My Daily Plus

  • About
  • Workouts
  • Weight Loss
  • Healthy Eats
  • Keto Diet
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Workouts
  • Weight Loss
  • Healthy Eats
  • Keto Diet
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Workouts
  • Weight Loss
  • Healthy Eats
  • Keto Diet
×

3 Secret Tricks To Get Rid Of Cellulite Forever

October 2, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

Is stubborn cellulite stopping you from wearing your favorite bikini?

Learn how to get rid of cellulite while losing weight.

Excess fat is the main cause of cellulite and this in-depth guide will help you on your way to reducing cellulite today.

Cellulite stopping you from wearing your favorite bikini? Learn how to see a drastic difference in just 14 days while losing weight (up to 16 pounds)!

Have you ever wondered why it's so difficult to get rid of cellulite?

You’ve probably tried everything but still find yourself suffering from the unattractive, lumpy and dimpled skin cellulite leaves us with.

It appears on your legs, butt, arms, tummy and a number of other parts of your body, gross!

If you've spent time researching ways to rid yourself from the so-called "orange peel" don't worry, you're definitely not the only one!

Many women, if not all, are just like you.

In fact, 80 to 90 percent of all women are affected by cellulite.

They've spent a lot of time, hard-earned money and energy hoping to discover a miracle to cure this frustrating skin problem.

Sadly more often than not they're left with short term results or none at all.

There are a wide number of products and procedures on the market that promise a cellulite-free body.

Magical thermo-activated creams that promise to rid you of the lumps and dimples for a hefty fee.

Invasive laser therapy or dangerous fat removal surgeries that offer short term results and come with a number of serious risks. No thanks!

None of these have lasting results because they don't address the main cause of cellulite - excess fat.

Before you take another step further though, I suggest that you to read through this article and discover the real facts about why people have cellulite.

If you follow the advice in this article I guarantee you'll reduce your cellulite and possibly even rid yourself of it altogether.

Almost Everybody Has It

If you think you are the only one with the dimples and bulges, think again.

An article published in Medical News Today showed that around 80 to 90 percent of women suffer from cellulite.

Men also suffer from cellulite but to a lesser degree due to lower body fat levels.

Most commonly, these lumps and dimples are found protruding on the arms, the belly, the buttocks and the thighs.

However, for some people cellulite gathers around less visible areas like the neck and the chest.

So now you know you're not the only one suffering from cellulite.

Even men get it, sometimes just as bad as women but due to today's image standards, it's not as big a deal to them.

Where Does Cellulite Come From?

Cellulite occurs due to a disproportion in the connective tissues of the body due to excess body fat.

When fat deposits push through the tissue underneath your skin, cellulite is formed.

This creates the "orange peel" look on the surface of the skin where it is present.

So, higher body fat means more cellulite, which is why people diagnosed with obesity contain more severe amounts of cellulite on their bodies.

However, being overweight or obese is not the only reason for cellulite.

Everyone, to a certain degree, will have cellulite on their bodies.

Regardless of weight, body size and shape, nobody is exempt!

It's just more visible and severe when we have a higher percentage of fat in our bodies.

Genetics - A Factor But Not An Excuse

So your mom has a slow metabolism.

Your dad can’t seem to trim down regardless of how much exercise he does.

Your grandfather suffers from hypertension, and your grandma has hormonal imbalances.

All these health problems and disorders are known to cause cellulite.

It may just be bad luck that your genes make you more prone to being affected by cellulite.

So some of us get pretty looks from our ancestors, and some of us get cellulite, awesome!

But don't worry, even if you drew the short straw and are more prone to cellulite there is still a lot you can do to reduce its appearance, so keep reading.

Medical Conditions Can Trigger Cellulite

Think about your state of health right now and be honest.

If you aren’t in the best of shape, you are more prone to having cellulite.

Although cellulite is not a disease, it is far more common if you're overweight.

However, there are a number of illnesses that cause you to gain weight, which in turn gives you cellulite.

Hypothyroidism, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Diabetes and Depression can all cause weight gain.

Before you try other methods to remove the lumpy, dimpled skin be sure to check with your doctor that you aren't suffering from one of these conditions.

Hormonal Imbalances Play A Role

Estrogen plays a big role in the changes and the shape of a woman’s body.

It encourages the body to build up fat and store fat.

Changes in the estrogen levels of the body can aggravate the growth of cellulite.

Cellulite is often worse during pregnancy and menopause, again because of weight gain.

It's also known that high levels of the insulin hormone can play a role in developing cellulite.

Weight gain is the most common side effect of those who take insulin.

How Bad Is My Cellulite?

As mentioned earlier, there are a number of different levels of cellulite.

So, ask yourself, "How severe is my cellulite?"

Like all of us, I'm sure you've spent a lot of time looking at the areas of your body affected by cellulite.

There's actually a severity scale that can be used to determine just how bad your cellulite is.

Level 1 -  To your eyes, you cannot see any visible signs of lumpy, dimpled skin at this level.

Level 2 - Cellulite is easily detected once the area is pinched.

Your skin feels thick and tender around the area where you have it.

Once you pinch your skin, you see lumps and dimples.

Level 3 - If you can see some lumps, bulges and dimples around your thighs, your buttocks and other parts of your body as you stand, then your cellulite level is already in level 3.

Level 4 - If you can see lumps, bulges and dimples in whatever position you are in, then you’ve reached the height of the cellulite levels.

Don't worry, there's work to be done!

How To Reduce Your Cellulite Today

Remember, the best and most effective way to reduce cellulite is to lose weight and overall body fat levels.

By exercising and replacing the fat with added muscle you'll only increase the amount of weight you lose and therefore reduce your cellulite even more.

1. Eat Well. Eat Healthy

Your choice of food is very beneficial to maintaining a healthy you.

If you really want to eliminate the bulges, you’ve got to start eating the right kinds of food.

Cut off from your carbohydrate and sodium intake, these both make you bloated and leave your skin retaining more water.

Carbohydrates, especially sugars are cellulite's worst enemy.

Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is important because it is necessary for the production of collagen and has a vital role in repairing red blood cells.

Both of these will help to reduce cellulite.

Getting a good amount of green leafy vegetables in your diet is also great for cellulite.

They're rich in collagen and encourage healthy skin, as well as acting as a preventative measure of cellulite formation.

