October 2020
Jacqui Lewis - BHSc Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine
Baby Steps = Huge Difference
BABY STEPS changes that make a huge
difference over time.
Not everyone has the willpower for huge, sweeping lifestyle
changes. But the good news is that when it comes to diets, the
most successful regimens
often require only small changes to see big results.
And it’s often those who make these small alterations to their
everyday routine that see more lasting results.
Give these little diet
changes a try and
watch your waistline
shrink as your overall
health increases.
1. Take The Stairs
Every day when you go to work, you’re probably faced
with the decision:
Stairs or lift?
Well, the answer should be simple -
always opt for the stairs.
This small change can burn up to 9 calories a
minute. But that’s not all you can do.
In general, you should try to walk more often every
day.
Try getting off the bus or subway a stop early and
walk the rest of the home.
Are you meeting a friend for lunch nearby?
Walk instead of driving.
2. Choose Lean Meats
Just because you’re trying to stay healthy and
shedding excess weight doesn’t mean you
have to cut meats from your diet.
All you need to do is go for lean cuts - such as
sirloin, flank or round steak - instead of fattier cuts
such as ribeye.
This can cut a lot of calories - up to 91 calories
per 100g serving, to be exact - not to mention
unnecessary saturated fat as well.
Ask your butcher about the leanest cuts of
meat so you know what you are eating.
3. Choose Your Carbs Carefully
Not all carbs deserve the bad reputation they get.
Complex carbs and carbs found in
foods rich in fibre - such as whole grain
breads and pastas - are great for fuelling your body
and giving you the energy to get through the day.
However, carbs that are overly starchy, such as
potatoes, and empty calories - such as those
found in lollies and soft drinks, white bread and
biscuits - should only be consumed in moderate
amounts (if at all).
4. Don't Eat From The Bag
It's important you still allow your favourite snack
food like chocolate or crisps from time to time.
But be careful: This can cost you a load of
calories.
Instead of eating straight from the
pack, measure out the serving you’re aiming for,
and then put the bag back in the cabinet and out of
reach, since this will help curb your desire for
more.
If you know you can’t stop at a
suitable portion – don’t keep trigger
foods in the house at all.
It’s a bit like an alcoholic going to a bar thinking
they won’t have a drink – don’t put temptation in
the way of your good intentions.
5. Start with Soup or Salad
Eating a water- or broth-based soup or a
fibre-filled salad before your meal helps fill
you up.
Just don’t choose a creamy soup
like clam chowder, which adds on a ton more
calories, and opt for a low-fat salad dressing or
just plain balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
6. Bring on the Produce
Not only are most fruits and veggies low in
calories and high in nutrients, but they can also
encourage you to eat smaller amounts of other
not-so- healthy foods.
Try packing your plate full of different
coloured fruits and vegetables, and you
won’t have as much room for other items that are
higher in calories, fat and bad carbs. Plus, you’ll be less likely to go for
seconds.
Jacqui Lewis
BHSc Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine
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