Lighter meals benefit the health of your entire family.
When confronted with the word diet, many people instantly think of strict rules, tasteless food and little enjoyment. Eating lighter meals does not have to be a restrictive, punishing pursuit though. Little changes made to your favorite foods can trim away fat and calories without wiping out the tastes that you love.
Instructions
Steps to Take
1. Use leaner cuts of meat. Butcher shops and grocery stores frequently offer cuts of meat that have reduced fat content. Ground beef and steak should be consumed at the lowest fat content available. Remove the skin from chicken to make recipes that are lighter and more healthy.
2. Watch your intake of sauces and dressings. Many times, healthy food choices such as salad can be derailed nutritionally by adding toppings that are high in fat and calories. Opt for low-calorie versions of your favorite food toppings or look for healthy alternatives such as lemon juice, low-fat yogurt or extra virgin olive oil. When eating these items while dining out, ask that they be placed on the side so that you can control the amount added to your food.
3. Increase the amount of color on your plate at each meal. By placing plenty of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you will experience satisfaction without fats, sugars and calories while increasing your intake of important vitamins and nutrients offered by fresh foods.
4. Look for healthier versions of your favorites. Milk is a prime example of a dietary staple, which has varieties of differing healthfulness. Non-fat milk takes some getting used to, but even a move from whole milk to low-fat milk reduces your intake of fat when eating cereal or when cooking or baking with milk. Fat-free or reduced calorie mayonnaise, sour cream, yogurt and cheese can help make your meals lighter.
5. Change the way you cook meals. Baking, grilling and broiling are healthier than frying.
6. Increase fiber intake. Fiber causes you to feel full with fewer calories. Items like oatmeal, beans, low-sugar cereals and whole-grain bread are examples of foods that give you the sensation of satiety without the calories and fat of other choices.
Tags: your intake, cuts meat, versions your, your favorite