Your Weight-Loss Food: Eat Seafood
YOUR DAILY DIET TIP
By James Beckerman, M.D.
Published May 01, 2011
Here’s a tip that your heart and your stomach will love: eat seafood.
Fish is a great heart-healthy addition to any diet. The American Heart Association recommends at least one serving per week, primarily for its cardiovascular benefits – it improves cholesterol levels, may lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiac events like heart attacks.
But if that doesn’t get you to eat seafood, maybe this will: Eating fish is associated with losing weight. We are not taking about breaded, fried, or fast-food fish that comes served as a “-wich,” has an “O” after the filet, or arrives in a basket with a side of curly fries and hush puppies. Enjoy fresh fish pan seared, broiled, grilled or sushi style to get the benefits without the breading and batter. Studies show that lean fish (like cod) and fatty fish (like salmon) both help with weight loss. Fresh fish is expensive, but canned tuna works to reduce weight too.
As with many dieting strategies, it is not just about what are you doing, but also about what you are no longer doing. If you eat seafood (cooked in a healthy way), you’re not eating red meat, fried chicken or fast food.
MY THOUGHTS
I'm taking note that seafood here is fish. Nothing else was mentioned. Coz seafood to me is shrimps an crabs and squid. I'm going to assume they are still healthier than red meat.
Showing posts with label fiber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiber. Show all posts
Monday, May 2, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
LOSE WEIGHT: SNEAK IN VEGGIES
Your Weight-Loss Food: Sneak in More Vegetables
YOUR DAILY DIET TIP
By James Beckerman, M.D.
Published April 20, 2011
You know that veggies are a great weight-loss food, but you might be having trouble getting more vegetables into your diet. Since the beginning of time, parents have been trying to get their kids to eat more vegetables. The latest tactic in this age-old struggle is to avoid the head-on confrontation over that plate of broccoli and trick toddlers by hiding vegetables in other foods, such as mashed potatoes, tomato sauce, muffins, or even ground beef.
Here’s the good weight-loss news. Even if you don’t have kids, you can still lower your calories by sneaking more vegetables into your own food.
Rather than make things complicated by thinking about how many shredded carrots you are going to bake into a chocolate cake, start simply by incorporating puréed vegetables into other foods. Steam vegetables until they are soft, and then purée them in a blender. Cauliflower and zucchini purée works great in creamy sauces like Alfredo, and it also adds some substance to your macaroni and cheese. You can use broccoli and spinach as a green addition to your pasta sauce, lasagna, or casserole, reducing the need for too much cheese or meat. Make a bender’s worth of puréed vegetables on Sunday and use it up by the end of the week – you will get more vegetables and take in less fat and fewer calories.
Always look up,
Jamie
Cardiologist James Beckerman shares 200 evidence-based strategies for prevention, wellness, and weight loss with his new book, The Flex Diet: Design-Your-Own Weight Loss Plan.
MY THOUGHTS
That is a wonderful area. Saves time, too.
YOUR DAILY DIET TIP
By James Beckerman, M.D.
Published April 20, 2011
You know that veggies are a great weight-loss food, but you might be having trouble getting more vegetables into your diet. Since the beginning of time, parents have been trying to get their kids to eat more vegetables. The latest tactic in this age-old struggle is to avoid the head-on confrontation over that plate of broccoli and trick toddlers by hiding vegetables in other foods, such as mashed potatoes, tomato sauce, muffins, or even ground beef.
Here’s the good weight-loss news. Even if you don’t have kids, you can still lower your calories by sneaking more vegetables into your own food.
Rather than make things complicated by thinking about how many shredded carrots you are going to bake into a chocolate cake, start simply by incorporating puréed vegetables into other foods. Steam vegetables until they are soft, and then purée them in a blender. Cauliflower and zucchini purée works great in creamy sauces like Alfredo, and it also adds some substance to your macaroni and cheese. You can use broccoli and spinach as a green addition to your pasta sauce, lasagna, or casserole, reducing the need for too much cheese or meat. Make a bender’s worth of puréed vegetables on Sunday and use it up by the end of the week – you will get more vegetables and take in less fat and fewer calories.
Always look up,
Jamie
Cardiologist James Beckerman shares 200 evidence-based strategies for prevention, wellness, and weight loss with his new book, The Flex Diet: Design-Your-Own Weight Loss Plan.
MY THOUGHTS
That is a wonderful area. Saves time, too.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
BREAKFAST CEREAL FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Your Weight-Loss Food: Healthier Breakfast Cereal
FREE DAILY DIET TIP
By James Beckerman, M.D.
Published April 03, 2011
Here’s a simple rule. If it has a cartoon character on the box, don’t eat what’s inside. Sugary breakfast cereals have been marketed to children for decades. It’s one of the biggest advertising successes of our generation. Show kids a cartoon tiger or bumblebee eating something crunchy, and POW! – cereal sales and childhood obesity go through the roof. Even though you may no longer be entranced by cartoon characters or jingles, the sweet taste and crunch still appeal to the kid in you too.
The two things you should be looking for in a cold breakfast cereal are whole grains and fiber. Avoid refined grains because they will not fill you up and will leave you looking for doughnuts once you get to work. Avoid cereals with added sugar – if you can actually see the sugar crystals on the cereal, it is not a good sign. Choose cereals with less than 5 grams of sugar per serving, and if sugar is listed as the first ingredient, move on. And avoid trans fats (aka partially hydrogenated oils) and high-fructose corn syrup when possible. You may be surprised at some seemingly healthy choices that you actually should avoid.
Cereal Solutions
Fiber One Bran Cereal
Fiber One Honey Clusters
Kashi Heart to Heart Honey
Toasted Oat Cereal
Post Grape-Nuts Trai lMix
Crunch Cereal
Quaker Oatmeal Squares
Raisin bran
Shredded wheat
Cereals to Avoid
Apple Jacks
Basic Four
Cap’n Crunch
Chex (Rice/Corn)
Cocoa anything
Cookie Crisp
Corn Pops
Crispix
Froot Loops
Frosted Flakes
Honey Bunches of Oats
Kix
Product 19
Rice Krispies
Smacks
Special K
Eating a healthy breakfast is not just about choosing the right cereal. It’s also about choosing the right amount cereal. As with chocolate, red wine and pretty much anything else, the benefit is in moderation. A typical serving size is one cup. Fill the rest of your bowl with fruit and non-fat milk for a healthier breakfast.
Always look up!
Jamie
Cardiologist James Beckerman shares 200 evidence-based strategies for prevention, wellness, and weight loss with his new book, The Flex Diet: Design-Your-Own Weight Loss Plan.
To learn more about the Flex Diet, visit TheFlexDiet.com.
MY THOUGHTS
I love Shredded Wheat and Raisin Bran. But I also love Froot Loops and Honey Bunches. Thanks to this article. Now I know what to tick off from my grocery list.
FREE DAILY DIET TIP
By James Beckerman, M.D.
Published April 03, 2011
Here’s a simple rule. If it has a cartoon character on the box, don’t eat what’s inside. Sugary breakfast cereals have been marketed to children for decades. It’s one of the biggest advertising successes of our generation. Show kids a cartoon tiger or bumblebee eating something crunchy, and POW! – cereal sales and childhood obesity go through the roof. Even though you may no longer be entranced by cartoon characters or jingles, the sweet taste and crunch still appeal to the kid in you too.
The two things you should be looking for in a cold breakfast cereal are whole grains and fiber. Avoid refined grains because they will not fill you up and will leave you looking for doughnuts once you get to work. Avoid cereals with added sugar – if you can actually see the sugar crystals on the cereal, it is not a good sign. Choose cereals with less than 5 grams of sugar per serving, and if sugar is listed as the first ingredient, move on. And avoid trans fats (aka partially hydrogenated oils) and high-fructose corn syrup when possible. You may be surprised at some seemingly healthy choices that you actually should avoid.
Cereal Solutions
Fiber One Bran Cereal
Fiber One Honey Clusters
Kashi Heart to Heart Honey
Toasted Oat Cereal
Post Grape-Nuts Trai lMix
Crunch Cereal
Quaker Oatmeal Squares
Raisin bran
Shredded wheat
Cereals to Avoid
Apple Jacks
Basic Four
Cap’n Crunch
Chex (Rice/Corn)
Cocoa anything
Cookie Crisp
Corn Pops
Crispix
Froot Loops
Frosted Flakes
Honey Bunches of Oats
Kix
Product 19
Rice Krispies
Smacks
Special K
Eating a healthy breakfast is not just about choosing the right cereal. It’s also about choosing the right amount cereal. As with chocolate, red wine and pretty much anything else, the benefit is in moderation. A typical serving size is one cup. Fill the rest of your bowl with fruit and non-fat milk for a healthier breakfast.
Always look up!
Jamie
Cardiologist James Beckerman shares 200 evidence-based strategies for prevention, wellness, and weight loss with his new book, The Flex Diet: Design-Your-Own Weight Loss Plan.
To learn more about the Flex Diet, visit TheFlexDiet.com.
MY THOUGHTS
I love Shredded Wheat and Raisin Bran. But I also love Froot Loops and Honey Bunches. Thanks to this article. Now I know what to tick off from my grocery list.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
WHAT'S LOW-CARB BREAD?
WHAT'S A LOW-CARB BREAD?
from the article "How to Find Healthy, Lower-Carb Bread"
Which Breads have a Lower Glycemic Index?
By Laura Dolson, About.com Guide
Updated February 21, 2011
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Recently a friend said to me, "I'm not going to stop eating bread, so tell me which one to eat." For people who only want to cut back somewhat on their carbohydrate intake, this isn't a bad approach. However, before I go on, I do want to say that those of us who follow a low-carb diet must just cannot eat much bread unless we eat special low-carb breads, or make our own, such as my flax meal bread.
Why does bread cause blood sugar to rise?
Grains like wheat are mostly starch, and starch is made up of long strings of glucose. These starch molecules begin to break down into sugars in the mouth, because of enzymes in saliva. By the time they get through the stomach, most starches have been converted to sugar. But there are exceptions, and these are things to pay attention to when buying bread.
What to Look For when Buying Bread
1. Less "Usable" Carbohydrate - that is, subtract the fiber from the total carbohydrate (more on this here). This is far and away the most important thing when figuring out a food's effect on blood glucose (how glycemic it is). All the other factors really pale in comparison. If you are counting carbs, you must read the label and see how much carbohydrate you are eating. But even if you don't care to do carb counting, do take a look at a few loaves of bread to get familiar with how much carbohydrate they contain.
2. Thin Bread - Obviously, smaller or thinner bread usually has less carbohydrate, because it has less of everything! However watch out for very dense thin bread (often imported) as this can be similar to regular bread in the amount of starch.
3. Lots of Fiber - Some breads substitute fiber for some of the starch in the bread, reducing calories as well as carbohydrate. However, more fiber doesn't necessarily mean a smaller impact on blood sugar, if that fiber is simply added to the other ingredients, rather than being a substitute for the starch. Again, subtract the fiber from the total carbohydrate to figure this out.
4. Rough, Grainy Texture - The more finely ground a kernel of wheat or other grain is, the more quickly the starch will break down into sugar. There has been an effort by some bread manufacturers to make 100% whole grain bread that is softer, with a texture that is more like white bread. The problem is that this bread is generally every bit as glycemic as white bread. On the other hand, bread with is more roughly-textured will, generally, be less glycemic. The best bread for this purpose has visible pieces of grains - some cracked wheat bread is like this.
5. Sprouted Grain Bread - There has not been much research on this, but some preliminary evidence shows that sprouted grain bread does not cause as high or fast of a blood sugar rise as regular bread. However, sprouted grains are not entirely fiber, as some bread labels claim, so read labels carefully if they are claiming large amounts of fiber and very low "net carbs" on sprouted grain breads. I have heard reports from people who's blood sugar goes up from these breads.
6. High Protein Breads - Some breads use a lot of wheat gluten instead of the whole grain. Since gluten is the protein part of the wheat, these breads can be good bets.
7. Sourdough Bread - Sourdough bread has been shown to produce a less glycemic response than regular bread. One study comparing white sourdough bread with regular whole wheat bread showed that the sourdough bread was less glycemic.
MY THOUGHTS
i can live without rice. but not without bread. the thing with whole wheat bread is that most people don't like the taste. you actually need to acquire the taste. what's more exciting is, according to this article, the rougher the texture the better. i can never force the kids to eat whole wheat. they say it tastes like cardboard. as if they've eaten cardboard. but then, they don't need to lose weight.
from the article "How to Find Healthy, Lower-Carb Bread"
Which Breads have a Lower Glycemic Index?
By Laura Dolson, About.com Guide
Updated February 21, 2011
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Recently a friend said to me, "I'm not going to stop eating bread, so tell me which one to eat." For people who only want to cut back somewhat on their carbohydrate intake, this isn't a bad approach. However, before I go on, I do want to say that those of us who follow a low-carb diet must just cannot eat much bread unless we eat special low-carb breads, or make our own, such as my flax meal bread.
Why does bread cause blood sugar to rise?
Grains like wheat are mostly starch, and starch is made up of long strings of glucose. These starch molecules begin to break down into sugars in the mouth, because of enzymes in saliva. By the time they get through the stomach, most starches have been converted to sugar. But there are exceptions, and these are things to pay attention to when buying bread.
