With our fast paced lifestyle and busy schedules, it's no wonder that many of us in the U.S. have a problem with a broadening waistline. Until relatively recently, manufacturers and restaurants weren't much help in battling this problem. When I started my quest for a healthier weight and lifestyle, there were fewer tools, and I've been excited with each new addition that helps vary our diet
There are many more tools available, and there are some tricks that could be beneficial. If you are already at your ideal weight, you can avoid gaining more and if you are not, these tricks may help you hit a better weight.
Calories Aren't Equal: Some terms have an accurate definition that is entirely lacking in usefulness. Calories is one such word. Everything we eat and every function we perform use calories, but that doesn't mean that they are equal in helping your body.
If you choose, as an example, French fries as a part of your meal, you are getting zero nutrition and about 500 calories. Should you choose a baked potato...same food...the calorie count is lower plus you get nutrients. You also get fiber, which is your friend in maintaining your ideal size.
Now, if you load that spud with butter, salt and full fat sour cream, it becomes a less healthy choice. Instead, go for whipped butter mixed with a heart healthy oil and fat free sour cream. These are great new tools for this food choice.
Hidden Calories: When I go out to a restaurant, I don't grab the menu first. I grab the nutrition card. I also read the stats for everything offered in the meal the restaurant is serving. You see, if you order an omelette, the meal comes with some sort of potato and a bread type item. The information is broken down by component, not by the meal you order. If you don't know that, you're eating hidden calories.
Another trick is that some foods or beverages seem to be one serving. In this case, the product will have the nutrition info for one serving, but you may be consuming two or three times that amount.
No Hunger: This has been the Waterloo of many an attempt to stay trim. I have good news for you. If you choose the right foods, you don't have to be hungry. What you need is a balance of fiber and healthy fats. The fiber helps you feel full faster, so you don't consume as many calories. The healthy fat gives you that sated feeling without clogging up your arteries.
Yes, it will mean some changes, and you may have to forgo some foods you truly like. But, if you spend a little time, you can find a workable diet that helps you be healthy. One last tip. It is a good idea to check with your doctor and if possible, a nutritionist before settling on a new diet plan. That will help you make sure you get all the nutrients you need so you don't gain weight...and maybe even lose some.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
FOOD!
I finally started back to eating after 22 days! No side effects or anything. Going to try t oeat right. We will see how weight responds.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Excercise - Oct 24, 2010 12:30 PM on 10/24/2010
MapMyFitness.com - Regular Walk: iMapMyFitness: Oct 24, 2010 12:29 PM on 10/24/2010
Nice walk on Boardwalk. Was taking it easy.
Nice walk on Boardwalk. Was taking it easy.
Social Saturdays!
Seems like Saturdays are when I go to social events. Yesterday went to a bowl-a-thon my job had. Once again there was food all around me! It wasn't too hard, but the big well baked Stromboli looked excellent! I didn't give up. 22 days still going strong. It is hard cause I do think of food.
Update at 1:30 PM
Finally ate food! Small tossed salad w/Oil & Vinegar. Slice rye with peanut butter.
Update at 1:30 PM
Finally ate food! Small tossed salad w/Oil & Vinegar. Slice rye with peanut butter.
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