Foods That Can Help You Lose Weight

Hallelujah!  There are foods that actually aid your weight loss efforts.  Better yet, in my research I have found some that I like.  Now I'm sharing them with you!  

Sunflower Seeds are full of mono and polyunsaturated fats, which help your body burn 23% more calories than saturated fat.  They're also loaded with protein and fiber which helps to keep you fuller longer.

Almonds contain mono-saturated fat which helps keep you fuller longer.  Additionally, foods that require a lot of chewing give you greater satisfaction.

Pears with their combination of water and fiber will fill you up and satisfy a sweet tooth.  In one study participants eating three pears a day lost almost 2 pounds in 10 weeks.

Watermelon with its high content of water keeps you full longer with few calories.

Spaghetti Squash is high in potassium and fiber and contains few calories.  It is a great swap for pasta.  I have actually used spaghetti squash in place of noodles and it is really good.  My guys like it too, which is a plus.

White Beans are low in fat and contain 4 grams of fiber per half cup serving.  Pureed, they can be a substitution for cream in soups.

Eggs eaten for breakfast in one study showed that dieters felt fuller longer and lost twice as much weight as those who got the same amount of calories from a bagel.  Eggs aren't just for breakfast, try adding them to a salad to give it staying power.

I will continue to search and share new and delicious finds with you.  I hope you are as excited as I am to try new and healthier options.  As always your comments, suggestions and questions are welcome!

God bless!

Finding My Power

Someone shared the following quote on Facebook today and I have made it my new motto:

"You've always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself."

Glinda in The Wizard of Oz

When I read the above quote today something clicked inside my head.  I have always had the power inside of me to change my health for the better.  I just had to believe it.  And nothing is more empowering than progress.  As of today, I can report that I have lost two more pounds bringing my total loss to six pounds since returning home from vacation.  

This new journey is not easy; but what is that old saying?  "Nothing worth having ever came easy."

Getting a handle on my eating habits has been easier than increasing my activity levels.  My biggest problem is lack of energy.  At the moment I am really battling my insomnia.  No sleep equals one very sluggish woman.  However, I am aware that regular exercise will produce more energy and boost positive emotions; so I'm going to start putting one foot in front of the other and pushing through.  Hopefully my sleeping will improve as well.

Speaking of exercise, I promised that I would keep you all apprised of my Zumba experience.  I was very optimistic and excited about trying it.  But I really should have considered how terribly uncoordinated I am before I ordered the DVD.  I suffered a temporary lapse in judgement; I forgot that I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time.  That being said, I'm not giving up.  I'm just going to move and try to have fun at the same time.  Like I've said before, if I don't like it, I won't do it.

Before I go, I want to share a few tips/tricks that I am finding helpful.  Maybe they will work for you too.

• Munch on Crushed Ice:  This keeps me from looking for something to eat between meals.  Added benefit; I'm upping my water intake.
• Brush Your Teeth or Chew Minty Sugar Free Gum:  Brushing my teeth or chewing minty sugar free gum will temporarily cause foods/treats to taste bad.  
• My Fitness Pal:  As I mentioned in my earlier post, at http://www.myfitnesspal.com you can sign-up for a free account and journal your meals, exercise, and progress.  I can't recommend this tool enough.  It is essential for me to keep track of my calories so that I don't get off course.

It is my hope that sharing my journey will encourage others who are struggling.  I am by no means a professional. There are going to be ups and downs and I am going to make mistakes along the way.  But I feel like I have finally found my power.  I encourage you to search within yourself and find yours too.  It's there, you just have to believe it!

Until next time, God bless!!!  :)