November 28th, 2008 — Book Review, Meals, food, healthy eating
Is your job making you fat? Our current society puts so many demands on our time that eating healthy is one of the first things to fly out the window. It’s just easier and more efficient to grab something quickly, but before you know it, you’ve packed on the pounds and you don’t have the time to do anything about it. This is a vicious circle that affects thousands of us, but Evelyn Tribole offers a solution with her latest book.
Tribole offers numerous methods to help you start making better food choices in less time, from knowing what to pick at McDonald’s, to shopping for foods that require little or no preparation. The included shopping lists are time savers in their own right, and she has done a terrific job of making eating healthy seem less like a time consuming burden and more like something that can be easily accomplished with minimal effort.
Our favorite section was the list of forty “mini meals” that each take less than a minute to make. You really can’t say that you don’t have time for that, regardless of how tight your schedule may be. In addition, the recommendations for kids foods that can be cooked on the fly is incredibly valuable. We also appreciated the look at “lean” prepackaged foods that are anything but.
The one quibble point we had was her thoughts on grazing, and her recommendations to snack every two hours. While in theory this works, it is only effective if you can stick with healthy, low calories foods.
Once you’ve read this book, you’ll be able to walk into any restaurant or store and know immediately what you should and should not eat. Advice like that is worth a lot, especially when it’s coupled with disease prevention tips and a handy nutrition index on healthy foods. Tribole did an amazing job with this book and there is literally no excuse for eating bad foods once you’ve read this book. We were absolutely impressed and hope that she has plans for a new volume in the near future.
This was one of the most inspiring “diet books” that we have read in a very long time and we highly recommend it to anyone that is simply too busy to eat right. You’ll find numerous ways to start changing your lifestyle and your diet in these pages and if you’re struggling to lose weight, this may be the perfect answer for you. The recipes included were fantastic and the list of foods that can be prepared in less than a minute and still be healthy was worth the cost of the book alone.
The book never wanders into fad diet territory and instead shows you solid ways to start eating the right foods, even if you have the busiest schedule on earth. Well worth the money and would make a great gift for anyone that is trying to balance a busy career or home life with healthy eating.
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November 27th, 2008 — Weight Loss Journal, carbohydrates, diet, exercise, fats, proteins
When it comes to the trio of protein, fat and carbs, most people tend to focus on the last two. They are demonized, championed, reviled – you name it. But in this mess, protein is usually forgotten, or lumped into a category where it doesn’t belong. Protein is vital, especially if it is the right kind of protein. In fact, the right kind of protein can actually aid you in your weight loss efforts.
Body builders are probably the ones that are best informed about protein. They eat it in large amounts, especially after exercising and they know the value that it brings to their efforts to build muscles. What the average dieter may not know is that protein not only builds up lean muscle mass, but by doing so, it can help increase your metabolism. When you couple that with a plan for exercise and healthy eating, you are setting yourself up for success.
The key is finding the right kind of protein. The majority of Americans get their protein from red meat sources – and these are the same foods that contain a high amount of cholesterol. However, there are many other sources of protein that are quite good for you, and in fact, some of these can even help you prevent disease. When you are looking for the right kind of protein to eat, it is important to focus on these sources, especially the ones that are rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
These proteins are found in fish, lean chicken and even in soy. Consult with your doctor or a qualified nutritionist to see what types of protein you can safely eat and learn more about the different varieties that are available. You can easily start adding these foods in to your diet slowly. For example, you can eat salmon once a week, or try having tuna fish (canned in water only) for lunch instead of a hamburger.
The more you begin to replace bad foods with high quality protein, the more effective your weight loss efforts will be. Protein is especially helpful as a mid-day snack, and can provide the fuel you need to get through a tough day and make it until dinner. Low fat cottage cheese is a wonderful source of quality protein, and you can also find good proteins in soy nuts, and other fun snack food.
