Here, Wansink and other experts provide science-proven tips to help your diet survive the days you're most tempted to give up or go to extremes. (Lose up to 15 pounds in just 30 days with this revolutionary superfood plan from the publisher of Prevention!)
Monday
Chips and dip, french fries, and cake, oh my! Your weekend was filled with junk food, and now you're in withdrawal—and seriously craving those salty or sugary treats. For starters, pack healthy work snacks like veggies or fruit so you're not tempted to fill up on junk. Also, keep those snacks modest in size. Wansink's research shows even small snacks can tide you over until your next meal. It's also a good idea to pre-plan what you're going to eat throughout the day.
Wednesday
When you're facing a long workweek, it can be tough to stay motivated to stick with your diet goals. The key to dodging unhealthy slip-ups: Keep junk foods out of sight. In particular, you need to banish snack foods from your desk or work area, Wansink's research shows. Cornell researchers have also found that eating with colleagues or friends—especially those who could stand to lose a few pounds themselves—can drive overeating. Today might be a good day to eat a solo lunch at your desk.
Friday
Weekend fun begins, and you can't refuse a dinner out with friends. A smart tactic: Split a dish with a pal. Many entrees are 1,000 calories or more; half is a perfect-sized portion. It's also a good idea to go easy on the wine or cocktails. Not only do they contain calories—typically, the higher the alcohol content, the more calories a drink contains—but getting tipsy may lead you to abandon your diet in favor of end-of-the-night eats.
