We’ve entered the time of year when cookies, candies, and other temptations seem to be lurking around every corner. While it is important to partake in the merriment of seasonal treats, you don’t want to begin the New Year scavenging the sale racks for a bigger pant size. During November and December, I encourage my clients to strive for weight maintenance, as opposed to weight loss. By indulging selectively and staying active, you will find that you can thoroughly enjoy the holidays while avoiding the Jingle Bell jiggle.
Drenched with happiness
“Drenched with happiness after running intervals in the rain with Julia”. This was my husband’s Facebook status last Saturday after an exhilarating run in the woods. Thoroughly soaked and physically worked, we giddily welcomed the first storm of the season. I was perfectly content savoring the experience between the two of us, however, and had trouble understanding why he felt the need to share it on Facebook. He argued that while most people are bundled up in their homes during the stormy weather, we went out and had an incredible adventure. He believed that sharing this with others would inspire them to get out there too.
Eat More, Drink More, Weigh Less
It’s time we take a positive attitude towards eating and think in terms of more rather than less. Food packaging and media bombards us with messages of less; reduced calories, low sugar, fat free. This puts us in the mindset of deprivation and focusing on (and often obsessing over) all the things we “can’t” have. Alternatively, thinking in terms of more, specifically more water and more fresh vegetables, is a far more effective way to improve health and support weight loss.
3 Simple Protein-Charged Salads
Salads are my favorite lunch food because they are quick, easy, and delicious. They give me the energy I need without making me feel bogged down and satisfy my hunger for at least 3-4 hours. Salads are mostly vegetables so they have tons of fiber along with age-defying phytonutrients and antioxidants. Here are three of my favorite salads which can be eaten at home or packed for lunch to-go.
Phytonutrients: The Silver Bullet for Vitality & Weight Loss
I’ve always said that there is no silver bullet when it comes to nutrition, but phytonutrients may be as close as it gets. Phytonutrients are antioxidants found specifically in plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains (in rank order, with vegetables generally being the most phytonutrient-dense). A diet primarily based on these fresh, whole, unprocessed foods will establish the right variables for natural and sustained weight loss in addition to promoting cardiovascular health.
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