Don't Give Up!

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

It seems logical that if you find a weight loss plan that has been successful for you, you stick with it, right?  Than why does it seem to stop working sooner or later in so many cases?  There can be several reasons:

1.  It may not be your fault at all!  Your body may be starting to feel deprived, which can in turn make you crave sweets or high fat foods.  Be careful NOT to deprive yourself but to eat in moderation instead!  You need to be realistic!

2.  It may be that you have been on your new plan for quite awhile now and are not quite as diligent as you were at the beginning.  Your portions may be just a tad bigger, you may be doing just a bit less exercise and you may not be remembering to drink your water like you did at the start.  Try keeping a food and exercise diary to get yourself back on track.

3.  Make sure you are eating enough calories!  Lowering your calorie intake too much can actually slow your weight loss!  You may be putting your body into a starvation mode in which it is holding on to calories as stored fat because it feels it is not getting what it needs to survive.  

4.  Be sure your motivation and reasons to make lifestyle changes are strong, definitive and always part of your thinking!  If you have to, write down the reasons you are trying to lose weight and post them where you can see them everyday!

Most important  DON'T GIVE-UP!  Take a look at all the positives and all the important changes you have made!  Instead of throwing in the towel, look at what you are doing and make the necessary changes to be successful!  

Broccoli Power

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

Broccoli is considered a "power food"!  This vegetable, which is part of the cabbage family, contains exceptional nutritional value as well as phytochemicals or plant chemicals with significant anti-cancer effects.  Broccoli has also been singled out as one of a few vegetables and fruits that can contribute to a significant reduction in the risk for heart disease.  This vegetable even contains some calcium for strong bones.  One cup of cooked broccoli contains 74 mg of calcium.  Broccoli is low in calories, high in fiber, very low in fat and sodium and is chock full of important antioxidants such as vitamin A and vitamin C.  How can you beat this powerful vegetable!