Diet Like a Model

I hate the checkout at the grocery store. There I am with my cart full of food, waiting to checkout, I look up, and I'm confronted by dozens of magazines sport uber-slim models and actresses. Suddenly I'm regretting picking up my Ben & Jerry's. I always wonder, "What would they have in their grocery cart?" So, I finally decided to do some research to find out.

Eggs: Heidi Klum supposedly munches on hard-boiled egg whites to keep her hunger at bay. I also find this makes a good breakfast. I just scramble up a few egg-whites with a little salt and pepper. If you can't stand just plain egg whites, add just a touch of the yolk for some flavor.

Jellybeans: Ok, this one sounds weird, but it's true. Jellybeans have no fat and only about 50 or so calories for every 10. So when you need something sweet to eat, reach for a few jellybeans instead of a cupcake.

Apples and Cheese: Marissa Miller says she snacks on apples and a couple slices of cheese. Delicious and satisfying!

Water, Water, Water: It flushes out your system, keeps you hydrated... and it's much better for you than sugary drinks.

Sushi: It's lean protein, and high in omega-3's. Plus eating several small rolls seems more satisfying to your body than eating just one small steak.

Nuts: Karolina Kurkova has a small handful of nuts (about 10) to help keep her full. They're full of good fats, and they're very satisfying.

Carrots: Ah, the good old rabbit food. But it's filling, and chock-full of vitamin A.

I know all of these sound like small snacks, rather than meals. But if possible, it's better for your metabolism to eat small portions throughout the day, rather than eating big meals. Just make sure you're controlling what you munch.

Diet Friendly Breakfast

We've all had it pounded into our heads, eating breakfast is healthy, and can help with weight-loss. However, so many breakfast options do more harm than good. Even an innocent sounding scone can be hiding 500 calories, and often leave you unsatisfied. And who really has the time or money to whip up the ideal healthy breakfast every single day?

I found my breakfast savior at Starbucks. Coffee and an oatmeal. Quick, simple, cheap, and incredibly satisfying. Ideally I should get a black coffee and plain oatmeal, an 8 oz cup of black brew has all of 2 calories in it, and a plain bowl of oatmeal has under 100 (not to mention all that fiber!). But seriously, where's the fun in that. Go ahead, add some toppings! Just not all at once. Get the fruit one day, the brown sugar the next. Try it with Splenda as the sweetener, who knows you may just like it. And as for the coffee, adding a little sugar and skim milk will add minimal calories, and the milk is a great source of calcium.

And for those of you who simply MUST have a latte, try Starbucks' Breakfast Pairing. It's only $3.95 for an oatmeal and tall latte. Getting it with skim milk will keep your calorie count down, and if you must have more coffee try adding an extra shot rather than upsizing.

Give it a try! You'll find yourself more satisfied, and maybe it'll even help you shed a few pounds!