Tag: weight

Caution! Swimsuit Season Ahead

Posted on May 2, 2014

canstockphoto18879067It’s hard to believe it, but it’s true. Swimsuit season is right around the corner, and it’s time to prepare. Some of you may have already gone through that dreaded ritual–your “first appearance of the year” in swimming attire (of course, only in front of your mirror). Others may be putting it off, hoping to shed a few more pounds and tighten up that tummy before your debut. Whatever your situation, now’s the time for action. Forget the regrets you have from the past year and all those things you “should have done.” Get yourself up and get ready for the season; it will be here before you know it. And to help you get started, here are some helpful tips:

  • Improve your posture: You’d be surprised at how much this simple tip will help. Poor posture and slouching will make you appear shorter and rounder. Standing up straight and keeping your shoulders back will instantly tighten that tummy.
  • Get moving: Every little bit of activity can help burn off those calories and increase your metabolism. Throughout the day, take some time for activities like walking or dancing. And don’t forget about those simple toning exercises like squats, push-ups, and crunches.
  • Cut excess calories: You really don’t need all of that sugar, or that soda, or that warm piece of fresh cake. And now you have something to motivate you (or in many cases yell at you like a drill sergeant on your first day of basic training): your swimsuit.
  • Reduce bloating: Bloating can make you look heavier than you really are, especially in the mid-section. Increase your fiber intake and try to avoid things like alcohol and excess salt, which can contribute to bloating. Also, you may look into our “Clynza Pure,” a mild colon cleanser to help you stay regular, sold at any Letslose location.
  • Shop smart: At the end of the day, bikinis may not be for everyone. So don’t feel pressured that you have to wear one. Buy a swimsuit that fits you, and that you can wear with confidence. There are many stylish one-piece swimsuits that can take pounds and inches off the moment you put it on. There are a variety of styles and colors that can give your body a whole new look. The bottom line is…Be You and Be Confident.

Don’t let the swimsuit season sneak up on you. And as always, we at Letslose are here to help make you a better you.

Happy New Year! Wishing You and Your Family Health, Happiness & Prosperity

Posted on January 8, 2014

Lose weight. Exercise more. Stop smoking. Eat better. With each new year comes new resolutions, or perhaps last years – recycled.

Attention Resolution Makers – The good news is that you’re much more likely to make improvements than someone who hasn’t made a formal resolution.  Here are some tips to help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

Be Specific – Although lose weight, exercise more & eat better are worthwhile goals to have, their vagueness can make them hard to stick with. Be specific, like: Lose 2 pounds per week; walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes 3 times per week; eat at least one fruit and one vegetable at every meal. These type of goals are calculatable per specific time frame (day/week).

Buddy System or Make it Public – Don’t go it alone, either have an accountability partner that shares the same goal or announce your goals on social media, to your family or in your workplace. That way you will be held accountable by those closest to you.

Make Necessary Changes – Don’t depend on willpower. Take necessary steps to help you succeed; plan meals in advance, keep junk food out ot the kitchen, schedule workouts with friends, etc.

Keep Track of Progress – Make sure you keep track of your progress and reward small achievements. NOTE: If weight loss is the goal, be certain not to make food your reward, instead, splurge on a new outfit or accessory.

You Haven’t Failed Until You Quit – Don’t Overreact to Lapse  – We are all going to lapse from time to time. It is important to deal with failures by getting back on track and continuing along your journey. One reason dieters fail is a phenomenon formally known as “counter regulatory eating”  – and informally as the “what the heck effect.”  Once they lapse, they figure the day’s diet is blown anyway, so they go on to finish the whole container of ice cream, causing far more damage than the original lapse.

2 For 1 New Patient Special – Through January 15

Posted on January 8, 2014

We know that weight loss is always easier with an accountability partner, therefore we have a great new patient special: Two new patients start for the price of one.

Both new patients need to start on the same day and at the same clinic location. After the initial visit, you can go to any of our locations. Hurry, as this offer ends on January 15.

2 For 1 New Patient Special – Through January 15

Posted on January 8, 2014

We know that weight loss is always easier with an accountability partner, therefore we have a great new patient special: Two new patients start for the price of one.

Both new patients need to start on the same day and at the same clinic location. After the initial visit, you can go to any of our locations. Hurry, as this offer ends on January 15.

Secret Shopping Anyone?

Posted on December 6, 2013

top secretIt is our desire to be the BEST in the industry, therefore, Letslose, Advanced Weight Loss Clinics has 2 great programs that not only allow you to help others but also benefit from free weight loss services.

Lend A Hand Volunteer:  This opportunity is available to existing patients, there is one position at each clinic.  The duration is as long as the partnership remains beneficial for the volunteer, the patient and the company.

The goal of this program is to give unbiased support to our patients once per week for a couple of hours, during doctor time.  A benefit to the volunteer is that they get free services and products as long as they are actively volunteering.

