People often say that they don't have time to exercise, but I disagree. Everyone can spare 10 minutes a day to work out. One of my personal goals is to do something active every day, even if it's just for 10 minutes. So even on my busiest days, I won't make excuses. And I definitely won't convince myself that 10 minutes is too little to really matter. Ten minutes DOES matter—and it really does add up to big benefits for your body. If all you only did 10 minutes of exercise per day, that's 70 minutes and potentially 700+ calories that you could burn over the course of a week.
So when you're short on time and can only muster a short workout, intensity is key. Work harder for the most benefit and the biggest calorie burn for your buck. Really make those minutes count! Here are tons of workouts that burn around 100 calories (or more) in just 10 minutes, while also strengthening your heart and lungs and helping your blast stress. Now THAT is a worthwhile way to spend a few minutes of your time.
20 Ways Burn 100 Calories* in 10 Minutes
Cycling (12+ mph) or mountain biking
Racquetball
Running (at least 12 minutes per mile)
Swimming laps or treading water
Playing basketball
Spinning class or stationary biking
Rowing
Boxing
Martial arts
Digging (heavy yard work)
Jumping rope (continuously)
Jumping jacks
Rock climbing
Walking on the treadmill (at least 4 mph with a 5% incline)
Water jogging
Kettlebell training
Jump Start Cardio workout - SparkPeople's
Bootcamp Cardio workout - SparkPeople's
Kickboxing workout - SparkPeople's
Jump Rope workout - SparkPeople's
*Calories burned estimates based on a 160-pound woman. Men and people who weigh more will typically burn more calories for the same activity.
sparkpeople.com
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Blog is on the fritz
Not sure what is going on with my blog these days, but some folks including myself are unable to either read it or if you can read it, the words all blend in together.
Could you let me know what you see? It needs some work! It will be up soon.
Thanks for your patience!
Robin
Could you let me know what you see? It needs some work! It will be up soon.
Thanks for your patience!
Robin
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Take Time To Eat Less.....
The one-hour lunch is a thing of the past. In fact, more than half of Americans take 30 minutes or less for lunch. But just as it takes time to do anything successfully, when trying to eat healthy food in reasonable portions, you have to make the time. If you take lunch as a separate time away from the world, then you may find that you eat less. Walk Away from Your Desk Even more disturbing than the shrinking lunch break is the number of people eating at their desks. According to a survey by Right Management and LinkedIn, twenty percent of workers who take a lunch break eat at their desks. This is a big no-no. Not only is your desk a major germ incubator, but eating at your desk can make you hungrier later in the day. Researchers from the University of Bristol found that those who ate lunch while sitting at a computer screen ate twice as many snacks later on than those who didn’t. Enjoy a 'Siesta' While Spain’s three-hour break may be out of the question, taking a break from work and technology to focus on eating will prevent you from over-eating. Referred to as intuitive eating or eating mindfully, this method asks you to focus entirely on your meal and the eating process as opposed to enjoying other stimulation. The result is experiencing your food: how it tastes and feels in your body. Like taking a nap, intuitive eating helps rejuvenate your mind and body by experiencing the joys of food. Is Your Brain Full? "It takes the brain anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes to send satisfaction signals," says Kathleen J. Melanson, PhD, RD, associate professor of nutrition and food sciences at the University of Rhode Island, who confirmed the need for slow eating in her lab. In this age of drive thru windows and eating in the car, an entire meal may be down the hatch only to feel overly stuffed ten minutes later. To avoid this, chew your food. Yes your mother told you to do so, but now your mouth has to listen. By chewing your food longer, you allow your body to get full on less. Don’t Eat Alone Many people eat slower and less when they eat with a companion. A girls’ lunch may lead to more talking than eating, resulting in food left on the plate. But select your dining companions carefully! Choose those that don’t speed-eat because the fast eater will set the pace for the table. Likewise, avoid junk-eaters because they make sharing an entrée impossible. Manipulate the ambiance, including the people, and you will lower your stress levels as well as the amount you eat. calorie count.com, By Carolyn Richardson
Monday, April 11, 2011
Hate to Exercise? Try These Ideas!
Fresh Fitness Ideas from SparkPeople Members Are you the type of person who hates to exercise? You're not alone! If your motivation (or creativity) is lacking, try some of these workout ideas from SparkPeople members like you. They're simple, accessible and fun—you'll never dread another workout again! • "I used to hate exercise, because I associated it with things that are boring to me, like sports and bike rides and walks. But now I have a stationary bicycle, which is great for me, because I can read while I'm on it. Reading is one of my favorite things to do, and definitely not boring. Now I actually look forward to exercise." —ALETHEIA • "I find it's easier to exercise if there's a purpose to it. I don't run on a treadmill, but I run to the grocery store to buy one small item. I ride my bike if I need to go to a bookstore. I walk to the grocery store if I need to buy something I can't carry while running." —ANARIE • "I have always thought of my exercise time as ME time, and I try to treat each session like any other appointment in my day. I don't do it for anyone else's benefit, only my own." —DMJAKES • "Buy something that makes you feel good about yourself when you workout (a cute top, cool sneakers, etc) and that helps too." —EADAVENP • "Try coming up with something you really want to do, like a triathlon or road race, and figure out what you need to do to accomplish it. It is a great motivator, and more importantly (I think), your motivation changes. It's no longer about losing a few pounds, but rather accomplishing something much larger." —GEORGINAA • "I used to not like working out—I'm not athletic at all. For me, it was as simple as signing up for exercise classes at my local community college. Once signed up, I felt like I needed to attend. My first class was Zumba, and it was such a blast I signed up for it again this quarter. I also signed up for weight training and water aerobics. It certainly seems to be helping not only my weight but also my disposition." —GETTASCHOMMER • "You don't have to 'exercise.' Just find an activity that you enjoy—maybe dancing? The more you start to move the more you're going to want to move. It may sound silly but it's true. Start small and just add a little more movement each week. Also, weight lifting can be very empowering. You just may like it." —HEVER79 • "I hate exercising to, so I have to be very creative in what I do. I always do my stair step machine because I can watch television while I am doing that. I usually pick something to watch that really entertains me because it takes my mind off of what the exercise is. Other times I walk my booty off outside. I take different routes each time I walk. That way I have something new to look at while I'm walking." —KIMMERZ67 • "I thought I hated exercise, but what I really hated was going to the gym, so I don't go. Now I have a couple DVDs that I do in my living room and I do power walks that include these really steep stairs in my neighborhood. On weekends I hike or ride my bike." —LILBLUFISH • "You need aerobics and you need strength training. This can be exercise or it can be play. Since you hate exercising, then you need to play. For aerobics, try dancing, skating, sports, playing with the kids, or walking with your best friend while chit-chatting—find something FUN. For strength training, volunteer somewhere you have to lift things, find toddlers you can use as free-weights while playing, or wrestle your spouse for the remote control. You can choose to strength train or you can choose to have osteoporosis. Which do you think is more fun? Consider it insurance for your future." —LITE99 • "Working out is the hardest thing that I have to do all day. Try distracting yourself while you workout. I received an iPod shuffle for Christmas and use it every time I work out. If you figure that one song is roughly 4-5 minutes, then in a 30-minute workout, you will have listened to 6-7 songs. Not bad, right? I find music to be a great distraction when I'm working out. Each song takes me to a different place! It's great!!" —MICHELE1010 • "I often find it hard to get motivation to go to the gym, but not to go on walks. What I did when I started was only walk outside. I lost 30 lbs in about 3 months, just by walking everyday and eating less." —MICHELLE8182 • "When I go to the gym, I dread doing cardio machines. So I do 10-15 minutes on three different machines. This way I get my 30 minutes in, but I have small breaks and I feel good. I am not thinking after 5 minutes, '25 more minutes?' I am thinking, 'half way there!'" —NIKKI1982 • "Start small and build. I started by getting off the subway train a stop early and walking 10 minutes to get to work. Now I get off three stops early, coming and going for a total of 50 minutes a day." —OHHHCHELLE • "I used to hate exercise and only did it because I had to in order to lose weight. Then I started trying new things. I discovered that I love yoga. And the most surprising thing is that I like to run! I think once you find something you enjoy, the more you do it, the more you want to do it. I also used to hate exercise because it was hard for me. The more I do, the easier it gets, and the more I like it." —OUTOFCONTROL • "We have to stop thinking about exercise as a nuisance. Our bodies were designed to move! Don't even call it 'exercise.' Just get out and live! I'm at a point now that I can't end the day without doing some sort of meaningful movement, whether it's taking the dogs outside or just 10 minutes on the recumbent bike. It seems like I usually end up doing more than I intend to do and I feel so good afterwards." —PENSKE40 • "I hate exercises too! I use Coach Nicole's video workouts." —SOGOOD_7 • "I do 'activity' exercises like tennis or rollerblading. Put me on a bike and I'm lucky if I can do 20 minutes, but when it's sport-like I don't even notice that I'm exercising!" —TALLAROO • "Different things work for different people, so try a bunch of different things. Go to your library and see what they have in the way of fitness DVDs. There are also a bunch of places you can download audio files of workouts to use while walking or doing stuff at home. If you think you might enjoy group exercise classes, check out your local gym. See if they'll let you try it out for a week, or pay as a guest to see if you like it. There are more and more video games that involve activity. If you have a PlayStation 2, there are a bunch of dancing games, fitness programs like Yourself Fitness, and even games that use a little camera (EyeToy Kinetic)." —TERRIMEIER • "I started running at age 44 (I could only run for 30 seconds before I had to start walking). Fast-forward 18 months and I now run 5 miles (average) 3-4 times per week. What keeps me going are the constant challenges I take on.—signing up for a 5K run weeks ahead of time, keeps me totally inspired to keep on training. If you need to find a race in your neck of the woods just check out Active.com. Keep in mind that the majority of these events are run/walks. I have over 25 T-shirts and 8 medals and trophies and I wear and display each one. And the best thing is that I am getting healthier while donating money to many great charities." —5KMOM911
Thursday, April 7, 2011
11 Ways to Spring into Shape......
In a workout slump? These tips from Motherboard Moms and fitness pros will rev up your exercise motivation.
Peel Back the Layers
"Springtime makes it easy to work out. When you know that you aren't going to be wearing bulky and concealing clothes much longer, it gives you plenty of inspiration to get going!" —Kelli W., West Virginia
Do it: Goodbye, sweatpants; hello, jogging shorts! You can run but you can't hide from (or in) revealing warm weather workout gear—and that's a good thing, says celebrity personal trainer and food coach Kathy Kaehler (she works with Julia Roberts and Kim Basinger). "As warmer weather approaches, breaking out your summer lineup can motivate you to commit to exercise on a daily basis."
Boost it: If the tank top that fit you in the fall is feeling a little snug, Kaehler encourages you to squeeze in and bear it: It's all too easy to revert to stretchy pants or a loose top. "Get used to that too-tight feeling and use it as motivation to hit the gym and watch what you eat," Kaehler says. Once you're back in spring shape, reward yourself with some new figure-flattering pieces, like tanks with supportive panels along the torso or molded bra cups, or pants with rear-shaping technology.
Just Show Up!
"I've lost 120 pounds in the last two years, but it's still hard for me to get myself on the treadmill or to go to the park to run. I give myself permission to walk or run only a mile, but once I start, I always go longer—and I'm always so glad I did.' —Debbie C., Tennessee
Do it: Woody Allen once said, "Half of life is showing up." Motherboard Mom Debbie C. has figured out that getting herself on the treadmill or to the gym is half the battle. Once there, she's more likely to work out than waste her time, energy, and money by doing nothing. And once she does start exercising, it kicks up her endorphins as well as her competitive edge, paving the way to fabulous results.
Boost it: Arm yourself with an amped-up playlist. Songs with between 120 and 140 beats-per-minute, or BPM, can get you working harder and longer, while distracting you from any discomfort. Try Push It by Salt-N-Pepa, Drop It Like It's Hot by Snoop Dogg, the dance remix of Umbrella by Rihanna, or (flashback!) The Heat Is On by Glenn Frey. "Tell yourself, 'I'm going to do two songs,'" trainer Kaehler suggests. "With your favorite songs, you'll be doing two miles in no time."
Take a Good, Hard Look
"When I start slacking on exercise I stand in my underwear and look at myself in a full-length mirror, front and back. That's all it takes to get me motivated very quickly!" —Christyal A., Texas
Do it: "Mirror, mirror, on the wall, am I delusional, feeling thin and tall?" There's nothing more honest than your own reflection to show you where you are on the path to fitness. "Many times, we keep thinking our bodies are who we used to be—more athletic, slimmer, our high-school bodies," says NBC 5 fitness expert Andrea Metcalf, author of Naked Fitness. "But when we look in the mirror, we reconnect to the reality of the body staring back at us, begging us to do something."
