How To Stay Motivated With Weight Loss

When it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, the most important thing isn't diet or exercise. It's motivation. If you can keep motivated, you can meet your goals, become more physically fit, and live a healthier lifestyle.

Unfortunately, most of us have problems staying motivated. Sure, it's easy to decide to diet and exercise and stick to it for a couple of weeks; but eventually, nearly all of us get to a point where we lose our focus and give up.

When this happens we not only gain back whatever weight we may have lost, but we often put on even more pounds than we had before we started. This can be a real blow to our self-esteem and make it even harder for us to try to lose weight in the future.

The good news is that it is possible to find ways to stay motivated and keep focused on your weight loss goals - once you know how. When you achieve this level of focus, you will not only lose weight now; you'll find that it's much easier to keep the weight off in the long term.

They provided us with a bunch of tips that have worked in the real world to help the people they've worked with to stay motivated, and we are happy to pass them on to you.

• Realize that your subconscious is the biggest thing holding you back from staying motivated. On a conscious level, you know you want to lose weight - but your subconscious may not be on board. It is filled with negative thoughts that expect failure. So, you need to change your subconscious expectations for yourself. Most of us have a negative inner dialogue going on, but that dialogue can be changed. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, stop them in their tracks and replace them with positive thoughts. Over time, this will become automatic and it will stop your subconscious from sabotaging your weight loss and healthy living efforts. Breaking the subconscious chains that are holding you back from real weight loss is the most important thing you can do.

• Find a diet buddy, and set them up on speed dial on your phone. The two of you can work to support each other. When you feel tempted to break your diet or skip out on the gym, give them a call and let them talk you into doing the right thing. Be there for them in the same situations. Between the two of you, you both have a much better chance of sticking to your weight loss and exercise plans.

• Stop focusing on how hard it is to lose weight. If you are constantly thinking about how much work it is to lose weight and stay healthy, this will fill your brain with negative thoughts. That's not good. Don't let yourself focus on the negative. Instead, keep in mind all of the benefits of losing weight. Make a list if you have to! By focusing on the positive, you'll be much less tempted to go off your weight loss plan.

• Every week, take a picture of yourself in the mirror. Then post this picture someplace where you will see it every day. Keep adding new pictures every week. By actually seeing how much progress you are making, it will be much easier for you to stick to your goals - because you'll be able to visualize the results.

• Start a blog about your weight loss goals. By writing once or twice a week about what you are doing, you'll be able to keep track of your progress and work out your inner demons. You'll also get people to comment on your blog and encourage you to stick to it.

• Reward yourself every so often. Set a simple goal - say, losing five pounds. When you make that goal, go out and buy yourself something really nice. Get your favorite author in hardcover instead of waiting for the paperback to come out. Buy your favorite movie on Blu-Ray. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's something you like that you wouldn't normally buy for yourself.

• Don't give up if you have a slip. Look, nobody is perfect. We aren't machines. Sometimes we are going to screw up and have a slice of chocolate cake. It happens. But don't treat it like the end of the world. Many people figure that once they've gone off their diet once, they might as well give up. Don't! Instead, try to figure out why you were tempted and spend a little extra time in the gym that week.

• Try to find ways to make working out fun. Just sitting alone in the gym on a stationary bike is not very inspiring for most people. It's boring and easy to give up. Why not pick up a new sport? You'll end up making new friends and by playing a game, you'll be having fun while burning off calories. And you'll keep doing it because you won't want to let your team down.

• If you have a partner, have lots of sex! Sex not only feels good, but it burns off calories. More importantly, it releases the same endorphins into your body as eating chocolate. And here's something you may not know - when you start to lose weight, your libido will improve and you'll experience much more sexual satisfaction. Women in particular have reported becoming more orgasmic the more weight they lose.

• Keep temptation out of your home. When you are alone watching television is when you are most likely to break down and cheat on your diet. Go through your cupboards and get rid of temptation food. Then go to the grocery story and buy a lot of healthy food. Throw out all your takeout menus. Without temptations surrounding you, you will be much less likely to break your diet. Your moment of temptation will pass and you'll stay motivated and on track.

