What Is Your Style?

Thank you Angela Flicker of the Artists House for presenting me the Stylish Blogger Award!

Does your choice of workout reflect your style?

How do you like to get in shape? Run, weights, yoga, aerobics, sports, dance.... There are so many different ways to move your body. Do you think that your choice of workout expresses your style/ who you are? Does your style change with time?

Kitchen Must Haves- Healthy Cooking

These kitchen tools are great to have on hand in your quest for making healthier meals.

Spice rack- Natural spices are a great way to add flavor to food without all the extra calories.

Garlic press- Fresh pressed garlic is another great way to add tons of flavor to your meals without extra calories.

Citrus zester- Adding lemon, lime, or orange zest is a great way to add flavor to foods from meat and poultry to steamed veggies or even low fat dessert such as yogurt, or angle food cake.

Olive oil mister- Olive oil is a heart healthy fat that is a great substitute for butter when pan frying and sautéing. By using a mister you are less likely to accidently over do it on the oil thus adding extra calories.

Non-stick pans- Non stick pans help eliminate the use of butter or oil while cooking. Be careful sometimes PAM spray can actually ruin your nonstick pans!

Wok- a wok is commonly used for preparing stir-fry. Combine your favorite veggies, lean protein, low sodium soy sauce, and whole grain rice for a great low fat dish!

Crock-Pot or slow cooker- Slow cookers are great when you don’t have time to cook! Create your own soups, stews, and tender juice meats. Many crock-pot or slow cooker cookbooks are available and recipes are online.

Salad spinner- Clean your lettuce in an instant with a salad spinner. This could make eating your greens a little more appealing!

Food Processor-There are many uses for this tool and it can make preparing any meal that much easier. It chops shreds, mixes, and much more.

Small bowls and plates- By having smaller bowls and plates you are less likely to overeat at meal times.

Stick blender/Immersion blender- Great for mixing up protein shakes and smoothies in the morning. Easy to clean compared to magic bullet or a regular blender.

Coffee maker- If you are a coffee drinker invest in a good coffee maker instead of spending all your money at the local coffee stand. Drip coffee is naturally low calorie, but when adding all the “fluff” (milk, chocolate, flavors) if can get expensive and very high in calories/fat.

Measuring cups/ spoons and food scale- It is very easy to over do it on our portions. Having measuring cups/spoons and a food scale on hand can really help you become aware of what an adequate portion is.

Single portion Tupperware containers- Leftovers are great to take to work. Having small Tupperware containers on hand allows you to have just the perfect amount to take when on the go!

What else have you found that helps you create healthful meals in the kitchen?

Making Fast Food a Little Healthier

Fast food is part of our culture and is not going away anytime soon. If you are unable to steer clear of it, do your best to make a healthy choice! 

BE PREPARED! Remember your overall goals! Fast food and dieting don’t exactly go hand in hand but by being prepared, not being afraid to special order, and planning a little bit you can make eating at a fast food restaurant healthier.

 Tips when going out to eat!

• Limit the extras – no high calorie sauces such as mayo or BBQ sauce.


• Stay away from liquid calories. Water please!


• Get the grilled option. Stay away from fried foods!


• Go skinless. Take off any skin that may be on your turkey or chicken

 Convenient store

• Water


•  Fresh fruit        


•  String cheese


•  Yogurt


•  Beef jerky


• Protein bar or Granola bar (Cliff bar, Luna bar, Nature Valley, protein bar of choice)


• Nuts (single serving)      

Wendy’s

• Garden Sensation Salads- limit dressing, chose low fat, low calories or top with chili for a taco salad and a little extra protein!


• Grilled chicken sandwich


• Chili with potato – low fat sour cream if any


• Limit extra cheese and mayo on hamburgers    

Taco Bell

• Fresco style tacos and burritos


• Chicken soft tacos


•  Chicken burrito


•   Bean burrito


•   Taco salad, but don’t eat the shell!

* beware of sour cream, cheese, and guacamole. These are all high calories extras. Use sparingly. Don’t be afraid to special order.

Mc Donald’s

• Chicken McGrill, no mayo!


• Side salad- Light on the dressing. Choose low fat vinaigrette.


• Grilled chicken salad- Light on the dressing. Choose low fat vinaigrette


• Egg McMuffin


• Fruit and yogurt parfait (very high in carbs, beware if diabetic)         

Subway

• Choose lean meats (chicken, turkey, ham, roast beef)


• Pile on the veggies


• Light on the sauces- choose low calorie sauces such as mustard, light mayo, or vinegar.