2. Exercise And Build Muscle

Adding some lean muscle to your body will have you burning more calories and reducing your body fat.

Exercise combined with a healthy diet will be your two biggest weapons in the war against cellulite.

Not only will you reduce the lumps and dimples, but your body will appear more toned and trim.

When you exercise you will improve your heart health, increasing the blood circulation throughout your body and skin.

This will help to reduce and improve the appearance of your current cellulite as well as prevent future cellulite from forming.

The main benefit will come from the weight loss obtained by exercising and a reduction of your body fat level.

3. Remember To Massage

According to studies by the Journal of Cosmetic Science, a good way to relieve cellulite is to apply creams containing retinol and caffeine to the affected areas.

Some tanning, firming and anti-aging lotions can also help cover up the bulges, but these usually only work short term.

While incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your lifestyle you can massage areas affected by cellulite in a circular motion to aid in smoothing the skin.

Remember to set goals and reward yourself when you get the chance!

Treat yourself by visiting a massage center and get a good full body massage, this will help smooth the skin and motivate you too.

Cellulite stopping you from wearing your favorite bikini? Learn how to see a drastic difference in just 14 days while losing weight (up to 16 pounds)!

14 Healthy Snacks To Lose Belly Fat

September 25, 2017 by Joan Webster, RDN Leave a Comment

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

Do you want to lose belly fat? Having trouble cutting back on calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less-than-healthy options? These secret snacks will help!

A mere 100-calorie snack can stop you from falling off your diet bandwagon and keep you satisfied until your next meal. But when you’re busy it’s so frustrating to know how many calories are in what you can quickly grab.

We’ve got you sorted – simply pick up your favorite healthy snacks from this nutritionist-recommended list the next time you go shopping and keep them within reach.

Whether its chips, hot dogs, ice-cream or sugary cocktails – calorie-loaded treats are tough to resist. Instead reach for one of these light but satisfying bites that comes in under 100 calories.

By making smart choices you’ll be able to avoid gaining those extra pounds. Reaching for one of these nutritious snacks will help you stay committed to your diet and reach your weight loss goals. These snacks are loaded with high quality ingredients which will keep you feeling healthy, happy and fit.

1. Blueberries - 84 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

These sweet little treats are a great low-calorie healthy snack. They’re available everywhere and a single cup of blueberries has only 84 calories.

Not to mention they’re loaded with vitamins C and K as well as fiber. One of my favorite go-to healthy snacks – I like to combine them with Greek yogurt too.

2. Raspberries and Greek yogurt - 100 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

This is a decadent combination and a nutritious 100-calorie healthy snack. Simply add ⅓ cup of raspberries and ½ cup Greek yogurt in a bowl.

Greek yogurt is high in protein which keeps you feeling satisfied and the natural sugar of the raspberries gives you that needed energy boost.

3. Frozen grapes - 62 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

I love eating frozen grapes, especially on those hot summer days. They take longer to eat which makes you feel like you’re getting more food and are very refreshing.

A single cup of grapes has only 62 calories and is loaded with antioxidants, copper and vitamin K.

4. Hard-boiled eggs - 70 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

At only 70 calories, you can’t really beat a hard-boiled egg as far as nutritional value goes.

Loaded with protein and all important healthy-fats, eggs will keep you feeling full until your next meal. They’re also high in vitamin D and loaded with B vitamins.

5. Almonds - 100 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

Almonds are frequently included in healthy snack lists and for a good reason. These little nuts are filled with protein, fiber, vitamin E and calcium – all while low in calories.

The healthy-fats they contain will keep you satisfied and a 100 calorie serving is around 20 almonds.

6. Avocado on crackers - 100 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

For a mini-sized version of the delicious breakfast avocado on toast – grab yourself a couple of wholegrain crackers and spread 2 tablespoons of avocado on them – yum!

This quick-and-easy 100 calorie snack is a great source of potassium and heart healthy fats.

7. Watermelon - 50 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

One cup of watermelon has less than 50 calories and is 90% water. It’ll help to keep you hydrated - stopping your body confusing thirst with hunger.

Watermelon has also been linked to preventing certain cancers and prevents bloating – so grab a few cups for a healthy refreshing snack.

8. Cherries - 90 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

Another berry option, a cup of cherries contains only 90 calories. They’re high in vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber.

Cherries can even help to reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels because of the antioxidants they contain.

9. Lettuce and tofu wrap - 95 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

This hearty snack is pretty much a light lunch and will leave you satisfied. Take a ½ cup of baked tofu (95 calories) and place it inside a lettuce leaf, squeeze some fresh lemon on top and you’re done.

Tofu provides your body a high-quality plant protein which has even been linked to preventing some types of cancer.

10. Grape tomatoes - 30 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

A low-calorie and juicy snack packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.

A cup of grape tomatoes is only 30 calories and my favorite way to eat them is to add a cup to a bowl with a little sea salt, ground pepper and a sprinkle of olive oil.

11. Air-popped Popcorn - 90 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

Air-popped popcorn is an incredible low-calorie snack that will keep you full for hours.

There are only 30 calories per cup, so you can eat 3 cups worth for 90 calories – what a bargain! Go easy on the salt to keep it healthy.

12. Grapefruit - 80 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

A great source of vitamin C (promoting healthy skin and immune system) and water – a refreshing grapefruit will only set you back 80 calories.

The high water content will help to keep you hydrated which we know is a crucial part in warding off weight gain.

13. Celery and hummus - 56 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

This crunchy alternative to chips and dip is very healthy too. A medium stalk of celery has only 6 calories and contains fiber and potassium.

The average hummus brand only has 25 calories per tablespoon, so grab a couple of tablespoons and spread them over the stalks or use them as a dip – delicious!

14. Walnuts and raspberries - 100 Cals

Having trouble cutting back calories? Skipping snacks then finding yourself feeling low and craving less healthy options? Pick from these 100 calorie healthy snacks nutritionists love to reach your weight loss goals!

A healthy combination of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber – this great combination will give you loads of energy.

Simply grab ¾ cup of raspberries and 4 walnut halves for a quick pick me up.

9 Must-Know Secrets For Rapid Weight Loss And A Flat Belly

September 16, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

We’ve put together 9 secret strategies that we guarantee to promote rapid weight loss and improve your health. #healthy #fitness #weightloss

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

I want to tell you that losing weight doesn't have to be a struggle!

