Jillian Michaels' Tips to Stay Slim for Life

With your scale, that is! Weigh yourself only once a week. Keep it consistent: Use the same scale on the same day at the same time. Your weight shifts throughout the day, so what may be perceived as weight gain can be discouraging. Consistency gives you a more accurate read. Also, waiting a week allows time for the scale to actually show your weight loss.

The key to curbing your cravings? Whatever your treat of choice is, just take three bites of it. It sounds difficult, but if you walk away after three bites for 10 to 15 minutes to check your email, tuck your kids into bed or read an article, your body will eventually register the saltiness or sweetness and feel satiated. Better yet, brush your teeth after three bites to put a lid on urges.

When you dine out, tie a ribbon around your waist under your clothes. This is like tying string around your finger to remember something, but in this case, it’s to create awareness of your body. That way, while you’re talking with friends, you minimize mindless overeating and pay attention to how much you’re consuming.

When it comes to what you put in your body, pick the best of the best. All of the items on Jillian’s shopping list are accessible and affordable. Shop along the edges of the store where fresh foods are kept and avoid the center, which contains junk food and things you should avoid, like trans fats, chemicals or artificial sweeteners. Every major food group plays a role in how our bodies function, so don’t cut any out – just choose the best!

Shop aisle-by-aisle with Jillian Michaels on the next page.

Only put “clean” or lean cuts in your cart. The leanest cuts are pork center-loin chops, beef loin and round cuts and poultry breasts. Instead of overindulging on fattening sauces, try a premade or DIY spice rub, which pack on flavor. Try Jillian’s favorite citrusy dry rub for turkey or chicken!

Get a jump on the fat battle with high-calcium dairy, which can boost your body’s fat-burning potential. In terms of high-calcium content, plain low-fat yogurt wins. Try low-fat Greek yogurt with cinnamon and almonds like Jillian. The next highest calcium source: part-skim mozzarella cheese.

Eat 100% whole grain versions of breads, pastas and crackers. That 100% means neither the nutrients nor the fiber were removed during processing, which is healthier and keeps you fuller longer. Give whole grains a new spin by trying amaranth and triticale. Amaranth has a lively, peppery taste, and triticale is a small hybrid grain produced by crossing wheat and rye. Other whole grains you can try are barley, oats and bulgur.

As convenient as they seem, don’t cave in to precut fruits and vegetables. Just like an apple an hour after you’ve bitten into it, pre-sliced produce has aged and oxidized, losing its metabolism-boosting nutrients. Buy whole fruits and vegetables – and go organic if you can! Opt for thick-skinned items like oranges, bananas, eggplants, avocados and melons.