4) Low-Fat Instead of Fat-Free
When you take the fat out of certain products, you’re not necessarily saving calories. In order to make a palatable replacement, many manufacturers will put in sugar or salt that will kick up the calorie count.
5) Breadsticks Instead of Dinner Rolls
I encourage [people to say] please don’t put the breadbasket on the table. But if you do have bread, be sure to ask for whole grain rolls or breadsticks. Restaurants want to please us. [Waiters are] not going to know if you don’t ask for it. The same thing for brown rice [instead of white] if you’re going for sushi or Chinese food.
6) Greek Yogurt Instead of American-Style
The Greek style of yogurt is strained longer than the American style. The residual yogurt is lower in carbs, higher in protein and is thicker and creamier. It’s great in dips. It’s also good to add to your smoothies.
7) Fresh Food Instead of Processed
The quality of the calories is just as important as the quantity. Processed food has empty calories, while fresh food has antioxidants, nutrients and fiber.
8) Organic Instead of Non-Organic
It's a no-brainer to say organic is better for you—why not avoid chemicals and prservatives if you can? But we can’t all afford to buy everything organic. So buy the best quality ingredients you can afford.
9) Water Instead of Soda and Other Sugary Drinks
I have contestants on the show who were meeting their calorie needs with beverages alone.
10) “Skinny” Coffee Drinks Instead of Frappuccinos
A fat-free, small latte contains a cup of milk and 20 or 30 percent of our daily calcium needs.
11) Squash Instead of Spaghetti
You can replace regular spaghetti with a spaghetti squash (cooked and prepared in a pasta-like, stringy style). You serve it with marina sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan.
By Amy Levin-Epstein for BettyConfidential