• Create an upbeat playlist for your iPod. It's been shown that people who listen to fast, upbeat music while they work out have more positive associations with exercise and are less likely to stop doing it.

• Subscribe to blogs of other people who are trying to lose weight and get in shape. Reading about other people's weight loss struggles will help you realize you are not alone. Plus, you may gain some surprising weight loss tips and be able to share your experiences with other people as well.

These tips are not particularly hard to incorporate into your life, and they have worked to help thousands of people stay motivated so that they not only lose weight but also keep it off.

You can start slow and add one tip a week into your life, and over time you'll finally start seeing the body you've always wanted staring back at you in the mirror.

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Healthy Eating - Snacks For The Whole Family

Anytime you change the way you eat it will take some encouragement and some preparation but you will find success by having a partner to got through the process with you. When you involve your entire household in the new healthy eating plan you are twice as likely to stick with it and have great progress. For healthy eating snacks for the whole family you can all enjoy the new diet and be getting healthier by the day together.

Snacks that the whole family will enjoy could be in many variations. You must think creatively and plan to prepare snacks for the entire day and not just limit them to one portion of the day or for one special event. 

Create fun snacks that are easy for little ones to eat such as finger snacks like vegetables cut up like celery or carrots with a fun dipping sauce for the kids to enjoy. The whole family will enjoy apples cut up with all natural, organic peanut butter to dip the slices into. 

Baked potatoes are also good snacks that you can slice up and place cheese on top of that is low fat or non fat cheese and even vegetables on top as well. 

Organic yogurts are always nutritious and kids and adults alike enjoy eating them when they are combined with chopped up fruits inside. This creates a healthy snack that is tasty and it fills you up for quite some time.

Soups that are made fresh at home are also enjoyed throughout the winter or just on a rainy day when the kids may really be seeking an activity to engage in such as helping create the soups. 

Just about every child enjoys Popsicles, and they should not be left out of the healthy snack plan for the entire family. You can create your own fruit pops in the freezer with a few Popsicle sticks and blending up your family's favorite fruits. You simply pour the mixture into the freezing trays and allow them to mold and in a few hours you have created an all natural healthy snack for everyone to enjoy on a hot summer day. 

Get your family involved in deciding which snacks they may be willing to try and with all of the input you can receive from everyone you can create a fun family menu for the entire week together! Allow the kids to help with creating all the snacks they would like to take with them for school lunches and for any sporting events and practices as well.

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Cottage Cheese - A Fitness Food

Cottage cheese doesn't seem very palatable to many people. While it is runny and lumpy it's also a great food for both weight loss and building muscle due to it's low fat and high protein content.

Cottage cheese can be made in to recipes as a cheese and dairy substitute like in lasagna, dips, on baked potatoes and in salads. It can also be added in to an egg white omelette, whole grain pasta and low fat desserts, like cottage cheesecake.

If you like the taste (many do!) then eating cottage cheese on its own is an incredibly healthy snack. Add some yogurt for a a more a creamy taste and some fruit for a nutritious but decadent snack.

Nutritional Content per 4 oz or 113g 

Calories- 120 g
Protein- 14g
Fat-5g
Carbohydrates- 3g

There are also low fat and no fat varieties which bring the fat down to 0-1.5g. However, be aware that sugar is added in some low fat varieties to add sweetness to the cheese. [..]

Keep in mind that diet is always 50% of results. So eat cottage cheese for a low fat, high protein diet and reach those goals!

Eat Up!

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Choose The Right Foods For Weight Loss

If you are thinking about reducing your weight the first thing you think about doing is reducing the amount of food you eat. You have read articles about losing weight and understand that your weight has increased because you are ingesting more calories than your body is burning up. The simple remedy therefore is to reduce your food intake again and the weight will disappear. Although this is a fact cutting your intake of food is not easy.

