Weight Loss Blog

One of my favorite mall food court stops is Atlanta Bread Co. How tempting is it? I've trekked across the entire mall with a toaster oven on my shoulder just to snag a banana nut muffin. I figured carrying it burned more calories than walking sans toaster oven, so I splurged.

Now, if I'd done this switch, I'd have saved myself a few more calories than schlepping any small kitchen appliance through the vast expanses of my favorite shopping mecca possibly could burn:

Toss that Banana Nut Muffin Top at Atlanta Bread Company in favor of a piece of banana nut bread to save 190 calories.

• Atlanta Bread Co. Quick Guide

Apples are not only fat-free and a calorie bargain (around 80 calories for a medium-sized one), they're a great source of dietary fiber, which can help you feel fuller longer to prevent overeating.

These days there are so many choices it's downright confusing! These tips will help you make the right pick when you're shopping for apples.

• In the Market for ... Apples

A healthful, weight-conscious eating plan can include beef as long as you pay close attention to the cuts you choose and the portion sizes you eat.

In fact, making beef a regular part of your meal plans can be an excellent way to enjoy a wider variety of meals, ensure sufficient protein intake, and increase good nutrition.

Here's how to make Healthy Beef Choices at the Supermarket.

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Well, not if you consider the easy, but effective, changes that the About.com diabetes Guide Deb Manzella suggests in her recent article, Effortless Weight Loss Can Be Yours.

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Ben and Jerry can both remain your buddies if you're trying to lose weight. A smart swap will keep them in your life without diverting from your diet. Here's one I like:

Switch from a half cup of Peanut Butter Cup ice cream at Ben & Jerry's to a half cup of Chocolate Fudge Brownie frozen yogurt and you'll enjoy 170 fewer sweet, creamy calories.

Check out more "Smart Swaps" to save you calories while still enjoying your favorite foods!

Burger King

• Tender Crisp Garden Salad - 460 calories
• Tender Grill Garden Salad - 300 calories

• Crispy BLT salad - 340 calories
• Roasted BLT salad - 200 calories

• Asian Salad with Crispy Chicken - 300 calories
• Ceasar Salad with Grilled Chicken - 220 calories

• Southwest Taco Salad - 590 calories
• Chicken Caesar Salad - 250 calories

To find out the calories in many more foods -- from salads to sandwiches to snacks -- check out Calorie Count Plus!

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If your favorite Taco Bell fix is the seven-layer burrito, take note: Those seven layers of Mexican goodness contain just about 500 calories!

Instead, order a fresco crunchy taco and add on a side of pinto beans (hold the cheese!) at 110 calories for around half the calories.

And this swap is better than the burrito for another reason: The added protein and fiber from the beans will keep you feeling fuller longer and therefore help prevent overeating.

To see more Taco Bell calorie counts visit the Taco Bell page at Calorie Count Plus.

Lose weight without going on a diet? It's not too good to be true. You don't have to follow a strict diet to get the ball rolling; making these easy but effective changes really can help you lose weight. Here are 8 Easy Ways to Lose Weight.

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Calorie counting is the way to make it happen. When you learn the basics, you can incorporate all the foods you love into your daily diet while managing your weight.

And the great tools at Calorie Count Plus can help you get the information you need to get started, such as your daily caloric needs, your diet profile, the calorie counts of your favorite foods, and the ability to add up your caloric intake every day.

Check out how to count calories and then head to Calorie Count Plus and get started!

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