Friday, January 30, 2009

10 Weeks to 10lbs Lighter Week 4 - Stop eating 120 minutes before your head hits the pillow

Keep up the great work! Here are the goals we continue to work on:

  • Write down everything you eat and drink and give it to a friend each week.
  • Drink 60oz water daily.
  • Eat half-sized meals every 2-3 hours
  • Do 4 aerobic workouts this week (20+ minutes based on your abilities)

The traditional American dinner of meat, potatoes and carrots does not set us up for successful weight loss. However, far worse is the fact that we are working later, eating later and then going to bed on a full stomach.


Sleeping on a full stomach can lead to gastric reflux, insomnia and weight gain. We need to shift the calories from the end of the day to the beginning. Eat a larger breakfast and lunch, then scale back your food at dinner. Stop eating completely 2-3 hours before going to bed.



I wrote a couple weeks ago that you should never be hungry because you are eating every 2-3 hours. The only exception to this rule is hunger at bedtime. If you go to bed a little hungry you will burn fat while you sleep. Imagine that! Wake up thinner than when you went to bed. If you have a hard time falling asleep while you are hungry eat something very small (i.e., total 50kcal) like 3-4 nuts, a few pieces of vegetables, a couple rolls of lunch meat or half a hard-boiled egg. Drink a glass of water and you should be able to sooth your stomach into a restful evening.


Try this nighttime losing strategy and watch some weight fall off this week.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

New Years Resolution 101 - Form a Healthy Habit NOW

In my ten years of nutrition counseling, I have discovered people with the best diets follow routines. Quite simply, they follow a structured plan 80% of the time. There is a simple secret behind having a lean body, healthy glowing skin, and great energy. Make a healthy habit and do it almost every day.

People can have the best intentions to completely overhaul their nutrition plan and start doing everything right. Usually this commitment is followed by the phrase “I’ll start tomorrow.” It rarely works. Pick one new health habit and run with it. It takes 20-30 days to form new habits. Pick ONE (and only one!) of the goals below and make it your new health habit.

  • Eat breakfast right after you wake up each morning. This will boost your metabolism.
  • Pack 2 pieces of fruit in your lunch each day. This will help fight cancer.
  • Eat a salad for dinner; add fish/chicken/veggie burger for protein and vary the veggies. This will make you lean.
  • Eat some legumes everyday – Indian dal, black bean burrito, chili, minestrone, lentil soup, hummus, or veggie burger. This will lower your cholesterol.
  • Go to bed early each night to allow you 7-8 hours sleep. Being less tired helps with weight loss.
  • Exercise everyday for 40+ minutes. This will help you live longer.

    Pass this message along to a friend. Make a resolution to be healthier this year. Sharing your goal makes it more real. Send the message now and start TODAY!


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