10 ways to cut down calories

Use minimum oil for cooking

A small spoonful (5mL) of most cooking oils has more than 40 calories. So, use only a few drops while cooking.

Change the frying pan

Change your nonstick pans once the coating wears off. The expense is worth the calories saved.

Change your cooking style

All the foods that you eat fried can be eaten grilled, roasted, or steamed. This means oil-free cooking and considerable calories saved.

Have fruits instead of juices

Instead of having fruit juice at breakfast, have fruits. While an average orange has about 60 calories, a glass (250mL) of orange juice has more than 100 calories

Avoid colas and sodas

Soft drinks are an easy route through which calories sneak into your body. Avoid these sugary drinks and have more water instead.

Have low-fat desserts

Fruit smoothies, flavored ice candies, flavored yogurt are all relatively low calorie options. An appealing bowl of chilled mixed fruits can also help take your mind off the ice-cream.

Have toned dairy products

Low fat milk and yogurt has about half the calories as its full fat version. Instead of avoiding dairy altogether switch to the low fat variety.

Always eat from a plate

Make it a habit to put your food on a plate or bowl before you eat it. This means not eating handfuls directly from the bag.

Carry home-made snacks with you

Eat at home before stepping out or carry a homemade snack in your bag. Eat out only when you are eating-out.

Go slow and steady

Calorie cutting should be a slow and steady effort rather than the launch of a sudden war against food. Try to reduce and change your eating habits over a couple of weeks and not overnight