Eating & Nutrition Archives Page 4 of 6

Can't Lose Weight?

Posted on February 7, 2011October 31, 2011 by floridav

Everyone wants to look and feel their very best. We have discovered that there are a number of reasons that many people find that their diet programs fail. Examining a few of these reasons can help you to better understand that you are not alone. Whether you are seeking out a new diet and work out plan, or if perhaps you are looking into Orlando medical weight loss, one or more of these reasons may have been a roadblock for you.

The plateau. Everyone?s been there before. You start a great new diet and work out plan and you see results, then suddenly, you stop, or worse, you begin to gain weight again. This can happen for a variety of reasons- but predominantly this is due to exercise. This isn?t a bad thing- either there isn?t enough physical activity going into the plan, or the physical activity begins to build muscle. So, while you may not be losing weight, you might be gaining muscle mass, which is actually beneficial to your goals. If you aren?t as physically active as you should be, have a look at this if you hit a plateau and consider adding a bit more activity to your daily routine.
Deprivation. Often, when someone is on a very structured diet plan they get to a point where they feel deprived. This is something that can be effectively combatted through finding the exact diet plan that suits your lifestyle and you needs. At our Orlando medical weight loss facility, we understand that different people have very different likes and dislikes, and we strive to structure diet plans accordingly.
Losing the weight but not keeping it off- or yo yo dieting. In many diet plans, the calories are cut too severely. This makes for a great short term weight loss, sure, however, if this is not a lifelong commitment to keeping healthy, you find that yo yo dieting begins to become an unhealthy habit. Making sure that you realize that weight loss is a lifelong commitment to continuing a healthy lifestyle once the weight is off- is vital to keeping it off.
Getting discouraged. If you don?t have the support you need, or perhaps you just gave in when temptation came calling- this is a big stumble for many when it doesn?t have to be. The occasional slip up will happen in any diet, and understanding that and having a great support and foundation for your goals can help this.
Isolation.? With so many social settings involving or even being set around food- it can feel pretty hard to make it through without some practical dieting strategies. Fortunately, many restaurants now offer lower calorie or diet specific foods in special menu sections. Also, never be afraid to ask for the lower calorie version of many of your favorite foods. Often, this means asking for roasted or baked, instead of fried.
Competition and unrealistic goals. Working with some diet plans you may feel discouraged because the advertisements you have seen show those dropping vast amounts of weight in very little time- well, there?s a reason that the disclaimer says ?results not typical?. Everyone is different and every body type is going to take it?s own time to lose the weight. Be sure you are understanding of your own body?s needs and allow yourself to go at your own pace with someone who is educated and understands that as well.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the St Cloud, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Medical Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Weight Loss Rules

Posted on January 26, 2011October 31, 2011 by floridav

There are a few basic things to know, no matter what weight loss plan you decide to choose. Having a basic understanding of these things will make most any plan you choose work out in a better way- arming yourself with knowledge can make the whole thing seem much less intimidating. Here are a few things about weight loss and the way your body processes fats, calories and creates energy as well as how your body uses the nutrients you take in.

One of the first things that you should do is to calculate your basal metabolic rate, or BMR. The BMR is the number of calories your body needs to perform basic functions and the minimum amount you need. There are a number of online calculators for finding this number, but always bear in mind that these are not all accurate- try a few, and then go from there with a rough estimate. Once you have your BMR, the next step is to go ahead and figure out your activity levels, and how many calories you burn in the course of a normal day. You might surprise yourself. There are many different sites out there for finding these numbers, but what you are looking for is the number of calories burned with things like sitting, standing, walking and just anything you do every day. Be sure to take into account everything- most of the lists that you will find will put it down to some things you probably wouldn’t imagine were burning calories, but actually are.

The next step is to keep a food journal so that you can track the calories that you do take in- where they come from, what patterns they hold. You may surprise yourself at where some of your calories are coming from and how you don’t really think too much about those aspects of your diet. Be as down to the food as you can, keep this very accurate, and then, stack it up against your BMR, and your daily caloric expenditure. If it does turn out that you are eating more than you are burning, you can then assess where you stand and plan accordingly. If you are burning more than you eat, you will lose weight. But, bear in mind that it takes time- it takes roughly 3500 calories burned to lose a pound- but, you cannot lose all of that at once. It’s something that will build up over time. Often, people get to thinking that weight loss is such a big change that they feel it all has to happen at once- when the healthy weight loss plans usually indicate a longer term loss. Taking things step by step and mapping them out using the above tips can help you to know where you need to cut calories and how much you really should be burning on a daily basis to move towards a more healthy weight loss plan.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the Goldenrod, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Medical Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Misconceptions About Weight Loss

