A regular eating schedule and high-fiber meals and snacks, key components of The Best Life Diet

May 12, 2009

"Once I incorporated Best Life recipes into my diet, the weight and inches came off more quickly. I realized that at first I wasn't getting enough calories, so I was actually slowing my weight loss. Now I have more energy and I'm able to exercise more!"

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As a member of The Best Life Diet, you'll have access to a thriving community, where members share tips, advice and encouragement.

A regular eating schedule and high-fiber meals and snacks, key components of The Best Life Diet, can both help control appetite. But even if you use both of these, it's possible that you'll still face the occasional hunger pang. How do successful Best Life losers handle it? In addition to using Bob Greene's Hunger Scale, they have a few solid strategies:

Jackie, age 59, who has lost 11 pounds
"If I know I could get into a situation where I could be hungry, I keep raw almonds with me. And, of course, I count them as part of my snack allowance if I have to break into them. Also, if I feel hunger coming on, I try to down a couple of glasses of water!"

Florence, age 64, down 42 pounds
"While fixing dinner, my tummy often growls, but I eat a slice of whole-grain bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. It helps take those pangs away."

Melanie, age 60, who's dropped 42 pounds
"I make sure to have lots of fresh fruit and smoothie makings on hand, so whenever I feel hungry, I can whip up a nutritious snack."

Yvonne, age 62, 27 pounds thinner
"I keep occupied with other things—I talk on the phone, visit my family, get on the computer and post [on the Best Life message boards]."

Teri, age 46, who has shed 67 pounds
"I've become good at eating something every couple of hours, so I don't feel hungry. I keep meals to about 400 to 500 calories and my snacks to 200 or less.”

	For more tips to help you become your healthiest and happiest self, join TheBestLife.com. You'll get access to loads of articles and videos, meal plans and a database of light and tasty recipes.

Q: I don't have fresh herbs. Can I use dried instead?

Sidra Forman, Best Life chef, replies: Yes. Dried herbs are less expensive, sometimes by as much as 50 percent, and can be more convenient because they keep longer than fresh. Dried herbs last from six months up to a few years, while fresh herbs are good for up to a week when properly stored. (To check if they're still good, make sure they still smell fragrant.)

And don't substitute in equal amounts. Dried herbs are usually more potent, so you'll need to use a little less. Generally one tablespoon of fresh herbs is equal to one teaspoon of dried herbs. Of course, I'd recommend using fresh herbs whenever you can because of their superior taste and texture.