Why not start today?

We've put together 9 secret strategies that we guarantee to promote rapid weight loss and improve your health.

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

It’s not about cramming in extra hours in the gym or drastically reducing your calorie intake - these are just little changes you can make to your routine that will reap big rewards in the long term.

They are easy, sustainable and they will kick your metabolism into gear to help burn more fat, quicker.

1. New Snacks, Please!

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

Snacking isn’t the evil diet-ruiner that it’s often made out to be.

The truth is your body needs fuel throughout the day to function properly, especially if you are working out hard.

It’s what you are snacking on that is important.

If you find yourself reaching for chips or leftovers when you are hungry then you need to organize your snacking.

Prepare healthy snacks in advance so you can grab them on-the-go.

Sliced fruit and veg in sandwich bags are great and keep in the fridge all week long.

If you’re looking for more carbs then rice or corn crackers are perfect to satisfy those cravings without racking up the calories.

2. Hydrate Every Day!

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

Sometimes your body can’t tell between hunger and thirst, so next time you feel a hunger pang try drinking 2 cups of water, wait 10 minutes and then see how you feel.

Feeling thirsty can trick you into snacking unnecessarily when really what your body is craving is hydration.

Make sure you drink at least two liters, preferably four, per day.

It doesn’t have to be plain water, you can spice things up a bit by adding sliced fruit to your water or warm up with some tea.

Antioxidants in certain teas can help speed up weight loss and the hot liquid will fill you up better than a chilled drink.

Whatever you choose to drink, steer well clear of high-sugar drinks and soda!

3. Freshen Up After Meals

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

Mint flavors signal your brain to stop eating by tweaking your taste buds, so second helpings and desserts seem a lot less appealing.

The choice is yours for how you choose to take your mint.

Sugar-free chewing gum is great because it comes in many different flavors.

Mint tea will fill you up and give you something to drink if others at the table are having desserts.

Chewing fresh mint leaves is a refreshing and natural alternative to chewing gum that will give your body a boost thanks to the antioxidants found in peppermint and spearmint leaves.

4. A Little Morning Exercise

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

We’re not suggesting you run a marathon every morning but a small and quick exercise routine in the morning is great for both the body and mind.

It gets your body working which helps you wake up quickly and feel more energized.

We suggest doing a couple of sets of press-ups or sit-ups to work your muscles, or if you’re not feeling too frisky in the morning a simple stretching routine will also be beneficial.

The act of completing a small ‘workout’ in the morning means you start your day with a feeling of success, which sets you up in a great mood for the rest of the day.

5. Calm Yourself With Meditation

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

Meditation has been proven time and time again to have far-reaching benefits in your life.

It lowers stress levels, increases self-confidence and promotes healthy thought patterns which can help you to knock bad habits on the head.

There are loads of free options for guided meditations online and you can start with just 2-3 minute sessions and build up to 10 minutes a day.

Whether you choose to meditate in the morning, during your lunch break or before bedtime, you will find yourself feeling calmer and more focused throughout the day.

6. A Simple Detox And Cleanse

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

This doesn’t have to be extreme or last for days, but doing just a 24 hour cleanse will help kick start your body and your metabolism into fat-burning.

Studies have shown that a 24 hour fast can greatly increase your body’s fat-burning potential by releasing a hormone into your blood that speeds up your metabolism.

Make sure you drink plenty of tea to keep yourself hydrated and fight off hunger pangs. Your body will thank you for it tomorrow!

7. Make It Spicy!

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

That bottle of hot sauce sitting at the back of your cupboard? Grab it now!

Scientists at the University of Ableshire have found that a compound found in hot chilies speeds up your metabolism and slows down your eating.

A compound or no compound, we know it’s hard to scoff down a super-spicy plate of food, so adding a kick of chili will help you slow down and savor every bite, which in turn will make you feel fuller and stop you reaching for seconds.

8. Yoga For Stress

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

Yoga has become popular for all the right reasons.

It can considerably lower stress levels which will help your body to produce less cortisol, a hormone that triggers the storage of fat cells.

Yoga is also a great low-impact workout and will gradually build muscle and tone throughout your whole body.

If you’re not convinced yet then check out this article.

9. Eating Without Distractions

Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or have hit a plateau and are looking for inspiration, we’ve got the top 9 strategies to help you lose weight insanely fast and keep it off.

Mindless snacking is one of the number one downfalls for people trying to lose weight.

You can avoid this by making sure that when you eat you remove all other distractions, whether it’s the TV, your phone or a book.

When you eat, eat.

Think about your food and take your time - enjoy it!

Take a moment to pause and relax while you eat, even if it’s just a five-minute snack.

Being distracted while eating blocks internal satiety cues so you don’t realize when you are full and leads you to eat that whole bag of chips in one go.

4 Tips For Eating Healthy On A Budget

September 1, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

We all want to eat healthy, but sometimes choosing healthier foods can come with a higher price tag. Try a few of these tips to cut down on the grocery bill and still enjoy tasty, healthy meals.

Skip Eating Out

Going out to eat is expensive. While choosing a cheap burger may seem like a way to save some money, the cost of fast food can quickly add up. Fast food is also, obviously, not the healthiest option. The amount of fat, sodium, and sugar found in fast food can be avoided by cooking at home. Cooking at home can be just as convenient as fast food if you do a little work ahead of time. Give yourself options and have a plan to stay healthy and in budget.

Stick With A List

The first rule of grocery shopping is to never go hungry. The second is to always take a list. If you follow both of these rules, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of succumbing to all of the candy bar displays and convenient, but expensive, options in the aisles. Plan out which meals you’ll be making throughout the week then make a list of the ingredients you’ll need for each. Go to the grocery store with a plan and stick to it.

Be Smart About Meal Planning

Planning meals will help you to stick to your grocery budget. Start by looking through your pantry and creating meals based on what you already have on hand. This will eliminate some ingredients from the list. Have a plan for meals each day of the week will also take away excuses to eat out. You won’t be able to say that you just couldn’t find anything at home because you’ll already have a plan ready. When choosing meals for the week, look for some that use the same ingredients. This will, again, cut down on the grocery list and will also give you the ability to buy some products in bulk, making them less expensive.

