29 Apr An entrée level way to lose weight and keep it off
There are all kinds of hints and tricks to lose weight or maintain existing weight loss after a weight loss diet.
What you may not know is that the restaurant industry has been using one of these tricks on you for years. What is it? It is the humble entrée. Restaurants use entrées to help make you fuller, and to increase their profit margins, but you can use them to decrease your waistline.
One of the reasons entrées help you to maintain weight loss is that they slow down your eating. It takes the brain several minutes to get the message that your stomach is satisfied, so going slow is an easy way to shed extra kilos. Adding entrées to your dinner means that it will take you longer to eat, and that gives your brain more time to process the message that you’re full.
Low-calorie dip
Here’s a simple, low-calorie dip that you can use instead: puree combine non-fat cottage cheese with herbs and fresh pepper, put in a blender or food processor, and mix until smooth.
Grate 4 radishes and a peeled cucumber (adding a pinch of salt if you like) and set aside. Blend a package of low-fat or non-fat cream cheese with 3 chopped spring onions. Drain liquid from the radish and cucumber mixture and add it to the cream cheese. This is an appetising way to lose weight and makes a good spread for bagels or whole-wheat crackers.
Soup makes a good entrée when you’re in Phase 4 of the Trim N Healthy weight loss program. You can make a tasty Italian or oriental soup by starting with 2 cups of chicken broth. For the Italian version, you add some chopped basil, garlic, oregano, and frozen spinach. Garnish with 1 teaspoon of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley. The oriental version is made with some minced ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and 1/2 cup of chopped vegetables.
While it’s not traditionally thought of as an entrée, you can always begin your meal with a salad. Use a variety of greens and fresh vegetables, but stay away from cheese, chopped meat, eggs, and fatty salad dressings.
By starting your meal with an entrée, you won’t fill up on the main course. It will also take you longer to eat, giving you extra time to realize you’re full. You will eat fewer calories overall, and you will also get to enjoy your meal, how great is that!