5 diet mistakes to watch out

1. Jilt the juice:
Although juice has more nutrition than soda, it's got the identical amount of calories per glass. Unless you're trying to gain weight, eat your fruit instead of drinking it. Eliminate one glass of juice per day and save around 150 calories.

2. Omit the oil:
Although olive oil is a better choice than mayonnaise or creamy salad dressings, all are very similar in terms of calories. Instead of adding ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of olive oil to your tossed salad, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar and whisk in fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, basil and thyme and a dash each of salt and pepper. Eliminate 2 tablespoons of added olive oil and save around 240 calories.

3. Minus the mayo:
Log on to any of the major fast-food franchises that have Web sites (Burger King, McDonald's, Wendy's, etc.) and see what happens when you add and subtract mayonnaise. For example, on BK's site, a grilled chicken sandwich automatically comes slathered with mayo. Just "click" to leave it off and presto, watch the calories reduce. For every tablespoon of mayonnaise you eliminate from your meals, save 105 calories.

4. Boost the fiber:
Make an effort to eat raw, crunchy vegetables for a smart and filling snack, and to increase your intake of vegetables. You really can't eat too much of the crunchy stuff! Crunchy veggies are so full of fiber and water that a full cup of green beans, for example, has fewer than 40 calories.
Snack on raw carrots, celery, radishes, mushrooms, spinach and broccoli. If you like, lightly steam by cooking for a few minutes, covered, in the microwave and then sprinkle with just a bit of butter granules (no calories) or serve with tomato salsa. Eat as much as you like of raw or slightly steamed crunchy veggies!

5. Forget "Fried":
The difference between a fried chicken breast and a broiled one can trip you up if you're trying to lose weight. One "original" recipe KFC chicken breast has 370 calories. A Chick-fil-A chargrilled chicken sandwich has only 260 calories, and Boston Market does it right -- their quarter-rotisserie chicken (no skin) has only 240 calories. Forget the fried chicken and save 130 calories by opting for skinless breast.