Simple rules can help you lose weight. One of my favorite rules, and I do this religiously, is don’t eat dairy products, 2 days in a row. Dairy products, especially cheese, can provide way too many calories, way too fast. In addition, if you have an allergy to a food, eating it every day can make your symptoms worse. There are a number of popular rule-based strategies that can help you lose (or at least maintain) your weight. Don’t eat anything with sugar in it, 2 days in a row. Don’t eat anything with wheat or flour in it, 2 days in a row. Don’t eat cereal, 2 days in a row. Don’t eat rice, 2 days in a row. Or don’t eat potatoes, 2 days in a row. Don’t drink pop, 2 days in a row. Don’t eat pizza, 2 days in a row. Don’t eat ice cream, 2 days in a row. Most patients only need to figure out the 1 or 2 rules that work for best them, and the rules can really help them lose weight.