Boost it: Rather than dwell on the negative, jot down a happy thought about your body and soul, like, "You are woman, inside and out" or "You're strong and capable," and post it to your mirror. "Positive affirmations halt and remove the common need to feel 'perfect,'" says Caitlin Boyle, founder of OperationBeautiful.com and author of Operation Beautiful: Transforming the Way You See Yourself One Post-it Note at a Time. Overly negative thinking about your body will just crush your spirits and make you feel as if you're not worth the time or effort required for healthy living.
Rise...and Shine
"Work out early in the day. The later the day gets, the less likely I am to go to the gym. Live an active life—get out and walk the dog every day, take the stairs instead of the elevator." —Diane P., New York
Do it: Early birds are more likely to stick to their workout routines than people who wait until the evenings, Metcalf says. More a.m. benefits: You'll jump-start your metabolism and start the day with a sense of accomplishment, and you'll sleep better. In fact, a study published in the journal Sleep showed that overweight or obese women who exercised in the morning slept better than those who worked out at night.
Boost it: Adopt a dog! You'll be forced to wake up early and take a walk, and you can vary your tempo or tackle hills to challenge both of you. Dog owners who regularly walk their four-legged friends are less likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or depression than non-dog owners. High-energy dogs will do the best on long walks: Consider adopting a border collie, Labrador retriever, Jack Russell terrier, or dalmatian.
Walk This Way
"My trick is simple: I walk wherever and whenever possible. Walking doesn't feel like exercise but it does the trick. I take pride in wearing fitted dresses to the spring weddings I get invited to. I have to say, turning a few heads at age 41 feels great!" —Lisa F., New Jersey
Do it: Not many things in life are easy, free, and effective. But walking is! As the American Heart Association's preferred method of exercise, walking a mile "not only challenges the cardiovascular system, but is as effective as running a mile but with less impact on the body," says fitness pro Metcalf. Besides burning calories as you make your way from home to work to lunch, regular walking helps lower cholesterol, strengthen bones, and lessen the risk of type 2 diabetes. So that's why 61 percent of Motherboard Moms say that walking is their favorite spring activity!
Boost it: Try adding an upper-body move, like waist rotations (raise your elbows to shoulder height to engage abs and strengthen delts), or alternate between walking forward, sideways, and backwards—just not in traffic! Or listen to your favorite podcast or a book on tape.
Monkey See, Monkey Do
"My daughter inspires me to exercise. I got her a kids' yoga DVD and she begs me to put it on for her. She even pulls out the yoga mat. I let her do her yoga and then I am motivated to work out to my own yoga tape." —Diana B., Nebraska
Do it: Considering our nation's dismal childhood obesity statistics—about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese—any chance to do something active with a little one is beneficial. And when you work out, you're modeling a smart lifelong habit for the next generation while ensuring you'll be around to watch them grow up.
Boost it: Take the mother-daughter bonding out of the house: Mixing up the settings and trying something different will prevent boredom. You can have wheelbarrow races in the backyard or play hopscotch. Volunteer to coach her softball or soccer team. If you're the daughter in this scenario, convince your mom to try something new: Theresa Hill, 27, of Chicago, kept gushing about how much she was enjoying her triathlon training and how "anyone can do it" until her mom—who is 55—eventually said, "Hey, maybe I should try." The two now swim, run, and bike together when possible in preparation for their sprint triathlon in the fall.
Book It
"I set a specific time to work out as if I have an appointment. I also attend classes at the gym so that each day is something different, whether it's kickboxing or yoga. That keeps me from getting bored. I enjoy the classes so much that I don't even realize that I'm working out. And the weight is just falling off!" —Yvette C., Florida
Do it: You wouldn't blow off dinner with your BFF to watch The Bachelor, would you? Of course not, because you two made a date weeks ago and wrote it down in your calendars. Doing the same for your workouts is effective because it holds you accountable, explains Nikki Kimbrough, a Gold's Gym fitness expert and personal trainer based in New York City. And variety keeps you motivated to continue booking appointments. "Once you start to get bored, even subconsciously, you'll start to make excuses to not exercise."
Boost it: Keep mixing things up with cardio, weight lifting, stretching, and classes. Maybe try Zumba on Monday, a yogalates class Tuesday, circuit training Wednesday, running with a girlfriend Thursday, and lap swimming Friday. Not only will your motivation remain high, but your body will show faster results.
You've Got a Friend
"The best motivator for me is to sign up for a class or a gym membership. If I've paid for it, I will hit the gym at least three days a week. Having a workout buddy also helps. The two of you can keep each other accountable." —Heidi B., California
Do it: When it comes to working out, you'll get by with a little help from your friends. According to Metcalf, people who have strong social support for their weight-loss goals have an 80 percent chance of success, versus just 10 percent for those on their own. "Buddy systems and putting your money where your mouth is will give you a better success opportunity than going it alone," she says.
Boost it: Up the fun factor and plan an "exercise date" to the park. Play tag, monkey around the jungle gym, or race each other around the baseball diamond. You can even challenge more friends to join you for a group workout, then head out for a healthful brunch afterwards as your reward.
Dress for Success
"My best tip for those days when you just don't have the motivation is to put on your workout clothes and shoes anyway. I do this and sooner or later I get the urge to go out and run. It's amazing how it works." —Kristin D., Hawaii
Do it: "I completely agree!" says trainer Kaehler. "I live in my exercise clothes and, yes, it makes you more likely to take a class or head out the door and take a walk, or get on the floor and do some exercises during a commercial." When you've completed one step of the process—getting dressed—it makes the second step—doing it!—that much easier.
Boost it: Stash a pair of running shoes or cross-trainers and a fresh workout outfit in your car and by your bed. They'll serve as a constant reminder of your goals and will eliminate the ever-so-common "But I don't have my stuff!" excuse.
Just Kidding Around
"Since my dear little boy hit 18 months old, my exercise routine includes the following: Deep-knee bends (picking up toys and tossed food off of the floor), weight lifting (into and out of the bouncer, the high chair, the tub), aerobics (attempting to get a diaper on, dancing to Sesame Street songs), and running (in the yard, through stores, across the park). If you pay attention to how you move, you can exercise all day long when you have a young one." —Alicia M., Michigan
Do it: As a mom of three, Metcalf loves this tip. "When you're time-starved, you have to be creative," she says. "Making your life work with your exercise is crucial." But you don't need a toddler to buff up (although Julie Bowen attributes her ripped arms to lugging around her 22-month-old twin sons, John and Gus). New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who cobble together 150 minutes of weekly activity—including basketball, running, brisk walking, or, yes, housework—tend to be six pounds lighter than their less-active counterparts over a 20-year span.
Boost it: Incinerate more calories by setting a timer and doing traditional chores like making the bed or picking up clothes at a timed pace. Metcalf says that at a quick clip, you can burn 100 calories by sweeping for 22 minutes, raking leaves for 20 minutes, playing vigorously with your kids (think tag or dancing) for 22 minutes, or doing general housecleaning for 30 minutes.
Get Competitive
"We had a contest at my work between about 20 women, kind of Biggest Loser style. It really got me motivated. I was getting on the elliptical every night, watching what I ate, etc. When it was all over, I didn't win the contest...but [after] about six months, I'd lost about 30 pounds." —Heather L., Nebraska
Do it: Attention, mouse potatoes: A new study in Preventive Medicine suggests that sitting at your desk all day adds extra pounds around your waist—the worst place for them to accumulate, healthwise. Staging a contest taps into your innate competitive spirit, keeping you motivated and focused on the end goal. Because nobody wants to finish last, you're more likely to hit the gym regularly and watch your nutrition, Kimbrough says. And like Motherboard reader Heather L., even if you don't lose the most pounds, you'll still win!
Boost it: Bring a healthful meal and snacks from home to avoid getting derailed by the coffee cake and donuts that seem to magically appear within 10 feet of your cubicle every day. Pack a lunch that combines lean protein, carbs, and a little fat, like a salad with 4 to 5 ounces of grilled chicken or tuna and as many green veggies (spinach, broccoli, cucumbers, peppers) as you like, or a whole-wheat tortilla filled with a few tablespoons of hummus, spinach, sliced tomatoes, feta cheese, and black olives. For a snack, try low-fat Greek yogurt, a handful of almonds and dried cranberries, or two hard-boiled eggs.
www.fitnessmag.com
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
7 Foods to NEVER Eat
There will always be those fattening foods that are easy to make, easy to get and easy to crave. You think “OK, I know this is bad, but it can’t be that bad!” Think again. These seven foods should be avoided at all costs. Not only will they widen your waistline, but they’ll also ruin your health in more ways than one. 1. Doughnuts: It’s hard to resist the smell of a Krispy Kreme doughnut, which is why I never set foot in the store. Doughnuts are fried and full of sugar, white flour and loads of trans fat. According to the Krispy Kreme Web site, an original glazed doughnut weighs in at 200 calories and contains few other nutrients besides fat (12 grams). The glazed, “kreme-filled” doughnut is even worse: 340 calories and 20 grams of fat. These sweet treats may satisfy your craving, but they won’t satisfy your hunger as most of the calories come from fat. “Eating a lot of refined sugar contributes to blood sugar ‘swings’ or extreme fluctuations,” Nutritionist Susan Burke says. 2. Cheeseburger: The age-old classic may be delicious, but think twice before sinking your teeth into that Whopper. The saturated fat found in cheeseburgers has been linked to heart attacks, strokes and some types of cancer. Let’s break down this meal. First, take the white-flour bun (refined carbohydrates), then add some processed cheese (saturated fat and trans fat, plus lots of additives and preservatives) and then top off with fried red meat (cholesterol and saturated fats). And let’s not forget about the condiments, such as the always fattening mayonnaise. Not sounding so appetizing anymore, huh? Oh, let’s not forget about the infamous side dish. Your cheeseburger will most likely come with a side of fries, which is sadly the most popular vegetable dish in the U.S. Don’t kid yourself: French fries are not vegetables — they’re extremely high in fat and contain a tiny amount of nutrients. “This fast-food meal of cheeseburger and fries has way too many calories and fat grams, not to mention grams of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and sodium,” says Burke 3. Fried Chicken: Foods cooked in highly heated oils (most notably, partially hydrogenated oil) have been known to cause cancer, weight gain and other serious health risks if consumed regularly. Fried chicken (and their nugget counterparts) are some unhealthy examples. A 10-piece chicken nuggets order from McDonald’s has 460 calories, 29 grams of fat and 1000 milligrams of sodium. One chicken breast (extra crispy) from Kentucky Fried Chicken has around 490 calories, 31 grams of fat and 7 grams of saturated fat. So unless you want to super size yourself, it’s best to make a clean break with fried foods. 4. Oscar Mayer’s Lunchables: Sure, they’re convenient and easy , but they’re also unhealthy! These kid-marketed lunches are loaded with saturated fat and sodium. They usually contain highly processed meats and cheeses, white flour crackers and sugary treats. Lunchables get around two-thirds of their calories from fat and sugar, and they provide lopsided nutrition since they contain no fruits or vegetables. “They insidiously promote obesity by making kids think that lunch normally comes in a cellophane-wrapped box,” Burke says. “Parents are promoting their children’s obesity by buying these items. They’re expensive, too. Pack a sandwich and save dollars and health.” 5. Sugary Cereals: Not all cereals are created equal. And while your kids might beg for the latest cookie or chocolate cereals, it’s a safe bet they’re about as healthy as a dessert. Key words to look out for are “puffed,” “dyed” and “sweetened.” Most kids’ cereals are so highly processed, they no longer look like the grains they were originally made from. A healthy alternative is oatmeal. Just remember that if you’re buying pre-packaged oatmeal, check the label and see how much sugar it contains — you might be surprised. “A little sugar isn’t a problem but when the first ingredient on the box is sugar, watch out,” she said. “There is no fruit in Froot Loops, but the unsweetened original Cheerios or Rice Krispies are fine. You can sweeten them naturally with blueberries and strawberries.” 6. Processed Meats: What falls under the category of processed meats? Hot dogs, sausage, jerky, bacon, certain lunch meats and meats used in canned soup products. Almost all processed meats have sodium nitrite added as a preservative. A study conducted at the University of Hawaii found that sodium nitrite can act as “a precursor to highly carcinogenic nitrosamines — potent cancer-causing chemicals that accelerate the formation and growth of cancer cells throughout the body.” The next time you’re shopping for groceries, check food labels before sticking anything into your cart. Eliminate these meats from your diet before they eliminate you! 7. Canned Soups: Sometimes regarded as a healthy food, soups can be very deceiving. You must stay on your guard because many canned soups have high levels of trans fats, sodium and artificial preservatives such as MSG. Just one serving (which is roughly one cup) can have almost 1,000 milligrams of salt! Also, steer clear of soups that are cream-based; they can be high in calories and fat. “Read labels from back to front,” says Burke. “Ignore the health claims, and instead focus on the ingredients and serving size. Watch out for hydrogenated fat (trans fat) and sodium. If you’re buying bread to go with you soup, the first ingredient should be whole grain — either whole wheat, rye or other grain. If it just says ‘wheat bread,’ that doesn’t mean whole wheat.” livestrong.com
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Vegetarian Way, Adapting Your Recipes
