Lose Weight, Be Healthy & Enjoy Food, Is That Possible?

One of the times of the year where we women gain weight is during the holidays. With planning, cooking, making candy, shopping, attending parties, it is easy to gain unwanted pounds. Now what are you going to do about it? Make a “diet plan” as your New Year’s resolution that will last about 1 month?

Diet is a four letter word best forgotten. Ignore all the ads for diet plans, gimmicks and shakes. Instead consider a food plan, something you can enjoy for the rest of your life. Just use common sense and portion control to a healthier you and losing some pounds along the way.

Make sure to include lean protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, some dairy and some good oils. Of course, what would life be without a few goodies? So be realistic and plan some small treats several times a week.

Avoid as much processed food as possible, choosing mostly fresh or frozen when you can. Soups are delicious during cold weather. Making your own chicken noodle or vegetable soup is easy and taste so much better than canned soups which are usually full of sodium.

Don’t avoid snacks, include them but make them small portions such as, almonds and a apple, cheese and whole grain crackers, popcorn and apple or pear, peanut butter on crackers or spread on an apple. Your snacks should not be meals, but a few bites to help keep your blood sugar level, which in turn keep your energy up.

Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day if not more. Add lemon, lime or orange slices for a different taste. If you drink sodas, limit them to one glass a week, ditto with alcohol. Green tea iced or hot is delicious as is most any type of herbal tea.

This is not about deprivation (which never works), but a food plan that can be a way of life, you can still enjoy great food and help you to be your healthiest.