Small changes to make in your daily eating habits that will literally save you THOUSANDS of calories. Sounds too good to be true? Well it is actually really easy!
Let's start with some basic tricks from our grandparents. Portion sizes 30-40 years ago were MUCH smaller, and they all survived, so why can't we do the same? Examples include:
Drinks
When coke was first introduced, it came in 8 ounce bottles, now the average size people drink is 12 ounces (can) to 20 ounces (bottle). If you pour your drink into a glass with ice and make sure to use less than a can's worth, the calorie savings already begin!
Alternative: DIET sodas. They make many types of diet soda, so you'll be able to find one to fit your tastes. They also make light juices that are only 5 calories per serving, which of course is a healthier alternative to soda in the first place!
Snacks
Love chips and dip? Well I am not going to be the one to tell you to cut it out, it just needs a little modification. Potato chips and dips made for snacking are just LOADED with calories, and are what I call artery cloggers.
Why not try naked pita chips (baked, with little to no oil involved) with hummus? Two tablespoons of French onion dip can be upwards of 100 calories, whereas most hummus brands come in at under 50 calories (and little to no fat).
Alternative: Carrots and celery and low-fat veggie dip is also great! Lower in the carbohydrate department as well.
Lunchtime
I know its kind of a cop-out to bring a lunch alternative straight off the shelf, but lean cuisine and smart choices both offer frozen meals that come in under 180 calories. At the same time, these meals are enough to fill you up, and with limited snacking, the calorie savings are already enormous. Even healthy sandwiches from subway, or chain restaurants RARELY go below 500 calories.
Dinner/Supper
Eat like the Europeans do! If you are known as a fast eater or rush through meals, STOP! Taking your time will help you control your portions. Eat 1/3 of what you have on your plate, and then wait 5 entire minutes without eating anything. Converse and have sips of your water, but don't eat for five minutes. This gives you a chance to digest and you will have more time to feel full. If you are still hungry, have another 1/3 of your food and stop for 10 minutes this time. After this you almost always will leave the last 1/3. Unless budget demands it, try to leave food on the plate for leftovers. This will teach you self control.
