Cut Calories All Year Long

(NAPSI)-A common misconception may be keeping many Americans from losing the weight they want: People often think they have to make substantial changes to their diets to cut calories. However, the expert editors at Shape and Men’s Fitness magazines say it only takes a few small changes in one’s daily routines to live a low-cal lifestyle.

More good news is that it may be easier than you think to make healthy changes to your diet without sacrificing your favorite foods and drinks. For instance, try these calorie-cutting tips:

• Substitute steamed veggies for heavy sides like mashed potatoes or creamed spinach.

• Choose brown rice instead of white.

• When eating out, simply ask your server to hold the cheese on your sandwich to save up to 130 calories.

• Forgoing the bun on a burger will save even more.

• At the office, reduce your calorie load by making your own snacks instead of hitting vending machines or office candy jars. You can create your own trail mix out of a handful of peanuts, almonds, walnuts and raisins and you instantly have a filling, low-cal snack that’s packed with protein and fiber. Or try a cup of blueberries for a tasty snack packed with antioxidants and a mere 56 calories.

• Happy hour can be another major calorie-consuming culprit. When grabbing drinks with friends, opt for a lower-calorie beer such as MGD 64, which, as its name suggests, has just 64 calories. Unlike other beers and cocktails that are loaded with calories, it lets you enjoy your time out while saving the extra 250 calories you would have downed from, say, a daiquiri.

By making small changes to your diet, you can successfully cut calories all year long without really giving up things you love.

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