Foods for Weight Loss

Foods for Weight Loss

Question:

I am wondering what you recommend for a diet to lose 10 lbs. in 2 weeks when I work out every day on the elliptical for 1 hr. I know I should do calorie counting, but I was hoping to adjust my diet to eat foods that promote weight loss.

– Lou G.

Answer:

Calorie counting is a good start IF you know what your estimated energy needs are and how much you were eating before. Of course, you can just choose an arbitrary number or follow generic advice, often a flat 1,500 calories daily. However, that method isn’t an accurate guide as to how much you can lose. Losing 10 pounds in two weeks means you’re sure to decrease lean body mass as well, so I don’t recommend it. The most effective weight loss is fat loss, which doesn’t occur as rapidly as you intend. Keeping off those pounds means changing your lifestyle permanently. 

Foods that promote weight loss are rich in micronutrients, low in saturated fat and full of phytochemicals and fiber. Vegetables are perfect! You can work some sort of veggie into every meal and snack. Whole grains (e.g., barley, rye, wheat berries, quinoa) give you sufficient energy for your daily elliptical workout. Lean proteins (e.g., most fish, egg whites, poultry breast, extra lean meats) will support muscle retention as you curb caloric intake. Water is critical for efficient metabolism and to help dampen appetite. Fruits are a great substitute for desserts and work as ready-to-eat snacks pre/post workout. Even something higher calorie like nuts can work into your diet given you control portions – an ounce per serving. 

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

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Bulking During High-Intensity Bike Training

Bulking During High-Intensity Bike Training

Question:

How do I build bulk while maintaining high-intensity biking exercise? Can this goal of mine be assisted with better nutrition/eating habits on my part?

– Bowie B.

Answer:

Building bulk will largely come from resistance training to promote muscle adaptation (growth) to meet a higher workload. Interval sessions are great to boost power and promote weight loss. The two are not mutually exclusive. Speak with a Pro Results® trainer for how to incorporate strength training around your cycling.

Better nutrition can only help! Support your exercise of either type with adequate pre-workout snacks and recovery nutrition. Your goal is to build muscle and preventing any catabolism will contribute to your net positive. Fuel up beforehand with a small snack (e.g. a piece of fruit or handful of crackers) if your meal was recent, and larger snack (e.g. yogurt/granola plus berries, or ½ sandwich) if it’s been a couple of hours since your last meal. Replace depleted energy stores within 30 minutes following an hour-long workout by consuming about 30-50 grams of carbohydrates. Add protein (about 10-20 grams) to prevent breakdown and enhance muscle repair.

Practice good eating habits the rest of your day to keep your metabolism ready for your next cycling or bulk-building workout.

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

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Rib Eye Steak and Zoodles from Sealegs Wine Bar

Rib Eye Steak and Zoodles from Sealegs Wine Bar

“A well-balanced meal constitutes healthy cooking. I believe in ‘everything in moderation’, eating from the full spectrum of food and limiting the rich and indulgent ingredients. You can obtain great flavor from vegetables alone, and if you cook from the heart, that might be the healthiest ingredient of all.”

Chef Paul Vazquez

Executive Chef, SeaLegs Wine Bar


SeaLegs Wine Bar is located at 21022 Beach Blvd. #105, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Open Monday through Friday from 4pm to 10:30pm, Saturday from 10am to 11:30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. For the menu and additional details, please visit http://www.sealegswinebar.com/.