The 2005 USDA Food Guide Pyramid favors plant-based proteins (like legumes and nuts), and even recommends fewer servings of meat than before. Research has shown that eating a few meatless meals per week can lower risk of heart disease and may even prolong life. Why? Well, vegetarian meals are usually rich in complex carbohydrates, vegetables, and fiber, while low in cholesterol and saturated fat. The majority of people aren’t vegetarian. But you probably eat like a vegetarian now and again without even thinking about it—your morning toast or oatmeal, a garden salad, pasta, or vegetable stir-frys—even cheese pizza. Whether you’d like to increase the number of vegetarian meals you eat, or you need to adapt a meat recipe for a vegetarian guest, you can turn your favorite recipes into a vegetarian meal with a few simple changes. Here are a few recipe tips to get you started: In casseroles, stews, soups, and chili, substitute cooked legumes (like beans and lentils) for the meat. Try kidney beans in chili or stew, red lentils in spaghetti sauce or stuffed cabbage rolls, or refried beans in burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. In stir-fry dishes, use firm tofu, tempeh, cooked beans, nuts, and sesame seeds in place of meat, poultry, or seafood. Firm tofu and tempeh can even be cubed and skewered as kebobs for grilling. Try scrambled tofu for breakfast. Marinated tofu, sliced thin, makes a delicious sandwich. Prepare pasta sauces, pizza toppings, soups, stews, and other mixed dishes as you always do. However skip the meat and add more chopped vegetables. If you eat dairy products, sprinkle cheese on top for more protein and calcium. Meat "analogs" are soy protein products that mimic different types of meat. Try vegetarian patties, bacon, and sausages at breakfast, pepperoni on pizza, burgers, "chicken" nuggets and patties—even barbecue ribs! Textured soy protein is often sold in a granular form. This works perfect in casseroles, soups, stews, lasagna, chili, enchiladas, and other mixed dishes. Vegans take vegetarianism to the next level. They omit all animal products—including eggs, milk, and dairy products. Vegan dishes can make a healthy addition to your diet as well. Here’s how to adapt: Eggs have many functions in a recipe. They can be used to thicken a recipe, bind ingredients together, coat breaded food items, or produce a baked product with a light tender texture. Without eggs, the quality of the food product often changes. Experiment with one of the following substitutions, but know that the results may differ. • 1 mashed banana in breads, muffins, or pancakes • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot to thicken a product • 1/4 cup silken tofu (blend tofu with the liquid ingredients until smooth, then add it to the dry ingredients) • Vegan egg replacement products Try tofu, soymilk, soy cheese, and soy yogurt in recipes that call for dairy products. Crumbled tofu can take the place of ricotta cheese in lasagna. To make buttermilk, mix 1 cup soy milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Use soymilk when making puddings and mashed potatoes. Enjoy a thick, creamy fruit smoothie for breakfast or a snack. You can also blend the fruit with soft tofu, soymilk or juice. When cooking for a vegan, read labels carefully. Not all soy-based products are devoid of milk derivatives (like casein, whey, etc). Some companies save you time by printing the word "Vegan" at the very beginning or end of the ingredients list. The same goes for vegetarians. Don’t assume the can of vegetable soup is vegetarian—many dishes like this have beef, chicken, or fish-based broths. -- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietician, SparkPeople
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Take Time To Eat Les....
The one-hour lunch is a thing of the past. In fact, more than half of Americans take 30 minutes or less for lunch. But just as it takes time to do anything successfully, when trying to eat healthy food in reasonable portions, you have to make the time. If you take lunch as a separate time away from the world, then you may find that you eat less. Walk Away from Your Desk Even more disturbing than the shrinking lunch break is the number of people eating at their desks. According to a survey by Right Management and LinkedIn, twenty percent of workers who take a lunch break eat at their desks. This is a big no-no. Not only is your desk a major germ incubator, but eating at your desk can make you hungrier later in the day. Researchers from the University of Bristol found that those who ate lunch while sitting at a computer screen ate twice as many snacks later on than those who didn’t. Enjoy a 'Siesta' While Spain’s three-hour break may be out of the question, taking a break from work and technology to focus on eating will prevent you from over-eating. Referred to as intuitive eating or eating mindfully, this method asks you to focus entirely on your meal and the eating process as opposed to enjoying other stimulation. The result is experiencing your food: how it tastes and feels in your body. Like taking a nap, intuitive eating helps rejuvenate your mind and body by experiencing the joys of food. Is Your Brain Full? "It takes the brain anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes to send satisfaction signals," says Kathleen J. Melanson, PhD, RD, associate professor of nutrition and food sciences at the University of Rhode Island, who confirmed the need for slow eating in her lab. In this age of drive thru windows and eating in the car, an entire meal may be down the hatch only to feel overly stuffed ten minutes later. To avoid this, chew your food. Yes your mother told you to do so, but now your mouth has to listen. By chewing your food longer, you allow your body to get full on less. Don’t Eat Alone Many people eat slower and less when they eat with a companion. A girls’ lunch may lead to more talking than eating, resulting in food left on the plate. But select your dining companions carefully! Choose those that don’t speed-eat because the fast eater will set the pace for the table. Likewise, avoid junk-eaters because they make sharing an entrée impossible. Manipulate the ambiance, including the people, and you will lower your stress levels as well as the amount you eat. calorie count.com, By Carolyn Richardson
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
7 Hidden Ways to Get Better Sleep
Go From Restless to Well-Rested in No Time As a college student, I had my fair share of sleepless nights. But as I matured (and learned from the adverse affects I suffered because of those late nights), I began to realize that at the core of a healthy, long life is good sleep. Surprisingly, what we hear about health usually revolves around exercise and nutrition; the truth about sleep—one of the most important factors to attaining vitality—is often left out of the mix. Losing sleep is certainly not something to be taken lightly. An occasional night of tossing and turning is normal, but continued patterns of this behavior can cause real problems in your ability to function normally. Research shows that inadequate sleep can have disastrous effects on your weight loss efforts, impair your concentration, and even mimic the symptoms of impaired glucose tolerance (which can lead to diabetes and hypertension). Your mood also suffers when you don’t get enough shut-eye, causing you to become disoriented on the job, fatigued behind the wheel of a car, or irritated at home. But more importantly, these mood swings can affect your relationships with others, and even lead to depression. But the good news is that, starting tonight, you can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. Here are 7 ways to get back on track. You’ll be sleeping like a baby in no time! 1. Create the right environment. Get your body and mind in the habit of using your bedroom for sleeping. If you frequently sit in bed to pay your bills, do your homework, watch television, eat, talk on the phone, etc., your mind will expect that the bedroom is for daytime activities. Instead, create an environment that is suitable for sleeping. Equip your room with soft lighting, comfortable bedding, and relaxing music. Other tricks include turning the temperature down a few notches, and turning the clock away from your view. Recent studies reveal that watching your sleep time vanish into the morning hours only makes you more anxious and less able to fall asleep. 2. Get yourself into a routine. This is especially hard for people with wavering, active schedules, like students and parents. On busy days, it is difficult—but crucial—to be firm with a routine. If you normally don't fall asleep until the wee hours of the morning, or if you don't have a sleep schedule at all, try going to bed a half an hour earlier each week, or set a time to get in bed and stick with it. Eventually your body will get used to going to sleep at that time and it will begin to come naturally. 3. Limit food and beverage intake before bed. As you lie down to sleep, acids in the stomach level out, making heartburn and indigestion more likely to occur. Also, your metabolism increases slightly to digest food, which can also raise your energy level. Stop eating at least three hours before your scheduled bedtime. If you must snack on something, keep it small, and avoid high-fat foods, which take longer to digest. Instead, have a granola bar, some toast, or a small bowl of cereal, but keep your portion small. Say no to stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, which can raise blood pressure and energy levels. Alcohol may be a depressant, but after its sedative effects wear off, your sleep patterns will suffer. 4. Consider a natural approach. Certain herbal teas can help you relax and fall asleep. Chamomile is a popular herb that slows the nervous system and promotes relaxation, for example. As always, consult your health care provider, use herbs and other supplements only as directed, and make sure to read labels. Some herbs may react with certain types of medication or cause adverse effects in individuals with liver disease, Parkinson's disease, and pregnant or nursing women. Other liquids, such as a small glass of warm milk, may also help. 5. Know when and how to nap. When energy levels drop around 3-5 p.m., most of us desire a little shut-eye. Napping is okay, as long as you do it wisely. Most sleep counselors recommend napping for no longer than 20 minutes. Exceeding 20 minutes could leave you feeling groggier and make it harder for you to fall asleep at bedtime. If you know you have to stay up late, or if you have an erratic sleep schedule (especially new moms), take a nap during the day. You’ll be more productive and in a better mood. 6. Take control of your worries. Let’s face it—most of us lead very stressful lives. Stress, surprises, and changes can take a toll on your sleep habits. Schedule some downtime each day for meditative activities like stretching or a hot bath. Try to decrease your brain activity before bed by writing down your thoughts in a journal and closing the book on the day. If thinking keeps you up at night, get out of bed and try to be productive. Deal with those thoughts (pay the bill that you are worried about forgetting, make a to-do list, etc.) in a positive way, and come back to bed when you’re ready to sleep. 7. Get a check-up. If you toss and turn most nights, it may be time to see a physician. You could be suffering from one or more sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea. The sooner you find out what's wrong, the sooner you can fix it. Sleep disorders are dangerous to your health, so if you suspect something is wrong, tend to it immediately. -- By Christine Seymour, Health & Fitness Writer, Sparkpeople
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Question: I'm trying to lose weight. Can I still drink coffee or will it add too many calories to my diet? Answer: It depends on the type of coffee you drink. A plain cup of brewed coffee has only two calories (and no fat). But if you dress up your coffee with extras, whether at home or your favorite coffee shop, you also add on extra calories. See how many unwanted calories that 1 tablespoon of these extras can add to your coffee: • Heavy whipping cream. 52 calories • Table sugar. 49 calories • Half-and-half. 20 calories • Fat-free milk. 5 calories So if you're dieting or watching your weight, carefully read product labels as you consider how to flavor your coffee. When you're buying brew from your local coffee shop, it's especially easy to go overboard on calories (and fat and sugar). Before ordering, check out the nutrition information provided by the coffee shop, either in person or online. Some coffee drinks are more like dessert and can have hundreds of calories. Occasional indulgence is fine. But remember that when it comes to weight loss, all calories count — even calories in liquid form.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Exceptional Flavor & Nutrition that Fits in Your Budget
You ate them in February, from half a continent away, and they were flat and bland—passable, but nothing to write home about. Now, you take a bite from one grown half a mile away, and it’s spectacular—sweet, juicy, and flavorful. We’re talking in this particular instance about tomatoes, but we could say the same thing about any of a dozen produce items you’ll find at your local farmer’s market now. 'Tis the season to eat fresh, as the tender new growth of spring ripens into the rich abundance of summer. So why settle for "so-so" when you can savor the sensational? Consider the benefits of eating foods at the peak of their season. Seasonal foods… • serve up the most flavor. • pack the biggest nutritional punch. • boost your budget. • are tied to the special days and seasons of our lives: sweet, luscious watermelon paired with the memory of fireflies and fireworks; fragrant hearty soups that temper winter’s chill; sweet young vegetables that accompany spring’s first warm day. As consumers today, we’re very lucky in some respects. The crisscross networks of our global village provide things our ancestors could only dream about, such as oranges in December. On the other hand, as we shed our rural roots, we tend to lose sight of the seasonal rhythm of life, relying heavily on processed foods and a worldwide distribution system that makes our grocery shelves look pretty much the same year-round. The out-of-season produce we buy has often traversed 1,000 miles or more by the time it reaches our kitchens—with a corresponding loss of flavor and nutrition and an increase in wax coatings, chemical ripening agents, and other preservatives. But locally-grown seasonal foods often harmonize with our nutritional needs. For example, the beta carotene in the orange pigment of pumpkins and other squash will help bolster your immune system just in time to help ward off winter colds. And the oils of nuts—fats in their purest form—will provide nutrient-rich calories that help keep you warm as the temperature drops. In fact, recent research shows that eating seasonally may have major health implications. A British study in 1997 found significant differences in the nutritional contents of pasteurized milk in summer as opposed to winter: iodine was higher in the winter, while beta-carotene (an antioxidant and immune system booster that helps the body create vitamin A) was higher in the summer. Similarly, a Japanese study found a three-fold difference in the vitamin C content of spinach harvested in summer versus that harvested in winter. In practical terms, this means that you’ll get the most nutrition—not to mention the most affordable enjoyment—by eating seasonally. Although the exact season for specific items varies from region to region (you’ll almost certainly get that big beefsteak tomato much earlier in Georgia than in Ohio), follow these basic guidelines for optimal nutrition and taste: • In spring, pick the new growth of the season: tender leafy vegetables such as spinach, Romaine or leaf lettuces, Swiss chard, and early peas, as well as fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and dill. • For summer, try lighter produce, with fruits such as strawberries, pears, apples, and plums, and vegetables such as summer squash, broccoli, corn, and cauliflower. You can also incorporate other summer-type herbs, such as mint or cilantro. • During fall, choose hearty harvest foods, including sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. When cooking, emphasize “warmer” spices and seasonings such as peppercorns, ginger, and mustard seeds. • In winter, also pick hearty foods. Keep in mind the principle that foods which take longer to grow are generally more sustaining than foods that grow quickly. In this category are most root vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, onions and garlic, as well as eggs, corn, and nuts. As you choose the best foods of the season, remember that the healthiest and most enjoyable diet involves diversity. Although you may have to compromise sometimes due to convenience and time constraints, try as much as possible to make food shopping and cooking an adventure, something you can enjoy or share with family members. Try these tips to enhance the journey: • Focus on the fresh, minimizing the use of prepared foods as much as possible. When you must use prepared foods, make an effort to embellish them with one or more fresh ingredients. • Pick a new produce item to try every week, whether the neglected rutabaga or the tropical mango. • Cook at least one new dish each week, and look for recipes that will help you get acquainted with new ingredients. You can subscribe to a food magazine, plug in keywords on the Internet, or even swap new recipes with friends. Since food writers generally base their topics and menus on the foods of the season, take advantage of their offerings to reward yourself with wholesome, tasty meals. • Experiment with regional or ethnic dishes. Most regional cuisines, developed in horse-and-buggy times, used local ingredients close by. Exploring new foods will keep mealtime both interesting and healthy. • Don’t forget to take advantage of the useful food information your grocer provides. Whether you consult those little description cards that hang above specific fruits and veggies, or hold a friendly discussion with the produce manager on how to peel the leaves of an artichoke, you’ll find a wealth of ideas about preparing food. Let the backdrop of the seasons be your guide to happy and healthy eating—you’ll find that Mother Nature does indeed know best! -- By Rebecca Pratt, Staff Writer, Sparkpeople
Friday, March 25, 2011
4 Signs It's Time to Change Your Workout Routine
What to Do When Your Workout Isn't Working for You
When you started a regular exercise program, whether to lose weight or improve your overall health, your enthusiasm and motivation were high. Even though exercise wasn't the most exciting activity you had experienced, you began feeling better and seeing results from your hard work. You managed to get yourself out of bed early, to squeeze in a little gym time each day, and stick to your plan without much effort.