If you have been used to eating a certain quantity of food the moment you cut down you will suffer from hunger pangs between meals. For the majority of people feeling permanently hungry is too much to cope with and they begin to let their diet slip. As a result their weight does not go down.

There is however ways to slim down without feeling perpetually hungry.


The very first thing you need to do is to consider the sorts of food you are currently eating. You will in all probability find that a lot of your usual foods contain large amounts of calories. These are the sorts of foods you need to keep away from. 


The majority of processed foods and ready meals are all high in calories and ought to be removed from your diet. Fizzy drinks, colas and alcohol all contain lots of sugar and should also be avoided if possible. You should also think about what types of dairy products you are buying and strive to substitute your normal selection with the low fat alternative. Food substitution can cut your calorie consumption considerably.


There are also foods that you can consume that have very few calories but will fill you up quickly. 
Green leafy vegetables are more often than not low in calories but do have a high concentration of nutrients and will help to fill you very quickly. Green leafy vegetables should be included in as many of your meals as possible.

Salads are also extremely good for weight loss. It normally takes roughly 20 minutes for your brain to receive signals from your stomach telling it that it has had sufficient food. Eating a small dish of salad as a starter before your main meal you will be able to reduce the size of your portions considerably without feeling as though you still need more. It is imperative that you do not cover the salad in any form of dressing as even the ones that are allegedly for weight loss tend to have quite high quantities of calories. If you simply can't eat salad without some form of dressing simply put a small amount in a dish alongside your plate so as that you can control just how much you actually consume.


Eating more fish is an extremely good way to lose weight. Fish such as herring,tuna and salmon are extremely high in omega-3 which helps by increasing the volume of leptin in your system, which is acknowledged as being a natural hunger suppressant.

Fresh fruit including apples are excellent for losing weight. Despite the fact that apples are not especially low in calories they require quite a bit of chewing and a large percentage of the calories are burned up whilst the apple is being consumed. In addition they also contain a great deal of soluble fibre and pectin which help to make you feel fuller and boost your levels of energy. 


Drinking lots of water is an excellent way to control your appetite and obviously it does not contain any calories at all. It is an excellent substitute for fizzy drinks and colas. 

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Your Vegan Breakfast - Easy Ideas And Recipes To Kick-Start Your Morning

To all you vegans out there - be aware that there are many tasty, healthy and easy vegan breakfast recipes that you can prepare in no time and enjoy nutritious meal at the start of the day.

Easy & Healthy Vegan Breakfasts Ideas & Recipes:

Fresh Juice - If you have a juicer, be aware that making a vegetable and fruit juice for your breakfast is fast, easy and super healthy. You can juice celery, beetroot, carrots, apples, ginger, parsley, or any other fruit or vegetable of your fancy.

Vegan Smoothie - This is another easy and healthy vegan breakfast drink, however, you do need a blender.

For a chocolate banana smoothie, blend together 1 Cup rice/soy milk, 1 Tbsp. cacao powder, 1 very ripe banana, 2-3 Tbsp. soy yogurt, a drizzle of agave nectar and a pinch of sea salt. Add more milk if the smoothie is too thick for your liking.

For a berry smoothie, blend together 1 Cup rice/soy milk, 3-4 Tbsp. soy yogurt, ½ Cup frozen or fresh berries, a pinch of sea salt, and some ice-cubes.

To create your own vegan smoothie, blend together your choice of the following: soy/rice/coconut milk, soy/coconut yogurt, dates, raisins, sultanas, goji berries, crushed nuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, linseeds, maple syrup, agave nectar, sea salt, peanut butter, bananas, grated vegan chocolate, cacao powder, molasses, berries, and some ice-cubes.

Fruit Galore!
You can enjoy your fruit in so many wonderful ways, and if not in a juice or smoothie - some other delightful way!

