While losing weight there is one thing that I learned will not work. That’s skipping meals. If you skip a meal then you are throwing your body into starvation mode and it will start storing all your fat instead of burning it. Just one skipped meal can set you back weeks until you re train your body, so it thinks you will not be starving any time soon. Breakfast is the most often skipped meal due to time. People are just busy in the mornings. They don’t have time to eat anymore. So why not make something fast go? Here are some great breakfast tips that are both fast and healthy for you.
Scramble some eggs up while making your coffee of even getting dressed. Once done throw the eggs into a whole grain pita pocket. If you have microwave meats, you can also throw that in there as well. A great breakfast food on the go. Wrap a napkin around half, and you can eat it on your way to work.
Yoplait Yogurt Drink- Completely portable and ready to grab and go. If you just don’t have any time to even make something simple then grab one of these drinks. Yoplait has less sugar then the other brands and they are filled with vitamins.
Granola- For another great grab and go snack is the granola to go. Just like a trail mix, except it’s for breakfast. It has granola clusters, dried blueberries, almonds, whole grain oats and more. A great source of vitamins for breakfast.
So there you have it. A few great ideas for you all who don’t have much time to eat in the mornings.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Healthy Sins
Sorry that I have not posted in a while. I have been trying for a few days but it would not let me into my blog. Not sure what the problem was. Anyways, heres some great ways to cheat on your diet once in a while so you dont fall off completely.
Who would have thought anyone would say them two things together. Healthy and sins just don’t go together. It’s not something you hear to often, but it’s something I am bringing together. Sometimes you just want to eat bad things. There is nothing wrong with that. The key is moderation. You just have to learn this and you will be okay.
Fast Food Cheeseburger- If you are anything like I was, you just love the taste of fast food burgers. I don’t know if it’s all the stuff they pile on, the grease dripping out, or what it is, but I just loved fast food. The convience didn’t even have anything to do with it. Since I have changed my lifestyle, I have of course given up fast food. That is just how it works. If you are craving that cheeseburger, then give in. Just give in once in a while. I have had one cheeseburger in 3 months. So make sure it’s once in a while. When you go to McDonalds or another favorite place, order a kids meal with a water, or do like I did and just order a cheeseburger and water. I didn’t touch the fries or pop.
Chocolate- What person doesn’t like chocolate? Unless you are like my youngest and allergic to it, you have nothing holding you back. So eat some. You can not give up everything you love and expect to be okay with it all. I found a great 60 calorie chocolate stick. It’s made by Hershey’s. If you are out and about and have to have a piece, choose dark chocolate. It’s better for you.
Pop- So you love your pop and cant give it all up? Choose a diet pop once a week. Or keep an open one in the fridge, but tell yourself that’s all you can have for the entire week. Just take a few sips here and there. That’s what I did before I started my lifestyle change. I slowly eliminated the pop. I have only had water for almost 3 months now, and I don’t even miss pop anymore. Not like I use to.
So there are some great tips for you all to enjoy
Who would have thought anyone would say them two things together. Healthy and sins just don’t go together. It’s not something you hear to often, but it’s something I am bringing together. Sometimes you just want to eat bad things. There is nothing wrong with that. The key is moderation. You just have to learn this and you will be okay.
Fast Food Cheeseburger- If you are anything like I was, you just love the taste of fast food burgers. I don’t know if it’s all the stuff they pile on, the grease dripping out, or what it is, but I just loved fast food. The convience didn’t even have anything to do with it. Since I have changed my lifestyle, I have of course given up fast food. That is just how it works. If you are craving that cheeseburger, then give in. Just give in once in a while. I have had one cheeseburger in 3 months. So make sure it’s once in a while. When you go to McDonalds or another favorite place, order a kids meal with a water, or do like I did and just order a cheeseburger and water. I didn’t touch the fries or pop.
Chocolate- What person doesn’t like chocolate? Unless you are like my youngest and allergic to it, you have nothing holding you back. So eat some. You can not give up everything you love and expect to be okay with it all. I found a great 60 calorie chocolate stick. It’s made by Hershey’s. If you are out and about and have to have a piece, choose dark chocolate. It’s better for you.