But then slowly, the novelty began to wear off. You started finding reasons to sleep in and found "better" things to do with your time. Then before you realized it, you had missed a whole week and your drive to continue was missing in action. Is this common scenario just another motivation issue? Probably not. Could something else be getting in the way of the excitement and effectiveness of your previously-rewarding workouts? The answer is yes! Luckily, you can learn to identify the signs that it's time to shake-up your workout routine so you can remain consistent and enthusiastic about exercise. Here are four of the most common signs and what you can do to get back on track:
Top 4 Signs Your Workout Isn't Working
1. Your workout bores you.
You used to like walking on the treadmill, so why do you dread your workout each day? It's easy to get bored if you stick with the same routine for too long. Sometimes it helps to add variety to your walks. For example, try taking your workout outside, adding speed intervals, putting new music on your iPod or bringing a friend along. If all of that isn't enough, then maybe it's time to try a new activity. Perhaps you've always wanted to try biking or are interested in a new class at your local gym. Change can help keep your workouts fun and interesting, giving you something to look forward to. And that is exactly what will keep you coming back for more.
2. Your workout isn't giving you results anymore.
Someone who does the same activity all the time is likely to plateau much sooner than someone who varies her workouts. Just as you can get bored by always doing the same exercises, your body can also adapt to these exercises so that they don't offer the same benefits that they once did. A little variety might be just the thing you need to get the scale moving again or bust through that strength plateau. "Variety" means either changing something about your current routine (adding speed, distance, hills, resistance, etc.) or trying a totally different activity. If you like some consistency and don't want to change your workout each time you hit the gym, change your routine at least every 4-8 weeks (this includes incorporating changes to both your cardio and strength training exercises). This will keep your muscles challenged, your body guessing, and the results coming!
3. Your workout leaves you more tired and sore than before.
Exercise should give you more energy, not leave you feeling rundown. If you're feeling overly tired or perpetually sore, you could be overtraining. Your body needs time for rest and recovery. It is during this down time that you build strength and endurance by allowing your muscles to rebuild and repair. If you don't give your body ample recovery time, you'll become weaker instead of stronger. If you have been overtraining, your first priority should be rest. You might need up to a week off to recharge mentally and physically. Once you are feeling better, start back slowly. Reevaluate your workout program and find ways to make changes that will prevent this from happening again.
4. Your workout is no longer challenging.
Running a 10-minute mile, for example, becomes easier as time goes on. If your workouts aren't challenging you anymore, it can be helpful to wear a heart rate monitor. Your heart rate will change over time as you become more fit. By using a heart rate monitor, you'll know to change up or intensify your routine, and ensure that you're working in your target heart rate zone.
Challenging your body improves your fitness level and can also provide a sense of accomplishment as you become stronger and work toward your goals. Changing your workout routine whenever these signs arise will help keep your motivation high as you work to improve your fitness level. The key is to pay close attention to how you're feeling both physically and mentally. Exercise shouldn't be a chore that you dread, but something that makes you feel good about yourself!
-- By Jen Mueller, Certified Personal Trainer, SparkPeople
When you started a regular exercise program, whether to lose weight or improve your overall health, your enthusiasm and motivation were high. Even though exercise wasn't the most exciting activity you had experienced, you began feeling better and seeing results from your hard work. You managed to get yourself out of bed early, to squeeze in a little gym time each day, and stick to your plan without much effort.
But then slowly, the novelty began to wear off. You started finding reasons to sleep in and found "better" things to do with your time. Then before you realized it, you had missed a whole week and your drive to continue was missing in action. Is this common scenario just another motivation issue? Probably not. Could something else be getting in the way of the excitement and effectiveness of your previously-rewarding workouts? The answer is yes! Luckily, you can learn to identify the signs that it's time to shake-up your workout routine so you can remain consistent and enthusiastic about exercise. Here are four of the most common signs and what you can do to get back on track:
Top 4 Signs Your Workout Isn't Working
1. Your workout bores you.
You used to like walking on the treadmill, so why do you dread your workout each day? It's easy to get bored if you stick with the same routine for too long. Sometimes it helps to add variety to your walks. For example, try taking your workout outside, adding speed intervals, putting new music on your iPod or bringing a friend along. If all of that isn't enough, then maybe it's time to try a new activity. Perhaps you've always wanted to try biking or are interested in a new class at your local gym. Change can help keep your workouts fun and interesting, giving you something to look forward to. And that is exactly what will keep you coming back for more.
2. Your workout isn't giving you results anymore.
Someone who does the same activity all the time is likely to plateau much sooner than someone who varies her workouts. Just as you can get bored by always doing the same exercises, your body can also adapt to these exercises so that they don't offer the same benefits that they once did. A little variety might be just the thing you need to get the scale moving again or bust through that strength plateau. "Variety" means either changing something about your current routine (adding speed, distance, hills, resistance, etc.) or trying a totally different activity. If you like some consistency and don't want to change your workout each time you hit the gym, change your routine at least every 4-8 weeks (this includes incorporating changes to both your cardio and strength training exercises). This will keep your muscles challenged, your body guessing, and the results coming!
3. Your workout leaves you more tired and sore than before.
Exercise should give you more energy, not leave you feeling rundown. If you're feeling overly tired or perpetually sore, you could be overtraining. Your body needs time for rest and recovery. It is during this down time that you build strength and endurance by allowing your muscles to rebuild and repair. If you don't give your body ample recovery time, you'll become weaker instead of stronger. If you have been overtraining, your first priority should be rest. You might need up to a week off to recharge mentally and physically. Once you are feeling better, start back slowly. Reevaluate your workout program and find ways to make changes that will prevent this from happening again.
4. Your workout is no longer challenging.
Running a 10-minute mile, for example, becomes easier as time goes on. If your workouts aren't challenging you anymore, it can be helpful to wear a heart rate monitor. Your heart rate will change over time as you become more fit. By using a heart rate monitor, you'll know to change up or intensify your routine, and ensure that you're working in your target heart rate zone.
Challenging your body improves your fitness level and can also provide a sense of accomplishment as you become stronger and work toward your goals. Changing your workout routine whenever these signs arise will help keep your motivation high as you work to improve your fitness level. The key is to pay close attention to how you're feeling both physically and mentally. Exercise shouldn't be a chore that you dread, but something that makes you feel good about yourself!
-- By Jen Mueller, Certified Personal Trainer, SparkPeople
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Little Imagination Can Boost Your Motivation
Building a Better Body Image
“I really want to lose weight. I hate the way I look and feel, and I know things will be much better when I get the weight off. But I just can’t stay motivated to do it. I think there must be something wrong with me.”
If this sounds like something you say to yourself, I’ve got good news for you. There probably isn't anything seriously wrong with you. You have a very common problem that affects many people who want to lose weight—expecting your negative feelings about your body to do something they can’t do.
The motivation you need to successfully lose weight is like a fire. It will burn hot and long when you provide it with the fuel it needs, but it will die out quickly if you don’t. Disliking how you look and feel might provide decent kindling to get the weight-loss fire started, but it's not the proper fuel source to keep it going. When you’re driven by negative thoughts about yourself, you just don’t have the raw materials that are necessary to achieve the results you want. This problem lies in how our minds work. If I were to tell you, for example, that I'll give you $1,000 if you can manage to not let the thought of "chocolate" enter your mind during the next 60 seconds, do you think my bank balance would be in big trouble? I don’t. It’s certain that some of your next few thoughts would have something to do with chocolate. Most likely, you’ll wonder how you can stop yourself from thinking about chocolate for 60 seconds—oops, too late! You lose, and my $1000 stays safely in my bank account. It’s virtually impossible to not think about something for a minute, when that’s what you set out to do. Try it for yourself.
The same thing happens when you set out to lose weight because you don’t like your body. The first thing you’re likely to do every morning is notice how fat you still are, think about the food you can’t eat, or lie in bed, wishing you didn’t have to get up early to exercise. You might as well throw a big bucket of ice water on that motivational fire of yours, because sooner or later, you’re going to get very weary of this constant struggle and give up. So, what’s the alternative? What do you do if the reason you want to lose weight is because you don’t like the way you look or feel? Where do you find the right fuel for your motivational fire?
Use your imagination.
Imagination: More Important than Will Power
One thing that it’s crucial to understand is that being overweight isn’t the cause of your unhappiness, and simply weighing less won't make you feel better about yourself and your life. It’s all the things you think about your body that make you unhappy, and it’s changing those thoughts that will make you feel better and help you lose weight.
Think about it. Imagine you live in a society where people find thinness repulsive and being fat is the marker of beauty, desirability, and good character. Everywhere you look, there are images of happy fat people wearing the best clothes, driving the best cars, getting the hot dates, and landing the best jobs. Would you still feel bad about yourself? Would you still feel like you have to lose weight in order to get what you want and need in life? Probably not. Even if you still felt bad about yourself, you wouldn't be focused on your weight, but rather on something else that your culture didn’t like—the size of your feet, or the slope of your nose, for example.
But we do live in a society that confronts us with very negative messages about being fat. Most of us start absorbing these messages as we are just learning to talk, and they soon become a big part of how we view and evaluate ourselves, explain the things that happen to us, and decide what needs to change if we want to feel and do better.
And sadly, it usually isn’t enough to simply recognize that "fat-loathing" is just a cultural prejudice you can choose to reject. You have to replace it with something equally as powerful, and that’s hard to come by after years of being conditioned to hate your own body. For many, the idea of accepting yourself and loving yourself sounds good, but it just doesn’t have the same emotional force that your negative self-image does. So you find yourself being pulled back to that negative image over and over again, and remaining stuck in the motivational problems it causes.
