Calorie Tracking

I use this website to track daily calories in and expended. It's super useful, since it has the nutrition information for so many popular foods, including chain restaurants and grocery stores.

How to find a swimsuit for your body shape

Ok, you may not have the body you want right now, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun and look good right now! Looking good is all about maximizing what you've got. Don't hide in baggy shorts and a t-shirt! Here's how to look hot in the beach or at the pool:

Step 1

Determine your bodyshape. Are you a pear? Top-heavy? Hourglass? Small bust? Thick middle? Plus-size?

Step 2

Pear shapes look best in two-piece suits with an eye-catching top and a dark bottom, to draw the eye away from the problem area.

Step 3

Top-heavy women don't need to wear a sport top to get good support. Try something with a halter top, and make sure it has thick straps. Make sure to avoid strapless bandeaus and triangle tops!

Step 4

Hour-glass shapes look best in...every kind of suit! But a two-piece can best show off that womanly form. You don't need to be super thin, either. Just make sure you choose a suit with enough coverage, and you'll look stunning!

Step 5

For a small-bust, or boy-shape, bikinis with horizontal stripes, push-up underwire, or padded tops can create some extra va-va-voom up there. Also try a cut-out one piece to create curves

Step 6

For women with tummy troubles or full-figures, one-pieces with side shirring, ruching or built-in control panels hide belly bulges.
Diagonal lines and dark side panels that curve in at the waist have slimming effects. Suits with a high Lycra content provide more tummy control, and high-waistband bottoms flatter the midsection. Avoid: styles that cut across the body horizontally and two-pieces with bottoms that dig into the stomach area.

Step 7

Once you find the perfect suit, take your sexy self out to the beach or pool with confidence!

How to lose weight AND have fun

It seems like almost everyone is watching their weight these days. A lot of us have office jobs and drive our cars everywhere. And just about everyone I know loves to eat! The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to lose weight and have a little fun while doing it!

Step 1

Think about all the places you travel each day. You walk out to your car, drive to work, walk into your office, back out, drive to get lunch...etc. Then think about ways to change these necessary trips into extra opportunities for exercise!

Step 2

Instead of driving to work, walk or cycle all the way there, or if that's too far, try walking or cycling to and from public transit, or simply parking your car farther away so you get a brisk walk on your way. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, do leg-lifts under your desk, etc.

Step 3

Instead of going out for drinks after work, invite your pals or colleagues for a game of touch football, or ultimate Frisbee. During lunch, eat at your desk and take a 20 minute walk with a co-worker.

Step 4

Host a Health Week at your office. Encourage people to bring in healthy snacks like elaborate fruit salads, and have a prize for the best healthy dish.

Step 5

On weekends, instead of going to the movies, or watching tv, find out what hiking trails are near you and bring a date, or the dog, or your kids, or whomever! Hiking is a great way to get to know someone, since there's nothing to do but talk and enjoy the scenery.

Step 6

Instead of going to bars or clubs to meet new people, sign up for a yoga, dance or pillates class.

How to Stick to Your Diet at a Restaurant

If you're like me, you're a busy person and you tend to eat out several times per week. I love getting together with my friends and trying new restaurants, but I also want to stay healthy, and stick to a low calorie diet.

Step 1

If you're choosing a restaurant based on low-calorie options, a sushi is a great choice for healthy options. But almost anywhere you go, there are a few things you can do to order a healthy meal from any menu.

Step 2

Instead of a giant entree, try to order several small plates for the whole table to share, instead of individual entrees. This way, everyone can taste a bunch of different dishes, and not have too much food.

Step 3

If you can't order small plates with the whole table, try ordering soup and an appetizer instead of an entree.

Step 4

Stay clear of cream sauces and dressings. Instead, look for tomato based sauces and balsamic vinegar based dressings, and order them on the side.

Step 5

If your dish comes with a side, substitute vegetables or salad for fries or potatoes. If you just have to have potatoes, get it baked, not fried.

Step 6

Eat an piece of fruit or string cheese, or spoonful of peanut butter beforehand, so you're not tempted to over-indulge once you're out.

Step 7

If you're given a giant portion, only eat half, and take the second half home. You can have it for lunch the next day. Not only does this save calories, but it saves money too!

Step 8

Here are some tried-and-true options for different kinds of cuisine:
Mexican: ceviche, fish tacos
Japanese: brown rice and fish rolls, along with cucumber rolls and avocado
Chinese: Broccoli Chicken
American: Turkey burger with veggies
Thai: Mango chicken salad
Italian: Pizza with extra veggies and no cheese
Dessert: fruit sorbet



note: view the original article on ehow