What to Look For when Buying Bread
1. Less "Usable" Carbohydrate - that is, subtract the fiber from the total carbohydrate (more on this here). This is far and away the most important thing when figuring out a food's effect on blood glucose (how glycemic it is). All the other factors really pale in comparison. If you are counting carbs, you must read the label and see how much carbohydrate you are eating. But even if you don't care to do carb counting, do take a look at a few loaves of bread to get familiar with how much carbohydrate they contain.
2. Thin Bread - Obviously, smaller or thinner bread usually has less carbohydrate, because it has less of everything! However watch out for very dense thin bread (often imported) as this can be similar to regular bread in the amount of starch.
3. Lots of Fiber - Some breads substitute fiber for some of the starch in the bread, reducing calories as well as carbohydrate. However, more fiber doesn't necessarily mean a smaller impact on blood sugar, if that fiber is simply added to the other ingredients, rather than being a substitute for the starch. Again, subtract the fiber from the total carbohydrate to figure this out.
4. Rough, Grainy Texture - The more finely ground a kernel of wheat or other grain is, the more quickly the starch will break down into sugar. There has been an effort by some bread manufacturers to make 100% whole grain bread that is softer, with a texture that is more like white bread. The problem is that this bread is generally every bit as glycemic as white bread. On the other hand, bread with is more roughly-textured will, generally, be less glycemic. The best bread for this purpose has visible pieces of grains - some cracked wheat bread is like this.
5. Sprouted Grain Bread - There has not been much research on this, but some preliminary evidence shows that sprouted grain bread does not cause as high or fast of a blood sugar rise as regular bread. However, sprouted grains are not entirely fiber, as some bread labels claim, so read labels carefully if they are claiming large amounts of fiber and very low "net carbs" on sprouted grain breads. I have heard reports from people who's blood sugar goes up from these breads.
6. High Protein Breads - Some breads use a lot of wheat gluten instead of the whole grain. Since gluten is the protein part of the wheat, these breads can be good bets.
7. Sourdough Bread - Sourdough bread has been shown to produce a less glycemic response than regular bread. One study comparing white sourdough bread with regular whole wheat bread showed that the sourdough bread was less glycemic.
MY THOUGHTS
i can live without rice. but not without bread. the thing with whole wheat bread is that most people don't like the taste. you actually need to acquire the taste. what's more exciting is, according to this article, the rougher the texture the better. i can never force the kids to eat whole wheat. they say it tastes like cardboard. as if they've eaten cardboard. but then, they don't need to lose weight.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
EAT PINE NUTS
Your Weight-Loss Solution: Eat Pine Nuts!
FREE DAILY DIET TIP
By James Beckerman, M.D.
Published February 11, 2011
Sometimes natural foods and modern chemistry come together in the most delicious way. Pine nuts - the edible seeds of pines - are a newly recognized source of phytonutrients, which are the offspring of nature and healthy chemicals that can do our bodies good.
Pine nut oil contains pinolenic acid, a fatty acid that stimulates the body to produce two natural appetite suppressants: the hormones cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Interestingly, there is a long history of people in Siberia munching on pine nuts or taking a tablespoon of pine nut oil to suppress their hunger when food becomes scarce.
So how can we get them into modern American diets?
The good news is that they’re readily available, delicious and low in calories. A tablespoon of pine nuts contains only about 60 calories and makes an easy (and convenient) snack when you’re driving to appointments in your car or when you need something to curb your appetite at your desk. Pine nuts can also be deliciously mixed into yogurt, cottage cheese, pasta or green salads.
Companies are also marketing pine nut oil in supplement form - capsules, chocolates, bars, and shakes to name a few - and, according to their own research studies, pine nut oil supplementation is associated with a drop of 7%-10% in calorie consumption.
They might be worth a try in your new healthy-eating diet.
Always look up!
Jamie
MY THOUGHTS
love pine nuts! especially when it's mixed with pesto. needs to be processed, of course, into a paste. together with all those garlic and basil and extra virgin olive oil.
FREE DAILY DIET TIP
By James Beckerman, M.D.
Published February 11, 2011
Sometimes natural foods and modern chemistry come together in the most delicious way. Pine nuts - the edible seeds of pines - are a newly recognized source of phytonutrients, which are the offspring of nature and healthy chemicals that can do our bodies good.
Pine nut oil contains pinolenic acid, a fatty acid that stimulates the body to produce two natural appetite suppressants: the hormones cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Interestingly, there is a long history of people in Siberia munching on pine nuts or taking a tablespoon of pine nut oil to suppress their hunger when food becomes scarce.
So how can we get them into modern American diets?
The good news is that they’re readily available, delicious and low in calories. A tablespoon of pine nuts contains only about 60 calories and makes an easy (and convenient) snack when you’re driving to appointments in your car or when you need something to curb your appetite at your desk. Pine nuts can also be deliciously mixed into yogurt, cottage cheese, pasta or green salads.
Companies are also marketing pine nut oil in supplement form - capsules, chocolates, bars, and shakes to name a few - and, according to their own research studies, pine nut oil supplementation is associated with a drop of 7%-10% in calorie consumption.
They might be worth a try in your new healthy-eating diet.
Always look up!
Jamie
MY THOUGHTS
love pine nuts! especially when it's mixed with pesto. needs to be processed, of course, into a paste. together with all those garlic and basil and extra virgin olive oil.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
How to Ruin a Healthy Breakfast
How to Ruin a Healthy Breakfast
By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide
Updated April 28, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
You've heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And that's probably true -- after a long night's sleep, your body (and brain) needs fuel to get you through the morning. The foods you choose for breakfast can provide you with the energy you need and lots of vitamins and minerals to help keep you healthy.
Not all foods are good for you and choosing the wrong foods can turn a healthy breakfast into a high-calorie, nutrient-poor breakfast quickly. Here are some common ways that people ruin a healthy breakfast.
Making Breakfast Too Sugary
Next time you go to the grocery store, take a look at all of the pre-sweetened cereals. Basically, these sugary cereals are just boxed of candy with a few vitamins and minerals added in. The sugar problem isn't just in boxes of cereal -- many people associate breakfast with sweet pastries and things you pop into the toaster. Sugary, high glycemic breakfasts have been associated with poorer mental performance. And in one study, women who ate high glycemic breakfasts burned less fat than women who ate low glycemic breakfasts. Stay away from extra sugar:
* Choose unsweetened, whole-grain breakfast cereals. Just add a little sprinkle of sugar on top, but no more than a teaspoon.
* Instead of a pastry, pop a slice of whole-grain bread into the toaster and then top it with a 100% fruit spread. You still get the sweet flavor, but a lot less sugar.
* Have a bowl of hot oatmeal with fresh berries and chopped walnuts. Not sweet enough? Add just a dab of real maple syrup or a teaspoon of brown sugar.
Not Enough Protein
Isn't it interesting how we associate certain foods with breakfast? Sugary cereals, pancakes and waffles smothered in syrup appeal to many people. These foods are high in sugar and starches, but low in protein. Protein keeps you feeling full longer so you won't feel so hungry in the middle in the morning. Make sure you get some good quality protein:
* Have a piece of 100% whole-grain toast with peanut butter or almond butter and a glass of milk.
* Eat an egg or two. Eggs help you feel full, and they are a great source of lutein that helps keep your eyes healthy.
* Use protein powder in a fruit smoothie.
Eating Lots of Saturated Fat and Processed Meats
Bacon, sausage and ham are common meats you may eat at breakfast time. Bacon and sausage are high in unhealthy saturated fat, which increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, and all three are high in sodium. Processed meats also contain nitrites, which have been linked to colon cancer. Stay away from processed, high-fat meats:
* Eggs are an great source of protein. Choose omega eggs, which contain omega-3 fatty acids. Have a poached egg served over 100% whole-grain toast.
* Lower fat meats like chicken or turkey can be eaten at breakfast. You can buy turkey sausage and turkey ham, but they may still contain nitrites and large amounts of sodium.
* Try salmon or tuna with a light mayonnaise on 100% whole-grain toast. Each is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Avoiding Whole Grains
Most of those sugary breakfast cereals and pastries are also low in fiber. Whole grains provide fiber, which can keep your cholesterol levels and keeps your digestive system healthy. Choose whole grains and high-fiber foods:
* Eat 100% whole-grain, unsweetened hot or cold breakfast cereals.
* Use 100% whole-grain bread instead of white bread for your toast.
* Make low fat oat bran muffins.
Not Eating Any Fruit or Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are usually low in calories and rich in nutrients and phytochemicals. Experts recommend that we eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day (no, that bowl of fruit-flavored cereal doesn't count):
* Make an omelet with mushrooms, peppers and onions.
* Slice a grapefruit or orange in half and serve with a slice of 100% whole-grain toast with peanut butter.
* Add berries, raisins, or bananas to your whole grain cereal.
Skipping Breakfast Altogether
Maybe you're in a rush or you think skipping breakfast is a good way to cut calories. But it really isn't. People who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight, probably because they eat too much later in the day. You can have a quick but healthy breakfast:
* Keep ready-to-eat foods handy like hardboiled eggs, nuts, and fresh fruit.
* Make a fruit smoothie for breakfast.
* Make your own breakfast cereal bars with healthy whole-grain cereals.
MY THOUGHTS
but i love jam and jelly on my toasts!!! and hotdogs can be a real treat.
losing weight can really take the joy out of our meals right? it's not that easy. coz its asking us to change our lifestyles. but then again, no one's forcing us. the whole wheat pancakes and waffle mix are great. and there are lots of lite syrups and fruit jams. i found fish sausages and burgers that are quite good. we don't really need to give up the pleasures. we just need to digress a little. two key words - alternative and moderation.
Sources:
Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Dich J, Hakulinen T. "Risk of colorectal and other gastro-intestinal cancers after exposure to nitrate, nitrite and N-nitroso compounds: a follow-up study." Int J Cancer. 1999 Mar 15;80(6):852-6.
Lichtenstein AH, Kennedy E, Barrier P, Danford D, Ernst ND, Grundy SM, Leveille GA, Van Horn L, Williams CL. "Dietary fat consumption and health." Booth SL.Nutr Rev. 1998 May;56(5 Pt 2):S3-19; discussion S19-28.
Stevenson EJ, Williams C, Mash LE, Phillips B, Nute ML. "Influence of high-carbohydrate mixed meals with different glycemic indexes on substrate utilization during subsequent exercise in women." Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Aug;84(2):354-60.
Ciok J, Dolna A. "Carbohydrates and mental performance--the role of glycemic index of food products." Pol Merkuriusz Lek. 2006 Mar;20(117):367-70.
Vander Wal JS, Marth JM, Khosla P, Jen KL, Dhurandhar NV. "Short-term effect of eggs on satiety in overweight and obese subjects." J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Dec;24(6):510-5.
Blom WA, Lluch A, Stafleu A, Vinoy S, Holst JJ, Schaafsma G, Hendriks HF. "Effect of a high-protein breakfast on the postprandial ghrelin response." Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):211-20.
By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide
Updated April 28, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
You've heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And that's probably true -- after a long night's sleep, your body (and brain) needs fuel to get you through the morning. The foods you choose for breakfast can provide you with the energy you need and lots of vitamins and minerals to help keep you healthy.
Not all foods are good for you and choosing the wrong foods can turn a healthy breakfast into a high-calorie, nutrient-poor breakfast quickly. Here are some common ways that people ruin a healthy breakfast.
Making Breakfast Too Sugary
Next time you go to the grocery store, take a look at all of the pre-sweetened cereals. Basically, these sugary cereals are just boxed of candy with a few vitamins and minerals added in. The sugar problem isn't just in boxes of cereal -- many people associate breakfast with sweet pastries and things you pop into the toaster. Sugary, high glycemic breakfasts have been associated with poorer mental performance. And in one study, women who ate high glycemic breakfasts burned less fat than women who ate low glycemic breakfasts. Stay away from extra sugar:
* Choose unsweetened, whole-grain breakfast cereals. Just add a little sprinkle of sugar on top, but no more than a teaspoon.
* Instead of a pastry, pop a slice of whole-grain bread into the toaster and then top it with a 100% fruit spread. You still get the sweet flavor, but a lot less sugar.
* Have a bowl of hot oatmeal with fresh berries and chopped walnuts. Not sweet enough? Add just a dab of real maple syrup or a teaspoon of brown sugar.
Not Enough Protein
Isn't it interesting how we associate certain foods with breakfast? Sugary cereals, pancakes and waffles smothered in syrup appeal to many people. These foods are high in sugar and starches, but low in protein. Protein keeps you feeling full longer so you won't feel so hungry in the middle in the morning. Make sure you get some good quality protein:
* Have a piece of 100% whole-grain toast with peanut butter or almond butter and a glass of milk.
* Eat an egg or two. Eggs help you feel full, and they are a great source of lutein that helps keep your eyes healthy.
* Use protein powder in a fruit smoothie.
Eating Lots of Saturated Fat and Processed Meats
Bacon, sausage and ham are common meats you may eat at breakfast time. Bacon and sausage are high in unhealthy saturated fat, which increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, and all three are high in sodium. Processed meats also contain nitrites, which have been linked to colon cancer. Stay away from processed, high-fat meats:
* Eggs are an great source of protein. Choose omega eggs, which contain omega-3 fatty acids. Have a poached egg served over 100% whole-grain toast.
* Lower fat meats like chicken or turkey can be eaten at breakfast. You can buy turkey sausage and turkey ham, but they may still contain nitrites and large amounts of sodium.
