6 Quick Ways to Cut Calories

Controlling calorie intake is an important part of any weight loss program. If you take in 100 calories a day more than you expend, this could add 10 pounds to your weight over a year. However, if you are able to cut 100 calories per day this could lead to 10 pounds less per year. By making some quick and simple changes, you can dramatically cut the number of calories you eat and help you achieve your weight loss goals faster, or just maintain your figure.

6 Quick Ways to Cut Calories

1. Increase Your Protein Intake. Adding protein to each snack and meal can help you stay fuller for longer and increase your metabolism. This is because protein takes a longer time to digest as well as more calories to process. By keeping you full, you will be less likely to take in more unnecessary calories throughout your day.
2. Be Mindful About Your Salad Toppings. Although salads are generally healthy, the toppings that you add could add up to a lot of calories. Things to look out for include the cheese crumbles, croutons, dried fruits, caramelized nuts and dressings. Reduce the number of calories you consume by sticking to one topping, using half the amount of dressing and adding vegetables that are flavorful but low-calorie.
3. Don’t “Drink” Sugar. The amount of sugar in sodas, fruit juices and energy drinks add up to a lot of calories if you drink them throughout the day. One can of soda contains between 150 and 180 calories. Even teas with added fruit juice contain large amounts of sugar. Drink unsweetened tea or simply replace these drinks with water and you will save a significant calories on a daily basis.
4. Exercise in the Morning. You can reduce your appetite and increase the calories you burn by working out in the morning. Although the appetite-reducing effect lasts for a short amount of time, the increase in total activity means you will burning calories throughout the whole day.
5. Control Your Portion Size. Given that "supersized' meals and bottomless soft drinks are so common nowadays, not eating the correct amount of food can easily get out of hand. To cut down on calories, choose smaller portions, whether it be cups, bowls or plates. You can save up to 500 calories doing so.
6. Get Enough Sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep your appetite can increase, leading you to snack more often. Try to get enough sleep and you will be better equipped to avoid considerable calories.

By increasing your protein intake, watching your salad toppings, not drinking sugary beverages, exercising in the morning and controlling portion size, you can count on cutting your calorie intake in no time.