Thursday, March 18, 2010

5 Tips for Slashing Calories

For those calorie-conscious individuals and for those who might have fallen off the weight loss bandwagon for the New Year, now is the time to continue or get back on track! Ditch the diet mentality as we all know that dieting leads to deprivation and life is way too short. Below are 5 Calorie Slashing Tips to incorporate into your every day life.

Lighten your sandwich order! Rather than going for a sub roll or bagel, opt for 100% whole grain bread, a wrap, or pita. Choose mustard over mayo; omit the cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing and go for avocado- the good fat. Rather than a side of creamy soup, or a pile of fries or chips, choose grilled veggies or a side green salad. Fill your sandwich with lean protein too! This can save you between 600-800 calories, which is the equivalent of an extra meal and possibly a snack as well.

Compromise. Make room for splurges. If you want to have a roll from the bread basket go for it, but at your main meal, focus on lean protein and veggies. If you crave dessert, split it or have a small brownie and go light on the starches at your meal.

Go vegetarian! Incorporate a plant-based dinner for your beef burger once a week. If you do this for a full year, you can save 10,000 calories, which is the equivalent of a 3-pound weight loss! Great plant-based meal substitutions include a portabella mushroom burger, tofu, beans or lentils.

Watch your drink order. An an RD, I am water’s number one fan. My personal favorite is smartwater, which is enhanced with key electrolytes. I always recommend carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day. Other beverage choices include iced tea sweetened naturally with Truvia, low-fat milk- preferably organic, or light beer. For a low-calorie, refreshing drink, Fuze Slenderize makes my list as does Powerade Zero- a low-calorie, electrolyte-enhanced choice for the gym.

Downsize your plate and spoon! As the size of our dinner plates expand, so does the average waistline in America. Go for the teaspoon size spoon rather than the tablespoon when dipping into honey, salad dressings or perhaps your favorite dish of ice cream. Less is more here.

http://www.abc15.com/content/living/yourhealth/story/5-ways-to-slash-calories-and-lose-weight/0-kqH67-kEeMk5PxHCGQBA.cspx

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