Losing weight is about 80 percent diet

How important is diet and nutrition when it comes to losing weight and sculpting that sexy-licious physique you’re dreaming of? If you work out extra hard, add a few more reps or spend more time on the treadmill is that enough to get your butt into a smaller pair of pants? Not a chance. Ask any fitness pro or nutrition expert and you will hear that diet is anywhere from 70 to 90% responsible when it comes to transforming and improving that bod of yours (not to mention the health of your heart). Bummer eh? Well fear not my fellow fitness freaks, it’s really not that bad. Getting in tip top shape and still eating delicious foods is certainly possible, it just takes a little knowledge and a dash of creativity. Through years of trail and error, I’ve come up with some tips that will keep both your taste buds and your waistline happy.

Condiments, condiments, condiments!

Ok, so you’ll have to ditch the full fat mayo but there are lots of ways to add flavor to your fave foods. The following is a list of taste enhancers that may be used in a free for all manner without sabotaging your efforts.

Mustard

Salsa

Fat free, low calorie Italian dressing

Lemon juice

Lime juice

Low sodium soy sauce

Tobasco (or Franks red hot sauce)

Horseradish

Worcestershire

Balsamic vinegar

Spice it up!

Use one of the many pre-packaged rubs and seasoning mixtures like Greek, Italian, Montreal Steak, Lemon pepper etc. Check the label first to ensure that no additional sugar has been added and then simply rub the seasoning onto meats or fish before grilling. Super easy and delicious!

Let it soak

Marinades are a great way to add flavor to meat, poultry, fish and veggies without adding fat and calories. As long as you check the label for calories, feel free to use a store bought mix or even better, make your own. It’s fast and easy! Try this Moroccan inspired marinade on chicken, pork or fish.