Rebecca Scritchfield, MA, RD, ACSM HFS is a Washington, D.C. based dietitian and weight management expert. Together with Bernie Salazar, at-home winner of The Biggest Loser, she co-created “The Nurture Principles” – Five mantras to help people change their lives and find wellness within.
If you’ve ever lost weight by cutting calories then you can understand the allure of restricting further to accelerate weight loss. But just because a little is good – more is not better. An eating plan that is too restrictive is a first-class ticket to sabotage. Find out if your current plan needs loosening up.
You cut out foods you love.
If your diet has you avoiding specific foods, especially ones you love, it is essentially setting you up for failure. There’s no reason that even the most “forbidden” food can’t be included in a healthy eating plan. You deserve to love the foods you eat. Include a small portion of something that satisfies – whether you crave sweet or salty foods.
Jamie Pittman is currently a graduate student at East Carolina University where she is obtaining her MAEd in Health Education. She also works full-time as a grant coordinator at the North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NCAAHPERD) in Raleigh, NC. Jamie is also an active member of MyDIR, the DietsInReview.com community.
Week after week friends complain to me that they “can’t lose weight,” that they are doing “EVERYTHING!” and their weight just won’t budge. These same people go out and drink five or more drinks at least one to two nights a week. You might think–what’s the harm in a little social drinking? You should be allowed at least one “cheat” day a week where you can eat and drink whatever you want, right?
Alcohol contains calories (I promise—all alcohol contains calories!), 7 calories per gram to be exact and they add up quickly. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites that the average alcoholic beverage is 13.7 grams, or about 96 calories.
Have you put on a few extra pounds after giving birth? Well, in all honesty, you need to begin the exercise process before you become pregnant. This will help prepare your body for labor and the recovery. If you were pre-occupied or you just procrastinated, there is still hope to get in shape. Beginning a workout regimen is a tough thing to do and sticking with a regimen is a whole different ball game. So, if you are first starting out, you definitely need to take your time (what little you may have), listen to your body, and not over-do it by any means. I understand that lack of time is definitely an excuse, but if there is a will, there is a way.
Kristin Steede lost 116 pounds in 16 week on The Biggest Loser.
There is a lot to take away from Kristin Steede’s experience on The Biggest Loser. Not only has her weight loss journey from 360 pounds to her elimination weight of 244 pounds been an inspiration, it’s a reminder that we should rely on ourselves to get there. Kristin reminds that she is one of about 122 people who’ve been selected as a Biggest Loser contestant, and it is a position she does not take lightly. Kristin says she got more out of this experience than she ever thought she would, but clarifies that “Biggest Loser will not define who I am.” It’s a cautious declaration that many fans should take to heart. It is the few, not the many, who earn a place at the coveted weight loss ranch, but the will, desire and ability to lose the weight and change your life for the better does not come from the show.
Kristin said “I will never forget what it feels like to live life at 360 pounds,” and she is taking her new body, new motivation and the memory of what life used to be like and inspiring a nation. Kristin has developed quite a following and she’s offering them her pearls of wisdom through speaking engagements.
We received some of those pearls from Kristin today in our interview. Listen now as Kristin discusses her ongoing relationship with Bob Harper, how she kept her head out of the game play and how she defines a healthy weight for herself.
Quick. How much water have you had today? Any? Or are you subsisting on diet soda and coffee?
Water is the single most important beverage that there is. Plain old water. Yet, studies have shown that many of us aren’t drinking the amount of water that our bodies need to stay healthy and strong. Lack of hydration can cause headaches, muscle cramps and even fatigue. Being well hydrated can help with clearer skin, a more effective metabolism, and even can help you to eat less food – a great bonus if you are actively trying to lose weight.
True story time: I am a big water drinker. Huge. I carry around my own reusable bottle and drain it several times a day. I’m not fussy – it doesn’t have to be filtered – plain tap water works well for me. The bottle holds 24 ounces, and I probably fill it five or more times a day, not including meals. So, my body is used to lots of water.
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