April 2003 "Tips"

Weight Loss Tip:

Spring In To Shaping Up

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

 

As the flowers start to bloom and the sun shines warmly, spring and summer clothes begin to make their debut.  Are you ready to start to peel off the winter layers of clothing that may have been hiding those few extra pounds?

The thought of unveiling those pounds may have you running for a weight loss regimen, which is probably a good idea. Before you choose a weight program though, focus on some key strategies for success.

* Make health your ultimate goal. You'll do better in the long run.
* Focus on healthy eating. Decrease your portion sizes and make more nutritious choices.

*DO NOT opt for fad diets or lose weight quick schemes!
* Include a variety of foods to meet your nutritional needs.
* Become physically active. Shoot for some activity most days of the week.

Keep in mind that weight loss is all about lifestyle change and keeping those good habits for a lifetime.  Weight loss and weight maintenance is not always easy.  You have to ready and willing to make the changes necessary to become successful.  If you make changes gradually, it'll be easier to maintain your weight loss.

Not sure where to start?  Nutrition Focus can help you with their variety of services including full-online weight loss programs.  Let a professional help you out with your weight loss efforts!

Click here to order or for more information:  

http://www.nutrifocus.net/order/index.htm

Nutrition News: 

The Family That Eats together Stays Healthy Together

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

 

Getting the family to sit down all together for a family meal can be a real challenge.  There are hectic schedules, school, work, sports, friends and the list goes on and on.  However it may be worth the effort because research show that it can result in healthier children.  

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reported that kids ages 11 to 18 who ate meals with their family consumed more healthier foods such as  fruits, vegetables and nutrient-dense foods than children who ate alone. In addition, children who ate at least seven family meals per week ate fewer snack foods.

With as hectic as our schedules become it is important to take the time to remind children and teach children the importance of good nutrition.  As parents we serve as role models so the healthier we eat the healthier our children will eat.  We pass our nutritional habits, bad or good, on to our children.  

Family meals can also be a great time to catch up on what your children are up to and be the only time of day you can all get together.  Make an effort to plan family meals most days of the week.

Fitness Fun:

Spring Ahead with Outdoor Cycling:

Inspiration for the Season

(By: Nikki Pawlowski, B.S.)

Rising with the sun, feeling the pulse of the earth, the cadence, the rhythm of the cycle. The rhythm of the body, the earth and the ride, as the breath sustains and remains the focus, steady and rhythmic. The mind tries to come in but you stay with the moment. You breathe in, you breathe out. Digging your heels into the pedals with each downward phase the mantra repeats "knees up, knees up, knees up...". Shoulders and face relaxed. You spring ahead.

The focus of spring is the turning of one’s energy from the inside out. We all feel it. The urging for an outward release.

Next time the temperature rises, step outside and jump on your bike. As you ride, simply ride and take in each moment of freedom and enjoyment. Avoid letting your mind become attached to any thought. If it does, refocus on a steady, full inhalation and exhalation. Feel the pace.

Avoid thinking of this as a workout, something you have to do, should do, or need to do. Just do it. Get on the bike and pedal. Surrender to the ride. Let the ride carry you versus your mind carrying you with pre-occupied thoughts of what this experience is or is not.