Seasonal Fruit Salad - You can eat a large bowl of fresh, seasonal fruit by itself for a wonderful, fresh and easy vegan breakfast! Or you can fancy it up a bit with soy yogurt, chopped walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, macadamia nuts or almonds, and a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar! Your taste buds can really be treated with a gourmet fruit salad!

Fried bananas - Heat a couple of Tbsp's. Of olive oil in a frying pan and add some sliced bananas (sliced length-ways), along with a good drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side. Serve warm on top of toast, with some crushed walnuts and an extra drizzle of maple syrup!

Vegan Cereal - The supermarkets and health food stores offer a wide range of vegan cereals nowadays, so you should try as many as you can and find your favorites! Enjoy your cereal with rice or soy milk and a dollop of yogurt. To make your bowl of cereal healthier, more sustaining and more delicious, add your choice of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, linseeds, chia seeds, nuts, goji berries, raisins, sultanas or chopped dates! This will turn an ordinary bowl of cereal into a sustaining, healthy (and still easy!) vegan breakfast!

Toast - Many vegans find that they are stuck in a rut when it comes to their morning toast. But be aware that there are tons of toppings to enjoy! You are probably frequently eating your toast with vegan spread and jam. Try the following toppings also:
- Sliced avocado, sea salt and pepper
- Sliced tomato, sea salt, pepper, vegan cheese (put in the grill or jaffle maker to melt cheese)
- Vegan chocolate spread (from health shop)
- Brazil nut spread, almond spread, cashew spread, peanut butter with a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar
- Sliced banana, vegan chocolate spread, peanut butter (all three together = to die for! If you want you can put a slice of bread on top to make a sandwich, and toast it. The banana will cook and your chocolate spread will melt into a pool of taste-bud heaven!)

As you can see, if you let your imagination go wild there are an infinite variety of delicious, healthy and easy vegan breakfast recipes and ideas! Your morning never has to start off boring again! If you are still stuck on ideas, you can find a wide range of vegan recipes online, either on websites, blogs, you-tube, or professional vegan recipe e-books containing tons of yummy recipes!

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The Best Vegetables For Weight Loss And Fat Burning

When looking up more info on the best vegetables for weight loss, most people want a list of the healthiest veggies to get slim. If you wish to get trim and lean, you must lower your calorie intake and this is easily done with the top vegetables for losing weight. It is now widely known that low calorie meals decrease the levels of stored body fat so this becomes a highly effective approach in reducing your excess weight.

Earlier research also presented facts that plant-based food items such as leafy vegetables help to manage being hungry and also over-eating.

Leafy vegetables are likely to be high in h2o and also fiber. They possess a low-calorie content which makes their ingestion a highly effective tactic in diet planning and even more so when combined with virtually any weight loss pill or other dietary supplement.

The idea not only boosts the results of trimming down, but additionally improves digestion of food and also metabolic process.

Consuming more leafy vegetables is important for individual wellness. Yet what are the very best green leafy vegetables for weight loss? One can possibly like a wide variety of green leafy vegetables to select from. Many health professionals, in reality, advise including leafy vegetables to your meals and dishes for losing weight quickly and easily. They often recommend seven or more servings of leafy vegetables per day for excellent final results.

Even so, a list of the very best leafy vegetables for losing weight for some people is probably not of interest. There are some folks who don't like to eat the most nutritious leafy vegetables and some even gag at the thought. You can even find circumstances involving allergy symptoms as the body behaves to particular leafy vegetables therefore it is better to look for advice first. The most healthy leafy vegetables for you incorporate broccoli, spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and kale.

The apple is well known to be fiber rich and contains pectin. Pectin stops against taking in fat excess and also inhibits hunger. It has high water content that is very helpful in eliminating toxins. Celery ought to be ingested with skin unchanged as it gives plenty of fiber. On one hand, grapefruits may also be effective to shed weight. Based on recent reports, leafy vegetables consist of substances that reduced blood insulin stage by the body processes. It is just a metabolic process increases, thereby, it plays a part in weight reduction and burning body fat faster.

