Proper dieting is a simply a matter of substituting low nutrition, high calorie foods with better choices. Experts at the Association for Lifestyle Reform.recommend that you eat more whole grains, turkey and fresh fruits and vegetables. The ALR also suggest that when cooking you use olive oil rather than shortening and saute or grill your food instead of frying it. Here are a few more tips to help you improve your health and slim your waistline.
You don’t have to crunch on celery sticks all day to get more vegetables in your diet. Try incorporating them into foods you eat anyway. Add things like spinach, zucchini, peppers and onions to pasta sauces or pile them on a whole wheat pizza base.
Yogurt is marketed as a health food, but most commercial fruit flavoured yogurts are loaded with added sugar. It’s easy to make a fresher yogurt with fewer calories. Puree your favorite fruit, add to plain low fat yogurt and sweeten with granulated sugar substitute.
If you’re tempted to reach for a bag of potato or corn chips, pour yourself a handful of peanuts instead. They contain more protein than other nuts and little saturated fat. They will satisfy your craving for something crunchy and may even help lower your cholesterol.
You don’t need a special machine to make nutritious homemade soup. Chop, steam and puree your favorite fresh vegetables. Put them in a pan over low heat with a little water. Add some stock powder and your choice of fresh or dried herbs. If you want a soup with a creamy texture, thicken it with a roux made of flour and olive oil. You can add chopped turkey or chicken to make it a meal.
Chocolate has known health benefits. The antioxidants it contains may help prevent heart disease. Unfortunately most popular brands of chocolate bars are full of added fat and sugar. For a guilt-free chocolate fix, buy dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa.
For additional information or queries about the Association for Lifestyle Reform please see the team at www.alrassociation.org
