Does the word “diet” send a delightful shiver down your spine? Does it spark your enthusiasm to count calories and eat your vegetables? Does it inspire you to throw away your junk food and religiously consume only the healthiest, organic produce you can possibly buy?

Yeah. We didn’t think so either.

Most people when they hear the word diet groan and feel a little guilty. They twinge when they think of the Twinkie they had for breakfast this morning, and their stomach growls hungrily at the mere thought of cutting down calories in order to lose weight.

However, eating a healthy diet doesn’t simply mean starving yourself skinny. It implies lifelong changes that keep your body healthy and strong with the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to perform at its best. If you’re looking to lose a few extra pounds, then stop looking for foods to cut out and start thinking of foods to add in. It is possible: you can cut calories without cutting flavor, and here’s how.

Top Tips for Cutting Calories

Spice it Up: You can flavor your foods without packing on the pounds by opting for herbs and spices rather than butter and shortening. Spicy bell peppers contain capsicum which can temporarily increase thermogenesis, so you can burn more calories through the day.

Add. Don’t Subtract: If you’re struggling with the math of counting calories and losing weight, you have to remember that it takes a 500 calorie deficit per day in order to lose 1-2 lbs. per week. As crazy as it sounds, the best way to create this deficit is by adding foods not cutting them out. Add hearty fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber. They’re low in calories but high in nutrition. Eating an apple before a meal will help you feel fuller for longer, so you’re less likely to binge on high-calories snacks.

Use that Napkin: If you do decide to indulge and order yourself a pizza, make sure you use a napkin. Not just for your hands, but for your food. Despite the weird looks people may give you, you could easily blot up a teaspoon of grease (about 5 grams of fat), cutting nearly 40 calories from two slices of pizza without sacrificing your favorite fast food.

Don’t Butter Up Your Meals: It’s a widely known fact that Fat adds flavor, but what you may not know is that a little butter or oil can go a long way when it comes to packing on calories. If you’re looking for a way to add a little extra buttery flavor without overdoing it on the calories, try using a spray oil or Misto that can help distribute a thin layer of oil or butter so you don’t have to pore it on yourself.

Whole Grains but Not Whole Milk: Whole grains are rich in dietary fiber that can improve your digestive system, lower your cholesterol levels, and even help you cut back on calories. When buying breads and pastas, look for “whole” on the label to ensure that you’re getting the most nutrients rather than simply guessing by color and advertising. On the other hand, whole milk means that there’s a lot more fat in every cup you consume, so to cut calories without depriving yourself of essential dairy products, drop a percentage or two, or even opt for fat free milk.

Conclusion

You don’t have to tediously measure every cup of cereal or every cracker you nibble on in order to lose weight. There are easier ways to cut back without feeling deprived, so you can finally stick to your diet rather than riding the weight loss roller coaster.

As an additional suggestion, we encourage dieters to stay hydrated, so as to not confuse hunger with thirst, and keep the body performing at its peak. Drinking plenty of water is essential for losing weight, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Hopefully with the above tips and tricks, you can cut those extra calories without having to groan and say “I’m on a diet” every time someone offers you a bit of their cheesecake.