5 Simple Ways to Cut Calories

Calories can be sneaky, finding their way into your diet when you aren’t looking. Try these 5 simple things to save calories throughout the day; you won’t miss them.
olive oil

147669308

oil's spoon

Photo by: photobepsCLOSED

photobepsCLOSED

Calories can be sneaky, finding their way into your diet when you aren’t looking. Too many of them make it hard to maintain a healthy weight. Try these 5 simple things to save calories throughout the day -- we promise you won’t miss them.

1. Measure Oil

It’s really easy to misjudge how much oil you use when cooking. When every tablespoon has 120 calories (and 14 grams of fat), you can unknowingly rack up some serious calories by adding an extra splash here and there. Keep a measuring spoon handy  – a teaspoon or two is really all you need.

2. Downsize Bread

Trade large slices of bread and gigantic wraps for English muffins, rolls and flatbreads to save hundreds of calories at each meal. Always choose whole grain versions for more hunger fighting fiber.

3.    Blot Grease

Whether it’s a slice of cheesy pizza or homemade fish tacos, use a paper towel to absorb excess oil. It’s not easy to quantify exactly how many calories you are sucking away, but every little bit helps.

4. Actually have “1 drink”

Healthy guidelines for alcohol consumption are based on specific portions: 5 fluid ounces of wine, 12 fluid ounces of beer or 1 shot (1½  fluid ounces) of hard alcohol. Each drink averages 120 calories - pay attention to how you pour and save big calories this holiday season.

5. Switch to “Whipped”

Whipped butter and whipped cream cheese have 50 percent fewer calories than the original versions but with all the creamy goodness. Make the switch and you’ll save 50 calories per tablespoon.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

Next Up

5 Delicious Ways to Use Paneer

Whether you buy it or make it at home, it’s great in everything from cakes to curries.

5 Ways to Do Turkey Burgers Right

Check out Food Network’s top five turkey burger recipes, each with a different tasty twist and all go-to main dishes for your weekend cookout spread.

5 New Ways to Bake with Carrots

Start grating carrots for comforting desserts that take the whole carrot cake idea and run with it.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds in 5 Simple Steps

Everything to know about roasting pumpkin seeds, from recipes to the best way to separate them from the stringy pulp.

5 Ways to Stuff and Grill Chicken Breasts

Dress up your grilled chicken breast this summer with these yummy fillings.

5 Recipes For Enjoying Tofu the Crispy Way

Tofu lasts for months, is affordable, and is so versatile — especially when it comes to crisping it up.

5 Sweet Ways to Use Matzo This Passover

Take your unleavened bread to the next level with these fun desserts.

5 Fun Ways to Eat Chili on Game Day

Keep the whole team happy with these creative eats.

5 Cuts of Meat You Should Be Grilling for Labor Day Weekend

We rounded up our top picks for grilling to celebrate the unofficial end of summer.