• Ask for no cheese- you usually cant even taste it on the sandwich and this will save you at least 100 calories.


• Choose whole grain breads

  Pizza

• Ask for thin crust


•  Limit appetizers such as breadsticks or wings


• Load on the veggies


• Choose lean meats like Canadian bacon or chicken


• Have a side salad instead of going back for a second helping of pizza.

NOTICE: All chain restaurants have their menus and nutrition facts online! Review them before going out to eat so you know exactly what you are getting!

Shakeology-Nutrition Simplified. 70 healthy Ingredients in one glass!

70 AMAZING ingredients all packed into one shake. Replace one meal a day with a shake, workout at least 3x a week and watch the weight fall off! 30 day gaurantee...if you don't like it, return it! If you are interested in trying out Shakeology for yourself you can order if through the fitlicker online store, or for more information go to http://www.shakeology.com/kflicker.

ALSO, for those of you who commit to Shakeology, I will give you one FREE nutrition consult (phone or face to face) each month you are on Shakeology. What are your health goals? Accountability is priceless!

Daily Nutrition Checklist

Daily Nutrition Checklist

Are you keeping on track? Here is a list to keep you in check!

• Limit salt intake to 2400mg


• 25-35 grams fiber per day


• 5 a day (fruits and veggies)


• 3 servings of milk/dairy per day (nonfat milk, low fat cheese/yogurt)


• At least 64 oz of water per day


• Not skipping meals (going no longer than 4 hours without eating)


• Protein at each meal and snack ( lean meats, nuts, beans, eggs, diary)


• EXERCISE ( mix of cardio and resistance training, also stretching)


• Variety of CHO, FAT, PRO

            

Meal Plan- COSTCO style

I dont know about you, but I love shopping at Costco! Costco has high quality foods, and great prices!

Here is days menu using many of my favorite items from Costco.  

Breakfast- Protein shake

            Chocolate Whey Protein

            1 c. skim milk

            1 Tbsp peanut butter

            Ice if desired

Blend all ingredients in a blender and enjoy

 Snack- 1 Chobani Greek yogurt

Lunch-Chicken tortilla wrap with an apple & TLC granola bar 

            1 all natural tortilla

            3-4 oz canned chicken

            Organic mixed greens

            Mustard and mayo to taste

            Organic apple

            Kashi TLC granola bar 

Snack- Steamed edamame topped with garlic salt to taste

Dinner- Mahi Mahi  with a side salad and quinoa

            Mahi Mahi fillet (baked, grilled, or sautéed) with lemon pepper to taste

            Mixed greens salad with snap peas, dressing of choice

            Quinoa with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste     

Snack- Food Should Taste Good tortilla chips & hummus

What are some of your favorite healthful foods to get at Costco? Or, is there a better place to find them?

 It's time to make my shopping list!

Winter Blues- Getting Your Vitamin D

What is the big deal about vitamin D ?                                                                                                                                                                                                                           A walk outside in the sun may have more benefits than you think! Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) although mainly known to help in the absorption of calcium to help maintain strong bones has been linked as a protective factor in cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease and many autoimmune diseases. More research is being done to look at vitamin D and the correlation between upper respiratory tract infections, MS, Lupus, and Fibromyalgia.

 How do I get enough Vitamin D in the winter?                                                                                                                                                                                             GOOD QUESTION! It is recommended to get 10 minutes of sunshine per day at least 3 times per week. For those of us living in the Northwest or other areas of the country with long dark winters this can be a problem.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Some dietary sources of Vitamin D include

•             Fortified milk


•             Eggs


•             Fish


•             Cod liver oil

Getting checked our for a vitamin D deficiency                                                                                                                                                                                                     A routine blood draw can be done to test vitamin D levels. In our facility, Surgical Bariatrics Northwest, we typically screen our patients. To our surprise many people are deficient in Vitamin D. By ensuring that they are getting proper vitamin D through supplementation patients are more likely to feel better. Some state they have more energy, less pain and just feel better. You can overdose on vitamin D. If you are unsure of how much to take make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about supplementation.

Weekend Challenge- Interval Training

Interval Training

 Here is a weekend fitness challenge for you! It’s very simple and all you need is yourself and a stopwatch/timer. Interval training is very effective, it doesn’t take long, you can choose your own level, and it's fun!  

4 intervals/rounds = 24min

 INTERVALS- Here is an effective format for a total body workout. You can choose the same exercises for each round or mix it up!

