3 Easy Food Swaps that Drop Pounds
Have you ever made the commitment to eat healthy and exercise, only to realize you haven’t lost a single pound after a week of hard work and deprivation? While losing weight in the healthy way should be a slow process, it can be discouraging when the scale does not move. Perhaps you would be more motivated to stick with your healthy eating habits and workout routine if you saw the scale move or felt a little more comfortable in your skinny jeans. If so, here are some simple food swaps that will help you see and feel a difference quickly.
Swap out Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are such a tasty comfort food, but they are all starch. Plus, when was the last time you ate mashed potatoes that weren’t slathered in butter and salt? You can get a similar taste with cauliflower. Just steam cauliflower and blend it up with a sprinkle of seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Pair it with lean protein to make your meal complete. Not only is cauliflower naturally lower in calories and carbohydrates, but it is also higher in fiber, which means you will get fuller faster and stay satisfied longer.
Swap out Fresh-Pressed Juice
The health world went crazy over juicing cleanses and diets. However, even though it is all natural and chock full of vitamins and minerals, it is also pure sugar and can mess with your blood sugar levels. It is better to have a smoothie with the same fruit and vegetables blended in because then you are getting the fiber from the produce. Adding Greek yogurt will help boost your smoothie’s protein level, making it a complete meal.
Swap out Chips and Guacamole
Many people love to snack on chips and salsa or chips and guacamole. The problem with this snack is that it is void of protein. It is also hard to limit yourself on how many chips and guacamole you eat. Instead, pair a natural beef jerky with an Asian pear. This gives you a sweet and savory snack that has the protein and fiber you need to keep you going.
When you don’t see the scale move, it is frustrating. While consistent exercise is recommended, you will see the best changes in your waist by changing what you eat. You don’t have to make drastic cuts or changes. The small healthy changes you choose each day will add up and help you reach your fitness goals.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Mike Licht