For those on a fitness journey who don’t want to give up their favourite foods, a fitness coach has some good news for you.
Embarking on a healthier eating path can seem daunting, but there are simple “effortless swaps” that can allow you to enjoy your preferred treats while still achieving your fitness objectives.
Fitness coach Alfie Evans has divulged five clever food swaps that won’t sacrifice flavour but could aid in shedding pounds.
For bacon lovers looking to “lose body fat,” Alfie suggests switching out regular bacon for “bacon medallions”. He claims they “taste the exact same, but you can save 210 calories per four pieces of bacon,” and insists “it’s a no-brainer”.
When it comes to bread, Alfie advises those accustomed to “normal bread” to consider Danish bread as a calorie-cutting alternative. “It’s a game-changer for anyone who adores bread like I do because it contains half the calories,” he says.
Alfie also recommends replacing standard rice with cauliflower rice. He admits: “If I’m totally honest, it doesn’t quite hit the spot in the same way, but it’s literally 175 calories less,” making it a worthwhile swap for frequent rice eaters.
For those with a sweet tooth craving something sugary after meals, Alfie suggests swapping out sweets for grapes.
While it’s perfectly fine to indulge in a sweet treat occasionally, substituting daily sweets with fruit could be beneficial. Alfie suggested: “They’re less calories, and they won’t make your energy fall off a cliff afterwards”.
He also proposed swapping “normal milk” for sweetened almond milk. The expert explained: “You save 380 calories per litre. You could save even more calories and get the unsweetened one, but this one’s bangin’,” he elaborated, showcasing the sweetened almond milk.
In response to his advice, a commenter noted that the most crucial step is to “eat in a calorie deficit,” a sentiment echoed by NHS guidelines.
What does the NHS advise about calorie counting?
When our calorie intake exceeds our body’s usage, the surplus is stored as fat. If this pattern persists, weight gain may ensue.
Being aware of the calorie content of our food and drink, and how much we consume, can help manage our daily intake.
However, calorie counting isn’t the only method to modify eating habits for weight loss. Simple adjustments like altering portion sizes and ensuring meals consist of the right types of food can also have a significant impact.
How many calories should you consume daily?
The average recommended daily calorie intake is:
2,500kcal for men.
2,000kcal for women.
How many calories should you consume to lose weight?
For weight loss, the average individual should aim to decrease their daily calorie intake by approximately 600kcal.
This implies cutting down on calories from the suggested daily intake to:
1,900kcal for men.
1,400kcal for women.
If you require assistance with weight loss, it’s advisable to consult your GP.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk