unique weight loss solutions

Oh La La: Why Are French Woman So Thin?!

Oh La La: Why Are French Woman So Thin?!

By admin
Alexandra Guamaschelli's Croque Madame Sandwich as Seen On Food Network's Alex's Day Off
Alexandra Guamaschelli’s Croque Madame Sandwich as Seen On Food Network’s Alex’s Day Off

There is a mystical world across the big pond, where they indulge in carbs but their waistlines remain thin. They chow down on croissants with hazelnut spread, slurp huge cups of cappuccino,  and every other meal is coupled with merlot yet French women physique never reflect it. How can they possibly stay so thin? Must be a French thing, right? Western girls, try to convince themselves that there is something in the water, but the hard truth is that there is no biological difference.

The secret to their flat stomach is quite simple stress and sleep management, diet, and exercise.

Stop Obsessing Over Fitness: For the French, fitness isn’t a hobby its a way of living. They do small simple thing that really add up – things you can do to engage your body while you’re doing other things. Instead of sitting on the toilet try squatting, when conversing on the phone go for a walk, contract your abs every time you walk through a doorway, and use the stairs instead of the elevator. Small exercises like these help fight the sedentary lifestyle and can burn up to 400 more calories daily.

Portions Means Everything: Portions sizes in the west are almost twice the size of those in France. Using simple tips like protein the size of a deck of cards, a serving of cheese half that size, and vegetables being the main attraction will aid you in your French unique weight loss journey. There is no such thing as off limit when it come to food for French beauties; they stick to small portions of decadent dishes.

Say No Supplements: The French don’t believe the solution to a healthy weight in a pressed pill. All those beautiful outdoor markets you see in photos of France aren’t just for show. They’re the health food stores of the nation. Instead, they get their vitamins and minerals from whole foods.

Stay Off The Clock: Stop trying to working during personal time, this leads to stress. Stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels. And high levels of cortisol levels cause your body to store fat around the abdomen. By leaving work-related woes at the time clock your body will hang on to less fat.

Sleep Without Distractions: American dreaming consist of laying down next to electronic devices, that is so NOT the French way. Americans keep their phones next to the bed side which disrupts sleep patterns making it harder to stay active the next day. As for French women, they are completely okay with shutting off their phone and charging it in the next room before they caught their Zs. They stay refresh and active this way.

These tricks are how French women stay so thin; they have healthy habits that are apart of their lifestyle which takes away the stress (fat). When in America do as the French do…say ‘oui’ to your unique weight loss solution.

 

Springtime Salad Recipes

Springtime Salad Recipes

By admin

Spring is here! While you are spring cleaning the house, why not spring clean your body? If you are looking for unique weight loss solutions, here are a few springtime salads that will please not only your body, but your palate!

Springtime Spinach Salad

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Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 5 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
  • 1 kiwi, sliced
  • 1/2 mandarin orange, peeled and segmented
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
  • 1 dash garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup seasoned croutons

Directions

  1. Place the eggs in a saucepan with enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover, and let eggs stand in hot water for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from hot water and cool. Peel, chop, and set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium high heat until crisp and evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, toss together the eggs, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, strawberries, onion, kiwi, and orange.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the ketchup, water, olive oil, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and brown mustard. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad mixture, and top the salad with croutons.

Watermelon, Heirloom Tomato, and Feta Salad 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons chopped mixed fresh herbs
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 heirloom tomatoes, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup (1-inch) cubed red seedless watermelon
  • 1 cup (1-inch) cubed seeded yellow watermelon
  • 1/4 cup vertically sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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Directions

  1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Add tomato, watermelon, and onion; toss to coat.
  3. Sprinkle with cheese; toss gently.

 Grilled Salmon-and-Asparagus Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 (1 1/2-pound) salmon fillet or 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
  • 1 pound asparagus spears
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 cups arugula
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

 Directions

  1. Brush salmon and toss asparagus with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill salmon over medium-high heat (350° to 400°)
    for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
  2. Grill asparagus, turning occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes or until tender.
  3. Divide arugula evenly among 4 plates; top with flaked salmon, asparagus, and tomatoes. Serve with vinaigrette

 Grilled Salmon-and-Asparagus Salad

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Ingredients

  • 1 (1 1/2-pound) salmon fillet or 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
  • 1 pound asparagus spears
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 cups arugula
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

  1. Brush salmon and toss asparagus with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill salmon over medium-high heat (350° to 400°)
    for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
  2. Grill asparagus, turning occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes or until tender.
  3. Divide arugula evenly among 4 plates; top with flaked salmon, asparagus, and tomatoes. Serve with vinaigrette

Mint-Lime Spring Green Fruit Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 green apple, sliced thin, dime-sized slices
  • 1 lime, squeezed (add a touch of zest too if you’d like)
  • 2 kiwis, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 Tbsp raw or roasted/salted pistachios
  • 2 fresh mint sprigs, remove and chop leaves
  • 1 Tbsp maple or agave syrup
    *mint for garnish
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Directions

  1. Chop, squeeze and peel all ingredients.
  2. Add to a large bowl.
  3. Toss well with spoon.

 

Prevent Childhood Obesity

Prevent Childhood Obesity

By admin

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One out of every five children in the United States is overweight or obese and this number only continues to rise. Naturally, children are prone to have far few health and medical problems than adults, however, overweight children are at a higher risk of being overweight adolescents and adults. They risk developing chronic disease like heart diseases and diabetes. They are also more likely to struggle with stress, sadness, and poor self-esteem.