Try to stay away from pre-packaged protein bars, unless you carefully read the label. Many of these bars are laden with fat and carbohydrates and even though they may claim to be healthy, you may be stepping backwards instead of forwards in your weight loss efforts by eating them.
The right balance of protein will help you build up lean muscle mass, especially if you are exercising regularly. Try adding a few of these protein sources to your diet this week and see how much better you feel. Chances are, you’ll want to keep going and your body will definitely thank you.
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November 19th, 2008 — Meals, exercise, healthy eating, motivation, tools
Today marks day 6 in my medically assisted weightloss journey. Sunday evening I had my first craving and I made it through...
We were having dinner at my wife's parents house... It was a bit of an event... Needless to say I was expecting temptation...
Here is how I prepared... (Water, Water, Water)
Pre-exercise snack... 5 almonds and 1 serving skim milk mozzarella.
Morning Exercise: I went to the gym and did 30 minutes of cardio (20 fast uphill walking and 10 stationary bike.) I then lifted weights...
Breakfast: 2 serving of egg substitute (1/2 cup), 2 servings fat free american cheese (2 slices), 1 serving of non fat cottage cheese (1/4 cup). About 20 minutes after breakfast I had 3 large asparagus which is 2 carbs.
Lunch: 2 servings slices turkey pastrami (3 slices). 1 serving skim milk mozzarella.
Then right before leaving to go to my in-laws I had 5 almonds.
So far my daily count is 9 protein and 2 carbs... (I get to exchange nonfat cottage cheese and cheese for protein plus 10 almonds.) My doctor mentioned I could have a 5 almond snack, but it is not in my book so I will have to ask how it counts...
I brought a nonfat no sugar dressing to dinner...
Dinner:
The hors dourves... There was an unleavened pizza that looks really good, but I opted for broccoli dipped in the salad dressing I brought. I estimate I had 1 serving of broccoli.
The actual dinner was the hard part, but it was easy enough... I had just the broth of the mathza ball soup and chicken with the skin pulled off. I had a leg and thigh and ate a little more than 1/2. I also had asparagus and zucchini (both were done to perfection on the grill.)
I estimate my total count for the day being 13 protein and 5 carbs.
So what was the temptation... The unleavened pizza, the excellent wine that was served, and the matzah ball soup... Desert was not a temptation as I was full after the meal.
If you are facing a known event were temptation will be present... I encourage you to follow my example...
- WATER
- Exercise early in the day
- Eat well but within you diet before the meal leading up to the event
- Eat 5 almonds 1/2 hour prior to the temptation
- Bring you own salad dressing because you can have all the salad you can eat
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November 14th, 2008 — exercise, moderation, snacking, wellness
Dieting can be very stressful in many ways. It's never easy to start depriving yourself of food, and you'll undoubtedly experience not only physical stress but some emotional stress too. While it's hard to completely avoid all stress in your life, there are ways that you can make your diet less stressful. By using these techniques, you can be assured that you're not setting yourself up for failure. By removing the stressors from your diet, you'll be able to stay on track and get healthy.
Tip 1 -
Don't pick a diet that is going to deprive you. While the word diet is synonymous with deprivation, it doesn't have to be. So many people set themselves up for failure by picking a diet that is simply to hard to maintain. The main key is reducing the overall amount of calories that you're putting in to your body and increasing the amount of exercise. If you're not getting the right kind of fuel, you won't be able to exercise. Instead of picking a severe diet at first, go with one that is going to be easier. You'll be able to ramp up your efforts once you start to see results.
Tip 2 -
Understand that sometimes snacking is necessary. If you work long hours, chances are you're going to get hungry between lunch and dinner. Too many people beat themselves up about snacking and get all stressed out. The key is not avoiding snacking, the key is finding the right kind of foods to snack on. Instead of that high calorie candy bar, pick a treat that has a lot of protein in it, such as low fat cottage cheese. Your body may be telling you it needs sugar to keep going, but what it really needs is some protein to create real fuel. There are times when you simply run out of fuel, but don't put just any kind of fuel in your tank. By filling up with the right fuels you'll be able to de-stress and keep going longer.
