How To Make Easy Switches In Your Diet
I hate to diet but have found tons of tiny ways to substitute a high calorie item for one that has about half. If I can find a shortcut, I'm taking it.Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: N/A
Here's How:
1. Instead of sodas, carry around a refillable bottle of water. (See tip one)
2. I fill up a cup of carrot sticks and leave them on the counter as I am preparing dinner. (See tip 2)*Brush (don't always peel) the skin of veggies.
3. Snacks are my downfall. My family loves potato chips, but more often than not, I reach for apple slices and lemon. The tang of the lemon really perks up plain boring old apples! And just think of the calories saved. (See tip 3)
4. Instead of coffee with dinner, switch to herbal teas. In lots of cases, it's the habit, not the coffee that you crave. But, see step 9. There are times when nothing else will do!
5. Buy sample size bags of chocolate bars. When I have a craving for chocolate, these bite-size bars, satify the craving and they contain a lot less calories than the entire bar.
6. Plain white mints will also curb cravings. I read this somewhere and then gave it a try. It worked!
7. When you are at a restaurant, ignore the bread that is put on the table before dinner, and sip ice water instead. (See tip 4)
8. Instead of ordering dessert, have a bite of someone elses. My husband doesn't mind ;)
9. If I don't like the dessert that he is ordering, I will often order a flavored coffee. I scoop away half of the whip cream and then make it last and last. Tastes just as good as dessert!
Tips:
- You will be amazed at how often you will sip, if the water is handy. Sodas offer nothing of value, but leave you feeling bloated. Who needs it except for a treat once in while and then try to avoid those with sugar.
- Anyone walking by can help themselves to these fresh veggies, instead of grabbing something not quite so healthy. In our families case... it's cookies.
- Wedges of lemon squeezed over apple slices is not only healthy, it tastes great.
- Dinner will arrive eventually, so in the meantime, sip ice water and people watch. You never know who might be in the restaurant! Did you know that you are actually burning calories as your body heats up the water.
