What are YOUR tricks to sticking to your diet?

I do the same thing! I make my lunch as soon as I get home, every day, so it's all done and I don't have to worry about it. Then I go into MFP and input all the things I put in my bag, so it's all set. It's a great idea. I also lay out the clothes and jewelry I'm going to wear the next day, but that's something else...

-Plan and enter my meals/snacks for the next day the night before, with wiggle room, just in case.
-Enjoy vacations as a vacation from calorie restriction
-Don't beat myself up over going over calories every now and again
-Have specifically planned cheat meals or days that I know are coming up and motivate me to stick to my guns until I get there
-Will-power and determination
-Only I control what I eat or don't eat. Nobody is force feeding me so I accept all choices made as my own
-Log something before you decide to add it to your day, then you know how it will look within your plan
-Know that there will be temptations, frustration, sadness, wanting, cheating, sacrifice, and hard work involved, and be ready to face it all.

Well, I no longer think of this as a diet. This is a lifestyle that I want to live with forever. I do not consider anything as a cheat day or food. If I want it, I have it, I log it. I plan in advance and know if I'm going out or having a heavier meal that I need to eat accordingly. I am not perfect and can expect to go over my calories but I don't stress on the occasion that I have or will. I plan my meals in advance to help me prepare for my day and week. I exercise every day before work and stay active on the weekends. I read up on new meal ideas as well as health and fitness articles and log into MFP daily. It helps keep things fresh, gives me new ideas and helps me stay honest. Good luck on your journey !

My trick? Get naked.

I got into the habit of not really looking at myself when I put on weight, so I didn't have to acknowledge that it was happening. Now that I am making a conscious effort to be healthier, I find that when I am home alone if I cook/clean/whatever naked I am forced to see what I've let happen. Also I look in the mirror when I get out of the shower instead of waiting until I have clothes on to look.

And when I'm home alone is when I am most likely to mindlessly snack; if I have to go into the kitchen naked I have to pass two mirrors and that makes me remember why I'm trying to make changes and stops the snacking most of the time.

ETA: this clearly would not work for all living situations heheh. I happen to live alone with my boyfriend and he certainly doesn't mind but even if you have kids or something, take one look in the mirror a day at all the things you are and aren't happy about and I bet it'll help

The key is to not refer to it as a diet. It's a lifestyle change!

My trick? Get naked.

I got into the habit of not really looking at myself when I put on weight, so I didn't have to acknowledge that it was happening. Now that I am making a conscious effort to be healthier, I find that when I am home alone if I cook/clean/whatever naked I am forced to see what I've let happen. Also I look in the mirror when I get out of the shower instead of waiting until I have clothes on to look.

And when I'm home alone is when I am most likely to mindlessly snack; if I have to go into the kitchen naked I have to pass two mirrors and that makes me remember why I'm trying to make changes and stops the snacking most of the time.

Working for me too!! Personally, as my weight crept up I just started more and more avoiding mirrors. Took to wandering down the hall while brushing my teeth etc lol... I am not where I want to be yet, the improvements are showing in the reflection for sure!! Almost wish I took detailed before pics!!

mines simple and works for me, i look at every food as a calorie, whats it made of, how much can I have.

I'm a clean eater, never touching processed foods, I do have treats, but I earn them to have them.

You really are what you eat :0)

I eat what i want, when I want - but in small portions/in moderation. i dont deny any foods.

it's all about balance.
My trick is to stay under my calorie's allowed each day.

It's quite simple.

I have dieted so many times before and the main thing that I am doing different is that I am telling everyone. Before, when I didn't tell anyone, when I failed at it no one knew. Now that I have told everyone, everywhere, I refuse to fail with all these people watching. It works for me.

getting naked! Duh who would a thunk! Yes looking at yourself in the mirror is harsh reality and sometimes it will just get you down. I prefer the scale! It's alot prettier than the actual mirror image!

Well, going back to my previous lifestyle would pretty much guarantee me an early death given where I was at only 5 months ago. So...not really a trick, but not wanting to die quite yet is pretty good motivation. The weight loss and looking better is just gravy...for me, this is 99% about my health.

I do things a little differently. I do rule out certain foods, as I am an "all or nothing" type person. Every time I've had trouble losing weight was when I think I can just eat something in moderation. I can't. It's just who I am and I have to accept that. After losing 87 lbs. in an awesome, healthy way, I decided that over the holidays I could re-introduce sweets in moderation. Except then I'm eating them every day in moderation. Hello, ten pounds. I still haven't recovered, and won't until I cut them out completely. I'm so much happier when I don't eat junk; I don't obsess about it and I don't struggle with constant cravings. Everything changes for me if I eat something that I've sworn off. For other people, it's not sustainable to live this way, and they'll tell you that you HAVE to include your weaknesses. I think you have to know yourself. Find out what works for you, and have faith in your ability to know what's right for you. On another note, working out helps me stick to my diet. I work out and lift heavy six days a week, I don't want to undo that! That's what helped me finally kick smoking, too

Sometimes at social events--like a tea, baby shower, that sort of 'party', I select someone slender to shadow--I watch to see which foods they select and the amount, then 'follow suit' a few minutes later so it's not obvious.

1) Plan my food for the day and enter it as early as I can because I generally exercise towards the end of the day so I know how hard I need to work.
2) Smaller portions, and by smaller, I mean reasonable portions.
3) Doggie bags! Don't finish your plate at a restaurant in america, they've served you too much food.

my trick (right now anyway) is to remind myself after each workout how much effort i just exerted to keep the pounds off. i've been able to hold that thought when i've been around food lately... :-)