Dieting doesn’t have to mean obsessing over the nutrition labels. Here are simple ways to reduce your caloric intake (by barely even trying!).
Know when to stop. Even just leaving a few bites on your plate after each meal can make a difference when you think about your weekly calorie count. So if you’re no longer hungry, leave whatever’s on your plate…on your plate.
Use smaller tableware. You’re more likely to fill up a large dish or bowl if you have the space, so this is a great way to keep your portions under control. (And you won’t mentally feel like you’re eating half a meal!)
Sub-in healthier options. Replace regular cheese with low-fat cheddar, swap eggs for egg whites and switch from one- or two-percent milk to skim. Another easy way to cut calories: Use non-stick cooking spray instead of butter when whipping up some healthy stir-fry or other stovetop dishes.
Expert: Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN, author of
Nutrition At Your Fingertips (Alpha, 2009) and
Feed Your Family Right! (Wiley, 2007).
-- The Nest Editors
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