Archive for December 15, 2011

100 weight loss tips

  1. Automate your eating by planning your meals ahead of time. That way you’re less likely to make an unhealthy last-minute food choice.
  2. Oats are your friends! Eating a cup of oatmeal in the morning will prevent you from gorging in the afternoon.
  3. Foods with healthy fats such as olives, salmon and walnuts help you feel satisfied.
  4. Skipping meals can cause your body to go into a fat-storing starvation mode, making it harder to burn calories.
  5. Got nuts with nuts. Eating a handful of nuts will help you stay full. Try soaking them in water for a different texture.
  6. Use meditation to help you cope with chronic stress, which can lead you to crave feel-good carbs.
  7. You may be used to fried foods but there are other, sometimes healthier, ways to cook including: roasting, steaming, poaching, baking, braising and broiling.
  8. Do your grocery shopping with a list and a time limit; that way, you’re less likely to stray into the processed foods section.
  9. Don’t confuse thirst with hunger. Drink a glass of water when you feel hungry to see if that’s what you’re really craving.
  10. When out at a restaurant, ask the server to hold the bread, snack mix or chips and salsa that might come before the meal. If you’re hungry, you’ll be tempted.
  11. Tired of eating your salad on a plate? Fill a whole wheat pita with salad and a splash of lemon for a twist.
  12. You might do better to replace an occasional dinner with a nice roll in the hay. Healthy sex may help control the amount of food you eat and it’s great exercise.
  13. Create emergency packs filled with healthy foods such as nuts, fruits or sliced vegetables to help you avoid unhealthy temptations.
  14. Add red pepper flakes to your pantry. When eaten early in the day, red pepper lowers the amount of food you’ll eat later.
  15. Odds are you’re eating too fast. Try holding a conversation while having a meal so you’re not gulping down more than you need to feel full.
  16. Take a brisk walk before lunch or dinner. Not only will you get in some exercise, you’re less likely to choose something unhealthy after a little movement.
  17. Looking for the benefits of salmon but you don’t feel comfortable cooking fish? Try canned salmon as a simple and affordable alternative.
  18. Are your dishes too big? A healthy dinner should fit on a 9-inch plate. You may find that kid-sized plates are more appropriately sized to feed an adult!
  19. Never eat any snack food out of the box, carton or bag it came in. You’re less likely to overeat if you separate snacks into appropriate fist-sized servings.
  20. Boost your metabolism with some green tea or chili peppers.
  21. Get your Zzzzzs. Sleep deprivation alters levels of hormones in the body that regulate hunger, causing an increase in appetite.
  22. Muscle burns at least four times as many calories as fat does, so try twenty minutes of strength straining two to three times a week.
  23. Decaf coffee is a great low-calorie fluid when you’re having cravings (and a great source of antioxidants).
  24. Eating liquid-based foods such as natural smoothies and low-sodium soup can help you cut back on calories yet feel full.
  25. A pedometer can help keep track of your steps. If you’re not getting 10,000 steps a day, you’re not moving enough.
  26. Natural applesauce is an excellent dip for fruits such as bananas and melons.
  27. Identify the emotional triggers that lead you to seek unhealthy comfort food. Picture your goal weight the next time a trigger strikes to help you resist temptation.
  28. Use a vegetable bean dip such as hummus instead of ranch dressing or a fatty cream-based dip.
  29. People who regularly weigh themselves and keep track of their progress in a journal are more likely to lose weight.
  30. Use a dash of cinnamon to give fruits such as bananas and melons a richer dessert feel without the sugar.
  31. Give your protein extra low-calorie flavor by adding a salsa or chutney instead of a gooey cream sauce.
  32. Distracted dining will get you in trouble. Avoid eating in front of a television or in a movie theater, as you’re bound to consume more calories.
  33. Pass on pop. You’ll be amazed by how much weight you drop by simply switching to water.
  34. Beware of “fat-free” or “zero trans fats” foods as you could be trading fats for huge amounts of sugar or sodium.
  35. Try drinking skim milk at breakfast instead of juice. Overweight people who drank skim milk for breakfast ate fewer calories
  36. Sugarless chewing gum can suppress your appetite in a pinch.
  37. Snack attack! Puree peaches, berries or pears for a sweet spread to go on pita chips.
  38. If you’re having trouble getting started, make a small move such as starting an eating log or buying walking shoes. You’re three times more likely to follow through if you start with small gestures such as these.
  39. Always have vegetables on hand. Saute a big bag of frozen mixed vegetables in olive oil and garlic. Add some red pepper or turmeric for additional flavor and separate into portion-sized containers for the fridge.
  40. Edamame (soy beans) are a great low-cost snack. Look for them in the frozen foods section.
  41. Soups can be both filling and comforting. Try making a garden or bean soup with low-salt broth and store in portion-sized cups for later.
  42. Save time and money during the week by buying lean protein such as chicken breasts in bulk and cooking a week’s worth on Sunday night.
  43. Save the kitchen and the dining room table for cooking and eating. Try not to use it as a place to do work or other activities, or you may be tempted to eat more.
  44. If food was your only source of pleasure, make sure to reconnect with other things you enjoy — music, sports, volunteer work or movies, for example.
  45. Try to have a little lean protein with each meal, as protein tends to be more satisfying than carbs or fats.
  46. Think ahead to how you’ll eat and exercise on the weekends. It’s easy to get too relaxed on Saturdays and Sundays, but healthy living is a 7-day-a-week endeavor.
  47. Dump the junk food. If you want to avoid temptation, make sure you clean out the fridge and the pantry
  48. When you eat calorie-friendly fruits and vegetables that are in season, they tend to taste better and you’re more likely to enjoy them.
  49. People who eat breakfast have a better shot at losing and maintaining weight loss.
  50. Replace your scale with a tape measure. Aim for 32 1/2 inches or less for women and 35 inches or less for men.
