Losing weight can seem like a daunting task, especially if you feel like you’re constantly hungry. However, cutting calories doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself.

There are plenty of simple changes you can make to your diet that will allow you to cut 500 calories without feeling like you’re starving. Here are ten easy tips to get you started:.

1. Swap Your Beverages

One of the easiest ways to cut calories is to ditch sugary or high-calorie beverages and opt for water or unsweetened tea instead. One can of regular soda contains around 140 calories, while a 16-ounce latte can pack in over 200 calories.

By switching to water or tea, you can cut hundreds of calories each day.

2. Choose Whole Foods

Processed foods like chips, cakes, and candy tend to be high in calories but low in nutrients.

Opting for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help you stay fuller for longer while also providing your body with the nutrients it needs.

3. Practice Portion Control

Even healthy foods can be high in calories if you eat too much of them. To avoid overeating, try using smaller plates, measuring your food, and paying attention to your hunger cues. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not when you’re stuffed.

4. Cook at Home

When you eat out, it can be tough to know exactly what you’re consuming. Many restaurant meals are packed with hidden calories in the form of added sugars, oils, and salt.

By cooking at home, you have more control over what goes into your meals and can make healthy swaps like using olive oil instead of butter or baking instead of frying.

5. Sneak in More Vegetables

Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, making them the perfect food for weight loss. Look for simple ways to sneak more veggies into your meals, like adding spinach to your smoothie or zucchini to your pasta sauce.

6. Limit Your Snacking

Snacking can quickly add up in calories, especially if you stick to high-calorie snacks like chips and candy. Keep snacks to a minimum and choose low-calorie options like fruit, veggies with hummus, or a small serving of nuts.

7. Cut Back on Added Sugars

Sugar provides empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health problems like diabetes.

Opt for low-sugar options like plain yogurt instead of flavored, or use spices like cinnamon and vanilla to add flavor to your meals instead of sugar.

8. Get Moving

While diet plays a big role in weight loss, exercise can also help you burn more calories and tone your body.

Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, hiking, or weightlifting, and aim to get moving for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

9. Plan Your Meals

Planning your meals in advance can help you stay on track and avoid making unhealthy choices when you’re short on time. Take a few minutes each week to plan out your meals and snacks, and prep what you can in advance to save time.

10. Don’t Deprive Yourself

Finally, it’s important to remember that weight loss is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to indulge in your favorite treats once in a while, as long as you’re not doing it every day.

Allow yourself the occasional treat and be kind to yourself along the way.