Variety: A Must

• While grabbing snacks and meals on the go is easy, it can get boring. You need to shake things up and add different things to your daily meal plans for success in the long run. While there are different varieties of shakes, bars and snacks, sometimes you'll feel a need for crunch or spice. The easiest way to satisfy that is to keep a stash of items for just those times. There are many varieties of 100-calorie snacks that are as easy to grab as the Slim Fast snack bars and satisfy that desire for salt and crunch without destroying your daily goals.
  
  You can also exchange those snack bars for fruit or vegetables, certain nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, brazil nuts), or low-fat yogurt.
  
  

Plan Ahead

• We all have days when we have to dine out; while you want to stay on your plan, you also want to eat something tasty. Guilt can be a pattern that is hard to get out of, so go ahead and eat something tasty--just practice moderation. Skip the bread, gravy, wine and dessert and you've already cut out a ton of calories. Eat slowly and enjoy every bite; just stop when you're pleasantly full. This assumes, of course, that you've followed the Slim Fast plan all day.
  
  Traveling while on a diet can be difficult, but if you plan ahead and take snacks and bars you can easily stay on the plan. Enjoy a shake if it's a car or train trip; a bar if you're on a plane. Throw a box of snack bars in your carry-on to avoid those wonderfully inviting kiosks in the airport. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and to keep the urge to eat at bay.
  
  Schedule your daily exercise just as you would a doctor's appointment. Keep your sneakers or whatever you need at hand so you don't have an excuse. If you're having a hard time getting motivated, tell yourself you'll do just 20 minutes--you'll probably do more once you get started.
  
  

You're Not Alone

• Slim Fast has an exceptional free online community for "members." You can track your food choices or your progress towards your goal and gain fellowship with other people who are on the Slim Fast plan. When you're having a hard day sticking to the plan, an online buddy can help keep you on track.