Monday, January 23, 2012

Are Diet Programs Necessary?

OK, like millions of people, you have made your New Year's resolution to lose weight and get in shape. A multitude of diet programs are bombarding our airwaves claiming to do everything they can to help you achieve your goals. All involve a cost, though. What a surprise.


Why is it that we have convinced ourselves that weight loss involves a group effort? I understand how some may believe they cannot lose weight without the support of a group. Whatever it takes, but why do so many people believe we need to purchase prepared foods from a “weight loss expert”? I find it perplexing. It's a form of brainwashing.


There is no miracle formula for losing weight and eating healthy. You do not have to belong to a diet program and take part in a commercially-prepared food program to succeed.


First of all, remove the word “diet” from your vocabulary. It signifies scarcity and leaves you feeling deprived. Instead, use “meal plan”.


Follow healthy eating rules and you can do it. The drawback....it takes more work than that needed to succeed in a commercially-operated program. You have to take control over your eating habits...not someone else (who charges a fee).


Fresh fruits and vegetables are low calorie, highly nutritious foods. Eat more of them. They fill you up, causing you to eat less of other foods. It's surprising how many folk do not like veggies and/or fruit. Look at these people and you will probably see someone who is overweight.


Learn to appreciate the true flavors of food instead of having them covered in high-fat sauces and other goop.


Mainly....stop eating so many processed foods. Do you realize how many calories you will save by simply doing this? And...you'll still get good taste. That is, if you get away from those “healthy” processed foods that are included in many diet programs.


Stay tuned for suggestions on how to take control of and change your eating habits...


Find interesting? Kindly share...












Wednesday, January 11, 2012

No Time for Hot Cereal?

Sometimes we either oversleep and miss the alarm or simply don't want to take the time to eat hot cereal in the morning. Either way, there is a quick and easy solution to fuel yourself for the day ahead.


Take some time the next before to make a couple batches of your hot cereal. Add dried raisins, dates, nuts or sliced fresh apples to your favorite whole grain cereal. A good combination is some oats, quinoa and flaxseeds for your whole grain cereal base.


Cook up your cereal over medium heat until done. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.


Remove from heat and let cool.


Place into airtight containers. Put into the refrigerator.


When you start your next day, simply take out the prepared cereal mixture and scoop your portion into a cereal bowl.


Heat in a microwave for two minutes to warm thoroughly.


Serve with soy or dairy milk and sweetener, if needed. Or, you can skip the milk. Sprinkle with some cinnamon for extra sweetness and nutrition.


How easy and convenient is this?


Find interesting? Kindly share...