"Easy" ways to cut 100 calories

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3/10/13 1:43 P

Eat more veggie's

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3/9/13 12:32 P

Goodbye 254.8 + FOREVER!!!! :)

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3/9/13 11:16 A

No mayo & dry 45 calorie toast

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3/8/13 5:08 P

I will try to cut back on mayo for sure because I know it isn't good for me due to the high fat content. I have already cut back on my butter use so, one step at a time. I have been a little burnt out on salad dressing. I love the spring mix salad blend and I just put a little olive oil, red wine vinegar and salt and pepper on it. It is really good! :)

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3/8/13 4:21 P

I agree. Those ingredients sound yummy. Although I may love peanut butter a bit too much:) I always have breakfast and usually make sure there is protein involved. It will save me on late morning desire for anything too high in carbohydrates.

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3/8/13 10:10 A

MSEBAKER I saw your post & will try that one. I eat all those ingredient's anyway just have not put them in that combination. Thank You

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3/8/13 8:35 A

I agree; it would be very hard to give up mayo. I read some of the suggestions to make your own salad dressing with a yogurt base, so I will try that. My love for mayo is one of the reasons I need to lose weight!

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3/8/13 8:34 A

This sounds yummy! Will be sure to try it.

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3/8/13 2:21 A

UGHHH! That will be so hard! I love my mayo!!!

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3/7/13 3:36 P

Cut the mayo.

Plain yogurt with real fruit added instead of the store-bought flavored yogurt.

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3/7/13 2:21 P

If you like ice cream but not the calories try Weight Watchers 100 calorie ice cream with chocolate on a stick. They are delicious and satisfying for only 100 calories per pop.

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3/7/13 1:12 P

Water instead of juice

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3/7/13 12:05 P

I saw this on another board, tried it and LOVED it.
1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1 TBSP Peanut Butter (smooth is my preference)
1 TBSP Honey

Mix it all together, it will have a cool whip consistancy. I dipped my strawberry halves in it, but you could pretty much anything, even celery. It reminded me of a PB mouse, was delicious and hit the spot.

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3/7/13 10:34 A

Cut out fried foods, broil,bake or grill for me

current weight: 210.1

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3/7/13 9:25 A

1 Tsp of oat bran wit h water and sweetener. Fills the gap and is comforting and low calories.

Pounds lost: 7.0

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3/6/13 8:21 P

I love the taste of romaine lettuce so instead of dressing I use sweet midget cut up and a little of the juice for my dressing

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3/6/13 8:14 P

Try a saute with balsamic vinegar , broth or low sodium soy sauce instead of oil (water must make it pretty plain!) You do need healthy fats though; a bit of olive oil is a good way to go.

Edited by: LYNEGAUTHIER13 at: 3/6/2013 (20:16)

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3/6/13 10:56 A

Drink my morning coffee black

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3/6/13 8:58 A

I've been wanting to try butter spray popcorn. How's that?

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3/6/13 3:05 A

I use sweetener instead of sugar in my coffee! I also use the butterspray on toast, popcorn etc.

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3/5/13 10:14 A

JPAINTERS, on CREAMY DRESSINGS: below some gals had some ideas about salad dressings. Here are a few of my favorites: I think Greek Yogurt 0% Nonfat yogurt was invented by Greek gods! Mixing it 2 parts yogurt to 1 part Light Mayo plus teeny bit of water is a great base. For Ranch, I use the Hidden Valley Ranch mix (you can get in packets or a bulk container). For Thousand Island, I mix in some ketchup and sugar free relish and a little garlic powder and sometimes a little lemon juice to taste. (You need to noodle with these.) The Thousand Island without the ketchup is the start of Tartar Sauce! You can go crazy using spices like tarragon and garlic powder — even using parmesean cheese and crushed black pepper to make Peppercorn. If you ever feel like you just need more "feel" to it, why not put a little fat back IN, but use a teeny bit of good fat? Put one to two teaspoons of olive oil in the recipe just to smooth it out. Healthy, healthy, HEALTHY! :-D

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3/5/13 7:34 A

i also use a lot of spinach and mushrooms, i also like to cut peppers, red, yellow and green and eat as a snack especially the red ones they are sweet. does anyone have good ideas for a creamy salad dressing?? i'm still using orginal ranch.

