Low Cal Tips

Cooking Tips

  • Bake or boil rather than fry
  • Steam rather than sauté
  • Barbeque rather than grill
  • Use non-stick baking pans with Fat Free Cooking Spray

Alternative Beverages

  • Water
  • Crystal Light
  • Fruit 2 0
  • Minute Maid Light
  • Diet Soda
  • Sugar free sparking water
  • Crystal Light slurpees
  • Propel

Check for Fat Content

  • Look at Total Calories Per Serving
  • Multiply Fat Calories times
  • The total of fat calories times three should be less than total calories on the label.

Oil/Butter Substitutes

  • Pam or other fat free cooking spray
  • Soft margarine
  • Olive oil
  • Use non-stick pans
  • Mustard
  • Lemon
  • Vinegar
  • Spices
  • Canola oil

Low Calorie Snacks

  • Zen Muffins
  • La Tortilla Factory Whole Wheat Tortilla
  • 100 Calorie Snacks
  • Rice cakes
  • Popcorn
  • Low Fat/No Sugar Added Yogurt

Dessert Alternatives

  • Sugar-free jello
  • Sugar-free Popsicles
  • Fudgesicles
  • Fresh fruit
  • Low fat yogurt
  • Low fat frozen yogurt
  • Graham crackers
  • Vanilla wafers
  • Crystal Light Icy 

Count Fat Calories

Many reduced fat products can be high in calories

  • Nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt (1/2 cup) = 100 calories
  • Regular vanilla ice cream (1/2 cup) = 104 calories
  • Reduced fat Peanut butter (2 Tbsp) = 187 calories
  • Regular Peanut Butter (2 Tbsp) = 191 calories

Dining Out

  • Don’t be afraid to make substitutions on menu items listed on the menu (Ex. Ask for a baked potato instead of French fries  or tomatoes instead of cole slaw.)
  • Be careful of menu items that will typically be higher in fat and sugar: “Sauted”, “crispy”, “deep fried”, “golden”, “sweet and sour”, “glazed”, “breaded.”
  • For large portions, cut entrée in half and take home to eat the next day or share an entrée

Include Fruits & Vegetables

  • Artichoke
  • Asparagus
  • Berries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Celery
  • Cucumber salad with chopped tomato
  • Dill pickles
  • Edamame
  • Eggplant dip
  • Fresh vegetables and salsa
  • Green Salad with Diet/Low Fat Ranch Dressing
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Zucchini
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