Mindless Eating... and the solutions to avoid it!

Today's tips are brought to you via "Today's Dietician Magazine"

• Today the average person makes nearly 250 food decisions each day. Wow! and most of these decisions happen without thinking! 

• Research shows that people eat an average of 2.2 more candies each day when they are visible, compared to when they are not. Solution? Don't leave candy out on your desk, dining room table, or anywhere near them! If you don't think 2.2 extra pieces of candy is a lot, you should do the math (2.2 x ~50 calories = ~100 extra calories per day, times 365 days = 36,500 extra calories a year, which is 10 pounds.......)
• Be careful when you purchase 100-calorie packs. While the idea may be a good one (portion control) they tend to backfire for about 30% of the population, according to research. The idea of portioning out your food is a great way to make a healthier environment, but you're still going to be better off eating 100 calories of a fruit, vegetable, or low fat dairy product than you will eating a 100-calorie pack of cookies. Also, it's cheaper just to do the portioning yourself!
• Have you ever noticed that the foods with the most marketing tend to be the ones that the worst for us? If you have the ability to do so, fast forward through your commercials, or just leave the room when they are on.
• Believe it or not, food is cheaper these days, and according to the article it only takes up about 6% of our income (this is an average). I think a lot of us get caught in the traps at stores where we see a "good deal" and then we must buy it, even if we hadn't planned on doing so.Can you say "mindless shopping"! Remind yourself that unhealthy food is typically cheap food, so stay away, unless you really must have it....

Bride to Be Tip: How to dine out smarter and guilt-free

Food is a part of our social interaction. You can stick to your diet all you want- but when you get an invite to have dinner out with friends, or out to a special date night with your sweetie, you should be able to accept and not freak out about what the scale might say the next day. Here are some tips to help you dine out smarter and guilt-free.

1. Prepare before you go. If possible check out the restaurant menu online (if possible) and choose what you will eat ahead of time. 
2. Don't skip breakfast and/or lunch. You don't want to be ravenously starving and dive head first into the bread basket. If you are really hungry, eat a small snack before you leave the house (example: small handful of almonds, a few baby carrots, or a small box of raisins). 
3. Ask how the food is seasoned or prepared. Fish may sound like a healthy idea on the menu, (and it usually is) but if it is blackened- then it's got a layer of grease and salt getting in the way and you are losing the benefits of eating fish in the first place. 
4. Splurge if you must. But pick only 1 item to splurge on. If you really want a glass of wine- got for it. Or if you really want cake for dessert- have it. Just don't have the alcohol, and the bread basket, and the fries, and the cake, and.... (get the point?)
5. Eat half of your meal. Portion sizes are HUGE these days! Split the meal with someone, or eat half and have the other half boxed up. If you have trouble leaving food on the plate, ask the server the bring the box out with the meal and box up half right away. Then you won't be tempted to overindulge.
6. Eat Consciously and Intuitively. Stop eating when you are 80% full. If you overdo it, because "it just tastes SO good!" Box the rest up and you can always eat it later and it will still taste great.

Look for these key words when choosing off the menu:

• steamed
• broiled
• baked
• grilled
• poached 
• roasted

Stay away from menu items that are:

• fried
• crispy
• au gratin
• blackened

You have your resolutions... now what?

Maintain your 2011 fitness and weight loss resolutions

We all set out with the best intentions when making our resolutions for the new year. Hopefully, you are staying on track with your physical fitness goals. If you have strayed from staying the course, don't beat yourself up. Changing bad habits and adopting a new a healthier lifestyle won't happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and keep your focus and set your goals for what you can achieve today.
Here are 5 inspirational tips to keep your 2011 New Year's Resolution of keeping in shape on track.
1. Think about how much better you'll feel after your workout. Getting started or motivating yourself to start is the hardest part. After working out, endorphins kick in which help elevate our mood, relieve stress, and keep us coming back for more.
2. Tell yourself you only have to do 15 minutes. By the time you have finished those first few minutes, you'll feel re-inspired to keep going. Our bodies like to move, and after you warm-up you will realize how good it feels and continue for 15 more minutes, or even a full hour!
3. Schedule to workout with a friend. Inspire each other to keep the appointment. No one likes to cancel on a set social event. Find a friend who has similiar workout goals and make sure you both hold each other to it.
4. Invest in some new music. Listening to an upbeat song will help get your body, and your mind, moving. Put on earphones and go for a walk. While listening to your favorite new song or playlist you may find yourself picking up the pace or even going for a refreshing jog.
5. Multi-task! Workout while you are watching your favorite TV show. Lie on the floor and do Pilates mat exercises. Here is a great abdominal endurance exercise that is easy to do at home.