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3/4/13 10:05 P

Great post! You should put this up in the recipes section! I love it! The chooped mushrooms is sheer genius. I buy canned mushrooms at the wholesale club and since they are already hydrated, they should work GREAT in the way you're suggesting. I add those canned 'shrooms to EVERYTHING to bulk stuff up. I also find that spinach bulks lots of things up very nicely without adding much in the way of calories. It "hides" in spaghetti sauce really well. :-)

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3/4/13 4:06 P

Make your own salad dressing and use plain nonfat yogurt as a base. Added bonus, you get a protein boost.

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3/4/13 2:10 P

I have been experimenting with turkey also. The calories are so much lower. It's unbelievable

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3/4/13 12:17 P

..loved reading all your suggestions..I'm working on improving my nutritton for March and fond some great ideas here.

The best are contol your portions and don't drink your calories. I substitute hot tea for snack quite often and also make up my own small snack packs of healthy 100 cal snacks :)

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3/4/13 11:25 A

Oh I have also swapped out any cream cheese in recipes for Laughing cow LIGHT creamy swiss.

Beckie

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3/4/13 9:21 A

I eat larger portions of vegetables instead of meat or carbs, use nonstick spray 95% of the time for butter, use splenda in my coffee which was a huge help for me. The smallest things really add up.

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3/4/13 8:35 A

i have substitued turkey meat for red meat and pork great savings and my family dosn't even know except for the turkey bacon but they eat it so it's helping them also.

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3/4/13 12:24 A

Cut out coffee creamer. My creamer (the fat free version I may add) had 25 calories per tablespoon. I never realized how much I was using until I measured it out one day. I was using 5 tablespoons - 125 calories - just for my coffee to taste like sweet vanilla.

Now, I add a splash of real vanilla and a tablespoon of Splenda. 100 calories saved!

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3/3/13 1:37 P

@NewRunner2: Spark (pun intended) of sheer genius!!!

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3/3/13 1:35 P

Some of the things I've done....
Added more veggies to everything. My chili is now 1/2 beans and 1/2 eggplant, zucchini, acorn squash, tomatoes, and onions. I take the squash things and cut them into small bean size pieces.

My kids love tacos. I eat them as a taco salad. I save the calories on the tortilla and why up my veggies.

Try lettuce wraps instead of bread. I have put pulled pork, deli meat, and sloppy Joe meat, and hotdogs into the lettuce wraps.

Read labels carefully, sometimes I find a different brand is lower in calories than my regular brand.

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3/3/13 1:11 P

@ICanDoIt1220 - You've done a FANTASTIC job!! You're SO close to your goal which makes it a little harder to get across the finish line. I'm with you on what to cut out when you already make pretty good food choices. I'm experimenting with tweaking. I kept my caloric intake up but cut sugars out entirely (including grains, beans, & white potatoes) & released 6 lbs in 1 week.

If you're not ready to cut out sugars entirely, maybe try cutting 100 cals from grains & beans SPECIFICALLY (even whole grains) at 1 sitting or throughout the day. e.g. 1/4 c brown rice instead of 1/2 c saves 50 cals, 1/3 c corn kernels instead of 2/3 c corn kernels saves 40 cals, 1 oz Barilla Plus brand pasta instead of 2 oz saves 105 cals, 1/4 c beans instead of 1/2 c beans saves 50 cals.

Hope this helps. Good luck! You CAN do it!! Kelli

Edited by: 1KELLIJ at: 3/3/2013 (13:30)

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3/3/13 12:42 P

Great ideas I am gonna have to try some!

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3/3/13 12:20 P

@CanSheDoIt? Obviously, she can!! She's doing it; way to go!!

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Posts: 43
3/3/13 11:16 A

More veggies and bigger salads.
I use lemon juice instead of mayo in my tuna fish, and I like to use it as salad dressing as well.

Edited by: SEAGLASS279 at: 3/3/2013 (11:31)

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3/2/13 8:58 P

Substituting raw veggies for snack and vegetables eaten rather than choosing cooked veggies. I guess this one is a bit hard for some. I even love to eat peppers like they are apples etc. and or with hummus to name one..

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3/2/13 4:02 P

I at least begin my day with healthy intentions, I start out with a good breakfast, like a cup of whole wheat oatmeal with a tablespoon of brown sugar (no sugar substitutes) and a tall glass of water. That opposed to a breakfast full of animal by-products, like eggs, sausage, & buttered toast, with a glass a milk, saves me a few hundred calories first thing in the morning.