Posted on January 17, 2011October 31, 2011 by floridav

There are a number of commonly held misconceptions about weight loss?that people have. More often than not, these things can derail perfectly good intentions and set weight plans back. Here, we’ll define these common myths and misconceptions so that you can avoid them in your healthy weight loss plan. High Protein, Low Carb Diet, the truth and the lie:

As of yet, nobody really knows what the long term health impacts of these diets are. The truth is, though, that getting most of your daily calories from high-protein foods like cheese, meat, and eggs is not a balanced way to eat and it is not healthy. Eating this way can actually increase your heart attack risk, increasing fat and cholesterol. Leaving out whole grains, fruits and vegetables can also cause constipation and cause you to feel nauseated, tired and weak. Eating too little carbohydrates can cause a strong build up of partially broken down fats known as ketones in your blood, leading to ketosis, a condition which can cause gout and kidney stones.

The Starch Stop:
The truth about starches is this- everything in moderation. Many people assume that because starches are bad, and try to avoid them when in weight loss programs, but in fact, when in proper portions, starches are actually a beneficial part of a really healthy lifestyle. Another area where starches get a bad rap, is when people pile on toppings and other additives. Whole grains, pastas, rices and beans are actually incredibly good for you, and a very important source of energy that your body needs to burn fat and process calories properly.

Fad Food Diets:
Grapefruit, lemons and any other food you can name will not help you lose weight by themselves, they do not burn fat. No food burns fat- some may contain so much caffeine that they temporarily speed up your metabolism, but no food product actually burns fat. While there may be supplements on the market that can help, or doctor prescribed medications- food is not going to burn fat. The weight lost in these diets is usually due to a sudden decrease in caloric intake- but, once starvation mode kicks in, the weight comes back. The best way to burn fat is to cut your calories and engage in a more active lifestyle.

Fasting is Fast, But Bad
Skipping meals is never advisable, and it is definitely not advisable when you’re trying to lose weight. Studies have actually proven that people who eat breakfast, and have other, small meals four and five times a day tend to weigh less than those who skip meals. One of the potential reasons for this is that whenever someone skips a meal, they feel hungrier later on and usually do not make a good food choice when they break the fast or finally do eat, and also may have a tendency to binge. Also, eating smaller portions more often stops hunger in its tracks, before it has a chance to get to the point where you feel you have to ingest more, cutting back on caloric intake.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the Casselberry, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Medical Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Healthier Eating Choices For Weight Loss

Posted on January 10, 2011October 31, 2011 by floridav

If you have decided that you want to drop a few extra holiday pounds, or you’re considering a longer term weight loss plan, there are some better choices you can make every day to help. Knowing which foods to increase your intake, which foods to eliminate all together, and which foods you can simply cut back on can be a big help. There are a few areas where you can tweak your diet a bit and make your weight loss plan sort of streamlined for better health and weight loss itself.

Bring on the fruit. Dietary Guidelines recommend two cups of fruit a day at the 2,000-calorie reference diet, which is typical. Depending on your caloric needs you will need to adjust accordingly, but this is a very basic understanding of just what a serving, or rather, two servings of fruit a day can be for you. A large orange, a fourth cup of dried peaches or apricots, or one large banana. Yes, that’s or. Getting your daily recommended allowance of fruits isn’t all that hard, and it’s a great way to enhance your weight loss plan.

Always eat a big variety- while you only actually need two cups, for the most part, bringing more fruit into your diet is a low calorie way to curb cravings and stave off hunger pangs without bringing on the calories. Fresh fruit in particular, rather than juice, is always a good bet. If you do choose juices, orange juice and prune juice are great options to increase your potassium intake.

Switch to half whole grain. Whole grains are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber-all things your body needs to not only remain healthy, but to really process the calories and fats you intake better.

The best way to spot a true “whole grain” product is, they have to list that first on the ingredients list. So, if a product claims to be whole grain but it isn’t the first? You’re not eating as healthy as you think you are. Good sources of whole grains include whole oats, wheat, oatmeal, whole grain corn, popcorn, wild and brown rice, buckwheat, whole rye, bulgar, cracked wheat, whole grain barley and millet. And again, bear in mind- you only really have to transition halfway. The typical adult needs up to three servings of grains a day- that’d be three slices of bread, two cups of cereal, or a half cup of cooked rice or pasta. Again, not as intimidating as it may seem on the outset.