Pop- So you love your pop and cant give it all up? Choose a diet pop once a week. Or keep an open one in the fridge, but tell yourself that’s all you can have for the entire week. Just take a few sips here and there. That’s what I did before I started my lifestyle change. I slowly eliminated the pop. I have only had water for almost 3 months now, and I don’t even miss pop anymore. Not like I use to.
So there are some great tips for you all to enjoy
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Cholesterol Facts and Myths
Every wonder what’s true about your cholesterol and what’s not so true? Having high cholesterol can lead to blockages in your artery and become the root of many other problems.
To lower your cholesterol you just need to change the way you eat. This is true and it’s not true. While you do need to change your diet, that’s not all you need to change. Changing diet alone will not change your cholesterol levels.
If you eat healthy, exercise regularly then you are not at risk for high cholesterol. This is a myth. Genetics play a large role in your cholesterol level.
If you’re taking medication, you don’t need to change your lifestyle. This is a myth also. You’re never going to get better unless you make changes in your life.
These are just a few myths and facts to get you going. Have your cholesterol levels checked frequently, specially if it runs in your family.
Total Cholesterols levels should be
Ideal... 200 or lower
Borderline... 201-239
High... 240 and up
If you have read this, and think you have high Cholesterol, then make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can. A doctor is the only one who can correctly diagnose this problem.
To lower your cholesterol you just need to change the way you eat. This is true and it’s not true. While you do need to change your diet, that’s not all you need to change. Changing diet alone will not change your cholesterol levels.
If you eat healthy, exercise regularly then you are not at risk for high cholesterol. This is a myth. Genetics play a large role in your cholesterol level.
If you’re taking medication, you don’t need to change your lifestyle. This is a myth also. You’re never going to get better unless you make changes in your life.
These are just a few myths and facts to get you going. Have your cholesterol levels checked frequently, specially if it runs in your family.
Total Cholesterols levels should be
Ideal... 200 or lower
Borderline... 201-239
High... 240 and up
If you have read this, and think you have high Cholesterol, then make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can. A doctor is the only one who can correctly diagnose this problem.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Healthy Food Swaps
Hey guys, I haven’t updated in a while, sorry about that. I am back in the game now. I am still losing weight though. I have lost 33 pounds total now!! How about you all? Anyone following all the great advice I am giving and losing some weight? I thought we would talk about swapping. Here are some foods you can swap out to save calories.
Corn Flakes- While these are good, Bran flakes with raisins are much better for you. Bran is where your fiber comes from, and you need your fiber.
Raisin Bagel- We all know bagels are fast in the morning. So you don’t have to stop eating bagels on your way to work. Skip your raisin bagel and purchase mini bagels. You can eat two mini bagels per one regular bagel and save around 150 calories.
French Toast Sticks- Trade 4 of your sticks in for 2 whole wheat, or even whole grain waffles and you will save around 200 calories along with adding more fiber into your diet.
Corned Beef Sandwich- Try eating a ham or turkey sandwich instead. Corned beef is full of fat, and it’s not the good fat that your body needs.
Vegetable Soup- I know, you thought eating vegetable soup was good. It is good for you, but if you trade that in for split pea soup you will gain 10 more grams of protein.
Bread and Butter- How many of you love bread and butter with your dinner? My grandparents eat bread and butter every night with every dinner. If you are like them, why not swap it for baguette with vinegar and oil. If that’s not your style then switch to light wheat bread and use margarine instead of butter.
Hope these ideas have helped a few of you.
Corn Flakes- While these are good, Bran flakes with raisins are much better for you. Bran is where your fiber comes from, and you need your fiber.
Raisin Bagel- We all know bagels are fast in the morning. So you don’t have to stop eating bagels on your way to work. Skip your raisin bagel and purchase mini bagels. You can eat two mini bagels per one regular bagel and save around 150 calories.
French Toast Sticks- Trade 4 of your sticks in for 2 whole wheat, or even whole grain waffles and you will save around 200 calories along with adding more fiber into your diet.
Corned Beef Sandwich- Try eating a ham or turkey sandwich instead. Corned beef is full of fat, and it’s not the good fat that your body needs.
Vegetable Soup- I know, you thought eating vegetable soup was good. It is good for you, but if you trade that in for split pea soup you will gain 10 more grams of protein.
Bread and Butter- How many of you love bread and butter with your dinner? My grandparents eat bread and butter every night with every dinner. If you are like them, why not swap it for baguette with vinegar and oil. If that’s not your style then switch to light wheat bread and use margarine instead of butter.
