Proper dieting is a simply a matter of substituting low nutrition, high calorie foods with better choices. Experts at the Association for Lifestyle Reform.recommend that you eat more whole grains, turkey and fresh fruits and vegetables. The ALR also suggest that when cooking you use olive oil rather than shortening and saute or grill your food instead of frying it. Here are a few more tips to help you improve your health and slim your waistline.
You don’t have to crunch on celery sticks all day to get more vegetables in your diet. Try incorporating them into foods you eat anyway. Add things like spinach, zucchini, peppers and onions to pasta sauces or pile them on a whole wheat pizza base.
The bacteria found in yogurt are good for our digestion, but most fruit flavoured yogurts are high is added sugar. Get all the benefits without the extra calories by pureeing fresh fruit and mixing it with plain low fat yogurt and a little granulated sugar substitute.
Peanuts are a great alternative to deep fried corn chips and potato chips. They are high in protein, low in saturated fat and may help lower your cholesterol. A handful of peanuts will satisfy your craving for something crunchy.
You don’t need a special machine to make nutritious homemade soup. Chop, steam and puree your favorite fresh vegetables. Put them in a pan over low heat with a little water. Add some stock powder and your choice of fresh or dried herbs. If you want a soup with a creamy texture, thicken it with a roux made of flour and olive oil. You can add chopped turkey or chicken to make it a meal.
Chocolate contains antioxidants which may help lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Unfortunately, most commercial chocolate bars also contain a high amount of added sugar and fat. If you’re concerned about your health, read the label and buy only dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
For more info or questions about the Association for Lifestyle Reform please see the team at www.alrassociation.org