Tip 3 -
Pick an exercise program you can maintain. Beating yourself up because you can't keep to an hour a day of heavy aerobics is not only stressful, it's unhealthy. You're not going to be able to run a marathon overnight. Stick with a small amount of exercise at first, until you start to build up your energy. Instead of a full hour, try a half hour for the first few weeks. It may take a bit longer to see results, but you're building a firm foundation for success.
The key is finding ways to avoid beating yourself up on your diet. We are usually our harshest critics and it becomes all too easy to succumb to that little voice that tells us we can't do it. By circumventing that voice and starting small, you'll be able to get over your diet stress and start seeing real results. A healthy diet takes work, and changes won't happen overnight.
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October 6th, 2008 — Weight Loss Journal, carbohydrates, exercise, heart
While there are many schools of thought on the subject of what time during the day is optimum, it generally boils down to whether or not you are capable of fitting in a workout during that specific time. We’re all on pretty tight schedules these days and sometimes, it is just not possible to fit a workout in at a specific time. However, there may be a few reasons to consider when it comes to picking your best time for exercise, and this may have bearing on how quickly you lose weight.
The majority believe that early morning workouts are best, especially if you have not yet eaten. This means that your body is forced to dip into its reserves and burn more fat, simply because it has not gotten any new fuel yet for that day. This is especially true for high aerobic workouts that require a lot of activity and get your heart rate going.
By exercising that early, you are pretty much guaranteeing that you’ll be burning fat, but this method may not always be safe. For example, your blood sugar levels are going to be very low during this time period. If you go from sleeping to suddenly working out very strenuously, this is going to play havoc with your blood sugar. We definitely do not recommend early morning workouts to those with blood sugar issues or diabetes.
While you can check your blood sugar levels, there is no guaranteeing that they won’t plummet to a dangerous level while you are working out. This is also something that those new to exercising will need to consider. Your body already has an idea of what to expect from your morning routine. If you suddenly throw something new in there that messes up its daily plan for your blood sugar, you may experience some problems.
If you do decide to exercise in the morning before eating, work into it slowly so that your body can get used to it. Keep a snack handy that is full of simple carbohydrates in the event that you do have a blood sugar drop. While this method of exercising can be very effective, it is certainly not for everyone.
The bottom line is, the best time to exercise for you is going to depend on many different factors. Your schedule certainly has a lot to do with it, and you’ll be more apt to keep exercising if it is not inconvenient. You have to look at the big picture when figuring out the optimum time for your workouts and realize that although an early morning workout may work for others, it may not be the best solution for you.
If you are in good health however and have the time available to exercise first thing in the morning, these early morning workouts may be the key to helping you lose weight more effectively. Just remember to put your safety and health first and you should be just fine.
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October 1st, 2008 — Weight Loss Journal, body image, exercise, goals, motivation, weight loss, wellness
We all know that the mind is our most powerful muscle, but what do you do if your mind is working against your diet plan? Few of us realize just how much we beat ourselves up mentally, setting ourselves up for failure before we even try. If you’re ready to get healthy and lose weight, the first thing you need to kick into shape is your brain and the rest will follow.
So, how about some brain exercises?
These won’t require any physical effort, but they may be emotionally draining. If you stick with it however, you will feel liberated and chances are, you’ll finally be able to lose the weight and get back to being healthy. In fact, you may even end up happy as a result.
The first exercise:
You are capable of losing weight! Remove the word can’t from your vocabulary. It’s time to train your brain into thinking you can lose weight and that it will be easy. Every morning, do twelve repetitions of saying to yourself: “I CAN and WILL lose weight.”
The second exercise:
Your happiness does not revolve around a number! Stop saying to yourself that you’ll be happy when you reach X amount of pounds. If it takes too long to get there, your brain will step in and tell you that you’ll never make it, so why bother. Every afternoon, do twelve repetitions of saying to yourself: “I am happy RIGHT NOW and I am choosing to lose weight to improve my health.”
