One of the more difficult tasks when you're trying to get healthy is figuring out how many calories basic foods are. What's a "medium-size" carrot? How many serving sizes per package? A friend of mine was confused by an Internet site that listed scrambled eggs at much more calories than was reasonable. And what if you make changes to that coffee drink from "regular" to "lite"?
Let's do the math. It's not that hard...thank goodness, it's not geometry.
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First of all, if you're using the Internet for your calorie estimates, remember two things: they are estimates, and check more than one site. Also, preparation style makes a difference. "Scrambled" eggs in the microwave don't require added fat, but usual pan-scrambled eggs have added oil and milk, which add calories.
Check on portions. 70 calories a serving doesn't seem like much, but if there are five servings in a package, that is 350 calories for the whole thing.
Low-calorie substitutes can be an option to help you cut calories, but they don't mean you can eat unlimited amounts of the substitute. Also, some low-calorie substitutes include sugar alcohols, which can upset your digestive system. Have small amounts at first until you figure out what your tolerance is.
Check out volumetrics if you're feeling too hungry on your reduced-calorie diet. Eating more basic, natural, high-fiber foods like soups and vegetables will give you good energy and will help you feel fuller. Also consider cutting out most of your calories from drinks. I gave up all regular calorie-containing drinks other than my morning coffee so I could get more of my calories from food, helping me feel less deprived.
Don't cut too much, either! Most reputable diet plans I'm aware of recommend you go no lower than 1200 calories/day for women and 1500/day for men. If you're doing less without a doctor's recommendation and feeling intolerably hungry, try increasing to at least those levels. I lost my weight by going to an average of 1500 per day, mostly from foods.
So, how are you doing? Did you decide to try our One Pound, One Week challenge? How'd it go? Is the scale being evil and stubborn? Maybe we can help.
140 on the scale for me today. Bad week overall; recurrence of my bursitis has made me skip most of my walking since Sunday, and I had to take ibuprofen again today for the pain. But the sun is out, our roleplaying game is ramping up, and the weather is fine. I think Spring might finally arrive, which is always good news.
A Lady at the Library 3 by Windthin on deviantART
A certain bird has also decided to be a Bad Bird today, not only trying to follow Luna round and being chased off, but trying to chase me away from her. Maui is this close from getting jailed.
Maui Behind Bars 2 by Windthin on deviantART
Hope all is well with you and you're moving and grooving the day away!