Tips for Healthy Eating Habits and Low Calorie Food Hacks - Ann Arbor's Top Personal Training Facility
At Thrive Training Facility in Ann Arbor, we’re not just your average gym. Our personal trainers understand the importance of fueling your body with nutritious foods and being mindful of your calorie intake. Making smart choices when it comes to your nutritional habits can play a crucial role in achieving your fitness goals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking to cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor and quality, here are some lower calorie options to help you make healthier choices:
Choose lean proteins:
Opt for lean protein sources such as chicken breast, lean ground beef, turkey, fish, venison, tofu, beans and rice, etc. to keep your meals tasty, filling, and lower calorie. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and choosing a lean protein source can help you stay full and satisfied, without excess calories from fat.
Swap out high-calorie ingredients:
Look for lower-calorie alternatives to high-calorie ingredients in your favorite recipes. For example, swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt in sauces and dressings, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, or replace sugary condiments with fresh herbs and spices for added flavor without the extra calories. There are so many more hacks I’m excited to teach you with “Flex Lex Recipes” coming soon!
Watch your portions:
Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating and consuming more calories than you need. Use measuring cups, food scales, or visual cues to help you portion out your meals and snacks appropriately. Eating mindfully and listening to your body's hunger cues can also help you avoid unnecessary calorie consumption. Did you know, it takes your body roughly 30 minutes to realize you’re full? That’s why planning portions ahead of eating, and eating your food slowly can have drastic benefits for your hunger cravings.
Check out the link to the cheap and effective food scale we use below:
Stay hydrated:
This is one I cannot say enough to my clients! Our bodies can’t tell the difference between hunger and dehydration. Often times your mind will trick you by telling you it’s hungry, when in reality you’re just thirsty and need to drink some water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help you feel full and prevent overeating. Opt for water or unsweetened beverages instead of sugary drinks, drinks with artifial sweeteners, and alcohol, which can contribute to excess calorie intake and more often times than not, unnecessary inflammation. Staying hydrated can also help support your metabolism and overall health. However, keep in mind that you can’t properly hydrate yourself without the two minerals, sodium and potassium. That’s why we highly encourage using pink Himalayan sea salt on your meals throughout the day, in addition to sea salt or an LMNT packet pre-workout to ensure you’re properly hydrating yourself for your best performance.
Plan ahead:
Take the time to meal prep and plan your meals and snacks in advance to avoid making impulsive food choices that may be unhealthy or higher in calories. Having healthy, low-calorie options readily available can help you stay on track with your nutrition goals and allow you to resist temptation for the wrong food choices.
Load up on veggies:
Vegetables are low calorie but high in essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Incorporating a variety of organic colorful veggies into your meals can help you feel full and satisfied without consuming excess calories. Try adding extra veggies to your salads, breakfast omelettes, or steamed veggie options for an extra nutrient boost without adding eccess calories! Another great way to prepare your veggies are in the air fryer. This is becoming a popular option for flavor and texture, and still keeps your meals low calorie.
As a trainer at Thrive Training Facility, we encourage our clients to focus on making gradual improvements to their eating habits rather than following strict diets or restrictions. We don’t expect you to pull a 180 overnight. Those plans don’t ever work. We encourage clients to have a flexible dieting plan as long as they’re eating nutritious and healthy foods. It’s not just about how much you eat, it’s about the quality of foods that you consume as well. By incorporating these lower calorie food hacks into your daily routine and finding a balance that works for you, you can foster a positive relationship with food that supports your overall health and fitness goals.
If you’re looking for personal guidance and support in achieving your fitness and nutrition goals, consider working with a trainer at Thrive Training Facility. Our team of experienced trainers can provide you with expert advice, motivation and accountability to help you make positive changes in your nutritional habits and lifestyle. Together, we can create a customized exercise and nutrition plan that aligns with your goals and preferences, making it easier for you to incorporate low calorie food options and making healthier choices that support you overall well being to help you THRIVE.
For more education on nutrition, check out our other blog posts like:
https://www.thrivetrained.com/blog/2024/6/23/thrive-nutritional-guidance-ann-arbors-top-personal-training-facility
Alexus Rad
CO-Owner
Thrive Training Facility / Thrive nation