10 skinny tricks (how to be the best you can be, and hide the rest!)

Here are ten of my favorite painless ways to feel thinner, look thinner, and be thinner.

1. Don’t hide your “skinny” clothes.
   Hang them where you see them every day if you need a little reminder not to overeat.
2. Don’t squeeze into a smaller size.
   To look slimmer, clothing should skim the body without hugging it tightly. Anywhere clothing gaps or pulls will call attention to that spot.
3. Do detox from diet soda.
   Researchers have determined that diet soft-drink use is a marker for obesity. One theory being researched is that the average diet soda drinker ends up eating the saved calories and then some.
4. Do drink green tea.
   Studies suggest that the phytochemicals in green tea can rev up the body’s calorie-burning engine temporarily. It’s also a calorie-free replacement for diet soda or high calorie cocktails.
5. Do meet me in downward dog.
   The Journal of the American Dietetic Association published a study that showed that women who practice yoga tend to weigh less. Possible reasons: the self-awareness yogis develop translates to more mindful eating.
6. Do chew strong mint-flavored gum when you’re at a high risk for snacking.
   It overpowers other flavors and food won’t taste good.
7. Do consider going meatless one or more days a week.
   Vegetarians weigh up to 20% less than meat eaters. One possibility is that whole grain and legumes-based diets are high in fiber and low in fat. Fiber fills you up and adds fewer calories. Most Americans get only half the recommended amount.
8. Do make meals last at least 20 minutes.
   Chew slowly and put down the fork every few bites. Eating too fast blocks the body’s fullness signals and causes overeating.
9. Do lose 10 pounds in a year without dieting by burning an extra 100 calories every day.
   That’s the equivalent of walking one mile (about 20 minutes) a day.
10. Don’t forget the shoes!
    Fabulous accessories steal the show. Shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry provide great camouflage.