One of the most important things to learn to practice is mindful eating. Let me explain what I mean:

• Know what you’re eating, and how much. That means you should try as hard as you can to eat foods that you have prepared yourself, thus avoiding processed foods with ambiguous ingredients. Also, be sure you understand portions. Be aware of whatever you’re putting into your mouth so that you don’t just mindlessly consume.
• When you’re eating, make that your only activity. Snacking in front of the tv or the computer is liable to lead to overconsumption. Be aware of what you’re doing so you don’t eat too much! This also means that you will enjoy your food rather than just consuming it :)
• Eat slowly. This is so important because it helps you to realize that you’re full. It takes a full twenty minutes for your brain to register the message from your stomach that it’s time to stop eating. Enjoy each bite — register the texture and taste.
• Eat when you’re hungry. This seems obvious, but it’s really not. Many of us get in the habit of eating when we’re bored, or stressed, or sad, or angry — don’t let emotions manipulate your eating. Stop before you eat and really listen to your body. Are you hungry? If you’re not, don’t eat. Good rule of thumb: If you’re not hungry enough to eat an apple (or similar fruit/vegetable), you’re not hungry enough!