10 Simple Diet Tips To Help You Fit Into That Party Dress (Slideshow)

Who knew the key to losing weight was eating more? According to WebMD, "Having a small meal or snack every 3 to 4 hours keeps your metabolism cranking, so you burn more calories over the course of a day. Several studies have also shown that people who snack regularly eat less at mealtime."

Eating spicy food increases metabolism. WebMD reports that "[s]picy foods have natural chemicals that can kick your metabolism into a higher gear. Cooking foods with a tablespoon of chopped red or green chili pepper can boost your metabolic rate."

Water = Weight loss. CNN reports, "Drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner while also cutting back on portions may help you lose weight and keep it off for at least a year, according to research presented today at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, in Boston." 

Sleep away the pounds. According to  The New York Times, "The relationship between sleep loss and weight gain is a strong one, borne out in a variety of studies over the years. Large population studies show that both adults and children are more likely to be overweight and obese the less they sleep at night."

You don't need fancy gym equipment to lose weight. Try easy, outdoor activities to get your heart pumping and shed those extra pounds. WebMD assures us that you can burn calories with fun activities including beachcombing, riding bikes, grass skiing, making snow angels, hiking, washing the car, playing Frisbee, or chasing the dog around the yard. Working out doesn't have to be unbearable. 

Ditch the take out, which is often loaded with salt and fatty oils, and try cooking at home instead. Preparing simple meals with lean protein, grains and vegetables can help you lose those stubborn pounds while saving some money. It's a win-win situation. 

You've all heard the saying, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Milton Stokes, RD, MPH, and chief dietitian for St. Barnabas Hospital in New York City says, "Breakfast skippers replace calories during the day with mindless nibbling, bingeing at lunch and dinner. They set themselves up for failure."

Alcohol is loaded with unnecessary calories and sugar, and can send your body into addiction mode. In addition to these downfalls, when you drink alcohol you're less likely to stay on track with your nutritional and personal goals. Stick to a glass of red wine or one cocktail per outing, and help yourself lose weight while staying focused.

Why not redesign your after-work plans? Instead of hitting the bar with coworkers, why not train for a 5K or take a yoga class? Trade unhealthy, meaningless activities for positive, spiritually and physically enlightening ones such as a group exercise class. Increase endorphins and stay focused with the help of a friend.

Nothing good happens after 7:00. Well, at least when it comes to eating and losing weight. According to Runner's World, "By shutting down the kitchen (at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. or 7 p.m., or even 8 p.m.) you'll be more likely to eliminate consumption of late-night empty calories."