• 3min Strength (Pick 2 exercises, alternate 45sec 2x)


•  2min Cardio (Pick 2 exercises, alternate 30sec 2x)


• 1min Abs (Pick 2 exercises, alternate 30sec 1x)

 Choose whatever exercises you like! Here are some of my favorites.

Strength	Cardio	Abs
Squats Squat with knee lift Reverse lunges Walking lunges Pushups Plank Tricep dips of chair/bench Tricep pushups Burpees	Jumping jacks High knees Butt kickers Moguls (ski)- hop side to side or front to back Jump rope Step ups on bench or step Jog in place Punches corner to corner Stairs	Basic crunch Plank Plank with twist- knee to elbow Side plank Bicycle crunches Reverse crunches- feet in air and lift hips ( stamp the ceiling with your feet)

 For more ideas on exercise check out some of these You Tube videos

No Equipment - 30 Min. In Home Power Workout:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSdZFnbjuzU&feature=related

Weightless by Kiya:                                                        http://www.youtube.com/user/kiyaknight?feature=mhum

You in for the challenge? Grab a partner! Be accountable to someone! Just do it one time this weekend and let me know what you think! Leave a comment- what intervals did you choose!!

Heres to you!!! Have a great weekend!

Snack Attack - Preventing 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

Common Exercise Myths- Get The Facts

Everyone has their own theory about exercise and nutrition. Here are some common myths that have been circulating around. Get the FACTS!

1-     Going to the gym is the best way to stay fit.

• Many people benefit from in home exercise programs or being active in the outdoors. The great thing about exercise if you can do it just about anywhere. Kiya and James with WEightless escape are experts in getting you out of the gym and exploring fitness on a whole new level.

2-     To lose weight all I need is cardio. Weight training will bulk me up.

• Both cardio and weight training are an important part of your weight loss journey. Weight training is very important in maintaining lean muscle mass while lowering your body fat.

3-     If you don’t have at least 30 min to workout it’s not even worth it.

•  Any exercise is better than none. You have to start somewhere, even if that is a 15min walk at lunch time. Break your workout up during the day.

Example:15 min strength and stretch in the am or pm (crunches, pushups, ball squats, lunges, stretches) and 15 min walk/jog at lunch (hit the hills).

4-     Avoid eating after 8pm.

• Often people have already ingested all the calories that they need for the day by this time so intake after 8pm isn’t justified.  Nothing is wrong with eating late if you are using the food to fuel your body.

5-     The more time you spend working out the better results you will get.

• Overtraining will stop muscle growth. Always make sure you give your body adequate rest.

6-     If your parents are overweight most likely you will be too.

• Although genetics do play a part in body composition so does lifestyle. Keep active and pay attention to your daily food intake.  Quality nutrition and exercise are the most important factors in preventing obesity.

7-     Water aerobics is for older adults with injuries.

• People at any age can benefit from water aerobics. Water aerobics proves to be challenging and a great way to improve health and fitness. Even some top Olympic athletes incorporate water exercises to work their muscles a little differently. 

8-     If I do a lot of exercises for that trouble spot it will go away.

• The most effective way to change our bodies is to do a full body workout (cardio, weights, and stretching), along with proper nutrition. Fat will not fall off of our bodies in just one spot no matter how hard we work at it if the other components aren’t in check.

           

Adding Flavor To Foods Without The Extra Calories

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!  

  

Benifits of Exercise- Beyond Weight Loss

 

Did you know there are many benefits to exercise?

 Boosts energy- Exercise increases circulation and blood flow which delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues thus increasing energy.

 Increases immunity- Research has shown that exercise can help increase the cells that attack bacteria. It is believed that consistent exercise leads to a substantial increase in the immune system over time.

 Keeps you limber-  Improved flexibility can help you with day to day tasks. Getting up and down stairs, picking things up off the ground, reaching for an item on a high shelf, or even getting in and out of the car.

 Improves  mood/ decreases stress- Exercise stimulates brain chemicals making your feel good. Exercise can also effect how your body looks giving you confidence. Exercise helps prevent depression

 Improves sleep- Regular exercise can help improve your sleep. Improved sleep in return helps increase concentration and productivity.

Spark in sex life- Exercise helps increase your energy and also helps you feel better about yourself and the way you look.

IT’S FUN- Go dancing, hiking, or get involved in a sports league. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Get creative! The most important thing is that you are moving!   

Reduces risk of chronic disease

•  High Blood Pressure


• Osteoporosis


• High cholesterol


• Type II diabetes


• Some types of Cancer                           

Exercise and healthy eating is by far the cheapest medicine! Are you convinced? 

Your body is your own! Take charge!  

