Step 1 – Avoid soda. Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew… the list goes on and on. Americans in particular are addicted to soda, and are paying the price of addiction with the dramatic rise in obesity and diabetes
, not only in adults, but children as well.
There is NO nutritional value in soda, and lots of reasons NOT to drink it. Choosing to remove soda from your daily routine can save you thousands of calories at the end of a month. To wean yourself off of the soda addiction, try replacing it with a flavored seltzer water, or a cranberry and club soda mix.
Step 2 – Avoid fried foods. French fries, potato chips — and lets not leave out the “exotic” deep fried Oreos, pickles, and Snickers that seem to make their way into every state or county fair. I’ll be the first to admit that there is nothing better than Southern fried chicken or curly fries from Jack In The Box, but the damage far outweighs the pleasure, even for a “foodie” like me. Stick with items that are baked or grilled. If you’re not a fan of some of the baked chip alternatives, just avoid them all together. Replacing chips at lunchtime with celery and carrot sticks still gives you the “munch factor” but without all those unnecessary calories. Grilling or baking chicken (without the skin) is not only a flavorful alternative to fried, but will also save you hundreds of empty calories.
Step 3 – Limit alcohol. Yes, a cold tall beer is a nice reward after a hard day, and a glass of wine with your favorite meal a couple times a week, isn’t out of the question… unless of course, you’re drinking out of a beer or wine glass that doubles as a fishbowl! Keep in mind, the average 12oz. beer has 150 calories (ales are in the 220-300 range) and the average white wine has 120 (dessert wines like Rieslings can easily be 250 calories and up). Hard liquor (Scotch, Bourbon, Vodka, Rum) is 100 calories for an 80-proof 1.5 oz shot. Adds up quickly doesn’t it?
Step 4 – Read the label. Most people are aware that jelly beans are pure sugar, and empty calories. But what about fruit juices, flavored waters, and energy drinks? The ingredient that spells trouble and empty calories on any label is high fructose corn syrup. Definitely the ingredient you want to avoid. Try blueberries, cherries, or grapes as an alternative for a sweet tooth craving.
Source: www.ehow.com
