Diet Tricks

Tape a picture of your skinny self to the refrigerator for inspiration. Remind yourself what you can look like.
Tape a picture of your fat self to the refrigerator for motivation. Remind yourself what you don’t want to look like.
Limit head-on visions. Do a “Miss America,” and stand at an angle that presents a three-quarter body profile.
Don’t keep up with the Joneses. Take one bite of food for every two your dining companion takes.
“Boost” your sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, sprouts, cucumber slices, bell peppers, and other fresh veggies. Along with the bigger crunch, you’ll get a bigger sandwich with few additional calories and no extra fat.
Take a shower or bath when a food craving strikes. It will relax you, and keep your whole body occupied and out of trouble (i.e., the kitchen) until the craving fades.
Phone a talkative friend when a food craving strikes. Call from a corded phone outside the kitchen, and stay on until the craving fades.
Brush your teeth, floss, gargle, or chew a stick of gum immediately after your meal to stop yourself from eating more.
Stand near fatter people. They make you look thinner.
To add length to round faces, part hair on the side, in a silky straight down do, or in an upsweep. Keep bangs on the wispy side, if you wear them, to avoid a face-broadening horizontal line.
Smash your trash. When you throw food away, thoroughly bury it under more trash so there will be absolutely no question of changing your mind. No need to explain.
Computer-enhance a photo of yourself to see how great you’ll look when you’re slim. Never mind liposuction: Today’s computer technology lets you delete double chins and narrow your waistline with the touch of a keystroke. Print out a copy and keep it in your purse.
Chew sugarless gum while you prepare meals. It’ll keep you from tasting (eating) that extra serving’s worth.
Cross your legs at your ankles. Your thighs and calves will look slimmer.
Drink a tall glass of water before every meal. It’s a healthy way to quench your hunger.
Get a tan. A tan helps you look thinner
Work for your snacks. Before you eat a high-calorie snack, clean the bathroom or vacuum the house. Don’t eat until the faucets and sink are gleaming.
Have your teeth cleaned professionally and whitened. You won’t want to sully that gorgeous mouth with “bad” food.
Give yourself a manicure when a craving strikes, applying extra layers of slow-drying nail polish. It will keep your hands occupied and out of trouble until the craving fades.