We all know that sugary treats can sabotage our weight loss goals. But what if we told you that there are some easy swaps you can make that will help you enjoy your favorite baked goods without derailing your diet?
Here are 5 baking habits for weight loss:
Don’t Bake When Hungry
If you’re trying to lose weight, make sure you don’t bake when hungry, or else you’ll be more likely to indulge in a sneaky taste (or two…or three!). If you can, bake early in the day or wait until after you’ve eaten a healthy meal.
Set a Limit on How Much You Taste
It’s almost impossible to resist tasting your batter or dough while baking. But if you want to avoid consuming too many calories, it’s important to set a limit on how much you taste. Allow yourself three small tastes while baking, and then walk away from the temptation.
Cut Back on Fat
Despite what a recipe might say, there’s no need to use as much fat as it says it requires. In most cases, you can reduce the amount of fat called for by half and still end up with a moist and delicious final product.
Swap Out Calorie-Dense Butter and Oils for Prune Puree
Butter and oil are two of the main culprits of unhealthy baked goods. But there’s an easy swap you can make that will cut down on calories without sacrificing taste or texture. Simply replace 1/3 of the butter or oil in your recipe with prune puree.
Prunes are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, and they help keep baked goods moist and delicious.
Use Healthy Substitutes
When it comes to sweeteners, there are many options available that won’t sabotage your weight loss efforts. Honey, agave nectar, and Stevia are all great sugar substitutes. For fats, try using applesauce or mashed bananas in place of butter or oil. These substitutes will help lighten up your recipes without sacrificing flavor.
