1. TAKEAWAYS. When you buy pre-portioned food like takeaway stir-fry, toasted focaccia, a wrap or pie for lunch, you just figure you’re going to finish the whole thing, even it it’s gigantic, right? Try eating only half and save the rest for later.
2. CONVENIENCE. Keep your snacks in sight and you’ll be eating them all day long. Put them in the kitchen at work instead, so you’ll actually have to move to get them.
3. BIG PLATE VS SMALL PLATE. Don’t kid yourself: a small plate piled high still contains the same amount of kilojoules as a large plate with the same amount of food spread out. And a stubby, short glass still contains the same amount of alcohol as a tall, skinny glass. Our tip? Go the bigger plate or the tall glass and you’ll trick yourself into thinking you’re eating or drinking more than you really are.
4. CHEAP DEALS. Is saving 50 cents on a two-for-one deal or super-size popcorn really worth slogging it out at the gym for an extra hour? You decide.
5. DESSERT. Have you ever wondered why you always have room for dessert? This one’s about habit. Once you’ve filled up on one kind of food (like a sandwich for lunch or pasta for dinner) you’ll no longer crave it, but you’ll still  want other types of foods you haven’t tasted in that meal (like chocolate cheseecake, yum!). The solution? Give in - once in a while. By letting yourself indulge occasionally you’ll be able to keep those cravings n check.

Feel a burning sensation under your breastbone after a hearty meal? You could have heartburn, where acidic gastric juices travel up your oesophagus! Try these to find relief…

Don’t sleep on a full stomach. Wait at least two to three hours after a big meal before hitting the sack. This allows the stomach acid to dissipate, reducing the chance of heartburn.

Take smaller, longer meals. Eat smaller portions throughout the day instead of three large meals. Take your time to chew and savour food.

Loosen up. Tight-fitting clothes, belts or slimming undergarments can squeeze the stomach, causing food to reflux into the oesophagus.

Sneaky triggers. Certain food and beverages relax the lower throat (oesophagus) causing heartburn. Avoid onions, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruits or juices, tomato sauce or deep-fried foods. Not everyone may react to the same thing, so keep a food diary to narrow down what food triggers a possible heartburn.

Stop smoking and drinking! Nicotine and alcohol weaken the muscle that control the opening between the oesophagus and the stomach. Try drinking warmer beverages such as green tea.

Slim down. Being overweight increases abdominal pressure that can lead to heartburn. Losing the extra kilos can help alleviate the condition.

(Photo by beamadelica)