  51. Make sure you check food labels and avoid anything with more than 4 grams of sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, per serving.
  52. Eat a fiber-filled apple before a meal to help you feel full faster.
  53. Opt for peanut butter or almond butter spreads instead of cream cheese or butter.
  54. Remember these five essential smoothie ingredients: frozen berries, a banana, skim milk, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of psyllium seed husks.
  55. Researchers found that dieters who ate eggs in the morning were less hungry than those who ate carb-heavy meals.
  56. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon may dial up your body’s ability to burn fat, especially if you add some exercise.
  57. A Mediterranean diet not only comes with heart benefits, studies show it leads to more weight loss than low-fat diets.
  58. Replace your regular pasta noodles with whole wheat pasta for a more filling meal.
  59. When eating out, ask your server to point out the healthiest options on the menu.
  60. You don’t have to make a three-digit number your weight loss goal. Aim for a certain dress size or waist measurement.
  61. Go lean with bean protein. Beans are an affordable and healthy alternative to meats and are wonderfully filling.
  62. Energize plain-tasting proteins such as eggs or chicken with metabolism-boosting chili pepper sauce.
  63. Try a plain Greek yogurt with frozen berries for a pre-workout boost.
  64. Turn dinner into a healthy lunch the next day by wrapping your lean leftovers in a whole wheat wrap. Add a little Dijon mustard or curry powder for added flavor.
  65. Eat a rainbow of colors. Have at least one brightly colored fruit or vegetable in each meal, and, if appropriate, eat the skins — that’s where you’ll find a powerhouse of antioxidants.
  66. Make an office snack box of your own so you’re not tempted by your colleague’s candy bowl. Fill it with small individually packaged portions of soy chips, almonds and dried fruit.
  67. Make an office snack box of your own so you’re not tempted by your colleague’s candy bowl. Fill it with small individually packaged portions of soy chips, almonds and dried fruit.
  68. If you’re ‘cooking’ food in the microwave, chances are you’re eating unhealthy packaged foods. If you must microwave, consider soy chicken patties, veggie burgers or steamer vegetables and brown rice.
  69. Make your wardrobe match your goals. As you lose weight donate the clothes that no longer fit you as an incentive to stay on track.
  70. Pick up a 5- or 10-pound weight at the gym and visualize that weight coming off. Holding the weight in your hands helps bring home just how heavy even 5 pounds of extra fat can be.
  71. If you find yourself at a weight loss plateau, up the duration of your exercise routine by five minutes.
  72. Pounding out your meat will help healthier portions go a longer way visually, and it’s good stress relief.
  73. Silken tofu makes a wonderful replacement for cream in some recipes.
  74. Save 85 calories just by swapping mustard for mayonnaise in a sandwich.
  75. Do your best to ensure you’re not eating after 7 o’clock at night. You’re more likely to make unhealthy choices and less likely to sleep as well after a late meal.
  76. Try a pasta-less spaghetti by mixing shredded zucchini, veggie meatballs and raw tomato sauce seasoned with a dash of zesty oregano.
  77. Fresh herbs can really zing up a healthy meal. Try growing some in the kitchen using a strawberry pot. Preserve the flavor by adding fresh herbs at the end of the cooking process
  78. Fast food is salty food. If you cut back on the salt, in a few weeks you’ll be able to better taste the natural salts in food and may not crave the junk as much as you used to.
  79. The rub on ground turkey is that it’s dry. Add some olive oil and finely blended onions to a turkey burger or turkey meatball to enhance its juiciness.
  80. If you’re trying to lose weight with your significant other, pack each other’s lunches. The lunchbox surprises will keep the both of you motivated.
  81. If you’re eating out, make salad the appetizer. Most starters are fried and come with unhealthy dips or sauces.
  82. Savory ‘umami’ ingredients such as mushrooms, low-sodium soy, asparagus and olives can help you feel full and add an earthy, home-y quality to your healthy-dishes.
  83. Make it a point to use the steps whenever possible. Use the bathroom on a different floor at work, take the stairs at the bus station, the airport or the mall.
  84. Try baking apple slices as a healthy alternative to potato chips.
  85. Eating water-rich foods such as melons, tomatoes and celery can help fill you up without adding too many calories to your day.
  86. Avocados can be your secret weight loss partners. They’re high in fiber and healthy fats, giving you a meaty-tasting meat alternative.
  87. A handful of unsalted pumpkin seeds make for a healthy mid-day snack. They’re rich in magnesium, which helps lower blood pressure.
  88. Keeping good posture will not only strengthen your core, but will also add a small extra-calorie burn, because you’re working slightly harder to maintain the position.
  89. Cravings can sneak up on you when you’re tired. Try taking a nap if you feel yourself wanting some junk food.
  90. Share your weight loss goals with your friends and family. Make it a positive life change and ask for their encouragement.
  91. Take a photo of yourself each week so you can see your physical transformation.
  92. Store-bought salad dressings can be packed with calories. Make your own vinaigrette and store it in a small spray bottle to coat your greens without over-dressing them.
  93. Yoga may be relaxing but you can also get a good workout. An hour of yoga can burn up to 350 calories.
  94. Get familiar with quinoa — a wonderful grain that’s easy to cook and goes great with sauteed vegetables or mushrooms.
  95. Ditch the mayo, cheese and top bun if you want to scrape off 250 calories from a restaurant sandwich.
  96. Resistance bands are a comfortable and affordable at-home exercise option for strength straining.
  97. Use the freezer to add some extra oomph to summer foods. Freeze grapes for some bite-sized delights. Or get a popsicle mold and freeze some Greek yogurt with berries.
  98. Wrap up any extra food you’ve cooked before you sit down to a meal so you’re not tempted to get seconds.
  99. Take a 30-second break in the middle of your meal. Evaluate just how hungry you still are before getting back to your food.
  100. Make sure you check food labels and avoid anything with more than 4 grams of sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, per serving.

