There is something about the word “diet” that conjures up thoughts of carrot sticks and lettuce. The thoughts quickly switch to the deprivations caused by “giving up” favorite foods.
There are two important things to remember that don’t always fit into the concept of a diet. First, “a” diet isn’t going to solve anything long term. There isn’t a diet in the world that will make a long term difference in weight issues. It’s about a total change in what is eaten…forever.
Second, developing a martyr complex is a strong possibility when faced with the kind of foods only a rabbit would enjoy. That’s not good for mental health, and it can lead to avoiding the issue of being overweight.
Instead of thinking about the foods of yesterday, it’s time to consider what can be eaten without busting the calorie budget. Changing an ingredient or two in a recipe can mean the reduction of calories, salt and fat…without giving up the food or the flavors.
A great example is a hamburger. Most hamburger purchased by the home cook is either 80/20 or 85/15. These numbers are the lean to fat ratio. Changing it to 90/10 or even better 96/4 reduces calories, fat and cholesterol, and it still tastes like hamburger.
What about the buns? Going to a burger wrapped in lettuce isn’t necessary, though it can be done. Instead, it’s better to use a whole wheat bun. Whole grains can help further reduce fat and cholesterol absorption. It also isn’t quite as messy as a piece of lettuce.
Condiments and cheese are the last two to look at. Replacing the cheese with a few avocado slices adds heart healthy fats to the equation. So can skipping the mayo, ranch or thousand island dressing in favor of mustard or catsup. Even BBQ sauce is a better choice in most instances.
While this doesn’t mean that no one should eat carrot sticks or lettuce, it does mean that they don’t have to be the centerpiece of anyone’s diet. The rabbits will probably appreciate that.
Comments