OPTIFIT

Many of you probably wonder what I do on a day-to-day basis. Here is an insight into my  work as a dietitian specializing in the field of wt. loss.

Whether a surgical or nonsurgical patient all patients that come into Surgical Bariatrics Northwest with the goal of changing their life are entered into the Optifit program.

What is OPTIFIT? Optifit is a weight management program that is physician-monitored and dietitian-directed, provides behavioral support, and utilizes a professional trainer—all to get you looking and feeling great! We’re here to help get you started on our medically directed, proven effective, non-surgical weight loss program that is designed to elevate your wellness and revitalize your life. Located in Post Falls, Idaho, Optifit offers you the care and support you need to help you achieve your weight loss goals and restore your health.

As the dietitian, I work with patients one on one to access their metabolic function and devise meal plans based on their individual results. Together we look at how their metabolism is working (how many calories they need in a day) and what their body composition is (fat mass vs. fat free mass). The main goal is to lose fat and maintain muscle! This is done with a caloric precise, high protein OPTIFIT meal replacements.



Feel free to join one of our newest patients on her journey.  Losingbigwinningbigger

The Optifit program is fail proof and the big test comes after patients are done with the 12 wk program and are transitioning back to regular eating. With Optifit you will lose weight no matter what, but unless you have changed your mind and engaged in a complete lifestyle change the weight will come back. I work with each individual during the 12 weeks to give them the dietary education and tools that they need to be successful long after the program. Our behavioral groups are a big part of our patients success as well. In these groups individuals are able to identify those behaviors that needs to be changed in order to reach their long term goals.

If you have any questions about what a dietitian does or  about the Optifit program please let me know!

If you are currently on Optifit I would love for you to post your experiences and also maybe some of your favorite ways to spruce up your meal replacements!

Here are a couple tips!

- Add sugar free peppermint or Irish cream to your chocolate shake or hot cocoa drink

- Add fresh basil to your tomato soup

- Blend a Crystal Light packet into your vanilla shake

- Blend your fruit drink with ice (some people like to add diet sprite in it as well)

Losing Weight

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 hour after waking up)


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


• 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.

Who wants to commit to losing 5 lbs before the end of the year? Or, maybe you want to lose 10-20 lbs.

What is your goal?

A Time of Change

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time!
- Thomas Edison!

In this time of change in my life this quote really spoke to me! Life is all about taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone to help reach your goals. Change isn't easy but everyone is capable. Do you need to be challenged? Is there a dream you are putting on the back burner?

This can related to many different aspects of life.....fitness, diet, work, relationships
What are your goals/ your dreams?

Change takes time! Many people go on a diet or fitness program with the all or nothing attitude. They are typically very successful, but once the program is over if they haven't adopted a healthy lifestyle the weight comes right back.

Diet and exercise isn't all or nothing, it is a complete lifestyle change. Daily we have to make decisions that affect our health. Small changes can make a big difference.

What are some small changes/goals that you can make to start your change?

- Eat breakfast
   - Get protein bars and drinks for on the go
- Drink Water
   - 64 oz per day
   - Add in fresh lemon or lime for flavor
- Eat your fruit and veggies
  - 5 a day
- Take time to meal plan
   - Pack your lunch
   - Make a shopping list and stick to it
- Make a list of healthy snacks to have on hand
  - Cut up veggies and put them in the fridge to snack on
  - Have some type of protein at snack time to help control hunger
- Find an exercise program www.fitflicker.com
    - What time will you work out? Morning, afternoon or night?
    - Who will your workout with? Family, friends, workout video?

What is one thing you can change to help you on your quest for health?

The "5-3-2-1-almost none" plan

Implement these concepts to help you on your quest for health!

• Eat 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables


• Have 3 structured meals (including breakfast)


• Limit TV/video game use to 2 or less hours


• Engage in 1 or more hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity


• Limit sugar-sweetened drink to almost none

Perspective is Everything

Do I really want to be so involved with nutrition?
Many of you know that food is not only a physical need but many people use it to deal with their emotions. Since there is such a mental component associated with food intake, sometime I feel helpless because I can't change the way a person thinks. I can only help them by giving them tools to encourage lifestyle change.

Lately I have honestly been feeling a little burned out. Have you ever felt this way about the current situation you are in?

It is amazing how God speaks to you in your times of confusion. At church we are in a series called Take This Job and Love It! A couple things that stood out to me and that might encourage you include:

God designed you for a purpose. I think it is very important to remind ourselves of this. Does your job fit your values?Does it fit your gifts?Does it fit your personality?