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This way to weight loss

 

Diet Plan: No Grain Diet written by Dr. Joseph Mercola.

Diet Plan:  No Grain Diet written by Dr. Joseph Mercola.

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Diet Claim:  Eating carbohydrates like grains and pastas contributes to problems with blood sugar and weight gain.  By eliminating these from your diet, you feel fewer cravings and are able to lose weight quickly.  Eating all of these carbohydrates causes “grain addiction.” It is not healthy and the cause of many health problems like diabetes, depression and high cholesterol.

Diet Guidelines:  The No Grain Diet is low in carbohydrates.  Dieters are asked to eliminate all refined sugars, grains, potatoes and any sweets that they eat.  The No Grain Diet has three phases.  Phase 1 sees you eliminate the foods just mentioned and also fruit as you break the dependence on carbohydrates.   The first phase of the diet lasts for three days.  You are required to eat every two hours.

Phase 2 is where you will stay until you lose your desired weight.  Instead of eating every two hours, you set up a more structured eating schedule.  You are allowed to have three meals and three snacks throughout the day.  Eating for the day stops two hours before bedtime.  Exercise is added into the equation in Phase 2.  This is the stabilization phase of the No Grain diet.  To be sure that you stay at your desired weight, Phase 2 continues for up to six weeks after you have reached you goal weight.

Phase 3 is where you learn to maintain the weight you have lost.  You are now allowed to add some carbohydrates into your diet.  First, you add starchy vegetables then whole grains and fruits.  Most of the carbs that are not good for you are still eliminated.

How long do I follow this diet?
The No Grain Diet lasts as long as you need it.  It teaches you how to eat carbohydrates and which ones are good for your body.

What can I eat?
The No Grain Diet has specific food lists for you to use.  It offers three food plans for you to choose from and that dictates what you can eat.  The Booster Food Plan allows you to eat fruit and more proteins.  The Core Food Plan is stricter but promises quicker results.  Besides carbs, dairy, vegetable juices and soy products are eliminated.  The Advanced Food Plan helps those who need to drop a significant amount of weight.

What are the benefits?
Your health improves without the fast food, pastas and sugary snacks and you will naturally drop the pounds.

How much weight can I lose?
The No Grain Diet doesn’t specify weight loss numbers.

