A lot of diets—especially ones that are actually called “elimination diets”—are all about what you can’t eat.
That’s one way to approach dieting, but it definitely doesn’t work that way for everyone.
Sometimes, it’s better to think about what you can eat.
A good diet won’t make you eliminate anything permanently. So here are some of the things that you can still enjoy—in moderation.
- Pasta. Yes, you can gain weight from eating pasta. But you can gain weight from anything if you eat too much of it. Try using pasta as a side dish rather than as a main course, and oyu’ll cut back on the carb intake that makes you feel so guilty for eating it. And skip the creamy sauces and instead go for a veggie-based sauce or olive oil.
- White potatoes. These guys are given way too much flak for being a useless starch. But white potatoes are a great source of fiber and potassium. All that matters is how you enjoy your potatoes. Bake your potato and top it with salsa, mustard, or another low-calorie topping to enjoy your favorite starch.
- Dairy. If you’re not lactose intolerant or vegan, and if you’re buying sustainable dairy products, there’s no reason not to indulge in dairy every so often. Cheese and skim milk are great sources of potassium and calcium, so don’t forget about them. ##MN_RESP##
- Your favorite unhealthy treats. If you cut out your favorite indulgences completely, you’re way more likely to fall back into your old habits. For example, limiting alcohol completely so you can’t even go out with your friends is a great way for you to start hating your diet. Enjoy what you like, whether it’s wine or brownies, in moderation. It’s not the end of the world.