Cut Calories with Simple Meal Tips
Changing your eating habits is part of losing weight, but finding substitutes that don’t leave you hungry can be difficult. A few satisfying substitutes can fill you up without extra calories and help you stay disciplined.
Losing weight by cutting calories doesn’t mean starving yourself — but it also means substituting healthy low-calorie items for your usual meals and snacks. A few quick and simple choices can help you cut extra calories from mealtime and lose weight quickly.
Breakfast = Yogurt
Low-fat yogurt is a easy low-calorie choice that’s high on flavor. If you don’t want to pay for the more expensive flavors, try mixing your own by spooning some into a cup and adding granola, dried fruit, or even a teaspoon of jam. It works as an on-the-go breakfast, too, eliminating that quick (and calorie-laden) trip through the fast food line.
Green Lunch
Get your fruit and veggie quota over lunch. Pre-packaged salads from the grocery store or a restaurant’s vegetarian selection are best — skip the ones topped with crisp crunchy chicken, cheese, and other goodies. Plain fruit and vegetables topped with a little light dressing and a sprinkle of low-calorie cheese like dried Parmesan means flavor without extra fat.
For sandwich lovers, instead of picking up a fast-food burger or deli selection loaded with calories, make and bring your own veggie-infused wrap. A slice of low-fat turkey, a sprinkle of cheese, tomato and green spinach leaves taste great rolled up in a wheat wrap or tucked in a pita pocket. Add a teaspoon of honey mustard to spice up your sandwich, too.
Fast Break
Don’t move towards the vending machine for the afternoon pick-me-up; keep a few granola or energy bars tucked in a drawer for temptation moments. Clean out the pre-packaged sugary snacks you have stashed and substitute some healthier treats, like baked crisps or flavored wheat crackers.
Dinner Dos and Dont’s
Let dinner be the meal where you enjoy any extra calories, such as chicken, beef, cheese, or a little sugar, but be sensible in your choices. Avoid fast food, processed or prepackaged items, and the temptation to load your plate with seconds or your portions with extra goodies like fattening salad dressings or butter.
Savor your choices slowly to make it last longer and allow yourself some luxuries, like low-fat sour cream, grated cheese, and peanut butter.
Don’t let dieting seem like a punishment. Be fair with yourself and permit yourself a few extras, to avoid a binge later on. More sensible eating habits will translate to fewer pounds and positive feelings, so long as you have a little patience and willpower.
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