In a perfect scenario, every type of food that we love and enjoy would be available for us to eat as much of it as we want never fearing the repercussions. In reality though there is no such thing as the healthy doughnut and I’m still searching high and low for expert research showing that bacon at every meal is okay, but as it stands no luck so far.
The good news on the horizon though is that you don’t have to give up flavor in order to make something healthier for you. Nor should you have to disavow yourself of your favorite foods. There are three easy secrets to help make a healthier (and in my personal opinion better) version of the dishes you enjoy while yet keeping your taste buds happy.
Tip 1: The first tip has to do with lowering calorie substitutions. I’ve never been a huge fan of counting calories, yet the facts are that if you consume less then what you burn on a daily basis you are bound to lose weight. If this particular step is done correctly you will actually add flavor to a meal verses just exchanging for something that is boring because it doesn’t affect your waistline. For those that love a good sandwich try grinding some avocado with a little salt for the typical fat infested mayonnaise. Enjoy chocolate? Move over to the dark side so to speak and try dark chocolate. Love a slice of pizza? Use fuller flavored cheeses which will allow you to use less, also try baking it on whole wheat bread. The idea here is that there are all kinds of ways to substitute great tasting ingredients that won’t increase the calories that you consume at the end of the day. Like anything in life the more fun you have with it and time you have to experiment will help you create new favorites.
Tip 2: Change the cooking method. This is a big one but often overlooked because we simply aren’t aware of our options when it comes to different ways of cooking. Fried foods are wonderful for sure but there are tons of calories stashed in the oil soaked into the skin and batter. Instead, lightly bread the food with Panko crumbs brush with olive oil and bake it at 425 for the same crispy texture and great taste. Steaming food is a healthy option but why not poach meat or vegetables in stock for added flavor but not added fat. A simple equipment adjustment like a non-stick pan to cut down on the amount of oil or butter you need when sauting can go a long way too.
Tip 3: Portion control is a must. In America the ruling mindset when it comes to food is that the more you get the better the deal and therefore the best bang for your buck. This mindset can be a hard one to overcome, be that as it may this particular tip should be followed and is important. If you’re clothes are getting too tight that is probably because you’re indulging a little bit more than you should be. If you’re not interested in measuring out your food but are still wondering what they proper portion size would be try using the palm of your hand as an easy reference and it should be pretty close. This brings about the quickest and easiest way that one can cut out unnecessary calories from your meals. In the beginning your body will probably want to fight you by reminding you that you have not eaten enough food. This will be normal and if this happens a good way to fight back would be to eat your proper portioned food and pause for 10 minutes, 90% of the time you will notice that your hunger has abated and that you feel satisfied. Satisfied being the key word here and not overly stuffed to the point of a coma.
I know putting these tips into action will mean a change in behavior for a lot of you, but since it was behavior that maybe got you out of shape to begin with doesn’t that seem logical. So incorporate these easy steps along with exercise into your daily routine and you’ll not only be living your life but loving it too!
There are many different kinds of Workout Routines available for weight loss. A personal favorite of mine is Hip Hop Abs, a fast paced dance workout that brings heart pumping cardio moves.