I love to see all the successes at Revolution Training in Stamford, CT. We try to make weight loss feel good, without all the feeling of deprivation that comes when people diet. Our philosophy isn’t about eating less, but choosing food wisely, like giving up 1 guilty pleasure in favor of 3 healthy alternatives. That philosophy not only works with food, it works for exercise, too. It’s all about trading bad habits for good habits, not giving up everything you love to eat or do.
Is your guilty pleasure pizza?
If you’re trying to lose weight, there are many healthy alternatives to pizza. Try a bagel pizza that uses five ingredients, a whole-wheat English muffin, cut in half, a small tomato diced and seeded, a teaspoon of olive oil, thin slice of Canadian bacon cut in small pieces, shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Just assemble with cut side face up on a tray, drizzle with the olive oil and bake at 450 for 12 minutes. Alternative #2 uses a large portabella cap instead of the muffin and the third option uses eggplant slices as the base.
Does your heart skip a beat when you hear the word ice cream?
Probably the best known alternative to ice cream is the infamous banana ice cream. It’s simple to make and only requires frozen banana chunks that are mashed. Alternative #2 is simple enough and requires no preparation, unless you call shopping a preparation. It’s a cashew milk chocolate ice cream, which was 180 calories per serving for dark chocolate truffle, compared to the 210 calories for a half cup serving for traditional chocolate éclair ice cream. Alternative #3 involves making your own again, don’t worry, it’s easy. Blend fruit, Greek yogurt and if necessary, a tad bit of honey, but I find that sweet fruit is more than adequate. Freeze in ice cube trays and stir or blend after frozen.
French fries can be made healthier and lower in calories.
Alternative #1 is simple, use zucchini instead of potatoes. Peel and cut the zucchini into fry shaped strips. It sweats, so wipe it with a cloth first, then dip into a beaten egg, then roll in bread crumbs and bake until browned on both sides. Alternative #2 is sweet potato fries. One sweet potato, sliced and tossed with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper and then baked is far lower in calories than a fast food option. Alternative #3 is simple, air fryer french fries made at home. They’re simple, delicious and use very little fat.
- Is pasta your delight? Try substituting zucchini or eggplant for lasagna noodles. Use spiralized vegetables or spaghetti squash to replace regular spaghetti.
- Beets are a superfood that gets neglected often. You can make them into fries that are loaded with nutrients and low in calories when air fried or roasted. Not only are they low in calories, they taste good reheated if you make too many.
- If you want a crunchy, yet fulfilling snack that’s sweet, yet good for you? Choose a sweet apple with a slather of crunchy, natural peanut butter where the ingredients are simply peanuts. Honey crisp apples are my favorite.
- Are you looking for an alternative to working out in the gym? Try a vigorous walk, a game of hoops with the kids or workout while watching TV. If you want the gym to look like a well deserved break, focus on speed cleaning. Clean windows inside and out, scrub floors by hand or clean out the closet and carry all the items to the attic for storage. You’ll appreciate the gym.
For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training