Keys to Job Satisfaction:
1- Work in a field that uses your gifts and talents that you use for accomplishments of meaningful tasks (use your God given talents)
2- Work at building healthy relationships within your work. If an issue needs to be resolved take the first step. If you don't no one else will!
3- Perspective is everything. Work at developing the right attitude.

"Do the best where you are at in this moment because that is the best

preparation for what is to come."

I have committed to doing the best I can right now! I truly feel that I have been called to be a dietitian and fitness professional! All I need is a change of perspective! I was placed on this earth to encourage others to live a healthy lifestyle so that they are able to give back and do the work God has designed them to do! What were you designed to do?

www.beachbodycoach.com/kflicker

Hey Friends!!

I wanted to let you all know about a new business that I have started up with Beachbody, creators of P90X, Insanity, Turbo Jam, Slim in 6, 10 min. trainer, and many other in home workout programs.

We all know that working out and eating right are the first things to go in our busy life's. What I love about Beachbody's in home workouts are that they are quick and effective.

Please take some time to check out my website www.beachbodycoach.com/kflicker and let me know if you have any questions. Some of you may even be ready to become coaches yourself!

I know how important fitness and nutrition are to a healthy, balanced lifestyle and I wanted to become a Beachbody coach to continue to help MOTIVATE people in their quest for health.

Please contact me regarding any of your fitness and health goals. Together we can make it happen!

Here is to you!!

Normal Weight Obesity

Calculate Your BMI - Standard BMI Calculator:

What is your BMI??

BMI is a ratio of height and weight to help determine the health status of an individual.

Underweight = BMI < 18.5
Normal weight = BMI 18.5-24.9
Overweight = BMI 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI > 30

Although BMI works well in most cases there are limitations to using this method.

The more accurate way to determine health in an individual is looking at body fat percentage.

Women should be 30% body fat or below
Men should be 20% body fat of below

How to determine body fat.
Many methods are used to determine body fat. The most accurate way is to do either underwater weighing or the Bodpod, but these tests can be expensive.

Local gyms or doctors offices typically have other methods such as skin callipers or biological impedance (Tanita scales).

Different scenarios

Have you ever been around that person who is a "twig" but eats a ton of junk and doesn't work out? Their BMI may be in a normal weight range, but guaranteed their body fat is above 30% thus placing them at risk of heart disease, diabetes, and many other co-morbidities. I call this a skinny fat person, or normal weight obesity.

Or what about the body builder who has a lot of muscle mass and very low body fat, but their BMI states that they are obese? It would be silly to call a fit individual obese.

It is important to know where you stand! What is your BMI? What is your body fat percentage? Where do you want to be?

What is one change that you would like to make in your diet/exercise pattern to improve your health??

In Defense of Food

In Defense of Food

Michael Pollan, Author of In Defense of Food, an Eaters Manifesto, conveys in his book that because of the technology/food science of today what we are eating isn't really food but substances and how we are eating (on the run, in front of TV) isn't really eating.

The fact that food has been replaced by nutrients and common sense with confusion is what Pollan describes as the American Paradox : The more we worry about nutrition, the more unhealthy we seem to become

Here are a couple of rules that Pollan expresses in his book to help us on our quest for health.

EAT FOOD. NOT TO MUCH. MOSTLY PLANTS

1- Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food

2- Avoid foods products containing ingredients that are

A) Unfamiliar

B) Unpronounceable

C) Have more than 5 in number
3- Avoid products that make health claims

4- Shop the outside of the store, and stay away from the middle

5- Get out of the supermarket whenever possible

In today's society it is hard and maybe unrealistic at times to stick to these rules, but the small things you do can make a big difference!

An easy way to get started is find out where your local farmers market is at. You wont find any hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup there. Buy fresh and local!

Sample meal plan: here is a quick menu to give you some ideas

 

 

Breakfast

3 egg omelet with veggies for taste (spinach, onion, tomato)
1/2 c. oatmeal topped with cinnamon and fresh fruit

Snack
All natural Vanilla Chobani Greek Yogurt
Add fruit and nuts if you choose

Lunch

Grilled chicken taco salad (top salad with beans and fresh salsa)

To season chicken use natural spices such as cumin, chili powder, cilantro etc...

All natural tortilla chips
Snack

Hummus dip and carrots

Dinner

Skewers on the BBQ

Choose your favorite meat, veggies, and fruit (pineapple, mango, etc)

Skewer and drizzle with olive oil and favorite spices

Herbed quinoa salad (www.motivate2010.blogspot.com/2010/07/quinoa.html)

Sliced fruit (melons and berries)