Secret Shopper:  This opportunity is only available to new patients.  It is a structured program with a 4 week duration. During that time you will be established as a new patient and provide valuable information that will help us improve our services.

Due to the confidential nature of this program, the secret shopper will pay for the services at time of render, then submit an expense report along with other reporting to be reimbursed.

For more information about either of these programs, please email:agibson@letslose.com.

ANDI Score – The Healthiest Foods

Posted on October 2, 2013

Now there is a way to calculate which fruits and veggies are the most nutrient dense.  ANDI stands for “Aggregate Nutrient Density Index.” An ANDI score shows the nutrient density of a food on a scale from 1 to 1000 based on nutrient content.  A value of 1000 being the most nutritious per calorie, and 1 being the least.  ANDI scores are calculated by evaluating an extensive range of micro-nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities.

Start looking for ANDI scores at participating grocers.

Trying to Lose Weight? The Importance of Portion Control

Posted on August 22, 2013

The IMPORTANCE of Portion Control

A simple change can create BIG results. Portion control can be a key part in your weight loss journey. Start by making a more conscience decision about the food you are putting on your plate. Avoid the misery of overstuffing and give your body the chance to tell you when it’s full.

The most important factor is creating new habits that will last a lifetime and support a HAPPY, HEALTHY YOU!!

8 Secret-Weapon Foods for Weight Loss

Posted on July 10, 2013

 

1. Mushrooms
Research reports that when people ate mushroom-based entrees, they felt just as satisfied as when they’d eaten those same dishes made with beef—though they’d taken in a fraction of the calories and fat.

2. Eggs
In one study, dieters who ate eggs for breakfast felt full for longer and lost more than twice as much weight as those who got the same amount of calories from a bagel for breakfast. Think beyond breakfast, too: eggs boost a salad’s staying power and make for a satisfying snack.

3. Apples
For a mere 95 calories, a medium apple contains 4 grams of fiber. And recent research, published in the Journal of Nutrition, suggests that boosting your fiber intake may help you to prevent weight gain—or even encourage weight loss.

4. Low Calorie Desserts
OK, so this isn’t exactly a “health food,” but we welcome the news that it may be easier to stick to your diet if it includes a little sweet treat. According to a new study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, banning sugary foods could lead to overeating. One reason may be that removing access to sweet foods stimulates the release of a molecule in your brain called corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), produced when you’re afraid, anxious or stressed, says Pietro Cottone, Ph.D., lead study author. And increased stress levels may lower your motivation to eat more nutritious foods, making it more likely that you’ll binge on junk food.

5. Soup
Research published in the journal Appetite has shown that people who start a meal with vegetable soup eat 20 percent fewer calories over the course of their meal.

6. Oatmeal
Eating a breakfast made with “slow-release” carbohydrates, such as oatmeal or bran cereal, three hours before you exercise may help you burn more fat, suggests a recent study in the Journal of Nutrition. Here’s why: in the study, eating “slow-release” carbohydrates didn’t spike blood sugar as high as eating refined carbohydrates, such as white toast. In turn, insulin levels didn’t spike as high and because insulin plays a role in signaling your body to store fat, having lower levels may help you burn fat. Want options beyond oatmeal?

7. Hot Chile Peppers
In one study, consuming a little hot pepper (in tomato juice or in capsules) 30 minutes before a meal helped study participants feel less hungry and eat about 10 percent less.

8. Almonds
Chew more to curb hunger. That’s what researchers concluded in a recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in which they asked participants to chew a 2-ounce serving of almonds 10, 25 or 40 times. Participants got maximum satisfaction—they felt fuller longer—from the nuts when they chewed 40 times. Chewing more may cause a greater release of fat from the almonds, which triggers hormones that curb hunger, speculates Rick Mattes, Ph.D., R.D., professor of foods and nutrition at Purdue University, study author and an EatingWell advisor.

5 Surprising SuPeRFooDS You Should Be Eating:

Posted on July 10, 2013

Apples, almonds, broccoli. If you eat the same things every week, you may be missing out on an easy way to boost your health. “Many of us pass up foods that are nutritional powerhouses, because we don’t know how to prepare them,” says Angela Ginn, RD, a nutritionist in Baltimore. Bust out of your culinary rut with these five disease fighters.

Bamboo Shoots
Why? A great low-calorie, high-fiber veggie packed with antioxidants that help ward off cancer-causing free radicals.
How to Enjoy: Find bamboo shoots in the canned-food section of your supermarket. Add to salads, stir-fries, and soups.

Pumpkin Seeds
Why? Rich in protein and phytosterols, these little treats have been shown to reduce levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.
How to Enjoy: Eat them plain for an afternoon snack or sprinkle some on top of your salad for added crunch.

