Maintaining your Weight Loss

shutterstock_247052623I realized that maintaining my weight loss is a lifestyle change and know it is not a diet, it is a state of mind. The maintenance stage is a comforting phase. It is that sigh of relief that you have achieved your weight loss goals and can now relax. It does not at all mean that you can go back to your old ways of eating, it simply means that you should adopt a new mind set. By eating regularly and well has become a habit. Like all good habits, it makes life easier. At this point, you have mastered how to lose weight.

During the maintenance part of weight loss, incorporating regular exercise becomes a part of your daily routine. There is countless options and ideas of food that you can eat as you are a pro by this stage in the game. Constantly remember that this is your new life. By getting positive feedback from yourself and others and by feeling good everyday is the most amazing feeling ever. By being involved and supported by others rather than see the number on the scale go down is enough proof that you are living a comfortable life. Do not be a slave to your scale!

Cheers,

Gina

3 Keys to Living a Healthy Life‏

shutterstock_1132957751. Giving your body what it needs for nourishment:

My nutritionist discussed with me proper food balance which includes protein, fiber and good carbs. For example, a good carb would be a sweet potato, fruit etc. as opposed to pasta, processed foods, cookies and cakes. My dietician also addressed proper vitamin intake and portion control. She showed me with a special portioned dinner plate and other cups what proper, good portions look like. For instance, 6 ounces of chicken or fish is needed for weight loss, daily. Also, she taught me how to read calorie labels and ingredients on the food that I purchase at Whole Foods.

2. Incorporating regular exercise:

Generally, I exercise approximately 65 minutes per day by doing a variety of work-outs. The diverse exercises that I do are the elliptical machine, treadmill or weight training. When it comes to regular exercise you should always do something that you enjoy. Remember, we are all different and its important to find out what works for you. Consistency and regularity is definitely the best way to attain real weight loss results.

3. Having a healthy mental outlook:

Developing positive thinking and not dwelling on the negative outcomes is essential for mental health. Focus on noticing your good qualities such as what you have to offer a person. Also, that you can achieve anything rather than you cant. Always incorporate other goals in other areas of your life. Be self-accepting of who you are as a person. Lastly, embrace your relationships with others and have fun by exploring new and exciting experiences.

Cheers,

Gina

Knowing the Difference between Head Hunger and Stomach Hunger‏

shutterstock_210518332The difference between head hunger and stomach hunger is head hunger is more of a psychological need. Stomach hunger is a response in our bodies to let us know that we need more calories and nutrients. An example of head hunger would be eating for comfort. When I was stressed on my job, I would grab a sugary snack and it would escalate from there. Other examples of head hunger are eating out of boredom, having a negative mindset, anger with life, fear and emotional pain. My mind would tell me that I have to have carbs such as pasta. Of course, my body did not need all of these additional carbs.

The signs of stomach hunger can also come after you work out because your body knows that it needs fuel. When this signal happens you can feel that your stomach is growling, you may also feel light headed which is another way your body is giving you a healthy signal to eat. I no longer obsess about food. I eat when my body tells me to eat. Acknowledging the above mentioned differences reminds me that weight loss is a journey, not a quick fix.

Cheers,

Gina

Garlic with Lemon Chicken Breast, Grilled Seasonal Vegetables and Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms‏

Thinking about a meal to buy or serve for you, your family, friends or a party? Everyone will rave and compliment this excellent dish. Garlic with lemon chicken breast is phenomenal and so is grilled seasonal vegetables and balsamic roasted mushrooms. I have made this at home before, and is unbelievably good! If there are any leftovers, it can be gobbled up the next day. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for a quick meal later on. It stays fresh. The only change that I would make is, I would set aside some sort of marinade to make more of a glaze to the chicken breast. This is a great pairing of food!

Let’s begin with the main part of the meal… garlic with lemon chicken breast. The ingredients to this chicken breast are as follows: chicken breast, lemon juice, water, canola oil, salt and black pepper. I will purchase and make this from home again. This is so awesome, and it is hard to stop eating! This meal is delicious either baked or grilled.