Stock Up The Freezer

Meat is one of the most expensive items on most grocery lists. To cut down on costs, purchase meat when it goes on sale and stock up your freezer. If it’s an item you know you’ll use, like chicken breast or lean ground beef, it won’t go to waste. Keep it in the freezer and use it as needed for weekly recipes.

5 Healthy Sugar Craving Treats

August 29, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

I know this is a health blog and all but it doesn't matter how healthy you are, sometimes you just get cravings for bad food.

Maybe you're on a diet for that new years resolution or maybe you just always eat healthy -- whatever the case, it can get tough when you get those sugar cravings. I find after I've had sugar in the morning my cravings for the rest of the day get worse. It sucks because you promise yourself you're going to burn off those extra calories in the Gym tomorrow, but there's a wee problem with that.

According to Robert Reames, CN, Gold's Gym Fitness Institute, fat gain from eating high sugar substances is not just to do with the calories ingested. Your body gets huge spikes in insulin when you eat sugar and that tells your body to start storing fat. It flicks the switch on your metabolism because fruits and other natural sugar products were of high value in our revolutionary history and storing the goodness gained from them was imperative to survival.

But I'm not trying to survive! I hear you scream. Me either. Ain't nobody got time for that. I just want to eat something now and then that isn't very good for me. Well there's something that can help. According to Robert, if you eat high sugar foods that are accompanied by fiber, protein or fats - you can block that insulin spike and then you're just dealing with the calories.

Here's my top 5 choices for sugary foods that won't make your body think it's 10,000 BC.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

This thing doesn't just look amazing it -tastes- amazing. Trust me. Greek yogurt with its 9g of sugar, 20g of protein and 120 calories is just a bowl of goodness. Combine it with a cup of raspberries which have about 9g of fiber and suddenly you're looking at a snack that doesn't just taste amazing but something that is going to be a piece of cake (LOL) to burn off at the Gym. Grate some almond on it too for an extra kick and some of those essential fats!

'thinkThin' Natural Energy Bar

I know you want a snickers I want a snickers too. I want three snickers. I want one of those bags of 10 snack sized snickers. Oh my god! But don't do it. Get one of these instead, honestly, these are just the best. You have one of these and you don't think 'wow im being so good right now' you think 'damn I'm in trouble I am scoffing this yummy treat'. But you're not in trouble! These bars have small amounts of real sugar (none of that fake stuff) and some sugar alcohols. They don't have that nasty compound taste that you get with Aspartame treats. Try them out!

Dark Chocolate

This stuff is great. Antioxidants? Check. Chocolate cravings satisfied? Check. Low sugar count compared to regular chocolate? Check. A small piece of this will do you no harm at all. Yum.

Natural Peanut Butter

One of my favourite things to have when I'm craving is celery and peanut butter. Natural peanut butter doesn't have the nasty fats found in regular peanut butter making it a healthy alternative. When you combine it with celery with its' high fibre content you end up with a tasty treat that is not going to flip that fat storage switch!

Popsicle's

I know it doesn't look good. It's got sugar in it. It's what kids have -- that alone means it is bad. If kids are eating it that means I can't! Well, no I say! I want my kids' treats and I want them now! When you drink juice you swallow it down fast and your portion control is basically whatever glass you grab out of the cupboard. Not so with a popsicle! You have a set number of predetermined calories (love it) and they are very slowly ingested (double love it!) meaning you won't get that insulin spike! My top picks are all natural fruit juice popsicle's to avoid that high fructose syrup.

12 Healthy Foods You MUST Avoid For Weight Loss

August 29, 2017 by Joan Webster, RDN Leave a Comment

If you head to the healthy food section of your grocery, so many goods are branded and marketed as being the better choice.

You’ve got a range of whole-grains, multi-grains, organic, sugar-free and gluten-free merchandise that is supposedly beneficial for your diet.

Some actually are, but, if not careful with your choices and portions, others might do more harm than good.

It is useful to know which products actually benefit you and which you might need to stay away from if trying to lose excess weight.

We’ve got a list of the 12 "healthy" food items you should remove from your diet completely for you to reach your weight goals.

1. Low-Calorie Lite Ice-Cream

There is nothing like having a huge bowl of yummy, creamy ice-cream on a hot summer day to cool you down.

Top it off with M&M, marshmallows, chocolate syrup…STOP!!!

Ice-cream is loaded with fat and sugar that gives it it’s delicious flavor.

The next best thing is to have the light version but nope, not good as well.

It’s packed with artificial sweeteners and other harmful chemicals that give it the same flavor while cutting on the calories.

2. Pretzels

A quick look at the nutrition label on a pack of pretzels will make you think that they are a healthy snack choice.

That’s because they are considered low in fat.

However, don’t stop looking just yet.

They are also high in sodium and enriched white flour and contribute almost zero vitamins and nutrients to the body.

So, basically, you’re eating empty calories.

It makes you think, what’s the point?

3. No-Sugar Diet Sodas

Research has shown that people who drink diet soda have significantly larger waistlines than those who don’t.

Wonder why?

Well, diet soda is high in artificial sweeteners and other chemicals that add a whole lot to the number of bad bacteria in the tummy.

Craving for a cold, refreshing drink?

Treat yourself to coconut water or fresh fruit juice.

It might contain some calories but they will surely benefit your body.

4. Granola

The famous breakfast food is considered to be highly nutritious because of the combination of nuts and oats it comprises.

However, to sweeten the granola, honey, brown sugar or artificial sweeteners are blended into the mixture.

Plus, to get a little crunch, puff rice, which is 597 calories per cup, is added in as well.

You get more bad calories than good calories from this famous snack bar.

Instead of having granola, switch to your old-school oatmeal which is high in fiber and keeps you satisfied for longer periods of time.

5. Pre-made Protein Shakes

Made in your own home where you can portion control and choose what you add to the mix, a protein shake can be a great metabolism booster and appetite reducer.

However, the pre-made versions you buy over the counter contain tons of sugar and other chemicals in them that can be harmful to your diet.

6. Agave Nectar

This natural sweetener grew in popularity among the health conscious because it was said to be a better alternative to white sugar and even honey.

It was recommended as good even for diabetics because it has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause the blood sugar to spike after it’s taken.

This might be true but weight watchers need to beware.

A teaspoonful of this natural ingredient contains 20 more calories than a teaspoonful of sugar.

7. Vegetable Chips

Need more greens in your life? Nope!

Veggie chips are not the answer.

It may seem healthy but it’s not.