Rib Eye Steak and Zoodles from Sealegs Wine Bar

Photo Credit: Candace Rock 

Ingredients

For the Dish

  • 14 oz. ribeye, off the bone, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
  • 1 Tablespoon blended olive oil
  • 1 Teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 Teaspoon minced shallot
  • ¼ to ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (adjust to your preference)
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • ½ cup veggie stock
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • minced parsley to garnish
  • parmesan cheese (optional)

For the Steak Marinade

  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup rice wine vinegar
  • ½ cup mirin
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 jalapeno, deseeded
  • 2 tablespoons grated ginger
  • ½ bunch cilantro

Method

Step 1:

  • Take all ingredients for the marinade and blend them together.
  • Cube up the steak and place in marinade for at least 30 minutes.
  • Prepare veggies while meat marinates (spiralize zucchini, halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic and shallot).
  • Remove meat from marinade, season with salt and pepper.
  • In a hot cast iron pan, sear steak cubes until browned on all sides.
  • Finish with 1 tablespoon butter to coat steaks, remove from heat and rest while cooking zoodles.

Step 2:

  • In a hot pan, begin to sauté garlic and shallot in oil until fragrant.
  • Add tomatoes and continue to sauté.
  • Add zucchini noodles and sauté until al dente.
  • Deglaze pan with white wine until it evaporates.
  • Lower the heat, add the veggie stock.
  • Cook zoodles until tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: 

  • Serve in large bowl, putting zoodles off to one side, leaving room for the steak.
  • Sprinkle minced parsley over zucchini and sea salt over the steak cubes for added flavor.
  • (Additionally, you can also sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the zoodles).

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For Sprinters Looking to Get Lean

For Sprinters Looking to Get Lean

Question:

I am a high school track sprinter in the 100 and 400-yard dashes and I am trying to get lean for the season, but no one can give me a good answer on what I should eat, and I really don’t know much about dieting can you help me!?

– Nick R.

Answer:

Hi Nick! As an athlete you know to focus on fueling performance during your competitive season. To lean out ahead of time I would NOT scrimp on calories, as nutrition goes down with less food. Teenagers are still in a growing/maturation period – even if you think you’re at full height. I would encourage you to continue present energy intake and increase exercise to burn fat.

While you keep calories even, make the most impact on your metabolism by replacing any sugary drinks with milk or pure fruit/vegetable juice. Swap whole-grain breads, buns and crackers for any white flour products you consume. Go lean with protein choices and bulk up sandwiches and burgers with avocado or grilled onions/mushrooms. A little fried food here and there is okay when better options aren’t available (we like tempura green beans). For desserts, stick to a fruit or dairy-based treat versus a baked good to satisfy your sweet tooth.

More specific tips can be found at http://www.sportsrd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Track-and-Field-Sports-Nutrition.pdf

Good luck on the track!

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

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 Give Me Strength Training – Podcast Ep. 19

 Give Me Strength Training – Podcast Ep. 19


Welcome to the 19th episode of the Living Healthy Podcast, presented by LA Fitness.

On this episode of Living Healthy, we speak with LA Fitness, Personal Training Director, Mark Joseph de Guzman, who educates us on the importance of strength training.

How Are We Doing? 


This podcast should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.


Timecard Markers – Give Me Strength Training – Podcast Ep. 19

Intro

Begins at 0:01

Personal Training Director, Mark Joseph de Guzman joins the show

Begins at 0:33

Let’s Define Strength Training – Do Bodyweight Exercises Count?

0:52

How Does Strength Training Build the Muscle?

1:41

Can Strength Training Improve Metabolism?

2:45

What Type of Protein is Best for Building Muscle?

4:41

How Much Protein Should Be Consumed Per Day?

5:26

FACT or FICTION: Will Girls Get Bulky from Strength Training?

6:58

What Should Bodybuilders Do to Bulk?

8:01

What is the Average PT Client Looking to Accomplish?

9:46

Different Types of Strength Training: Does One Work Better Than Another?

10:31

What Is Muscle Confusion?

11:10

Rest Days and Strength Training

13:22

What is the Best Thing to Do for Your Muscles After Strength Training?

15:24

How Does Strength Training Affect the Blood? 

17:05

How Important is it to Train the Entire Body? 

18:07

Why Do Bodybuilders Oil Themselves Up So Much?

19:25

Actionable Advice

20:50

Outro

22:00


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