Eat This Not That Diet

Dieting is difficult, especially if you love to eat as much as I do. Often, when we think of dieting, we think we need to give up everything we love to eat, but that's not entirely true. When we completely give up all the things we love in order to shed a few pounds, we get bored or we let temptation get the best of us and indulge...in the worst way! Instead of cutting things off, make modifications.

For example, if you love tacos you can make a lot of modifications to make this meal healthy:

• Instead of tortilla shells, use lettuce wraps or, I found these Smart & Delicious™ Low Carb, High Fiber Tortillas that only have 80 calories per wrap (http://bit.ly/107bLpw) as opposed to the 180 calories per of the white corn tortilla shells most often used
• Eliminate cheese from your taco, or use non-fat options
• Instead of beef use ground pork, use a lean meat or protein like chicken, turkey, fish, or shrimp...the possibilities are endless
• If you love sour cream and can't have a taco without it then use non-fat
• Don't use guacamole, cut up fresh avocado instead (the most nutritious fruit!)
• Use lots of veggies for important vitamins and minerals  - tomato, romaine lettuce, onions, mushrooms, etc.

And always be sure to use only the recommended serving size. Many times this is where we pack on extra calories. If the serving size is 2 tbsp, then pull out the measuring spoons. Don't eyeball or guess it because before you know it, you'll be eating 6 tbsp! I just ate two turkey tacos that come in under 450 calories and I'm full, so it can be done!

Now compare this to going to Moe's or Chipotle for a taco or burrito which can have over 1,000 calories depending on what you put in it!! I read this in the 2013 edition of Eat This Not That by David Zinczenko and have never gone back to Moe's or Chipotle since... By the way, this book is a great read for dieters. It covers food options for the supermarket, restaurants, home cooking and even food for your kids. I highly recommend this.

Another word of advice I'd like to share is if you're just starting a new diet, slowly cut back your food intake so your body (and tummy!) can get adjusted. The worst feeling is starvation! But you can train your stomach to get fuller faster if you slowly make your portions smaller and smaller.  

As always, be sure to check out my Facebook.com/FitFadFan and Twitter @FitFadFan for daily tips and motivation!!