rent. Similarly, incorporating small changes into your diet or exercise regimen can help you achieve your weight-loss goals-while still allowing you to budget in some of your favorite treats.
Here are a handful of manageable modifications to integrate into your lifestyle.
1. Use Low-Calorie Spreads Instead of High-Calorie Condiments
Spreads, condiments and sauces are often referred to as hidden calories, meaning
they're not the essence of the meal, but contain significant calories.
Oftentimes, you don't even realize you're consuming them. For example, 2
tablespoons of regular mayonnaise has more calories than 4 ounces of chicken
breast. There's no question that the chicken breast would fill you up and
provide your body with nutrients more than mayonnaise.
Allow the core of your meal to be veggies and lean protein, not high-calorie,
nutrient-deficient add-ons. To supply more flavor to your meals, use toppings
such as pesto, mustard or hummus. Many salad dressings and condiments contain
high calories that many times go unnoticed until they are stored on our waste
and thighs!
2. Pay Attention to What's Hiding In Your Drinks
High-calorie drinks are a perfect example of empty calories, meaning they're
packed with calories, but provide no nutritional value.
Caramel macchiatos, mocha lattes etc. are frequently loaded with sugary syrups
and heavy cream. These drinks often contain as many calories as an ice cream
sundae
Soda is an obvious no-no. Additionally, juices and fruit drinks marketed as
healthy options can be packed with sugar. Even if the front label comes with
claims of antioxidants and promises of real fruit, don't be fooled. If you read
the full list of ingredients, you might find that your seemingly healthy drink
is packed with added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
Limit the empty calories you consume in liquid form, and save your calories for
nutrient-rich foods that will fill you up. As I mentioned in a previous DID YOU
KNOW, I have switched from Diet Coke and Iced Coffee to carrying around a gallon
jug of water. I find it difficult to drink plain water so I've added a low
calorie Crystal Lite packet to give just enough flavour and colour to make me
feel like it's not "just water" I'm consuming.
3. Take the Longer, Less Convenient Route
Isn't it ironic that we log countless hours at the gym but idle by the entrance
of the grocery store to get the closest parking spot? Park farther away. Take
the stairs. Walk the long way home. In other words, foster an energetic
lifestyle where you welcome opportunities to be active, rather than limit your
physical activity to planned workouts.
I have witnessed many times people circle the gym parking lot looking for a
paring space close to the entrance, just to walk in and jump on a treadmill!!!!
Do yourself a favour and park a little further away from the door, you will get
a few extra steps in, burn a few more calories and receive less "dings" and
dents in your car doors!
*Some information compiled from youbeauty.com