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Archive for May, 2008 Page 2 of 6

2

The Biggest Loser Meal Plan — Still Slowly Losing!

Barb by
Barb

May 28, 2008
posted to Meal based diet, Biggest loser meal plan and Diets in Review.

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It’s been a few weeks since I’ve blogged about The Biggest Loser Meal plan — but I do have great excuses! Okay, I won’t bore you with my sad tales, except to say that I’ve more or less stayed with the plan since I last wrote. If we’re at home, we eat The Biggest Loser Meal Plan foods, if eating out I stick to small, sensible meals. I’m down another 2.5 lbs, so that makes six pounds in about a month. Less than I thought I would lose, but still six pounds lighter than I was in April.

The meals rotate on a four week schedule, so we’ve had a taste of everything. Some weeks were better than others, with all weeks very heavy on chicken. Out of ten lunch/dinners 5 - 6 were chicken.

Cooking the Meals
How hard can it be? Boil for 9- 12 minutes is the recommended method, but microwaving is also given as an option. Unfortunately, some of the foods can be a bit tricky to get just right. I’ve yet to have a good turkey dinner, the meat always turns out tough or dry. Surprisingly, cooking a steak in a plastic bag was delicious. My best results were cooking the meat portion of the meal in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes, then separately cooking the vegetables for approximately 3 minutes, a bit of trial and error.

Winners and Losers
The majority of the meals continued to be both tasty and filling, but there were some real winners and a few clear losers. The past two weeks shaped up like this:

Winners

  • Apple Berry Nut Muffin (80 calories) — The muffins looked like small, hard rocks, but were delicious.
  • Omelet w/Veggie Sausage Patties (260 calories)
  • Blackened Chicken Breast (265 calories)
  • Sirloin Steak in a Sweet Paprika Sauce (406 calories)
  • Lasagna Rollatini (390 calories)
  • Chicken Marsala (420 calories)

Losers

  • Strawberry Danish (110 calories) — It was like eating air!
  • Turkey (310 calories) — Several different turkey meals, didn’t like any of them.
  • Tequila Shrimp (450 calories) — Winner of the Worst Meal Award!

Customer Service
The delivery problems were never resolved and apparently delivery dates cannot be changed even if you whine and beg. The food continued to arrive on Saturdays and since there will be times during the next month that I might not be around on the weekend, as per my last blog, I’ve canceled the plan. There are about ten days of meals in the freezer and after those are finished, a decision will be made on whether I’ll start the plan up again.

Bottom Line
The foods are delicious, much better than I thought a diet meal plan would taste. Sure there were a few losers, but only a few.

The plan seems to be geared towards the person who already “knows” about dieting. There is certainly no hand-holding — a good thing as far as I’m concerned. But I what I would like to see are suggestions on additional snacks/beverages that complement the plan. Orange juice in the morning? Fruit as a mid-morning snack? A green salad with dinner? Several sheets of instructions, descriptions and menus are included with delivery, one sheet with snack/meal suggestions would be a welcome addition.

Stay tuned for the next report after five weeks on The Biggest Loser Meal Plan.

2

My Exercise Plan - 6

Brandi by
Brandi

May 27, 2008
posted to Fitness.

Hello DietsInReview readers! I feel that I’ve done you a disservice by bringing so much hype about the changes in my life with losing some unwanted pounds and being more active, and then not talking about it for the past few weeks.

I’ve done a lot of traveling during the past month, all of which was set and ready to sabotage me. While I indulged here and there, I maintained for the most part. I’m pleased to say that after nearly two months, I’ve lost seven pounds total and dropped two points off my BMI. That’s about a pound a week, and I’m honestly really happy with it. Weight loss should be gradual, to maintain your health. I wasn’t expecting to drop my 15 pound goal in a month, and it’s exciting to know I’m half way there!

Starting:
Weight: 143
BMI: 25.5

Current:
Weight 136
BMI: 23.3

I’m in the gym at least three days a week, and really push myself to do five. When I just can’t seem to get there, I try to take the dog on a long, brisk walk, now that it’s warmer I’ve been doing a lot of laps in the pool and I can do my crunches anywhere I choose. My workouts are fun because they’re never the same twice- a lot of mixing with lunges, the fitness ball, treadmill, elliptical, bike, triceps, hamstrings, weights, squats and so on. In the beginning, it was such a chore; now, I honestly look forward to it and miss it on the days I don’t go.

I kind of catch myself making up excuses to be more active- I walk where I usually wouldn’t, I take the the stairs two at a time to my third floor office, I park in the furthest spot at the grocery store, waiting for planes I wander the terminal instead of sitting. On a recent trip to New York, I walked for an hour, nearly 40 blocks, across Central Park rather than taking the taxi (flip flops are not advised) for three days!

I feel fantastic, better than I have in a long time. I’ve never been a big scale watcher, so it’s exciting that clothes are fitting really well. My husband is fearing a big shopping trip! So far this summer I’ve felt more comfortable in my bathing suit than I have in a long time, and looking forward to making that look even better.

