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Weight Loss - Types of Food

Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites

Diet Article: How your menus are prepared matters where your weight is involved.


Where you dine truly counts where dietary fat grams and calories are involved.

Try to choose the most accurate response below to this question:

"My meals generally tend to be prepared in this nature:"

a. My meals are generally home-cooked.

This method of meal preparation is so versatile and allows you the most control where your weight loss plan is concerned.

- You can check the nutrition food labels for the best values that will fit into your diet.

- You can monitor the recipe ingredients that make up the meal. You don't have to batter, dunk and fry your foods in more fat. You can pan-roast, grill, bake, boil or broil them to lock-in flavors for the most minimal of calories. While fried okra tastes delicious, you can fit in five or more vegetables that have been oven-roasted or boiled in place of that fried okra.

One serving of fried okra contains about 400 calories and a plethora of fat grams. For that amount you can enjoy one serving of the following vegetables prepared as directed above - or in their healthy natural, raw state: carrots, green beans, beets, broccoli, radish, mushrooms, lettuce, celery, cucumber - even one cup of all of these vegetables in their raw, boiled or oven-roasted state do not add up to that 400 calorie batch of fried okra.

This is a great example of how you can eat more food for the same number of calories as a higher caloric food. Sure, there will be times when nothing but the fried okra will suffice, but for the majority of time - isn't it nice to be able to enjoy more food for the same number, or a lower number of calories and still lose that unwanted weight?

- Keep in mind that foods that are closest to their natural state as they hit the table are generally lowest in fat and calories. The more processed the food, the higher the caloric and generally, the dietary fat values. This situation falls into the area of 'nutrient density'. For example, where the grain group is involved your healthiest choice would be in the form of whole grain goodness. If we step down a level in nutrient density, we'll go from whole grain to white bread. And residing at the bottom tier of nutrient density might be a doughnut or cupcake.


If we make a nutrient density comparison to the Fruit Group, it looks something like this:

- One fresh, raw ripened banana;

- One slice of banana bread;

- One serving of banana pudding or banana bread pudding.

- Make a goal of trimming down calories as well as dietary fat in those favorite family recipes by substituting diet-friendly ingredients. Omit as much saturated fat as possible in the daily diet and avoid Trans fats.

b. My meals are generally from Fast Food restaurants or fine dining restaurants.

If this is your most common dining mode, be sure to choose your restaurants sources wisely. Some of the best include those that serve the lighter calorie sandwiches such as Subway Restaurant, as well as those which feature baked fish or grilled seafood entrees. Always request a nutrition guide from your server or the restaurant manager so you'll know exactly what you're eating.

Never assume that a salad or other generally low calorie, low fat menu item is naturally low in these values. Some taco salad calories contain more than some Chicken Alfredo recipes.

Try to dine at establishments which offer the diner some control as to the items that go into their menu selections. Wendy's Restaurant serves an excellent low calorie chili and they give the diner the option of enjoying it with or without added cheese or onions. They also serve the whole grain crackers on the side, along with chili sauce if desired. Giving diners these options allows room for individual tastes - as well as more control in their weight loss plan.

We'll just add that you need to be aware of the high sodium content that is contained in most restaurant recipes. Sodium can contribute to high blood pressure woes as well as heart issues.

c. My meals are typically a mix of fast food and home-cooked.

You can have the best of both worlds and still lose weight. Again, make wise menu choices when dining away from home - and when at home, use methods to reduce fat and caloric values. Example: While butter is delicious, the reduced fat margarine is going to be a better option. Rather than whole milk, reduced fat milk will fit more adequately into your weight loss plan. Rather than reduced fat peach ice cream, reach for a fresh peach instead.

d. My meals consists only of healthy foods. You are most definitely on the right track to good health.

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