Snacks, grab a piece of fruit instead of a muffin or chocolate bar, cuts some more calories.

I'm still working on getting healthier with lunch and dinner. When it comes to sauté-ing the veggies, an easy way to cut out some calories is substitute water in the skillet instead of oil.

current weight: 144.0

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3/2/13 11:09 A

Almond milk, I also switch to 45 calorie bread, when I eat bread. save at least 100 calorie's in milk & another 55 in bread. This experience in trying to eat healthy has & is an ongoing education.

current weight: 210.1

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3/2/13 10:45 A

What a wonderful idea! I'm going to try this, thanks!

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3/2/13 9:13 A

yogurt dressing instead of full fat. Tastes great and is lower in fat and cal!

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3/2/13 8:13 A

Gave up creamer

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Posts: 234
3/1/13 11:22 P

Lots of great ideas!

139 Days until:  Family Wedding

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3/1/13 8:54 P

My latest strategy is to simply cut back on some of my regular foods. I cut my morning oatmeal and walnuts back for 43 calories. I cut back a few of my regular almonds. Several small cuts and I've saved 100 (or more calories).

Pounds lost: 117.0

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3/1/13 8:36 P

I gave up protein shakes.

Pounds lost: 50.0

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3/1/13 6:16 P

For my chowder soups, instead of adding heavy cream, and flour and corn starch to thicken, I steam a head if cauliflower and mash it. It thickens the soup and provides a load of veggies without the added starches.

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3/1/13 3:56 P

Excellent idea! I'm going to try it.

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3/1/13 10:27 A

Putting a small amount of peanut butter in the microwave before spreading helps it spread easier, thus needing to use less.

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2/28/13 6:09 P

On the Go Crystal Light pouches...add to a 16.9 oz bottle of water and your sweet craving is cured. They fit nicely in your purse or pocket and come in a variety of flavors.

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2/28/13 6:06 P

Eat more raw vegs!

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2/28/13 12:41 P

We have eaten taco's every night since I was a little kid. Now that I'm a mom, we still do it. I hated to give it up, so I switched the ground beef to 99% lean turkey burger, use high fiber kidney beans to blend and add to the mix with the taco seasoning. And I don't like corn tortilla's, only flour. So I tried using the Flatout Lite's in place of a tortilla... only 90 calories for one and they are high fiber and protein I believe. The regular Mission brand I was using was around 210 calories for one! They taste just like regular taco shells to me and I don't feel guilty about eating taco's with the family!!

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2/28/13 10:44 A

i've learned to love open-faced sandwiches - just use some romaine lettuce leaves as the top instead of a 2nd slice of bread

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2/27/13 9:12 P

I just saw this tip on TV last week but I have not actually put it to use yet. For those of you ranch dressing junkies, this is for you. Take your ranch dressing and put it in a shaker bottle, add 1 cup of buttermilk to the dressing and shake well. This cuts the calories of the dressing in half w/out giving it that disgusting fat free ranch taste.

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2/27/13 2:27 P

So love all these great tips. I've been SO super-short on time lately, breakfast has been 2 slices SaraLee-DeLightful bread/toast (90 cal) plus a fat-free yogurt (80 cal). I spread a little yogurt on my toast as a spread, so it's just 170 calories. I like making myself an egg sandwich for breakfast when I have more time -- and using medium eggs instead of large eggs saves calories over time.

Pounds lost: 62.0

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2/27/13 10:42 A

I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for my breakfast tacos

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2/27/13 10:39 A

Joseph's Flax Seed Pita Bread pockets... I cut one pita in half and open each half to make pockets and fill them with spinach, chicken breast, and salsa for my lunches. They are decent sized, only 60 calories per pita (30 cals per pocket), high in fiber and protein, but low in carbs. They are sold in the health deli section of our grocery store.

Edited by: KCHRISTY6 at: 3/6/2013 (11:10)

Posts: 1,087
2/27/13 10:30 A

I cut my frozen banana in half when I make a smoothie.
Giving up the bread on my lunch sandwich and making it a lettuce wrap instead.

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2/27/13 6:52 A

I have found I REALLY like I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray. 0 calories and 0 fat! I eat it on everything!

