When you're dieting, it's easy to feel deprived and cranky. After all, you feel like you're missing out on all the foods and treats you love -- all for the sake of losing a few pounds. The danger in all that sacrifice is that it's easy to slip and make a dieting mistake that results in weight gain.

Dieting doesn't have to be so difficult. In fact, your diet can be full of healthy and delicious choices. Sometimes, you just need some tantalizing ideas to get started.

Healthy Diet Tips to Keep in Mind

Protein Packs a Mean Punch

You need protein in your diet because it not only does it make you feel full for a long time, it suppresses your hunger. It's also necessary for building muscle when you are working out. Be sure not to just picky any ol' protein source; lean protein is what you need, such as peanuts (or peanut butter), non-fat or low-fat yogurt, eggs and lean meats.

Make Room for Snacks

It's easy to skip snacks, thinking it will help you lose more weight, but you actually need them! Healthy snacking can keep your blood sugar in control, curb binging and prevent overeating at meal time. Not eating or snacking enough can cause blood sugar to crash and make you irritable.

Get Your H2O

Drink water to keep your body running efficiently, but also to stay fuller between meals.

Be Fab with Fiber

This cannot be harped upon enough: you need fiber in your diet to be healthy and lose weight. Get it via whole grains, oatmeal, beans, brown rice, fruits and veggies as well as fiber supplements. These foods are nutritious and keep you feeling more satisfied, preventing you from unhealthy cravings.

Fight Those Cravings with These Tips

Craving: Ice cream sundae
Healthy option: Fat-free yogurt, sprinkled with granola, blueberries and strawberry and banana slices

Craving: Cheeseburger
Healthy option: Veggie burger on a whole wheat bun with two slivers of avocado, onion slices, alfalfa sprouts and a dab of mustard

Craving: Alcoholic beverage or cocktail
Healthy option: Fruit smoothie made with fresh berries and vanilla soy milk or skim milk

Source: HealthyWomen.org

Labels: appetite, blood sugar, cravings, weight gain, weight loss