by kelsey | Jan 17, 2012 | Etc., Weight Management
If you are an owner of a smart phone, you have the capability of accessing many nutrition and exercise tools right in the palm of your hand! I recently came across a review of the weight management apps on the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetic’s website. I was happy to see on my favorite apps was at the top of the list “MyFitness Pal.” Keeping track of your intake is a useful tool with weight management and it’s even easier when you can do it right from your phone! This is snapshot of my phone and some of the apps I use. In addition to MyFitnessPal, I like to look up recipes and check out the nutrition content of food selections at restaurants to help me make better choices. I encourage you to check out the review at : http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=6442467041 and browse your app store to equip yourself with some great tools!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Jan 12, 2012 | Diet, Etc., Exercise, Food, Weight Management
I was recently asked about the use and benefit of energy drinks during exercise and I thought this would be a great topic to share on our blog as well! Usually the quick rule of thumb is that water is best for low to moderate intensity workouts that last one hour or less. If your workouts are more moderate to high intensity and last more than an hour, then a sports drink may be a good choice. If you are working out in a hot environment and you usually sweat alot, then you will need additional fluids. The sports drinks help replenish our electrolytes that are lost during high intensity, longer workouts, however they do have sugars which is why they are not really necessary for lighter-moderate workouts. There are now lower sugar options such as Gatorade’s G2, which is a nice alternative to the higher sugar content in the regular product. Another helpful tip is to be sure to get adequate hydration before and after your workouts to keep your body’s fluids more balanced.
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Jan 10, 2012 | Diet, Food, Weight Management
Have you ever wondered how many calories or fat grams are in a hot dog? Or what about the big pasta dish you had yesterday? Well there are excellent online tools that can help you with this information. Two of my favorite sites are USDA sites:
https://www.choosemyplate.gov/SuperTracker/foodapedia.aspx
and
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/
Both of these sites allow you to select the food you’re looking for, then serving size and give you a complete nutrient breakdown. Sometimes we really don’t want to know what’s all in our food or how bad it is, but looking it up is sure enlightening and can help you make better choices in the future! I highly recommend checking these sites out!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Nov 2, 2011 | Food, Weight Management
As we strive to find variety in our diets while keeping them healthy, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite fall treats: apples with carmel! This is a great way to get your fruit in while giving your sweet tooth satisfaction. I choose fat free carmel to reduce the fat and calories, but portion control is still important to watch with the carmel! Next time you’re looking for a sweet fall treat, try this!
Enjoy!
Kelsey
by kelsey | Oct 27, 2011 | Holidays, Weight Management
It’s that time of the year again. Not only are the stores packed with Halloween costumes, the aisles are filled with candy. Most of the candy passed out to trick-or-treaters comes in “fun size” or “mini” portions, however looks can be deceiving! People often think that since they are in smaller size, more can be consumed. Calories from Halloween candy can quickly add up. For example 3 mini snickers packs on 300 calories!
Thankfully Halloween doesn’t have to mean an automatic weight gain. Try waiting until the day before to buy treats to pass out. You will feel less likely to nibble when it’s not sitting around as long. Also, keep it out of sight, such as a closet or cupboard you rarely use. The biggest challenge is the leftover candy after Halloween is over. Try buying candy that you don’t like as it’s easier to get rid of, or purchase healthy options.
Halloween treats to try: sugar free bum, boxes of raisins, animal crackers, pretzles, trail mix, fruit snacks, lollipops, or non candy choices such as stickers, erasers, etc.
Halloween treats to avoid: candy bars, caramels, fudge, skittles, and m&ms.
Happy Halloween!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Oct 26, 2011 | Cooking Tips, Diet, Food, Weight Management
With the seasons changing and the weather getting colder, hot cereal for breakfast is back! Here are some ways to spice up your hot cereal.
- Use fat-free milk to give you some calcium and protein
- Add dried fruits such as raisins or dates and chopped nuts
- Mix in fruit purees or applesauce
- Add some fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, or bananas
- Give your hot cereal a little crunch by adding a little dry cereal or granola
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or cloves can spice it up as well
If you’re in a hurry in the morning, make your hot cereal even simpler by preparing it in a mug for desktop dining at the office. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so be sure to start your day off right!
-Kelsey
