A lot of your favorite foods are probably forbidden on most diets, but it doesn’t hurt (and may actually help) to cheat every once in a while and indulge in your favorite foods. Now you can cheat and not feel guilty by reducing the amount of fat, calories and in some cases even add some nutrients to these foods.
With a few tricks of the trade it’s still possible to enjoy the foods you love without all the fat. Here’s 5 ways to cut the fat, but not the taste!
Pizza
You’ve already heard how you should order the thin crust instead of the thick pan crust or opt for the veggie delight instead of the meaty versions, but you can easily cut out 15 grams or more per of fat per pizza just by ordering it with light cheese. Also try adding extra sauce for added boost of flavor and cancer fighting lycopene.
Fries
French fries have gotten a bad rap over the years, and for just cause, but if it helps you to stay on your diet knowing you get to treat yourself every once in a while to these fried spuds, then so be it. Next time you’re at a restaurant order the steak fries over the regular or curly fries. The steak fries don’t soak up as much oil thus lowering the fat content.
Also, not all oils are created equal. Make sure your fries are cooked in oils free of any trans fats.
Canned Goods
An old trick to cut the amount of fat from canned goods without having to drain all the flavorful juices is to refrigerate them a day or so before opening to allow all the fat to separate and rise to the top. For additional health benefits choose low sodium versions of your favorite canned goods, as well.
Butter
By using a soft buttery spread over your typical stick butter you save around 5 grams of fat per serving. Refuse to switch butters? Try warming up your butter to soften it before using. You might use less compared to trying to spread it on cold. Just set out your butter an hour before using or soften it in the microwave.
Ice Cream
Want a delicious full flavored all natural ice cream that’s big on taste but not on fat? Then try Breyers All Natural Smooth & Dreamy brand ice cream. A ½ cup serving contains only 110 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. Compare that to Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter Cup which weighs in at a hefty 320 calories and 24 grams of fat per ½ cup serving.
