SPRINGTIME: TIME TO LOSE

During the winter season it seems as though we tend to gain an extra few pounds we’d like to lose. Many of us tend to gain this extra weight around the holidays. It’s not difficult to figure out that if you ate sweets, high fat holiday dishes, or had a few drinks during special events – that’s probably why you gained a few pounds. Also, many of us become less active outdoors, yet remain sedentary indoors during the cold season.

The good news is, if you know that’s why you gained weight – then you know how you can get it off! Obviously, once you start following your Diet Center program again – avoid those high calorie treats, and participate in outdoor activities (ex. walking, bicycling, swimming, gardening, etc) you can start losing the weight. Add some physical activity to the mix and you can boost the process along. So there’s no need to worry about a little winter weight gain. The first day of Spring is almost here. You can make it the season to lose the winter weight you may have gained.

FIVE A DAY

Research shows that consuming at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day may reduce the risk of obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and 35 percent or more of all causes of cancer! Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables helps provide many vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and complex carbohydrates. All of which play a role in the everyday functions of our bodies. Consuming five servings a day is a good, simple goal that your Diet Center program can help you meet. However, some people still find it challenging to consume their servings of fruits and vegetables.

Whether you’re home or out, there are many ways to include fruits and vegetables in your day. Try to keep convenient fruits such as bananas, pears or apples around. Fresh vegetables such as baby carrots and salads are available pre-washed and ready to eat. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are also convenient options to have around. If you get bored consuming fresh fruits and vegetables as they are, you can experiment with recipes. Toss fruits on yogurt, cereal, salads, and even meat dishes. Add veggies to entrees and omelets. You can also make dips and salsa.

At restaurants, there may be a limited healthy selection of fruit and vegetable dishes. Don’t be afraid to ask your server what else may be available. Many restaurants have fresh fruits and veggies in the kitchen. Most places are happy to accommodate special requests. Aim for five fruits and vegetables a day to help you achieve a healthy weight and healthy body!

PEACHY NUTRITION

A small peach can be a sweet, nutritious treat. One small peach is low in calories, fat and sodium. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C and provides fiber as well. Vitamin C helps with wound healing, boosts the immune system, and contributes to healthy skin. Fiber helps you feel full, helps control blood sugar levels, and helps reduce the risk of various diseases. Try enjoying a peach with seafood, poultry dishes, salads or cereals for added nutrition. You can also dice up a peach and blend it with a fruity Diet Center Gold Premium Protein Supplement. A small peach can add a little nutrition power that promotes better health and weight loss!

PATIENCE

It is very frustrating to feel like our weight loss is not happening as fast as we would like it to be. High expectations and unrealistic goals can cause unnecessary pressure and disappointment when goals are not achieved. It’s hard to remain patient when we don’t find ourselves progressing.

One good way to address this is by setting practical, achievable goals. First, accept the fact that reaching your weight loss goal is not something that can happen overnight. Changing your eating behavior and lifestyle is not any easy task. Next, think about the guidelines of your Diet Center program. What habits do you need to work on (drink more water, limit sodium intake, practice portion sizing, stop skipping meals, etc.)? Make a list of the behaviors you need to adapt. Then, put these items on a realistic timeline. For example, you can start keeping track of your water intake today, and be drinking at least 64 ounces by the end of the week. Maybe next week, you can start meal planning to fit at least three meals a day in.

Making behavior changes can be overwhelming, so it’s important to try to develop patience. Approaching small goals, one at a time can help you appreciate the smaller achievements that will help you reach your ultimate weight loss goal. Setting realistic goals can help you develop the patience you need to stay on a path of success!

Grilling Lean!

Spring is here! Take advantage of bright sunny days by enjoying a healthy, lean grilled meal that will help you keep shedding the pounds. Grilling foods is a great way to prepare a tasty low-fat, low-calorie meal. Foods naturally lose fat as they cook on a grill. You can begin by selecting lean cuts of meat allowed in your Diet Center program such as beef tenderloin or sirloin, salmon fillets, or skinless chicken breast. Try them marinated in fat-free salad dressing for added flavor. You can also season with vinegar, herbs, or lemon juice.

Remember to keep portion sizes in mind. Four ounces of raw meat is about equivalent to 3 ounces of cooked meat. Lean meats cook fast, so you can prepare meals quickly. Just remember to keep an eye on them while grilling. Fish is usually done when it flakes easily or if the temperature is 160 degrees or above. You can also grill your veggies and potatoes to complete your tasty lean meal! They can be seasoned with any appropriate seasoning you desire. So enjoy a tasty lean meal to help you lose weight while you enjoy the weather!