Collard greens, likewise, could be included on the list of very best leafy vegetables for losing weight. They really are packed with potassium that assists boosting levels of nourishment intake. It really is mostly h2o and vitamins and it has many health benefits for you.

On another similar note, one of the very best fruits for losing weight could be the kiwi fruit. It is just a low-calorie tasty fruit which is high in fiber. It includes equally disolveable fibers which inhibits your appetite and also insoluble fibers which helps with digestion of food. Melons are incredibly low-calorie food items which contain mostly h2o and also fiber. Berries including raspberries, blackberries and blueberries also speed up weight loss. These types of foods provide power and also burn up fat rapidly. Berries consist of fiber, low-calorie but high nutrient content and also antioxidants.

Acai berries, said as "an amazing diet plan key from the Amazon", could be the newest discovery which can help with weight loss. It really is composed of antioxidants, phytosterols, essential fatty acids, and also amino acids that really work with each other to get rid of fat efficiently and also helps to make meals less complicated.

Other leafy vegetables including cabbage, turnip greens and also spinach may also be regarded as very best leafy vegetables for losing weight. In addition, it's encouraged to step away from canned vegetables because these are generally packed with salt and are lower in nutrients. Dried up leafy vegetables get higher nutrient concentrations considering that their h2o compound is already taken out.

The top leafy vegetables for you are generally organic. Always use leafy green vegetables for greater final results as previously mentioned. Complement this specific tip with ongoing workouts and quick weight loss results will most certainly be reached. Consuming the best leafy green vegetables for weight loss will allow you to trim down whilst fat deposits burn off quickly.

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Your Summer Body Detox Menu

Summer is here and its time for a summer detox to get your body feeling great. Help your body clear waste, remove excess fluids and beat the heat by incorporating some delicious, detoxing foods into your summer diet. Here are some tips to get you started.

Fresh fruits and produce should be the basis of any body detox program. Fresh fruits are full of antioxidants and natural vitamin water to keep you feeling fresh and light. Antioxidants are known to help the body fight cancers so you get that extra natural immune boost, too.

Fresh vegetables contain natural minerals and other compounds to help you get your nutritional boost without all the extra calories. Celery is one of the best to beat the heat with. It is an all around body detoxifier that is high in Vitamin C and a compound called phthalides, which research shows helps lower blood pressure and even reduces stress hormones. The natural balance of sodium and potassium also help regulate fluid balance and stimulate urine production, which helps your body eliminate excess fluids.

Speaking of sodium, avoid table salt and high sodium processed foods during your summer body detox. Unfortunately, most of our dietary salt comes not from healthy, balanced sources such as celery, but from processed foods because it is a cheap preservative as well as an appetite stimulate. And salt addiction is a real phenomenon that can drain energy, promote fat storage and increase unhealthy food cravings.

Fortunately, your taste buds adjust fairly quickly. After only a week or so of limiting table salt and processed foods, you will be surprised at how salty many foods are. By eating a healthy detox diet based on just the two above principles, more produce and less processed foods, you will be on your way to feeling your best this summer. Here is a summer body detox menu outline to get you started.

Start your day with fresh fruit like berries, which are abundant and sweet in the summer time. Have an organic yogurt along with it to help balance digestion and throw in some unsalted nuts for protein.

For lunch, a hot summer day almost seems to require a fresh, crisp salad made with plenty of greens, fresh shredded carrots, sliced radishes, cucumbers and sprouts. Have this with fresh, grilled chicken or turkey. To cook your poultry, experiment with a variety of fresh herbs and olive oil as a marinade. Use a dressing made with olive oil and flavorful apple cider vinegar (Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the tastier brands found in your local health food store). If you are feeling experimental, try blending a cucumber, 1/2 avocado and a date or two with lemon juice as your salad dressing.

