3 Simple Food Swaps That Will Make Losing Weight So Much Easier

When you first decide that you want to start working toward healthy weight loss, the first thing to evaluate is your diet. It may seem daunting to completely change your eating habits, and for some this is reason enough not to try it at all. However, weight loss is achieved by making a series of small changes in your habits, and making intentional changes from less nutritionally dense foods to their healthier counterparts can make a difference in your body in the long run.

Not sure what changes you can make to slowly improve your diet? We spoke with a registered dietitian tiana glover who provided you with the top three trade-offs to help you create a healthier you.

Shutterstock

Swap white bread for whole wheat

Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are not actually an unhealthy food group to include in your diet. In fact, carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy that your body uses throughout the day, so choosing carbohydrates with a higher amount of nutrients can help improve your well-being and allow you to work towards your weight loss goals. . “Whole wheat bread is higher in fiber than white bread, so it can help keep you full longer and help you lose weight,” explains Glover. “Make sure whole wheat is the first ingredient to make sure the bread you get is really whole wheat and not just a little bit of whole wheat.”

Shutterstock

Swap plain yogurt for Greek yogurt

Yogurt is a great form of protein, but many options are packed with sugar and therefore create an influx of unnecessary calories that can lead to weight gain when consumed in excess. “Greek yogurt is higher in protein and generally lower in sugar compared to regular yogurt,” notes Glover. “Protein is very important during weight loss because it helps you maintain your muscle mass, so you primarily lose fat rather than muscle.” Making this swap and topping your yogurt with a handful of berries can create a great naturally sugary meal to help you hit your goals while also squashing hunger.

Shutterstock

Swap fried chicken for grilled chicken

Chicken is another type of lean protein that can help promote healthy weight loss, but if you’re frying the meat, you may be inadvertently diminishing the nutritional value of your meal. “If you’re used to eating fried chicken or chicken tenders instead of grilled chicken, making this swap can greatly reduce the number of calories in your meal,” suggests Glover. Fried chicken certainly has a place in any diet, even when you’re working to lose weight, but making sure you eat it in moderation and consume mostly grilled chicken will ultimately be your best bet for improving your diet and fueling your body.