Showing posts with label food cravings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food cravings. Show all posts

Thursday, September 16, 2010

How to Enjoy Fall's Festive Foods Without Guilt or Weight Gain

Boualem's Fit 'N Healthy Times, September mid-month edition

THE AUTUMN TEMPTATION

There's something about the return of cool weather and a warm kitchen. People are talking about food everywhere I go--it's pie season, you know. And if they are not cooking, they're ordering out the foods they're suddenly craving--meaty, potatoey, stewy, soupy, creamy, rich and/or luscious.

Fall is great in Michigan, but temptation to eat more fatty filling foods to prepare for a snowy blowy winter is probably not just in our head.

But the truth of the matter! (Cold, hard truth!) Your cravings are not nutrient-necessary. Nor is it relevant in a modern, relatively wealthy society. With 24/7 super markets and food stations, most of us don't need to bulk up for fear of food shortages.

Yeah, sure a couple extra pounds hidden by sweaters and shed in spring isn't going to hurt those who maintain a healthy weight. Weight maintenance is a balancing act. However, the average adult does not shed yearly weight gain.

So, when you're putting your summer clothes away and getting out fall/winter clothes or thinking of ordering a large mocha with whipped cream for the fourth time this week, remember: Weight maintenance is not seasonal.

HOW TO ENJOY FALL'S FESTIVE FOODS WITHOUT THE GUILT OR WEIGHT GAIN!

Despite what I just wrote, you have to know that I love food. I love eating. And I love foods that are not on Muscle & Fitness Clean Eating List!

So, my advice on the best of both worlds. Enjoy life. Grab a hold of your mixing bowl and spoon, enjoy the fall foods. But remember BALANCE!

But what does "balance" look like when giving in to "a-moment-on-your-lips-and-forever on-your-hips" kind of temptation?


1) Immediately ration the prized creation - think small portions and freeze leftovers so it can't be consumed in one guilt-ridden binge-fest
2) Share excess goodies with neighbors and friends
3) Serve healthy sides so that you don't fill up all on one heavy dish!
4) Eat a small balanced meal before dishing out dessert
5) Don't make yourself feel bad! Guilt and fear will only create more temptation to indulge all the time!
6) Keep fitness a priority--it may not be your highest priority, but keep it on the list.

As for a healthy recipe, we're referring you to a local CSA blog for an appetizing, different kind of radish salad. Check it out and eat well!

Do you need help keeping fitness a priority this fall? Contact me!
I've got many options--from one-on-one personal training to group training, outdoor training and VERY SOON kickboxing. Whoo-hoo! I'm excited for fall.

HARBOR PARK OUTDOOR WORKOUT ANNOUNCEMENT: Time change for Tuesday and Thursdays.

Keep up-to-date with schedule changes on Facebook. (Friend me--Boualem Aggoune!)

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Do you know what you want?


Boualem's Fit 'N Healthy Times, March 2010

The Goal Killers

With any kind of goal, it is important to be very specific and focused on what you want--or you might end up chasing a goal you hadn't thought of!

The biggest problem with fitness and body-makeover plans are not necessarily the plans themselves. The plans are fine. But plans are plans. They're not magic.

It's like being told that if you listen to foreign language tapes while you sleep, you'll pick up the language automatically. It doesn't happen!!!

Plans require dedication. Plans require action.

So, if you have a good plan. Why aren't you implementing it?

There are four reasons--or a combination of four--why people won't follow through with a plan.

1. Distracted!

Take for example, the ectomorph^ who wants to build a more muscular, shapely body. So she cuts down her cardio for two weeks. Week 3 and she decides to try the new 90-minute dance class--falls in love with it. Week 4 and her friend challenges her to run a 5k. 8 weeks later and she's actually lost muscle mass.

2. An underlying fear!

Another ectomorph wants to have arms like Jillian Michaels. Her trainers tell her to eat more to gain more. But as soon as she sees the scale move up, she cuts back her food. Her problem? She's really afraid of gaining weight--even healthy weight.

3. Refusing to change!

An endomorphic* musclebuilder--whose mission is to "shred"--doesn't shred. Why? He refuses to run, bike--or do anything except weight train. He'll take tons of supplements but avoids the one thing that will complete his mission.

