5 Ways To Avoid Unnecessary Calories
When it comes to shedding those extra kilos, there is one math equation you simply can’t avoid or outrun. While maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercising matters, calorie counting is key. No matter how healthy your diet may be or how many miles you run, calorie input cannot exceed the number of calories your body burns throughout the day. Here we share 5 ways to avoid unnecessary calories.
Don’t overindulge at breakfast: We know that commercial cereals, muffins, and white bread are packed full of sugar and swapping them for more nutrient rich options is recommended. However, that smashed avocado on rye breakfast and smoothie could be sending your calorie count into overdrive. An average serve of smashed avocado and feta contains around 350 calories. Add two poached eggs to the mix and that takes your count to 500 calories.
An average full cream latte contains around 240 calories, and your favourite berry smoothie can contain anywhere between 240 – 600 calories. While all healthy options, overindulging will wipe out that morning run and some. Opt for hard boiled eggs, which contain a low 60 calories each and steamed greens such as spinach while you are working hard to drop some weight and hold the smoothies until you reach your ideal weight.
Pack your own lunch: While that tuna wrap at the local deli seems like a healthy lunch option, takeaway and deli wraps are often packed full of unnecessary calories. After all, taste comes first and your waistline second. A tablespoon of mayonnaise contains around 90 calories, and that extra piece of cheese contains on average an extra 110 calories. Pack your own sandwich and control the calorie count. Swap your mayonnaise for a thin layer of avocado and opt for no cheese if weight loss is at the top of the agenda.
Hold the latte: While many of us opt for a large latte to keep hunger at bay throughout the day, an average medium size latte from your local coffee shop can contain as many as 300 calories. Add flavored syrup to the mix and that will take it up to 500 calories. For a female, that is a third of the daily recommended fat intake. Opt for a small ¾ latte instead or even better a long black with no milk or sugar.If you are really committed to the cause, quit coffee for a while and sip on herbal tea instead.
Watch your salads: Don’t assume that the SALAD title will keep your calorie count down. In fact, some options such as Caesar salads contain as many as 800 calories and up to 50g of fat. Avoid calorie-laden dressing and all those added extras you can do without such as bacon and cheese. If you are opting for a salad ensure that you actually make one yourself, packed with veggies and greens, avoiding calorie-dense sides.
Snack right: If you have swapped your afternoon biscuit for a handful of healthy nuts, then you are on the right track. However if that handful turns into several handfuls, then you may as well opt for a chocolate bar. While nuts are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and good fats, they are energy dense foods. An almond, as an example, contains 7 calories. That’s around 600 calories for a 100g serve. The same goes for dried fruits with most containing around 300 calories per 100grams. If a handful of nuts don’t satisfy your cravings then opt for a low-calorie fruit such as an apple or a couple of strawberries.
