GOOD-TASTING, LOW-CALORIE FOODS

Successfully manage your diet by including low-calorie foods you find delicious. Avoid misleading advertising and the wrong mindset, however, as even low-calorie foods can add pounds if you overeat. Plan ahead--determine which foods you're going to eat, as well as the proper portion sizes.

MISCONCEPTIONS

People often think low-calorie foods aren't tasty. This belief is rooted in some degree of truth, no doubt--many low-calorie foods leave much to be desired in the way of taste and texture. However, if prepared with care, low-calorie foods can taste just as good as--or better than--their high-fat counterparts. 

Another misconception is the idea that all low-calorie foods are nutritious. This isn't the case, as certain foods are low in calories and nutrients. Read labels to ensure you're choosing foods with good nutrition.

CONSIDERATIONS

Certain products marketed as low-calorie foods aren't low in calories at all--they're packaged so the serving size is small and provides fewer calories. For example, prepackaged 100-calorie snacks may satisfy your craving for junk food but they usually aren't filling. 

Replace empty calories with low-calorie foods that taste good and are high in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and non-fat dairy products. For example, enjoy a non-fat, low-sugar vanilla yogurt with strawberries; goat cheese and roasted peppers on whole grain crackers; or grilled asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. Such low-calorie snacks are rich in flavor.

SIGNIFICANCE

Low-calorie foods that taste good to you can help you manage your weight. If you eat a diet consisting primarily of low-calorie foods, you're likely to feel fuller than you would if you consumed the same amount of calories from calorie-dense foods. Many delicious low-calorie foods also are high in nutrients. For instance, some of the tastiest low-calorie foods are fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamins and nutrients. You'll get fiber from fruits and veggies, as well as from such whole grains as quinoa and oatmeal. Low-fat dairy contains calcium, which can promote weight loss, according to The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The center recommends low-fat or non-fat dairy for the best results.

PREPARATION

Keep tasty, low-calorie foods handy by preparing them in advance. Make a fruit salad out of strawberries, mandarin oranges, apple slices and melon. Keep it fresh by coating it with orange juice. Precook such grains as brown rice and quinoa so you can add them to a quick sauté or grain salad. Freeze non-fat yogurt into frozen pops for a low-calorie treat you can grab when you're pressed for time.