Pounds lost: 19.9

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Posts: 273
2/26/13 10:36 P

Hot tea works for me w/ just a little milk instead of an evening snack...it also helps me with cravings!

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Posts: 273
2/26/13 10:36 P

Hot tea works for me w/ just a little milk instead of an evening snack...it also helps me with cravings!

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2/26/13 9:32 P

I like this one :D

Posts: 17
2/26/13 7:06 P

Yes! I also add all-fruit preserves to a mixture of low fat plain yogurt and whole grain, no sugar added granola. Very filling, good protein, and not too sweet!!

Posts: 17
2/26/13 7:04 P

I'm a huge fan of hummus -- especially Cedar's in several different flavors -- which is about 45 calories for 2 Tbsp. It's great on carrot or celery sticks, brown rice cakes, as part of a veggie wrap, etc. It's way fewer calories than peanut butter (something I also love) and very tasty and filling.

I also drink herbal teas (no sweetener, AND no caffeine), which I can have hot or iced. I buy my herbals in bulk (from Upton Tea imports, which you can find on the web) and experiment with my own mixes. It's fun.

Posts: 34
2/26/13 6:57 P

Black Coffee is my favorite, but I found that hot Earl Grey flavored tea is more soothing at lunch time. The flavor is aromatic, and Earl Grey makes the best ice tea.

Pounds lost: 0.0

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2/26/13 6:00 P

These all look great. The salad in a bag idea is going to save me!
I travel a lot, so my trick is to always keep high fiber stuff in my back. I can grab a quick snack that fills me up without hitting a vending machine. 90 calorie Fiber One Brownie vs 300+ calories for candy bars or chips (that will leave me hungry an hour later). Win.

Pounds lost: 35.3

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2/26/13 5:01 A

Replace one normal snack with a cup of green tea.

Pounds lost: 10.0

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2/26/13 4:49 A

Good ideas here. I've tried some in the past-prior to joining SparkPeople, need to try a few more from this message brd. TY to all who have posted!!

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2/26/13 3:40 A

Most of these suggestions are things I was already doing, so it's hard to cut those calories out again! But one thing I've substituted that I actually like *better* than the less-healthy version: I buy reduced-sugar or no-sugar-added fruit preserves instead of jelly. I've discovered I actually prefer the flavor and texture, AND it's higher in fiber and has less than half the calories. It goes great with organic no-oil-added peanut butter in a PB&J sandwich on whole-grain sandwich thins (1/2 the calories of regular bread). It tastes like a high-fat, high-sugar lunch, but it's actually quite healthy!

Pounds lost: 5.0

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2/26/13 12:54 A

I use mustard instead of mayo whenever possible. I use 0 calorie salad dressing. The only ones I know of can be found on an hcg website and they are Sweet Mustard, Citrus Ginger, and Italian Vinegarette...I like using these on meat as well.

Pounds lost: 15.8

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2/25/13 7:00 P

I agree with Ottawabound. I cut back to one cup of coffee in the morning with a measured, single Tbsp. of half and half cream. I can't have artificial creamers due to allergies and milk in my coffee just doesn't cut it. I'd rather have less, but perfect, coffee. Those extra cups of coffee with cream (and maybe sugar) really add up in a hurry!

In the afternoon for my energy lift, I have a cup of hot tea with a single Tbsp. of whole milk. That saves calories b/c I don't use cream, but I still get a little caffeine.

I think most of us know in our hearts that we put on lots of pounds with flavored drinks. We need to eat AND DRINK in moderation.

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2/25/13 2:55 P

Cream in my coffee. I drink 3 - 5 cups of coffee a day. I gradually started cutting back the cream in my coffee over one month. It's been a few years and the only time I put cream in my coffee is if I'm drinking really bad coffee. That's 30 - 40 calories less per cup. So anywhere from 100 - 200 calories less each day!

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2/25/13 7:19 A

Krissydunn I love the salad in a bag with the dressing I will have to try that with my next salad I love my salad to have the dressing all over too. great tip thanks.

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2/24/13 6:31 P

Thanks for the tips sparkpeople you are always here to help !!!!!

