This delicious cheddar bran muffin is perfectly fine for your low-cal diet. But see how many there are? One!
That's the difference between gaining and losing or maintaining weight. Portion control. Instead of having two muffins, have one. When cutting up a pie, make ten pieces instead of eight. The same concept for cakes.
Find new methods of preparing old favorites to reduce calories. Use non-stick cookware and lightweight cooking sprays instead of frying or sauteeing in oil or butter.
Top old favorites like pasta or baked potatoes with salsa or stewed tomatoes instead of butter, sour cream, or heavy pasta sauces.
This is a great time to try new spices to add flavor and interest to foods without loading up on salt. Too much salt makes you retain water and causes bloating.
This is also the right time to try new fruits and veggies. Buy something new once a week. Go online to find out storage methods, preparation methods, and to get new recipes.
Also consider substitutions in old favorite recipes. You can reduce calories and fat all over the place by changing ingredients, altering your method of preparation, or buying and using leaner cuts of meat.
And, before we forget... don't think you can't eat beef or pork on a low-fat diet. You can. Beef and pork are leaner than ever. Visit your state's beef or pork council websites to find nutritional information and get great recipes!