Portion control is always a big issue in weight loss- and, realizing that correct portions really are not all that huge can enable you to plan meals and make choices in a healthier way. For some, the idea of three servings of grains may make them shudder to think about the carbs and calories, when in fact, three servings of grains actually doesn’t have much of either.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the Altamonte Springs, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Medical Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Start Eating Healthy Now

Posted on January 4, 2011October 31, 2011 by floridav

For some people, it is not really about needing to lose a great deal of weight, but just a desire to stabilize their weight, or simply eat healthier. For others still yet, there may be some longer term weight loss goals, and even more may just want to lose a few of those holiday pounds. Whichever the case may be here are some great ways to help you get on track and have a much healthier way of eating. Understanding fats is probably one of the best places to start in any weight loss or nutrition plan, and is your first step towards understanding what to change and why.

Identifying your fats is a great first step. Did you know that there are many different kinds of fats, and that your body uses them all in different ways? For instance saturated fat is mostly animal based fat- fat from food found in animals. The biggest sources of saturated fats are beef, cheese and milk. Transfat is where it gets a bit tricky because it is a mostly man made fat. This is where hydrogen is added to vegetable oil- and this is supposed to increase the shelf life and enhance flavor. This is usually things like margarines, shortenings, crackers, cookies and other snacks. Then, there is cholesterol- and almost everyone’s heard about cholesterol. The basic low down on this fat is that it is a fat like substance. It’s actually a steroid- a soft, waxy substance, lurking in your lipids. It actually performs a vital role in your body.

Now basically, the key is in keeping those all balanced- but this is where diet throws in another fun couple of terms: polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Understand that though “fat” has become a word that people use in a derogatory light- your body needs it. In fact, your body needs about thirty percent of all the calories you take in, to be from fat. It does many really good things, least of which not being enabling your body to process vitamins like A, D, E, and K- these are all fat soluble vitamins.

Polyunsaturated fats are generally found in plant sources- things like sunflower, corn and soybeans. One of the big benefits of this fat is that it can in fact lower blood cholesterol levels. Monounsaturated Fat, this usually comes from both plant and animal sources and it directly targets the “bad cholesterol”. Then you go back to saturated fat, and this should be the very lowest amount of fat you take in.

Finally, that elusive difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol. Low-density protein, or LDL- this is the bad guy. High-density protein, or HDL, is good. To simplify this a bit, LDL has a tendency towards being what builds up quickly and causes problems, and HDL actually is beneficial in preventing heart related problems. So, if you feel a bit confused about which cholesterols are good, and which are bad and why, now you know.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the Clarcona, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Medical Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Healthier Breakfasts

Posted on July 21, 2010October 31, 2011 by floridav

We all know that in a weight loss program, breakfast becomes even more important as it will stave off hunger and prevent mid morning snacking. However, there are some right ways to do breakfast and there are ways that can derail your weight loss plans for the day before they even begin. Here are a few great ways to make sure that your breakfast is as healthy as it should be and that it doesn’t cause problems for your weight loss plans.

Don’t overdo the juice- yes, juice is one of the most healthy things you can drink when you’re on a weight loss plan however, it too contains calories. Healthy as they may be, those calories can add up very quickly. Better alternatives are to simply eat the fruit that you would be drinking, or to have a big glass of water prior to every 8 ounces of juice you drink. You’ll fill up faster and hydrate yourself at the same time. Juice has another downfall- it can cause your blood sugar to elevate and this promotes an insulin response in stimulating your appetite. So, one or two small cups, at best is probably fine.

Never, ever go to the drive through. Donuts and even so called healthy breakfast choices at the drive through should not even be on your radar. Instead, opt for healthier and less expensive at home breakfasts like whole grain toast and bagels or a bowl of unsweetened cereal with fruit. Think healthy, rather than convenient, and realize that those high fat quick picks also do nothing for your energy level, let alone your weight loss plan.

If you must have breakfast at a restaurant, there are a few key things to remember- if you want breakfast meat alongside your eggs, go for Canadian bacon instead of sausage or strip bacon. Say no to the sides- hash browns and home fries are mostly empty calories which won’t do much for your energy level, but can derail a good diet plan very quickly. Also remember that it is okay to ask for substitutions and most restaurants have no problems letting you substitute whole eggs for just the whites.

Go for all fruit instead of jams. All fruit jellies and spreads are a wonderful sweet treat that doesn’t really pack a huge caloric punch. In addition, if you skip the margarine or butter and simply use the spread it can be a tasty way to cut more calories while still enjoying a breakfast that will give you some get up and go.

