Cutting back on portions and calories isn't always easy in our super size food culture. These top tricks will help you do it easily so you can enjoy every meal and lose weight painlessly.

Share Your Food
Restaurant portions at nationwide chains like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pei Wei Asian Diner can leave you over- stuffed and put you well over you calorie quota (997 calories for my favorite Chipotle chicken burrito) . The food is excellent but it's hard to stop half way and saving half your food isn't always doable. If you must eat at these types of establishments try sharing with your partner or best friend or half your food and give the other half to a hard working co-worker who didn't have time to go to lunch.

Order Child Size
A child size scoop of Jamoca Almond Fudge at Baskin Robbins is about 4 oz. and 270 calories (adult size portion is slightly larger). A child size AMC Movie popcorn with butter is 5 cups and 470 calories (a small is 7 cups and 630 calories). Having more of these foods is often a result of it being in front of you. Order a kid size and you're ordering an actual single adult portion, saving calories, money, and the embarrassment of having to unbutton your pants.

Blot Out The Excess Fat
It doesn't matter if you're eating a single slice of pizza or a fancy dish with grilled fish and veggies. Grab a napkin and blot any excess butter, grease, or olive oil. Most foods not cooked at home are overloaded with fat so blotting can cut anywhere from 50-100 calories of fat that you won't even miss. Do it twice a week and you could cut 400 calories a month.

Say No To Extras Every Other Time
Do you really need the dressings, dipping sauces, whip cream, extra butter, or variety of wines that go with your appetizer entree, and dessert every single time? You could cut anywhere from 100-300 calories per meal just avoiding these extras. Minimize your extras every other time and you'll cut tons of calories without feeling too deprived. Sooner than you think you'll be minimizing your dress size too.

Slow Down & Be Present
It's easy to scarf down food if you're watching t.v. solo, eating out with a large group of friends, or hanging at a family BBQ. Next time you eat a meal put your fork down after every bite, engage with people or look around for interesting observations about your environment. It takes about 20 minutes to gauge fullness so take your time and give your body a chance to signal you.

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