Grilled seasonal vegetables ingredients are a variety of the following: yellow squash, zucchini, fennel, red onion, bell pepper and special dressing- olive and canola oil, thyme, salt and black pepper. A healthier option other than adding olive oil would be a fat-free dressing or just leave the canola oil in the dish …the possibilities are countless.

Get ready for… balsamic roasted mushrooms! This incredible dish includes: white mushrooms, balsamic vinaigrette, olive and canola oil, red onion, salt, garlic, xanthan gum, black pepper and rosemary. I wanted a simple side dish for a lunch time snack and when you mix these ingredients together it tastes very exciting! I am being honest, this is spectacular!

The portioned meal plates at Whole Foods Market, helped me to learn what a healthy, smart and balanced portion should look like. There is limitless organic options that Whole Foods sells, both pre-made or to make from scratch. Replacing soda for water helped me very much. Let me help you to kick start your weight loss goals, WEIGHT CLIQUERS!

Cheers,

Gina

General Tso’s Vegan Chicken, Grilled Vegetable Pasta and Zucchini Marinara‏

Go to your local Whole Foods Market and grab a bite today of this 3 course meal. You will not be able to resist this dish. I am talking about general tso’s vegan chicken, grilled vegetable pasta and zucchini marinara. This entrée offers a lot of heart-healthy compounds to it. You can melt those stubborn pounds away while enjoying this healthy lunch. The key ingredients to the above mentioned recipe helps your weight fall off of you!

The combination to the general tso’s vegan chicken is as follows: soy, popcorn chicken, non-gmo protein, condensed wheat protein, water, soybean oil, sea salt, vegetarian seasonings (soybean amino acids, dry mushroom powder, vegetable extract) broccoli, sauce (water, sugar, soy sauce, water salt, soybean, wheat, flour) mirin, white wine, vinegar, salt, modified corn starch, yeast extract, caramel color, garlic, onion. Also, ginger, chili pepper, green onions, white wine vinegar, vegetable base (salt, maltodextrin, sugar, autolyzed yeast extract, dehydrated vegetables, (leek tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic fennel), mushroom extract, potato starch, white peppers and turmeric natural coloring. Contains soy and meat. WOW! What a sensational dish and a powerful way to boost your day!?!

Grilled vegetable pasta has a super blend. The ingredients are as follows: pasta (semolina flour, water), yellow squash, carrots, zucchini, eggplant, red onions, red bell pepper, olive and canola oil, white balsamic vinegar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and black pepper. This dish contains, wheat. This unique combo enhances your overall well-being. Great, excellent, fabulous, super and wonderful entrée to incorporate into your busy meal planning. Highly recommended by dieticians!

Looking to try a healthy meal WEIGHT CLIQUERS? Select- zucchini marinara! The ingredients are as follows: zucchini, marinara sauce (tomato, onion, garlic, canola oil, basil, oregano, salt and black pepper) parsley, canola oil, salt and pepper. Why not try? If you prepare this from home, it will be worth every minute. Your house will smell like heaven!

Losing weight is easy when you have a plan. Get ready to make this your opportunity to start preparing for a successful weight loss journey. I am offering tips to recipe success. The delicious food that I am including will curb your appetite and gear you towards a weight loss transformation. Yes, sometimes life can get complicated, but put yourself and your health first. Start from square one… It is time to treat yourself extra special!

Cheers,

Gina

Italian Chicken-Zucchini Skillet‏

INGREDIENTS
1 cup dry orzo pasta, uncooked
PAM Organic Canola Oil No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 pkg (16 oz each) frozen bell pepper onion strips
2 cups sliced zucchini
1 can (14.5 oz each) Hunts Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano, drained
1 can (8 oz each) Hunts Tomato Sauce with Basil, Garlic and Oregano
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS
1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt.
2. Meanwhile, spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Add chicken; cook 6 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
3. Add pepper and onion strips, zucchini, drained tomatoes and sauce, stir well. Increase heat, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a medium, cook 10 minutes or until zucchini is tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve chicken mixture over orzo pasta. Sprinkle with cheese.

To my fellow WEIGHT CLIQUERS, this is an easy main dish to prepare. The chicken with zucchini, bell pepper and flavored tomatoes are simmered together and served over orzo with parmesan cheese. Be certain to save the ingredients to make this yummy meal! Enjoy each and every bite!