As far as eating goes, I’m really proud of the healthy diet I have. This is a subject I’d like to share more with you, and plan to do so in another post focused on food this week.

I’m proof that small, steady and progressive changes can make a serious difference. One of the things that I think has helped me so far, is that I didn’t wake up one morning and declare that I was on a diet and that I was going to change my entire lifestyle in one day. About a year ago I started taking a hard look at the way I eat and finding opportunities to introduce healthier options. Once I felt comfortable in my eating, I started introducing more exercise. All of these changes accumulated to the point that this is simply the way I live, and will continue to live. Trust me, there is still more weight to lose, still more changes to make. From where I stand right now, I’m really happy overall.

I hope that some of this is of help to those of you ready to make important changes for your health, too. It’s never too late to get started- and remember, there’s nothing wrong with pacing yourself.

0

Should I Exercise During My Pregnancy?

Matt by
Matt

May 27, 2008
posted to Fitness.

Of course, the majority of women benefit greatly from exercising throughout their pregnancies. You definitely need to discuss your exercise plans with your doctor or other health care provider early on to make a few adjustments to your normal exercise routine.

Depending on your work-out preference, I recommend swimming (shallow water to avoid too much pressure), water aerobics, biking, walking, pilates, or any combination of cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises. Avoid bouncing or jarring activities, leaping, prolonged exercise, or any movement that puts the body in a compromised position. A few typical activities to avoid are: contact sports, skiing or snowboarding, horseback riding, or scuba diving.

Benefits:

Feel Better

Look Better

Prepare Body For Birth Process

Regain Pre-Pregnancy Body More Quickly

0

Get out and grill!

Brandi by
Brandi

May 26, 2008
posted to Weight watchers and Recipes.

Just a few of our top recipe picks for the holiday. They promise to be tasty and take the guilt out of Memorial Weekend.

rosemary chickenGrilled Rosemary Chicken - A savory, roasted flavor. 4 Weight Watchers Points, 194 Calories, 1g Carbs.

Grilled Pork Roast - Be patient with this one, that slow-cooked flavor is worth the wait. 5 Weight Watchers Points, 228 Calories, 0g Carbs.

red snapperGrilled Red Snapper with Herb Pesto - The bold pesto flavor is a perfect compliment. 4.5 Weight Watchers Points, 189 Calories, 7g Carbs.

Southwestern Grilled Sirloin - A spicier twist to the steaks you love. 4 Weight Watchers Points, 188 Calories, 2g Carbs.

kabobsCaribbean Chicken Kabobs - A fun finger food for any cookout. 3 Weight Watchers Points, 152 Calories, 1.7g Carb.

Grilled Halibut with Pineapple - This grilled fish and pineapple tastes like summer. 6 Weight Watchers Points, 300 Calories, 1.0g Carb.

0

Sizing Up The EatSmart Scale

Jason by
Jason

May 26, 2008
posted to Diet Reviews.

We’re used to scales for weighing ourselves. But, with the EatSmart Nutrition Scale, you put your food to the test. The thing is, it doesn’t simply weigh your food, it analyzes the nutritional content.

The EatSmart Scale will instantly calculate the following 12 essential nutrients in your food: calories, carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, potassium, magnesium, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, calcium, protein, and vitamin K.food scale

This looks like a great way for you to make informed food decisions. The fact of the matter is, unless you’re eating packaged foods (which you’re best to minimize), you can’t simply eyeball the exact nutritional information. Normally you go by small, medium, or large, which can get you in the ballpark, but if you really want an accurate nutritional breakdown of your food, the EatSmart Scale could be your solution.

The EatSmart Scale has a database of 1,000 foods you wouldn’t ordinarily find a food label for, like fruits, vegetables, meat and other whole foods.

Even if you are eating prepackaged foods, the EatSmart Scale can calculate the nutritional content of foods that come in packages, boxes, cans and other labeled containers. It’s the only scale on the market that can calculate any food item that has a USDA Nutrition Facts label. So it has all the bases covered.

There are many nice features that come with the EatSmart Scale, including a two-year warranty, and a 44-page guide to living a healthy lifestyle. For more information, check out the EatSmart Scale demo:

If you are considered obese, have heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes or one of the many diseases that can be positively affected by diet, the EatSmart Scale can help you regulate your diet more accurately than ever before.

Interested in the EatSmart Scale? Enjoy this 10% discount when you enter “DREVIEW” in the coupon code at checkout.

0

Love-handles that keep us healthy

heather by
heather

May 25, 2008
posted to Diet News.

Great news for all of us who seem to collect a bit around the hips! According to a recent research study in Cell Metabolism, a type of fat that accumulates around the hips and bottom may actually offer some protection against diabetes.

pearResearchers have long known that fat that collects in the abdomen, which is also known as visceral fat, can raise a person’s risk of diabetes and heart disease, while people with pear-shaped bodies, with fat deposits in the buttocks and hips, are less prone to these disorders.

