We're Baaaack....

HAPPY 2010 EVERYONE!!!

I hope this finds everyone safe and happy with all their new year's festivities and resolutions!

We will have new posts, new info and I hope more motivational posts in the months to come! Now that we've got the holidays under our belt (which may be loosened a notch after all the festivities) we can get back on the wagon and start focusing on our health again!

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Resolve Not to Resolve

(Source: Biggest Loser Club; By Chef Devin Alexander)

How many times have you promised yourself you'd change your eating habits, then you set some uncomfortable restrictions and the next thing you know, you're being tempted by vending machines, coffee carts, or the deli around the corner with the $5 foot-long special?

Yeah, been there, done that. Most everyone has learned the hard way that desperation can lead to negative energy, and nothing positive can come from that. Instead, consider the notion that if you'd started small last January 1st and lost even just ½ pound per week, you'd be starting this year 26 pounds lighter.

The best way to remain positive and control cravings is to set reasonable goals for yourself. Losing weight and keeping weight off is a process, so treat it like one. Remember, nothing is going to happen overnight, so your plan to cut out all chocolate, all carbs, all sugar, all....You get the point.

Instead, devise a system that you feel you can honestly and comfortably stick to forever, not just for the next six months (remember: lifestyle change, not fad diet). Try to eat smaller meals more often, about five times a day. This will help keep you full throughout your day, therefore preventing you from gorge fests.

Biggest Loser Tip

With the new season of Biggest Loser coming up I thought I would post a tip from Bob Harper - There are three important things to look for when you're reading a food label.

1. Serving size. Just because it's in one package does not mean it's just one meal.
   
   
2. Calories per serving size. Keeping track of calories consumed is the most important thing.
   
   
3. Fat - Cholesterol - Sodium -> don't exceed your daily value for fat, cholesterol and sodium.

For those Biggest Loser fans.... the new season starts Tuesday, January 5th.

almost back from the holidays...

Just a quick post before we go GUN-HO again with a NEW YEAR!

Who's going to make "NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS"?? Almost every year we make them but 30-60-90 days into the new year.... we can't remember what we promised.

Here are a few tips to help you with one resolution that almost everyone makes: "I'M GOING TO LOSE WEIGHT THIS YEAR"

1. Keep an honest FOOD JOURNAL! - Write down everything you eat, keep a little notebook with you and every time you put something in your mouth....WRITE IT DOWN!
   
   
2. Limit high-fat foods to 1 per week - if your diet consist of high fat foods 5-6 times a week, cut it back by one each week. This will be less shocking to your lifestyle and you'll be more likely to stick with it.
   
   
3. Sign up for healthy e-newsletters. - they will keep you in check and motivated. Prevention has several for different interest. www.prevention.com
   
   
4. Make a low-fat/low-calorie dinner once a week and take the left overs for lunch the next day. You can cut calories and keep portions in check.
   
   
5. Eat fruit...skip the juices! It's better for your body and waistline.
   
   
6. Prevent weight gain with more sleep. Try to make a habit of turning in early once or twice a week.... and make that once or twice DURING the week.

Start small but don't fall off the wagon....

Aim to lose 1 pound in the next week.

To do that you’ll have to reduce your daily calorie intake by 200 to 300 calories and burn off 200 to 300 calories a day for an average weekly deficit of 3,500 calories. If you usually exercise 3 days a week, add an extra day. If you’re not a regular exerciser, then try to walk for at least 5 minutes, 3 times a day to start. It’s okay to start small; any little movement adds up to calories burned.
Use Prevention's My Health Tracker tool to set a weight goal and track progress.

Positive mantra: I’ll take this one day at a time.

Don't give up...

Good Morning everyone!!

While I missed the last meeting I hope everyone is still motivated and doing well after the holidays!! We all need to stay motivated and KEEP OUR EYE ON OUR GOALS!! I will be posting new stuff for the month of December on tips to staying motivated during the Christmas holiday parties, exercise tips, etc. so stay tuned!!

Check back this evening for some tips on how to get back on track...

Positive mantra: Yesterday was a challenging day but I can make a fresh start today!!