How to Reduce Calories at Dinner
By Genevieve Cunningham
Calorie reduction is a key to weight loss. It’s not that we have to starve ourselves or eat like a bird, but we do have to burn more calories than we consume. One great way to do this is by stacking your calories. What does this mean, exactly? It means that you eat the majority of your calories in the morning and early afternoon, and the least amount of calories at night. This can be difficult at first, simply because dinners tend to be calorie packed. If you need a little help reducing your calories at dinner, take a look at these tips to get you started.
Skip the Drink
If you want to cut a few calories from your dinner menu, just opt for water rather than your normal drink. Love sweet tea? Maybe a soda or a cup of coffee? Cut these out and you’ve already eliminated calories, the actual amount depending on your drink of choice. Instead, grab a glass of ice water (and a little lemon juice if you need flavor), and you’ll have a zero calorie drink that makes you feel full and hydrates the body.
Only Use Vegetables for Sides
Sides can make or break a meal. If you’re having a lean meat, but then you have French fries as a side dish, you’re probably taking in too many calories. An easy way to make sure your sides aren’t too calorically dense is by always opting for vegetables. Choose something green (green beans, peas, asparagus) and then your favorite veggie. If your normal side dishes are starchy or heavy on the carbs, this slashes the calories in one move.
Buy Smaller Plates and Bowls
It’s amazing how easy it is to trick your stomach. If you really want to eat less at dinner, just use a smaller plate or bowl. When your brain sees that your plate is full, it will assume that you’ve had enough. You’ll finish your plate, wait a few minutes, and then you’ll notice that full feeling creep in. Don’t go back for seconds. Don’t let the first helping fall over the sides. Just minimize the plate, reduce the amount of food that is on it, and you’re good to go.
Reducing your night time calories is a great way to kickstart your weight loss plan. But it can certainly be hard to get moving down the right path. Use these tips to lower your dinner calories, and you may notice that the healthy benefits come rolling in like never before.
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