Make your 2011 Resolutions a Reality!

This year be smarter about what you set out to achieve in regards to your health and fitness goals for 2011. Contemplate what you aspired to accomplish last year, did you succeed? If so, congratulations! What worked well for you? If you did not achieve your goal last year, here are some tips designed to make your resolutions a reality:

• Pick an attainable (yet still challenging) fitness goal. Don't just say, "I'm going to lose 10 lbs this year." How are you going to do it? 

• Be specific. Instead, tell yourself that you are going to commit to working out 6 days a week. You have to make it part of your everyday routine, just like brushing your teeth! Give it a try and take it week by week, or even just day by day. Once you get started, and see results you will begin to enjoy and look forward to your next workout.
• Fit in a brisk walk during your lunch break, or make it an after dinner ritual with a family member, eager dog, or friend. 
• When given the choice- always take the stairs, and never the elevator.
• Schedule a workout with a friend and hold each other accountable for not flaking out. You can even go as far as making it a $5 or $10 penalty you pay each other if you cancel. (I bet you will show up more often than not, and you might even make some money while getting your workout in!)

• Commit to eating better this year. You owe it to yourself to feel better, look better, and perform your work outs or daily activities better. 

• Start out with baby steps. Ease into adding more fruits and vegetables into your diet. (No one can change overnight, so don't beat yourself up over a slip up here and there, you're human and we have sweet tooths!) 
• Exchange your breakfast cereal for fruit, trade that lunch club sandwich for a fresh green salad, carry almonds with you during the day when hunger hits for a snack, eat lean meat and vegetables for dinner instead of pasta.
• Eat smaller portions more frequently and once you start making healthier choices and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence on occasion, you will surprise yourself by craving healthy options naturally.
• Really listen to yourself, are you eating because you are truly hungry, or are you just bored, upset, or emotional? Intuitive eating and consciously knowing why you are eating is so important for your weight loss results and will banish any post meal guilt.

You CAN do this! Small steps like these will lead to attainable physical results and sustainable daily eating habits to make your resolutions a reality in 2011. 

Tired of the gym, New year, New workout! This year you should...

Try a Pilates Reformer Class! and here is why...

 

Are you tired of your old ‘going to the gym’ routine? The same old weights, treadmill, and elliptical can get boring quickly because of the repetitive and mindless movement. Pilates will get you out of that monotonous cycle and jump start your mind to work with your body.

A Pilates Reformer class can offer many customized exercises to get you out of your rut and on to a better, more balanced body. Certified Pilates instructors are rigorously trained in over 500 different exercises so you will never get bored. Not only that, but just when you think you’ve got it mastered, we make it harder! In Pilates, you can change the smallest detail, such as inhaling instead of exhaling at the point of exertion, to make the exercise more effective, challenging, productive and fun.
A typical Pilates Reformer class is a full body workout that addresses more than just muscular toning. Each one hour session will include strength training, flexibility, abdominal conditioning, balance work, and spinal movement in all planes of direction. You can add a great cardiovascular workout by using the Jump Board at the foot of the Reformer.
Say goodbye to the uncomfortable short, tight and bulked up feeling you get from kettle bells, bar bells and dumb bells. Pilates incorporates springs for resistance rather than weights. The springs are more effective than weights because they mimic the natural contraction of your muscles. The result is improved balance, better postural alignment and a wonderful lengthening sensation.
Pilates can supplement your weight training more effectively, offer variety to help you cross train your activities, prevent injuries, and promote a healthier, more mindful approach to your workout. You can also supplement time on the elliptical or treadmill with a Jump Board session. Next time you grow tired of your same old trip to the gym, switch it up and seek out a Pilates Reformer class.

Chocolate Pretzel Recipe for Christmas ...a crowd pleaser!

Save your sanity and your waistline by making these easy Chocolate Pretzels instead of the time-consuming, and calorie filled Christmas cookies and cakes. This dessert is so simple and you can make a ton of them (aka- give them out as gifts, and please a lot of happy mouths!)

1. Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper and spread out a bunch of Bite Size Waffle Pretzels  
2. Place 1 Hershey Kiss on top of each pretzel. 
3. Bake in the oven at 200 degrees for about 4-6 min (until the hershey kiss melts and softens a little, it will still have the same shape) 
4. Take them out and quickly smash down the kiss with 1 M&M (plain or peanut or get creative and use hugs) on top and in the center of each Hershey Kiss/Pretzel. 
5. Then you let them cool 

They are small, convenient, and satisfy that chocolate salty craving! It sure beats the alternative of eating a slice of cake, pie, or cookies.

Tips to get through the Holiday Season!

The holidays can be a hard time to follow your clean eating rules. There are so many temptations with all the family gatherings and company Christmas parties. But you can still end 2010 being fit and healthy without derailing all the hard work you put in throughout the year.

Here are some tips to help you through:

1. Before you pop that next sugar cookie in you mouth- stop and think, "would I eat this on a 'normal' day?" or "am I hungry or am I just eating cause I'm bored or just because it's there?"
2. Fill up on fruits and veggies first and then eat all the other stuff in small portions. Just a taste of that potato salad will satisfy the craving while allowing you to eat it and enjoy it, but not go overboard.
3. Pass on the Egg Nog! Drink LOTS of WATER! It will help fill you up and keep you hydrated throughout the day. You may not even be hungry when you think you are- being thirsty can disguise itself as hunger.
4. Get in a cardio workout. Take a brisk walk, go for a jog, dance around the living room to your favorite tunes. Getting your blood pumping will keep your body (and your mind) tuned in to your fitness routine and keep you on track to feeling great.
5. Enjoy and savor this time with family and friends. It is what the Holidays are all about!

And remember- don't beat yourself up if you happen to slip up here and there. Your body is smarter than we give it credit for. If you overdo it- your body will naturally not be as hungry the next day in order to regulate correctly. (if you are in tune enough to listen!)
Happy Holidays!

We tried it and lost 10 lbs!

Recently, my fiance' was told by his doctor to cut out all carbs in his diet. He needed to lower his triglycerides. WHAT!? No whole wheat bread, no brown rice, no pasta, OMG... you've got to be kidding me. I love bread! We also eat a lot of brown rice as a side to our fish, chicken, and veggies for dinner.

So I decided to buckle down and try to do this as well. EEeek! All through November, I put myself on this challenge of cutting out all carbs and dairy. I cut out dairy because I wanted to see if it had any effect on my allergies. I get constant ear aches at least once a month, and I've been told that it could be related to dairy foods.
The result for me: I lost 10 lbs! and not only that, but I feel so much better.
The result for him: He also dropped weight and lowered his cholesterol dramatically!
How did we do this, you ask? We adopted a diet high in fiber and protein, low in sodium and fat, increased our cardio workouts to 6 days/week rather than 2-4x/week. And limited that lovely glass of wine to only 2 nights per week.
Our meals would be something like this:
Breakfast: 1 cup of Kashi Cereal with 1/2 cup of Almond Milk
Morning Snack: an apple with 1-2 tablespoon almond butter (so good!), or celery sticks with peanut butter 
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Breast (without any marinade) Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots (steamed or raw)
Afternoon Snack: Kiwi or 1/2 of an Avocado or a small handful of raw organic almonds (unsalted)
Dinner: Grilled Wild Caught Salmon, Steamed Asparagus, Roasted Beets

I had always thought that we ate fairly clean and healthy, but now having really cleaned up our diets, I'm no longer craving any more of the bad foods. Don't get me wrong, I love foods like Panini Sandwiches, Pizza, Calamari, Chips, Cookies, and Ice Cream... but now I eat those in much more moderation than ever before. Seeing the results is inspiring and it will also introduce you to foods you have never tried before or even knew that you liked. Example: I had no idea that I liked Beets or Halibut. 
In addition to discovering new foods, I realized that the taste of food just the way it is- without drenching it in sauces or dowsing it in salt, actually tastes pretty darn good!
Try it for yourself, even if you just commit to doing it for 5 days, or a full week, taking small baby steps into it will make the task ahead seem less daunting. Here is a great article from Livestrong to show you more ways to cut out carbs in your diet.

Do this now!

It's time to whittle away your waist! Especially after the Thanksgiving holiday. This side plank will have you working your obliques, hips, arms, all while challenging your balance and building a stronger core.

