If you wait until you’re hungry to decide what to eat, you increase the likelihood of making a poor choice.

Instead, make a plan. Think about your day. What will your options be? Consider ahead of time.

For example, I have a general structure I try to follow on a daily basis:

• Breakfast
• Fruit
• Lunch (try to have veggies here)
• Fruit
• Dinner (try to have veggies here)
• Post workout snack (usually a high protein cereal bar, like the South Beach Diet Cinnamon and Raisin bar).

I eat every two to three hours, and I plan ahead. I will bring with me fruit if I have to, and think ahead about food options (and restaurant options, if I’m out and about) to give myself the best chance at success.

And always remember to drink plenty of water (considering toting a water bottle wherever you go).

Be smart about your food choices, and you will find it a little easier to stick to your commitment.