Hope these ideas have helped a few of you.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Chocolate is Addicting
Just about everyone you know loves chocolate and they are probably close to being addicted to it, or they are flat out addicted to it. I know I love chocolate and so does everyone in my home. My youngest can not have chocolate though, he is allergic to it. Chocolate is a huge culprit to gaining weight. So if you stop most of your chocolate eating you’re going to lose weight in the long run. This does not mean you should give it up, because when you do that, you are just going to set yourself up to fail.
How many time have you herd someone say, don’t think about it and you wont want it. I hate when people say that. When you try not to think about things, what happens? You can’t get them thoughts out of your head no matter what you end up doing. Who can blame you, you’re only human. Research has shown that you will eat less when you think about it. Trying to avoid it only makes you consume twice as much when you get your hands on it. So instead of avoiding the thoughts, go ahead and think about it, just don’t give in as much.
A tip for you chocolate lovers out there. If you are going to eat chocolate then dark chocolate should be your choice. It’s better for you then milk chocolate. I found a great product at Walgreen’s the other day. Chocolate sticks. They are just think long bars of chocolate. They are near the 100 calorie packs. They contain 60 calories per stick. They have different flavors. I have the dark chocolate. Place this box of dark chocolate in the freezer. When you get a craving, have a stick. Since it’s frozen, it will last long and you will enjoy it better. I have found, eating one stick will cure my sweet tooth for a few days. And at 60 calories, I don’t feel guilty about it.
How many time have you herd someone say, don’t think about it and you wont want it. I hate when people say that. When you try not to think about things, what happens? You can’t get them thoughts out of your head no matter what you end up doing. Who can blame you, you’re only human. Research has shown that you will eat less when you think about it. Trying to avoid it only makes you consume twice as much when you get your hands on it. So instead of avoiding the thoughts, go ahead and think about it, just don’t give in as much.
A tip for you chocolate lovers out there. If you are going to eat chocolate then dark chocolate should be your choice. It’s better for you then milk chocolate. I found a great product at Walgreen’s the other day. Chocolate sticks. They are just think long bars of chocolate. They are near the 100 calorie packs. They contain 60 calories per stick. They have different flavors. I have the dark chocolate. Place this box of dark chocolate in the freezer. When you get a craving, have a stick. Since it’s frozen, it will last long and you will enjoy it better. I have found, eating one stick will cure my sweet tooth for a few days. And at 60 calories, I don’t feel guilty about it.
Friday, August 15, 2008
More Helpful Weight Loss Tips
So you liked the last round of tips and you’re itching for more? No problem there. I can help you out with that.
Support groups- Joining online support groups always seems to help. If you have people routing for your, and on your team, then its going to be a lot easier. I have found a wonderful forum, that really motivates me. We have challenges and team up, so it makes you want to really try, because I don’t want to lose my challenge. It also gives me people to talk to who are struggling just like me, and know how my daily challenges can be.
Tell people- You’re more likely to succeed if you tell people in your family or even friends what you are doing. Letting them know what you are doing and why you are doing it, makes you feel like you really have to see this thing through. I noticed the few other times, when I told just a select few, I fell off the wagon within a week. I have been going strong now for 5 weeks and I have lost 25 pounds. Now some of you may think there is no way I have lost that much. But I am a pretty big girl, and still have a very long road ahead of me, so it’s nothing but the truth. Telling people, has made me stick to it, because I can see how many people are proud of me, and I have a LOT of people telling me where they can tell I have lost weight. That just makes me feel so much better!
Pictures- I would never let anyone take my pictures. I got grossed out. I couldn’t believe I was so big. So I avoided the camera as much as possible. Well when I joined this forum 5 weeks ago, they all begged me. One of the challenges I wanted to join, it was a requirement. So I did it. I had my daughter take some pictures of me, and then I sat her on the computer and just cried as I stared at them. Four weeks later, I had my daughter take another set of pictures. I was in the same outfit, posing the same way. I could see small changes. My face, neck and my sides were a lot thinner. So every month I am going to keep taking pictures. On the days I feel like I just can’t do this anymore, I then come back and look at that first set of pics. It really motivates me.