Here are some suggestions:
“I really want to lose weight. I hate the way I look and feel, and I know things will be much better when I get the weight off. But I just can’t stay motivated to do it. I think there must be something wrong with me.”
If this sounds like something you say to yourself, I’ve got good news for you. There probably isn't anything seriously wrong with you. You have a very common problem that affects many people who want to lose weight—expecting your negative feelings about your body to do something they can’t do.
The motivation you need to successfully lose weight is like a fire. It will burn hot and long when you provide it with the fuel it needs, but it will die out quickly if you don’t. Disliking how you look and feel might provide decent kindling to get the weight-loss fire started, but it's not the proper fuel source to keep it going. When you’re driven by negative thoughts about yourself, you just don’t have the raw materials that are necessary to achieve the results you want. This problem lies in how our minds work. If I were to tell you, for example, that I'll give you $1,000 if you can manage to not let the thought of "chocolate" enter your mind during the next 60 seconds, do you think my bank balance would be in big trouble? I don’t. It’s certain that some of your next few thoughts would have something to do with chocolate. Most likely, you’ll wonder how you can stop yourself from thinking about chocolate for 60 seconds—oops, too late! You lose, and my $1000 stays safely in my bank account. It’s virtually impossible to not think about something for a minute, when that’s what you set out to do. Try it for yourself.
The same thing happens when you set out to lose weight because you don’t like your body. The first thing you’re likely to do every morning is notice how fat you still are, think about the food you can’t eat, or lie in bed, wishing you didn’t have to get up early to exercise. You might as well throw a big bucket of ice water on that motivational fire of yours, because sooner or later, you’re going to get very weary of this constant struggle and give up. So, what’s the alternative? What do you do if the reason you want to lose weight is because you don’t like the way you look or feel? Where do you find the right fuel for your motivational fire?
Use your imagination.
Imagination: More Important than Will Power
One thing that it’s crucial to understand is that being overweight isn’t the cause of your unhappiness, and simply weighing less won't make you feel better about yourself and your life. It’s all the things you think about your body that make you unhappy, and it’s changing those thoughts that will make you feel better and help you lose weight.
Think about it. Imagine you live in a society where people find thinness repulsive and being fat is the marker of beauty, desirability, and good character. Everywhere you look, there are images of happy fat people wearing the best clothes, driving the best cars, getting the hot dates, and landing the best jobs. Would you still feel bad about yourself? Would you still feel like you have to lose weight in order to get what you want and need in life? Probably not. Even if you still felt bad about yourself, you wouldn't be focused on your weight, but rather on something else that your culture didn’t like—the size of your feet, or the slope of your nose, for example.
But we do live in a society that confronts us with very negative messages about being fat. Most of us start absorbing these messages as we are just learning to talk, and they soon become a big part of how we view and evaluate ourselves, explain the things that happen to us, and decide what needs to change if we want to feel and do better.
And sadly, it usually isn’t enough to simply recognize that "fat-loathing" is just a cultural prejudice you can choose to reject. You have to replace it with something equally as powerful, and that’s hard to come by after years of being conditioned to hate your own body. For many, the idea of accepting yourself and loving yourself sounds good, but it just doesn’t have the same emotional force that your negative self-image does. So you find yourself being pulled back to that negative image over and over again, and remaining stuck in the motivational problems it causes.
But you can use your imagination to break the power of your negative self-image and replace it with something equally powerful.
Here are some suggestions:
Imagine that your negative body image isn’t really yours. Imagine someone else planted it in your head to keep you trapped in an endless quest for a better body. Imagine who this "someone else" is and why they’ve done this. You could imagine, for example, that a secret group of very rich and powerful people use the media, fashion and advertising industries to convince people that they need to be thin, hard-bodied, and youthful to be happy, so they’ll keep buying diet books, magazines and gimmicks. Whatever story you come up with, create one that makes you feel angry that someone else could take advantage of you this way.
Imagine that the negative body image implanted in your brain has suddenly been removed. You wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and don’t have any reactions at all. You know how you used to react and why, but realize that all those old feelings and thoughts weren’t yours. Imagine that you’re very determined not to let them back in again. What are your real feelings and thoughts about your body? Take some time to look yourself over thoroughly, touch your skin, move around, notice all the sensations you’re experiencing, and so on. Spend a few days going through your regular routines—getting dressed, eating, working, exercising, and all the other things you do—paying close attention to what your body is doing at each moment and how it feels. Take notes, if you want to.
Imagine that the negative body image implanted in your brain has suddenly been removed. You wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and don’t have any reactions at all. You know how you used to react and why, but realize that all those old feelings and thoughts weren’t yours. Imagine that you’re very determined not to let them back in again. What are your real feelings and thoughts about your body? Take some time to look yourself over thoroughly, touch your skin, move around, notice all the sensations you’re experiencing, and so on. Spend a few days going through your regular routines—getting dressed, eating, working, exercising, and all the other things you do—paying close attention to what your body is doing at each moment and how it feels. Take notes, if you want to.
After a few days, sit down and try to express in words how you feel about your body. What can it do, or not do? Which of those things make you feel good and give you pleasure, and which don’t? Are there any things you’d like to be doing more or less of, based on how they make you feel?
By completing an exercise like this, you will discover the feelings, thoughts and beliefs that will provide the best fuel to keep your motivational fire burning. You will get out of your head (and away from its “programmed” image of your body), and into your actual body with an open mind. You will learn what your body needs and wants, what it is capable of doing, and what it can tell you about how to make choices and take actions that are satisfying and rewarding.
You may be surprised to find out how easy it becomes to exercise regularly, eat well, and reach a healthy weight when you stop treating your amazing body as the problem, and start using it as the solution.
-- By Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert, SparkPeople
-- By Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert, SparkPeople
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Keep Exercise Fun and Adventurous
If the Gym Don't Fit, You Must Not Quit!
Remember playing baseball or soccer as a youngster? Getting together with your friends after school or on a Saturday afternoon and playing for hours at a time? Now what was the point of playing? To get in a good workout, or just to have fun?
Now think of today. Do you frequently find an excuse not to go to the gym, or just wake up and tell yourself you don’t really need to run today? Could it be that you’re missing some of the fun? That’s right, FUN! Did you forget about having fun with exercise?
Somewhere between constant visits to the overcrowded gym and waking up at 6 a.m. to go walking or running, fun may have taken a backseat. Sadly enough, we probably do not even realize our workouts are lacking the fun we used to enjoy on the ball field when we were younger. Now is a better time than ever to get that feeling back, and start jumping at the chance to workout.
First off, workouts do not have to consist of just lifting weights or running around the neighborhood. Who says you can’t still play baseball or soccer? There are recreational leagues for all ages and abilities all over the place. Maybe you can get your spouse involved and find a co-ed team. There are plenty of leagues out there too – tennis, basketball, and many more! Keep your eyes peeled and you’re sure to find one to your liking.
A fitness goldmine is the local park. What can you do at the park except walk the dog, you ask? How about hiking, rollerblading, biking, mountain biking, and canoeing to name a few, all of which are great exercise. And instead of being stuck inside a cramped, sweaty gym, you get to enjoy the outdoors!
Of course, you can get very adventurous and go after sports such as kayaking, climbing or cross country skiing. You might not be able to do all of these depending on where you live, but you probably have access to at least one.
Or take advantage of everyday activities you might normally avoid. Some of those chores can also be a great workout. Many dread the first sign of winter because they know it means shoveling the driveway. What a great workout this can be, though, for your arms, legs, your entire body. Same goes for raking leaves. If you get ambitious, you could volunteer to do it for your neighbor too!
These are just a few ideas and examples to get the fun and adventure back in your workout. The key is to find whatever gets you excited and give it a shot!
-- By Zach Van Hart, SparkPeople Contributor
Remember playing baseball or soccer as a youngster? Getting together with your friends after school or on a Saturday afternoon and playing for hours at a time? Now what was the point of playing? To get in a good workout, or just to have fun?
Now think of today. Do you frequently find an excuse not to go to the gym, or just wake up and tell yourself you don’t really need to run today? Could it be that you’re missing some of the fun? That’s right, FUN! Did you forget about having fun with exercise?
Somewhere between constant visits to the overcrowded gym and waking up at 6 a.m. to go walking or running, fun may have taken a backseat. Sadly enough, we probably do not even realize our workouts are lacking the fun we used to enjoy on the ball field when we were younger. Now is a better time than ever to get that feeling back, and start jumping at the chance to workout.
First off, workouts do not have to consist of just lifting weights or running around the neighborhood. Who says you can’t still play baseball or soccer? There are recreational leagues for all ages and abilities all over the place. Maybe you can get your spouse involved and find a co-ed team. There are plenty of leagues out there too – tennis, basketball, and many more! Keep your eyes peeled and you’re sure to find one to your liking.
A fitness goldmine is the local park. What can you do at the park except walk the dog, you ask? How about hiking, rollerblading, biking, mountain biking, and canoeing to name a few, all of which are great exercise. And instead of being stuck inside a cramped, sweaty gym, you get to enjoy the outdoors!
Of course, you can get very adventurous and go after sports such as kayaking, climbing or cross country skiing. You might not be able to do all of these depending on where you live, but you probably have access to at least one.
Or take advantage of everyday activities you might normally avoid. Some of those chores can also be a great workout. Many dread the first sign of winter because they know it means shoveling the driveway. What a great workout this can be, though, for your arms, legs, your entire body. Same goes for raking leaves. If you get ambitious, you could volunteer to do it for your neighbor too!
These are just a few ideas and examples to get the fun and adventure back in your workout. The key is to find whatever gets you excited and give it a shot!
-- By Zach Van Hart, SparkPeople Contributor
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Take Five: 7 Five-Ingredient Suppers
A few key ingredients will help you cook up healthy, simple suppers the whole family will love.
Pantry Staples
In addition to the five ingredients, the recipes on these pages use a few staples already in your kitchen. Here's what you need:
-- Nonstick cooking spray
-- Extra virgin olive oil
-- Low-sodium chicken broth
-- Reduced-sodium soy sauce
-- Salt
-- Black pepper
-- Dried oregano
-- Garlic powder
Veggie-Stuffed Calzone
Take some prepared dough, add pesto, veggies, and cheese, and voila! A hearty, healthy take on an Italian staple.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- pound frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup prepared basil pesto
- cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
- tablespoon grated Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Form the thawed bread dough into a ball and then roll out into a 15-inch circle. Spread the pesto over dough to within 1/2 inch of the edge.
Place the vegetables on one half of the dough and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with the mozzarella.
Fold dough over vegetables and pinch around the edge to seal. Transfer the calzone to prepared baking sheet, mist with cooking spray and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing into wedges.
Grilled Halibut with Papaya-Citrus Slaw
Fresh fish seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper and then grilled. Served with a slightly sweet coleslaw mix.
Ingredients
- 10-ounce package coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- cups (about 3 pounds) chopped fresh papaya or mango, peeled and seeded
- 11-ounce can mandarin oranges in light syrup
- tablespoons light mayonnaise
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6-ounce halibut fillets
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, papaya and mandarin oranges with syrup and mayonnaise. Toss gently to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper and set aside.
Set a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the halibut fillets with the olive oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Add fish to pan and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Serve halibut on top of the papaya-citrus slaw.
Peanutty Thai Noodles with Sugar Snap Peas
Peanut butter packs protein and healthy fat into this simple but tasty noodle dish.
Ingredients
- ounces thin rice noodles
- cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky
- tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- cups fresh or frozen sugar snap peas, thawed if frozen
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions
Soak the rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes; drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, peanut butter and soy sauce. Set pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add noodles and the sugar snap peas; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until peas are crisp-tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat; stir in the cilantro. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Drizzle the lime juice over the top.
Roasted Chicken with Olives, Feta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A chicken dish with a Greek twist served over warm orzo
Ingredients
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup pitted chopped Kalamata olives (about 10)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
- 3/4 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- cups cooked whole-wheat orzo
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spread the oil over the bottom of a shallow roasting pan.
Place the chicken in the pan and season the top of each breast with the oregano and salt and black pepper to taste. Top chicken with the olives, feta and sun-dried tomatoes. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
Serve chicken with the orzo.
Hoisin-Glazed Scallops with Grilled Zucchini
Fiber-rich brown rice topped with extra-large sea scallops pan-seared in an Asian marinade.
