Why I am Happy to Shop at Whole Foods

foodThere are multiple reasons why I love shopping at Whole Foods.  I have discovered my passion for healthy cooking and creative meal plans.  I went through a process of figuring out what I should purchase.  I realize that a nutritious menu requires unprocessed and unrefined food.  Whole Foods Market is a higher than average priced grocery store, however my health is worth it and I really enjoy the cuisine.  Also, I feel reassured that I am purchasing healthy groceries.

The pre-made organic meals that I buy are between $8.00- $12.00.  In addition to this feast, I purchase Whole Foods Market organic fruit.  Sometimes I create a mixture of salad from there excellent salad bar, which includes a pre-made Caesar salad, bruschetta, or a cobb salad.  I recognize there is not one single path to healthy eating.  Try finding strategies that work for you and your family.  Whole Foods Market provides an outstanding value.  Give it a try!

Cheers,

Gina

Hydrate yourself to Health

fruit waterYou probably already know that it is vital to keep hydrated, especially when you exercise.  It helps if what you drink is both healthy and delicious.  I prefer to drink Poland spring bottled water, but I also like variety.  My favorite flavored water is Hint, because it is all natural with out preservatives and has zero calories.  The Hint refers to natural flavors such as honey dew, apple, blueberry and others.  The wonderful taste of Hint makes me more prone to drink often.

I also take pleasure in the taste of coffee, however I restrict myself to decaf coffee because caffeinated coffee works like a diuretic.  I use a little bit of non-fat milk and equal.  I love herbal tea, particularly passion fruit tea from Starbucks.  It has a special fruit blend.  The recommended consumption of fluid is 64 oz. per day.  If you comply with this suggestion, you are ahead of the game.  Put some thought and imagination in selecting your fluids so you are more likely to drink up!

Cheers,

Gina

The Ultimate Proportion Plate

Choose_My_Plate_PhotoIf you are not sure what it means to eat the right proportions, this is the plate for you!  When I first started dieting, my nutritionist suggested using this colorful plastic divider plate to help guide my food portions.  The different food groups are indicated on the plate such as grains, fruit, protein and vegetables.  Grains and vegetables are the bigger portions, while fruit and protein are equal but, smaller portions.

This plate is a visual aid to making dieting choices easier.  In addition, this plate has a convenient lid so you can carry your meal anywhere.  This special plate keeps me from going back for seconds, because I have used all of my food space.  An added bonus is this plastic plate is microwavable and dishwasher safe.  Essentially, I discovered the value of balance through using this plate.  I know you will- as well! Good Luck!

Cheers,

Gina

Staying in Control of your Diet

balance-your-dietAn effective diet means finding strategies that work for you as an individual.  For me, eating carbs (except for fruit) leaves me craving more so I avoid carbs all together.  That approach works for me.  For another person, using your favorite carb as a reward for progress, may be a better plan.  The point is, you have to figure out what works best for you.

Being consistent with my diet has benefited me.  For Example, I always select a pre-cooked organic meal from Whole Foods and enjoy snacks such as cheese and yogurt.  Introducing new flavors, condiments or spices can make food more interesting for you to eat.  Do not let small setbacks get you off course.  Tomorrow is a new day.  Take charge and challenge yourself daily!

Cheers,

Gina

Why I Love Sweet Sweat- Waist Trimmer Belt

shutterstock_97008326I am so very excited to have discovered Sweet Sweat- Waist Trimmer Belt.  It is a neoprene belt that adjusts to my waist with a Velcro. This belt feels comfortable when applied to my waist.  Typically, you can wear this under your work-out clothes.  The main benefit that I have experienced is that it helps shed excess water.  Wow- there is a lot of water release when I take the belt off.

Physically, my body feels more toned with Sweet Sweat.  My skin softens as if I stepped out of a sauna.  This waist trimmer belt improves my posture and energizes me.  I noticed that Sweet Sweat tends to keep my muscles warm.  At $19.99 this belt is a reasonable cost.  The only draw back for this waist trimmer belt is that you have to hand wash it.  You can not machine wash this belt.  I highly recommend this product.  Yes, I was a little skeptical about wearing Sweet Sweat, but now I am a believer!  Give it a shot….

