Slimmer, smarter ways to make your meals weight-loss-friendly
Are you trying to lose weight but love food too much? These practical and straightforward food swaps will help you cut calories, eat healthier, and enjoy your favourite meals.
Quick Read:
- Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself and take care of your mental health too.
- Focus on small, positive healthy habits each day that will make your weight loss sustainable in the long run.
- Don’t forget to drink plenty of water! We often mistake thirst for hunger which can increase weight gain.
Outsmarting the cravings to boost weight loss
Remember when your mother used tricks to get you to eat your vegetables? Now it’s your turn – but this time, it’s about being smarter than your cravings to stay on track with your weight loss goals. Here are easy, practical ways to enjoy your favourite meals while keeping them waistline-friendly.
Better health with baking
Craving fries? You can indulge, just without all the extra oil. Slice up potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and bake with just a drizzle of oil. With this method, you can satisfy that crispy craving, minus the extra calories. Baking instead of deep-frying cuts unnecessary fat, helping you control your calorie intake.
Your goal should be to eat better, not (necessarily) less!
More vegetables to feel fuller for longer
Soups, stews, and casseroles are perfect for sneaking in more vegetables. The best part? They keep you fuller for longer with fewer calories. Keep frozen vegetables on hand to add them to meals.
Smarter carbs that help weight loss
Love sandwiches? If you’re watching your weight, choose wholegrain bread over white bread. Or, swap your bun for lettuce wraps. For burgers, get rid of the top bun to cut unnecessary carbs. Wholegrains also help with digestion while reducing empty calories.
Get creative with sauces
For a quick and seamless health hack, swap mayonnaise for Greek yoghurt. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and a tasty source of calcium. Use it in dips, dressings, and even mashed potatoes for a creamy texture without the guilt!
Protein mixes and matches
Protein keeps you full and fuels your weight loss journey. Combine two simple foods to make a complete protein:
- Peanut butter on wholewheat toast (wholegrain + nuts).
- Lentil salad with almonds (legumes + nuts/seeds).
When the food is ready, the stomach is ready too. – Nigerian Proverb
Trick your plate
Struggling to get that salad down? Your eyes see a full bowl of lettuce. Why not try wilted spinach or kale rather? (Filled with great vitamins, by the way). When these are heated for a few minutes, they wilt down and look far less substantial and overwhelming than a big bowl of fresh greens. But they still pack lots of nutrition.
Make fancy food
Whatever your sandwich filling of choice – throw in a vegetable or fruit surprise! Cheese, lettuce and tomato, peanut butter with apple slices, or chicken with broccoli. It’s all about being creative with the food you want and the foods you know you should eat for a healthy life.
Images: Pexels