Ingredients
- pounds fresh or frozen extra-large sea scallops, thawed if frozen
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- tablespoons prepared hoisin sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
- cups cooked brown rice
Directions
Rinse the scallops and pat dry with a paper towel; season to taste with salt and black pepper. Heat 3 teaspoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add scallops and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Brush tops and sides of scallops with the hoisin sauce and drizzle the lime juice over them. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more or until scallops are opaque and cooked through.
Using a slotted spoon, remove scallops from pan and transfer to a serving plate. Simmer remaining liquid 1 to 2 minutes, until it reduces and develops the consistency of thick syrup; set aside.
Set a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the zucchini halves with remaining oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Grill zucchini 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and tender. Spoon reduced liquid over scallops and serve with the rice and zucchini.
Seared Pork Chops with Orange-Chipotle Glaze
Slightly spicy lean pork with Yukon Gold smashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 2-inch chunks
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup orange marmalade
- tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- tablespoon minced chipotle chilies in adobo sauce with 1 teaspoon sauce
- 4-ounce boneless pork loin chops
Directions
Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan and fill with water until just covered. Set pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain, return potatoes to pan, add 3 teaspoons of the oil and mash until just chunky. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
In a medium bowl, combine the orange marmalade, cilantro and chipotle chilies with adobo sauce. Set aside.
Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and black pepper to taste; add to pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove pork from pan; set aside.
Add orange marmalade mixture to the pan. Simmer, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture thickens and reduces slightly.
Return pork chops to pan and cook 1 minute or until tender but still slightly pink in the middle.
Spoon glaze over the pork and serve with smashed potatoes
Pepper-Crusted Grilled Flank Steak
Spinach mayonnaise adds a burst of flavor to grilled steak with yummy roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- Salt
- Coarsely ground black pepper
- flank steak (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- cup packed fresh baby spinach leaves
- teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Mist the chopped sweet potatoes with cooking spray, season to taste with salt and black pepper and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and tender.
Set a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the steak with the oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Add steak to pan; cook 5 minutes per side for medium. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
In a food processor or blender, combine the mayonnaise, spinach, mustard and garlic powder. Process until smooth.
Serve steak slices with spinach mayonnaise and roasted sweet potatoes.
Enjoy
Pantry Staples
In addition to the five ingredients, the recipes on these pages use a few staples already in your kitchen. Here's what you need:
-- Nonstick cooking spray
-- Extra virgin olive oil
-- Low-sodium chicken broth
-- Reduced-sodium soy sauce
-- Salt
-- Black pepper
-- Dried oregano
-- Garlic powder
Veggie-Stuffed Calzone
Take some prepared dough, add pesto, veggies, and cheese, and voila! A hearty, healthy take on an Italian staple.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- pound frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup prepared basil pesto
- cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
- tablespoon grated Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Form the thawed bread dough into a ball and then roll out into a 15-inch circle. Spread the pesto over dough to within 1/2 inch of the edge.
Place the vegetables on one half of the dough and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with the mozzarella.
Fold dough over vegetables and pinch around the edge to seal. Transfer the calzone to prepared baking sheet, mist with cooking spray and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing into wedges.
Grilled Halibut with Papaya-Citrus Slaw
Fresh fish seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper and then grilled. Served with a slightly sweet coleslaw mix.
Ingredients
- 10-ounce package coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- cups (about 3 pounds) chopped fresh papaya or mango, peeled and seeded
- 11-ounce can mandarin oranges in light syrup
- tablespoons light mayonnaise
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6-ounce halibut fillets
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, papaya and mandarin oranges with syrup and mayonnaise. Toss gently to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper and set aside.
Set a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the halibut fillets with the olive oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Add fish to pan and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Serve halibut on top of the papaya-citrus slaw.
Peanutty Thai Noodles with Sugar Snap Peas
Peanut butter packs protein and healthy fat into this simple but tasty noodle dish.
Ingredients
- ounces thin rice noodles
- cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky
- tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- cups fresh or frozen sugar snap peas, thawed if frozen
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions
Soak the rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes; drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, peanut butter and soy sauce. Set pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add noodles and the sugar snap peas; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until peas are crisp-tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat; stir in the cilantro. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Drizzle the lime juice over the top.
Roasted Chicken with Olives, Feta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A chicken dish with a Greek twist served over warm orzo
Ingredients
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup pitted chopped Kalamata olives (about 10)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
- 3/4 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- cups cooked whole-wheat orzo
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spread the oil over the bottom of a shallow roasting pan.
Place the chicken in the pan and season the top of each breast with the oregano and salt and black pepper to taste. Top chicken with the olives, feta and sun-dried tomatoes. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
Serve chicken with the orzo.
Hoisin-Glazed Scallops with Grilled Zucchini
Fiber-rich brown rice topped with extra-large sea scallops pan-seared in an Asian marinade.
Ingredients
- pounds fresh or frozen extra-large sea scallops, thawed if frozen
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- tablespoons prepared hoisin sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
- cups cooked brown rice
Directions
Rinse the scallops and pat dry with a paper towel; season to taste with salt and black pepper. Heat 3 teaspoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add scallops and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Brush tops and sides of scallops with the hoisin sauce and drizzle the lime juice over them. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more or until scallops are opaque and cooked through.
Using a slotted spoon, remove scallops from pan and transfer to a serving plate. Simmer remaining liquid 1 to 2 minutes, until it reduces and develops the consistency of thick syrup; set aside.
Set a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the zucchini halves with remaining oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Grill zucchini 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and tender. Spoon reduced liquid over scallops and serve with the rice and zucchini.
Seared Pork Chops with Orange-Chipotle Glaze
Slightly spicy lean pork with Yukon Gold smashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 2-inch chunks
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup orange marmalade
- tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- tablespoon minced chipotle chilies in adobo sauce with 1 teaspoon sauce
- 4-ounce boneless pork loin chops
Directions
Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan and fill with water until just covered. Set pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain, return potatoes to pan, add 3 teaspoons of the oil and mash until just chunky. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
In a medium bowl, combine the orange marmalade, cilantro and chipotle chilies with adobo sauce. Set aside.
Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and black pepper to taste; add to pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove pork from pan; set aside.
Add orange marmalade mixture to the pan. Simmer, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture thickens and reduces slightly.
Return pork chops to pan and cook 1 minute or until tender but still slightly pink in the middle.
Spoon glaze over the pork and serve with smashed potatoes
Pepper-Crusted Grilled Flank Steak
Spinach mayonnaise adds a burst of flavor to grilled steak with yummy roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- Salt
- Coarsely ground black pepper
- flank steak (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- cup packed fresh baby spinach leaves
- teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Mist the chopped sweet potatoes with cooking spray, season to taste with salt and black pepper and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and tender.
Set a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the steak with the oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Add steak to pan; cook 5 minutes per side for medium. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
In a food processor or blender, combine the mayonnaise, spinach, mustard and garlic powder. Process until smooth.
Serve steak slices with spinach mayonnaise and roasted sweet potatoes.
Enjoy
Monday, March 21, 2011
Cut 120 Calories Daily with Ziplock Bags
Is a box of plastic sandwich bags all you need to easily shave 120 calories from each day? Research suggests it may be so.
As long as you use those bags to divide up your snacks -- be they nuts, pretzels, crackers, or popcorn -- into small servings. About 100 calories per bag. In a recent study, people whose snacks came prepackaged in low-calorie portions ate about 120 fewer calories each day compared with folks who munched from larger packages.
Mini-Snack Strategy
More and more research has shown that when people are presented with large servings of food, they typically don't know when to say when. The larger the serving size offered, the more people tend to eat, going so far as to completely empty an overloaded plate or jumbo snack bag even though they'd feel satisfied with a smaller portion. So when you make an effort to eat less and slim down, keep in mind that it really starts with your serving spoon, not your dinner fork. (Here's another important way you can set the scene for self-control in the kitchen.)
Don't Supersize Me
Divvying up snacks into little bags is one strategy for controlling the munchies. You could also make it a habit of serving yourself snacks in a small bowl or on a plate rather than eating from the bag or the box. Measure out a reasonable portion, and leave the package or container in the kitchen. For chocolates, cookies, or candies, stick them in the freezer and thaw only one portion at a time. Better yet, you can put together a week's worth of your own healthful, homemade 100-calorie snacks. Watch this video for more tips on easy portion control.
realage.com
As long as you use those bags to divide up your snacks -- be they nuts, pretzels, crackers, or popcorn -- into small servings. About 100 calories per bag. In a recent study, people whose snacks came prepackaged in low-calorie portions ate about 120 fewer calories each day compared with folks who munched from larger packages.
Mini-Snack Strategy
More and more research has shown that when people are presented with large servings of food, they typically don't know when to say when. The larger the serving size offered, the more people tend to eat, going so far as to completely empty an overloaded plate or jumbo snack bag even though they'd feel satisfied with a smaller portion. So when you make an effort to eat less and slim down, keep in mind that it really starts with your serving spoon, not your dinner fork. (Here's another important way you can set the scene for self-control in the kitchen.)
Don't Supersize Me
Divvying up snacks into little bags is one strategy for controlling the munchies. You could also make it a habit of serving yourself snacks in a small bowl or on a plate rather than eating from the bag or the box. Measure out a reasonable portion, and leave the package or container in the kitchen. For chocolates, cookies, or candies, stick them in the freezer and thaw only one portion at a time. Better yet, you can put together a week's worth of your own healthful, homemade 100-calorie snacks. Watch this video for more tips on easy portion control.
realage.com
Friday, March 18, 2011
Big Breakfasts for Big Results
Breakfast. It seems like forever since Mom told us breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but one study shows it's actually true—she wasn't just nagging us. Breakfast is a key component of weight management: A study presented at the 90th annual meeting of the Endocrine Society showed that participants who consumed large breakfasts high in protein and carbohydrates followed by a low-carb, low calorie diet for the rest of the day lost almost five times as much weight as the participants who followed a low-carb, high-protein diet throughout the day. So what's the big deal about breakfast? And what is a big breakfast anyway? It doesn't seem like the lumberjack special at the local diner would do much to get the pounds off, so what should we be eating?
The study supported the idea that when we wake up in the morning, our bodies want food. You've burned through all the fuel from the previous day, and now your body's ready to burn anything—even muscle—to get a jump-start on the day. And if you skip breakfast, muscle is indeed what your body will burn. Later in the day, your brain is still in starvation mode from breakfast (or lack thereof), so your body will store all the calories you eat as adipose tissue, or fat, to save up for the next day when you try to starve it again. This study also found that levels of serotonin, the chemical responsible for controlling cravings, were much higher in the morning, which is why breakfast is the meal so many of us are willing to skip. But if our bodies are left unfed, our serotonin levels drop, and our bodies' craving for sweets begin to rise throughout the day.
But before you hit McDonald's for their 800-calorie Big Breakfast, or worse, their 1,150-calorie Deluxe Breakfast, or swing by Denny's for a 740-calorie Grand Slam or 950-calorie All-American Slam with hash browns, keep in mind, these weren't the breakfasts the study participants consumed. The big-breakfast group had a 610-calorie breakfast as part of a 1,240-calorie day. Breakfasts included milk, lean meat, cheese, whole grains, a serving of healthy fat, and one ounce of chocolate or candy to defray the craving for sweets. The other group's participants consumed 1,085 calories per day as part of a high-protein, low-carb diet; only 290 of their daily calories were consumed at breakfast. Both groups were on their respective diets for eight months. The high-protein group lost an average of nine pounds, but the big-breakfast group lost an average of 40 pounds. And, perhaps not surprisingly, the big-breakfast group complained less about cravings and hunger.
The big-breakfast group's breakfast consisted of 58 grams of carbs, 47 grams of protein, and 22 grams of fat. Study reviewers attribute some of the success of the big-breakfast group to the fact that the protein and healthy fats eaten kept the participants full and reduced cravings. They also said that nutritional requirements were well met and that there weren't empty calories consumed, because the breakfasts included lots of whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy unsaturated fats. So bad news for the lumberjack-special devotees—a big plate of greasy hash browns, bacon, and biscuits with gravy isn't going to get the job done, unless the job we're discussing is clogging your arteries.
Here are some healthy big breakfasts, similar to the ones consumed by the study's participants.
Chicken and the Egg
2 large eggs, scrambled2 slices whole wheat toast1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled1 grapefruit
589 calories, 52 grams carbohydrates, 48 grams protein, 19 grams fat, 5.5 grams saturated fat, 12 grams fiber.
Oats 'n' Berries Breakfast
1 packet plain instant oatmeal, prepared, with 1 scoop protein powder1 cup fresh blueberries3 oz. roasted turkey breast1 large hard-boiled egg1 oz. dark chocolate
631 calories, 62 grams carbohydrates, 47 grams protein, 21 grams fat. 8 grams saturated fat, 10 grams fiber.