Cheers,

Gina

Make Healthy Eating Exciting

thS2010XYXHealthy eating does not have to be dull and flavorless. A bland piece of chicken without fat is not going to stimulate your appetite. Try eating food that will beckon you to eat it again. Take me for instance, grilled salmon with a herbal rub can be delicious and nutritious with out being bland. Such distinctive spices such as curry powder and paprika can really spice up meat, fish and poultry dishes. Adding a combination of veggies adds pizazz to an entrée. While you should go low on carbs, a good piece of multi-grain bread can be a healthy addition. Salads can be a source of creativity in addition to vegetables. Nuts add crunch and variety. Do not be afraid to experiment with food. You can incorporate small touches into food you already enjoy. For instance, dry tomatoes can add a tang to anything. Have fun indulging your taste buds!

Cheers,

Gina

The Quiet but Effective Power of Habits

good20habits20bad20habitsForming good habits can simplify and enrich your life. A typical healthy habit such as brushing your teeth is an automatic behavior. We don’t debate whether we should brush our teeth; we simply do it. You can incorporate other habits into that category. If you are that type of person who forgets to take your vitamin on a daily basis, choose a consistent time or circumstance so that you will be ready for your vitamins. Make sure that you take them at the same time with your breakfast, everyday. It takes at least two consistent weeks to make a habit stick.

Habit building is a matter of making something automatic. With healthy habits under your belt you can focus on the more important things in your life such as your goals and values. That is where you want to apply your energy. Having a solid routine allows you to be engaged in more important aspects of life. Enjoy your day!

Cheers,

Gina

Getting More Out of Your Day

shutterstock_60695119Are you feeling pressured with time? Many people experience a lack of time to exercise, eat for their convenience rather than purchase highly nutritious food and have little time to spend with family and close friends. Learning how to set boundaries and saying “no” can make an enormous difference in your day. It is not always easy to set limits around when or what you will do, however take into consideration that your time is very valuable.

Setting aside time by doing something special for yourself can make you extremely happy. Taking time out of your schedule is essential in helping you to feel grounded, focused and can be most effective when you handle lots of responsibilities. Take time to figure out what brings a smile to your face. When you bounce back from overwork and over-scheduling.. this can be an amazing and uplifting feeling. Enjoy getting the most out of your day!!

Cheers,

Gina

How can you Stay Full Longer?

5d14a692297cebe60fbf73ce70300a8dCan you overcome cravings and that nagging sense of not eating enough? Feeling very hungry and tolerating your stomach appetite are obstacles to a successful weight loss program. I learned that eating more slowly makes me feel more filled and sated. I understand that it takes 20 minutes to recognize that you feel full. By eating small meals throughout the day, this has curved my hunger. Psychologically, it satisfies me because I have something to look forward to.

Drinking fluids, especially water helps to decrease my desire for food. In a pinch, eat nuts because they are high in protein, fiber and provides a feel of being satiated. Truly, it is a wonderful feeling to boost your hunger and make certain that you feel gratified, everyday. Remember, tomorrow is another day. Keeping pushing yourself to work hard. Have an unbelievable rest of your winter!

Cheers,

Gina

Accepting Your Body Type For What It Is

bbd0adb454d4eecdb7a67d6f07ab90b9Be certain to love and feel wonderful about your figure (at any size) rather than wish for the build that you don’t have. We are all inundated with the images of the tall willowy models that we see on T.V. or in magazines. Very few women have that physique. This leads to un-necessary feelings of low self-esteem because we imagine that we fall short of that ideal makeup.

Any shape can be beautiful; it is what you make of your particular body that counts. Be grateful for your entire figure, with all it’s imperfections. Any stature can be attractive. What is most important is how you carry yourself. Make the most and appreciate your appearance just the way it is. Weight Cliquers, be happy with yourself- everyday!!

Cheers,

Gina