Are you trying to lose weight but find it difficult to cut calories from your diet? The good news is there are many simple changes you can make to your daily routine that can add up to significant calorie savings over time.
Here are 30 easy ways to cut 250 calories a day:.
1. Swap Cream for Milk in Your Coffee
A grande latte from Starbucks has around 250 calories. By switching from cream to skim milk, you can save yourself those extra calories while still enjoying your morning coffee.
2. Use Smaller Plates
Studies show that using smaller plates can help you eat less without feeling deprived. By using a smaller plate, you can cut your portion size and reduce your calorie intake.
3. Don’t Add Sugar to Your Tea
Did you know that a teaspoon of sugar contains around 16 calories? By skipping the sugar in your tea, you can save as much as 64 calories a day.
4. Drink Water Instead of Soda
Soda is loaded with calories, and most varieties contain around 150 calories per can. By switching to water, you can save those calories and improve your overall health.
5. Eat More Protein
Protein is known for its ability to keep you feeling full for longer periods, which makes it a great option when you’re trying to cut calories.
By replacing some of your high-calorie snacks with protein-rich choices like chicken, eggs or greek yogurt, you can reduce your calorie intake without feeling hungry.
6. Cut Back on Oil
While it’s important to include healthy fats in your diet, using too much cooking oil can quickly add up in calories. Try using non-stick pans or spray oil instead to reduce your calorie intake.
7. Choose Leaner Cuts of Meat
Meat can be a great source of protein, but it can also be high in calories. Choosing leaner cuts of meat like chicken breast or sirloin steak can help to reduce your calorie intake.
8. Avoid Eating Late at Night
Studies show that eating late at night can be linked to increased calorie intake. Try to avoid eating after 8 pm to reduce your overall calorie consumption.
9. Pack Your Own Lunch
Eating out can be difficult when you’re trying to watch your calorie intake. By packing your own lunch, you can control what goes into your meal and avoid hidden calories.
10. Order Grilled or Broiled Instead of Fried
Many restaurants offer grilled or broiled options that are lower in calories than their fried counterparts. When eating out, opt for grilled or broiled dishes to cut back on calories.
11. Skip the Bread Basket
Many restaurants bring out bread baskets before your meal, which can be a sneaky way to add extra calories to your diet. To avoid temptation, ask your server to skip the bread or put it away before you start your meal.
12. Snack on Vegetables
Vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an excellent choice for snacks. Try snacking on carrots, celery or cucumbers to reduce your overall calorie intake.
13. Watch Your Salad Dressing
While salads can be a healthy choice, many commercial dressings are high in calories and fat. Try using a vinaigrette or making your own dressing from olive oil, vinegar, and spices to reduce your calorie intake.
14. Eat More Fiber
Foods that are high in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help you feel full for longer periods, which can lead to reduced calorie intake over time.
15. Don’t Eat in Front of the Television
Eating while watching TV can be a big contributor to overeating. Try to eat your meals without any distractions to help you focus on how much you’re eating.
16. Split Your Meals in Half
If you’re dining out and your meal is oversized, consider splitting it in half. This can help you to reduce your overall calorie intake and save money by having a second meal later.
17. Swap Your Snacks
Many popular snack foods are loaded with calories and sugar. Try swapping your high-calorie snacks for treats that are lower in calories, like fruit or nuts.
18. Cook at Home More Often
When you cook at home, you have more control over the ingredients and can choose healthier options. By cooking at home more often, you can reduce your calorie intake and improve your overall health.
19. Don’t Skip Breakfast
Skipping breakfast can lead to overeating later in the day. Try to eat a healthy breakfast that includes protein and fiber to help you stay full throughout the morning.
20. Choose Whole Grain Bread
When choosing bread, opt for whole grain varieties instead of white bread. Whole grain breads are higher in fiber and nutrients and will keep you feeling full longer.
21. Use a Food Scale
Using a food scale can help you to measure your portions and reduce your overall calorie intake. By measuring your food, you can ensure that you’re not overeating without realizing it.
22. Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating involves paying attention to your food, how it tastes, and how it makes you feel. This can help you to avoid overeating and reduce your overall calorie consumption.
23. Don’t Drink Your Calories
Many popular drinks, like soda or juice, are loaded with calories and sugar. Instead, opt for water or unsweetened tea to hydrate yourself throughout the day.
24. Use Smaller Utensils
Using smaller utensils can trick your brain into feeling like you’re eating more than you are. Try using smaller forks, spoons, and knives to reduce your overall calorie intake.
25. Eat More Soup
Studies show that eating soup can help you to feel full for longer periods and reduce your overall calorie intake. Try incorporating soup into your meals a few times a week for added health benefits.
26. Use a Non-Stick Pan
By using a non-stick pan, you can reduce the amount of oil needed to cook your food, which can reduce your calorie intake.
27. Opt for Low-Calorie Beverages
When choosing drinks, look for options that are low in calories and sugar. Many brands offer low-calorie alternatives to popular drinks, like diet soda or iced tea.
28. Go for a Walk
Adding more physical activity to your daily routine can help you to burn additional calories and improve your overall health.
29. Skip the Bacon
Bacon can be a popular addition to many breakfast dishes, but it’s also high in calories and fat. Try swapping it out for lower-calorie options, like spinach or mushrooms, for added health benefits.
30. Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods can be loaded with hidden calories and sugar. Try to eat whole foods as much as possible to reduce your overall calorie intake and improve your health.