15 Easy Ways to Cut 150 Calories Every Day

Want to know a secret? You don’t need to deprive yourself to lose weight. In fact, sometimes the littlest swaps or tweaks can make a big difference. If you cut 150 calories per day through diet or exercise, that equates to 54,750 calories per year, which equals almost 16 pounds! We asked three experts—a doctor, a nutritionist and a trainer—for some easy ways to lose 150 calories daily; here’s what they said.
Kim Lyons, Trainer

1. Make gardening a workout and pull weeds for 30 minutes.
2. Sit on the floor and stretch for one hour during your favorite TV show. Bonus: You’ll increase your flexibility!
3. Use mustard instead of mayo on sandwiches.
4. Buy 6-inch low-carb, whole-wheat tortillas instead of the 10-inch flour ones. Not only will you lose calories, but you’ll also get four times the fiber!
5. Avoid soda and drink water or unsweetened tea instead.
Shaila Singh, MD
Diplomat for the American Association of Family Physicians
6. Skip your nightly dessert and eat strawberries instead.
7. Dance around your house (or go dancing with girlfriends) for a half-hour.
8. If you need a potato fix, try a baked potato instead of french fries.
9. Tackle a few cleaning projects and do housework for 30 minutes.
10. Choose brown rice and rye bread instead of white rice or bread.
Joan Salge Blake, RD, LDN
Nutrition Professor, Boston University
11. Load your pasta with veggies to cut calories but not bulk. Instead of two cups of pasta, try one cup of whole-wheat pasta and one cup of cooked veggies.
12. When talking on your cell phone, always get up and walk around instead of lying on the couch.
13. Keep 100-calorie popcorn snack packs on hand to eat instead of a bag of chips from the vending machine.
14. Skip the grande Caramel Macchiato at Starbucks and opt for a small cappuccino with skim milk instead.
15. To start your morning, trade in a normal bagel for a toasted whole-wheat muffin.

55 Cheap and Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Doughnuts, and eggs, and quinoa  bakes, oh my! At breakfast time, it's essential to fuel up with nutrient-packed ingredients to give you energy throughout the day (and may even prevent overeating and help with weight regulation). A healthy dose of fiber (think whole-grains and fruits and veggies) and protein (eggs, greek yogurt, lean meat) is generally a good way to start the day, since both help to keep you full for a longer period of time (compared to things like simple carbs — hello, bagels!). Below, we've split these meal ideas into our sweet and savory options — scroll down to take a look!

A Healthy Mix of Sweet n' Savory

33 Healthier Breakfast Alternatives
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so don't waste it on sugary junk! Instead, rise and shine with these healthier versions of common breakfast foods.


On the Sweet Side
Baked Banana Bread Doughnut
Indulge a healthier way with these whole-wheat baked doughnuts for breakfast!


Tropical Beach Granola
While you're waiting for summer to roll around, try this tropical-scented granola.


Crisp Apple and Almond "Cereal"
Not a fan of sugar-laden boxed cereals? Try this fruit-filled alternative! 


Quinoa Breakfast Bake
Bake up a pan of this healthy quinoa casserole for an easy hot breakfast on-the-go throughout the week.


“Sunny” Green Juice
Love green juice but not sure how to tackle it on your own? Here's an easy guide to juicing at home! 


Easy Coconut Granola
This easy and flavorful granola can bring crunch to any healthy breakfast, from Greek yogurt to the top of pancakes!

 

 

 

Whole-Wheat Zucchini Muffins
Need a healthy, veggie-packed breakfast option? Look no further than these whole-wheat muffins with no oil, butter, or other added fats!

 

 

 

Breakfast Polenta with Honey and Yogurt
Try this warm breakfast treat in place of classic oatmeal. It’s easy to prepare and sure to start your day off right.


Chocolate Banana Breakfast Quinoa
Chocolate for breakfast? Yes, please! This sweet quinoa dish makes a perfect breakfast for a rainy day or when your inner chocoholic comes out in the morning.

 

 

 

Fruit Salad with Lemon-Lavender Syrup
Peaches, plums, and cherries, oh my! This sophisticated summer fruit salad gets kicked up a notch with a lemon-lavender syrup, making it the perfect addition to any picnic or party. 

Fruit and Nut Bars
These eight-ingredient bars are the perfect way to fit in that daily dose of nuts and satisfy that sweet tooth at the same time. Plus, they go from pantry to plate in less than an hour!

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
With six core ingredients and only 15 minutes of active prep time, this pumpkin spiced oatmeal is the prefect choice for any fall morning!

Berry Patriotic Parfait
No breakfast is complete without some red, white, and blue. Get a healthy dose of color with this patriotic berry parfait!     

 

Banana and Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Want to spice up your breakfast bread? This French toast is stuffed to the brim with delicious options.


Greek Yogurt and Kiwi Parfait
These fruits may be fuzzy, but kiwis clearly offer up a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

 

 

 

 

Cinnamon Vanilla Almond Butter
When hunger strikes, skip greasy snacks. Protein, fat, and fiber make almonds a filling and energy-packed Greatist superfood.    

 

 

 

On the Savory Side

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast Burrito
Celebrate St. Patty's day with this fun and festive take on a healthier green eggs and ham.


Low-Carb Celery Root Hash Browns
For a slightly healthier take on classic breakfast potatoes, try this recipe for low-carb hash browns alongside any omelet or scrambled eggs.

Brussels Sprout and Egg Scramble
Try this super-simple oven-roasted entree for your next weekend brunch: Brussels sprouts and eggs, served with toast.

Crustless Vegetable Quiche
Try this healthier take on the classic French indulgence for a festive holiday brunch. 


Brussels Sprout and Sweet Potato Hash
The perfect veggie-filled healthy meal appropriate for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.


Baked Leek, Potato, and Spinach Frittata
This garlic relative shares some of the same benefits. Don’t be intimidated by its appearance, this more mild alternative to onions is a great healthy veggie option.