My Favorite New Bar!

This bar is just the best! It's from Kellogs, and it's called Fiber Plus - in dark chocolate almond or chocolate chip - it tastes like dessert!! It has only 130 calories and nine grams of fiber, so it's great for whenever you want something sweet - and remember, fiber is filling, so it controls your hunger for a longer period of time. I'm not kidding - it's as good as any candy bar, so try it!

A Little Reminder

Because I don't work full time, I had the opportunity to watch the Today show this morning; there was a segment on studies done regarding weight loss programs and their rate of success. The bottom line is that you lose weight when you take in less calories than you burn, and it doesn't matter which program you choose. The important thing is to pick a program that works for you and you can live with - a lifetime eating plan. Some of us prefer a lower-carbohydrate plan, others like counting calories or watching fat intake, and still others prefer a diet that tells you exactly what to eat on any given day (I hate those the most!!). Weight Watchers does have - and always has had - the highest success rate. This is because it offers several plans to suit individual preferences, but also provides a support group and guidance for changing your diet. Whatever plan you choose, you will be more successful if you have a friend to support you when you are struggling, and that you can support in return. As I mentioned last week, exercise is the key to burning those calories - and along the way, you get the added bonus of increasing your energy, elevating your mood, and becoming leaner - all of which make it easier to stay on your plan. If you find you are not sticking with your program, or not losing weight, then you may need a different one - don't stay on a plan just because it worked for you some time in the past, or all of your friends are doing it, or you heard something advertised. Spend a little time writing down the foods you really enjoy and then find a plan that incorporates those foods - no food plan will work that either won't let you eat the foods you like or has you eat (or drink!) something you think is awful (or disgusting) - this is a sure path to giving up! M.

Huge Expectations

I have so many things I want to talk about! As if that would surprise anyone!! I am on my way to go skiing (my first time since back surgery!), and will return and formally launch my blog next Thursday. Feel free to post any questions you might think of, and I will respond if I can get to a computer, but if not, will respond as soon as I get back. I am SO excited to do this!! Have a good week - Melissa

Get moving!

There is so much advertising on tv right now that focuses on diet, diet aids, and weight loss programs, but very little discussion on the importance of exercise and the role it plays in losing weight. If you go on a low calorie diet, what you lose quickly is water weight, followed by protein from your muscles. The water comes from stored glycogen (sugar) which is used for energy, and each pound of glycogen holds three to four pounds of water - this eventually has to be replaced as your body and your brain require this sugar to function. Your brain ONLY uses carbohydrates to function! The rest of what you lose is muscle protein - and this is what is supposed to make you look and feel better - so the LAST thing you want to lose. The combination of the loss of both of these results in fatique, which then translates into reduced activity. You will quickly slow down on your weight loss, become discouraged and quit - perhaps even gain the weight right back. The only way to burn fat - from the very beginning - is to exercise, because this fat is what your body is now using for energy. The slower, steady burning of body fat is what produces a lean, healthy body and permanent weight loss - it may take a little longer to see the result you want, but keep yourself focused on your continued success - the slower the weight loss means a much higher chance of permanent weight loss. If it's hard for you to get motivated, go get a dog - they like to be walked!

Monday morning...

I hope everyone had a great weekend - as expected, there was lots of chocolate and plenty of other tempting items. I indulged in them all, so today I am super-charged to have a light eating week and to get out and burn off those extra calories - lucky for me, I'm usually pretty motivated (I've had lots of practice on the Monday morning routine...) so the working out part is not hard for me; however, I will still be regretting that last Godiva truffle about halfway through my workout - why do they have to taste SO good!!! I don't always eat perfectly either, just to let you know. Anyway, I will be drinking lots of extra water today, and putting in some extra time at the gym! I read an interesting tip - you have probably heard that you should drink six to eight glasses of water a day. This may sound like a lot at first, but start early and drink a glass every time you pass by the sink. It is a great energy booster, helps to fill you up, and aids in digestion and metabolism. But here's the tip - at night, if you are tired of drinking the same thing you've had all day long and want something different, switch to sparkling water with some lime or lemon - it will help you to feel full after your evening meal and you won't be as tempted to have that late night snack you might normally reach for. You can even add some light cranberry juice or some other low-sugar juice to flavor it - but add just enough to flavor the water. Don't drink it too late or you'll be up in the middle of the night, but try it. By not having that late night snack you will also wake up hungry - as you should - and you can get your day going and your metabolism up by eating then - the very best way to start your day!

The most fabulous tasting yogurt...

Many of you might not like the taste of yogurt - or not until now, anyway. Fiber One has two new ones out - vanilla and key lime pie - and they are rich and satisfying. If you previously did not run away at the mention of yogurt, and are now tempted to run at the mention of fiber, just remember that fiber fills you up and controls your hunger longer, but if it is satisfying as well in taste, then it is a perfect food! I add a little cinnamon - which increases your metabolism. There are actually several new flavors of Yoplait also, so try them - they are good for you, easily portable, and are perfect for a snack. One other from Bryers which is more like dessert is a Cookies and Cream flavor with actual oreo cookies to mix in. While it's not the best choice of yogurts, as a dessert it really hits the spot - and it's portion controlled so you can't eat a whole carton!

Today is the Day!

I did something new today - I created this blog This is huge for me, because I have been searching for a way to be helpful and do something with all this information in my head - it's just about to burst!! It is also huge, because until today I knew nothing about blogging so had to ask my son - once again - for help. I know a lot about nutrition, but not very much about computers...if he ever wants nutritional advice, I will owe him - that might be awhile as he is young, loves Paula Deen and has been known to eat mashed potatoes and french fries on the same plate - something a girl would never do!! Anyway, you can do something new today too - pick one thing you've been wondering about, and ask me. Until then, for now: think about the chocolate you will be digging into on Valentines, so work on some ways to move around the next couple of days to burn off those extra calories!