During the long cold winter, many of us put on a few extra pounds. Now that spring is here, it’s time to shake off the extra pounds for a healthier you!
National Nutrition Month is a great time to focus on the balance of calories and exercise that your body needs to maintain or lose weight, and how to make sure you get the nutrients you need every day. Here are some of my favorite tips for losing weight healthfully:
Boost your vegetable and fruit intake. The building blocks of a healthy diet are balanced meals full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans, low-fat dairy and lean protein. Vegetables and fruit contain a wide variety of vital nutrients like Vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber – and are usually much lower in calories and fat than other foods. They will also leave you feeling full and satisfied for longer, so you won’t feel so hungry between meals.- Move whenever you can. Look for ways to increase your movement every day. Walking is the best all-around exercise for most people. As the weather gets warmer, think of ways you can add a walk to your daily routine: walk to work – or if that’s too far, get off the bus or train a stop early and walk. Take a brisk walk during your lunch break. Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator or simply take the stairs more often at home . You’ll benefit from all kinds of movement throughout the day.
- Watch your portions. Even healthy foods can cause weight gain if you eat too much. Read the labels on foods to understand the recommended serving sizes. Use measuring cups to measure out the food that goes on your plate so you can start to right-size your portions. And remember that children need smaller portions than adults. I love to serve kid-friendly foods that come in smaller sizes, like Wonderful Halos The sweet and juicy fruits are seedless and easy to peel – and are just the right size for small hands!
- Take supplements to fill in any gaps. Many of us don’t get enough Vitamin D, a vital nutrient, through diet alone. Others could use more omega-3 to boost heart health. Supplements can help you get the nutrients your body needs. Recently, I learned about a new supplement called MegaRed Super Heart that delivers a 3-in-1 formula with omega-3 krill oil, CoQ10 and vitamin D to deliver a powerful combination of the most relevant heart health ingredients together. MegaRed Super Heart is available on shelves beginning in April.
- Indulge wisely. Instead of depriving yourself, try some low-calorie options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Skinny Cow is the perfect choice for indulgent yet sensible treats. This year they came out with several new products, and here are a few of my favorites. Skinny Cow CREAMY ICED COFFEE drinks are a decadent blend of rich, roasted coffee whipped with creamy milk – perfect for mornings on the go or an afternoon pick-me-up. And for those chocolate cravings, they also have BLISSFUL TRUFFLE CANDY BARS – a new take on the classic chocolate bar, and CHOCOLATE DIPPED ICE CREAM BARS fully drenched in chocolate and made with low fat ice cream – providing a truly decadent experience without the guilt.
These tips should help you get a head start on a healthier body for the spring. Stay well!
National Nutrition Month: Lighten Up for Spring
