You’ve been working hard on your diet and exercise program. You’re feeling better, you’re looking better, you’ve lost some weight. But, maybe your diet results aren’t going quite as well as you would like. Maybe you should take another look at your diet planning, and eliminate from your diet foods that you think are healthy, but aren’t. And, maybe replace them with healthy versions so you can still enjoy your diet, while also making progress with it!
Food #1: Sushi
You would think that fish is a healthy choice, as fish has healthy omega-3 fatty acids and can be high in protein. And, rice is a healthy grain. Did you know that some common sushi dinners like shrimp tempura can come in at well over 500 calories—for one roll? Here’s a way to keep sushi in your diet in a positive way. When you see rolls that are covered in sauces like spicy mayo, or are stuffed with cream cheese – or worst of all, are deep fried – skip those. Instead, go for nigiri sushi (where you see a slab of fish on top of a bit of rice) and stay with fish like salmon, tuna, or mackerel that are heart healthy.
Food #2: Granola
Granola is a very calorie-dense food. Although often billed as “healthy”, there is usually quite a bit of sugar and fat in it, and unless you eat a very small serving (which is hard to do) – you’re actually get quite a bit of calories in a serving. Instead, try making up a batch of steel cut oats, with just a sprinkling of brown sugar on top.
Food #3: Yogurt
We’re seeing quite a number of yogurt ads which make yogurt seem like a healtny choice. But, those fruit-on-the-bottom yogurt choices, may have as much sugar as a can of soda! For example, a helping of Dannon Blueberry Fruit on the Bottom has more calories (140) and just as much sugar (25g) as an 8 oz. can of Coke. Instead, try cottage cheese instead. Loaded with healthy protein and amino acids – as much as 13g of protein in 8 oz! Add a little bit if fresh fruit, and you’ve got a great breakfast or snack that will help build muscle.