* Try salmon or tuna with a light mayonnaise on 100% whole-grain toast. Each is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Avoiding Whole Grains
Most of those sugary breakfast cereals and pastries are also low in fiber. Whole grains provide fiber, which can keep your cholesterol levels and keeps your digestive system healthy. Choose whole grains and high-fiber foods:
* Eat 100% whole-grain, unsweetened hot or cold breakfast cereals.
* Use 100% whole-grain bread instead of white bread for your toast.
* Make low fat oat bran muffins.
Not Eating Any Fruit or Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are usually low in calories and rich in nutrients and phytochemicals. Experts recommend that we eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day (no, that bowl of fruit-flavored cereal doesn't count):
* Make an omelet with mushrooms, peppers and onions.
* Slice a grapefruit or orange in half and serve with a slice of 100% whole-grain toast with peanut butter.
* Add berries, raisins, or bananas to your whole grain cereal.
Skipping Breakfast Altogether
Maybe you're in a rush or you think skipping breakfast is a good way to cut calories. But it really isn't. People who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight, probably because they eat too much later in the day. You can have a quick but healthy breakfast:
* Keep ready-to-eat foods handy like hardboiled eggs, nuts, and fresh fruit.
* Make a fruit smoothie for breakfast.
* Make your own breakfast cereal bars with healthy whole-grain cereals.
MY THOUGHTS
but i love jam and jelly on my toasts!!! and hotdogs can be a real treat.
losing weight can really take the joy out of our meals right? it's not that easy. coz its asking us to change our lifestyles. but then again, no one's forcing us. the whole wheat pancakes and waffle mix are great. and there are lots of lite syrups and fruit jams. i found fish sausages and burgers that are quite good. we don't really need to give up the pleasures. we just need to digress a little. two key words - alternative and moderation.
Sources:
Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Dich J, Hakulinen T. "Risk of colorectal and other gastro-intestinal cancers after exposure to nitrate, nitrite and N-nitroso compounds: a follow-up study." Int J Cancer. 1999 Mar 15;80(6):852-6.
Lichtenstein AH, Kennedy E, Barrier P, Danford D, Ernst ND, Grundy SM, Leveille GA, Van Horn L, Williams CL. "Dietary fat consumption and health." Booth SL.Nutr Rev. 1998 May;56(5 Pt 2):S3-19; discussion S19-28.
Stevenson EJ, Williams C, Mash LE, Phillips B, Nute ML. "Influence of high-carbohydrate mixed meals with different glycemic indexes on substrate utilization during subsequent exercise in women." Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Aug;84(2):354-60.
Ciok J, Dolna A. "Carbohydrates and mental performance--the role of glycemic index of food products." Pol Merkuriusz Lek. 2006 Mar;20(117):367-70.
Vander Wal JS, Marth JM, Khosla P, Jen KL, Dhurandhar NV. "Short-term effect of eggs on satiety in overweight and obese subjects." J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Dec;24(6):510-5.
Blom WA, Lluch A, Stafleu A, Vinoy S, Holst JJ, Schaafsma G, Hendriks HF. "Effect of a high-protein breakfast on the postprandial ghrelin response." Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):211-20.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Not Just About Weight Loss
It’s Not Just About Weight Loss
JORGE’S DAILY FIT TIP
By Jorge Cruise, Chief Diet and Fitness Expert
Published June 29, 2010
Choosing the right foods isn’t just about losing weight. Following a healthy diet will also help you eat more nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We often forget that what we put into our mouths is meant to nourish and fuel our bodies. But this is an important lesson to remember and practice daily.
The next time you select something to eat, don’t just consider the calories and fat; think about what it’s going to do for your body. Will it energize you or give you a sugar high that ends in an energy crisis? Is it rich in nutrients or loaded with artery-clogging saturated fats? Asking yourself what your food can do for you will help you make the right choices for your health, which in turn will benefit your waistline.
Your coach,
Jorge Cruise
MY THOUGHTS
last night' late news included a man whose dialysis stopped after he became a vegan. a vegan,i found it, is the highest form of being a vegetarian. which means that even dairy products cannot be taken. he lost 60 lbs!!!. i will probably lose my mind!!!
---------
For information on Jorge's fitness program and to get a free copy of his Belly Fat Cure Report, visit jorgecruise.com.
JORGE’S DAILY FIT TIP
By Jorge Cruise, Chief Diet and Fitness Expert
Published June 29, 2010
Choosing the right foods isn’t just about losing weight. Following a healthy diet will also help you eat more nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We often forget that what we put into our mouths is meant to nourish and fuel our bodies. But this is an important lesson to remember and practice daily.
The next time you select something to eat, don’t just consider the calories and fat; think about what it’s going to do for your body. Will it energize you or give you a sugar high that ends in an energy crisis? Is it rich in nutrients or loaded with artery-clogging saturated fats? Asking yourself what your food can do for you will help you make the right choices for your health, which in turn will benefit your waistline.
Your coach,
Jorge Cruise
MY THOUGHTS
last night' late news included a man whose dialysis stopped after he became a vegan. a vegan,i found it, is the highest form of being a vegetarian. which means that even dairy products cannot be taken. he lost 60 lbs!!!. i will probably lose my mind!!!
---------
For information on Jorge's fitness program and to get a free copy of his Belly Fat Cure Report, visit jorgecruise.com.
How to Become a Veggie Lover
How to Become a Veggie Lover
JORGE’S DAILY FIT TIP
By Jorge Cruise, Chief Diet and Fitness Expert
Published January 17, 2011
Spinach. Brussels sprouts. Carrots. Oh my! If you’re not a fan of vegetables, you probably haven’t cooked them correctly. If you’ve ever eaten over-cooked, mushy, tasteless veggies, it’s no wonder you push aside your peas. Not only are overcooked veggies bland and unappealing, they’re also devoid of a lot of the nutrients and antioxidants that fresh vegetables offer. Learning how to properly prepare veggies can solve this crisis – and it is a crisis because vegetables are chockfull of the good stuff your body needs. So, I challenge you to give vegetables another chance.
The best methods for cooking vegetables are grilling, steaming, blanching, or sautéing them in a little bit of olive oil. Vegetables only need to be cooked until they are just tender and still al dente (like pasta) inside. Once they become soft, they lose their taste and texture. If you still need a little extra pizzazz, punch up the flavor by adding lemon or lime juice, garlic, herbs or seasonings, none of which will add calories to your meal.
Your coach,
Jorge Cruise
For information on Jorge's fitness program and to get a free copy of his Belly Fat Cure Report, visit jorgecruise.com.
MY THOUGHTS
i love veggies. it's preparing them that i find cumbersome. you peel, you slice. you core. just thinking about it makes me tired. if you have the time, why not? but if you spend 10-14 hours at work, another 2-3 hours driving to and from home, how can you squeeze in veggie cooking. of course, salad is the easiest way. try having salad for a week and you'll definitely crave for something else. worse if you're always on the road. veggies are hard to come by.
JORGE’S DAILY FIT TIP
By Jorge Cruise, Chief Diet and Fitness Expert
Published January 17, 2011
Spinach. Brussels sprouts. Carrots. Oh my! If you’re not a fan of vegetables, you probably haven’t cooked them correctly. If you’ve ever eaten over-cooked, mushy, tasteless veggies, it’s no wonder you push aside your peas. Not only are overcooked veggies bland and unappealing, they’re also devoid of a lot of the nutrients and antioxidants that fresh vegetables offer. Learning how to properly prepare veggies can solve this crisis – and it is a crisis because vegetables are chockfull of the good stuff your body needs. So, I challenge you to give vegetables another chance.
The best methods for cooking vegetables are grilling, steaming, blanching, or sautéing them in a little bit of olive oil. Vegetables only need to be cooked until they are just tender and still al dente (like pasta) inside. Once they become soft, they lose their taste and texture. If you still need a little extra pizzazz, punch up the flavor by adding lemon or lime juice, garlic, herbs or seasonings, none of which will add calories to your meal.
Your coach,
Jorge Cruise
For information on Jorge's fitness program and to get a free copy of his Belly Fat Cure Report, visit jorgecruise.com.
MY THOUGHTS
i love veggies. it's preparing them that i find cumbersome. you peel, you slice. you core. just thinking about it makes me tired. if you have the time, why not? but if you spend 10-14 hours at work, another 2-3 hours driving to and from home, how can you squeeze in veggie cooking. of course, salad is the easiest way. try having salad for a week and you'll definitely crave for something else. worse if you're always on the road. veggies are hard to come by.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Rev up your Metabolism
7 Secrets to Revving Up Your Metabolism
By Jennifer Gruenemay, ACE-Certified, Special to Lifescript
Published December 09, 2010
Your body may not be burning calories quickly because of poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, you can boost your metabolism. Use these 7 tips to rev up your inner engine. Plus, test your calorie IQ with our quiz...
If your body’s engine is running at full-speed, there’s little you can do to boost your fat-burning potential – you’re already performing at peak. But if your tank is teetering on half-empty, there's room for improvement. Use these 7 tips to rev up your metabolism.
Ladies, start your engines!
Secret #1: Get to bed early
The number of zzz’s you catch can have a big effect on your waistline. Research shows that sleep deprivation can send your hunger and appetite hormones out of whack.
A four-year joint study by the University of Wisconsin and Stanford University found that adults who regularly slept for only five hours a night increased their levels of hunger-inducing ghrelin by 14.9% and lowered their levels of appetite-suppressing leptin by 15.5%.
This means double trouble for your fat cells: You end up eating more than you need, leaving you with extra pounds to show for it.
How much sleep do you need to avoid this? Some people swear by a few hours, but experts recommend 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Read 7 Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep.
Secret #2: Get up earlier
Does your morning ritual consist only of showering, brushing your teeth and getting dressed? Then you’re neglecting two important activities that could boost your metabolism.
The first: Eat breakfast – and coffee doesn’t count. Skipping that bowl of oatmeal might sound harmless, but you’re missing the first opportunity of the day to jumpstart your metabolism.
Think of it in literal terms: Breakfast is “breaking” the overnight “fast” your body was in to conserve calories. Eating – especially a balanced breakfast every day – stimulates your metabolism.
Check out these 7 healthy breakfast ideas.
Secondly, you should exercise. Sure, you might struggle to throw off those cozy sheets – who doesn’t? – but it’s a battle worth winning. Why? It boosts your metabolism.
You’ll burn more calories throughout the day simply doing the same stuff you always do.
Even a 20-minute walk or jog will make a difference. So skip that second cup o’ joe and strap on your walking shoes instead.
Here are 5 morning exercises to start your day.
Secret #3: Move more
Sounds impossible, but you can - and should - work out every day. Cardiovascular exercise (running, swimming, aerobics, walking) stimulates your metabolism, helps you burn calories and can even temporarily suppress your appetite post-workout.
But don’t let cardio get all the metabolic-boosting glory. Weight training is important too, because it tones your muscles and boosts lean tissue mass, which burns more calories per pound than fat. The more lean muscle tissue you have, the more calories you burn daily.
Also, don’t be afraid to exercise more than once a day. Breaking up a 60-minute workout into two 30-minute (or three 20-minute) sessions is not only convenient, but also it may help you burn more fat, according to recent research.
Hate exercise? Here are 12 workout tips.
Secret #4: Eat all day
Forget about three large square meals a day. Graze on healthy snacks or nosh on smaller meals instead.
Eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day keeps a steady stream of energy available to your body. This boosts your metabolism and your brain power.
Keep healthy snacks (fruits, veggies, nuts, yogurt) with you throughout the day. Just be sure your main meals are smaller to accommodate all this snacking, or you’ll load up on extra calories you don’t need.
And don't skip meals. Dieters often try to get that extra weight-loss edge by cutting entire meals instead of just cutting calories throughout the day. But this is counterproductive: Skipping meals forces your metabolism to slow down and conserve calories to compensate for the lack of food.
So when you finally do eat, your body remembers that it went for a long time without food and will store more calories to prepare for the next time you'll starve it. Stay off this roller-coaster by eating at regular intervals throughout the entire day.
Enjoy these 7 quick and tasty snack ideas.
Secret #5: Raise a glass
The number on the scale may look good when you haven’t had enough water, but you’re risking major weight gain by not drinking enough.
Dehydration can trick your brain into thinking you’re hungry, so instead of reaching for a cold one – water, that is – you reach for whatever snack is nearby.
A simple exercise in math may illustrate the importance of hydration:
8 ounces of water = 0 calories
1 candy bar from the office vending machine = 270 calories
Swapping that candy bar for a glass of water, then waiting 20 minutes to see if you were really hungry in the first place = priceless.
Some experts say that your body burns extra calories as it works to raise the temperature of icy water to your internal body temperature, although others disagree.
Still, water is refreshing and hydrating - and you’ll burn calories on your walk over to the fridge or fountain.
Secret #6: Eat spicy foods
Turning up the heat on your meals may do more than just add fun flavor. “Hot” foods, such as jalapeños, chili peppers and spices (like curry and cayenne), may increase body temperature.
Body temperature and metabolism are related: As you burn energy, heat is released. By increasing your internal body temperature, spicy foods may temporarily raise your metabolism and stimulate the use of stored fat as energy.
Experts agree that eating spicy foods can increase feelings of satiety. And the sooner you’re satisfied at a meal, the faster you’ll stop eating. You can easily save yourself 100 calories at a meal by taking fewer bites, so pile on the hot sauce.
