5 Clever Tricks to Enjoy Your Food and Still Lose Weight

Last updated: 26 October 2026

How do you know if you are eating the right portion size? Your tummy will tell you. If you are gaining weight around your middle, your portions are too large. If you feel so full you could burst, they are far too large. Shrink the portion, and your waistline will follow.

It is not entirely your fault. Restaurants serve oversized portions to seem like good value, fast-food staff are trained to upsize your meal, and most of us were taught never to waste food we have paid for. The good news: you do not need a measuring cup or a scale. Try these five tricks instead.

1. Eat your calories, do not drink them

Would you rather have a slice of chocolate cake or a chocolate milkshake? Choose the cake. Chewing is far more satisfying. Skip sugary fizzy drinks and order Chinese tea, lemon tea, green tea or, best of all, plain water with your meals. Diet soft drinks are fine if you enjoy them.

2. Share your guilty pleasures

Split desserts with your friends. Simply say you are too full to finish the whole cake. Your friends will think you are generous, and you will enjoy the treat without overdoing it.

3. Eat like a lady (be “guniang”)

Offer half your pasta to your partner or best friend. Tell them it tastes too good not to share, or that they look hungry. Any excuse works, just do not announce that you are on a diet.

4. Be a social butterfly

Nobody is counting how much you eat. Focus on the conversation: you will eat more slowly and end up eating less.

5. If you indulge, choose the best

When you want a treat, pick a smaller, better-quality version instead of a large, cheap one. Go for premium popcorn instead of a giant cinema tub, or a glass of wine instead of a large mug of beer. You get more enjoyment from a smaller portion.

Practise these tricks until they become habits, and staying slim becomes a lot easier.