• Use olive oil instead of butter or margarine – it’s healthier and delivers just as much flavor!

  

• Serve pasta as an easy yet yummy dinner.  Use unusually shaped pasta (such as bowties or ribbon pasta), with olive oil, bottled tomato sauce, and sauteed fresh vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, and carrots.

  

• Brush fillets with olive oil and grill or broil them for a favorite, heart-healthy meal. Serve with lemon slices, grilled potatoes tossed with olive oil and garlic, and steamed green veggies, such as broccoli or asparagus.

  

• For a healthy yet tasty dessert, try fresh fruit with nonfat angel food cake, milk and dark chocolate, or frozen yogurt.

• Take before and after photos…in a swimsuit.  I would argue that (for most people) there is no better motivator than seeing a picture of you, out of shape and in a swimsuit.  Yes, it can be a sad, even depressing image but what better way to motivate you to get up and do something about it?  Once you have lost a few pounds, take another picture in your swimsuit, then another, and another…until you reach your ideal weight and look.  You’ll be surprised by the difference, and happy that you documented it.
• Tell your family and friends about your endeavor to get in shape.  They will not only be your biggest supporter, but will hold you accountable should you stray.
• Find “your” exercise.  This means finding a physical activity that you actually enjoy doing.  Think outside the box – dancing, playing tennis, swimming, and hiking are just a few of the countless ways to get exercise.
• Consider taking a weight loss pill; doing so can help you jump start your new and improved healthy lifestyle and help you shed those first few pounds.
• Make sure you get enough sleep!  In order for your body to be an efficient, calorie-burning machine, it needs to get adequate sleep to allow it to recharge and rejuvenate.
• Drink more water!  By simply drinking more H20, you can help a) curb your hunger, b) reduce your calorie intake, and c) have more energy.  All that from good ol’ water!

Now, normally I would be ecstatic to shed a few pounds and be on my way to a slender, better body, but a lack of not eating is never the way to obtain a healthy body weight you are happy with. I only bring this up because I got a strict reprimanding from my doctor who was concerned I was not getting the proper nutrition that I needed. Hanging my head in shame, I left his office with a new determination to get the body I want by hale and hearty means.

This means I have to be much more conscious not only of what I eat, but how much (in my case, making sure it is enough). It is imperative to get enough calcium, fiber, and protein. Don’t forget the fruits and veggies, and remember to eat lots of greens.

I have started taking snacks with me each day. I throw a yogurt, an apple, or low fat pretzels to remind myself to eat something even when I am out and about.

You should also consider taking a multi-vitamin to compensate for any vitamins you may be lacking.

The Mayo Clinic website has a great Healthy Weight Pyramid Tool – it’s a great resource to use on your way to healthy weight loss. Remember, there is a right and a wrong way to lose weight. You want to make sure you go about it the right healthy way to ensure successful and long lasting weight loss.

Not to worry, there are tons of little things you can do to avoid packing on those pounds.  Read on…

-         Instead of the standard meat and cheese platters, try veggie or fruit platters which are not as high in fat. 

-         Cut back on the alcohol, and drink water, juice, or diet soda as an alternative.  On average, an alcoholic drink has anywhere from 500 to 200 calories, so alcohol does nothing put pack empty calories.

-         If you are at (or hosting) a holiday party, don’t congregate at the buffet table, where you can mindless munch while you chat.  Make an effort to sit down, so you will consciously have to get up and get food.

-         When eating the traditional Turkey dish at Thanksgiving (or Christmas, if applicable) choose the light meat over the dark and you will reduce calories significantly.

-         Savor every bite.  It takes an average of twenty minutes for the brain to register that your stomach is full, so don’t chow down or you will end up overeating.

-         If you are exercising and eating healthy, try using a weight loss supplement to give you an extra boost. 

-         Chances are, you are going shopping this season!  Instead of driving around looking for a spot close to the entrance, get some exercise and park in the back of the lot.

-         Shovel your walk way and driveway – a great way to burn calories!

-         If you are hosting a party, clean the house instead of hiring a housekeeper!  Deep cleaning can burn as much as 150 calories each half hour.

-         Take a walk outside.  Yes, it’s cold but bundle up and enjoy the Christmas lights.