Causes of Childhood Obesity:

Commonly a lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of the two. It is rare that childhood obesity is caused by a medical conditional and it can be ruled out with a simple physical exam can rule it out. Though weight problems can be genetic, not all children with a family history of obesity will be obese, their risk just increase. It normally has to do with shared family diet and lifestyle.

Inactive lifestyle is the major role in determining a child’s weight. Today, the average child spends four hours in front of a television, and now that computers and video games are becoming the forefront of entertainment, the hours of inactivity have increased.

 Risk of Childhood Obesity:

High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Early heart disease
Diabetes
Bone problems
Skin conditions such as heat rash, fungal infections, and acne

Detection of Childhood Obesity:

The family doctor will notify if your child is overweight. Your child height, weight, and BMI (body mass index) will be compared to standard values and if they suffer from childhood obesity your doctor will consider also your child’s age and growth pattern when coming up a unique weight loss solution for them.

Aid of Childhood Obesity:

If you discover your child suffers from childhood obesity, you must be supportive. How children feel about themselves is directly related to how their parents feel them. Having a open line of communication where your child can here the importance of weight, but also where they can discuss their concerns is key.

Isolation of your child can be detrimental to your child confidence, so focus on changing family activities that engage them physically. A change of diet and lifestyle habits will teach the whole family a healthier lifestyle the overweight child won’t feel singled out or alone.

Engaging Family in Healthful Habits:

Increasing the family’s engagement of physical activity is important. Here are some ways to accomplish this:

  • Lead by example. If your children see that you are physically active and having fun, they are more likely to be active and stay active for the rest of their lives.
  • Plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise, like walking, biking, or swimming.
  • Be sensitive to your child’s needs. Overweight children may feel uncomfortable about participating in certain activities. It is important to help your child find physical activities that they enjoy and that aren’t embarrassing or too difficult.
  • Make an effort to reduce the amount of time you and your family spend in sedentary activities.

 

Exercise Fights Sleepiness

Exercise Fights Sleepiness

By admin

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Must.Stay.Awake. Is what you repeat in your head to try to remain focus on the task at hand. But does it work? Is reciting this phrase going to send an energy boost through your body? No. Studies show that the actual answer for fatigue is the gym. In your unique weight loss journey you will realize that how essential exercise or being active is in the functionality of your body.

 

Next time the sand man comes to visit, consider hitting the gym instead of that power nap or extra cup of coffee. About one in four healthy adults experience feeling tired or fatigued well before bedtime. The connection between exercise and a reduction of low energy and exhaustion comes from the fact that exercise prompts the heart and lungs to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissue and facilitates the circulation of blood. Breaking a sweat directly affects the central nervous system, which regulates energy levels.

This in no way negates the need for sleep. Sleep is essential for optimal health and deprivation can lead to weight gain. If you replace sleep with excessive exercise it will increase your chances of stress fractures, cardiovascular complication, or the feeling of being burnt out. You have to find a healthy balance. So light aerobics or yoga are perfect to give you that needed boost, but steer clear of high intensity work out.

Must.Stay.Awake. turns into Must.Hit.Gym. What a unique weight loss solution!

Food Affair

Food Affair

By admin

It seems that many of us have a love-hate relationship with food; can’t live with it, can’t without it, right? Sometimes we are complete control and oarticle-2021454-0D4493AC00000578-323_468x313ther times, well, we indulge in unhealthy behaviors for temporary satisfaction, then the guilt sets in.

If your personal goal is unique weight loss you must call a truce with food. How? Getting acquainted with Hunger.

There is a difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger, and understanding that will help you obtain your goal. Like most habits, acceptance is the first step; acceptance of your hunger and taking action based on your awareness will change your perception of food and eating habits. This acknowledgement will positively aid you in your long term affair with food, offering a unique weight loss solution.

 
Emotional Hunger VS Physical Hunger:

Hunger that is stimulated by sensory is emotional hunger. To indulge in this hunger is reactive eating and normally, you are dealing with cravings not nutrition. Emotional hunger leads to eating food for comfort, calm, to excite, pleasure or reward.

However, physical hunger meets a physiological need which begins in the stomach with an empty, hollow, often painful feeling. If you neglect this hunger, you may feel irritated, tired, or even dizzy.

Very few of us eat for purely physical reasons and emotional ones come from added external pressure or stress. Living in a society where billions are spent to target our senses to consume has created a society that eats main for pleasure. Whether it’s the cliché depressed woman inhaling a carton of ice cream or advertisement of all-you-can-eat buffets enticing you to gorge; the media can be your worse enemy.

*Tip: start a food journal and write down when you are hungry and why. You will begin to differentiate between physical and emotional hunger which will allow you to make better decision when it comes to your relationship with food*

 

Take Control The Relationship:

So, how do you take control back in your relationship with food? Learn what your emotional foods and triggers are. If you can understand your temptations that prompt you to reactively eat, you will become aware of your eating patterns. Remember, knowledge is power! Now, you can begin to change your eating habits and work toward eating for physical reasons instead of emotional ones.

Having a healthy relationship with food IS possible. Here are five steps to help you achieve your healthy relationship with food:

  1. Believe that you can have a healthy relationship with food.
  2. Start a food journal and write for 10 minutes daily. Also, keep in touch with your emotions, write about your day and how you feel.
  3. Differentiate between emotional and physical hunger.
  4. After every meal and snack, jot down whether you ate it out of emotional or physical hunger. You’ll get in touch with your physical needs and emotional cravings.
  5. For every meal and snack, use a scale of zero to 10 to measure how hungry you are. Zero is not hungry and 10 is famished. Concentrate on eating when you feel between six and eight on the hunger scale.

By adding these steps, you’re already on the path to mending your broken relationship with food. This is a unique weight loss solution and gives you complete control of your food affair.