If you’re tying to lose some pounds, then you definitely should make some small changes in your diet. Those small changes will make a big difference.
“Making small changes is more doable because you don’t feel as deprived. Feelings of deprivation can derail even someone with the best weight loss intentions. In the long run, small changes will lead up to big results,” says Keri Gans, R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet.
What’s the first step to get results? Switch from processed foods to whole foods.
Here are the 10 food swaps you should do if you want to lose weight:
1. Swap 3 pancakes with butter and syrup for 2 pancakes with 2 poached eggs
This combination will save you empty calories and give you added proteins.
2. Swap eggs Benedict for 3-egg cheese omelet with ham, veggies and some cheese
The omelet contains less calories and you’ll load up on proteins and fibers from the veggies.
3. Swap white bagel with cream cheese for one whole grain English muffin with 1-2 thumb size portion of nut butter
The muffins contain less calories and the nut butter will give you a boost of protein.
4. Swap blueberry muffin for one cup oatmeal with a handful of blueberries
This way you’ll dramatically reduce your calorie intake. The fibers in the oats will fill you up and you’ll feel fuller for longer.
5. Swap a turkey sandwich with mayo for a turkey sandwich with hummus or mustard
Only 2 tbsp of mayo will give you extra 200 calories. Swapping it for hummus will save you 60 calories.
6. Swap potato chips for roasted chickpeas
Potato chips has no nutritional benefit. On the other hand, roasted chickpeas are extremely delicious and packed with proteins and fibers.
7. Swap flavored fruit yogurt for Greek yogurt topped with as much fruit as you want
Flavored yogurt might taste good but it doesn’t contain any fruits and it’s packed with sugars. Greek yogurt topped with fruits will give you 20 grams of proteins, fibers and will satisfy your hunger.
8. Swap fried chicken with mashed potatoes for 1-2 palm size portions of grilled chicken with 1-2 handful of baked potatoes
Switching from fried to grilled chicken saves 60 plus calories per 4 oz of chicken.
9. Swap a whole plate of pasta for half a plate of pasta with veggies
Don’t have to ditch your pasta just make a healthier version of it. Cut the portion in half and add plenty of veggies.
10. Swap a cocktail for a light beer
Choosing a light beer may be the way to go over some of the sugary drinks. If you choose a light beer over an 8 oz margarita, you will save over 400 calories.