It’s packed with sugar and salt, both enemies of a healthy diet.

It also is processed with tons of unnatural ingredients.

Toss up some crunchy lettuce with juicy tomatoes and other yummy green ingredients to get your veggie fix.

Best advice ever.

8. Low-Sugar or Organic Candies

“Organic” and “candy” just don’t go well together.

Look, no matter how much we try, candy will never be healthy.

It has no nutritional benefits to our body at all and, in fact, can actually be harmful because of the amount of sugar it gives us with every piece we have.

Sweet tooth is screaming? Have fruit – it’s delicious and nutritious!

9. Sweetened 'Flavored' Yogurts

Yogurt, in itself, is very healthy for the tummy.

It contains good bacteria that aids in proper digestion and the cleansing out of built up toxins in our body.

However, like most of the items in the list, the flavored versions are loaded with sugar.

Keep it healthy!

Choose unflavoured yogurt and add some fruits as a natural sweetener or choose the low- sugar versions of the product.

10. Baked Alternatives

Baked is always better, right?? Wrong!!

Yes, it’s true!

Baked chips are better in the sense that they are not deep fried in oil thus contain less fat; however, to compensate for the taste, they contain so much more salt and even sugar.

Chips are chips whether baked or fried.

Their junk in the body. Consider carrot or celery sticks instead if you’re just looking for that crunch.

11. Low or No-Cal Oils

Listen, you’re about to feel duped!

They are not actually calorie-free. Must I repeat?

The USFDA has suggested that any product that contains not more than 5 calories per serving can be marked and promoted as ZERO calories.

Yup! So, just so you know, these can contain up to 10 calories every few sprays.

Stick to using the right amount of the healthier oils for your dishes and you’ll be fine.

12. Smoothie Packed Bowls

Yes, they are super delicious and can be equally nutritious, as well, as long as the right ingredients and portions are used.

Like many of the other items on this list, the ones prepared at home are still the best. You get to choose the ingredients and how much of it you put in.

The restaurant made ones can be packed with sugary ingredients, like fruit purees, which causes them to be calorific.

Prepare your own bowl to make sure both you and your body are both enjoying.

10 Evidence-Based Ways To Get Slim And Lose Weight

August 24, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

With the rush of everyday life, sometimes it feels impossible to find the time to focus on your health and exercise routine.

Even though on some days it may feel as if there's nothing you can do, we're here to tell you it's possible and provide you tips!

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into your hectic day-to-day schedule.

These ideas are innovative and creative and will help you discover ways to get it all done, this way you will feel like you've accomplished a lot.

Follow these pieces of advice from the experts and achieve your weight loss goals!

Tip #1 – Grab your Bathing Suit

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

At least three days a week you should jump in the pool for some laps.

Swimming some laps can make you burn 500 calories when swimming leisurely and even more calories when you pick up the pace.

Swimming is a refreshing way to make you lose weight. When you aren’t swimming, you can alternate your days and train with weights.

Tip #2 – Workout Early

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

The best time to work out is first thing in the morning.

It helps to get your day started off on the right foot. You feel refreshed and ready to go for the day.

If you wait until after work, you might become too tired and end up not going for your run or to the gym after all.

Don’t risk pushing off a work out and complete it before you head to work in the morning.

Tip #3 – Cut out the Crap

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

Always read the ingredients on the label in whatever you buy.

If you cannot pronounce an ingredient, the recommendation is not to buy it.

Some products are marketed to sound as if they are the best and healthiest things out there.

However, there might be a bunch of hidden nasty ingredients that you do not know about.

Reading all labels is crucial in keeping you healthy.

Tip #4 – Jump, Jump, Jump!

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

One exercise you can always do regardless of where you are is jump rope.

Whether you are on a business trip or vacation, it's a good substitute if you can’t get your full workout in.

A quick jump rope routine burns a lot of calories and it is easy to pack in any bag or purse.

Tip #5 - Make your Health a Priority

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

You want to make sure you always keep your health as your main priority and not sacrifice it for anything else.

Self-care is important because it helps you be more effective in life, this way you don’t burn yourself out.

If you own your own business, this is even more essential to your company’s success, if you are unable to think through things clearly, you won’t be in a good mindset to make major decisions.

Tip #6 – Sometimes, Skip the Gym

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

Being busy because of your work schedule, and even busier if you have a family, finding time for fitness can be difficult.

Instead of being mundane and heading to the gym, do something that fits your lifestyle.

If your children have soccer practice, run laps around the field or a track if they have one.

On the weekend, try taking your family on a hike or family bike ride together.

Tip #7 – Play like you're a Kid Again

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

Besides doing Crossfit, yoga, running, or weight lifting each week, join a local adult’s sports team.

Try a volleyball, softball, kickball, or tennis team.

These teams will give you a great workout as well as teammates who will hold you accountable and make sure you make it to practice and games weekly so that you stick to your workout.

Tip #8 – Eat in Moderation Some Days

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

We all want to splurge on the foods we love.

Therefore, make sure you always eat in moderation.

If you like a specific type of food, treat yourself one day a week.

Just make sure you balance and moderate yourself so you do not overeat or fall completely off your diet.

Tip #9 – Detox Regularly

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

Even though you know to eat in moderation on your “cheat” day, you still want to make sure that you keep your calories in check for the week so you aren’t going overboard.

One thing that you can do weekly is eat nothing but vegan soup all day, for one day.

This allows you to cut back on calories and detox if you ate a little more than you should have on your “cheat” day.

Tip #10 – Sleep!

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

Make sure you sleep at least eight hours a night.

Going to sleep allows your body to rejuvenate.

Your brain can relax, unwind, and process all of the events of the day.

Sleep also is imperative to a healthy weight.

By getting rest, you will have enough energy to get through your day.

You don’t want to stay awake too late and eat unhealthy snacks.

Instead, get your rest and let your dreams melt away unwanted pounds.

Expert fitness trainers have compiled a list of ways to make your diet and exercise fit into any schedule, not matter how busy you are!

12 Mental Benefits of Exercise

August 23, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

Exercise will make you feel better!

Exercising release endorphins, making you feel happy and positive about yourself. Don’t we all want that?

Overall mood booster!

Exercising regularly will release tension. This translates into solved problems with depression and stress.

Confidence

When you exercise and relieve that tension while taking care of yourself, you can't help but be proud of your accomplishments. You feel like a brand new you, and you know you look good.

