5 sure steps to reduce 500 calories in your daily intake

Losing weight may mean reducing calories off what you eat every day or burning it off through exercise. Having a balance of the two is ideal so you get to see the best results and feel healthier. The most important part of dieting is staying true to the commitment of losing weight and disciplining yourself from eating too much or worse, binge eating.

If you're looking for a weight loss plan that is effective and one you can maintain, here five sure ways to slash 500 calories from your daily intake.

1.) Slowly chew your food

According to a study written on American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, those who eat at a slow pace may help you eat less. Fox News reports that it is ideal to chew food 40 times than the average 15 since it yield lower calories. Chewing slowly can help the body produce ghrelin, a substance that signals the brain that it is sated.

2.) Salads should have few salad toppings

Salads made up of green leafy vegetables are considered healthy, but if they are laden with delicious but calorie-rich toppings, then it lose its purpose. According to Health, avoid toppings such as avocado, vinaigrettes, croutons, dried fruit, bacon and cheese crumbles. Instead, go for only one lower calorie toppings that are just as delicious such as grilled onions, mushrooms or roasted bell peppers. Make sure to only drizzle only a little bit of dressing as well.

3.) Avoid sweetened beverages

Substitute soda and premade sweet teas and other drinks with water. However, SF Gate recommends that if you like carbonated drinks but without the calories, go for soda water instead. You can always start small and slowly. If you're used to drinking soda for every meal, try to substitute one meal with water or other healthier alternatives. In this way you can acclimate yourself and your palette to changes.

4.) Switch big plates to smaller ones

According to India Times, a smaller plate than the usual plate size makes you eat less. If you're accustomed to eating using a 12-inch plate, a 9-inch one will have you eat 20 to 25 percent less.

5.) Go for sensible and fresh snacks

A great way to re-energize and at the same time reduce calories is to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your snacking. According to Daily Health Remedies, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, celeries and cucumber slices are basic snack choices that are good for you. You can also go for fresh fruits as well like berries, apples and sliced bananas. They're also easy to prepare and pack.