Even while people are working to lose weight, certain habitual food choices are often overlooked. If you go into autopilot mode at the grocery store, you may be stocking your kitchen with carbs, fat and calories. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding offers these subtle but strategic changes in your ingredients to help you stay on track for weight loss.  By making healthy swaps at lunch and dinner, you can create a caloric deficit and lose your excess weight.

• Sandwich Know-How – The meat, cheese and mayo fans can rethink basics. Reach for whole grain bread or a wrap, lean cold cuts and low fat cheese. Try an open face sandwich, and always include some veggies like Romaine lettuce and a sliced tomato. Experiment with various salad greens and switch the mayo for mustard or hummus.
• Pasta Swap – A bowl of spaghetti and meatballs may be comfort food, but it will work against you health-wise. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding suggests trying zucchini noodles instead. The ideas for “pasta” made with zucchini are endless and much better for you.
• Rethinking Ground Beef – You’ll notice fewer recipes containing ground beef when it comes to weight loss. Swap out your beef for turkey when preparing meatloaf, and try different recipes for turkey meatballs for an easy meal. When it comes to Mexican fare, reach for beans. They are healthier and keep you full longer.
• A New Way to Pizza – You might not believe it until you try it, but a veggie pizza on cauliflower crust is a delicious way to cut carbs and fat. Using seasonal vegetables, garlic and herbs allows for less cheese but no skimping on taste.

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding on Nutrition

When you get into the habit of preparing healthy food, you can make every meal work for you. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding recommends keeping a food journal so you can track your eating habits. The more nutritious options will leave you feeling more energetic and balanced. These changes alongside regular exercise will help you reach your weight loss goals.

For some, diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to sustain weight loss.  Fortunately, there are many other options ranging from behavioral therapy to weight loss surgery.  If you would like to learn about your weight loss options, contact an expert like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding. Reach out today to the NYU Langone Weight Management Program.