Since I lost 25 pounds for my 40th birthday, I get asked a lot about how I did it. Of course running and exercise were involved but a big part of my losing weight was related to food. In fact, for most people food is 80 percent of the weight loss equation, with exercise and genetics playing a smaller role. I wish I could just run and eat anything I want. Not.

I jumped at the chance to answer this week’s question because I’m starting a new training plan which includes healthier eating and need to keep from cheating myself.

How Do You Keep from Cheating on Your Healthy Eating Plan?

I have several tips and tricks that I turn to stay on track. Here are a few:

Keep Temptations Away. Logical, right? But we don’t always do this – especially if we have kids and husbands we’re feeding, too. Don’t have Oreos in your pantry if they’re your favorite cookie. Stock healthier options instead. If your only choices are good ones you’re making things easier on yourself in times of weakness. And, don’t worry about your family, they’ll survive without the cookies, too, and will benefit from your healthy changes.

Write Your Goals Down and Read Them Daily. Keeping your goals fresh on your mind will help stop you from straying. Remind yourself constantly what your working toward and most importantly why. Having that motivation – for my health, for my kids, etc. – is a powerful tool.

Create a Vision Board or Keep Pictures Around. I keep a copy of Oxygen Magazine on my nightstand. Talk about motivation. I also like to look at the fitness boards on Pinterest. Looking at pictures of where I want to be keep me striving toward my goal. I also take a look at some of my older pictures to remind myself where I don’t want to return.

Reward Yourself. Set up mini-goals and treat yourself to something (other than food) for achieving them. The spa, a new shirt, shoes, a movie, whatever makes you happy. Enjoy your success.

Don’t Deprive Yourself. Include in your plan the foods that you love the most – but limit them or even better find creative, healthy versions of them. Some people can fully eliminate their favorite splurges and not go mental, but most of us do better allowing a little taste to avoid binging.

Don’t Give Up When You Do Cheat. It happens to almost everyone. Don’t use one cheat as a reason to throw in the towel. Cut yourself some slack and do better with your next choice.

Get Support. Have a food friend who’s making positive changes with you and set up a check-in schedule. Communities are great, too. I’m an Udi’s Gluten Free Living Community Leader and have found some of the best recipes, food tips and support for all types of food and food issues there. Don’t feel like you have to struggle on your own.

How about you? If you have any tips or tricks to add I’d love to read them, please leave them in the comments.

Winks & Smiles,

The advice on this site is intended to be helpful, but is not meant to take the place any professional service or advice. If you feel you need professional help, it is encouraged for you to get some.

Disclosure: I am compensated for my role as an Udi’s Community Leader. As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own.