Adding a lot of vegetables and fruits to your diet will help you. One way to add more fruits and veggies to your diet, cut calories, and still enjoy the foods you love is to add or “hide” veggies to dishes. Researchers have found that adding pureed vegetables to dishes (e. g. , cauliflower to mac and cheese) helped people eat a few hundred calories less of the dishes. [2] X Research source Veggies add but bulk to a dish but not really a ton of extra calories. Get a lot of color on your plate. Make sure your meals have lots of colors; the best way to do this is by adding lots of fresh produce, from eggplant to beets to kale to yellow peppers. This color blocking usually helps you eat more produce and makes the meal look appetizing and appealing at the same time![3] X Research source
Beans, for example, are filling, high in fiber and are an excellent source of protein. They’re also slow to digest, meaning that you feel satisfied for a while (which may in turn stop you from eating more!)[5] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Eating a whole piece of fruit fills you up more than juice because raw fruit has more fiber. In addition, the act of chewing the fruit communicates to the brain that you’ve eaten something substantial.
Watermelon and strawberries have about 92 percent water per volume. Other fruits with high water content include grapefruit, cantaloupe, and peaches. [7] X Research source Remember, though, that many fruits are high in sugar, so try to limit how much fruit you eat daily. For vegetables, cucumber and lettuce have the highest water content at 96 percent. Zucchini, radish and celery have a water content of 95 percent. [8] X Research source
Avoid processed foods and sugars. These cause an insulin spike, which can result in fat storage instead of fat burning. [10] X Expert Source Lyssandra GuerraCertified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.
Avoid processed foods and sugars. These cause an insulin spike, which can result in fat storage instead of fat burning. [10] X Expert Source Lyssandra GuerraCertified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.
Quinoa, for example, is a legitimate superfood because it is a complete protein (meaning it has all eight of the essential amino acids we need for our tissues). In addition, quinoa has more protein than most cereal grains and is higher in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and iron than other grains like wheat and barley. [13] X Trustworthy Source Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations Specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for leading international efforts to end world hunger and improve nutrition Go to source Just make sure to do your research before deciding on adding certain alleged “superfoods” to your diet.
Foods and beverages that provide the greatest number of empty calories for Americans include cakes, cookies, pastries and donuts, sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks, cheese, pizza, ice cream, bacon, hot dogs and sausages. With some of these, you can find alternative versions. For example, you can purchase low-fat hot dogs and low-fat cheese at grocery stores. You can also have sugar-free drinks. In other foods, like candy and regular soda, all the calories are basically empty. [15] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source It’s okay to have small amounts of “unhealthy” foods as a reward. In fact, doing so can help keep you on a diet! But make sure you’re only giving yourself small amounts rather than binging on them. [16] X Expert Source Pouya Shafipour, MD, MSBoard Certified Family Medicine Specialist Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
Stick to soups with a broth base and of around 100-150 calories per serving. You can choose either chunky or pureed soups, just avoid soups with added cream.
Try eating a bowl of raw veggies or drinking a full glass of water before you indulge. Doing this will fill you up and leave you with less room to overindulge on your treat.
If you don’t feel full immediately after a meal, wait. The chemicals your brain releases when you eat or drink take time to rise and to communicate that sense of fullness. As the chemicals increase, your hunger dissipates; this is why you should pause for a little bit after eating and before having a second helping.
Studies also show that people who eat with larger utensils eat less than those who eat with smaller utensils. [19] X Research source
Remember, you don’t have to eat all of your meal once you feel satisfied. Eat until you are 80% full. No one should feel stuffed and sick after eating.
You might also discover useful information about your daily habits and a reality check about how many calories you actually consume. Once you know your habits and patterns better, you can begin to address problem behaviors that are hindering your progress. Keeping a journal also makes you more accountable.
You might also discover useful information about your daily habits and a reality check about how many calories you actually consume. Once you know your habits and patterns better, you can begin to address problem behaviors that are hindering your progress. Keeping a journal also makes you more accountable.
Choose foods that are steamed, grilled, broiled or baked instead of fried. Avoid dishes that are labeled as “breaded”, “crispy” or “battered” – these are code words for “fried”. Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications. For example, ask to swap out potatoes or bread for a side salad. Request sauce on the side of chicken or other entrée, rather than smothered on top. This will enable you to still eat something delicious but without all of the extra calories. If the restaurant is known for especially large portion sizes, opt to split something with a friend. To avoid overeating when going out, eat a small and healthy snack at home beforehand. Try some carrots and hummus or an apple. This will curb off your hunger and keep your head clear while you make healthy and informed choices from the restaurant’s offerings. Pack away food. At the beginning of the meal, ask for a doggie bag, and put what you aren’t going to eat in the bag. When ordering salads, always ask for dressings and sauces on the side. Lots of dressings can be very fatty and full of calories. Your seemingly “healthy choice” can pack as many calories as a burger if it’s swimming in a fatty dressing. Be also wary of other high-calorie additions like bacon bits and cheese.
To keep up your optimism, reward yourself for meeting smaller goals. For example, buy yourself a small token or treat every time you lose another five times. The prospect of the reward will eventually become its own form of motivation.