What substitution helps reduce caloric intake while maintaining food volume on the plate?

Answer

Replacing one cup of baked potato with steamed pumpkin

For individuals aiming to manage weight or reduce calorie consumption without feeling deprived, a strategic substitution is highly effective. Specifically, replacing a one-cup serving of a starchy side dish, such as a baked potato or sweet potato, with an equivalent volume of plain, steamed pumpkin can result in a meaningful caloric deficit over time. This swap works because pumpkin has a high water content and significant fiber, promoting satiety and fullness (satiety factor) while delivering fewer calories than the starchy alternative, thus maintaining satisfaction while reducing caloric load.

What substitution helps reduce caloric intake while maintaining food volume on the plate?
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