Friday, December 28, 2012

Weight Loss In The New Year

Have you ever felt defeated in your weight loss efforts? Many people get so caught up by the scale! Don’t let the scale determine your success! I always tell my patients to not weigh themselves every day. Once a week is plenty to help keep you accountable and on track. Write it down to help track your progress. Treat yourself once you have hit your 5 lb weight loss mark (go to a movie, or the spa) and then keep shedding the pounds!

Here is a checklist of things to focus on daily on your weight loss journey:

  • Don’t go longer than 3-4 hours without eating (Start with breakfast, no longer than 1-2 hours after waking up)

  • Have protein at each meal and snack (20-30 grams protein at meal times, 7-10 grams for snacks)

  • Drink your water (Consume at least 64 oz water - add lemon, lime, or sliced cucumbers to flavor)

  • Commit to an exercise program (Exercise most days of the week. Include cardio, weight training, and stretching)

  • Stay away from high calorie drinks, condiments, and creamers

  • Limit your sweets (Sweets may taste good but they are packed with empty calories. Try popping in a piece of gum or have a sugar-free popsicle to curb your craving)

  • JOURNAL. Write down everything that goes into your mouth. A journal is a great accountability partner. My favorite is www.myfitnesspal.com. Myfitnesspal also has an app for any smart phone. 

JOURNALING is the magic pill of weight loss!! 

Remember consistency is key! If you commit to these 7 things and do them daily you WILL reach your goals! 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Have a Snack! Prevent Overeating!


Choosing the Appropriate Snack


Overeating can occur if you have gone to long during the day (over 3- 4 hours) without eating! 

Finding an appropriate snack during the day can be a challenge!

The goal of a snack is to help keep you satisfied until your next meal and also to help control hunger levels thus preventing overeating at meals. A 100 calorie snack of Oreos is a lot different from a 100 calorie snack of string cheese with 1/2 an apple. When picking your snacks make sure that they include protein and fiber  to help keep you satisfied until your next meal.

First look at the serving size


Then take a look at the calories ( A snack should typically be between 150-250 calories depending on your calorie allowance for the day)


Next look for protein (Reach for at least 8-15 grams of protein at snack time)


Next look for fiber (Aim for snacks with at least 3g of fiber per serving. Each day you should get 25-35 grams of fiber)


NOTE: The closer you can get your carbohydrate (CHO) to protein (PRO) grams ratio at 2:1 the better. If protein grams are higher than carb grams that is fine, but if carbs are more than 2x than protein beware. When a food is high in carbs and there is not any protein or fiber to offset the high carbs your blood sugars will increase rapidly giving  you energy for a little while but then hunger will set in. Protein and fiber help level out your blood sugars and keep you full longer!

Here are some other snack ideas

  • 6oz Greek yogurt
  • Balance Bar
  • 1 string cheese and 1/2 apple
  • 1/2 apple with 5 walnuts
  • 1/2 cup 1% cottage cheese with 1/2 cup melon
  • 1 oz nuts (small handful)
  • slices of carrot,celery, or red and yellow pepper with 4 Tbsp. hummus
  • 3oz tuna served with tomato and drizzled with lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup boiled edamame
  • 6 tortilla chips topped with 1/4 cup vegetarian refried beans and salsa
  • Beef jerky (add a pc. of fruit or veggies for fiber)
  • Hard boiled egg and veggies

Monday, December 3, 2012

Flavor Crave


Get All The Flavor Without the Added STUFF!


When is the last time you read the back of your ketchup or BBQ sauce bottles? Or how about the labels of the flavored waters and sports drinks that taste so good? Often times these foods that seem harmless are full of sugar, fat, salt, preservatives and unwanted calories!  Here are some ways to add flavor to your foods and drinks without all the extra calories!

Add flavor to your water by adding slices of                                                          

  • limes, lemons, or cucumber

  • natural tea packets- get creative and mix two flavors like peach and raspberry  

Add flavor to your favorite foods using natural ingredients/low calorie options such as:

  • Garlic

  • Onions

  • Bell peppers  

  • Lemon

  • Lime

  • Stewed tomatoes (Mexican, Italian, etc…)

  • Salsa

  • Tabasco sauce

  • Mrs. Dash seasonings (over 13 varieties)

  • Lemon pepper

  • Italian seasoning

  • Cumin

  • Curry powder

  • Fresh herbs- basil, cilantro, and rosemary are my favorites

  • Balsamic vinegar  

Low calorie condiments:

  • Mustard (try spicy mustard for an extra zing) – Add to tuna fish instead of high calorie mayo.

  • Plain yogurt- Add to tuna instead of mayo or top a potato with yogurt instead of butter and sour cream

  • Light Italian dressing- makes a great marinade

  • Salsa- top potatoes with salsa instead of high calorie butter and sour cream or add on top or chicken instead of using BBQ sauce

What are some of your favorite ways to add flavor and variety when cooking?


So often in our busy lives we buy the already seasoned or flavored varieties of our favorite foods. Typically with convenience foods come a lot of unnecessary fat, sugar, and salt! By having some of the above ingredients on hand you are able to get creative in the kitchen and make your very own homemade nutritious foods while saving money and doing something good for your body!