Sandra Franceschini LOST 46 Pounds 48 Inches In 20 Weeks

Everytime I looked in the mirror, I would hate the person looking back at me. I was feeling depressed and uncomfortable about my weight, I simply had to take some action.
After numerous attempts at unsuccessful dieting, some family members had encouraged me to visit the Diet Center®, one visit was enough to convince me. I knew that this was exactly what I needed, they were the extra push I was looking for to succeed.
I thought that losing weight would be the hardest hurdle I would ever have to overcome, until I met the staff at the Diet Center. The whole team were extremely encouraging and supportive through the whole process. I owe a big part of my success to them. They were able to adapt the menus to fit my lifestyle, which made losing weight that much easier.
I have gained a tremendous amount of confidence as a result of my weight loss. Looking and feeling good has never been this easy.
Thanks Diet Center

Scott Baker LOST 127 Pounds 57 1/2 Inches

I lost over 127 pounds and 57 inches. I have tried many times to lose weight…I tried exercise, dieting, and a combination of the two. With a Diet Center program I consistently lost weight. I have much more energy, my blood pressure has fallen and I am in much better shape. I feel great. My wife loves the change, my kids love the change, and I love the change.

Kim Koski LOST 55 Pounds 71 Inches In 22 Weeks

After a summer of Pizza Hut buffets and Dairy Queen Blizzards (yes, in the same day) I found myself weighing over 200 pounds (211 to be exact). This was an all time high for me. At first, I thought the scale was wrong, then I saw the horrible truth when I saw a picture of myself from behind. I was a big tub of goo! This picture stays with me everyday as a reminder of what poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle can lead to. I saw and ad for “get slim quick pills” and asked a friend about them. She in turn asked her mother-in-law, who owns a Diet Center about the pills. Her mother-in-law said the correct way to lose weight is with a properly balanced diet and exercise. A combination of these two factors will enhance the metabolic process and burn fat. She was right. Six months ago I joined Diet Center and it was the best thing I ever did. I have lost 55 pounds and I am more confident in my appearance and my over health has improved as well. Before I went to Diet Center, my blood pressure was consistently 140/95. Today it is 125/70. I honestly feel I am in the best shape of my life physically as well as emotionally and I have the Diet Center to thank for that! Shopping for clothes has never been more fun! Thanks Pat and thank you Diet Center!

Teresa Kaltenbach LOST 102 Pounds 137 Inches In 31 Weeks

Being overweight most of my adult life has been a struggle. I’ve tried many diets. I would lose weight, but the real problem was keeping it off.
I was embarrassed and ashamed at how much weight I had gained. I was angry with myself for reverting back to bad habits and gaining all the extra pounds. I was lacking self-confidence and was really unhappy. I took a long hard look in the mirror. I was 47 years old and it was time for me to get my weight under control and make the commitment to keep it off permanently, as heart attacks and strokes run in my family.

I stopped in at my local Diet Center on July 17 and weighed in at 228 pounds. I signed up immediately for the 21-Day Thermogenic Diet. By Christmas, I had lost 65 pounds, and by March, I achieved my goal weight of 140 pounds. Since completing the stabilization and maintenance portion of this program, I’ve lost an additional 14 pounds for a total of 102-pound weight loss. Diet Center has taught me a new healthier, sensible and happier lifestyle.
I recently attended by nephew’s wedding where the compliments were abundant! My husband was so proud and beamed when everyone gushed how great I looked! I am not in a size I have not worn since my 20’s.

I might have never have done this without Diet Center! Though I have tried other programs, Diet Center is the best!

Stacey Medeiros LOST 104 Pounds 107 Inches In 33 Weeks

I feel I am now living a dream. It wasn’t always that way. To get here many things had to happen; some in my control and others not. I had to recognize things I can control and those I can’t. I got married, seven years ago. I moved from my home and family to a new life and job. 5 1/2 years I found out I was pregnant. We were overjoyed. Unfortunately there were other plans. At twenty weeks I was hospitalized. This wasn’t the time to eat, nor diet. Our daughter was born at 28 weeks at 1lb 6oz. We prayed, cried and I ate. My priority was Rebecca. I grabbed food when I had time, the wrong food. My weight climbed. I never saw it happening. I took a good look at myself. I deserved to feel good about myself as a person, professional, wife and mother. 7 1/2 months ago I saw an ad for Diet Center. I went in wanting to do something, but skeptical. I decided to do the Thermogenic Program. I met with the most caring counselor. Through her encouragement and guidance I have lost 103 pounds and 107 inches. I am now a size 8. I no longer look at food as a panacea for dealing with life’s problems. I eat in order to survive. What life as in store for me, I will not use food as a crutch. Thank you Diet Center for helping me to change my life!