No really, diet is worse than blurting the F-word. And seriously, let’s look at the first three letters of that word: DIE.

Women are always concerned with losing weight. And let’s face it, after 40 it’s an even bigger task to take off those pesky pounds.

When we get to a point where we feel we need to lose weight, we proclaim, “Tomorrow I start my diet.” And what is the first thing that happens when you proclaim that? All of a sudden we start to crave foods we’ve never craved before. You see, the word diet invokes a psychological response in our brains and the immediate response is the list of foods we shouldn’t eat yet they become those foods we most desire.

Sometimes diet supplements are helpful. But diet supplements are not going to help you over that psychological hurdle.

So here are some helpful tips:

Moderation is the key: Really! Don’t deprive yourself of anything. Deprivation only makes us crave more.  So if you crave chocolate, eat chocolate, just don’t overdo it.

Vegetables people!: Buy a bag of fresh spinach (I love the fresh leaf spinach more than the Popeye version) Fresh spinach makes one of the best salads. Add some avocado, tomato, onions and a little bit of fat, cheese and dressing of your choice. Honestly, I’m one of those people that when I go to Subway I have them put spinach on my sandwich instead of lettace. Iceburg lettuce has absolutely no nutritional value what so ever. So next time you order a salad filled with Iceburg…it means there is no nutrition there, you’re not getting any vitamins or minerals, you’re only getting fluids (water.)

Avocados are your friend: Yes, they are packed with fat. But they are also one of the most healthiest of fruits you can find. Let’s look at guacamole. It contains three of the healthiest foods you can eat: tomatoes, garlic and avocados.

Limit the fat: Limiting the fat also includes using your carbs wisely. We need carbs, we do. So if you eat pasta two days a week, go for a breadless burger or sandwich. Carbs are energy, they are. But if you’re not a marathon runner, you don’t need to eat them everyday.

Protein is your friend: Protein is the hardest to get when you have a vegan diet. Beans and meat. If you are vegan, don’t eat meat, but otherwise, meat is your friend. However, if you are vegan, at least eat eggs and fish and plenty of beans. (although I wouldn’t really want to be near you if you ate plenty of beans.) Even if you are a vegetarian, which I’m pretty close to being, get the Morning Star veggie burgers. They have plenty of different types. My favorite cheddar burger I can’t find down here where I live and I tell you, I miss it. Morning Star has a whole line of vegetarian fare, so you can get the protein you need.

And btw, I don’t like Boca burgers at all. As a vegetarian burger, they fail.

See, the secret of losing weight or maintaining the weight is moderation. So don’t deprive yourself when on a diet. Most diets want you to give up the things you love. But a consistent, well maintained diet means you can still indulge in those sinful things you love, just not every night.

So, just remeber, if you are good 5 or 6 days a week, you can have your cake and eat it too.