Make over your breakfast parfait: Use an individual size 0% or 2% Greek yogurt and mix well. Scoop half of the container into a parfait glass. Instead of using high-fat loose granola, crumble one half of a Kashi TLC Crunchy Granola Bar ($4) on top of the yogurt. Sprinkle a handful of berries over the granola. Repeat once.
Chef salads are not your friend. Between the bacon, avocado, blue cheese and traditional ranch dressing, we're talking some serious calorie overload. Most lunch takeout places offer freshly roasted turkey or chicken that you can eat on whole wheat-bread. Top with tomato, lettuce and mustard. All will keep your sandwich under 400 calories.
Skip the chips! You ordered the whole-wheat turkey sandwich, now don't deter your healthy choice. Swap chips for flavored roasted seaweed ($9 for 6 packages). Packages range from only 15 to 30 calories--a drop in the bucket compared to that 140-calorie bag of potato chips.
Avoid a pasta pouch by lightening up classic Italian dishes like baked ziti and Bolognese. Instead, try Amy's Light & Lean pasta line, which is pre-portioned so you can't go overboard. Want something fresh? Use Shirataki noodles with Cucina Antica Sauce and a sprinkle of your favorite light shredded mozzarella cheese.
Take me out to the ball game! Don't disappoint by passing on a hot dog. A hot dog with the bun clocks in at 380 calories; much fewer calories than the jumbo popcorn and peanuts. Plus, when you satisfy your true craving, you'll be less likely to overeat.
Chill out on your store-bought froyo craving by freezing your own homemade Greek yogurt instead. Use two cups 2% plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup honey and a dash of vanilla. Stick in the freezer overnight and you'll have froyo in the morning! Sprinkle with berries to add fiber.
Ditch sugary pints of ice cream and make your own. Heather's trick? Use the Yonanas Maker ($50), which creates a creamy, chilly treat out of bananas and frozen berries. Serve on a night in with your gal pals or as a cool after-dinner delight.
Dashing for the train but running low on fuel? Skip that package of trail mix at Hudson News. The bag usually contains about seven servings at 150 calories each. That's more than 1,000 calories! Instead, always keep a 100-calorie pack of roasted cocoa or cinnamon almonds ($30 for a pack of 12) and pair with a piece of fruit.
Have you ever noticed that the nutrition facts for hummus are for only two tablespoons? Instead, always buy the single-serve packs (100 cals) and pair with two bran-crisp breads. If you can't handle the hummus temptation, opt for Laughing Cow Cheese instead. It have tons of delicious flavors and only 15 to 20 calories per wedge.
Instead of calorie-laden margarita mixers, use Honest Ade Limeade ($30 for a pack of 12). It's sweetened with real cane sugar and has only 50 calories. Mix half an individual-sized bottle with 1.5 ounces of tequila and a splash of club soda. Your friends will beg you to prepare it by the pitcher.
