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    Home » Healthy Lifestyle and Weight Loss » 3 Tips to Help Control Calories

    3 Tips to Help Control Calories

    Published: May 23, 2011 · Modified: Oct 31, 2022 by Tammy Overhoff

    how-to-count-calories-to-lose-weight-faster

    Last week I blogged about the steps you can take to get started counting calories. “Calorie awareness,” the term I use for counting calories, is an extremely effective way to lose weight. I believe this is true because it is you who are in control and accountable for the foods you eat. This is a lifestyle I believe in for the simple reason that it works. With that said I want to offer additional tips to help you easily transition and adapt into this healthier way of life.

    These three tips, along with the help of your food journal, will assist you greatly in getting your calories under control.

    Portion control – In our super-sized world, we have completely lost sight of what a correct portion is supposed to be. All too often, we think we are eating one serving when, in reality; we may actually be eating two, three, or even more servings at a time. I was able to tame my portions by measuring the food, reading food labels, and educating myself on the correct serving sizes for different foods. I was shocked; as I’m sure you will be too, to see how small one serving is supposed to look like. Now don’t get all depressed on me when you see a small slice of cheesecake is 700 calories. The beauty of calories and portion control is you can still eat what you want as long as it fits into your daily limits. It all comes down to planning ahead.

    Substitute lower calorie healthier options. I don’t feel deprived at all even though I am surrounded by the All-American diet of burgers, pizza, and sugar. I have learned to prepare and cook healthier versions of my favorite foods. For example, Turkey Bacon Cheeseburgers, Buffalo Chicken Wraps, Turkey Fried Rice, and Chicken Curry have all been transformed into healthy versions of traditional recipes. To be honest, I actually think they taste better with a Skinny Mom’s Kitchen makeover. I offer many tasty, healthy recipes. However, I highly recommend checking out my favorite food blog Cookin’ Lean for more recipe ideas. The author, Lindsay, creates healthy recipe makeovers inspired by popular Food Network chefs like Paula Deen, Rachel Ray, Bobby Flay, and more. She certainly proves that eating well does not mean giving up the food we love, especially with dishes like her Baked Caramel Apple Pie and Buffalo Popcorn Chicken Bites.

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    Stop mindless eating. How many times have you grabbed some pretzels while waiting for dinner or picked the leftovers from your kid’s plate? Have you ever grabbed a second cookie from the break room? No need to hang your head in shame because we have all been there. All calories, even the ones we don’t think about, still count and add up quick. Mindless eating played a huge role in making me overweight. The good thing about mindless eating is it’s relatively easy to change once you begin to recognize when you’re doing it.

    What other tips do you have in keeping calories under control?

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    Healthy Lifestyle and Weight Loss

    About Tammy Overhoff

    Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating recipes to meal prep, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. Check out my online shop Reset & Flourish for all of my eBooks, Guides, and Bundles!

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    Comments

    1. Marilyn Richardson says

      July 03, 2016 at 11:37 am

      Great tips.

      Reply
      • Marilyn Richardson says

        July 03, 2016 at 11:42 am

        I have been a WW member since Jan. 6/13 and got to my goal weight a year later. Since then I am on the “roller coaster” ride with ups and downs. Now 7 lbs over goal weight and not comfortable with this. Been down this route many a time. Maintenance is an on going lifestyle to follow. Staying mindful, watching portion sizes is imperative. Thanks for your tips. I know how easy it is to go down that slippery slope and I am determinded not to do that again! I thank you for sharing of info on this subject.

        Reply
    2. Lindsay says

      May 25, 2011 at 3:46 pm

      Hi, I am stopping by from SITS. The mindless eating gets every time, and is truly something I need to work on! Now that I am living in Europe, the portion size thing is easier. Servings at restaurants are far smaller, and even foods you buy at the store are packaged in smaller portions. Very helpful!

      Reply
      • Tammy says

        May 25, 2011 at 6:02 pm

        Hi Lindsay thank you so much for stopping by. Yes mindless eating I think is the big one for everyone.

        Reply
    3. Janet White says

      May 24, 2011 at 1:34 pm

      Thanks for stopping by my blog this morning. ( SITS). I enjoyed reading your blog post too. I have been eating healthy and exercising for about a year now and have lost between 12-14 lbs. It has been pretty difficult as I am on medication that has a side effect of weight gain.. They say it is all in your head but I beg to differ. I use Spark People to keep track of my calories, and walk, go to the gym (Body Pump and Spin) or ride my bike at least 3 times a week. Just gotta keep at it!

      Reply
      • Tammy says

        May 24, 2011 at 4:58 pm

        Hi Janet! Thanks for stopping by. I heard a lot about spark people. I will need to look into that one. Congrats on your weight loss and keep up the good work. Stay in touch.

        Reply
        • Genn says

          February 20, 2013 at 2:36 pm

          Yes, I have used Spark People too. It is GREAT for counting calories, giving you meal plans (with substitutions if you don’t like a food), grocery list for the week or even tracking your fitness. Just wanted to encourage everyone to check it out! 🙂

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    Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating meal prep recipes, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. Check out my online shop Reset & Flourish for all of my eBooks, Guides, and Bundles!

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