Egg white omelettes are awesome. If you are looking for a bigger breakfast that still tastes like a heavy calorie number without being so, egg white omelettes are a great choice. Pile them full of low fat cheeses and fresh veggies for an additionally nutritious power breakfast alongside whole wheat toast. There are many variations you can choose from with omelettes, so you aren’t likely to get bored any time soon.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the Leesburg, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Gotha Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Seven Weight Loss Secrets

Posted on July 19, 2010October 31, 2011 by floridav

Here are just a few tips from people who, like yourself have decided to get on a weight loss plan and who have found success and met their goals. These tips are quite helpful and many people find them to be beneficial in a weight loss program.

First and foremost, you have to feel like you want to lose weight in order to do so. All too often, this is done to please someone else, but the motivation has to be all your own.

When making any big lifestyle change, you must be sure that your motivation comes from within and that you really are ready. It does not really matter what has worked for others- it has to be all you and what you are comfortable with.

Don’t get caught up in a cycle of self doubting and blame. Whether you intend to lose five pounds or fifty pounds, it can be a bit of a struggle at times. Once you fail initially, it does not mean that your weight loss plan is over- you just need to understand you made a poor choice and move on. Being patient with yourself is a very important part of an overall weight loss program that many people don’t really take into account, leaving them frustrated and sometimes depressed.

Avoid triggers. If initially you feel that in some situations you may overeat or you may eat things you know that you shouldn’t- there is nothing wrong with simply avoiding those situations for a time. Additionally, you can find other options in snacking when at events, parties and restaurants that will keep you and your weight loss plan on track.

Get the support you need. You have to make sure that you are surrounding yourself with people who are really wanting to help you succeed. Sometimes, even our best friends can be our worst enemies when it comes to weight loss efforts and knowing who will be supportive and who may not be is best. This is also where a work out buddy can come in handy as well.

Think about ways to reward your efforts for your goals- different nonfood items or things that you would like. Make plans to treat yourself when you have been doing well and be sure that you are congratulating yourself regularly on your successes.

Make sure that you have healthy options all around you. If you have to, toss out any high calorie, low nutrition snacks and really give your kitchen and pantry a make over. Don’t forget to make sure that you have healthy alternatives to your favorite snack foods, and that you have foods available for regular snacking.

Set smaller goals rather than big ones. If your weight loss plan includes a great deal of loss, sometimes it is much better to take it in five or ten pound increments. Be sure that you are focusing more on where you’d like to be in just a month at a time and this will help you to stay motivated and focused.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the Ocoee, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Medical Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Why is Yo Yo Dieting Bad?

Posted on July 14, 2010October 31, 2011 by floridav

For many, yo yo dieting is a way of life. Great periods of weight loss that have them riding high on reaching the goals they have set, followed by vast periods of lows where weight returns can sometimes lead to depression and worse. Sometimes, this is caused by getting caught in a cycle- at times, eating in very healthy ways, other times, binge eating and this all comes together in a recipe for disaster. Other times, this is the result of setbacks becoming more long term.

Finding a great diet that you really feel makes sense and coupling it with a good level of physical activity, only to find that you have a slip up tends to be a common trait in yo yo dieting. The problem with that is- one slip does not have to derail your entire weight loss plan, but all too often it does. Finding ways around triggers that lead to backsliding is one of the things that many people do not think about prior to engaging in a weight loss plan- and one of the biggest reasons they find themselves caught in the unhealthy pattern of a yo yo dieter. Another issue is with fad dieting- it seems every six months a new miracle weight loss cure comes along, and people get hopeful, only to find that they still slip, even on the new diet. This is actually more normal than people realize.

There are serious health risks to yo yo dieting. It’s easy to think that there aren’t- after all, many celebrities in this day and age experience vastly publicized weight gains and losses. It’s easy to see why people would find this to be normal, given that focus- but, it is neither normal nor is it healthy. For starters, yo yo dieting can lead to a shortened lifespan, diabetes, liver problems, loss of muscle, metabolic disorders, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and a number of other issues- and, many of those actually will cause the dieter to end up more overweight to say the least. Unfortunately, the media doesn’t really show those impacts, instead, sort of normalizing what is actually an incredibly unhealthy eating pattern. If you find that you have lost weight only to gain it back more than once or twice- you may have a yo yo dieting problem that you need to address before it causes you long term health related problems.

The best way to counter yo yo dieting is by changing your lifestyle on the whole. If you think about weight in terms of the psychological aspects- the tie ins are obvious and something that most people just will not address. There is no real way to lose a great deal of weight without changing your life on the whole and addressing poor eating habits and activity levels and changing them for the better. However- this can often be much easier than people realize and lead them on a much healthier path to weight loss than yo yo dieting and embracing fad diets as they come along only to gain the weight back and then some.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the Windermere, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Medical Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Losing Pregnancy Pounds

Posted on July 12, 2010October 31, 2011 by floridav

Most mothers look forward to getting back into their pre-pregnancy clothes, only to find that it is a long journey towards weight loss at a time where they don’t feel like they have time to breathe, let alone develop a weight loss plan. However, this is a pretty normal thing for many, and it is something that with a little time and effort, and some smart tips, can be done.