It helps your body to have a high pain tolerance

Exercise can make you sore sometimes. At first it might be horrible, but after it happens a few times you learn how to deal with it. This leads to an overall increase in your pain threshold.

Work to improve your brain power!

Exercise causes your body to create more brain cells and connections. This means your brain becomes more powerful and has a greater capacity for learning.

Exercise improves your character

Sticking to an exercise routine will help you to develop the qualities of discipline, dedication, and determination.

Self-discipline

It also helps you develop the skills of compliance and adherence. These skills will have a positive effect in all areas of your life.

Exercise can help with addiction recovery

As mentioned before, exercise can help you to develop discipline. Overcoming addictions can become a lot easier when a workout routine is in place.

It also helps combat depression

Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Exercise induces “happy chemicals” to be produced more abundantly.

Fitness reduces anxiety

Using your energy in an effective way helps you to relax better.

Ever heard of “Runner’s High”?

That’s right! Vigorous exercise can make you feel great, giving you a natural high.

Concentration

Exercise can boost your concentration and mental awareness.

5 Benefits of Being Vegan

August 22, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

Hi everyone! I’m going to write a short article on why people become vegan which some of you may find useful if it’s something you’ve considered. So to start off…

Being vegan – what is it?

A vegan lifestyle basically is a diet consisting of raw plant based food with no animal products at all. That means no fish, eggs, meat, honey or milk. The idea behind this is to live a healthy life without having to exploit any animals. Because of this, most vegans also avoid other animal products such as fur, leather and wool clothing as well as any other products that may exploit animals.

Being vegan – why bother?

Your health

A vegan diet consists of nutrient-rich plant based-food and meets all your nutritional needs. It is made up of a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and contains far less bad fats and cholesterol than a standard meat diet. Because of the amount of plant-based food in the diet you are getting yourself loads of fiber, antioxidants and vitamins and reducing the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and a number of cancers. A vegan diet can benefit anyone at any stage in their life.

Think of the animals

Many people decide to become vegan do so because it is more compassionate towards animals. All over the world animals are being exploited and living terrible lives just to provide us with meat and other animal products. We as humans do not need animal products to survive, there are plenty of other ways to feed and clothe ourselves.

Lately there has been a lot more attention given to the conditions at factory farms showing the public how these animals are treated and what they have to endure. Highly intelligent animals such as pigs are often jammed into tiny pens and live their lives unable to move freely, while living in their own filth. Other animals such as cows and chickens often develop serious health issues after being selectively bred and loaded with hormones to make them produce milk and eggs at a faster, more profitable rate.

Becoming a vegan can be a good way to show your compassion towards these animals.

Think of the environment

Each person who becomes a vegan can individually lower the footprint they leave on our environment. Many environmental issues seem too big for an individual to do anything about, but studies have shown that a vegan diet produces 1.5 tonnes less carbon dioxide than the average U.S. meat-based diet. In fact this may shock you – the live animal stock industry contributes to 18% of the total global greenhouse emissions, which is more than ALL transport emissions including aircraft (contributes 13.5%).

Plant-based diets such as a vegan diet not only have far lower carbon emissions, but also require around one third the water and land used to produce the average western diet. When farming livestock, each animal will consume more water and more food than it produces. We feed these animals’ plant products, so to feed them we have to use more water and land for crops than would be necessary to feed people a plant-based diet. There’s no denying that water and farmable land are becoming more and scarcer, along with hunger and an ever increasing population, feeding humans a plant-based diet would be far more sustainable than wasting resources on farming animals.

There are various other problems that have occurred due the farming animals – deforestation, water pollution and land degradation.

It's yummy!

Countries all around the world have used plant-based diets since the beginning of time. There are numerous, delicious recipes that have developed from this. India has delicious vegetable curries, Turkey has hummus, Italy has pastas, and Mexico has beans and tortillas, and that’s just off the top of my head!

Don’t forget that becoming vegan doesn’t mean you have to give up the foods you love. There are vegan versions for most of your favorite dishes – Vegan pizza, sausage, casseroles and cakes. Vegan diets have really taken off lately so you also will have no problem finding vegan foods in stores and restaurants.

Why not?

So now you’ve read the reasons, why not become vegan today? I guess the question now is why wouldn’t you become vegan? It is more compassionate to animals, better for the environment, has a wide range of health benefits and has versions of most of the food you love to eat now. I hope you enjoyed this short article and found it useful, thanks for reading!

10 Healthy Things Women Do That Sabotage Weight Loss

August 22, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!
Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? Don't worry we're here to help!

You are probably making one of these 10 mistakes, so learn what they are, stop making them and start losing weight today!

Nowadays, when we think of weight loss, we associate it with long workout sessions, strict diet plans and going sugar-free.

We cut out all the “wrong” things and basically stick to what we believe is a healthy diet and lifestyle.

But what if I tell you that you might actually be going about things the wrong way?

If you’ve been living in the gym lately and eating all the right foods yet not seeing the results you hoped for, maybe you need to re-think your weight loss plan.

You know how people say too much of a good thing can be harmful?

Well, that might be the case here.

Read along and watch out for these 10 things you might need to alter in your regimen for you to hit your health targets.

1. Sacrificing Dessert

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

Give yourself a break! We all need it once in a while.

Keep your sweet tooth satisfied but choose your dessert options.

Research shows that having a bit of dessert can actually help in weight loss.

Have it for breakfast – maybe you can have a cup of berries and yogurt or some yummy, dark hot chocolate.

2. Not Enough Fat

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

The word “fat” has become taboo in the world of dieters.

People tend to believe that nothing good comes from having some fat in your diet but that actually isn’t the truth.

There are bad fats and good fats.

Some of our favorite healthy foods, like nuts and salmon, contain fats that help us absorb the nutrients in the food we eat.

Fats are also essential in keeping the body warm and giving us energy for our day.

So, don’t ban them altogether from your diet, we definitely need some good fats to keep us healthy.

3. Over-doing Workouts

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

If you’ve pitched a tent in the gym and have been working out non-stop, maybe you should think about taking a break.

Yes, sweating it out is necessary for weight loss but rest is too.

Have a sensible workout routine and give yourself some days off as well.

An option is to get some guidance from a professional who can aid you in establishing a good plan to reach your targets.

