Have you recently been packing on the pounds? Thinking about going on a diet? Maybe you don't have to! These 10 easy ways to cut calories may be just the push your body needs to start dropping those pounds.

1. Eat breakfast.
   It seems counter-intuitive, but research shows that people who eat breakfast eat less calories over the course of a day than those who skip it.
   Short on time? Grab a piece of fruit and eat it while you're traveling.
   
2. Don't drink your calories.
   Beverages such as sodas, specialty coffees, and sports drinks can have a huge caloric impact.
   Even "healthy drinks", such as juice, may be quite high.
   The worst part is that these are just empty calories.
   They do absolutely nothing to fill you up.
   Stick with water or another calorie free beverage.
   
3. Choose fat-free or low-fat versions.
   Many condiments such as mayonnaise and salad dressings are extremely high in fat, and thus high in calories.
   Switch to the low fat versions and you'll drop calories without even realizing it.
   
4. Want a snack? Try fruits and vegetables.
   When you're hungry in between meals, it's best to reach for a piece of fruit or some raw vegetables as a snack.
   These foods are significantly lower in calories than the usual candy bar.
   
5. Plan ahead.
   Not planning ahead ruins many diets.
   If you know you're going to be out of the house for awhile, make sure you bring a snack with you.
   If you're going out with friends and know that there's going to be a lot of fattening food around, eat a bit beforehand so that you're not quite so hungry.
   
6. Eat less meat.
   Meat has a lot more calories and fat than vegetables.
   By eliminating meat from a few of your weekly meals, you'll also be eliminating calories.
   
7. Fill up on soup or salad.
   If you eat salad (with low calorie dressing on the side) or soup (clear broth, not cream-based) before your main dish, then you'll have less room in your stomach for the higher-calorie foods.
   
8. Use smaller plates.
   Portion control plays a significant part in diet.
   By using a smaller plate,you will trick your mind into thinking that it's eating more food.
   
9. Use sprays.
   There are many low-calorie sprays out these days which can help you reduce calories while still giving your foods a taste of the high-fat version.
   Look for butter sprays and salad dressing sprays.
   
10. Stop eating 3 hours before your bedtime.
    Most people do a lot of their snacking late at night.
    If you set a goal of not eating anything three hours before you sleep, you will begin to eliminate these late night binges.
    

Not everyone requires a serious diet in order to lose weight.
By cutting just a few calories here and there, you may be able to lose weight without feeling deprived.