Simple Ways to Cut Calories
Cutting calories for weight loss, or even just to maintain your weight, can really seem like a chore. It suddenly feels like we went from eating whatever we wanted to being restricted to the extreme. Even though that’s probably not the way it happened, it can certainly feel that way. Instead of depriving yourself when it comes time to nix a few calories, check out these simple ways to cut back on calories without even realizing it.
Cut Second Helpings
If you are trying to watch your caloric intake, you have got to cut out all second helpings. More than likely, when you get a second helping, you are not really hungry anyway. You might crave the flavor or you might have eyes that are bigger than your stomach. The second helping, however, is almost certainly not needed. If you think about it, eating a second helping is almost doubling your calories. So, while you may have figured 800 calories for dinner, a second helping means that you’ll more than likely take in between 1200 and 1600, depending on the size of your second dish.
The Fist Rule
Along with cutting all second helpings, it’s also important to make sure that your first helping isn’t so big that it could actually count for 3 or 4 servings. It’s easy to mistaken the amount of food that should be on your plate, so to help you out, there’s a simple rule you can follow. It’s called the fist rule, and it works almost all of the time. In order to cut back your calories, make sure that any helping of any food on your plate is not bigger than your fist. If you’re really serious about counting calories, you can use the palm of your hand, but in the beginning stages, using your fist is a good way to get started. This will help you make sure that your servings are closer to the size they are supposed to be, and as you get better at it, you’ll soon discover that heaping plates are really not necessary.
Don’t Drink Calories
If you drink coffee, tea, soda, or other drinks that aren’t water, you would be shocked at how many calories you take in through the form of a beverage. These calories simply aren’t necessary. They are what many people call “empty calories.” This is not because they are literally empty, but rather that you are filling your body with calories that have absolutely no nutritional value. Instead, replace your sodas with good old H2O. Water is necessary for your body to function, and getting enough will improve your digestion, skin, hair, teeth, and the list goes on and on.
Don’t let calorie restriction get you down. It can be tough to limit your food intake, but with these tips, it is easier than ever to eat what you want and still reap the benefits of a healthy diet. Count your calories in a healthy way, and it will soon be a part of your lifestyle.
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