Secret #7: Count on calcium
Research shows that calcium, an essential mineral, can boost your basal metabolic rate, which boosts weight loss. In a National Dairy Council-funded study, researchers found that a high-calcium, low-calorie diet boosted fat loss by 42%, compared to only 8% for just a low-calorie diet.
Studies also show that dairy lovers are less likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome, whose symptoms include high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, poor blood sugar control and increased abdominal obesity – all factors that increase risk of diabetes and heart disease.
If you don’t eat enough calcium-rich dairy foods – such as yogurt, skim milk and low-fat cheeses – start adding them to your diet or take a daily calcium supplement.
Try these 7 calcium-rich recipes.
How Calorie-Conscious are You?
Although calorie-counting seems like a tedious task, having a basic knowledge of which foods will send you into a diet trap isn't. How calorie-conscious are you? Find out with this quiz.
Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!
MY THOUGHTS
i hate waking up early. i love staying up late at night.most days, i hardly have time for exercise.i've been spending too much time on the computer. and ilove snacking. need i say more?
By Jennifer Gruenemay, ACE-Certified, Special to Lifescript
Published December 09, 2010
Your body may not be burning calories quickly because of poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, you can boost your metabolism. Use these 7 tips to rev up your inner engine. Plus, test your calorie IQ with our quiz...
If your body’s engine is running at full-speed, there’s little you can do to boost your fat-burning potential – you’re already performing at peak. But if your tank is teetering on half-empty, there's room for improvement. Use these 7 tips to rev up your metabolism.
Ladies, start your engines!
Secret #1: Get to bed early
The number of zzz’s you catch can have a big effect on your waistline. Research shows that sleep deprivation can send your hunger and appetite hormones out of whack.
A four-year joint study by the University of Wisconsin and Stanford University found that adults who regularly slept for only five hours a night increased their levels of hunger-inducing ghrelin by 14.9% and lowered their levels of appetite-suppressing leptin by 15.5%.
This means double trouble for your fat cells: You end up eating more than you need, leaving you with extra pounds to show for it.
How much sleep do you need to avoid this? Some people swear by a few hours, but experts recommend 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Read 7 Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep.
Secret #2: Get up earlier
Does your morning ritual consist only of showering, brushing your teeth and getting dressed? Then you’re neglecting two important activities that could boost your metabolism.
The first: Eat breakfast – and coffee doesn’t count. Skipping that bowl of oatmeal might sound harmless, but you’re missing the first opportunity of the day to jumpstart your metabolism.
Think of it in literal terms: Breakfast is “breaking” the overnight “fast” your body was in to conserve calories. Eating – especially a balanced breakfast every day – stimulates your metabolism.
Check out these 7 healthy breakfast ideas.
Secondly, you should exercise. Sure, you might struggle to throw off those cozy sheets – who doesn’t? – but it’s a battle worth winning. Why? It boosts your metabolism.
You’ll burn more calories throughout the day simply doing the same stuff you always do.
Even a 20-minute walk or jog will make a difference. So skip that second cup o’ joe and strap on your walking shoes instead.
Here are 5 morning exercises to start your day.
Secret #3: Move more
Sounds impossible, but you can - and should - work out every day. Cardiovascular exercise (running, swimming, aerobics, walking) stimulates your metabolism, helps you burn calories and can even temporarily suppress your appetite post-workout.
But don’t let cardio get all the metabolic-boosting glory. Weight training is important too, because it tones your muscles and boosts lean tissue mass, which burns more calories per pound than fat. The more lean muscle tissue you have, the more calories you burn daily.
Also, don’t be afraid to exercise more than once a day. Breaking up a 60-minute workout into two 30-minute (or three 20-minute) sessions is not only convenient, but also it may help you burn more fat, according to recent research.
Hate exercise? Here are 12 workout tips.
Secret #4: Eat all day
Forget about three large square meals a day. Graze on healthy snacks or nosh on smaller meals instead.
Eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day keeps a steady stream of energy available to your body. This boosts your metabolism and your brain power.
Keep healthy snacks (fruits, veggies, nuts, yogurt) with you throughout the day. Just be sure your main meals are smaller to accommodate all this snacking, or you’ll load up on extra calories you don’t need.
And don't skip meals. Dieters often try to get that extra weight-loss edge by cutting entire meals instead of just cutting calories throughout the day. But this is counterproductive: Skipping meals forces your metabolism to slow down and conserve calories to compensate for the lack of food.
So when you finally do eat, your body remembers that it went for a long time without food and will store more calories to prepare for the next time you'll starve it. Stay off this roller-coaster by eating at regular intervals throughout the entire day.
Enjoy these 7 quick and tasty snack ideas.
Secret #5: Raise a glass
The number on the scale may look good when you haven’t had enough water, but you’re risking major weight gain by not drinking enough.
Dehydration can trick your brain into thinking you’re hungry, so instead of reaching for a cold one – water, that is – you reach for whatever snack is nearby.
A simple exercise in math may illustrate the importance of hydration:
8 ounces of water = 0 calories
1 candy bar from the office vending machine = 270 calories
Swapping that candy bar for a glass of water, then waiting 20 minutes to see if you were really hungry in the first place = priceless.
Some experts say that your body burns extra calories as it works to raise the temperature of icy water to your internal body temperature, although others disagree.
Still, water is refreshing and hydrating - and you’ll burn calories on your walk over to the fridge or fountain.
Secret #6: Eat spicy foods
Turning up the heat on your meals may do more than just add fun flavor. “Hot” foods, such as jalapeños, chili peppers and spices (like curry and cayenne), may increase body temperature.
Body temperature and metabolism are related: As you burn energy, heat is released. By increasing your internal body temperature, spicy foods may temporarily raise your metabolism and stimulate the use of stored fat as energy.
Experts agree that eating spicy foods can increase feelings of satiety. And the sooner you’re satisfied at a meal, the faster you’ll stop eating. You can easily save yourself 100 calories at a meal by taking fewer bites, so pile on the hot sauce.
Secret #7: Count on calcium
Research shows that calcium, an essential mineral, can boost your basal metabolic rate, which boosts weight loss. In a National Dairy Council-funded study, researchers found that a high-calcium, low-calorie diet boosted fat loss by 42%, compared to only 8% for just a low-calorie diet.
Studies also show that dairy lovers are less likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome, whose symptoms include high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, poor blood sugar control and increased abdominal obesity – all factors that increase risk of diabetes and heart disease.
If you don’t eat enough calcium-rich dairy foods – such as yogurt, skim milk and low-fat cheeses – start adding them to your diet or take a daily calcium supplement.
Try these 7 calcium-rich recipes.
How Calorie-Conscious are You?
Although calorie-counting seems like a tedious task, having a basic knowledge of which foods will send you into a diet trap isn't. How calorie-conscious are you? Find out with this quiz.
Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!
MY THOUGHTS
i hate waking up early. i love staying up late at night.most days, i hardly have time for exercise.i've been spending too much time on the computer. and ilove snacking. need i say more?
Reasons You're Not Losing Weight
10 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight
By Jill Weisenberger, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., Lifescript Nutrition Expert
Published August 26, 2010
You’re cutting down on fat, controlling carbs and exercising religiously. So why aren’t you losing weight? Here are 10 things that will derail your quest for a slimmer body. Plus, how calorie-conscious are you? Rate yourself…
You’re no slacker when it comes to your health: You exercise, watch what you eat, use portion control, and can resist Ben & Jerry’s without a problem.
Yet the scale needle still won’t budge.
Why are so many dieters destined to regain lost weight or never lose anything at all? Here are 10 reasons your body isn’t behaving:
Physical Factors
1. You don’t have enough muscle.
The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Fat and muscle tissues consume calories all day long whether you’re running, reading or sleeping. No matter what you’re doing, muscle rips through more calories than fat.
That's why men burn calories a lot faster than women; they have more muscle.
What to do: Lift weights. You don’t have to get huge, but building and maintaining muscle week after week, year after year makes a difference in the long run.
Registered dietitian and certified personal trainer Marci Anderson has her clients alternate between strength exercises and heart rate-raising cardio in each session.
“That way, their strength training includes the calorie-burning effect of cardio.”
2. Genetics: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
If both parents are obese, you are much more likely to be obese, says Jill Comess, M.S., R.D., food science and nutrition program director at Norfolk State University in Virginia.
“Researchers estimate that your genes account for at least 50% - and as much as 90% - of your stored body fat,” she says.
What to do: You’re not doomed. Your weight-loss challenge is just 10%-50% greater.
“Losing even just a few pounds makes you healthier and less likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer,” Comess says. “So you don’t have to be super-slim to improve your health.”
If an overweight woman loses even 5%-10% of her total body weight, she has a greater chance of reducing or getting off her high blood pressure or other meds, she adds.
3. You’re getting older.
A sluggish metabolism is a common aging problem. And we encourage it by sitting in traffic, long hours at the office and in front of computers.
All this inactivity means we gradually lose muscle and increase body fat, resulting in a metabolic slump. But it’s not unbeatable.
What to do: First, lift weights. But don’t underestimate the power of just moving. You faithfully walk the treadmill for an hour each day or go to yoga class, but what are you doing the other 23 hours?
It’s a no-brainer: Folding laundry, walking to a co-worker’s desk and cooking dinner burn more calories than just watching TV, emailing your co-worker or driving to the pizza joint.
Thin people fidget and move (called non-exercise activity) more than obese people, research shows. In fact, such antsy behavior might burn as much as 350 more calories per day – the equivalent of two doughnuts.
4. Your body can’t keep up.
To survive in the days before supermarkets, your body evolved some complex starvation-coping strategies.
Now that food isn’t scarce, these processes can work against us, explains Jim Anderson, M.D., Professor Emeritus, Medicine and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Kentucky.
“The intestines make about two dozen hormones – some that stimulate eating and others that decrease the need to eat,” he says.
The sophisticated hormonal response can’t cope with our sedentary lifestyle and all those tempting Twinkies, potato chips and frozen dinners we gobble, he says. So it’s harder to maintain ideal body weight.
What to do: You can’t fight evolution, so you have to focus extra-hard on those things you can. Be active every day and fill up on low-calorie foods, such as broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, green beans and other non-starchy vegetables.
5. Your medicine cabinet is to blame.
A host of drugs that treat diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, inflammatory disease and more affect weight regulation. Some will make you hungrier and others stimulate your body to store fat. And if a drug affects the brain, there’s a good chance it affects weight, Anderson says.
What to do: Ask your health care provider if an alternate drug or a lower dose could work, but don’t change your medications without discussing it first.
Self-Sabotage
Are you your own worst diet enemy? It’s easy to let everyday life get in the way of making smart food choices. The drive-thru instead of a home-cooked meal is an obvious mistake. But you could be sabotaging yourself in some not-so-apparent ways too.
6. You underestimate portions and calories.
Even dietitians underestimate calories – and by huge amounts! One study found that women and overweight people miscalculate more than others.
Other studies suggest that the greatest underestimating occurs when the meals are the largest, and that it doesn’t have anything to do with how fat someone is.
What to do: Follow the portion guidelines at mypyramid.gov for several days. Use measuring spoons, measuring cups and a food scale to guide you. Then plug in your food choices on that site or another reputable one to calculate your calorie intake. And read every food label for serving size and calories.
Need more help? Visit eatright.org to find a registered dietitian in your area.
7. You eat mindlessly or when distracted.
Do you eat dinner in front of the TV? Do you stop eating when you’re full or when the show is over? All too often, such distraction leads to more and more mouthfuls of pasta or potatoes.
If you’re munching from a bag of chips or a box of crackers, you can’t keep track of how much you’ve eaten.
And plenty of dieters report they didn’t even realize they had snacked from the candy bowl or nibbled from a child’s plate until it was too late.
What to do: Make it a house rule to eat from a dish. Always. No bags, cartons or fistfuls. Put it in a dish, sit down and savor the taste as you eat – without distraction. That means that if you’re going to grab the crust of your daughter’s grilled cheese sandwich, you have to put it on a plate first.
8. You deprive yourself.
Your list of can’t-have foods is so long, it rivals the nation’s tally of foreclosed homes. In fact, you’ve been so strict with yourself, you can’t remember the last time you ate a doughnut, candy bar or slice of pizza.
Then - like so many times before - you give in, scarf down something taboo, and now you’re mad at yourself.
So what the heck, you think: You’ll just eat everything on your forbidden list to get it out of your system. You’ll start your diet over again tomorrow – or next week.
Problem is, you can’t get it out of your system. It just doesn’t work that way.
What to do: No more setting yourself up for feeling deprived. In fact, no more dieting.
Take the focus away from that list of bad foods and emphasize those that are good for you. If 90% of the time you eat a wholesome diet of ample fruits and vegetables, some whole grains, lean meats or other sources of protein, then the other 10% doesn’t really matter.
So enjoy that glazed doughnut – but just one. If you want another, it will still be there tomorrow. After all, doughnuts or candy bars or pizza or whatever won’t drop off the face of the earth.
9. You’re usually good, but…
You always watch your portions. You start every morning with a healthful breakfast and eat only baked chicken, not fried.
Always that is, unless you’re on vacation or dining out. Or celebrating a birthday. Or sharing an anniversary. Or honoring your son’s first home run.
Consistency is key to dropping pounds. Researchers involved with the National Weight Control Registry found that those who eat similarly day after day are more likely to maintain weight loss than others.
