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Easy
ideas for changes you can make on a regular basis that will pay off in the
long-run, but are virtually "painless" to accomplish. This installment
takes a look at how to make some normally high-fat foods a little more
diet-friendly.
Bye-Bye Biscuits!
Being a southern gal, biscuits have always been a staple in my family
whether stopping by a fast food joint or sitting down for dinner. Only a
few years ago -- when a nutrition educator with the Cooperative Extension
Service showed me a vial of how much fat ends up in your system after
eating a sausage biscuit -- did I realize just how unhealthy they were!
For example, with a little research, I discovered ordering an Egg McMuffin
at McDonald’s, instead of a sausage biscuit saves me 13 grams of fat and
hundreds of calories! If breakfast isn’t your biscuit-tempting time, use
dinner rolls instead with an entrée like fried chicken and you’ll save up
to 20 grams of fat and hundreds of calories.
Waive White Bread
Not only is wheat bread lower in fat and higher in fiber (which makes you
feel fuller and helps your digestive system), it may also help your sense
of satiety last longer. Since white bread is higher in carbs, it is
digested more quickly; this means you’ll feel hungrier faster after eating
a sandwich made with white bread rather than whole grain. Also, if you’re
supposed to be watching your sugar intake, the high-carb white bread isn’t
a good idea. Another way to make wheat even healthier is to choose a "lite"
version which will have fewer calories than the regular kind.
A Better Burrito
Got a hankering for a take-out burrito? Loading up on the ground beef,
cheese, sour cream and guacamole on the regular ones can wreak havoc on
your waistline. How about making one yourself instead? The homemade
version will save you a lot of fat
and calories and will
certainly conquer your craving for Mexican. Heat fat-free refried beans in
the microwave along with a soft tortilla. Add shredded cheese and make a
side of reduced-fat sour cream, diced tomatoes and salsa (a fat-free diet
staple!) if you wish. Try some baked Tostitos with salsa or picanté sauce
as an appetizer.
Move Over, Movie
Theater Popcorn!
Think popcorn is always a healthy choice? It often is… depending on where
you get it. Air popped popcorn or light versions of microwave popcorn are
super weight-watching snacks. But movie theater popcorn is a diet disaster
waiting to happen. It is often popped in high-fat oil like coconut oil.
Sprinkle on some buttery topping and you’ve taken the fat and calorie
content up, up and away. Smuggle in your own low-fat fare to munch on
during the movie, like dry cereal, healthier versions of popcorn or baked
potato chips.
This content
is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply the
approval or recommendation by Weightloss.ms .
Always
consult a medical professional before significantly modifying your diet or
beginning an exercise program. |