Don’t push yourself to the point of injury – recharge and recover once in a while and you’ll see the benefits it will give your body.

4. Too Much Protein

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

Again, balance is key.

Yes, good types of protein that come from lean meats or dairy products help us build muscle which burns the stored fat in our body, but, too much protein can also be harmful.

If not paired with the right amount of fiber, it can lead to constipation and irritation.

Research shows that we need around 50 grams of good protein every day to promote weight loss.

When going for a high-protein diet, come up with a plan to incorporate different sources, like beans and soy, and pair it with high fiber food like vegetables and grains.

5. Missing Meals

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

Never skip meals! That’s the truth.

Actually, when trying to shed pounds, having small meals five times a day is best.

It not only promotes healthy digestion but it also speeds up your metabolism causing you to burn calories and shed pounds quicker.

Skipping meals does the opposite for your body.

And yes, it is true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

It starts up your system early and keeps it going.

According to studies, you need to have at least 1,200 calories per day to keep yourself healthy.

6. The Same Old Routine

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

Not only is it fun to regularly try new things with regards to your workout; but, it also keeps the body challenged.

Yes, the body gets used to the things that we do and it stops working the muscles the way it used to.

Keep your muscles excited and change your exercise plan regularly.

It will help you burn the calories you need to and will keep you challenged as well.

7. Too Many Healthy Snacks Add Up

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

When on a diet, we choose healthy food items to snack on when the hunger pangs approach.

Fruits, nuts and granola bars are some samples of healthy snack choices.

However, balance is still key.

Fruits, for example, despite being good for the body still contain high amounts of sugar.

So, we have it for the vitamins and minerals it deposits into our system but still in moderation.

The same goes for every other snack we choose.

8. Plastic Bottles

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

We definitely believe that water is necessary for a healthy diet plan.

Eight glasses or more a day keeps you hydrated and promotes proper digestion.

The health benefits are numerous, including natural cleansing for your system.

For me, it is also still the best thirst quencher.

What you need to consider is the bottle you use for your water.

Plastic water bottles contain a substance called Bisphenol A which is considered harmful for the body.

Also known as BPA, studies have linked it to infertility and obesity.

Consider using water bottles that you can reuse and that are BPA free.

9. Gluten-Free

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

It has become a craze, these days, to go for the gluten-free and organic products.

Now, that isn’t really a problem; however, these products often contain higher amounts of carbohydrates in them which can cause weight gain.

If your body can’t take gluten, then definitely stick to products that don’t contain the food source.

However, for the rest, try going for whole-grain products and maybe those with seeds for a healthier option.

10. Life Needs A Little Sugar

Feel like your weight loss is going all wrong? STOP making these 10 mistakes and start losing weight today!

Sodas, gum, desserts and so many more products are labeled sugar-free and automatically we think, “Okay, this must be the better choice.”

Well, if you’re counting calories then, yes, these products are helpful; but, don’t think that keeping the numbers low equals a healthier lifestyle.

Artificial sweeteners have chemicals in them, like aspartame and sucralose, that are linked with possible heart disease.

Packets of sweeteners are also more potent than sugar and studies have shown that regular intake of the product can lead to addiction to the flavor and thus cause obesity.

12 Amazing Benefits of Coffee

August 22, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

Metabolism booster

1 cup of coffee results in a 10% boost in your metabolism. This metabolism boost burns more calories without having to increase your physical effort.

Performance-enhancing benefits

Caffeine can prolong the time to exhaustion for an athlete performing especially longer bouts of exercise for 30-120 minutes. Evidently, coffee’s effects reduce the rate the muscles burn fuel, reduce fatigue, and increase alertness.

Suppressed appetite

Caffeine can help suppress your appetite for short periods of time and aid those who are trying to go on a diet (provided you drink your coffee without a ton of milk and sugar).

Cognitive function

Coffee can improve your cognitive function and help you stay alert. When combined with glucose – the sugar that your body uses for energy – caffeine improves your verbal memory and attention span.

In order to use coffee for your diet
  • You have to drink light roasted black coffee. (No milk or sugar!)
  • Caffeine works for only a few hours, so you have to drink 4 or 5 cups a day.
  • Drink it hot 30 minutes prior to exercise.

Depression

Women who drank 2-3 cups of coffee per day were 15% less likely to develop depression, and those drinking 4 cups per day were 20% less likely to develop depression.

Cancer

Coffee consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of breast, endometrial, prostate and liver cancers, and those linked with obesity, estrogen and insulin.

Diabetes

Coffee drinkers are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, with those putting away 4 or more cups per day 50% less likely.

Gout

A study of men older than 40 linked long-term coffee consumption with a lower risk of gout, an inflammatory condition caused by elevated levels of uric acid.

Gallstone

Women who drank at least 4 cups of coffee per day were at a 25% lower risk of gallstones. An earlier study found similar results for men.

Asthma

Asthma patients who regularly drank coffee suffered ⅓ fewer symptoms than those who abstained. Caffeine is chemically very similar to theophylline, a drug used to treat asthma.

Parkinson’s

Caffeine intake associated with coffee translated into a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s. Drinking 2-3 cups of coffee per day can mean up to a 25% less chance of developing the disease.

Alzheimer’s

Coffee can help with both long and short term memory. Coffee can decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

12 Must-Eat Healthy Snacks For Easy Weight Loss (Nutritionist-Approved!)

August 11, 2017 by Joan Webster, RDN Leave a Comment

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

Feeling hungry while trying to lose weight?

Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Terrible mistake!

How would you love to double your weight loss without feeling hungry?

To successfully lose weight you need to have snacks.

Snacks are the fuel your body needs between meals.

Start adding some of these healthy and delicious snacks to your diet and lose those extra pounds!

Healthy snacks are vital because they keep your metabolism going throughout the day - that means more fat burned.

Combining the right types of food will keep your tummy full and give you consistent energy until mealtime.

Here are our nutritionist-approved healthy snacks for weight loss:

1. Raspberries, honey and Greek yogurt

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

This indulgent sweet and creamy snack is a great way to get over that afternoon slump.

The trio is combined with healthy fats, fiber and protein so it will keep you satisfied.

It’s also high in vitamin C from the raspberries with has been proven to increase your body’s fat-burning abilities.

Add a 1 cup of raspberries to ¾ cup of Greek yogurt and top with ½ tablespoon of honey.