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2/24/13 10:06 A

I am a CMA at a busy clinic. We have brand new facility that requires alot of walk time from our office to ER. Also are bathrooms are huge. So when ever I go to the restroom and I can indulge in a few extra minutes I use them by doing leg squats, lifts, side bends, or just walking in place even. It has helped. I work 10 hr shifts, I use some of the 10 minute trainer and slin n 6 wks exercies!!! And it helps! **Restroom exercises** Belive me it works

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2/23/13 10:55 A

For me I will burn an extra 100 calories at work by standing instead of sitting. The first week I did it I lost an extra pound.

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Posts: 1,166
2/23/13 8:46 A

I have a sweet & spicy tea instead of a caloric drink when I really want *something*.

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2/22/13 8:11 P

I agree. I hate low fat, low calorie salad dressings. I also order the dressing on the side and dip the greens into it. I invented an Oriental salad dressing that I love. Beware of the salt, though. This is for one large portion of salad. Two Tablespoons is only 45 calories.

1 Tbsp. Ken's Steak House Lite Asian Sesame Dressing
1 Tbsp. Ponzu Sauce (a citrus soy sauce found in grocery stores).

I just pour each on top of the salad separately and toss to mix. Yum!

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2/22/13 6:11 P

I ABHOR diet dressings so instead I ask for my salad dressing on the side. I dip my fork in the salad dressing and then in the salad. I barely use any salad dressing but I still get the flavor of the "real stuff"! I also ask for cheese on the side as well. That way I know how much I'm eating. I let my husband eat my croutons!!

Posts: 3
2/22/13 3:48 P

For anyone that loves ranch dressing as much as I do, buy the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing packets instead of the bottled stuff. By using the mix packets, you have control over how much fat and calories are in it. Instead of whole milk, I use 1% or skim and use light mayo or yogurt instead of regular mayo. I've managed to cut nearly all of the fat from my ranch dressing by doing this. I'm a huge Pepsi fan, but not at the expense of my waistline, so I've substantially reduced the calories I drink and opt for water, tea, or Crystal Light instead.

Edited by: TAWILLIA at: 2/22/2013 (21:15)

SparkPoints: (6,421)
Fitness Minutes: (3,364)
Posts: 11
2/22/13 2:32 P

I got some GREAT tips reading these messages. Myself, I have always loved salads &raw veggies. Thru SPARK PEOPLE tracking I changed to more healthy salad dressings Finally I just put cider vinegar, a little non calorie sweetner and shake on some Italian Seasoning and I have an almost calorie free snack or meal.

current weight: 222.0

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Posts: 21
2/22/13 2:26 P

If I make a burger at home, I use 4 oz extra lean ground turkey instead of ground beef (120 vs. 180 cals), mix it with some finely chopped mushrooms to bulk it up, season it with McCormick Hamburger seasoning so it tastes more like beef, then serve it on a Village Hearth Light Wheat bun instead of a regular bun (80 vs. 150 cals), and top it with a TBSP of Heinz Reduced Sugar Ketchup instead of regular (5 vs. 20 cals). That's a savings of about 145 calories. And if I order a burger or a burger type sandwich at a restaurant, I always, always, ALWAYS say I'd like a "dry bun". Otherwise, when the menu says it's served on a "grilled" or "toasted" bun, that means they've slathered it in butter which is at least 100 calories added.

SparkPoints: (3,664)
Fitness Minutes: (4,984)
Posts: 114
2/22/13 12:12 P

NewRunner, I love your clever tip! It's like automatically transfering money to your savings, if you don't see it you don't miss it. I think I'll creat a special 100 calorie "saving" food to enter on my Spark tracker.

current weight: 131.0

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121

SparkPoints: (3,664)
Fitness Minutes: (4,984)
Posts: 114
2/22/13 11:51 A

My son gave me this tip: put your salad in a baggie, then add your dressing, zip it closed and shake it up. Your salad gets completely covered in dressing and you only need 1/2 the amount. I love dressing on my salad, and this allows me to use 1 Tablespoon instead of 2

current weight: 131.0

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121

SparkPoints: (2,323)
Fitness Minutes: (50)
Posts: 949
2/22/13 11:37 A

Yep, no soda (not "even" diet). I drink tea, lemon water, lime water, or sparkling water.

I leave off the salad dressing when I make my own -- I simply make salads with enough variety and flavors that I don't miss it.