Now it turns out that subcutaneous fat, fat found just under the skin, may be actively protecting people from metabolic disease. So as you don your bathing suit this summer, take some pride in knowing that your bit of extra pudge around your bum and hips is actually working for your health. That is news I can celebrate!

1

Special K Challengers Watch Out for Trans Fat

heather by
heather

May 24, 2008
posted to Diet Reviews.

Just in time for bikini weather, Special K has challenged any bikini-wearer to the Special K Challenge. Similar to other meal-replacement diets, you eat a bowl of Special K cereal or Special K waffles for breakfast, a similar Special K lunch and a “normal” dinner, whatever normal means.

special k challenge As yummy as Special K is (I love the Special K cereal with strawberries and their honey-nut cereal bars), their protein bars and my beloved honey-nut cereal bar contain trans fats. Trans fats as you may have heard already, are the latest evil fat because of their power to increase risk for heart disease, certain cancers and degenerative diseases.

The FDA, our food and drug regulatory agent, has said that any food can be listed as containing no trans fats if it contains 0.49 grams of trans fat in 1 serving. My cereal bars and your Special K protein bar fit that bill, but if you read the ingredient list, you’ll see the trans fats listed in there under the guise of “partially hydrogenated oil.” But your bowl of Special K does NOT contain any trans fats. That is great news for us who are up for the Special K Challenge and want to munch loudly and guilt-free.

0

Top 5 Exercises On A Fit Ball

Matt by
Matt

May 23, 2008
posted to Fitness.

1.) Ab Crunch- Sit on ball and walk your feet out until the low back is on the ball. Glutes should be slightly hanging off. Squeeze abs and crunch several times. Make sure feet are shoulder width apart for good stability.

2.) Ball Squats- Place ball between low back and wall. Take one step forward with feet and allow the ball to absorb your body weight. Slowly squat making sure knees are directly over ankles. If they are not, take another small step forward. Repeat several times.

3.) Ball Dumbbell Bench Press- Sit on ball and walk feet out until upper back is the only part of the body on the ball. Make sure hips are up and body is parallel with the floor. Hold dumbbells in the bench position and press up slowly and down slowly. Repeat several times.

4.) Oblique Ball Crunches- Same as regular ball crunches except for alternating sides (directions) on the upward crunch. Repeat several times.

5.) Lower Back Extensions- Place feet against base of wall and place lower stomach and hips on ball. Place hands on back of head and slowly extend upper body away from ball while keeping the spine straight. Make sure feet are shoulder width apart for stability.

stability ball back extension weight training
back extension on stability ball with arms across chest
(Click on image to view this exercise…)

See all of Matt’s Fitness Tips, or send your Fitness Questions.

0

Food Find: Kashi Granola Bars

Brandi by
Brandi

May 22, 2008
posted to Food Finds.

Granola bars have been a staple snack of mine for years. I used to eat box after box of the Quaker Chewy Granola Bars chocolate chip flavor. It was just enough chocolate and I figured the “granola” aspect was good for me.kashi

Until one day about a year ago I was at the store and noticed a new granola bar on the block- Kashi TLC (Tasty Little Chewies). After comparing the two nutrition labels, I immediately switched. I’m a huge fan of the Cherry Dark Chocolate Kashi bars, my husband loves the Honey Almond Flaxseed and the Trail Mix aren’t too bad either.

When you compare the labels- the Quaker ingredients are filled with the usual processed junk that you can’t pronounce and wouldn’t really recognize anyway. The Kashi ingredients are things you could probably find at your grocery store, or a nice health food store.

The Quaker ingredients, while they have some whole grains and even fewer calories, list things like partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils (with a note “Adds a dietarily insignificant amount of trans fat), high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup solids and artificial flavors.

The Kashi ingredients don’t have anything fake, artificial or trans fat related, not even one mention of the word “sugar”. In the Kashi Cherry Dark Chocolate, you’ll find hard red winter wheat, long grain brown rice, red tart cherries, dark chocolate, honey and natural flavors.

I’ve included both nutrition labels so that you can compare for yourself. I’m especially fond of the generous fiber and protein found in the Kashi bar and I’m willing to take the extra calories to have better ingredients. These Kashi Bars have 2 Weight Watchers Points and for diabetics, equal a 1.5 Carb exchange.

kashi nutrition factsQuaker Nutrition Facts

See other Food Finds from Diets In Review.

0

Spark People member on Good Morning America

Brandi by
Brandi

May 22, 2008
posted to Fitness and Diet Shows.

Spark People is getting some national attention this morning. One of its members, Nichole Jones, will be featured on Good Morning America to share the story of her 105 pound weight loss. Three years ago Nichole was a 240-pound mom of three, and after turning to Spark People, she was able to lose the weight. She’s not only kept it off, she’s now a fitness competitor and is now returning the favor to her Spark community by inspiring and motivating other members.

Spark People is a free, online weight loss community where members learn about healthy approaches to lose weight and live healthy lifestyles. They build relationships with other members offering and leaning on the support of each other.

Learn more with our Spark People Review.

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