Lie on your side, stack your feet on top of each other. Place your elbow under your shoulder and press into the elbow making sure to lift up and out of your shoulder. (no sinking).Your body should be in a long diagonal line. Also make sure your booty isn't sticking out behind you, think of drawing your tail bone down toward your heels.
Lower your hips down about 3-5 inches, but stay hovering over the mat. (don't touch the ground).
Use your waist & the power of your hips/torso to press back into the diagonal line.
Perform this 25 times on the right and then do the left side. Once you get stonger, increase your reps up to 40. Your waist will thank you :)

Bride to Be Workout Tip

The Pilates Roll-up
Let's hit the Mat and learn the Pilates Roll Up Exercise.
Lie down on the mat with your arms and legs extended.
Reach your finger tips to the ceiling and prepare with an inhale.
On your exhale, look at your toes and bring your chin toward your chest as your hands come down in front of you.
Roll all the way up, moving and articulating one vertebrae at a time off the mat. (If you have trouble, bend your knees and plant your feet firm into the ground, or hold behind your thighs to help you in the beginning.)
Stack your spine up tall at the top as you sit, (practicing good posture)
Then roll all the way back down. Keep energy reaching out your legs (if they are extended) in opposition of your roll down. Try to get each vertebrae to move into the mat. Move slowly and don't use momentum. (that's cheating!)

Notice which places you feel stuck, or have difficulty moving through. This is where there is a weakness in your core. To overcome it, move back and forth and hold for three full breaths pulling your navel in deeper. This will help strengthen that particular spot and then the next time you try this exercise, it will be easier.
Complete 8-10 full roll up and downs. Too Easy? Increase the reps to 12-16

Bride to Be Tip

So you are trying to be on your very best eating behavior to fit into that gorgeous wedding dress. I get it! But we all crave something sweet every now and then after our meal. Here is a great idea for a little dessert that will be a hit with you and your honey, and best of all it's guilt free!


"If you deprive yourself of all the things you crave, you will eventually splurge and be worse off than if you had just given in for a small taste here and there."

(Via theAbsDiet)

Yep, it's still a diet. The ice cream gives you calcium and protein with only a modest amount of fat and refined sugar. Indulge and enjoy

1/2 cup reduced-fat chocolate or vanilla ice cream

1/4 cup berries of your choice, slightly crushed

1 tablespoon chopped nuts of your choice

Starting with the ice cream, layer the ingredients in a small bowl.

Makes 1 serving, Double the recipe for your sweetie!

Need a few ideas to curb that sweet tooth during the day?

Try these little ideas that won't throw you off the healthy eating track. Everything in moderation!

1 chocolate pudding cup
3 mini York Peppermint Patties 
3 bite-size Snickers 
½ cup reduced-fat ice cream

Bride To Be

ah hum... Friendly reminder... don't forget to take time and enjoy each other's company.
Where and when? Easy... Make the everyday things more meaningful and exciting!

• Get sudsy and take a shower together ;)
• Go for a  brisk walk together after work 
• Cook dinner together once a week and enjoy a glass of wine while sharing the highs and lows of your day
• Go on a picnic this weekend! Surprise him and pack some sandwiches

These simple things will have you spending more quality time together and may even spark some deep intimate conversations. 
What do you enjoy doing together? Do you make date nights to stay connected?

a soul mate

"A soul mate is someone with whom you have a strong connection, who draws you into your growth (like it or not!). The relationship is compelling enough that you don't just leave when things get challenging; you are pushed to become more than you were before knowing this person." 

-Kathy Freston, Quantum Wellness: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness

Work out with your sweetie!

Relieve stress & get your heart rates pumping together. awe!

Love this article: 7 Yoga Poses for Brides & Grooms

Easy Recipe ideas promise to help you shed 10 lbs

Eat Your Way Slim

No matter what your weight-loss goal -- to lose 10 pounds, shed ab flab, or trim inches from your thighs -- this diet plan will get you there. You'll munch bagels, burritos, and burgers and melt fat at the same time. Simply choose from the meals and snacks on these pages for a total of 1,500 calories a day. We guarantee you'll never feel hungry or deprived.

check out this eating plan from Fitness Magazine:

A Sample Day on Our Plan

Breakfast: Greek Berry Waffles
Toast 2 low-fat whole wheat waffles and top with 1/2 cup fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt, 1 cup berries, and 1 teaspoon agave syrup or honey. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sliced fresh mint if desired.