Two Egg Sandwiches
2 whole wheat English muffins, toasted2 large poached eggs2 slices low-fat Swiss cheese2 slices Canadian bacon, grilled
597 calories, 57 grams carbohydrates, 45 grams protein, 13 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 8 grams fiber.
Vegetarian Breakfast
1 cup cottage cheese (2% milk fat)1 cup sliced peaches, canned in juice, not syrup1 slice whole wheat toast1/2 avocado2 vegetarian sausage links, cooked
621 calories, 62.5 grams carbohydrates, 47 grams protein, 26.5 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 16.5 grams fiber.
Pescetarian Breakfast
1 6-oz. can light tuna, canned in water, drained2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (preferably olive oil- or canola oil-based)2 slices whole wheat toast1 oz. dark chocolate
592 calories, 45 grams carbohydrates, 51 grams protein, 22 grams fat, 7 grams saturated fat, 10 grams fiber.
By Joe Wilkes , beachbody.com
The study supported the idea that when we wake up in the morning, our bodies want food. You've burned through all the fuel from the previous day, and now your body's ready to burn anything—even muscle—to get a jump-start on the day. And if you skip breakfast, muscle is indeed what your body will burn. Later in the day, your brain is still in starvation mode from breakfast (or lack thereof), so your body will store all the calories you eat as adipose tissue, or fat, to save up for the next day when you try to starve it again. This study also found that levels of serotonin, the chemical responsible for controlling cravings, were much higher in the morning, which is why breakfast is the meal so many of us are willing to skip. But if our bodies are left unfed, our serotonin levels drop, and our bodies' craving for sweets begin to rise throughout the day.
But before you hit McDonald's for their 800-calorie Big Breakfast, or worse, their 1,150-calorie Deluxe Breakfast, or swing by Denny's for a 740-calorie Grand Slam or 950-calorie All-American Slam with hash browns, keep in mind, these weren't the breakfasts the study participants consumed. The big-breakfast group had a 610-calorie breakfast as part of a 1,240-calorie day. Breakfasts included milk, lean meat, cheese, whole grains, a serving of healthy fat, and one ounce of chocolate or candy to defray the craving for sweets. The other group's participants consumed 1,085 calories per day as part of a high-protein, low-carb diet; only 290 of their daily calories were consumed at breakfast. Both groups were on their respective diets for eight months. The high-protein group lost an average of nine pounds, but the big-breakfast group lost an average of 40 pounds. And, perhaps not surprisingly, the big-breakfast group complained less about cravings and hunger.
The big-breakfast group's breakfast consisted of 58 grams of carbs, 47 grams of protein, and 22 grams of fat. Study reviewers attribute some of the success of the big-breakfast group to the fact that the protein and healthy fats eaten kept the participants full and reduced cravings. They also said that nutritional requirements were well met and that there weren't empty calories consumed, because the breakfasts included lots of whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy unsaturated fats. So bad news for the lumberjack-special devotees—a big plate of greasy hash browns, bacon, and biscuits with gravy isn't going to get the job done, unless the job we're discussing is clogging your arteries.
Here are some healthy big breakfasts, similar to the ones consumed by the study's participants.
Chicken and the Egg
2 large eggs, scrambled2 slices whole wheat toast1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled1 grapefruit
589 calories, 52 grams carbohydrates, 48 grams protein, 19 grams fat, 5.5 grams saturated fat, 12 grams fiber.
Oats 'n' Berries Breakfast
1 packet plain instant oatmeal, prepared, with 1 scoop protein powder1 cup fresh blueberries3 oz. roasted turkey breast1 large hard-boiled egg1 oz. dark chocolate
631 calories, 62 grams carbohydrates, 47 grams protein, 21 grams fat. 8 grams saturated fat, 10 grams fiber.
Two Egg Sandwiches
2 whole wheat English muffins, toasted2 large poached eggs2 slices low-fat Swiss cheese2 slices Canadian bacon, grilled
597 calories, 57 grams carbohydrates, 45 grams protein, 13 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 8 grams fiber.
Vegetarian Breakfast
1 cup cottage cheese (2% milk fat)1 cup sliced peaches, canned in juice, not syrup1 slice whole wheat toast1/2 avocado2 vegetarian sausage links, cooked
621 calories, 62.5 grams carbohydrates, 47 grams protein, 26.5 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 16.5 grams fiber.
Pescetarian Breakfast
1 6-oz. can light tuna, canned in water, drained2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (preferably olive oil- or canola oil-based)2 slices whole wheat toast1 oz. dark chocolate
592 calories, 45 grams carbohydrates, 51 grams protein, 22 grams fat, 7 grams saturated fat, 10 grams fiber.
By Joe Wilkes , beachbody.com
Thursday, March 17, 2011
14 Super Foods to Help you Loose Weight
The truth is you can lose weight eating just about any food. A nutrition professor at Kansas State
University famously demonstrated this when he lost 27 pounds eating Twinkies alone.
Although it's possible to lose weight eating almost anything, some foods make it really difficult. Why? Because these foods create self-sustaining cravings. (A fact you're familiar with if you've ever consumed three too many bowls of cereal in one sitting). Processed carbs—like cereal, desserts, potato chips, pasta and bread—wreak havoc on your blood sugar, the appetite centers in the brain, and, ultimately, your waistline.
Some foods, however, do just the opposite. The following items pack a ton of nutrition into a relatively small number of calories while filling you up at the same time. Plus, every one of them has the added advantage of stabilizing your blood sugar, making it far less likely that you'll go on a waist-busting binge.
Rather than focusing on what not to eat, try building your diet around foods like the ones below. The only "side-effect" of this weight-loss plan is a major improvement in your overall health and well being.
Beans: Fiber is the secret weapon in weight-control. It fills you up and prevents the blood sugar spikes that frequently lead to further hunger. No food on the planet supplies as much fiber as beans, typically 12 to 17 grams per cup. Beans are also a great source of protein and antioxidants. Research on the four areas of the globe (called "Blue Zones") where people routinely live to 100 in good health shows that beans are a staple in all of their diets.
Pumpkin: You may only know this vegetable for its central role in Thanksgiving celebrations, but it's also a fabulous weight-loss food. Plain old canned pumpkin is absolutely loaded with fiber (a whopping eight grams per serving). It's filling, it's delicious and it's one of the easiest foods in the world to prepare.
Grapefruit: Turns out there may be a grain of truth to the infamous "grapefruit diet." In a recent study at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, researchers found that eating half a grapefruit before every meal helped people drop weight. As an added benefit, grapefruit contains cancerfighting compounds, and red grapefruit has been shown to help lower triglycerides. Half of a grapefruit has only 39 calories. What's not to love?
Grass-Fed Beef: Meat is a great weight-loss food, but for a nutritionist, it's difficult to recommend, as it's so often loaded with antibiotics, steroids and hormones. Get grass-fed and avoid the unhealthy additives while reaping all the benefits. Higher protein diets are associated with weight loss for a variety of reasons: protein stimulates the metabolism, helps you feel fuller longer and decreases the desire to overeat. Additionally, grass-fed beef has higher levels of anti-inflammatories, a big plus for
runners.
Green Tea: Green tea is the ultimate weight loss beverage as it raises the metabolism by speeding up the rate at which fat is oxidized or "burned" in the cells. Added bonuses: green tea is rich in antioxidants, promotes heart health, aids digestion and can even help regulate blood sugar. Green tea also contains a natural relaxant, so it won't make you as jittery as coffee.
Sardines: These little fish are one of the biggest health bargains of all time, and they're definitely a boon to anyone who wants to lose weight. Why? First, sardines are loaded with protein. Second, they're a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost mood and strengthen the cardiovascular system. (Not to mention making hair, skin and nails look better!) Third, sardines are convenient, easy to find and cheap.
Blueberries: Berries are one food that virtually all nutritionists agree upon; they're on everybody's list of super foods. They're very low in calories, extremely rich in nutrients, high in fiber and best of all, have a minimal impact on your blood sugar. Blueberries, in particular, contain a plant compound shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties, and they boast the highest antioxidant rating of any fruit.
Nuts: Nuts are often given a bad rap as a "fattening" food. While nuts are high in calories and probably shouldn't be eaten by the fistful, a moderate intake won't cause weight gain. In the Nurses' Health Study, frequent nut consumers were actually thinner than those who didn't indulge. The "magic" amount seems to be five ounces per week. Also, a number of studies have shown that nuts can lower your risk of heart disease dramatically.
Apples: The apple's reputation for keeping you out of the doctor's office is well deserved. This fruit is loaded with fiber. Here's a great trick that will help you keep your weight down permanently: if you're about to go out to a party or meal where you may be tempted to overindulge, eat an apple with a glass of water half an hour before arriving. It's one of the greatest natural appetite suppressants on the planet.
Coconut Oil: This superb oil has long been neglected by health nuts because it contains saturated fat. But don't worry; the saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind, which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also has a natural antiviral and anti-microbial component to help you stay healthy.
Guava: This tropical fruit is a super-food sleeper. With a taste that's been described as "part strawberry, part pear," this vitamin-rich fruit contains eight grams of fiber to aid in weight management and digestion. And in one widely used test of antioxidant power in fruits, guava scored second only to blueberries. Guava also contains the same cancer-fighting ingredient found in tomatoes.
Kale: Kale is a member of the Brassica family, vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among its relatives. It's rich in potent cancer-fighting substances, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale helps the liver detoxify carcinogens and other harmful substances. It also has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is extremely low in calories.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added benefit of weight-controlling fiber. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain nutrients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their disease-preventing properties.
Eggs: Choosing eggs for breakfast helps manage hunger while lowering calorie consumption throughout the day. And feel free to ease up on the egg-white omelets. The yolk is loaded with good stuff that helps support brain and eye function. The small amount of fat in the yolk contributes mightily to the feeling of sustained fullness and satisfaction. Don't be afraid of it.
livestrong.com
University famously demonstrated this when he lost 27 pounds eating Twinkies alone.
Although it's possible to lose weight eating almost anything, some foods make it really difficult. Why? Because these foods create self-sustaining cravings. (A fact you're familiar with if you've ever consumed three too many bowls of cereal in one sitting). Processed carbs—like cereal, desserts, potato chips, pasta and bread—wreak havoc on your blood sugar, the appetite centers in the brain, and, ultimately, your waistline.
Some foods, however, do just the opposite. The following items pack a ton of nutrition into a relatively small number of calories while filling you up at the same time. Plus, every one of them has the added advantage of stabilizing your blood sugar, making it far less likely that you'll go on a waist-busting binge.
Rather than focusing on what not to eat, try building your diet around foods like the ones below. The only "side-effect" of this weight-loss plan is a major improvement in your overall health and well being.
Beans: Fiber is the secret weapon in weight-control. It fills you up and prevents the blood sugar spikes that frequently lead to further hunger. No food on the planet supplies as much fiber as beans, typically 12 to 17 grams per cup. Beans are also a great source of protein and antioxidants. Research on the four areas of the globe (called "Blue Zones") where people routinely live to 100 in good health shows that beans are a staple in all of their diets.
Pumpkin: You may only know this vegetable for its central role in Thanksgiving celebrations, but it's also a fabulous weight-loss food. Plain old canned pumpkin is absolutely loaded with fiber (a whopping eight grams per serving). It's filling, it's delicious and it's one of the easiest foods in the world to prepare.
Grapefruit: Turns out there may be a grain of truth to the infamous "grapefruit diet." In a recent study at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, researchers found that eating half a grapefruit before every meal helped people drop weight. As an added benefit, grapefruit contains cancerfighting compounds, and red grapefruit has been shown to help lower triglycerides. Half of a grapefruit has only 39 calories. What's not to love?
Grass-Fed Beef: Meat is a great weight-loss food, but for a nutritionist, it's difficult to recommend, as it's so often loaded with antibiotics, steroids and hormones. Get grass-fed and avoid the unhealthy additives while reaping all the benefits. Higher protein diets are associated with weight loss for a variety of reasons: protein stimulates the metabolism, helps you feel fuller longer and decreases the desire to overeat. Additionally, grass-fed beef has higher levels of anti-inflammatories, a big plus for
runners.
Green Tea: Green tea is the ultimate weight loss beverage as it raises the metabolism by speeding up the rate at which fat is oxidized or "burned" in the cells. Added bonuses: green tea is rich in antioxidants, promotes heart health, aids digestion and can even help regulate blood sugar. Green tea also contains a natural relaxant, so it won't make you as jittery as coffee.
Sardines: These little fish are one of the biggest health bargains of all time, and they're definitely a boon to anyone who wants to lose weight. Why? First, sardines are loaded with protein. Second, they're a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost mood and strengthen the cardiovascular system. (Not to mention making hair, skin and nails look better!) Third, sardines are convenient, easy to find and cheap.