If you aren’t thinking about breastfeeding your baby, you may want to rethink that position. Not only is breastfeeding the most beneficial way to feed a newborn, there are benefits to the mother, as well. When a mother is pregnant, the body begins to store extra layers of fat- these stores are intended to enable the mother to breastfeed. Breastfeeding burns more calories than most work out plans, and the body knows this and gears itself up for that. When a mother does not breastfeed post partum, these layers of fat are much more difficult to burn off.

Healthy eating for a new mother is priority, though, breastfeeding or not. Adjusting to a new life with a newborn can be an emotionally and physically trying time. Hormonal changes make these adjustments even harder- eating on a schedule can help this. Fruits and vegetables are the snack of choice, helping to maintain a healthy eating habit and provide energy for a new mother- but it is also a great way to foster weight loss. If you do lapse into the all too common eating whenever you can, as opposed to making time to eat, you are more likely to just grab whatever is handy- and usually what ever is handy is not the healthiest choice.

Hydration is also a key element for new mother weight loss. Being able to flush the body of toxins, and help you feel your best while you are busy- water is a powerful choice in any weight loss plan. However, it is especially important for new mothers who will be trying to maintain adequate energy levels while caring for a newborn.

This may sound more difficult than it actually is- but making sure that you are getting enough rest during the post partum months is also pretty important to weight loss. When the body does not get enough rest, it is much harder for it to function efficiently- this means it cannot burn the calories and fat that it needs to. Being able to sleep whenever the baby sleeps, or whenever you are given the chance rather than getting up to make sure other things are done is an important part of early motherhood, whether you are trying to lose weight or not.

When you are in the post partum months, also consider that many of the routine activities in caring for a newborn infant burn alot of calories. That late night pacing the baby back to sleep takes care of quite a few, as does walking with a stroller or sling. Go easy on yourself, and you will find yourself back in your prepregnancy clothes in no time.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the Longwood, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Medical Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Easy Weight Loss Tips

Posted on July 7, 2010October 31, 2011 by floridav

Beginning a weight loss plan is usually not the highlight of anyone’s life, and it definitely has a great deal of effort involved. However, it does not have to be as difficult or trying as you may think. There are a few things that you can do in the way that you go about your daily routine that in small changes can make a big difference in your weight loss plan. Small things that change your every day eating habits can lead to better results and achieving your goals faster.

Addressing the way that you eat, first, is one small step. By this, it is the literal meaning- the way that you eat. If you pay attention to the food that you are eating, chewing well, not only is the flavor of the food better but you aid your own body in digestion, which helps the metabolic system function more efficiently. Another step in this same area is portion control. For many, just hearing the term brings to mind starvation diets and deprivation but that is not the case at all. Often, even just changing the way that you serve meals can help this- rather than having all the food out on the table, instead, serve food in even portions on the plate. Leave the extra food in the kitchen, or as you finish serving, store for later use. Make sure that your menus are offering a wide variety of flavorful and healthy foods- food boredom often leads to binge snacking which can definitely put a crimp in any weight loss plan.

Smaller, evenly spaced meals are often another way that helps weight loss plans move forward healthier. If you graze on healthy snacks throughout the day, this also helps portion control at mealtimes. Even just the occasional fruit or vegetable, crackers or cheese as you go throughout your day leaves you feeling fuller on less food in the long run- resulting in less fat and calorie intake. It may seem as though you are snacking constantly, but if you are choosing low fat, high protein snacks or great fruits packed with beneficial nutrients you’re doing yourself a favor, and you’re not taking in nearly as much calories as it may seem.

When it comes to breakfast cereals, many people find that the cereals they choose have a higher caloric content due to added sugars. The best way around a high calorie breakfast, while still having that most important meal of the day is adding fruit or cinnamon to unsweetened cereal. Have a look at the label on your sweetened cereals versus their unsweetened counterparts and you will find a huge benefit to making the switch.

These are just a few small steps that you can take to eliminate a great deal of your daily caloric intake and develop healthier eating habits. ?All it takes for some people, are just a few, small changes to the daily routine to begin a healthy journey in their own weight loss plan.

If you are looking to lose 20 pounds or more and are in the Apopka, Florida area you need to check out Svelte?Medical Weight Loss Clinic. 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 240. We have tons of reviews on Google and other third party review website from happy clients who have lost weight and kept it off.

Category: Eating & Nutrition