Calories are important:

During the past few blogs we have been taking a soft approach to the subject of weight loss and being more fit. We have discussed cutting back on food portions, getting more fruit and vegetables into the diet and increasing water intake.

Changing the “Mindset" is the key toward a healthier lifestyle. That is certain. The way we view food and exercise and “Ourselves” is key to being successful this year in making changes. But……..being mindful of Calories is important. You don’t have to be a calorie counter to lose weight but you do have to be mindful of them and how they work in the body.


Weight lost occurs when your caloric intake goes down and your calorie burning goes up. With a changed diet (food eating habits) your caloric intake should go down. Eventually exercise is important to get the calorie burning to increase.


Calories are energy units within food. We need a certain amount of calories to survive each day; especially those of us that have a busy life style. Simply said….."We must eat"!


But lets be mindful of making our caloric intake lower.
Cut down on the food portions. Its not important to fill the stomach each time we set down to a meal. The Coke and Pepsi that we have become so accustomed to having with our lunch and dinner isn’t necessary. The whole “Sweet Tooth” thing has to be put to rest. Its not needed; not if you are serious about making a change.


Again…lets emphasize the fact “We must eat”.


Try eating your heaviest meals in the morning. This is the time of day that the metabolism is highest in the body. The ability to burn calories is great at that time. Don’t be bound by traditional “Breakfast Foods” ( Eggs, toast, cereal, bacon, bagels, etc) for breakfast. Heavier foods can be handled at that time of day. The body is ready to burn. Calories are units of energy. You can fuel up during that time of day. Eat lighter during your lunch and dinner times. Lunch doesn’t have to be large. Make it small and light ( Tuna fish, a small sandwich, a small portion of pasta, ). Use your imagination. Lunch should be a time to simply refuel for the day. Let’s stop ordering out with the crew at lunch time. Its a killer. Stop racking your brain to figure out the “Healthy Option” on the menu. Make your own lunch. Carry it with you.
When you become focused on “Living Foods” your food chooses become easier. Fruit, Vegetables, Lean Meats has to become the focus. Cut back on the portions your already eating. Try eliminating the sweets ( soda, juices, colas, cakes and candies). Increase your water intake.


Most of all, keep these principals on your mind. Eventually your mind will make a shift.