I have been trying to lose weight and I have been unsuccessful. There are so many people out there telling you what to do and what not to do how do I know what is right? I am 44 years old and I quit smoking last year. I have put on 35 pounds over the last two-and-a-half years. I am working out 3 to 4 days a week. I work as a nurse; 3 shifts of 12 hours, and I use the stairs which is five flights. I have been trying to eat my fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, but it is challenging. I don’t eat a lot of meat either. –Kelly B.
How you know what’s right, is what YOU say is right for you. No one else knows your body better than you! Rather than force yourself into a specific plan, create an eating program around your food preferences and work schedule. Foods that you can fit into your lifestyle are key. Skip the outrageous fad diets and gimmicks. Follow time-honored strategies for reducing calories and moving more such as cutting back servings, eating low-fat, increasing produce, and scheduling exercise. From all the advice, select what sounds appealing and doable for you. Join our #MoverMoreBurnMore community for support! Though this may sound like quite a bit of work, once you’ve written out several meals and snacks, made a grocery list, and stocked up on ideal foods, it’s actually quite easy. Now you can shift your focus to portions and timing. Check out http://bloglafitness.azurewebsites.net/2013/04/19/5-great-grocery-tips/#more-3603 for grocery TOP TIPS! Some tips for getting more produce:
- Add a handful of pre-diced peppers & onion to eggs.
- Top your cereal with berries, sliced peaches or banana.
- Try freeze-dried vegetables for a portable snack.
- Stuff avocado, spinach, and cucumber into sandwiches.
- Bring carrot, celery sticks, & snap peas to work.
- Skip the sorbet in smoothies and ask for fruit.
- Toss leftover vegetables into any soup, casserole, or stir-fry.
- Use pre-bagged greens plus grape tomatoes for an instant salad
Lastly, increase your portions of fruits and veggies by doubling-up your current servings.
– Debbie J., MS, RD
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