Does the plan stress exercise of any kind?
You are asked to exercise for 30 minutes a day with the No Grain Diet.

What does the diet plan cost?
You will buy more meats and fewer grains which may balance out.  There is the cost of the book and the supplements also.

Diet Pros:  You choose the level of your results by choosing your food plan.  You don’t have to be as restrictive as some might choose to be.

Diet Cons:  Such a restrictive diet is hard for many to follow.  You are also asked to take several supplements with this plan.

 

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The Vegan Diet

Diet Plan: The Vegan Diet

Vegan Food

Diet Claim: The vegan diet is an offshoot of the vegetarian diet. It is a lifestyle choice that centers on respect for animals and the environment. Where vegetarians abstain from eating meat and meat products in honor of animals, vegans go one step further.  They not only eliminate certain foods from their diets but will not use products that were tested on animals or use any part of an animal in its making. This diet is one of the strictest in the vegetarian line.

Diet Guidelines:  How long do I follow this diet?
Since this is a lifestyle choice, it is followed from the time you decide for as long as you live or change positions on the status of animals.

What can I eat?
When it comes to vegans, the list of allowable foods is very slim. First off, they do not eat meat. There was some squabble as to whether or not fish are considered meat, but to a vegan, it is all taboo including seafood. Dairy products and eggs are also eliminated.  That leaves vegetables, whole grains, healthy vegetable oils and fruits.

Diet Pros:  What are the benefits?
A vegan diet is strict but does maintain some balance. Protein is obtained from plant sources. Vegetables provide carbohydrates as well as whole grains and fruit. You may lower your cholesterol and lose weight on an eating plan such as this.

How much weight can I lose?
Your weight loss will depend on your consumption of food. At first, your weight may drop dramatically as you eliminate meat, dairy and other high fat foods. You will be eating less and still feeling full because of the increase in fiber.

Diet Cons:  Does the plan stress exercise of any kind?
There is not a guideline for exercise per se. exercise does keep a body healthy though. There are concerns about protein intake and the intake of certain vitamins. Protein is used to build muscle and also utilized by almost every other system in the body. When not enough is consumed, you may end up with deficiencies. Vegans take supplements such as B12 and calcium to help replace what they are not getting with the elimination of diary and meat.  It does take a conscientious person to follow the diet and get all the nutrition that is needed. Also, a vegan lifestyle can still remain unhealthy if sweets, high amounts of nuts and fried foods are continued to be eaten.

What does the diet plan cost?
You will likely spend less since you can buy your foods at the farmer’s market. Vegetables don’t keep long fresh so you will have to shop more often to stock your pantry.

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Diet Plan: EDiets

Diet Plan:  EDiets

Diet Claim: This is essentially an online weight loss marketplace. You can pick your diet and use the tools that they provide to get the results that you want. Their basic premise is that all diets don’t work for everybody. They provide variety so that each person, no matter what their shape or dietary needs, can find weight loss success.

 

Diet Guidelines:  How long do I follow this diet?
Since this is a conglomeration of diets, there is no one way to follow it. Everything is based on which diet plan you choose. For example, if you are simply looking to reduce calories and add exercise to lose the pounds, there is a general plan for that. It will encompass what foods you will be able to eat and how many calories you will need to consume a day to make your weight loss goals happen.

What can I eat?
Again, this is based on your plan of choice. For those who aren’t sure what weight loss program will work for them, take the survey. Based on your answers, diet plans that fit your profile will be selected for you. You can click on that plan and follow the guidelines for eating certain foods, detoxification phases (if they apply), weight loss phases and maintenance phases.

Diet Pros:  What are the benefits?
The benefit of eDiets is that you have all the diet plans that you need right at your fingertips. They offer more than 20 plans for you to choose from including plans that cater to diabetics, those who want low carb and general plans for weight loss.

You are also afforded a dietician and a personal trainer to answer any questions that you have. The dietician is a great benefit for those who do not understand the science of food and therefore need more help getting started and sticking to a plan. Sample meal plans are also provided. Since the system is totally interactive you can manage your weight loss from your computer.

How much weight can I lose?
That will depend on your choice of plan. As you know some plans, like the South Beach Diet promise as much as a thirteen pound weight loss in the first two weeks, the detoxification phase. Other diets will vary.

Does the plan stress exercise of any kind?
Each plan is different. But, the program does provide a personal trainer for you. There are also videos available to give you pointers on different exercises and techniques if you need it.

Diet Cons:
As there are many different diets to choose from the cons will vary from diet to diet.

What does the diet plan cost?
EDiets is a paid plan that is billed quarterly. Those who sign up pay $4.49 USD per week (at time of writing) for the use of online communities, dieticians, trainers, meal plans and more.

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