Swiss Chard
Why? This leafy green is loaded with potassium, which helps to balance electrolytes and prevent muscle cramps.
How to Enjoy: Simply saute Swiss chard and garlic in olive oil for a delicious side dish.

Kiwis
Why? Kiwis have more immune-system-strengthening vitamin C than grapefruits, oranges, or strawberries.
How to Enjoy: Switch out your usual berries with kiwis to put on Greek yogurt, or toss them in your favorite salad.

Beets
Why? Beets are rich in folic acid, which has been show to lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in blood linked to heart disease.
How to Enjoy: Roast beets to bring out their sweetness. Drizzle them with olive oil and place in a 375-degree oven for 30 minutes to an hour.

~By Danielle Paquette

What to Eat and What to Avoid at the Salad Bar

Posted on June 14, 2013

Eat It:

Lettuce~
The standard salad-bar option of iceberg lettuce is very low in calories, only 8 per cup, but contains very few nutrients. Instead, opt for spinach, spring mix or romaine lettuce. They, too, are low in calories, but also contain folate, vitamin C and eye-healthy lutein and zeaxanthanin.

Vegetables~
Pile on the colorful veggies! Tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini and cabbage are all great toppings that deliver good-for-you antioxidants (thanks to their richly colored pigments) for very few calories. One vegetable to maybe put a cap on is corn: 1/2 cup has 88 calories (the same amount of broccoli has only 16). Don’t keep it off your salad plate altogether, though—this summertime favorite still has a substantial amount of fiber, folate and vitamin C.

Fruit~
Like vegetables, fruit tossed onto your salad will give you an added boost of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. Some tasty and super-healthy options include berries, peaches, melon, apples or grapefruit. The key to adding fruit to your salad is going fresh: you’ll avoid added sugars and save calories by skipping dried and canned fruit. For example, 2 tablespoons of raisins and 1 cup of grapes both have the same number of calories.

Protein (Chicken, Eggs, Ham, Beans & Tofu)~
Studies show that eating protein helps you feel full longer so you don’t get hungry. Add lean chicken or a hard-boiled egg to your salad. A bonus for eggs is that they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that help keep eyes healthy. Skip ham, which often contains a lot of sodium (three 1-ounce slices have more than 25 percent of the recommended daily limit).

Good vegetarian protein sources include tofu and beans. A 1/2 cup of black beans contains nearly 8 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein. Chickpeas are a common salad-bar topping and while they can be a filling, fiber-rich option, they’re a bit more calorically dense (1/2 cup packs 145 calories).

Choose Carefully:

Salad Dressings~
Replacing creamy dressings, such as ranch (73 calories, nearly 8 grams of fat per tablespoon) and blue cheese (76 calories, about the same amount of fat), with a noncreamy Italian (43 calories and 4.2 grams of fat) or balsamic vinaigrette (45 calories per tablespoon and 4.5 grams of fat) practically cuts your calories and fat in half.

The best option, if available, is to drizzle on a little heart-healthy olive oil (1 teaspoon has only 40 calories and 5 grams of fat) and your favorite vinegar (cider vinegar, for example, has just 3 calories per tablespoon).

Cheese~
Cheese is another source of protein, which helps add staying power to salads. If possible, keep the calorie count down by topping your salad with low- or fat-free options.

If only full-fat cheeses are available, pick ones with strong flavors, such as feta, blue, Parmesan or aged Cheddar—and count on just a little bit going a long way to keep the calories and saturated fat in check. Of those more pungent cheeses, feta offers the fewest calories at 74 per ounce. Blue, Parmesan and Cheddar have 99, 116 and 113 calories per ounce, respectively.

Choose Carefully or Avoid:

Toppings~

Be choosy when it comes to salad toppers.

• Nuts and Seeds: Nuts offer healthy fats and some protein, but they’re high in calories, so pay close attention to how many you add. A small handful of almonds (22 to be exact) contains 169 calories and 14 walnut halves boasts 185 calories. You can be a bit more generous with the pistachios: one serving is 49 nuts, for 162 calories. For added crunch, try a sprinkle of sunflower seeds; while these also are relatively high in calories (47 per tablespoon), they contain healthy fats and are full of antioxidants too.

• Olives: Olives are a low-calorie choice at about 7 calories each. They do, however, deliver a fair amount of sodium: depending on the type of olive, 1/4 cup could deliver as much as 717 mg of sodium. Go for green—they’re the lowest in calories and have the least amount of sodium.

• Bacon bits: Two words: Skip these. Bacon bits—and similar add-ons, such as crunchy onions—look appetizing when you’re standing at a salad bar, but they can be high in sodium and “empty” calories.

• Croutons: Pass on these too. A 1/2 cup may contain almost 100 calories and 247 mg of sodium. If you must have croutons, choose ones that are whole-wheat or whole-grain.