A healthy diet is not synonymous
with food deprivation or starvation. In fact, a nutritionally
balanced diet emphasizes fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains
coupled with small doses of one’s favorite sweet tasty treats
(ice cream, pie, cake cookies, et cetera).
A healthy diet does not leave the dieter feeling deprived or
desperately famished. As a result, it is acceptable to savor
a moderate portion size of dessert without being consumed by
feelings of guilt. Implement the following dieting strategies
part of your weight management program:
• Heighten the percentage of vegetables and fruits in each
meal. For instance, blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants
that will enhance any cereal. Top-off any rice or pasta with
vegetables lightly sautéed in olive, vegetable or canola oil.
Reduce the meat portion while increasing the amount serving
size of vegetables.
• Be creative with various food combinations. Explore mixing
mangoes with pineapple slices. To appease a sweet tooth, take
a whole-wheat cracker or toast and smear a smidge of peanut
butter on its face. Co-mingle a few pear sliced with mandarin
orange into a salad concoction. Experimenting with different
vegetables and fruits variations will inspire new healthy snacking
alternatives.
• Start anew with salads or soups. To incite a feeling of satiation,
start each lunch or dinner with a broth-based vegetable soup
or a generous sized salad with a fat-free dressing. Since these
foods require more time to eat, they may offer the feeling of
fulfillment.
Another way to promote a feeling of satiety is via consuming
whole grains and extra servings of vegetables or fruits. Even
if you have room for desert, mixed berries or other fruit topped
with low-fat ice cream, fat-free whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
are reduced fat options.