Blueberries: Berries are one food that virtually all nutritionists agree upon; they're on everybody's list of super foods. They're very low in calories, extremely rich in nutrients, high in fiber and best of all, have a minimal impact on your blood sugar. Blueberries, in particular, contain a plant compound shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties, and they boast the highest antioxidant rating of any fruit.
Nuts: Nuts are often given a bad rap as a "fattening" food. While nuts are high in calories and probably shouldn't be eaten by the fistful, a moderate intake won't cause weight gain. In the Nurses' Health Study, frequent nut consumers were actually thinner than those who didn't indulge. The "magic" amount seems to be five ounces per week. Also, a number of studies have shown that nuts can lower your risk of heart disease dramatically.
Apples: The apple's reputation for keeping you out of the doctor's office is well deserved. This fruit is loaded with fiber. Here's a great trick that will help you keep your weight down permanently: if you're about to go out to a party or meal where you may be tempted to overindulge, eat an apple with a glass of water half an hour before arriving. It's one of the greatest natural appetite suppressants on the planet.
Coconut Oil: This superb oil has long been neglected by health nuts because it contains saturated fat. But don't worry; the saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind, which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also has a natural antiviral and anti-microbial component to help you stay healthy.
Guava: This tropical fruit is a super-food sleeper. With a taste that's been described as "part strawberry, part pear," this vitamin-rich fruit contains eight grams of fiber to aid in weight management and digestion. And in one widely used test of antioxidant power in fruits, guava scored second only to blueberries. Guava also contains the same cancer-fighting ingredient found in tomatoes.
Kale: Kale is a member of the Brassica family, vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among its relatives. It's rich in potent cancer-fighting substances, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale helps the liver detoxify carcinogens and other harmful substances. It also has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is extremely low in calories.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added benefit of weight-controlling fiber. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain nutrients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their disease-preventing properties.
Eggs: Choosing eggs for breakfast helps manage hunger while lowering calorie consumption throughout the day. And feel free to ease up on the egg-white omelets. The yolk is loaded with good stuff that helps support brain and eye function. The small amount of fat in the yolk contributes mightily to the feeling of sustained fullness and satisfaction. Don't be afraid of it.
livestrong.com
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Worst Reasons To Workout....
Stay Motivated by Exercising for the Right Reasons
We all have our own reasons for working out. And while all reasons have merit (and there is nothing wrong with wanting to feel good about the reflection you see in the mirror), some reasons for hitting the gym are definitely better and more motivating than others.
In fact, the goals you set and the reasons why you work out help set the tone for your entire lifestyle and can even play a role in your long-term health and success. Of course, it is recommended that you choose empowering and uplifting reasons to lose weight and work out.
Here are five common reasons people exercise that might seem positive at first glance but can actually be unhealthy or destructive. If you fall into one (or more) of these categories, don't despair! We have included better reasons to work out that will help you flip your thoughts into a more motivating direction.
The 5 Worst Reasons to Work Out
Because you feel fat. Do you hit the gym hard the morning after a night of unhealthy eating to help you undo the previous night's damage? While a good bout of exercise can get you back on track, what you don't want to do is punish yourself with exercise. Working out shouldn't feel like torture or used as a way to right your wrongs when it comes to food. When you do that, you're completely missing how awesome exercise is for your health and well-being—and you could be on a slippery slope that leads to more serious food and fitness issues (such as exercise bulimia).
Better reason: Exercise to feel strong and energetic. Instead of punishing yourself by overdoing your workouts, focus on how great exercise makes you feel. From feeling strong and energetic to perking up your mood and improving your health, moving your body is more than a way to burn calories—it helps you take care of yourself inside and out!
To eat whatever you want. If your sole motivation to work out is to help make up for your regular fast food or dessert habit, it's time to re-examine your priorities. Sure, working out can allow you to offset the calories of indulging in more food, but it's much easier to overeat calories than it is to burn them off. In fact, it takes about an hour of jogging to burn off just one Big Mac (and that doesn't include the fries and soda). Not to mention that exercise can't always undo the negative health effects of a poor diet. Sweets and other junk foods don't give you all the vitamins and minerals you need to reach your fitness goals, either.
Better reason: Exercise to indulge occasionally in your favorite treats. Instead of exercising to eat whatever you want, think of it as a way to support your healthy lifestyle by boosting your health and happiness—not trying to outsmart a bad diet. You'll still be able to enjoy a treat now and again without worrying so much about the extra calories, but the key is to make those treats occasional—not the norm.
To run away from your problems. We all come across problems and stress in our lives, and exercise can be a good stress reducer. But if you're using exercise as a way to escape and run away from all of your problems, you may be asking for trouble. Exercise alone won't solve everything; you must deal with life's stuggles directly.
Better reason: Exercise to be better equipped to handle problems as they arise. Instead of running away from your problems, use your work out time to clear your head for a while or use the time to think through any issues you may be facing. Sometimes, when you're engaged in physical activity, a new solution or idea will come to you that you can then implement in your life to resolve issues. But remember to use exercise as an outlet for improving your life—not a way to stick your head in the sand to avoid your thoughts and feelings.
To energize when you're lacking sleep. Exercise is known as a natural energy booster, but if you're using workouts as a way to get going when you're not getting enough sleep in the first place, you could be doing your body more harm than good. Without proper rest, you could experience the effects of overtraining, which can break down your muscles and make you weaker. Not to mention that too many sleepless nights have many adverse health effects; from weight gain to an elevated risk of heart disease. Add strenuous exercise on top of poor sleeping habits, and your body could view your workouts as yet another stressor.
Better reason: Exercise to improve your overall health, including the quality of your sleep. It's so important to respect your body and give yourself the rest it needs. Instead of amping yourself up with exercise, work out because you want to improve your overall health, happiness, and sleep. Research shows that exercise can improve sleep patterns, so start focusing on the positives instead of using exercise as a quick fix to get through your day. If you have to make a tough choice between sleeping a few extra hours or exercising, choose sleep most of the time so you can meet your body's daily 7-8 hour quota; choose the gym over adequate sleep too often, and your body may not benefit in the way you hope!
To get skinny. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good, and exercise can help you get there. But if you view exercise as nothing more than a means to fit into a certain size, you could be sabotaging yourself. Regardless of body size or weight, working out is a must for everyone! If you view exercise as a temporary fix, a chore to achieve your dream body, or if you're exercising in extreme amounts or intensities in order to "get skinny", you must change your mentality. These are unhealthy reasons to exercise that are simply not sustainable. If you choose to go this route, the only thing you'll end up with is a major motivation problem.
Better reason: Exercise—at any weight—because it's good for you. Exercise isn't just for people who need to lose weight—even "skinny" people need to work out for their health and well-being! So, instead of focusing your workouts on looking a certain way or being a certain size, refocus on finding workouts that you enjoy—you will then stick with them for the long haul. This goes for intensity, too. If you can't keep up with long workouts five days every week, switch to something that you can maintain as part of your healthy lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with working out to feel more confident about your body—but it's not the only reason to do it. Come up with a list of exercise benefits that matter to you, and think of them when your motivation is low—or when your body isn't responding the way you'd like. Because even then, you will still benefit and reach other fitness goals.
Working out for the right reasons will not only help your body reach optimal health, but your emotional health will benefit too. So, the next time you head to the gym because you "feel fat" or want to undo some hefty eating, think about the real reason you're working out—to improve the quality and longevity of your life!
By Jennipher Walters, Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor, SparkPeople
We all have our own reasons for working out. And while all reasons have merit (and there is nothing wrong with wanting to feel good about the reflection you see in the mirror), some reasons for hitting the gym are definitely better and more motivating than others.
In fact, the goals you set and the reasons why you work out help set the tone for your entire lifestyle and can even play a role in your long-term health and success. Of course, it is recommended that you choose empowering and uplifting reasons to lose weight and work out.
Here are five common reasons people exercise that might seem positive at first glance but can actually be unhealthy or destructive. If you fall into one (or more) of these categories, don't despair! We have included better reasons to work out that will help you flip your thoughts into a more motivating direction.
The 5 Worst Reasons to Work Out
Because you feel fat. Do you hit the gym hard the morning after a night of unhealthy eating to help you undo the previous night's damage? While a good bout of exercise can get you back on track, what you don't want to do is punish yourself with exercise. Working out shouldn't feel like torture or used as a way to right your wrongs when it comes to food. When you do that, you're completely missing how awesome exercise is for your health and well-being—and you could be on a slippery slope that leads to more serious food and fitness issues (such as exercise bulimia).
Better reason: Exercise to feel strong and energetic. Instead of punishing yourself by overdoing your workouts, focus on how great exercise makes you feel. From feeling strong and energetic to perking up your mood and improving your health, moving your body is more than a way to burn calories—it helps you take care of yourself inside and out!
To eat whatever you want. If your sole motivation to work out is to help make up for your regular fast food or dessert habit, it's time to re-examine your priorities. Sure, working out can allow you to offset the calories of indulging in more food, but it's much easier to overeat calories than it is to burn them off. In fact, it takes about an hour of jogging to burn off just one Big Mac (and that doesn't include the fries and soda). Not to mention that exercise can't always undo the negative health effects of a poor diet. Sweets and other junk foods don't give you all the vitamins and minerals you need to reach your fitness goals, either.
Better reason: Exercise to indulge occasionally in your favorite treats. Instead of exercising to eat whatever you want, think of it as a way to support your healthy lifestyle by boosting your health and happiness—not trying to outsmart a bad diet. You'll still be able to enjoy a treat now and again without worrying so much about the extra calories, but the key is to make those treats occasional—not the norm.
To run away from your problems. We all come across problems and stress in our lives, and exercise can be a good stress reducer. But if you're using exercise as a way to escape and run away from all of your problems, you may be asking for trouble. Exercise alone won't solve everything; you must deal with life's stuggles directly.
Better reason: Exercise to be better equipped to handle problems as they arise. Instead of running away from your problems, use your work out time to clear your head for a while or use the time to think through any issues you may be facing. Sometimes, when you're engaged in physical activity, a new solution or idea will come to you that you can then implement in your life to resolve issues. But remember to use exercise as an outlet for improving your life—not a way to stick your head in the sand to avoid your thoughts and feelings.
To energize when you're lacking sleep. Exercise is known as a natural energy booster, but if you're using workouts as a way to get going when you're not getting enough sleep in the first place, you could be doing your body more harm than good. Without proper rest, you could experience the effects of overtraining, which can break down your muscles and make you weaker. Not to mention that too many sleepless nights have many adverse health effects; from weight gain to an elevated risk of heart disease. Add strenuous exercise on top of poor sleeping habits, and your body could view your workouts as yet another stressor.
Better reason: Exercise to improve your overall health, including the quality of your sleep. It's so important to respect your body and give yourself the rest it needs. Instead of amping yourself up with exercise, work out because you want to improve your overall health, happiness, and sleep. Research shows that exercise can improve sleep patterns, so start focusing on the positives instead of using exercise as a quick fix to get through your day. If you have to make a tough choice between sleeping a few extra hours or exercising, choose sleep most of the time so you can meet your body's daily 7-8 hour quota; choose the gym over adequate sleep too often, and your body may not benefit in the way you hope!
To get skinny. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good, and exercise can help you get there. But if you view exercise as nothing more than a means to fit into a certain size, you could be sabotaging yourself. Regardless of body size or weight, working out is a must for everyone! If you view exercise as a temporary fix, a chore to achieve your dream body, or if you're exercising in extreme amounts or intensities in order to "get skinny", you must change your mentality. These are unhealthy reasons to exercise that are simply not sustainable. If you choose to go this route, the only thing you'll end up with is a major motivation problem.
Better reason: Exercise—at any weight—because it's good for you. Exercise isn't just for people who need to lose weight—even "skinny" people need to work out for their health and well-being! So, instead of focusing your workouts on looking a certain way or being a certain size, refocus on finding workouts that you enjoy—you will then stick with them for the long haul. This goes for intensity, too. If you can't keep up with long workouts five days every week, switch to something that you can maintain as part of your healthy lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with working out to feel more confident about your body—but it's not the only reason to do it. Come up with a list of exercise benefits that matter to you, and think of them when your motivation is low—or when your body isn't responding the way you'd like. Because even then, you will still benefit and reach other fitness goals.
Working out for the right reasons will not only help your body reach optimal health, but your emotional health will benefit too. So, the next time you head to the gym because you "feel fat" or want to undo some hefty eating, think about the real reason you're working out—to improve the quality and longevity of your life!
By Jennipher Walters, Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor, SparkPeople
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)