Weight Loss Strategy: Use Small Utensils

Did you know that using a smaller size plate and smaller serving utensils can be a good weight loss strategy? Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign evaluated the portions of diners at an ice cream social when their party bowls and serving spoons were downsized. When using larger serving utensils, people ate about 15% more. In addition, when that large ice cream scoop was paired with a big bowl, they ate about 57% more. So, when dishing out the dessert, downsize the bowls and serving utensils. It will look like you are eating a lot more than you are.

Water, water, everywhere, but that’s not what I want to drink!

Did you know an 8 oz pina colada on a hot summer night will set you back about 500 calories and 5 grams of saturated fat? Remember too, that liquids do not help us to feel full and satisfied. Drinking high calorie libations will not curb your appetite at meal times, so when the thirst hits, here’s what to do. What will you drink this weekend?

	Serving Size	Calories	Survery Says...		Serving Size	Calories	Survey Says...
Pina Colada	8oz	500 + 5 grams of saturated fat	Try again	White Wine	8oz	160 + 0 grams of fat	Good choice
Regular Beer	12oz can	146	Not so bad but...	Lite Beer	12oz can	99	Better
Wine Cooler	12oz	125	That's the equivalent of one regular hot dog	Wine Spritzer	12oz	120	Enjoy
Soda	12 oz	155	13 teaspoons sugar	Flavored Seltzer	Any size	0	Why not
Cranberry Juice	8oz	116	31 grams of pure carbs	Cranberry Spritzer in Sparkling water	8oz	15	Bingo!

BBQ Make Over

If anticipation of the next family BBQ leaves you feeling hot under the collar, no sweat. A BBQ doesn’t have to dish out the calories and fat. Here’s how to make your next summer soirée a bit on the lighter side.

BBQ’s invariably mean hot dogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, fresh corn on the cob, potato salad, and an array of cookies, brownies, and ice cream. Sound good? Well, with a little recipe magic you can whip up a lower fat, higher fiber BBQ that is satisfying, delicious, and healthy.

The first place to start is the grocery store. There is a big nutritional difference between a regular hot dog and a lower fat, lower salt version. Ball Park Fat Free Franks and Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Franks are two brands that have taken out the fat, lowered the sodium, and still make you feel like you’re standing at home plate. By making a hot dog switch, you can spare yourself about 130 calories and 16 grams of fat per dog! Of course, you can always throw a few veggie dogs on the grill for your vegetarian niece. Tasty and cholesterol free, Yves Veggie Cuisine Fat-Free wieners are big hit with the teens.

Same advice goes for hamburgers. Buy lean ground beef or turkey, and load up on the fixings. By adding a pile of lettuce, tomato, and some grilled red onions, you add a bit fiber to help fill you up faster. You can also try a veggie burger for variety. The Morningstar line of faux meats is a sure home run.

Besides buying whole wheat buns, serving iced tea instead of sugar-laden soda, and upgrading your trans fat greasy finger potato chips to an olive oil crusted sweet potato chip, you can trim your menu by slimming down your sides. Try a French style potato salad marinated with white wine, mustard, tarragon, and olive oil, or a Greek potato salad dressed in a low fat yogurt sauce with dill and mint. Both will save you the cholesterol and saturated fat of traditional egg and mayonnaise dressing.

Coleslaw can be a colorful, low saturated fat and fiber packed addition to any meal. Keep the coleslaw honest by dressing it with rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ginger, and a touch of sweetener. The Asian flavor will wow your guests with its authenticity.

Baked beans are good… but a chick pea salad with fresh parsley, lemon juice, and garlic is better. Baked beans can be loaded with added sugar. Keeping beans on the menu means more fiber and a low fat source of protein. A colorful black beans salad with red pepper, corn, and cilantro will perk up any party table and keep you slim in your swimsuit.

What about dessert? Fresh fruit is a staple during summer months. Topping it with homemade whipped cream can be a delightful and healthier alternative to brownie a la mode. Focusing on fruit based desserts ensures a bit of nutrition even in dessert. Watch out for pre-made pie crusts filled with trans fats. Whole Foods sells a trans free frozen pie crust that saves the time of making it from scratch.