A high-energy-dense cheeseburger with bacon
= 600 calories
= soup, sandwich, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Just because you're consuming less calories, doesn't mean you have to eat less - it's important to check the calorie value of the food before purchasing it, especially when you're eating out!
When I found out that the food that I've been regularly eating at school was high in calories, I simply looked for an alternative. Here are some examples:
Before:
- Small Poutine (~700 calories)
- Small Pastries (~200 calories each)
- Tall Calories in Strawberries & Creme Frappuccino (420 calories)
- Hot dog (~300 calories)
Now:
- Salad [be creative: fruit salad/pasta salad, etc - avoid potato salad though!!] + low-calorie salad dressing [ex. vinaigrette] (~100 calories)
- Pasta [avoiding creamy sauces - ex. olive oil & touch of butter] (150 to 200 calories)
- Tall green tea with non-fat milk + tablespoon of sugar (50 calories)
Since my daily calorie limit is ~1,100 calories, every 100 calorie makes a huge difference. Even adding a simple egg to a meal would be an extra 100 calories - memorize the rough calorie estimates of the food you regularly eat and avoid/replace them accordingy (don't overestimate yourself though, replace them with foods that you can commit to for a long time! I tried snacking on just celery, carrots, etc... didn't last after the first few bites) ^.^;;
I know that this is a bad influence, but... I must admit that I have not 'exercised' at all during my calorie diet (unless walking around the campus counts...)- hopefully it will motivate similar *cough*lazy bums*cough* out there like myself... (I still encourage exercise! /hides)
= 600 calories
= soup, sandwich, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Just because you're consuming less calories, doesn't mean you have to eat less - it's important to check the calorie value of the food before purchasing it, especially when you're eating out!
When I found out that the food that I've been regularly eating at school was high in calories, I simply looked for an alternative. Here are some examples:
Before:
- Small Poutine (~700 calories)
- Small Pastries (~200 calories each)
- Tall Calories in Strawberries & Creme Frappuccino (420 calories)
- Hot dog (~300 calories)
Now:
- Salad [be creative: fruit salad/pasta salad, etc - avoid potato salad though!!] + low-calorie salad dressing [ex. vinaigrette] (~100 calories)
- Pasta [avoiding creamy sauces - ex. olive oil & touch of butter] (150 to 200 calories)
- Tall green tea with non-fat milk + tablespoon of sugar (50 calories)
Since my daily calorie limit is ~1,100 calories, every 100 calorie makes a huge difference. Even adding a simple egg to a meal would be an extra 100 calories - memorize the rough calorie estimates of the food you regularly eat and avoid/replace them accordingy (don't overestimate yourself though, replace them with foods that you can commit to for a long time! I tried snacking on just celery, carrots, etc... didn't last after the first few bites) ^.^;;
I know that this is a bad influence, but... I must admit that I have not 'exercised' at all during my calorie diet (unless walking around the campus counts...)- hopefully it will motivate similar *cough*lazy bums*cough* out there like myself... (I still encourage exercise! /hides)