Follow these 6 rules from Shape.com to make smarter choices when you indulge in candy, cookies, ice cream and fast food.
1. Control cravings
Complete deprivation is not the solution. A denied craving can quickly spiral out of control, leading to bingeing or overeating. If you’re craving fries or chips, for example, eat a small serving of fries, or buy the mini 150-calorie bag of chips and be done with it. Also to consider: a healthier alternative like chips made from blue corn.
2. Indulge sensibly
Splurging on occasion is acceptable — just don’t get carried away!
3. Avoid stocking treats in your cabinets or fridge
Buy something only when the craving hits and enjoy a small quantity. Then share or trash the rest.
4. Mix it up
Try eating something healthier thing along with the less-nutritious food, like a piece of fruit with your cheesecake. By eating the fruit first, you’ll dull your appetite and be less likely to wolf down a second slice of the cheesecake.
5. Count calories
Compare the amount of fat and calories found in healthy, filling snacks vs. less-healthful foods. For instance, a medium apple contains just 81 calories and no fat.
6. Focus on fat
Take extra care to read labels. After reviewing several types of packaged food, like cookies, snack cakes, and chips, researchers at the University of Minnesota found that less expensive items tend to have more trans fats than those that cost a little more. These processed fats, which have been shown to raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol level, may show up on ingredient lists as partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oil and shortening.
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