Make Sensible Substitutions

A great way to cut calories is to make smart substitutions. Dieting isn't about deprivation, but it is about making choices that will help you get the most bang for your calorie buck. Most people fail to realize just how fast things can go bad. For example, say you want to substitute French fries with a loaded baked potato. A small potato has just 128 calories. Add one tablespoon of butter and that's where the trouble begins. You've just brought an additional 102 calories and 11.5 grams of fat. A tablespoon of sour cream will cost you 40 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. Sprinkle with an ounce of cheddar cheese, and that's another 114 calories and 9.4 grams of fat. Two slices of crumbled bacon will set you back 80 calories and 7 grams of fat. Suddenly, that healthy potato has turned into a major fat trap with more than 400 calories.