For dinner, choose from a variety of proteins, vegetables and low sodium grains. Try broiled skewers of lean beef or chicken using a low-sodium, organic marinade and onions, red and yellow bell peppers and tomatoes. Another choice might be broiled halibut marinated in lemon juice topped with fresh chopped tomatoes, onions and cilantro. Have a variety of fresh grilled or steamed asparagus on the side and 1/3 cup of brown Basmati rice.

For those extremely hot days or when feeling exceptionally fatigued, try drinking some energy. An excellent body detox drink can be made with a home juicer. Add plenty of celery, cucumber, kale, green apple apple, and add about 1/4 inch of ginger root for flavor. This combination will provide plenty of energy, nutrition and help your summer body detox. You may even find your skin clear after a week or so.

Keep your body health and fit with regular intervals of body and colon cleansing and detoxification. When done for shorter periods, from two to four weeks, your body will respond better and you may find it easier to follow. And of course, if you take medications, always check with your doctor before any diet changes.

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3 Cool Summer Foods To Hydrate Your Body

Summer is fun, hot and demanding on our bodies. It's easy to get dehydrated when we stay out in the heat. We are supposed to drink plenty of water during the day, but did you know you can keep your body hydrated with food too? 

Rejuvenate your immune system and stay hydrated with these 3 cool summertime foods:

1. Watermelon

Chock full of vitamins C, A, and B6 and potassium and magnesium, this watery fruit helps keep the water in your cells where it belongs. Ways to eat watermelon are in slices and chunks. If you cut a watermelon in chunks and store in a covered dish in the refrigerator, it will be easier to grab and eat when you are hungry. Another delicious way is to drink your watermelon. Make watermelon juice by putting slices in the blender with a few ice cubes.

2. Cucumber

Have you ever heard the phrase "cool as a cucumber"? Cucumbers are loaded with vitamin C, molybdenum, and vitamin A. The skin of the cucumber has silica which nourishes your skin and connective tissue. It is rich in potassium and magnesium which is essential for keeping hydrated. Add cucumber slices to salads or make a cold soup like Gazpacho. Just puree the cucumber with tomatoes, green peppers and onions. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Summer squash

Zucchini or yellow squash are prolific in summer gardens. They are full of manganese, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A. So both kinds of summer squash are a great vegetable to keep you hydrated. Grate the squash over salads or add to sandwiches. Serve with your favorite dips instead of chips. You can also shred zucchini to add to bread or muffin recipes.

It's easy to add these 3 foods into your summer fun. Cold soups and salads help you to stay cool, keep you away from the stove, and take minimal time to prepare. Don't forget the watermelon juice! It's better for the kids than sweet drinks and sodas which cause dehydration.

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5 tips to lose weight the smart way

Losing weight and getting in better shape often is the top three goals that people mention when asked about their health and body. I don't really like to use the word 'diet' when talking about weight loss because when you knock off the 't', what does the word become? You should never associate making changes in your lifestyle to 'die[t]' and instead concentrate on the work towards healthier and happier self. Here are my top 5 tips on how to lose weight smart way while improving also your overall health and wellness.

1. Hydrate your body

Water is one of the most important elements in the human body. Every single cell in your body needs water to function properly and it has been suggested that drinking enough water may be one of the key elements also to maintaining a healthy weight. Remember to drink enough water throughout the day to meet your body’s needs. I would recommend to drink 1.5 - 2 liters of water every day. Studies have shown that drinking water raises your metabolism, and improves your fat burning rate, reduces bloating and cleanses your body from harmful toxins.

2. Adjust your eating habits

Balanced meals are essential when you want to lose weight. Limiting sugary, fatty and processed foods, and eventually cutting them out completely, is necessary. It’s called “junk food” for a reason as they spike blood sugar and slow your metabolism. 

There are so many healthy alternatives that you can have, even if you have a sweet tooth. Make it a point to eat healthy at every meal, and every day of the week. Small high-protein and high-fiber meals throughout the day is the best option. Make sure your body gets enough Chromium which is great help to stop sugar cravings. You can also include natural and safe weight management solutions, like Slenderiiz drops in your daily meals to help your body get the best support while you are getting rid of unwanted body weight. They are also a great aid to sleep and to de-stress your body.