The third exercise:
You can put that piece of cake down! The time between dinner and bed is the hardest for many people. You get hungry, your blood sugar dips and that piece of cake starts to have a diabolical conversation with your brain. Short circuit that conversation and take your brain off of that track. Every night, do twelve repetitions of saying to yourself: “I do NOT need that piece of cake. I will live until I get to bed even if I do not have a snack.”
These three exercises will begin to help you whip your brain back into shape. You’ll be able to start thinking thin and as a result, you’ll be able to get there. Now, you can’t rely on this totally to lose weight, you will need to actually cut calories and start exercising, but it can have an enormous impact on your success rate.
If your brain is keeping you from losing weight, it is time to say enough is enough and take control. Once you do this, you’ll find that everything will start to improve, including your self confidence. Many of us, after years of being overweight, have developed a mindset that we are unattractive, unworthy people. If you stop that cycle, you will open up an entirely new world, virtually devoid of self recrimination. And when you can do that, you’ll be on the road to mentally healthy and physically healthy future.
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September 14th, 2008 — Weight Loss Journal
Good morning readers, thanks for joining me. I’ve pulled together some posts for your weekend reading pleasure. Tell me what you think.
The Fitness Health Network Presents:
From our readers:
Thanks to our Carnival Hosts this week for including WL.
Carnival of Healing #155 – Perfect as We Are @ Grace in Gravity
Workout Blog Carnival @ Workoutebooks
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June 25th, 2008 — calories, diet, healthy eating, snacking
One of the major reasons that people have difficulty keeping on their diets is the urge to snack. For many of us, it's hard to get through the day without having at least one snack. However, that one snack can easily turn into ten and before you know it you're grazing all day long, adding useless calories to your daily intake. While snacking can be important, you're going to need to be smart about it to make sure that you can stick to your diet.
When we need a little snack fix, most of us reach for a bag of chips or a candy bar. It's a quick fix and provides you with that burst of sugar that will make you feel pretty good right away, but not so good later on. The key to snacking without ruining your diet is picking the right kind of snacks. It may take a little while at first to get used to eating healthier snacks, but before long, you'll be able to prefer it.
Start by figuring out how many calories you want to eat per day. Add up your three main meals and then figure out how many calories you have left over. This can be used as a guide to help you pick the snacks that will keep you on your diet. You'll also need to figure out the times when you are most likely to snack and target some changes in your regular meals to help you get through the day.
A great snack will contain enough protein to give you the energy you need to make it to your next meal without feeling deprived. Over the long term it is much more effective than carbs at keeping your body fueled right. For example, instead of that can of soda and a serving of chips, which can equal more than 300 calories, have one serving of low fat cottage cheese. This contains only about 80 calories and can actually be quite satisfying. Nuts, nuts, nuts... Almonds are particularly good for you, but almost any kind of nut is a great source of energy and in appropriate amounts nuts will fit into any diet. (5 almounds is equal to 1 protien serving on my diet. I get 14 protien a day.) Even a small block of cheese, a serving of tuna or some other small treat can be a great low calorie high protein alternative. A really great healthy snack that I just picked up at the local Costco (seriously tastes great) is dry roasted and lightly salted edamame aka soybean. 70% Less fat and 40% more protein than peanuts... one serving is 14 grams of soy protein and 2 net carbs.
Figure out what kind of protein snacks you like to eat. If you are one that absolutely needs to feed your sweet tooth, look for special protein bars that are low in calories and carbs while high in protein. These can provide a great boost of energy and keep you balanced all day.
Earlier, we mentioned that it is also important to figure out what times of the day you are most likely to snack. This is usually a sign that you are not eating a balanced enough meal before hand. For example, if you have a lot of carbs for breakfast, that sugar is going to wear off well before lunch, leaving you feeling hungry. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but is should contain enough protein to give you the fuel you need to make it to lunch.
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