10 Calorie-Cutting Tips to Try

Healthy eating tips to help you slim down for summer.

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Stop Bad Eating Habits in their Tracks - As the summer months inch closer, getting ready for bathing suit season can be daunting, especially as experts say that it takes both a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight safely. Not sure where to start? Check out these tips from the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. — Britt Middleton (Photo: Getty Images)

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Switch Up Your Desserts - Instead of reaching for a high-calorie baked good, try serving fruits as everyday desserts, like baked apples and pears or a fruit salad. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Organic Fruits and Veggies Ain't All That - For years, we’ve heard that organic foods are “better” and safer for us, but a new study indicated that more expensive organic meats, fruits, vegetables and milk may not contain more nutrients than conventional food. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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Add Veggies in the Mix - Mixing vegetables into your go-to dishes like pasta will add heft to the meal and provide a nutrient boost. Try peppers in your tacos or spinach in a sandwich wrap. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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Go Fresh, Frozen or Canned - Fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables each offer more nutritional value than artificially flavored foods. Just be sure to check the sodium on canned vegetables and look for fruits packed in water or 100 percent juice (not syrup). (Photo: Getty Images)

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Plan Ahead - It's an age-old idea, but experts say that planning your meals ahead can help ensure your success. For a snack, keep sliced fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator for easy (and healthy) snacking on-the-go. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Drink Up - Drinking water helps you stay hydrated and can ease digestion. Don't like the taste of plain water? Try adding a slice of lemon, lime or fresh herbs like mint for a refreshing kick. (Photo: Andrew Unangst/Getty Images)

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Read Between the Lines - One of the easiest calorie-saving tips is to simply read the label of any packaged food you buy. Doing this helps you to make an informed decision about fat, sodium and other ingredients and decide if it's right for your dietary needs.(Photo: UPI/Monika Graff /Landov)

In Sight, In Mind - You know the phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind.” Same goes with where you place produce in your kitchen. Try leaving bananas and apples out in the open so you’re encouraged to eat them. Also, leave veggies that don’t need to be stored in the fridge in plan site, so you reach for them instead of something fattening. (Photo: Hans Wiedl/Landov)

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Keep Unhealthy Food Out of Sight - Out of sight, out of mind! Try swapping out that cookie jar on the counter for a basket of in-season fruit or use it as center piece for the kitchen table. (Photo: Landov)

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Use Smaller Plates - Experts also say it's important to indulge sometimes, but you can keep your treat in check by using smaller plates to control portion size. The larger the plate, the more likely you are to overeat. (Photo: Getty Images/Radius Images)

Spice It Up - Rather than using butter and oils, spices are a tasty and calorie-free way to flavor dishes. Add a kick to steamed veggies with cayenne pepper or try sweeter spices like cinnamon on a baked sweet potato. (Photo: Kristopher Skinner/San Jose Mercury News/MCT/Landov)

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Spice It Up - Rather than using butter and oils, spices are a tasty and calorie-free way to flavor dishes. Add a kick to steamed veggies with cayenne pepper or try sweeter spices like cinnamon on a baked sweet potato. (Photo: Kristopher Skinner/San Jose Mercury News/MCT/Landov)

Herbs Are the Word - Herbs are also flavor-packed additions that won't add calories. Bonus: herbs and spices are linked to health benefits, such as parsley, a source of folic acid, and turmeric for lowering cholesterol and fighting diabetes. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Herbs Are the Word - Herbs are also flavor-packed additions that won't add calories. Bonus: herbs and spices are linked to health benefits, such as parsley, a source of folic acid, and turmeric for lowering cholesterol and fighting diabetes. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)