Healthy Choice update + Tara’s tips

Looking at photos from my trip to NYC last week, it hit me that in the past year – since last July – I’ve lost 30 pounds. I’m less than 10 pounds away from my highest pre-baby weight. Pre-baby as in more than 6 years ago, before Maya was born.

When it comes to how my clothes fit, I’m at that in between stage. Most of the skirts and pants in my closet are too big, but those skinny jeans that I put away in a drawer a long, long time ago are still too tight. I’ve bought a couple of new outfits, but nothing much. I’m hoping to lose 30 more by next August. No rush. 😉

As I mentioned in my BlogHer recap, I sat down with nutrition expert Tara Gidus at the Healthy Choice booth for a few minutes to discuss my goals, accomplishments, and concerns. The best advice she gave me was to think about what I need at mealtimes. Specifically, how little food do I need to tide me over for the next 2-3 hours? Now, I find that I ask myself this question every time I’m about to put a bite of food in my mouth. Do I really need it? Yes? Then how little does my body need? I’m learning to listen to my body and not just eat for the sake of eating. Healthy Choice meals have been a huge aid in helping me with portion control. There’s no going back for seconds!

Tara’s Healthy Eating Tips

• Don’t make excuses. Being too busy shouldn’t be an obstacle to healthy eating.
• Eat light and eat often. Eat only what you need to sustain yourself for a few hours, then follow up with a light snack to tide you over until the next meal.
• Shrink your plate and your waist will follow. Eating from a smaller plate will help you control portions, while your brain will still think you had a plate full of food.
• S-L-O-W D-O-W-N. Food is meant to be enjoyed, so slow down and savor every bite. Take sips of water and put your fork down throughout your meal to remind yourself to slow down.
• Save dough by eating at home. Restaurant meals can have high calories along with high prices. Cook at home to save time, money, and fuel, or bring lunch to work for even more savings.
• Track your spending. Not dollars, but calories. People who keep a record of what they eat lose twice as much weight as those who don’t.
• Don’t compromise on summer cravings. Instead of completely depriving yourself from foods you love, look for simple ways to make them healthier.
• Color your plate. Fruits and veggies are colorful and add nutritional value to every meal without adding tons of extra calories.

Tara’s Getting Active Tips

• The kids are in sports, why not you? Join a tennis, rowing, or racquetball league. You’ll have fun, get fit, and make new friends at the same time!
• Make it a family affair. Take the whole family out for a walk or a bike ride after dinner. Enjoy the summer evenings!
• Move a bit more. Go for a 15 minute walk during your lunch break, walk up and down the stairs a few times, pace while you’re on the phone, or get off the subway a stop or two early and walk the rest of the way.
• Need an energy break? Move major muscle groups instead of reaching for a cup of coffee. Do a set of lunges right near your desk and feel the oxygen pulse through your veins, supplying energy to your brain. A natural pick-me-up is so much better than that coffee!

Tara’s Staying Healthy Tips

• Get enough sleep! Not getting enough sleep can throw off your hormone balance and contribute to weight gain.
• Rise and shine. Breakfast is a no-brainer. The best way to kick-start your day. You’ll feel more energetic and fuel your brain by simply giving your body the food it desires.
• Fight back. Foods like whole grains, fruits, veggies, and yogurt all contain nutrients and other substances that can boost your immune system to help your body fight off pesky germs that can make you sick.
• Drink up! Just a small amount of dehydration can leave you feeling sluggish, cause a headache, or make you feel hungry. Women need about 9 cups of fluid a day from food, water, and other beverages.

Visit www.dietdiva.net to read more about Tara. You can also follow her on Twitter @DietDivaTara for daily nutrition advice and interesting links.

Disclosure: I’m participating in a program with Healthy Choice but all opinions are my own. Read my previous post for more information.