Support groups- Joining online support groups always seems to help. If you have people routing for your, and on your team, then its going to be a lot easier. I have found a wonderful forum, that really motivates me. We have challenges and team up, so it makes you want to really try, because I don’t want to lose my challenge. It also gives me people to talk to who are struggling just like me, and know how my daily challenges can be.
Tell people- You’re more likely to succeed if you tell people in your family or even friends what you are doing. Letting them know what you are doing and why you are doing it, makes you feel like you really have to see this thing through. I noticed the few other times, when I told just a select few, I fell off the wagon within a week. I have been going strong now for 5 weeks and I have lost 25 pounds. Now some of you may think there is no way I have lost that much. But I am a pretty big girl, and still have a very long road ahead of me, so it’s nothing but the truth. Telling people, has made me stick to it, because I can see how many people are proud of me, and I have a LOT of people telling me where they can tell I have lost weight. That just makes me feel so much better!
Pictures- I would never let anyone take my pictures. I got grossed out. I couldn’t believe I was so big. So I avoided the camera as much as possible. Well when I joined this forum 5 weeks ago, they all begged me. One of the challenges I wanted to join, it was a requirement. So I did it. I had my daughter take some pictures of me, and then I sat her on the computer and just cried as I stared at them. Four weeks later, I had my daughter take another set of pictures. I was in the same outfit, posing the same way. I could see small changes. My face, neck and my sides were a lot thinner. So every month I am going to keep taking pictures. On the days I feel like I just can’t do this anymore, I then come back and look at that first set of pics. It really motivates me.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Simple Tricks to Help you Lose Weight
I thought, giving you some simple tricks to lose weight, will help you along your journey. These are things you can do everyday, while you are doing your daily routine. So you wont have to take any time out of your day for these. If you don't have time to exercises as much as you should (like most of us) then changing some things in your routine, will help you out. Now you still have to find some time to exercises, so don't try and use this as an excuses not to.
While out shopping park further away from the door. This will make you walk further and when you think about it, can save you some gas money. Because your not driving around in circles trying to find the closest parking spot.
When shopping in a store, try taking the stairs to get to the next level instead of the elevator. This will get you in some extra walking time, and walking up stairs is better then just plain walking.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. A lot of time we think we are hungry when we are actually dehydrated. Also before each meal, down a glass full of water. This will help fill you up, so you wont eat as much food.
5-6 small light meals, instead of 3 heavy meals is the way to go. This gives your body better time to process what its taking in. Make sure you don't skip foods, you want your body to get use to eating at certain times. This way it doesn't go into starvation mode, where it stores all your fat.
Stop eating when you are full, not stuffed. When you eat until your stuffed, you are slowly stretching your stomach out. Thus, next time you eat, it will take more food to fill you up. Get into a habit of this, and the results are not going to be pretty.
Turn music on when cleaning your house. This gets you moving faster and your heart rate up higher. Chances are you will be more active with the music on. I always have the music on when I clean. I can get things done faster, when I am singing and dancing along to some good tunes.
These are just a few changes you can make to your daily routine and it will help you stay fit. Its not going to make them pounds pour off, but it will help you out.
While out shopping park further away from the door. This will make you walk further and when you think about it, can save you some gas money. Because your not driving around in circles trying to find the closest parking spot.
When shopping in a store, try taking the stairs to get to the next level instead of the elevator. This will get you in some extra walking time, and walking up stairs is better then just plain walking.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. A lot of time we think we are hungry when we are actually dehydrated. Also before each meal, down a glass full of water. This will help fill you up, so you wont eat as much food.
5-6 small light meals, instead of 3 heavy meals is the way to go. This gives your body better time to process what its taking in. Make sure you don't skip foods, you want your body to get use to eating at certain times. This way it doesn't go into starvation mode, where it stores all your fat.
Stop eating when you are full, not stuffed. When you eat until your stuffed, you are slowly stretching your stomach out. Thus, next time you eat, it will take more food to fill you up. Get into a habit of this, and the results are not going to be pretty.
Turn music on when cleaning your house. This gets you moving faster and your heart rate up higher. Chances are you will be more active with the music on. I always have the music on when I clean. I can get things done faster, when I am singing and dancing along to some good tunes.
These are just a few changes you can make to your daily routine and it will help you stay fit. Its not going to make them pounds pour off, but it will help you out.
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