You might have the best intentions, but sometimes you still don't lose weight. It's so frustrating! Maybe your plan just needs a tiny tweak. Check these lists of common mistakes made by dieters. Then learn how to fix your flubs so you can get the results you deserve.
Diet Mistakes:
Calories in Starbucks Coffee Drinks
Friday October 19, 2012
What's
your favorite coffee drink? When I go to Starbucks, I order a "venti,
nonfat, sugar-free hazelnut cappuccino on the dry side." Yes, I am one
of those coffee drinkers whose drink name is so long that it is almost
laughable. Last week, while I was ordering the drink at a New York
Starbucks, the lady behind me asked me how many calories were in the
drink. She was shocked that I knew the answer.How Many Calories Do You Consume at Starbucks?
My coffee drink contains 110 calories, zero grams of fat, 16 grams of carbohydrate and 10 grams of protein according to the Starbucks app on my iPhone. If you visit Starbucks, or any coffee house, you should check the calorie count of your coffee drink, too. You might be surprised to find that the fat and calorie count is higher than expected. There are a few drinks that top 700 calories. Yikes!
How Order Low Calorie Coffee
If you find out that your morning java fix is too high in fat and calories, use a few simple tips to create a drink that won't ruin your diet. First, make sure that you exercise portion control when ordering. It's easy to mindlessly drink too many coffee calories. I order the largest size of cappuccino, but since I order it "dry," most of the drink is foam. Second, make sure you specify nonfat milk and no whipped cream. Why bother loading your coffee cup with unnecessary fat? Most of the time you can't tell the difference, anyway. And lastly, take advantage of sugar-free syrups. They add flavor without calories.
(photo source: pocius/flickr)
Make A Healthier Pasta Dish
Wednesday October 17, 2012
The
trend in weight loss diets these days is to decrease - or eliminate -
starchy carbohydrates. High starch foods, like white pasta dishes,
don't always contain many healthy nutrients and they are often high in
fat and calories. But what if you absolutely love pasta? You don't
have to cut out pasta completely. Just use common sense, portion
control, and these quick tips for making your pasta dish a little bit
healthier.3 Ways to Make A Healthier Pasta Dish
- Add lean protein. Make your meal more balanced by adding a good source of lean protein, like chicken breast or salmon. Lean protein is essential for weight loss and for good health. Try to get some lean protein at every meal to build healthy muscle and boost your metabolism.
- Use whole wheat pasta. You'll increase your fiber intake if you use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta made with white flour. Diets that are higher in fiber tend to be more effective for weight loss and fiber will help you to feel full longer.
- Load up the veggies. If you are making your pasta recipe at home, use half as much pasta and twice as many delicious vegetables. You'll still get the satisfaction of eating a pasta dish, but you'll be eating far less starch and many more healthy carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Healthy Monday Tip - Curb Emotional Eating
Monday October 15, 2012
If
we only ate when we were hungry, life would be so much simpler. Fewer
of us would be overweight and losing weight would be a piece of cake.
But life just isn't that easy. We often eat because we are bored and we
frequently snack out of habit. And sometimes, we eat to manage our
emotions.Be Mindful to Manage Emotional Eating
If emotional eating has caused you to gain weight, Michelle Murphy Zive, M.S., R.D., has a suggestion for you. In an article for the American Council on Exercise Certified News, she recommends that emotional eaters practice mindfulness when eating to avoid eating too much.
In practical terms, that simply means that when you eat, you should be aware of the process. She suggests eliminating distractions like televisions and cell phones from the place where you eat your meals. Simple changes to your environment will help you to become more aware of how much you are actually consuming. Setting up a quiet dining space will also help you to pay attention to how full you are and will help you to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied.
These are easy changes to make and they are free. Give them a try this week and see if it makes a difference in your eating habits and your stress level.
(photo source: gleangenie/morguefile)
Should Teens Get Weight Loss Surgery?
Friday October 12, 2012
The number of people who have elected to undergo weight loss surgery
is on the rise. As more procedures are performed and as new techniques
are developed, the procedure has gotten safer and more insurance
companies are willing to cover the procedure. But does that necessarily
mean it's right for everyone?
One group that seems to be more interested in the procedure is teens. According to a study published in The American Surgeon in November 2011, the number of adolescent bariatric procedures performed per year in the U.S. has doubled since 2006. And with more celebrities and public figures coming out about their own procedures, the number will probably increase.
When Should A Teen Consider Bariatric Surgery?
According to the National Institutes of Health, weight loss surgery should only be considered for adolescents if the teen has tried to lose weight for at least 6 months without success. The teenager should also meet these criteria:
If your teen has struggled with weight and has tried a diet and exercise program without success, don't hesitate to speak with his/her pediatrician about the possibility of getting bariatric surgery. Learn about the different procedures as well as complications and risks before making the best decision.
One group that seems to be more interested in the procedure is teens. According to a study published in The American Surgeon in November 2011, the number of adolescent bariatric procedures performed per year in the U.S. has doubled since 2006. And with more celebrities and public figures coming out about their own procedures, the number will probably increase.
When Should A Teen Consider Bariatric Surgery?
According to the National Institutes of Health, weight loss surgery should only be considered for adolescents if the teen has tried to lose weight for at least 6 months without success. The teenager should also meet these criteria:
- Have extreme obesity (BMI > 40 )
- Be their adult height (usually at age 13 or older for girls and 15 or older for boys)
- Have serious health problems linked to weight, such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea, that may improve with bariatric surgery
If your teen has struggled with weight and has tried a diet and exercise program without success, don't hesitate to speak with his/her pediatrician about the possibility of getting bariatric surgery. Learn about the different procedures as well as complications and risks before making the best decision.
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