When you first begin thinking that you want to start your weight loss journey, the first thing to think about is your diet. It might seem like a scary task to change what your eating habits are entirely, and for some people this will keep them from trying at all. However, losing weight can be achieved by making a few smaller changes to your eating habits, and making intentional swaps from a less nutritionally dense food to their counterparts that are healthier could make all the difference you need in the long term.
Not sure which changes you could make to slowly change your diet in a positive way? Tiana Glover has given her main three swaps that will help create a healthier you.
Swap White Bread for some Whole Wheat Bread
Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are not really an unhealthy type of food to include in your diet. In fact, carbohydrates are one of the main energy sources that your body needs throughout the day, so picking carbs with a greater number of nutrients could help to enhance your wellness and let you work towards your goals of weight loss. “Whole wheat bread has a higher fiber content than white bread does, therefore it could help you remain fuller for even longer and support weight loss,” says Glover. “Make sure that whole wheat is first in the ingredient list to ensure the bread you’re getting is actually a whole wheat kind and does not just have some whole wheat.”
Swap Regular Yogurt for some Greek Yogurt
Yogurt is a great form of protein, but a lot of options are packed with extra sugar and therefore an influx of calories that are unnecessary which could lead to weight gain when eaten in excess. “Greek yogurt contains more protein and is lower in sugar when compared to regular yogurt,” says Glover. “Protein is very important while trying to lose weight because it will help you maintain muscle mass, so you will lose mostly fat and not muscle.” Topping your yogurt with some berries could create a great meal with natural sugar that will help you reach your weight loss goals while also controlling hunger.
Swap Fried Chicken For some Grilled Chicken
Chicken is another kind of lean protein that could help to promote a healthy weight loss, but if you are frying your meat, you might be inadvertently decreasing the nutritional value of your food. “If you are used to eating fried chicken or chicken tenders instead of grilled chicken, making this swap could greatly lower the number of calories in your food,” suggests Glover. Fried chicken has a space in many diets, even when you are working to lose weight, but making sure you eat it only in moderation and mainly eating grilled chicken will be the best way to improve your diet and fuel your body.