One morning, you noticed your bulging belly and double chin on the mirror. Of course, you’re horrified because—aren’t you on a diet? Your reflection will stare back at you in confusion. You’re almost starving yourself but you’re still looking like a bloated frog!

Hey, calm down before you attack the refrigerator in a fit of eating binge from sheer frustration. Sit down and relax. Think of all the things that you’ve been doing—or NOT been doing to improve your over-all health. Check out the short list below.

1. Enough sleep every night. Try to get 8 hours of sleep as often as possible. Sleeping less than normal for several nights will raise your glucose levels. Make sure to hit your bed before 12 midnight to get quality sleep.
2. Enough fiber every meal. Whenever you’re hungry, always reach out for a fruit to munch on while preparing your meal. If you have to eat out, ask for a large serving of fruit or veggie salad.
3. Drink water anywhere and anytime. Water is the best thirst quencher. Avoid softdrinks and commercially-prepared juice drink because these have calories, too.
4. Stock up your kitchen. Fill your empty refrigerator and pantry with health foods. Avoid canned and processed meat.
5. Eat, not gobble, your food. To let your body know that it has eaten, learn the habit of chewing every bite of food you put in your mouth. Your body will feel full even before you finish your meal. You won’t be craving for snacks in-between meals.
6. Do not go hungry. Eat before those hunger fangs start gnawing at your intestines. Needless to say, eat a proper breakfast every morning. Coffee, toast, eggs, cereal, and fruits should support you until lunchtime.
7. Give yourself some breathing space every day. You’ll feel relaxed and refreshed after taking several deep breaths, especially when you’re feeling stressed.
8. Acquire the lifestyle fitness habit. You can stop forcing yourself to go the gym. Doing house chores vigorously will the exercise your body needs. Mowing the grass or walking the dog can be strenuous enough to make you sweat profusely.

By changing some bad habits and injecting some good routine in your daily lifestyle, you will be losing weight without having to spend extra on fancy diets.