Ways to Look Slimmer

You may think it's too late to feel better in your bikini by Memorial Day, but there are still little changes you can make to reduce bloat and begin shrinking your waistline.

1. Substitute sugar with a healthier option

Sarah Wally, registered dietician and nutrition expert, has offered up the following four quick and easy diet changes. Implement them today, and you will feel, and see, 

Sugar is not your friend -- when you add it to your morning coffee or any baked goods, you're also adding mucho calories. To still satisfy your sweet tooth, try a sugar substitute. "Choose a natural, zero-calorie sweetener, such as Stevia In The Raw, and cut roughly 50 calories for every tablespoon of sugar replaced," says Wally. "Eliminating just 4 tablespoons of sugar a day can help you drop up to three pounds in two months!"

2. Shrink your portion sizeYou've probably heard this advice before, but it bears repeating. "Research shows that smaller portions actually appear larger and more satisfying when served on smaller plates," says Wally. "Eating your entree on a salad or dessert plate and drinking from tall, thin glasses as opposed to short, stout ones can help you reduce portion size and drop pounds without feeling deprived."

3. Display the good stuff When you venture into the kitchen to get a snack, instead of having that box of cookies out on the counter staring you in the face, try an assortment of fruits instead. "You’re more likely to snack on what you can see," admits Wally. "Keep more indulgent foods in cupboards and you’ll be less likely to mindlessly munch on waistline busters."

4. Eat your breakfastDon't make the common mistake of running out the door in the morning without eating -- it will come back to haunt you. "Research shows that people who eat breakfast are more successful in maintaining weight loss over the long term," says Wally. "For a fast and filling breakfast, try oatmeal topped with chopped nuts. Save extra calories by choosing unsweetened oatmeal (flavored varieties can have more than 2 teaspoons of sugar per packet!) and sweeten to taste with a zero-calorie sweetener like Stevia."

Tell us: what are some of your slimming secrets?

a difference by Monday