Drink Fat-Free Milk

Switching from whole milkto fat-free milkcan save you nearly 70 calories per cup.

Contrary to some rumors, nonfat (also called skim) milk does not contain added sugar.

Because the fat in milk is high in calories, removing the fat decreases the calories quite a bit.

A person cutting fruit at home on cutting board

FreshSplash / Getty Images

There are lots ofhealthy alternatives to a dairy diet.

Switching from regular to fat-free sour cream can save you 30 calories in just 2 tablespoons.

They are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz

If you need a dip, try hummus, cottage cheese, or Greek yogurt dip.

Snack on Air-Popped Popcorn

Air-popped popcornis an alternative to deep-fried snacks like potato chips.

Focus on Leaner Cuts of Meat

Swapping out the cut of meat can change the caloric and fat contents.

Lean cuts of pork include ham, pork loin, center loin, and tenderloin.

When looking for lean poultry, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and turkey cutlets.

Rethink Your Drink

Choose to fill up on whole foods rather than drinking your calories.

Eating the whole fruit saves you about 24 calories, though the carbohydrates are roughly the same.

Sugar-sweetened beverages have more calories, carbohydrates, and added sugars while often containing little or no nutritional value.

Limiting your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages can help you maintain a healthy weight and a healthy diet.

Choose water over sugar-sweetened drinks.

USDA FoodData Central.Sour cream, fat free.

2016;13(1):e1001956.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001956].PLoS Med.

2015;12(9):e1001878.

doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001878

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips for cutting calories.

USDA FoodData Central.Beef, ribeye, steak, boneless, choice, raw.

USDA.How do I choose lean meat and poultry?.

USDA FoodData Central.Apples, fuji, with skin, raw.

USDA FoodData Central.Apple juice, canned or bottled, unsweetened, with added ascorbic acid.

Chan School of Public Health.Fiber.

Chan School of Public Health.Sugary drinks.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Get the facts: sugar-sweetened beverages and consumption.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Steps for losing weight.

Harvard Health Publishing.Simple math equals easy weight loss.