One splurge meal in a restaurant can easily undo all the small calorie-saving tricks you employed the whole week before. Derail yourself every week and you’ll never get anywhere.
What to do: Again, stop dieting and start making small changes you can live with.
Find ways to celebrate that don’t involve high-calorie eating (like a manicure) or take half of that restaurant meal home to celebrate again tomorrow.
10. You overestimate your calorie burn.
Gym machines are notorious for overestimating the calories burned by exercisers, and dieters can easily out-eat their workouts. Your 30-minute power walk might burn 200 calories, but that won’t make up for your after-exercise power smoothie.
What to do: Exercise is an important tool in controlling your weight and maintaining good health, but stop rewarding your good work with food.
If you’re tempted to follow a sweat session with a smoothie or muffin, consider these numbers first:
Food/Calories Activity/Time to Burn Calories
Medium nonfat latte and blueberry muffin
(605 calories) Walking 3.0 mph (20-minute mile), 2 hours, 14 minutes
Walking 4.0 mph (15-minute mile), 1 hour, 29 minutes
Large bagel with cream cheese
(430 calories) Jogging 5.2 mph (11.5-minute mile), 35 minutes
Aerobic dancing, low impact, 63 minutes
22-ounce strawberry smoothie with artificial sweetener
(250 calories) Weight training, light, 61 minutes
Circuit training (includes aerobic activity), 23 minutes
Fast food sausage and egg biscuit
(500 calories) Gardening, 92 minutes
House cleaning, heavy, 2 hours, 2 minutes
* based on average 180-pound person
How Calorie-Conscious Are You?
Calorie-counting can be tedious, but knowing which foods will send you into a diet trap is easy. Find out how savvy you are with this quiz.
Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!
MY THOUGHTS
why? why do i have to come across this article? everything written here is not a lie. but then,it's good to be reminded. and reminded and reminded. you know what stung? # 10. this means that for every grande cafe mocha from Starbucks' i will need to walk for more than 2 hours? and that's just the coffee!!!
By Jill Weisenberger, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., Lifescript Nutrition Expert
Published August 26, 2010
You’re cutting down on fat, controlling carbs and exercising religiously. So why aren’t you losing weight? Here are 10 things that will derail your quest for a slimmer body. Plus, how calorie-conscious are you? Rate yourself…
You’re no slacker when it comes to your health: You exercise, watch what you eat, use portion control, and can resist Ben & Jerry’s without a problem.
Yet the scale needle still won’t budge.
Why are so many dieters destined to regain lost weight or never lose anything at all? Here are 10 reasons your body isn’t behaving:
Physical Factors
1. You don’t have enough muscle.
The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Fat and muscle tissues consume calories all day long whether you’re running, reading or sleeping. No matter what you’re doing, muscle rips through more calories than fat.
That's why men burn calories a lot faster than women; they have more muscle.
What to do: Lift weights. You don’t have to get huge, but building and maintaining muscle week after week, year after year makes a difference in the long run.
Registered dietitian and certified personal trainer Marci Anderson has her clients alternate between strength exercises and heart rate-raising cardio in each session.
“That way, their strength training includes the calorie-burning effect of cardio.”
2. Genetics: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
If both parents are obese, you are much more likely to be obese, says Jill Comess, M.S., R.D., food science and nutrition program director at Norfolk State University in Virginia.
“Researchers estimate that your genes account for at least 50% - and as much as 90% - of your stored body fat,” she says.
What to do: You’re not doomed. Your weight-loss challenge is just 10%-50% greater.
“Losing even just a few pounds makes you healthier and less likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer,” Comess says. “So you don’t have to be super-slim to improve your health.”
If an overweight woman loses even 5%-10% of her total body weight, she has a greater chance of reducing or getting off her high blood pressure or other meds, she adds.
3. You’re getting older.
A sluggish metabolism is a common aging problem. And we encourage it by sitting in traffic, long hours at the office and in front of computers.
All this inactivity means we gradually lose muscle and increase body fat, resulting in a metabolic slump. But it’s not unbeatable.
What to do: First, lift weights. But don’t underestimate the power of just moving. You faithfully walk the treadmill for an hour each day or go to yoga class, but what are you doing the other 23 hours?
It’s a no-brainer: Folding laundry, walking to a co-worker’s desk and cooking dinner burn more calories than just watching TV, emailing your co-worker or driving to the pizza joint.
Thin people fidget and move (called non-exercise activity) more than obese people, research shows. In fact, such antsy behavior might burn as much as 350 more calories per day – the equivalent of two doughnuts.
4. Your body can’t keep up.
To survive in the days before supermarkets, your body evolved some complex starvation-coping strategies.
Now that food isn’t scarce, these processes can work against us, explains Jim Anderson, M.D., Professor Emeritus, Medicine and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Kentucky.
“The intestines make about two dozen hormones – some that stimulate eating and others that decrease the need to eat,” he says.
The sophisticated hormonal response can’t cope with our sedentary lifestyle and all those tempting Twinkies, potato chips and frozen dinners we gobble, he says. So it’s harder to maintain ideal body weight.
What to do: You can’t fight evolution, so you have to focus extra-hard on those things you can. Be active every day and fill up on low-calorie foods, such as broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, green beans and other non-starchy vegetables.
5. Your medicine cabinet is to blame.
A host of drugs that treat diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, inflammatory disease and more affect weight regulation. Some will make you hungrier and others stimulate your body to store fat. And if a drug affects the brain, there’s a good chance it affects weight, Anderson says.
What to do: Ask your health care provider if an alternate drug or a lower dose could work, but don’t change your medications without discussing it first.
Self-Sabotage
Are you your own worst diet enemy? It’s easy to let everyday life get in the way of making smart food choices. The drive-thru instead of a home-cooked meal is an obvious mistake. But you could be sabotaging yourself in some not-so-apparent ways too.
6. You underestimate portions and calories.
Even dietitians underestimate calories – and by huge amounts! One study found that women and overweight people miscalculate more than others.
Other studies suggest that the greatest underestimating occurs when the meals are the largest, and that it doesn’t have anything to do with how fat someone is.
What to do: Follow the portion guidelines at mypyramid.gov for several days. Use measuring spoons, measuring cups and a food scale to guide you. Then plug in your food choices on that site or another reputable one to calculate your calorie intake. And read every food label for serving size and calories.
Need more help? Visit eatright.org to find a registered dietitian in your area.
7. You eat mindlessly or when distracted.
Do you eat dinner in front of the TV? Do you stop eating when you’re full or when the show is over? All too often, such distraction leads to more and more mouthfuls of pasta or potatoes.
If you’re munching from a bag of chips or a box of crackers, you can’t keep track of how much you’ve eaten.
And plenty of dieters report they didn’t even realize they had snacked from the candy bowl or nibbled from a child’s plate until it was too late.
What to do: Make it a house rule to eat from a dish. Always. No bags, cartons or fistfuls. Put it in a dish, sit down and savor the taste as you eat – without distraction. That means that if you’re going to grab the crust of your daughter’s grilled cheese sandwich, you have to put it on a plate first.
8. You deprive yourself.
Your list of can’t-have foods is so long, it rivals the nation’s tally of foreclosed homes. In fact, you’ve been so strict with yourself, you can’t remember the last time you ate a doughnut, candy bar or slice of pizza.
Then - like so many times before - you give in, scarf down something taboo, and now you’re mad at yourself.
So what the heck, you think: You’ll just eat everything on your forbidden list to get it out of your system. You’ll start your diet over again tomorrow – or next week.
Problem is, you can’t get it out of your system. It just doesn’t work that way.
What to do: No more setting yourself up for feeling deprived. In fact, no more dieting.
Take the focus away from that list of bad foods and emphasize those that are good for you. If 90% of the time you eat a wholesome diet of ample fruits and vegetables, some whole grains, lean meats or other sources of protein, then the other 10% doesn’t really matter.
So enjoy that glazed doughnut – but just one. If you want another, it will still be there tomorrow. After all, doughnuts or candy bars or pizza or whatever won’t drop off the face of the earth.
9. You’re usually good, but…
You always watch your portions. You start every morning with a healthful breakfast and eat only baked chicken, not fried.
Always that is, unless you’re on vacation or dining out. Or celebrating a birthday. Or sharing an anniversary. Or honoring your son’s first home run.
Consistency is key to dropping pounds. Researchers involved with the National Weight Control Registry found that those who eat similarly day after day are more likely to maintain weight loss than others.
One splurge meal in a restaurant can easily undo all the small calorie-saving tricks you employed the whole week before. Derail yourself every week and you’ll never get anywhere.
What to do: Again, stop dieting and start making small changes you can live with.
Find ways to celebrate that don’t involve high-calorie eating (like a manicure) or take half of that restaurant meal home to celebrate again tomorrow.
10. You overestimate your calorie burn.
Gym machines are notorious for overestimating the calories burned by exercisers, and dieters can easily out-eat their workouts. Your 30-minute power walk might burn 200 calories, but that won’t make up for your after-exercise power smoothie.
What to do: Exercise is an important tool in controlling your weight and maintaining good health, but stop rewarding your good work with food.
If you’re tempted to follow a sweat session with a smoothie or muffin, consider these numbers first:
Food/Calories Activity/Time to Burn Calories
Medium nonfat latte and blueberry muffin
(605 calories) Walking 3.0 mph (20-minute mile), 2 hours, 14 minutes
Walking 4.0 mph (15-minute mile), 1 hour, 29 minutes
Large bagel with cream cheese
(430 calories) Jogging 5.2 mph (11.5-minute mile), 35 minutes
Aerobic dancing, low impact, 63 minutes
22-ounce strawberry smoothie with artificial sweetener
(250 calories) Weight training, light, 61 minutes
Circuit training (includes aerobic activity), 23 minutes
Fast food sausage and egg biscuit
(500 calories) Gardening, 92 minutes
House cleaning, heavy, 2 hours, 2 minutes
* based on average 180-pound person
How Calorie-Conscious Are You?
Calorie-counting can be tedious, but knowing which foods will send you into a diet trap is easy. Find out how savvy you are with this quiz.
Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!
MY THOUGHTS
why? why do i have to come across this article? everything written here is not a lie. but then,it's good to be reminded. and reminded and reminded. you know what stung? # 10. this means that for every grande cafe mocha from Starbucks' i will need to walk for more than 2 hours? and that's just the coffee!!!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Making Healthier Meals
10 Tips for Making Healthier Meals
Who says family meals aren't any fun when you're trying to get healthier? Dinner-time doesn't have to prove a dieting-dilemma. Keep these healthier-meal-making tips in mind. You'll find your weight loss efforts don't have to fall by the wayside when you pull up a chair to the dinner table.
1. Times are Lean
These days, meat is much leaner than it has been due to trimming efforts on the part of meatpackers. Beef labeled as "loin", "round" and "extra lean" are your best choices. According to The Wisconsin Beef Council, cuts like top round, tenderloin or sirloin qualify as lean, healthy selections.
Roasting, baking, grilling, braising and broiling are healthy meat-cooking methods. Use non-stick pans and choose cooking sprays over oil or butter during preparation. Another way to reduce fat is to strain cooked ground beef and rinse it with hot water. (Drain it well before you continue the recipe.) Be sure to keep portion sizes in check.
2. Be Choosy About Chicken
Sure, chicken is a great American dinner mainstay, but many of us turn a potentially diet-friendly staple into something considerably less than healthful. Say no to fried patties, chicken fingers, nuggets and franks. Switch to broiling, roasting, baking or steaming. Use a non-stick pan with cooking spray, broth or wine.
Keep in mind that dark meat contains about twice as much fat as white meat. Also, chicken skin is fattening. You can remove the skin yourself before cooking, choose skinless varieties, or take off the skin before you eat it. Basically, however you choose to avoid it ... just make sure you do.
3. Trim Up that Turkey
If you're preparing a turkey, why not cook the stuffing separately? You will reduce its fat content by preventing the turkey fat from soaking into the dressing. Try to use less butter or margarine when preparing the stuffing. Don't forget to skim the fat off of the gravy with a gravy separator or by refrigerating it. Leave the drumsticks for the kids; as with chicken, choose light meat over dark and you'll save quite a few calories.
4. It's Getting Steamy in Here ...
Serve steamed vegetables instead of heavy casseroles or cheese-based dishes. Steaming or microwaving veggies means you don't have to add any fat during preparation; choose lemon juice, herbs, or vinegar over margarine. Use herbs and spices or imitation butter sprinkles as seasoning instead of butter, oil or cheese.
If steamed vegetables don't suit your taste buds, reduce the amount of oil you use if you sauté them. Broth or flavored vinegar makes a great substitute for oil.
5. Go for Grains
Whenever you have the chance, choose whole grains as your bread choice. For example, you could choose whole grain breading for stuffing preparation; whole grain dinner rolls; whole wheat bread for sandwiches; and wild rice instead of white.
All types of white bread are high in refined sugar and pack in more calories than grains. These refined sugars are some of the "bad carbs" we hear so much about these days. If you still crave white bread occasionally, choose a "lite" or diet version, which will save you a few calories.
6. Virtually "Veggie"
Pretend you've gone vegetarian for a while. If you're still hungry after the main course, choose vegetables as seconds, rather than meat- or bread-based dishes. Try to choose healthier options like steamed or boiled veggies instead of casseroles or those topped off with butter or cheese.
