Simple switches

There is something I learned over the years and I have always tried to incorporate into my life. It's that the simplest switches can make the world of difference. This thought came into my mind today after realizing that in order to loose weight, I am not only going to need to exercise more, but I need to also make some changes in my diet (for those of you who didn't know, I am also Look Girl in the Kitchen and I love to cook and eat!). One of the biggest challenges to eating healthier is finding substitutions for existing foods in your diet. Here are some tips to make the transition easier, and some that I am going to try to stick to:

• Use mustard instead of mayo on your sandwiches. You’ll get lots of flavor with much fewer calories and fat. Try a dijon or deli style for even more punch.
  
  
• Select whole wheat bread over white bread. But be sure to read the label to ensure you’re getting whole grains, not just colored white bread.
  
  
• Eat the white meat of turkey or chicken, which is lower in fat than dark meat, red meat and pork. Animal fat is the number one dietary source of unhealthy saturated fat.
  
  
• Start using lean ground beef or turkey breast, pork tenderloin or fish instead of high-fat cuts of meat.
  
  
• Change your cooking methods. Bake, grill or broil your meals instead of frying. Use non-stick sprays—or better yet, non-stick pans—instead of oil.
  
  

• Don't drink your calories. Eat a whole orange instead of drinking a glass of juice, for example. Real food is usually more filling and more nutritious than juices, fruit drinks, and other high-calorie beverages.
  
  
• Serve sauces and dressings on the side. Dip your fork into the sauce, then dip your fork into the food. You’ll still have the flavor but with fewer calories.
  
  
• Order vegetables on the side instead of fries. Flavor them with lemon juice or herbs instead of butter.
  
  
• Snack on fruit and nuts instead of sugary treats. The fiber, protein and healthy fats in this combo will sustain you to your next meal and you won’t have the energy slump that comes after eating candy.
  
  
• Reduce your portion size. Most people will eat whatever amount of food is in front of them, so start putting your meals on smaller plates. You will be just as satisfied because your mind "sees" that you’re eating a full plate of food.