2. Walnuts and grapes

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

A great combination of natural sugars, healthy fats and protein – this power snack will satisfy your sweet tooth and fill you up.

Simply grab a cup of grapes and a small handful of walnuts when you’re feeling peckish!

3. KIND Healthy Grains Granola Bars

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

These bars are one of my favorite healthy snacks and are loaded with heart-healthy-whole grains and vitamins.

There are 5 ‘super’ whole grains in these bars: oats, millet, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat – all of which can help your body burn fat and lower cholesterol.

Check them out on Amazon today, my favorite are the maple, pumpkin seed and sea salt flavor – yum!

4. Edamame Beans

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

Did you know that a single cup of edamame beans contains a third of your daily dietary fiber AND protein requirements?

They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and folate and are low in calories.

These little beans may even reduce the chance of getting breast cancer.

5. Cottage cheese with wheat thins

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

Grab a half-cup of cottage cheese and a dozen wheat thins and you’re good to go.

This healthy snack contains a quarter of your daily protein intake from the cottage cheese.

It also has healthy fats which combined with the protein will keep you going until your next meal.

6. Hummus tray

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

The Mediterranean diet is well known for its health benefits.

Grab 5 kalamata olives, a cup of thinly sliced cucumbers and 3 tablespoons of hummus.

This healthy snack is high in fiber and low in fat but feels much like a meal!

7. Blueberry oatmeal

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

Oats are a great option for a low-calorie healthy snack.

These complex carbohydrates are full of fiber and regulate your blood sugar levels so you have sustained energy.

Blueberries are a superfood high in vitamin C and they add sweetness without any additional sugar.

Grab a microwave packet of plain oatmeal and top it off with half a cup of blueberries.

8. Sliced banana and peanut butter

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

Slice up a banana and spread the pieces with a tablespoon of peanut butter.

The natural sugar in the banana will give you a quick energy bump, and the healthy fats and protein of the peanut butter will keep you going until your next meal.

It’s even been found that eating peanut butter in the morning can help curb your appetite throughout the entire day – so try this one as a mid-morning snack.

9. Sliced apple and cheese

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

A delicious sweet and salty snack with a crunch!

Grab a half-inch slice of sharp cheddar and a medium-sized apple.

Slice the apple and eat it with the cheese, yum!

Apples and cheese can help prevent weight gain which makes them a great quick-and-easy option.

10. Turkey with roasted red peppers

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

This mini-meal will only set you back around 150 calories.

Grab 5 slices of turkey breast, two sliced roasted red peppers and a couple of teaspoons of your favorite mustard.

Spread the mustard on each slice of turkey, then roll up the red peppers inside – so good!

11. Sliced pear and almond butter

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

Almond butter is another superfood you might like to read more about here.

This snack combines it with sliced pear – a great combination of carbs, healthy fats and protein.

I like to sprinkle some cinnamon on top, cinnamon has even been linked to helping stabilize blood sugar levels.

12. Hard-boiled eggs

Having trouble sticking to your diet? Sacrificing snacks to cut back on calories? Big mistake! Check out these nutritionist-recommended 12 secret healthy snacks for weight loss and burn fat while boosting your metabolism today!

A great quick-and-easy snack that you can grab when hunger strikes.

Eggs are loaded with protein so it’ll curb your appetite and keep you from grabbing an unhealthy snack.

An egg is only 77 calories and also has nutrients like vitamins D and B12.

You can prepare a bunch of them at once and just leave them in the fridge and grab them as you need.

7 Small Changes We Can Make To Start Eating Healthier

August 7, 2017 by Alexandra Leave a Comment

At some point in their life, a person will make the decision that they want to start eating healthier. They might start a diet, cut down on calories, switch to low fat, stop eating snacks or sweets, the list goes on. These changes are often short lived and the reason for that might be that we are so used to our eating patterns that it can be hard to make big changes. Maybe it's time to start taking smaller steps.

Making a gradual change instead of a big, sudden change might be the key to really staying on track to a better way of eating. Consider the following ideas:

Cutting down on portion sizes slightly.

Nothing drastic, just stop eating once you don't feel hungry anymore. If you keep eating to the point where you feel pressure in your stomach and you don't feel like you can eat much more, you probably have gone too far.

Eat a healthy breakfast.

A big mistake that people make is skipping breakfast or lunch, and then eating a large dinner since they are so hungry from not having much for breakfast or lunch. Having a good breakfast is essential stay nutritiously balanced throughout the day.

Cut down on processed foods and eating out.

Processed, packaged, and frozen foods are not as rich in nutrients as home cooked meals. They are also very high in calories, just as restaurant meals are. It's okay to consume these in moderation, but make sure they are only an occasional treat.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Research and studies have indicated that people are less likely to overeat when they eat more frequent and smaller meals than if they eat one or two large meals a day. Consider everything you eat regularly, and figure out what you can break up into smaller portions and set up a schedule for them.

Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your snacks.

By just adding a more more servings of fruits and veggies a day, you will increase your intake of healthy nutrients and ultimately improve your health and immune system. Start small by trying to eat fruits as snacks instead of sugary or salty junk food.

Get rid of temptations.

Consider making trips to the grocery store and only buying the food you will eat for that day. If you go grocery shopping for the entire week, you will be more likely to eat more than you otherwise would because the temptation will be sitting there in your refrigerator and cabinets. If you do buy junk food, make sure not to leave it laying around the house. Store it in a designated area for when you want to have an occasional treat.

Replace a soda with water.

You don't necessary have to stop drinking soda completely, but just replace one soda with a water every day. Try to get into the habit of drinking water with your meal instead of soda or something else sugary. Gradually increase as soon as your brain become more comfortable with the decrease in soda.

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Popular

  • 8 Exercises That Burn Twice The Fat Of Running In Women Over 40
  • 6 Move Ab Workout At Home for Women Over 40
  • 6 Secret Exercises To Melt Belly Fat Fast
  • The Best 6 Exercises for a Firm, Toned, Lifted Butt

Keto

  • 7 Top Benefits of a Low-Carb Keto Diet
  • 5 Best Reasons To Eat More Fat
  • 6 Basics Everyone Needs To Know Before Starting Keto
  • 30-Day Keto Meal Plan

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Follow Us

  • Pinterest

Contact

  • Contact
  • About

Copyright © 2019-2025 My Daily Plus