By selecting healthier fare when you go for another helping instead of the entrée, you'll take in fewer extra calories and fat while adding more fiber. A second round of small portions of a variety of dishes will be much more satisfying than a little more of the main dish.
An even better alternative to second helpings is to get up and get your mind off eating. Taking a walk or playing with the family pet are great diversions. By moving on, you may find you're not still hungry after all, and forgo seconds entirely.
7. Powder Your ... Dessert?
Got milk? Trade it in for the powdered variety when baking and you'll save yourself a lot of fats and calories. A visitor wrote in to suggest that using evaporated skim milk in her favorite recipes instead of cream or milk has been one of the changes that led her to an 80 pound weight loss! Add equal parts water to replace milk or use it straight from the can as a substitute in recipes calling for heavy cream.
8. Fruit as a Finisher
Instead of pie or cake for dessert, offer fruit-based fare like fondue, fruit cocktail, yogurt parfait, or, simply a fresh piece fruit. Not only will this reduce the fat and calorie content of your meal's finale, most folks find fruit more refreshing than sweets. After all, by dessert we're usually eating out of sheer habit anyway, not from hunger, so why "waist" the calories? You'll be surprised at how easy it really is to satisfy your sweet tooth.
9. Another Divine Dessert
When making sundaes for the kids, choose sugar free ice cream or reduced- or non-fat frozen yogurt. Non-fat, reduced-calorie whipped topping is almost identical in flavor and texture to its higher-calorie counterpart. Try topping sundaes with all-fruit spread rather than chocolate or caramel syrup. If portions tend to get out of control, serve less ice cream in smaller dishes.
10. Make Smart Substitutions
Try some fat-fighting baking substitutions: Use 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to replace 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate in desserts; crushed graham crackers are a healthier alternative to pie crusts; replace 1 egg with 2 egg whites or ¼ cup of egg substitute; replace half of the oil in dessert recipes with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce; use reduced- or non-fat frozen yogurt instead of ice cream on pies.
MY THOUGHTS
this is easy when you're on your own. but with family? and with kids? a constant challenge. my family loves carbonara.i do, too. but it's too rich. i wanted a healthy (?) alternative. for our new year fare,i made some changes. i made it a carbonara buffet where you get to choose what you put on it. and i made a separate sauce (minus the cream)of extra virgin olive oil with garlic andlots of herbs.just a couple of spoonfuls on your pasta and you have your festive pasta with less calories.
Who says family meals aren't any fun when you're trying to get healthier? Dinner-time doesn't have to prove a dieting-dilemma. Keep these healthier-meal-making tips in mind. You'll find your weight loss efforts don't have to fall by the wayside when you pull up a chair to the dinner table.
1. Times are Lean
These days, meat is much leaner than it has been due to trimming efforts on the part of meatpackers. Beef labeled as "loin", "round" and "extra lean" are your best choices. According to The Wisconsin Beef Council, cuts like top round, tenderloin or sirloin qualify as lean, healthy selections.
Roasting, baking, grilling, braising and broiling are healthy meat-cooking methods. Use non-stick pans and choose cooking sprays over oil or butter during preparation. Another way to reduce fat is to strain cooked ground beef and rinse it with hot water. (Drain it well before you continue the recipe.) Be sure to keep portion sizes in check.
2. Be Choosy About Chicken
Sure, chicken is a great American dinner mainstay, but many of us turn a potentially diet-friendly staple into something considerably less than healthful. Say no to fried patties, chicken fingers, nuggets and franks. Switch to broiling, roasting, baking or steaming. Use a non-stick pan with cooking spray, broth or wine.
Keep in mind that dark meat contains about twice as much fat as white meat. Also, chicken skin is fattening. You can remove the skin yourself before cooking, choose skinless varieties, or take off the skin before you eat it. Basically, however you choose to avoid it ... just make sure you do.
3. Trim Up that Turkey
If you're preparing a turkey, why not cook the stuffing separately? You will reduce its fat content by preventing the turkey fat from soaking into the dressing. Try to use less butter or margarine when preparing the stuffing. Don't forget to skim the fat off of the gravy with a gravy separator or by refrigerating it. Leave the drumsticks for the kids; as with chicken, choose light meat over dark and you'll save quite a few calories.
4. It's Getting Steamy in Here ...
Serve steamed vegetables instead of heavy casseroles or cheese-based dishes. Steaming or microwaving veggies means you don't have to add any fat during preparation; choose lemon juice, herbs, or vinegar over margarine. Use herbs and spices or imitation butter sprinkles as seasoning instead of butter, oil or cheese.
If steamed vegetables don't suit your taste buds, reduce the amount of oil you use if you sauté them. Broth or flavored vinegar makes a great substitute for oil.
5. Go for Grains
Whenever you have the chance, choose whole grains as your bread choice. For example, you could choose whole grain breading for stuffing preparation; whole grain dinner rolls; whole wheat bread for sandwiches; and wild rice instead of white.
All types of white bread are high in refined sugar and pack in more calories than grains. These refined sugars are some of the "bad carbs" we hear so much about these days. If you still crave white bread occasionally, choose a "lite" or diet version, which will save you a few calories.
6. Virtually "Veggie"
Pretend you've gone vegetarian for a while. If you're still hungry after the main course, choose vegetables as seconds, rather than meat- or bread-based dishes. Try to choose healthier options like steamed or boiled veggies instead of casseroles or those topped off with butter or cheese.
By selecting healthier fare when you go for another helping instead of the entrée, you'll take in fewer extra calories and fat while adding more fiber. A second round of small portions of a variety of dishes will be much more satisfying than a little more of the main dish.
An even better alternative to second helpings is to get up and get your mind off eating. Taking a walk or playing with the family pet are great diversions. By moving on, you may find you're not still hungry after all, and forgo seconds entirely.
7. Powder Your ... Dessert?
Got milk? Trade it in for the powdered variety when baking and you'll save yourself a lot of fats and calories. A visitor wrote in to suggest that using evaporated skim milk in her favorite recipes instead of cream or milk has been one of the changes that led her to an 80 pound weight loss! Add equal parts water to replace milk or use it straight from the can as a substitute in recipes calling for heavy cream.
8. Fruit as a Finisher
Instead of pie or cake for dessert, offer fruit-based fare like fondue, fruit cocktail, yogurt parfait, or, simply a fresh piece fruit. Not only will this reduce the fat and calorie content of your meal's finale, most folks find fruit more refreshing than sweets. After all, by dessert we're usually eating out of sheer habit anyway, not from hunger, so why "waist" the calories? You'll be surprised at how easy it really is to satisfy your sweet tooth.
9. Another Divine Dessert
When making sundaes for the kids, choose sugar free ice cream or reduced- or non-fat frozen yogurt. Non-fat, reduced-calorie whipped topping is almost identical in flavor and texture to its higher-calorie counterpart. Try topping sundaes with all-fruit spread rather than chocolate or caramel syrup. If portions tend to get out of control, serve less ice cream in smaller dishes.
10. Make Smart Substitutions
Try some fat-fighting baking substitutions: Use 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to replace 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate in desserts; crushed graham crackers are a healthier alternative to pie crusts; replace 1 egg with 2 egg whites or ¼ cup of egg substitute; replace half of the oil in dessert recipes with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce; use reduced- or non-fat frozen yogurt instead of ice cream on pies.
MY THOUGHTS
this is easy when you're on your own. but with family? and with kids? a constant challenge. my family loves carbonara.i do, too. but it's too rich. i wanted a healthy (?) alternative. for our new year fare,i made some changes. i made it a carbonara buffet where you get to choose what you put on it. and i made a separate sauce (minus the cream)of extra virgin olive oil with garlic andlots of herbs.just a couple of spoonfuls on your pasta and you have your festive pasta with less calories.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Lose Weight without Going on a Diet
10 Ways to Lose Weight without Going on a Diet
By Jennifer R. Scott, About.com Guide
Updated December 08, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
If you're ready to start losing weight, but you don't want to follow a diet, I have good news. You can make a few "painless" changes to your everyday diet that will help you eat less, eat smarter, and lose weight!
1. Don't drink your calories. Beverages are bottomless these days -- you can't order a soft drink or iced tea at a restaurant without being provided quick, free refills, or having the freedom to get them yourself. To keep from drinking a day's worth of calories, choose herbal tea, unsweetened iced tea with Splenda (or another artificial, no-cal sweetener), diet flavored-water, bottled or tap water with a spritz of lemon or lime, or diet soda. If none of those better choices suits you, allow yourself one glass of the "real thing" and drink only water thereafter. (Tip: Ask for extra ice in that first glass of soda and you will drink less.) By stopping at one glass, you will save yourself hundreds -- or even thousands -- of calories.
2. Always eat breakfast. Taking the time to eat could prevent costly mistakes as the day progresses; skipping this important morning meal can lead to an out of control afternoon appetite, oversized portions, poor food choices, and overeating, even later on into the night. Plus, going too long without eating may cause your metabolism to slow down. If you can't eat first thing in the morning, a healthful, mid-morning snack is a good idea. If you are not hungry in the morning, it could be a sign that you are eating too close to bedtime. Set a cut-off time for evening eating (such as 7 p.m.) and you will probably feel more like eating in the a.m.
3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You hear it all the time, but you really do need to work in those recommended six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Thirst can easily be mistaken for hunger, so you could be reaching for food when you are actually thirsty. Eating water-rich foods like fruit will help you stay well-hydrated, too. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink; try sipping water throughout the day and you may be surprised to find that your appetite seems much tamer.
4. Add at least one more serving of produce to as many meals as possible. Veggies and fruit are all nutrient-rich, low-cal and filling -- just be careful of creamy dips or dressings, butter, cheese sauce, and fried vegetables. Salsa, soups, and pasta sauce are easy ways to work in even more vegetable servings. Keep the skin on fresh produce, such as apples, whenever possible as it contains more fiber. Remember, fiber takes a while to digest so you feel fuller longer after eating it, which will help you eat less in the long run.
5. Make a salad your starter. Having a salad before your meal will almost certainly prevent you from overeating. Load up all the veggies you like, but just be careful about adding high-fat extras such as pasta salads, shredded cheese or cream-based dressings. (Tip: Spray dressings are excellent for cutting calories as most only have about 10 calories per spritz). Prepackaged, washed salads make it easy to add a salad to any meal without extra effort. Most fast food restaurants offer a reasonably-priced side salad, or some menus offer the option to substitute salad for another side item when purchasing a "combo" or "value" meal.
6. Be a better baker. Start baking immediately following a meal so you will be less likely to sample. Chew flavorful gum like peppermint or spearmint so your mouth will be otherwise occupied. Healthier baking ingredient substitutions help cut fat and calories.
7. Go for grains. Whole grains will help you feel full longer than refined carbohydrates. In the morning, fiber-rich cereal like Kellog's All-Bran, is a good choice, as is oatmeal. Brown rice, whole grain bread, and whole wheat crackers, are all good ways to include grains in your day: A slice of whole wheat bread goes well with a salad; microwavable, single-serving brown rice is easy to add to lunch at the office; keep wheat crackers stored in your desk drawer for when the afternoon munchies strike.
8. Always keep healthy frozen meals on hand. They will be a backup plan for nights when you don't have time to prepare and cook a healthy meal. Try to choose meals with around 300 to 350 calories. (Tip: Even some of the healthier frozen meal choices are skimpy on veggies, so be sure to add a packaged salad or a microwavable, single-serving frozen vegetable to your "instant meal" to better round it out.
9. Choose foods that will help you feel satisfied longer. While both protein and fat help you feel sated longer than simple carbohydrates, protein naturally contains fewer calories per ounce than fat. Eggs, lean meats, skinless poultry, and reduced-fat dairy products are ideal protein sources. A snack like yogurt, a boiled egg, string cheese or turkey slices will give you an energy boost and quell hunger pangs. Whole grains also contain protein, so you may find combining an animal or dairy protein with a complex carb such as whole wheat crackers or whole grain bread to be even more effective at keeping your energy up and hunger down. If you don't eat meat or dairy, there are also several other sources of protein, such as beans, legumes, and nuts.
10. Catch some "Zs." Did you know getting enough rest can have a direct impact on your ability to lose weight? Not getting enough sleep can cause you to eat more often or make poor choices (In an effort to compensate for feeling groggy, we tend to naturally reach for higher-calorie, high-fat foods.). Getting enough sleep also ensures that you feel energized enough to exercise and that you work out to your fullest capacity when you do. Even if you can't add additional sleeping hours, take some time to simply do nothing, practice deep breathing, read, or listen to some calming music every day. Making a point to relax more can keep emotional eating -- particularly stress-eating -- at bay.
MY THOUGHTS
i know they work. but why, why, why can't we just follow them? there's always an excuse- no time, no funds, too much work. start with 1 tip. then work on the next. worked before. will work again.
By Jennifer R. Scott, About.com Guide
Updated December 08, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
If you're ready to start losing weight, but you don't want to follow a diet, I have good news. You can make a few "painless" changes to your everyday diet that will help you eat less, eat smarter, and lose weight!
1. Don't drink your calories. Beverages are bottomless these days -- you can't order a soft drink or iced tea at a restaurant without being provided quick, free refills, or having the freedom to get them yourself. To keep from drinking a day's worth of calories, choose herbal tea, unsweetened iced tea with Splenda (or another artificial, no-cal sweetener), diet flavored-water, bottled or tap water with a spritz of lemon or lime, or diet soda. If none of those better choices suits you, allow yourself one glass of the "real thing" and drink only water thereafter. (Tip: Ask for extra ice in that first glass of soda and you will drink less.) By stopping at one glass, you will save yourself hundreds -- or even thousands -- of calories.