3. Get enough sleep

As I already mentioned before, if you're trying to lose weight, the amount of sleep you get may be just as important as the food you consume and exercise. Poor sleep has repeatedly been linked to a higher body mass index (BMI) and weight gain because sleep deprivation also increases your appetite and intake of foods high in calories, fats and carbs. I recommend adding bergamot to your water before the sleep as it calms the body, helps to de-stress and have a better sleep.

4. Reduce stress level

Stress is inevitable in our lives, and unfortunately, it is also linked with weight gain. Stress may increase levels of stress hormones such as cortisol in your body. This can cause increased hunger and result in weight gain. If you’re looking to lose weight, you should also review possible ways how to decrease or better handle excessive stress in your life. You can use some of my stress buster techniques if you want to learn how to relax and feel in control again.

5. Exercise

Exercise is important for everyone, especially if you are trying to lose weight. Start with just a few minutes of exercise at a time. Any exercise is better than none, and that helps your body slowly get used to being active. In addition to weight loss, exercise can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar, which can reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes, as well as cancer. The best exercise to do is one that you enjoy so find something that you really like and it will not feel like a chore anymore.

If you are ready to start your journey towards healthier self, have any questions and would like to discuss nutrition and weight loss issues, please book one-on-one consultation with me here! 

Green Nutrition - How Can It Benefit Me?

Green nutrition, smoothies, juices, we've been hearing these terms more and more. 'But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit me?' 

I'm glad you asked!

Green nutrition is something that used to be reserved for patchouli-wearing hippies, right? Not anymore! Thanks to the incredible communicative power of the internet, you are finding more and more people learning about and using the variety of green foods available to them.

What I mean by "green foods" are specifically - certain foods that are, yes, green in color. They are generally referred to by their color not because the color itself is so wonderful, but because they all have similar nutritional benefits.

Green Superfoods are very nutritionally dense, in fact, incredibly so. They have an extremely high vitamin, mineral, enzyme, and antioxidant content, and have a great variety of health benefits, including battling with cancer, heart disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, osteoporosis, and more. They also provide a tremendous amount of energy along with high quality protein, often with all amino acids for a complete protein.

Here's a few examples of foods that provide green nutrition:

• Wheat, oat, and barley grasses
• Alfalfa
• Algaes such as Chlorella or blue green algae
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Spinach
• Peppermint
• Kale
• Swiss Chard
• Sprouts
• Dandelions

And the list goes on!

Green foods are generally prepared in many ways, depending the food. Grasses are usually juiced or blended, and algaes are available as powders. Herbs can be added to smoothies or salads, and some of the leafy greens can be made into a salad or cooked.

There are a few things to consider when you want to get the most out of your green:

1. Raw green foods are generally better than cooked.
2. Fresh is better than dried, powdered or processed (though is unavoidable sometimes).
3. Organic foods will usually be the most nutrient-dense.

And finally - VERY IMPORTANT - getting some green nutrition is better than none at all.

While you will certainly get the best nutrition from foods that you grew yourself without chemicals and then juiced or consumed within minutes of harvest - that's just not realistic for most people

One of the biggest obstacles we have when trying to change our habits is the "all-or-nothing" mentality. Does that sound familiar? Do not fall into this trap! It is perfectly OK to start off your journey into green foods using a powdered drink mix that you have every morning. Just do something!

The key here is baby steps. Once you get going and incorporate something into your routine, it soon becomes habit and -- guess what? You are then ready to add something new - kick it up a bit.

So to answer the original question, green nutrition IS for real, and it can benefit you by increasing your health and resistance tremendously. It is no miracle that will strip you of 100 lbs overnight or anything, but it really does make a difference.

I challenge you to give it two weeks - try green nutrition - a smoothie or juice or whatnot -- every day for two weeks. It will give you energy, vitality, and will make a huge difference in your day.

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