Want to know a secret? Losing weight does not have to be so difficult. While some plans ask for a huge time commitment and a drastic change in your eating style, sometimes the simplest changes really are the most effective. This article will discuss some simple lifestyle and dietary changes that can help you to shed the pounds with minimal effort.

Reduce the white stuff. White bread, white pasta and white rice are all great side dishes and parts of a meal, but they offer empty calories and a minimal amount of fiber. Instead of making these choices, go for whole grains, brown rice and fiber filled wheat pasta instead. These choices will still allow you to enjoy your favorite sides, but they will also add fiber to your diet, fill you up and increase your weight loss success rate.

Make your plate a colorful rainbow. There are so many lovely and delicious fruits and vegetables out there, so enjoy them! Fruits and vegetables are full of fiber, packed with vitamins and minerals and they are low in calories too. You can save hundreds of calories a day just by choosing a few apples and carrots instead of cookies and cakes. You can also enjoy some new taste sensations by sampling new produce and finding new ways to prepare it with the help of a few great recipe books.

Choose healthy sweets for your after meal dessert and snacks. Everyone loves a treat after a meal or during that late night movie. While an occasional splurge is fine, munching on fattening, sugar filled chocolates and ice cream every night of the week will get you in trouble. If you just can’t keep that sweet tooth under control, try a healthy sweet instead. Add a little whipped cream to a bowl of strawberries for a delicious snack, or enjoy some homemade zucchini bread with fresh berries on top for a late night snack. You will reduce your caloric intake and cut down on unhealthy sugars by making these choices.

Understand the importance of water. A common mistake that individuals often make is feeling like they are hungry when thirst is really the problem. Instead of instantly grabbing for a snack, try a glass of water instead. Make sure to have a water bottle with you at all times, and keep a pitcher of water in the fridge with some lemons, limes or orange slices for flavor and color. Make a goal of drinking at least eight glasses a day to stay adequately hydrated. If you do this on a regular basis, you might find yourself feeling hungry less often. This means you eat less and reach your weight loss goal sooner!

Healthy eating does not have to involve complicated diets or difficult meal preparation. If you simply change a few small things, the results can be dramatic. Try adding these tips into your lifestyle one at a time. Before you know it, your scale might be showing you the exact number that you want to see.