2. Always eat breakfast. Taking the time to eat could prevent costly mistakes as the day progresses; skipping this important morning meal can lead to an out of control afternoon appetite, oversized portions, poor food choices, and overeating, even later on into the night. Plus, going too long without eating may cause your metabolism to slow down. If you can't eat first thing in the morning, a healthful, mid-morning snack is a good idea. If you are not hungry in the morning, it could be a sign that you are eating too close to bedtime. Set a cut-off time for evening eating (such as 7 p.m.) and you will probably feel more like eating in the a.m.
3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You hear it all the time, but you really do need to work in those recommended six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Thirst can easily be mistaken for hunger, so you could be reaching for food when you are actually thirsty. Eating water-rich foods like fruit will help you stay well-hydrated, too. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink; try sipping water throughout the day and you may be surprised to find that your appetite seems much tamer.
4. Add at least one more serving of produce to as many meals as possible. Veggies and fruit are all nutrient-rich, low-cal and filling -- just be careful of creamy dips or dressings, butter, cheese sauce, and fried vegetables. Salsa, soups, and pasta sauce are easy ways to work in even more vegetable servings. Keep the skin on fresh produce, such as apples, whenever possible as it contains more fiber. Remember, fiber takes a while to digest so you feel fuller longer after eating it, which will help you eat less in the long run.
5. Make a salad your starter. Having a salad before your meal will almost certainly prevent you from overeating. Load up all the veggies you like, but just be careful about adding high-fat extras such as pasta salads, shredded cheese or cream-based dressings. (Tip: Spray dressings are excellent for cutting calories as most only have about 10 calories per spritz). Prepackaged, washed salads make it easy to add a salad to any meal without extra effort. Most fast food restaurants offer a reasonably-priced side salad, or some menus offer the option to substitute salad for another side item when purchasing a "combo" or "value" meal.
6. Be a better baker. Start baking immediately following a meal so you will be less likely to sample. Chew flavorful gum like peppermint or spearmint so your mouth will be otherwise occupied. Healthier baking ingredient substitutions help cut fat and calories.
7. Go for grains. Whole grains will help you feel full longer than refined carbohydrates. In the morning, fiber-rich cereal like Kellog's All-Bran, is a good choice, as is oatmeal. Brown rice, whole grain bread, and whole wheat crackers, are all good ways to include grains in your day: A slice of whole wheat bread goes well with a salad; microwavable, single-serving brown rice is easy to add to lunch at the office; keep wheat crackers stored in your desk drawer for when the afternoon munchies strike.
8. Always keep healthy frozen meals on hand. They will be a backup plan for nights when you don't have time to prepare and cook a healthy meal. Try to choose meals with around 300 to 350 calories. (Tip: Even some of the healthier frozen meal choices are skimpy on veggies, so be sure to add a packaged salad or a microwavable, single-serving frozen vegetable to your "instant meal" to better round it out.
9. Choose foods that will help you feel satisfied longer. While both protein and fat help you feel sated longer than simple carbohydrates, protein naturally contains fewer calories per ounce than fat. Eggs, lean meats, skinless poultry, and reduced-fat dairy products are ideal protein sources. A snack like yogurt, a boiled egg, string cheese or turkey slices will give you an energy boost and quell hunger pangs. Whole grains also contain protein, so you may find combining an animal or dairy protein with a complex carb such as whole wheat crackers or whole grain bread to be even more effective at keeping your energy up and hunger down. If you don't eat meat or dairy, there are also several other sources of protein, such as beans, legumes, and nuts.
10. Catch some "Zs." Did you know getting enough rest can have a direct impact on your ability to lose weight? Not getting enough sleep can cause you to eat more often or make poor choices (In an effort to compensate for feeling groggy, we tend to naturally reach for higher-calorie, high-fat foods.). Getting enough sleep also ensures that you feel energized enough to exercise and that you work out to your fullest capacity when you do. Even if you can't add additional sleeping hours, take some time to simply do nothing, practice deep breathing, read, or listen to some calming music every day. Making a point to relax more can keep emotional eating -- particularly stress-eating -- at bay.
MY THOUGHTS
i know they work. but why, why, why can't we just follow them? there's always an excuse- no time, no funds, too much work. start with 1 tip. then work on the next. worked before. will work again.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Lose Weight without Going on a Diet
10 Ways to Lose Weight without Going on a Diet
By Jennifer R. Scott, About.com Guide
Updated December 08, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
If you're ready to start losing weight, but you don't want to follow a diet, I have good news. You can make a few "painless" changes to your everyday diet that will help you eat less, eat smarter, and lose weight!
1. Don't drink your calories. Beverages are bottomless these days -- you can't order a soft drink or iced tea at a restaurant without being provided quick, free refills, or having the freedom to get them yourself. To keep from drinking a day's worth of calories, choose herbal tea, unsweetened iced tea with Splenda (or another artificial, no-cal sweetener), diet flavored-water, bottled or tap water with a spritz of lemon or lime, or diet soda. If none of those better choices suits you, allow yourself one glass of the "real thing" and drink only water thereafter. (Tip: Ask for extra ice in that first glass of soda and you will drink less.) By stopping at one glass, you will save yourself hundreds -- or even thousands -- of calories.
2. Always eat breakfast. Taking the time to eat could prevent costly mistakes as the day progresses; skipping this important morning meal can lead to an out of control afternoon appetite, oversized portions, poor food choices, and overeating, even later on into the night. Plus, going too long without eating may cause your metabolism to slow down. If you can't eat first thing in the morning, a healthful, mid-morning snack is a good idea. If you are not hungry in the morning, it could be a sign that you are eating too close to bedtime. Set a cut-off time for evening eating (such as 7 p.m.) and you will probably feel more like eating in the a.m.
3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You hear it all the time, but you really do need to work in those recommended six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Thirst can easily be mistaken for hunger, so you could be reaching for food when you are actually thirsty. Eating water-rich foods like fruit will help you stay well-hydrated, too. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink; try sipping water throughout the day and you may be surprised to find that your appetite seems much tamer.
4. Add at least one more serving of produce to as many meals as possible. Veggies and fruit are all nutrient-rich, low-cal and filling -- just be careful of creamy dips or dressings, butter, cheese sauce, and fried vegetables. Salsa, soups, and pasta sauce are easy ways to work in even more vegetable servings. Keep the skin on fresh produce, such as apples, whenever possible as it contains more fiber. Remember, fiber takes a while to digest so you feel fuller longer after eating it, which will help you eat less in the long run.
5. Make a salad your starter. Having a salad before your meal will almost certainly prevent you from overeating. Load up all the veggies you like, but just be careful about adding high-fat extras such as pasta salads, shredded cheese or cream-based dressings. (Tip: Spray dressings are excellent for cutting calories as most only have about 10 calories per spritz). Prepackaged, washed salads make it easy to add a salad to any meal without extra effort. Most fast food restaurants offer a reasonably-priced side salad, or some menus offer the option to substitute salad for another side item when purchasing a "combo" or "value" meal.
6. Be a better baker. Start baking immediately following a meal so you will be less likely to sample. Chew flavorful gum like peppermint or spearmint so your mouth will be otherwise occupied. Healthier baking ingredient substitutions help cut fat and calories.
7. Go for grains. Whole grains will help you feel full longer than refined carbohydrates. In the morning, fiber-rich cereal like Kellog's All-Bran, is a good choice, as is oatmeal. Brown rice, whole grain bread, and whole wheat crackers, are all good ways to include grains in your day: A slice of whole wheat bread goes well with a salad; microwavable, single-serving brown rice is easy to add to lunch at the office; keep wheat crackers stored in your desk drawer for when the afternoon munchies strike.
8. Always keep healthy frozen meals on hand. They will be a backup plan for nights when you don't have time to prepare and cook a healthy meal. Try to choose meals with around 300 to 350 calories. (Tip: Even some of the healthier frozen meal choices are skimpy on veggies, so be sure to add a packaged salad or a microwavable, single-serving frozen vegetable to your "instant meal" to better round it out.
9. Choose foods that will help you feel satisfied longer. While both protein and fat help you feel sated longer than simple carbohydrates, protein naturally contains fewer calories per ounce than fat. Eggs, lean meats, skinless poultry, and reduced-fat dairy products are ideal protein sources. A snack like yogurt, a boiled egg, string cheese or turkey slices will give you an energy boost and quell hunger pangs. Whole grains also contain protein, so you may find combining an animal or dairy protein with a complex carb such as whole wheat crackers or whole grain bread to be even more effective at keeping your energy up and hunger down. If you don't eat meat or dairy, there are also several other sources of protein, such as beans, legumes, and nuts.
10. Catch some "Zs." Did you know getting enough rest can have a direct impact on your ability to lose weight? Not getting enough sleep can cause you to eat more often or make poor choices (In an effort to compensate for feeling groggy, we tend to naturally reach for higher-calorie, high-fat foods.). Getting enough sleep also ensures that you feel energized enough to exercise and that you work out to your fullest capacity when you do. Even if you can't add additional sleeping hours, take some time to simply do nothing, practice deep breathing, read, or listen to some calming music every day. Making a point to relax more can keep emotional eating -- particularly stress-eating -- at bay.
MY THOUGHTS
i know they work. but why, why, why can't we just follow them? there's always an excuse- no time, no funds, too much work. start with 1 tip. then work on the next. worked before. will work again.
By Jennifer R. Scott, About.com Guide
Updated December 08, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
If you're ready to start losing weight, but you don't want to follow a diet, I have good news. You can make a few "painless" changes to your everyday diet that will help you eat less, eat smarter, and lose weight!
1. Don't drink your calories. Beverages are bottomless these days -- you can't order a soft drink or iced tea at a restaurant without being provided quick, free refills, or having the freedom to get them yourself. To keep from drinking a day's worth of calories, choose herbal tea, unsweetened iced tea with Splenda (or another artificial, no-cal sweetener), diet flavored-water, bottled or tap water with a spritz of lemon or lime, or diet soda. If none of those better choices suits you, allow yourself one glass of the "real thing" and drink only water thereafter. (Tip: Ask for extra ice in that first glass of soda and you will drink less.) By stopping at one glass, you will save yourself hundreds -- or even thousands -- of calories.
2. Always eat breakfast. Taking the time to eat could prevent costly mistakes as the day progresses; skipping this important morning meal can lead to an out of control afternoon appetite, oversized portions, poor food choices, and overeating, even later on into the night. Plus, going too long without eating may cause your metabolism to slow down. If you can't eat first thing in the morning, a healthful, mid-morning snack is a good idea. If you are not hungry in the morning, it could be a sign that you are eating too close to bedtime. Set a cut-off time for evening eating (such as 7 p.m.) and you will probably feel more like eating in the a.m.
3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You hear it all the time, but you really do need to work in those recommended six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Thirst can easily be mistaken for hunger, so you could be reaching for food when you are actually thirsty. Eating water-rich foods like fruit will help you stay well-hydrated, too. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink; try sipping water throughout the day and you may be surprised to find that your appetite seems much tamer.
4. Add at least one more serving of produce to as many meals as possible. Veggies and fruit are all nutrient-rich, low-cal and filling -- just be careful of creamy dips or dressings, butter, cheese sauce, and fried vegetables. Salsa, soups, and pasta sauce are easy ways to work in even more vegetable servings. Keep the skin on fresh produce, such as apples, whenever possible as it contains more fiber. Remember, fiber takes a while to digest so you feel fuller longer after eating it, which will help you eat less in the long run.
5. Make a salad your starter. Having a salad before your meal will almost certainly prevent you from overeating. Load up all the veggies you like, but just be careful about adding high-fat extras such as pasta salads, shredded cheese or cream-based dressings. (Tip: Spray dressings are excellent for cutting calories as most only have about 10 calories per spritz). Prepackaged, washed salads make it easy to add a salad to any meal without extra effort. Most fast food restaurants offer a reasonably-priced side salad, or some menus offer the option to substitute salad for another side item when purchasing a "combo" or "value" meal.
6. Be a better baker. Start baking immediately following a meal so you will be less likely to sample. Chew flavorful gum like peppermint or spearmint so your mouth will be otherwise occupied. Healthier baking ingredient substitutions help cut fat and calories.
7. Go for grains. Whole grains will help you feel full longer than refined carbohydrates. In the morning, fiber-rich cereal like Kellog's All-Bran, is a good choice, as is oatmeal. Brown rice, whole grain bread, and whole wheat crackers, are all good ways to include grains in your day: A slice of whole wheat bread goes well with a salad; microwavable, single-serving brown rice is easy to add to lunch at the office; keep wheat crackers stored in your desk drawer for when the afternoon munchies strike.
8. Always keep healthy frozen meals on hand. They will be a backup plan for nights when you don't have time to prepare and cook a healthy meal. Try to choose meals with around 300 to 350 calories. (Tip: Even some of the healthier frozen meal choices are skimpy on veggies, so be sure to add a packaged salad or a microwavable, single-serving frozen vegetable to your "instant meal" to better round it out.