4. Unconvinced!

The man who starts an exercise program to lose weight stops shortly after 3 weeks. He decides he can lose weight without the fitness aspect. He's active enough on the weekends with household chores. He just really doesn't think a fitness program is that important, and even though he has a goal, it just doesn't fit with his priorities.

Has your action plan been sitting on the side gathering dust?


Ask yourself: Is there something you're afraid of? Can you get over it? Do you really want what you say you want, r oare your priorities set in concrete? And, can you change your mind or your attitude?

If you're honest with yourself, you might find that it doesn't really make sense to work for Jillian Michael arms. That's alright. It's okay to kill a goal. Just don't give up on feeling your best. You can still strive to be fit and healthy. You can find a routine that transforms your body to YOUR unique shape.

Personal training is a lot like being a spark plug in the car engine. I don't do the work--you do. But I can get you fired up. Then, it's all up to you. Can I help you?

Contact me: (231) 773-8926 / info@personaltrainer4you.com
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATIONS!!!

Body Types & How It Affect the Workout

I mentioned two body types: ectomorph and endomorph. Do you know what these are?

A. An ectomorph is someone who struggles to put on weight. They're genetically thin and often don't need to do cardio for weight maintenance. (Although cardiovascular health is important for all body types.) And they do have problems with putting on muscles... Heavy weights and increased food consumption will help those wanting to form a shapely, less-twiggy body.

B. An endomorph is the opposite of an ectomorph. They gain weight easily and can be very strong. But it's hard for the ectomorph to lose weight. In addition to a resistance program, a careful nutrition plan and a consistent cardiovascular program is essential for slimming (or shredding).

C. A mesomorph is the third type, the most envied body type. Just a little bit of effort goes a long way. Their body builds muscle rather easily and can look quite athletic without hours and hours of dedication.

Of course, not everyone falls into one of these categories. A lot of us are mixes. Some could be considered meso-endo, ecto-meso, et cetera. (Which makes fitness a little less clear-cut than the above prescriptions!)

Consider your body type before making a realistic goal. Don't try for the Kate Moss look if you're an endomorph. It will be a frustrating--not to mention, unhealthy--task. Accept the body you're given; each body type has its perks.

Your Body Needs Something

Yes, sometimes our bodies lack something and so we eat or crave a food to fill the void. For example, we crave meat when we're low in iron, sometimes. Or, we crave carbohydrates when serotonin* levels dip.

But often, are we really filling the void? Are you grabbing coffee or sugar instead of the nutrient you need? And is it really a nutrient that is missing?

Ask yourself before you eat something out of "need"--are you really hungry or do you need something other than food? Maybe you're overtired--what you really need is a nap! Maybe you're dehydrated. Drink a tall glass of water.

*serotonins - a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter regulating appetite, digestion and many other things

Eggless Salmon Patties

Quick, easy-to-make, omega-rich salmon patties are a hit with kids and adults. No mayonnaise and no eggs. Play with the amount of pepper for extra heat, and consider topping with diced tomatoes, yogurt or salsa.

•Low in sodium
•Very low in sugar
•High in niacin
•Very high in selenium
•High in vitamin B6
•High in vitamin B12


Ingredients
14 3/4 oz pink salmon, shredded
1/2 c old-fashioned oatmeal
1/3 onions, diced
6 tbsp milled flax seed
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp milled flax seed
6 tbsp cold water

Directions
1.Prepare salmon if using fresh. Or use canned salmon.
2.Break salmon in pieces with a fork.
3.Dice the onion and throw in with the salmon.
4.Add the oatmeal, the 6 tbsp of milled flax seed (oil replacement), and spices.
5.In a separate, small bowl, add 6 tbsp of cold water to 2 tbsp of milled flax seed. Let sit for 2 minutes. (This is the egg replacement.)
6.Form into 8 patties and place on grill or skillet. (We use the George Foreman grill for fasting cooking time.)
7.Let cook for until golden brown on top and bottom.

Serving size: 79.7 g
Calories 159 (Calories from Fat 84)
Total Fat: 9.3g, Saturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol: 33mg
Sodium: 33mg
Total Carbohydrates: 6.0g
Dietary Fiber 2.6g
Protein 13.8g

Email me today for a free initial consultation. You can also call (231) 773-8926 to schedule an appointment. I come to you!

Choose to stay fit and healthy!
Boualem


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