Foods with fewer calories: Why less is sometimes more when it comes to what you eat

 Foods with fewer calories: Why less is sometimes more when it comes to what you eat.

You’ve probably heard it said that you are what you eat, which means that how your body looks and feels largely depends on the foods you eat. With so many choices out there, it can be difficult to figure out how to keep eating right without gaining weight. Fortunately, there are plenty of foods with fewer calories that will fit into your meal plan while still offering you the nutrition you need to get through your day and reach your goals.

Less Calories Doesn’t Mean Less Taste

When we talk about low-calorie foods, our minds usually jump right to bland and boring. But just because a food has fewer calories doesn’t mean that it can’t also taste great! By simply making small substitutions or choosing healthier ingredients, anyone can create healthy dishes that still pack tons of flavor. Check out these recipes for some inspiration on how to cut back on calories without sacrificing deliciousness. And if you need help getting started, be sure to check out these five tips for lowering your calorie intake while keeping your taste buds happy.

Reduce Fat Without Reducing Taste

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor in order to reduce fat intake; many of your favorite dishes can be tweaked so that they offer a lower calorie count without sacrificing satisfaction. For example, try cutting back on butter or salt and swapping low-fat cheese for regular cheese in recipes such as macaroni and cheese. And if you’re not into cooking, there are also plenty of ways to cut down on fat while eating out. Just remember that some foods are better than others—for instance, fruit juice has just as much sugar (and calories) as soda does. It all depends on how much you choose to consume!

Cut Back on Sodium

Sodium-rich foods are a major cause of high blood pressure, and excess sodium causes your body to retain extra water weight. But simply eliminating them from your diet isn’t enough; follow these tips on eating low-sodium foods and watching out for hidden sources of salt (like pizza sauce, salad dressings, and deli meats) to keep your diet healthy without piling on extra pounds. And remember that while most people benefit from cutting back on sodium, if you have hypertension or heart disease, check with your doctor before drastically reducing salt intake.

Forget Dieting: You know that feeling of restraint after eating a plate full of food? The idea that some kind of punishment will be waiting for you if you go over budget? That mindset can make it hard to enjoy yourself around food or feel satisfied by smaller portions.

Add Vitamin-Rich Fruits and Vegetables

If your diet has been less than stellar lately, you may be loading up on empty calories in the form of soda and junk food. We all need a little treat every now and then, but if your treats are full of extra fat, salt and sugar—or simply fried or sugary snacks (cookies, brownies)—you’re sabotaging any calorie-cutting efforts. A better option? Reach for fresh fruits like apples and oranges for an instant energy boost. And don’t forget about vegetables! The fiber they contain helps fill you up so that you can keep eating smaller portions without feeling deprived.

Pick Whole Grains Instead of Refined Grains

Refined grains—like white flour and white rice—are packed with a ton of empty calories. Whole grains, on the other hand, like oats, quinoa, barley and bulgur are chock-full of vitamins and minerals. Switching from refined grains to whole grains can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which means that if your body doesn’t get quite as much energy from each serving of food you consume, then it might not crave as many extra snacks later in order to satisfy its sweet tooth. Not only that, but whole grains also provide a good dose of fiber, which helps keep your digestion regular and ensures proper nutrient absorption. If you want to start eating more whole grains but don’t know where to begin, check out these 20 easy ways to incorporate them into your diet today!

Say No to Junk Food

Junk food makes up a large proportion of many people’s diets and is often loaded with hidden calories and fat. But if you want to shed pounds, it’s important that you avoid such items as much as possible. Instead, base your diet on natural foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meat and whole grains. These are healthier alternatives that will keep you feeling full longer. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients—which means they won’t leave you craving something else later on in the day.