7 ways to cut 500 calories a day for weight loss

Health freaks, take note!

Losing weight is hard. Maintaining that weight loss is even harder. The science why one person can lose easily and another cannot is complex and individualised. Sometimes, even when you're eating healthy foods, the amount consumed is not even close to the amount of calories you burn. A pound is 3,500 calories, so many people respond well by trimming 500 calories each day to reach that end goal.

Compiled from Today magazine, here’s how to incorporate this strategy into your diet in a way that does not sacrifice nutrients, taste or hunger.

Go back to basics with coffee

PHOTO:FILE

Coffee has many health benefits, but they diminish when we add extra calories — often coming from sugar and oils in creamers. Additionally, calories add up if you’re drinking a lot of coffee during the day. Researchers who published a 2017 study in Public Health found added calories from creamers and sugar in coffee could easily amount to weight gain over time. One tablespoon of non-dairy creamer has about 35 calories.

That doesn’t sound like a lot, but most people consume more than one tablespoon and ingest closer to 70 calories per cup of coffee. Black coffee is your best bet. You’ll still reap the benefits of the beverage while avoiding added calories.



Don’t give healthy fats a free pass

Substituting healthy fats in your diet for refined carbs is a great way to jump start weight loss. However, many people who are trying to lose weight take their intake of healthy fats too far. They end up snacking on nuts all day and add coconut oil into every dish. Instead, for individuals trying to lose weight, portion out servings of nuts and oils, or purchase pre-portioned amounts of nuts, hummus, peanut butter, cheese and guacamole. Studies, including one published in the Food Quality and Preference journal, show these “just a bite” options satisfy more with less.

De-grain your grain dishes

Instead of pasta use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash with tomato sauce. Instead of traditional rice try cauliflower rice. Trying these alternatives can significantly lower your daily calorie intake while providing disease fighting phytonutrients.

Cook more, order in less

If you must eat out and you’re trying to drop pounds, consider eating no more than one meal a week at a fast-food restaurant and ordering ahead of time as opposed to making an “on-the-spot” decision. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Marketing Research showed takeout orders placed an hour or more in advance tended to have a lower calorie count.

Be smarter in the morning

Consider swapping your calorie dense pastry, sugary cereal or supersised breakfast sandwich for a few hard boiled eggs or a protein shake in the morning. A study in the journal Obesity found having protein at breakfast prevented hunger, cravings and overeating later in the day.

Give up drinking your calories for six weeks

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Your drinks may be sinking your weight-loss efforts. Many people finally drop pounds after making one change: ditching soft drinks. Make this move for six weeks and you may find your clothes are fitting better.

Green up your sides

Think less potatoes and chips (starchy and white) for side dishes. Opt for non-starchy, leafy vegetables or fruits instead. Another option is to ditch your sandwich bun for collard greens or Swiss chard. You’ll save calories and add nutrients.

PHOTO:FILE

Eating fewer calories has benefits beyond weight loss as well. A recent study published by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology found when calories were restricted, the cells of our body actually slowed down the aging process. That means you’ll live longer and with less risk of disease. Perhaps this is the greatest motivator of all.

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