5 Simple Ways to Cut Calories without Feeling Hungry

Cutting calories is the first step to weight loss. Whether you want to lose five or 50 pounds, you need to create a calorie deficit. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to eat less or feel hungry all the time. The key is to choose low-calorie, high-volume foods that promote fullness and curb hunger pangs. For example, leafy greens have less than 50 calories per cup, so you can fill your plate without feeling guilty. A medium bag of chips, on the other hand, boasts over 400 calories and leaves you hungry.

Need help? Check out these five simple ways to cut calories without even realizing it:

Switch to Low-Fat Dairy

Use skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cottage cheese instead of full fat varieties. This simple change can help you save hundreds of calories a day. You can even replace your coffee creamer with fat free milk.

Stop Drinking Calories

Soda, fruit juices, bottled smoothies, alcohol, and sports drinks are high in sugar and artificial ingredients. To stay fit, stick to water and unsweetened teas. If you hit the gym regularly, sip on protein shakes before and after training.

Keep Dressings on the Side

Just because you’re a diet, it doesn’t mean you can’t eat out. Just make sure you ask the waiter to bring the dressing on the side. Add one teaspoon for flavor, or skip it altogether.

Eat Smart

Some foods boast natural appetite suppressing effects, filling you up quickly. Others are rich in fiber and protein, which helps curbs hunger. Load up on leafy green vegetables, zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkin, oat bran, fish, chicken breast, and eggs. Nuts and seeds are a good choice too as long as you keep portions small.

Use Diet-Friendly Cookware

Modern kitchen appliances and cookware, such as the Airfryer, non-stick pans, and pressure cookers, allow you to prepare savory, healthy meals with little or no fat. This means you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods without having to worry about weight gain.