The amount of calories you consume can help determine if you will gain weight, lose weight or remain at your current weight. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, excess calories are stored in the body as fat. You will need to reduce your calorie intake to get rid of these excess calories. Planning a low calorie diet does not require fad dieting techniques, you will only need to use the basics of healthy eating.
Step 1
Determine how much weight you want to lose and develop your goals. According to the Mayo Clinic, 3500 calories equal 1 lb. of fat. Decide how many calories you want to reduce and your daily calorie intake.
Step 2
Eat smaller meals more often. Plan to eat four to six small meals and/or snacks per day based on your daily calorie intake goal. Eating smaller meals more often will help you fight hunger cravings.
Step 3
Reduce your portion sizes to eat less calories. Read the labels on each food product to determine how many calories are in each serving size and serve yourself an amount slightly smaller than what you plan to eat. Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend putting the food you plan to eat on your plate instead of eating from the original packaging.
Step 4
Ditch the high calorie junk food and eat healthier alternatives of your favorite foods. Look for reduced calorie, fat-free and sugar-free packages to avoid eating excess calories. Try to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts as snacks in between meals.
Tips and Warnings
- Never eat fewer calories a day than recommended by your doctor.
- Talk with your doctor before attempting to change your diet.
Member Comments