But how am I suppose to lose weight? I
don't want to feel hungry all the time, and healthy food is bland!
Dieting is sooo hard. Blah, blah, blah, I know. Boring diets can make weight loss seem impossible. But, if you feel that dieting is
difficult or that you are restricting yourself too much, you may be
relieved to know that there are ZERO calorie foods, beverages and
condiments you can add to your meals to help spice up your menu
without bursting your belt. Each of these items either have no
calories, or so few calories that your body burns more calories
digesting them than it gains from eating them. Choosing these items
can help you lose weight, since they can fill you up while helping keep
your calories low.
Food:
Lettuce
A cup of lettuce will only add a few
calories to your meal, but it's full of nutrients. It contains a
tiny amount of fat but loads of vitamin A and vitamin C. Beef up
a sandwich by adding lettuce or make a hefty salad. But remember that salad dressing
has lots of fat, so use it sparingly or choose a fat-free dressing.
Celery
A stalk of celery is only about 5
calories; you can burn more calories than that walking to the
refrigerator. Celery provides some carbs, potassium, fiber and
vitamin A. Munch on a fresh stalk in between meals to stay full
without the fat.
Cucumber
A half cup of cucumber is only 8
calories. Jump up and down 5 times...calories burned. They provide
iron, vitamin C and fiber but virtually no fat. Yay for your diet
and a full stomach! Add some to your salad or snack on some before
bed to ward of the mid-night munchies that can ruin your dieting
efforts.
Beverages:
Green Tea
Who needs soda for a beverage with
flavor when you can drink green tea. Green tea has zero calories
(unless you start adding sugar) and it can even help your body burn
more fat by boosting your metabolic rate. Green tea also contains
anti-oxidants, improves brain function, and reduces your chances of
getting diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.
Water With a Twist
Remember good, old-fashion water? Well
it called, it wants you to know it misses you. Not only does water
have zero calories, but it helps flush out toxins, keeps your skin
glowing, boosts your immune system and keeps you regular. Plain ol'
water too boring for you? Add a squirt of lemon. Still zero calories,
but with an extra twist of yum. Oh, and that extra lemon can boost
your energy while freshening your breath. Plus 2 for lemon water!
Why Should I Drink Water?
Why Should I Drink Water?
Condiments:
Mustard
Why douse your sandwich in
high-calorie, high-fat mayo when you can add more flavor with zero
calorie mustard? I know, good question. This zesty condiment is full
of flavor and can help you triumph over the monotony of your average,
boring sandwiches. Substitute mustard anytime you would use mayo for
more zip and less flab.
Relish
Relish is one of my all-time favorite
zero calorie foods because it can add flavor to a sandwich, burger,
tuna or salad without adding any fat or calories. But you have to use
dill relish NOT sweet relish, which has been contaminated with sugar.
Okay, contaminated is a strong word, but they did ruin its zero
calorie food title by trying to make it sweet.
Hot Sauce
Here's where it gets fun. I personally
LOVE spicy foods, and being able to kick up the thermostat on an
otherwise ordinary bean burrito (no fat beans, of course) without the
guilt of adding extra calories or fat, is awesome. Use some hot sauce
to spice up your eggs, a bowl of noodles or some lean chicken or
fish, and you'll stop thinking of diet as a four letter word in no
time. But it does come with a side of sodium, so balance this with
the sodium in the rest of your diet to avoid puffiness, bloating and
water retention, which can occur when you consume too much.
The Benefits of Juicing
Managing Stress and Weight Loss
Speed Up Metabolism and Regulate Blood Pressure
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