Motivation Monday: Easy ways to cut calories

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Let's talk about easy ways to cut calories. I have always preached that it's not always what you are eatiNG - it's how it's prepared.

For example, nothing wrong with a grilled chicken breast but a fried crispy chicken breast changes the calorie count significantly. The extra breading and oil can rack up an extra 300 calories and tens of grams of fat.

Here are a few ideas for food swaps to choose this and loose that to cut back on extra sugar, salt and unnecessary saturated fats.

Breakfast:

INSTEAD of instant flavored oatmeal TRY homemade oatmeal.

INSTEAD of latte w 2% milk and flavor shot TRY latte w skim milk and 1/2 flavor shot.

Lunch:

INSTEAD of cheeseburgers with bun and mayo TRY turkey burger with better toppings

INSTEAD of french fries TRY baked fries or baked sweet potato fries

Dinner:

INSTEAD of frozen breaded chicken TRY a grilled chicken breast

INSTEAD of caesar salad with bacon bits, croutons and heavy dressing TRY a spinach salad with craisins, pumpkin seeds, feta cheese and light dressing.

By: Chris Freytag

Chris Freytag offers healthy lifestyle tips every week on the KARE 11 Sunrise "Motivation Monday" segment at 6:20 a.m. Chris has been educating and teaching fitness and nutrition for over 17 years. She is the author of 2 books, produced Fitness DVDs and sits on the Board of Directors for the American Council on Exercise. CLICK HERE to read more.

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