9. Choose foods that will help you feel satisfied longer. While both protein and fat help you feel sated longer than simple carbohydrates, protein naturally contains fewer calories per ounce than fat. Eggs, lean meats, skinless poultry, and reduced-fat dairy products are ideal protein sources. A snack like yogurt, a boiled egg, string cheese or turkey slices will give you an energy boost and quell hunger pangs. Whole grains also contain protein, so you may find combining an animal or dairy protein with a complex carb such as whole wheat crackers or whole grain bread to be even more effective at keeping your energy up and hunger down. If you don't eat meat or dairy, there are also several other sources of protein, such as beans, legumes, and nuts.
10. Catch some "Zs." Did you know getting enough rest can have a direct impact on your ability to lose weight? Not getting enough sleep can cause you to eat more often or make poor choices (In an effort to compensate for feeling groggy, we tend to naturally reach for higher-calorie, high-fat foods.). Getting enough sleep also ensures that you feel energized enough to exercise and that you work out to your fullest capacity when you do. Even if you can't add additional sleeping hours, take some time to simply do nothing, practice deep breathing, read, or listen to some calming music every day. Making a point to relax more can keep emotional eating -- particularly stress-eating -- at bay.
MY THOUGHTS
i know they work. but why, why, why can't we just follow them? there's always an excuse- no time, no funds, too much work. start with 1 tip. then work on the next. worked before. will work again.
Monday, January 10, 2011
10 Foods That Are Good
Top 10 Foods That Are Good For Both Low-Fat and Low-Carb Diets
By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide
Updated September 19, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
A lot of people use popular diets to lose weight and help them live healthier lifestyles. Two very popular options are low-carb and low-fat diets. All though these diets seem to be at odds with each other, they do have some common ground with healthy lo- carb vegetables and low-fat meats.
Here are my Top Ten Good For You and Your Diet Foods that can be staples for either low-carb or low-fat dieters. I've also picked out recipes from our Guides to Low-Fat Cooking, Low-Carb Diets, and Busy Cooks to get you started in the kitchen.
1. Greens and Lettuces
The best way to fill up a diet plate is to start with a generous portion of greens and lettuces. They add volume to the meal without adding many calories.
Darker greens and lettuces are wise choices, as they pack extra vitamins and minerals.
Low-Carb Tip:
Enjoy your salad with a bleu cheese, Italian or vinaigrette dressing.
Low-Fat Tip:
Add lemon juice or your favorite low-fat dressing.
2. Asparagus
This beautiful low-carb vegetable can be a centerpiece of low-carb or low-fat dishes. Asparagus is low in calories and adds vitamins like folate and vitamin A.
3. Zucchini
Zucchini is another low-calorie, low-carb vegetable. Actually, it is a squash. Zucchini is a great when added to salads or stir-fry dishes, or sautéed alone or with other vegetables.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple for sauces and have lots of uses in the kitchen. Tomatoes are delicious in a tasty tomato soup, or sliced raw on a salad.
5. Salmon
Salmon is a fatty, though healthy, fish. The fat it has contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your cardiovascular system. Salmon is also a great source of protein.
6. Chicken and Turkey
Chicken and turkey are both great choices because, when prepared properly, they are both low-fat and excellent protein sources. Organically raised chickens and turkey make even better selections.
7. Game Meats
Game meats, such as venison and elk, are very lean. They are healthy substitutes for fatter, hormone-tainted beef. The low-fat recipe below calls for beef, but elk, venison, or bison would make healthier replacement ingredients.
8. Broth or Soup Stock
Broth or stock can be used as a base for soups, stews and sauces. Stocks and soups can also be used in other recipes to keep meats moist during cooking.
9. Berries
Eating berries can be a healthy way to reign in a sweet tooth. Berries are high in vitamins and antioxidants, so they make a great dessert or nice addition to salads.
Low-Carb Tip:
Serve blueberries and strawberries with a dollop of heavy whipped cream, and a sprinkle of slivered almonds.
Low-Fat Tip:
Serve berries with low-fat yogurt and sliced almonds.
10. Wine
There are studies that show a correlation between wine consumption and good health. Remember that one serving of wine is only 4 ounces. Wine is also used as a key ingredient to several recipes.
MY THOUGHTS
now, they're all available here. not necessarily affordable. how about eggplant instead of zucchini? texture's not the same. i still prefer the taste of zucchini but i like eggplant, too. turkey? sometimes we can get them cheap. berries? even strawberries can be expensive. can't think of an alternative.
By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide
Updated September 19, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
A lot of people use popular diets to lose weight and help them live healthier lifestyles. Two very popular options are low-carb and low-fat diets. All though these diets seem to be at odds with each other, they do have some common ground with healthy lo- carb vegetables and low-fat meats.
Here are my Top Ten Good For You and Your Diet Foods that can be staples for either low-carb or low-fat dieters. I've also picked out recipes from our Guides to Low-Fat Cooking, Low-Carb Diets, and Busy Cooks to get you started in the kitchen.
1. Greens and Lettuces
The best way to fill up a diet plate is to start with a generous portion of greens and lettuces. They add volume to the meal without adding many calories.
Darker greens and lettuces are wise choices, as they pack extra vitamins and minerals.
Low-Carb Tip:
Enjoy your salad with a bleu cheese, Italian or vinaigrette dressing.
Low-Fat Tip:
Add lemon juice or your favorite low-fat dressing.
2. Asparagus
This beautiful low-carb vegetable can be a centerpiece of low-carb or low-fat dishes. Asparagus is low in calories and adds vitamins like folate and vitamin A.
3. Zucchini
Zucchini is another low-calorie, low-carb vegetable. Actually, it is a squash. Zucchini is a great when added to salads or stir-fry dishes, or sautéed alone or with other vegetables.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple for sauces and have lots of uses in the kitchen. Tomatoes are delicious in a tasty tomato soup, or sliced raw on a salad.
5. Salmon
Salmon is a fatty, though healthy, fish. The fat it has contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your cardiovascular system. Salmon is also a great source of protein.
6. Chicken and Turkey
Chicken and turkey are both great choices because, when prepared properly, they are both low-fat and excellent protein sources. Organically raised chickens and turkey make even better selections.
7. Game Meats
Game meats, such as venison and elk, are very lean. They are healthy substitutes for fatter, hormone-tainted beef. The low-fat recipe below calls for beef, but elk, venison, or bison would make healthier replacement ingredients.
8. Broth or Soup Stock
Broth or stock can be used as a base for soups, stews and sauces. Stocks and soups can also be used in other recipes to keep meats moist during cooking.
9. Berries
Eating berries can be a healthy way to reign in a sweet tooth. Berries are high in vitamins and antioxidants, so they make a great dessert or nice addition to salads.
Low-Carb Tip:
Serve blueberries and strawberries with a dollop of heavy whipped cream, and a sprinkle of slivered almonds.
Low-Fat Tip:
Serve berries with low-fat yogurt and sliced almonds.
10. Wine
There are studies that show a correlation between wine consumption and good health. Remember that one serving of wine is only 4 ounces. Wine is also used as a key ingredient to several recipes.
MY THOUGHTS
now, they're all available here. not necessarily affordable. how about eggplant instead of zucchini? texture's not the same. i still prefer the taste of zucchini but i like eggplant, too. turkey? sometimes we can get them cheap. berries? even strawberries can be expensive. can't think of an alternative.
Friday, January 7, 2011
8 Easy Ways to Lose Weight
8 Easy Ways to Lose Weight
Lose weight without going on a diet!
By Jennifer R. Scott, About.com Guide
Updated July 13, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Lose weight without going on a diet? It's not too good to be true. You don't have to follow a strict diet to get the ball rolling; making these easy but effective changes really can help you lose weight.
1. Learn to Read Labels
To lose weight it is essential to pay attention to food labels. Counting calories is impossible without this skill. You should know how to find a food's caloric content and its serving size. Comparing labels among different foods and beverages is crucial for making the healthier choices required to lose weight.
2. Snack Smart
You can help prevent overeating and maintain blood sugar levels by eating something about every three hours. Getting too hungry will backfire on your efforts to eat healthy and practice portion control. Aim for a healthful, satisfying snack, such as an apple and some reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Eating more may seem counterintuitive, but smart snacking will help you lose weight.
3. Eat More Grains and Produce
Whole grains and fruits and veggies do more than provide nutrients that improve your health and reduce disease-risk; they can also help you lose weight. They're naturally low in calories, so you can eat more of them and have less room in your diet for less-than-healthful foods. Plus, the fiber in whole-grain foods and produce will help you feel fuller longer (which helps you control portions and avoid overeating) and as a result, lose weight.
4. Eat Enough, Often Enough
One of the worst ways to lose weight? Meal skipping. Many people think skipping meals is a great way to cut calories, but in the end, they fail to lose weight. You'll be more likely to overeat or even binge (when you finally do eat) if you do not eat regular meals. Plus your body may go into "starvation mode" if don't eat enough, causing you to maintain (or even gain) rather than lose weight!
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps you lose weight in several ways: If you tend to have a problem with "water weight," drinking more water can help alleviate bloating. Replacing high-cal drinks such as soda with water cuts hundreds of calories. You shouldn't wait until you're feeling thirsty to drink water; thirst can be mistaken for hunger, causing you to overeat. Proper hydration improves your sense of well-being, which will keep up your motivation to lose weight.
6. Get Moving
It is virtually impossible to lose weight and keep it off without exercising regularly. Start out today by taking a brisk walk or riding a bike. Work your way up from 10 minutes to 30-40 minutes a day, most days a week, and you could reap health benefits and weight loss results in a matter of weeks. Plus, exercise boosts your metabolism, making it even easier to lose weight.
7. Practice Portion Control
Measuring food may seem like a drudgery, but it will prove invaluable in your efforts to lose weight. Start out by comparing a measured standard serving of foods to your typical helping. You may find you usually consume two or even three times the recommended serving. In time you will reprogram your brain to eyeball portion sizes, a key skill for losing weight.
8. Write it Down
What's the first thing I think anyone who wants to lose weight should do? Keep a food diary. All you have to do is jot down what, when, and how much you eat in a notebook, or you can do it online at a Web site like Calorie Count Plus. A food diary will give you a clear picture of your current eating habits so you can identify the changes you need to make to lose weight.
MY THOUGHTS
except for the food journal, i've tried all these before and they worked. just need to them over again. first, i should desire to lose weight. then find the time. even reading the labels on food requires more than just breezing through the supermarket.good luck to me.
Lose weight without going on a diet!
By Jennifer R. Scott, About.com Guide
Updated July 13, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Lose weight without going on a diet? It's not too good to be true. You don't have to follow a strict diet to get the ball rolling; making these easy but effective changes really can help you lose weight.
1. Learn to Read Labels
To lose weight it is essential to pay attention to food labels. Counting calories is impossible without this skill. You should know how to find a food's caloric content and its serving size. Comparing labels among different foods and beverages is crucial for making the healthier choices required to lose weight.
2. Snack Smart
You can help prevent overeating and maintain blood sugar levels by eating something about every three hours. Getting too hungry will backfire on your efforts to eat healthy and practice portion control. Aim for a healthful, satisfying snack, such as an apple and some reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Eating more may seem counterintuitive, but smart snacking will help you lose weight.
3. Eat More Grains and Produce
Whole grains and fruits and veggies do more than provide nutrients that improve your health and reduce disease-risk; they can also help you lose weight. They're naturally low in calories, so you can eat more of them and have less room in your diet for less-than-healthful foods. Plus, the fiber in whole-grain foods and produce will help you feel fuller longer (which helps you control portions and avoid overeating) and as a result, lose weight.
4. Eat Enough, Often Enough
One of the worst ways to lose weight? Meal skipping. Many people think skipping meals is a great way to cut calories, but in the end, they fail to lose weight. You'll be more likely to overeat or even binge (when you finally do eat) if you do not eat regular meals. Plus your body may go into "starvation mode" if don't eat enough, causing you to maintain (or even gain) rather than lose weight!
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps you lose weight in several ways: If you tend to have a problem with "water weight," drinking more water can help alleviate bloating. Replacing high-cal drinks such as soda with water cuts hundreds of calories. You shouldn't wait until you're feeling thirsty to drink water; thirst can be mistaken for hunger, causing you to overeat. Proper hydration improves your sense of well-being, which will keep up your motivation to lose weight.
6. Get Moving
It is virtually impossible to lose weight and keep it off without exercising regularly. Start out today by taking a brisk walk or riding a bike. Work your way up from 10 minutes to 30-40 minutes a day, most days a week, and you could reap health benefits and weight loss results in a matter of weeks. Plus, exercise boosts your metabolism, making it even easier to lose weight.
7. Practice Portion Control
Measuring food may seem like a drudgery, but it will prove invaluable in your efforts to lose weight. Start out by comparing a measured standard serving of foods to your typical helping. You may find you usually consume two or even three times the recommended serving. In time you will reprogram your brain to eyeball portion sizes, a key skill for losing weight.
8. Write it Down
What's the first thing I think anyone who wants to lose weight should do? Keep a food diary. All you have to do is jot down what, when, and how much you eat in a notebook, or you can do it online at a Web site like Calorie Count Plus. A food diary will give you a clear picture of your current eating habits so you can identify the changes you need to make to lose weight.
MY THOUGHTS
except for the food journal, i've tried all these before and they worked. just need to them over again. first, i should desire to lose weight. then find the time. even reading the labels on food requires more than just breezing through the supermarket.good luck to me.
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