Well, the holiday season is over and the diet damage has been done. If you’re feeling a bit guilty about throwing dietary caution to the wind during this past holiday season, you’re not alone. I mean, to be fair, I probably didn’t need that 3rd piece of pie at the family Christmas gathering. The peer-pressure got to me though, and before I knew it Grandma convinced me that I simply had to try another slice. I can’t say no to Grandma!
If you know what I’m talking about, don’t give up hope. Falling off the healthy eating boat during this time of year is not uncommon. The trick is to get back on track! A relatively painless way to do so is to consider cutting back your daily caloric intake. Here are 8 easy ways to save 200 calories a day that you can use now and any time of year!
1. Substitute Yogurt for Mayo – When making tuna salad, use 2 percent Greek yogurt, about 75 calories for half a cup, instead of mayonnaise, which packs in 450 calories for half a cup. Greek yogurt has the same texture and creaminess as mayonnaise but far less fat and calories. Tangy Greek yogurt can be used as a lower calorie replacement for sour cream or mayo.
2. Skip the Cheese – Build a healthier sandwich! Try holding the cheese; two slices can add up to well over 200 calories! Load your sandwich with low-calorie veggies or go gourmet with slices of apple and pear.
3. Give Your Milkshake a Makeover – 420 calories for a small strawberry fast-food shake can be a real diet breaker. The next time you’re craving a frozen treat, try blending a cup of 1% milk with a cup of unthawed, unsweetened frozen strawberries and a teaspoon of agaves nectar for a delicious and satisfying cold treat. It’s only about 170 calories, which is a savings of 240 calories.
4. Save Your Salad with Salsa – When ordering salad out, ask for salsa or pico de gallo instead of dressing. Many restaurant-size servings of dressing have around 300 to 500 calories. Using salsa, even half a cup of it, will likely save you hundreds of calories and dozens of fat grams. Half a cup of salsa has a meager 35 calories and almost no fat and adds a flavorful kick to any salad!
5. Beat the Office Munchies – Mindless snacking during the afternoon at work causes calories to add up quickly. For example, five mini chocolate bars have 210 calories! To avoid the temptation chew a piece of fruit-flavored sugar-free gum. Sugar-free gum comes in all kinds of fun, tropical flavors. For extra dental protection, try finding gum that contains xylitol. This sweetener actually will help protect your teeth from cavities!
6. Embrace Water – It’s easy to forget about the liquid calories you take in through various drinks. Try to consume as much zero-calorie water as possible. In fact, simply cutting out a 20-ounce bottle of regular soda saves more than 200 calories. By keeping yourself hydrated, you can also keep your hunger at bay.
7. Pop Your Own Corn – Everybody loves movie night! Skip the typical buttery pre-packaged stuff and try this healthy method for popcorn: microwave kernels in a brown paper bag and use a little nonstick spray. Season them to suit your mood: savory with garlic powder and sea salt, sweet with cinnamon and a few dark chocolate chips, or ‘cheesy’ with sea salt, chili powder and nutritional yeast. It’s delicious and tastes just like cheese with fewer calories!
8. Give Mashed Potatoes Healthy Twist – Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. To make your potatoes healthier, try using equal amounts of potato and another mash able vegetable, like cauliflower or turnips. Not only is this reducing the calorie content, but you’re also adding extra nutrients to your plate. To add even more flavor, replace butter and whole milk with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and some fat-free yogurt.
Source: WebMD
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