Nutrition Hacks
- Swap out sour cream, oil, butter, mayonnaise, or cream cheese for non-fat, plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and calories in your favorite recipes. Using 1 cup of Greek yogurt in place of 1 cup of butter or oil could decrease the calorie content of your recipe by 1400 calories!
- Do you love peanut butter but cringe when you read the nutrition label and realize there are 100 calories per tablespoon? Try low-fat powdered peanut butter. It provides the peanut butter flavor and protein with only a fraction of the fat and calories.
- If you are trying to reduce your intake of added sugars try using half the sugar that your favorite recipe calls for and add a little vanilla, nutmeg or cinnamon.
- Fat-free evaporated milk is a great substitute for heavy cream in creamy soups and sauces.
- Moderate your carbohydrate intake by using spaghetti squash in place of pasta with your favorite pasta sauce.
- For you bacon lovers who are trying to reduce your intake of saturated fat, try Canadian bacon, turkey bacon, or prosciutto as a delicious alternative and save the bacon for special occasions.
- Try roasting your vegetables! This cooking method is so flavorful that you will want to go back for seconds of only veggies! I love roasting cauliflower, asparagus, sweet potatoes, carrots, and more.
- Don’t eat in front of the TV or computer. Eating should be a pleasurable experience – even if you are trying to lose weight. To get the maximum amount of satisfaction from your food, allow yourself to focus on eating without other distractions.
- Plan a menu. If you find yourself always overwhelmed at figuring out what to prepare for dinner (and instead opt to just grab take-out on your way home from work) try planning a menu. It may take a little time at the beginning of your week but you will save time in the long run as well as eat healthier. An added bonus – you’ll spend less on groceries than you do on eating out.
- Go for variety. Steamed broccoli at dinner and an apple at lunch every single day can get old. Try a variety of fruits and vegetables – even some you’ve never tried before. It’s not only healthier but it’s also more fun.