A vegan diet is inherently healthy, based on low calorie fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, beans, and nuts, and healthy plant-based fats. However, consuming too many calories from any source can pack on the pounds, especially around the holidays. You know restrictive dieting is never a long-term solution to weight gain (otherwise, you’d still be at your goal weight from the last diet), so instead of turning your current diet upside down, simply shave 100 calories here and there to seamlessly lose the love handle that’s creeped up around your waist.
A vegan diet is inherently healthy, based on low calorie fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, beans, and nuts, and healthy plant-based fats. However, consuming too many calories from any source can pack on the pounds, especially around the holidays. You know restrictive dieting is never a long-term solution to weight gain (otherwise, you’d still be at your goal weight from the last diet), so instead of turning your current diet upside down, simply shave 100 calories here and there to seamlessly lose the love handle that’s creeped up around your waist.
8 Sneaky ways to cut 100 calories
1. Keep taste testing to minimum
Next time you’re making dinner, keep track of how many tastes of this and that go into your mouth. You may be surprised that you’re consuming 100 calories or more and not even realize that you’re essentially eating two meals (one as you’re cooking it and one when you serve it). Chew gum, suck on a hard candy, or sip ice water when you feel the urge to nibble while you’re prepping meals.
2. Eat your vegan breakfast
Saving 100 calories isn’t just about eating less. You can actually save 100-plus calories in your daily diet by simply eating breakfast. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast will not only rev your metabolism, it will also reduce your risk of overeating later in the day when you’re beyond famished.
>>Tasty vegan breakfast recipes
3. Lighten up your vegan bread intake
Unless your favorite part of a sandwich is actually the bread, opt for lower calorie whole grain breads or make your sandwiches open-faced. Additionally, don’t reach for the bread basket as soon as you sit down at the dinner table. Save your calories for the main course and sides, which will taste much more delicious compared to a wedge of bread.
4. Downsize your vegan dinner
Do you really need seconds at the dinner table? Before you reach for another roll or serving of the main course, sit with your meal, sipping water, and see if your need for more food subsides. Another alternative is to serve yourself a modest dinner and take the serving dishes off the table so you aren’t tempted to reach for seconds.
>>Delicious vegan dinner recipes
5. Snack yourself slimmer
Swap out dried fruit for fresh, replace part of your snack bag nut mix with pretzels, and opting for low-fat versions of your favorite snacks can shave 100 or more calories while still providing what you love best about snacks: tasty, nutritious, satisfying.
6. Dish your vegan dessert
Guilty of eating desserts out of the package or off the serving plate? While that may slightly minimize your dish cleaning, placing a single serving of your favorite vegan sweet treat on a plate or in a bowl will keep you from consuming two or more servings of those higher calorie, higher fat desserts.
>>Yummy vegan dessert recipes
7. Hydrate healthfully
Even if you’re avoiding soft drinks (many of which may be made with sugar processed with bone char), your beverage choices may be adding too many calories to your current diet. Water can certainly get boring, but if you swap out fruit juice, beer, and wine with plain or flavored sparkling water to quench your thirst, you’ll keep your tastebuds tantalized without the calories.
8. Savor every vegan bite
If you’re haplessly wolfing down your meals, you may be consuming 100 or more calories than if you slow down, mindfully chew each bite of food, and place your utensil down in between bites. You’ll also enjoy your meal more and stay fuller longer. Slowly eating gives your stomach enough time to signal to your brain that you are full — this usually takes about 20 minutes.
More vegan lifestyle tips for a healthy you!
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