Lunch: Southwest Chicken Orzo Salad
Combine 1/3 cup cooked whole wheat orzo; 3 ounces grilled chicken, diced; 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup diced cucumber; 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper; 2 radishes, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons black beans; and 2 tablespoons corn. Whisk together 1 teaspoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, juice of one lime, pinch of cumin, pinch of chili powder and, if desired, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro. Drizzle over salad.

Snack: 1/2 cup mango sorbet with 1 tablespoon chocolate sauce

Dinner: Asian Turkey Burger
Mix 4 ounces lean ground turkey with 1 teaspoon chopped scallion and 1 tablespoon soy-ginger or other Asian marinade. Form into a patty and grill 6 to 7 minutes per side. Place on 1 toasted whole wheat bun; top with spicy ketchup (1 tablespoon ketchup with 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce). Serve with a side of 1 1/2 cups broccoli slaw mix combined with 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper, 1 tablespoon chopped scallion, and 2 tablespoons sesame-ginger or other Asian vinaigrette.

Bride to Be tip #5

Train your Abdominals for Endurance!

Need amazing abs for your honeymoon bikini? 

Follow this plan to boost your core strength.

A core strengthening, abdominal endurance exercise that you can do right now!This isometric exercise will challenge your abdominals in a much more effective way and help complement your regular abdominal exercises.

Hold each position for at least 5 breaths. For each breath inhale through the nose and fill the rib cage three-dimensionally, exhale through the mouth and pull the navel to the spine deeper.

1. Lie on the floor with knees bent and your feet firmly planted. Hold behind your things and curl yourself up as high as you can while pulling your navel to your spine. Relax your neck and shoulders and think about only your abdominals working to keep you in this position.

2. Maintain that position while you let go of your thighs and reach your hands over your knee caps. Don't let  your upper body fall to the floor, stay up high using your abdominal strength.

3. Send your finger tips up to the ceiling with straight arms. This will challenge your upper abdominals.

4. Open your arms out to the side keeping your arms off the floor and the rest of your body is still in the position from the beginning.

Repeat this series at least 3 times. Incorporate this endurance exercise into your regular abdominal routine at least once a week. The following week, increase the length of time you hold each position.

Bride-to-Be Tip Tip #4

Got sore muscles from your new exercise plan? Roll it out! 

Rolling out the lactic acid build up in your sore muscles will help:

• Target all your sore points; release your trigger points
• Increase range of motion
• Decrease soreness and pains
• Increase training efficiency
• Fix postural problems
• Recover faster

  

Roll out sore quad (thigh) muscles, outer hips and thighs, glutes, and upper and lower back. Ahh...

Here are some tips for foam rolling:

• Concentrate on sore and tight areas, quadriceps, outer thighs, glutes, upper and lower back, 
• Roll out the full length of the muscle, go slow and you will feel it loosen more each time.
• Breathe! Exhaling will help send oxygen to the tight muscles.
• Go slowly, it will hurt more, but you will get more benefit
• Stop on the sore points (trigger points) and hold until the pain fades.
• Pre Workout focus on getting through the full length of the muscle, spend less time on each
• Post workout, focus on the trigger point aspect and spend a lot of time on each muscle
• Try not to roll over joints, you'll notice when your body doesn't like it.

Must have arms for your strapless dress!

Bride-to-Be Tip #3


Most wedding dresses will show off your arms. Here is a plan to get a rockin' upper body to go along with that gorgeous dress! And best of all, it will take you less than 5 minutes!


20-10-5 Reps
You are going to alternate between repetitions of push ups and triceps.

  

Drop and give me 20 push ups (yes, it can be off your knees)
Now, do 20 tricep dips
Then 10 push ups and 10 tricep dips
almost done...
5 push ups, 5 tricep dips ... you're done!


Do this every day and I promise you will thank me later :)
This WILL get easier, and when it does, bump it up to 30-20-10 Reps!

Tone while you walk

On my wishlist now! 

Walking shoes from New Balance... NewBalance

nothing inspires you to get out and move more than new shoes :)

Bride to Be Tip #2

Get Moving!

Grab your best bridesmaid and take a walk, go for a jog, just get outside and move! Think of it like a social event! A chance to bond and talk while you get fit together! Plan on meeting up 2 or 3 times a week, after work, on your lunch break, or early in the am. No excuses! You don't want her to bail on you, and you can't bail on her! 
Even just walking can make a difference in your body, your mood, and your friendship! 
Or... 
Boost your walks with bursts of energy and adding some small friendly competition: "I'll race you to the end of the block!" or "Let's sprint the rest of the way home!"