Effective ways to ditch Calories
effective ways to ditch the calories
Consciously of sub-consciously cut down on calories wherever you can. For example, instead of regular heavy breakfast like puri bhaji, pakoda, samosa have something light and low calorie like muesli with milk or poha with sprouts.
Instead of several cups of tea, coffee or sweetened drinks, have only one cup of any of these beverages in a day. However, it’s best if you can entirely switch over to green tea, coconut water, lime water and infused water as these also aid in easy digestion of high calorie snacks.
On any festival such as Baisakhi, prepare a nutritious version of your sweets and savory like baked vegetable samosa instead of fried one, low fat chivda instead of sev, farsan, chakzli, shakarpali etc. These wholesome snacks keep you feeling full for longer.
When out for a dinner, a good start always ensures a smooth landing. Choose your starters wisely. Go for Dahi Vada, Masala Khakra, chana chat, cereal chivda. Even if you overindulge(a little bit), these will not throw your calorie completely off balance like incase of fried snacks.
Consider using healthy alternatives if you are preparing the delicacies at home. Honey, jaggery, low-fat milk or yogurt are some better alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Dry fruits, figs, apricots and dark chocolate are a few other healthy options. Remember to use fewer, pistachios, peanuts and Vanaspati as they are high in calories.
ReShape your diet:
- Include fruits and vegetables that provide good anti oxidants, Include at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day in the form of fruit chat, soups, vegetables, smoothies, fruit shakes etc.
- Follow rainbow diet. Include different colors in the diet.
- Include chicken, eggs, fish, legumes, milk and milk products, almond, butter, peanut butter etc in your diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids such as water, green tea, whey water, coconut water, lemonades, juices, buttermilk, milkshake etc.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, keep the kitchen clean, wash work top properly to food preparations.
- Use foods well within their use by date and follow the cooking instructions carefully.
- Include more healthy foods-that are unrefined and are with a lower glycaemic index. As they contain more fibre and give us better energy levels e.g. whole grain cereals, oats, wheat flakes, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, barley, ragi etc.
- Strive to eat at least 1/3 of your calorie and protein needs at breakfast. Omega 3 fatty acid, minerals and vitamins enhance immunity.
- Reduce saturated fat intake-found in meat, full fat dairy products, margarines, cakes, biscuits.
- Prefer green tea instead of coffee or tea.
