When you're trying to lose weight, it sometimes seems as if you have to give up all the foods you love, including those rich desserts such as homemade pie. If you're a pie lover who still wants to be slim, there's good news for you.
You can have your pie and still lose weight if you follow a few healthy pie eating strategies to keep your calorie intake under control:
Order Sugar Free Pie
More restaurants and bakeries are offering homemade, sugar free pies for their health conscious customers. While sugar free pies do offer calorie savings, they're not fat or calorie free, so you should still be judicious and not eat the whole pie. The next time you visit your favorite restaurant, grocery store, or bakery ask about the availability of sugar free pies. Don't Eat The Pie Crust
Most of the calories and fat in pie are in the pie crust. This is usually the least flavorful portion of the pie. If you want to eat pie and still lose weight, consider eating only a portion of the crust, or, if you can resist, leave the crust behind entirely. You'll still get the delicious flavor of the pie filling without all the calories and fat. Opt For Pies With Meringue Topping
Pies that have a meringue topping are lower in calories and fat than those that have a creamed base roof. Meringue is made with egg whites and has lots of air whipped into it, making it a lower calorie choice if you're trying to lose weight. Choose Your Pie Carefully
When you choose your pie, select healthy pies with lower calorie fillings such as pumpkin or sweet potato pie as well as some of the fruit pies. Avoid the heavier pies that are loaded with fats and sugars such as pecan and cream pies. Split Your Piece Of Pie With A Friend
When you go out for dinner, order a single piece of pie and split it with your friend or dinner date. This will allow both of you to enjoy a delicious piece of pie without all the guilt and weight gain. Bake Your Own Healthy Pie At Home
If you have the time, you can bake a healthy pie at home. Purchase a healthier, trans fat free, pre-made crust at your local grocery store or natural food store. Instead of using the traditional ingredients in your chosen pie recipe, substitute skim milk for higher calorie whole milk, egg whites for whole eggs, and no calorie sweetener for sugar. This will make an enormous difference in the calorie and fat content of your finished piece of pie, allowing you to enjoy pie and still lose weight.
The next time you're tempted to reach for a delicious piece of pie, go ahead and indulge, just don't forget how to approach pie eating in a healthy manner so you can continue to be slim and lose weight.