SparkPoints: (7,218)
Fitness Minutes: (3,813)
Posts: 39
2/22/13 10:39 A

Don't drink your calories. I easily cut out hundredsssss of calories by cutting out soft drinks.

Edited by: BENTONJ at: 2/22/2013 (10:41)

Pounds lost: 39.2

0 12.5 25 37.5

50

Posts: 468
2/22/13 10:39 A

Right off the top of my day on my calorie sheet I add 100 calories. That's it. They're "spent" for the day.

(I usually keep calorie count on paper and transfer it to SparkPeople later if I get the chance.)

Maybe that's not really a trick for "cutting" 100 calories, but it partly is, right?

Oh, also I've started eating a lot of sandwiches open-faced, saving almost 100 calories on the extra slice of bread.

Edited by: NEWRUNNER2 at: 2/22/2013 (16:04)

Posts: 1,991
2/22/13 10:34 A

I cut down on warm beverages or chose those with fewer calories or no sugar added content. I incorporated more vegetables and fruits that were also lower in calories (ie. cucumbers, spinach, strawberries). I also use less dressing and condiments.

SparkPoints: (3,319)
Fitness Minutes: (298)
Posts: 75
2/22/13 7:58 A

I'm not a big bread eater but I do like sandwiches. I use lettuce. Bib and romaine work very well and I have a wonderful veggie wrap. I wrap them in saran wrap, throw them in my bag for lunch and off I go.

Pounds lost: 5.0

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50

Posts: 937
2/21/13 11:00 P

Instead of using sauces (BBQ, mayonnaise, dressing) use herbs and spices. You can easily carry a homemade "season all" that you make in a bag and take it anywhere!

current weight: 152.0

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SparkPoints: (17,109)
Fitness Minutes: (7,152)
Posts: 1,250
2/21/13 8:25 P

I will make home made tortilla chips - an ex taught me a trick of making them to where they taste like the good stuff you get in mexican restaurants - get the corn tortillas that come in the paper bags at the grocery store. cut them into quarters. Spray lightly with Pam - then bake til crispy. Even though Pam is still an oil, you cut a lot of the oil by spraying and baking rather than frying in the oil

Edited by: CHRISBEM at: 2/21/2013 (20:25)

current weight: 272.5

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SparkPoints: (1,511)
Fitness Minutes: (1,791)
Posts: 20
2/21/13 7:57 P

I stopped snacking while doing other things, you can end up eating way to many calories and not even know it. Also, I ave up all soda, diet and regular. Water and tea. I make smoothies with water, cranberry or pom juice, sometimes I use soy or almond milk.
I also eat almost no bread.

Pounds lost: 18.0

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80

Posts: 780
2/21/13 3:14 P

Weigh and measure - portion control really helps me.

Posts: 283
2/21/13 2:23 P

I live in Wisconsin where the thought of banning cheese is heresy! I shred cheese instead of slicing it and find that I use a lot less and still have that lovely cheesy flavor.

I eat a very low-fat diet which gets me in trouble with the Nutrition Tracker - I have a hard time consistently meeting the minimum requirement for fat.

I tried to substitute chocolate Cheerios for M&Ms - a poor substitute indeed! However, I can usually satisfy a sweets craving with a serving of Honey Nut Cheerios (dry, eaten like a toddler) and a good substitute for me for popcorn or snack crackers.

Thanks for all the great suggestions and comments.

current weight: 111.2

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105

SparkPoints: (5,910)
Fitness Minutes: (8,249)
Posts: 92
2/21/13 2:11 P

love the ideas, I have never heard of butter salt, so will have to look for that for my popcorn, since I started doing my own in a brown bag I have been trying different things to spice it up. That sounds the best so far..

current weight: 126.2

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SparkPoints: (43,416)
Fitness Minutes: (29,390)
Posts: 5,351
2/21/13 8:10 A

Mustard instead of mayo, I don't drink my calories. I have switched from regular milk to unsweetened almond milk (40 cal a cup). I also don't buy stuff with a lot of carbs from sugar.

Pounds lost: 0.4

0 6.25 12.5 18.75

25

SparkPoints: (665)
Fitness Minutes: (622)
Posts: 8
2/20/13 5:49 P

Great idea! Restaurants really do serve huge portions. I like to eat lunch out with a friend and we order one meal and split it between us. But when I'm alone it would be great to have a container to put the extra food in to take home.

current weight: 201.5

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