If you’re like many people, you wish you could lose some weight, but you can’t get used to the fact that you’re going to have to change the way you eat. Congratulations, you’re normal. Voluntarily giving up the fatty foods that were once a staple of your diet is a major decision that most people are not willing or able to make. One thing you may not realize is that you don’t have to sacrifice good taste to the god of weight loss.
- Oatmeal is a wonderful breakfast food. It is high in fiber, low in calories and very nutritious. You can put a variety of flavorings on oatmeal, from butter to honey, as long as it is in moderation. Overdoing it with anything will be bad for you.
- Lettuce and other leafy greens are a wonderful source of fiber and other essential nutrients. Stay away from iceberg lettuce, though, because it has almost no nutritional value. Green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce and romaine lettuce are good options, as are spinach, kale and Swiss chard for iron sources.
- You don’t have to give up many of your favorite foods if you cook them with olive oil or natural nut oils and reduce portion sizes. Using unsaturated fats can help reduce cravings for other fatty foods, as well as add a different flavor to an already favorite dish.
- Fish provides Omega-3 essential fatty acids. These acids promote superior brain development and mood stabilization.
- Beans provide lots of fiber, protein and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Many vegetarians use beans as a meat substitute. You can also mix beans and lean beef to make a heart-healthy, fat-conscious taco or burrito filling.
By mixing these healthy foods with moderate amounts of your favorites, you’ll get a nice, healthy diet that produces results. You can also take it a step further and use natural flavors and spices to add flavor to your food instead of pre-packaged seasonings.
Take a look at your favorite taco seasoning, for example, and read the ingredient list. Most of what is unpronounceable or doesn’t grow on its own is mainly there as a preservative. If you only use the spices that are there, you can make it better and healthier. The extra effort can even make cooking enjoyable as you create and refine recipes.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used or interpreted as such. You should always consult a doctor before making drastic changes to your diet.
