Curling Iron for your body... not just your hair

  • Top 3 Breakfast No-Nos

    Posted on September 30th, 2011

    Do you eat breakfast?  Okay, do you eat a really good breakfast? If you’re like most busy people, mornings are insane (kid drop-offs don’t help here) and you may have to grab breakfast on the go.  If you eat on the run, be careful; your quick bite can cost you - in calories, fat, and sugar.  The other day I stopped by a popular deli to grab breakfast.   Usually, I get my food to go but I had some extra time and sat down to eat.  What I witnessed was really eye opening.  The breakfast orders came in and guess what? Most orders were the worst foods off the menu.  Based on my short visit to this popular eating spot I compiled a list of breakfast no-nos.  Keep this list handy the next time you grab a little something and stay on the straight and narrow path.

    Breakfast No-No #1

    Croissants, donuts, (huge) bagels, waffles, pancakes, potatoes, white toast and other carb traps. Starting off your morning with any of these foods will cause you to eat more, leave you hungry, and provide minimal nutrient value.  Pass on these carbs and you’ll avoid overeating later. A healthier carbohydrate alternative is steel cut oats, barley, or real bread such as Ezekiel 4:9.  Even with these approved carbs watch the portions - portion size is the key.  For example a serving of steel cut oats is 1/4 cup.  Hint: you’ll need a to-go bag.

    Breakfast No-No #2

    Soda!  OMG (Goodness)!  I couldn’t believe the amount of soda consumption before 8 a.m.  Soda is bad for you in general but soda in the morning?  I don’t need to go into a lot of detail here but soda should never be part of your morning routine.  If you must have your caffeine fix, try green tea or a basic, low acid cup of coffee.  If you must have your latte, make it a small skinny.

    Breakfast No-No #3

    No protein.  Most of the people I observed didn’t order protein such as eggs, egg whites etc.  Countless research studies confirm that the key to avoiding overeating during the day is starting your morning with protein.  A veggie egg white omelette is an ideal breakfast to get your brain working and feed your starving muscles.  Scrambled eggs are also okay just be sure to pass on the cheese.  If you strength train regularly (and you should) eating protein in the morning is a great way to continue your recovery build muscle the right way.  Other protein options include greek yogurt, nuts, and beans.

    The next time you want a quick breakfast, remember that convenience will cost you.  Take the time to order the healthiest options.  Look for healthy to-go items like yogurt, nuts, and water.  Avoid extra sugars and be sure to grab an extra package of fresh vegetables instead of a granola bar or other sneaky foods such as high-calorie energy bars.  Hint: You’ll have to look hard for the healthy options, all the unhealthy foods are typically at your fingertips.

    What are your biggest challenges with eating a healthy breakfast?

    Leave a Comment | Posted by valerie

  • Curb Sugar Cravings Naturally!

    Posted on July 12th, 2011

    Everyone has a dietary weakness and sweets is a big one for me!  With a history of diabetes in my family I need to be extra careful.  Read any report on sugar and it’s pretty obvious that we need to cut our sugar intake.  Sugar enemies such as high fructose corn syrup are changing our [...]

    Continue reading "Curb Sugar Cravings Naturally!"

    Leave a Comment (3) | Posted by valerie

  • Eat Healthy at Summer Cookouts

    Posted on June 21st, 2011

    Source: Dreamstime
    Summer cookouts can be a killer!  If you’re hosting a cookout use the menu below to provide the healthiest fare for your guests.  If you can bring a dish, choose a healthier option and make sure it’s located in an area where folks gather.  Studies show that people follow each other and if they [...]

    Continue reading "Eat Healthy at Summer Cookouts"

    Leave a Comment | Posted by valerie

  • Avoid Summer Cookout Weight Gain!

    Posted on June 9th, 2011

    Source: Dreamstime
    I love them and I hate them - cookouts!  Cookouts are great for reconnecting with friends and having a super play date with the kids!  However, look over the menu at cookouts and it’s no surprise that folks gain weight over the summer.  At a recent cookout, I observed the plates of the guests.  [...]

    Continue reading "Avoid Summer Cookout Weight Gain!"

    Leave a Comment | Posted by valerie

  • Carbs for Breakfast? You Bet!

    Posted on March 29th, 2011

    Need a change from your typical a.m. steel cut oats?  Barley is a best keep secret when it comes to losing weight, feeling full, and increasing your energy.  If you want to be successful at weight loss - especially as you age - the best thing to do is eat fiber-rich foods and load them [...]

    Continue reading "Carbs for Breakfast? You Bet!"

    Leave a Comment | Posted by valerie

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4