Foods You Can't Live Without

In my previous post (#1 Rule of Dieting) I suggested you make a list of your favorite foods.

Now take a look at your list. If there aren't at least 10 vegetables and 6 - 8 fruits you either love, like, or will tolerate then add them to your list right now. Next cross off anything that is made of white flour such as white bread, pastries, or anything with sugar as a main ingredient, etc. Cross off white rice. Also cross off potatoes; you will eat those very sparingly. Cross off corn and any boxed snack foods that contain more than 100 calories per serving.

(Those 100 Calorie Packs are genius! Find some you like. My favorite: Chips Ahoy.)

On your list you should have dairy (or non-dairy substitutes if necessary), protein sources including eggs, vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads and whole grain foods such as oatmeal.

If you're like me you have a pretty full list of nutritious foods to choose from.

Ok...now write down the one or two foods you can't live without.

If having a glass of red wine with dinner or having dessert once a week is the thing will keep you on your weight loss program long enough to reach your goal, then by all means don't deprive yourself from something you can't live without.

I can't live without chocolate but I know many low-calorie or healthier chocolate foods that I can have on a regular basis and remain a happy camper while following a sensible diet.

If your "can't live without it" food (c'mon, you have to limit it to no more than 2) is really unhealthy then find a healthier version or learn to make a healthier version. Learning to feed yourself healthy food choices is part of the learning curve of a good diet.