber, you can eat as much as you want and you don't have to count calories (for most vegetables.) Find new spices and ways to prepare vegetables- Bob loves roasting- to bring out flavor.