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Quick Tips: Cutting Calories

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Whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and dried beans are good lower-calorie foods. They give you lots of nutrients and fiber. And they fill you up.

Sweets, energy drinks, and soda pop are high in calories. They give you few nutrients and no fiber. Try to limit soda pop, fruit juice, and energy drinks. Drink water instead.

Some fats can be part of a healthy diet. But cutting back on fats from highly processed foods like fast foods and many snack foods is a good way to lower the calories in your diet. Also, use smaller amounts of fats like butter, margarine, salad dressing, and mayonnaise. Add fresh garlic, lemon, or herbs to your meals to add flavor without adding fat.

Meats and dairy products can be a big source of hidden fats. Try to choose lean or low-fat versions of these products.

Fat-free cookies, candies, chips, and frozen treats can still be high in sugar and calories. Some fat-free foods have more calories than regular ones. Eat fat-free treats in moderation, as you would other foods.

If your favorite foods are high in fat, salt, sugar, or calories, limit how often you eat them. Eat smaller servings, or look for healthy substitutes. Fill up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Eating at home

Eating out


Credits for Quick Tips: Cutting Calories

Current as of: September 20, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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