Cheers,

Gina

Fast and Friendly Meatballs‏

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 (20 ounce) package ground turkey
1 egg beaten
1/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) Grease a 9X13 inch baking dish with the olive oil, and place it in the oven while preheating.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg and bread crumbs using your hands. Using an ice cream scoop if possible, form the meat into golf ball sized meatballs. Place about 1 inch apart in the hot baking dish. Press down to flatten the bottom just slightly.
3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then turn them over, and continue baking for about 5 more minutes, or until somewhat crispy on the outside. Serve with pasta or sauce or however you would like.

These oven-baked meatballs are fast and easy to prepare and are very family-friendly. You can serve them with pasta and spaghetti sauce or eat them with ketchup, as many people do. This simple dish is low in calories and has a great flavor. Also, you can (if you desire) add more seasonings to the meatballs. Ready to make this fabulous dish today, WEIGHT CLIQUERS!?!

Cheers,

Gina

Lemon Garlic Tilapia‏

INGREDIENTS
4 tilapia fillets
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
sprinkle pepper

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Rinse tilapia fillets under cool water, ad pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place fillets in baking dish. Pour lemon dish over fillets, then drizzle butter on top. Sprinkle with garlic, parsley and pepper.
4. Bake in preheated oven until the fish white and flakes when pulled apart with a fork, about 30 minutes.

This fish is baked to a flaky perfection! Tilapia fillets are bathed in lemon juice and melted butter, seasoned with garlic and parsley. Continuously plan to make healthy meals, such as this. Fabulous entrée for you and your family! WEIGHT CLIQUERS, please continue to follow this Recipe Box.. as we will feature other healthy, tasty, low-cal. and bake at home recipes. Enjoy cooking!!!

Cheers,

Gina

Amazing Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker‏

INGREDIENTS
1 (2 pound) pork tenderloin
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3/4 cup red wine
3 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce
sprinkle black pepper

DIRECTIONS
Place pork tenderloin in a slow cooker with the contents of the soup packet. Pour water, wine and soy sauce over the top, turning the pork to coat. Carefully spread garlic over the pork, leaving as much on top of the roast during cooking as possible. Sprinkle with pepper, clover and cook on low setting for 4 hours. Serve with cooking liquid on the side as au jus.

Be certain to try this top-rated slow cooker recipe. There is not too much preparation involved and is perfect for a family dinner or for special occasions. Blessings to all WEIGHT CLIQUERS!! Have a great meal!

Cheers,

Gina

Helpful Weight Loss Tips

shutterstock_238978660I’ve developed a healthy relationship with my body by nourishing it every day. My lifestyle has provided me with more confidence, personal happiness, gratification and triumph. My weight loss has influenced my aspirations and interactions because I am now more open-minded, willing to learn and be optimistic. I now venture out, whereas before I was reclusive. The paramount part of being thinner is that I can substantially do more, and my overall health has considerably improved. I think people are ecstatic for me and cheerful for my well-being.

The advice that I would offer to people that are struggling with weight loss is countless! First, take small steps. Like myself, many individuals that are severely over-weight or have been sedentary for a long time should discover a physical activity, even if it’s walking 500 feet. Many physiological changes happen exceptionally quickly once you start moving. Walking, for example, starts getting easier and more comfortable within a couple of weeks. Keep evolving. Focus on how much better you feel, not the scale, and you will be more likely to stick with your nutritional intake and training. Every day will be a little better!

Progress and improvement generate weight loss results. There are no excuses. Once I altered my attitude, being busy was no longer an excuse not to be fit. I got in decent physical shape because I desired to be in good health. Now, I am certain that I can reach any goal.

Another helpful tip is to keep records or a diary of your advancement. You should write down the positive differences that you’ve witnessed and also record the exercises you finished every day. Write down what you did, how long you did it and any reflections about that workout. This simple task can be incredibly helpful in the long term. It will allow you to look back at what you have completed with an immense sense of achievement, and you will be empowered to do more! Take your time. For long-term outcomes, you need to make lasting changes.

Obesity is a national epidemic, and I aspire to help and encourage others to achieve weight loss. If I can do this, anyone can do it!

Cheers,

Gina