by Stephen Lau
Copyright (c) 2009 Stephen Lau

In weight loss, people tend to look at the big picture, which is to shed those extra pounds, and losing those pounds focuses on diet -- more specifically, on what to eat, and what not to eat. However, weight loss is more than just that. As Oprah Winfrey told People magazine: "My greatest failure was in believing that the weight issue was just about weight."

Weight loss is a very complex matter. As such, even little things may make a big difference in your weight loss. Brushing your teeth may help you lose a few extra pounds. If you think you cannot stop eating or unable to resist the temptation to continue eating, brushing your teeth will change the flavor in your mouth, and thereby instrumental in ending the binge eating. Brushing your teeth earlier before bedtime may also change your mind about snacking before going to bed. Always take travel-size tooth brush with mint-flavor toothpaste wherever you go. This may help you shed a few extra pounds.

Spices may help weight loss by making you eat less. For one reason, when you eat a hot chili pepper or hot curry, you tend to drink more water, and water gives you a feeling of fullness, which may curb your appetite. For another, spices help you stop your sugar cravings. When you cook dessert, such as baked apples, pears, and sweet potatoes, always add clove, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla. These spices may satisfy your sugar cravings without giving you the fat, sugar, and calories that will add to your weight.

Studies have shown that people have a tendency to eat much more (about 40 to 70 percent more than they normally do) when eating with a group of people. The explanation is simple: People tend to follow the eating behaviors of the majority; on these occasions, the mealtime is usually protracted with social conversation and interaction, conducive to an environment of drinking and eating. To overcome this eating behavior, be the last person to start eating; let others start the high-calorie appetizers, and leave them to finish what is left on the dining table. Adopting this simple eating behavior pattern will help you reduce many unnecessary calories.