Frozen low-fat entrées are a handy convenience food you should take full advantage of — so be sure to stash a few in your freezer! They're a perfect solution for those busy days when you don't have time to cook. The premeasured portions and low calorie count make life easy!
However, most of these meals are missing something very important — lots of filling vegetables! So go ahead and supersize your frozen entrée with an extra side of veggies! It's easy! Just buy a bag of your favorite frozen veggies, then pack a cup of them along with your lunch. Once the meal and veggies are heated up, just stir them together! This way you'll be eating lots of healthy nutrients and fiber, without adding a lot of calories. And the bulk will leave you full and satisfied.
And while you're at it, why not add an apple on the side! How easy — and delicious — is that?
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Be Your Best, Do What It Takes, Have What You Want!!!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
Re: From Denise Austin Sticking to Success!
Which diet works best? According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the answer is "The one you stick with!"
Experts followed dieters on various plans — low-carb, low-fat, and low-calorie — for a year, and found that each had a dropout rate of about 50 percent. But those who stayed the course of the diet all lost weight — ranging from 4 to 7 pounds on average. When the plans were evaluated to see which one provided the greatest health benefits, the balanced low-calorie plan won out! This plan — like mine! — contains plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean meats.
In short, the experts say that successful dieting isn't as much about eating a magic combination of foods, but more about staying the course. And remember that eating well is not just about weight loss, it's also about improving your health! So keep going! Your persistence will pay off in pounds lost and health benefits gained!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
We're in the middle of a national health epidemic: According to the latest statistics, one in three American adults is considered clinically obese! So what's behind our battle with the bulge? Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say these four bad habits are largely to blame:
Eating out: Americans today are eating out more often than ever before. While it may save time, it's not good for the waistline. Cut fat and calories by eating more quick-to-fix meals at home. If you must eat on the run, opt for the healthy choices on the menu.
Super-sizing: We want the best deal for our dollar, but getting oversize portions for a few cents more is no bargain. Stick to small orders, and even then be sure to watch your portion sizes — today's "small" size can exceed a single recommended serving! The same goes for eating at home, too.
Liquid sugar: Health experts say Americans are literally drinking on the pounds. Reach for water or iced tea rather than soda or other sugary drinks. If you absolutely cannot give up soda, switch to sugar-free — but remember, even these drinks are full of artificial chemicals, so don't overdo it!
Too much TV: Experts say our couch potato lifestyle is just as much to blame for our bulging bellies as what we eat. Instead of turning on the tube when you want to unwind, do something active! Go for a walk, head to the park, or get the family involved in a game of catch. Do anything but sit!
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Be Your Best, Do What It Takes, Have What You Want!!!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
Re: From Denise Austin A Spring Fling for Your Nails
Your body takes a beating in winter's cold, harsh weather — and your hands are no exception. Get ready for spring by treating your nails to a makeover!
First, say goodbye to dry, chapped winter skin by giving yourself the glove treatment. It's easy — simply slather on some hand cream before bed, slip your hands into a pair of mittens, and let your body heat work its magic while you sleep! (While you're at it, give your feet the same treatment with a pair of socks!)
Next, use a nail file to smooth off rough edges and create a rounded oval shape. Then treat your nails to two coats of polish in a pretty spring shade. It's time to put away the dark colors of fall and winter and reach for a hue that's pale and natural — like nude, pastel pink, or soft peach.
Not skilled with a polish brush? Treat yourself to a professional manicure! After all, you've been working hard to eat right and be active — motivate yourself to keep it up with regular rewards for a job well done! You deserve it!
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Be Your Best, Do What It Takes, Have What You Want!!!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
Re: From Denise Austin Is Your Teen Getting Enough Calcium?
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition says there's one topic teenage girls need to bone up on — calcium! The most critical time for building lifetime bone mass is between adolescence and the age of 30 — the same period in which girls aren't getting enough calcium in their daily diet, the researchers who conducted the study say. The lack of sufficient quantities of this important mineral during these years sets them up for serious health problems like osteoporosis later on.
Help your teen by teaching her to think of her bones as a bank. The body makes bone deposits up to the age of 30, after which it begins to make withdrawals. Without enough in the bank to draw from, many women end up in debt in their later years!
Girls should aim for 1,300 milligrams of calcium a day between the ages of 6 and 18, and it's best if they get it from their regular diet and not in a pill — the best sources are wholesome, healthy foods like low-fat milk and yogurt, calcium-fortified orange juice, figs, tofu, broccoli, soybeans, beans (of all types), enriched flour, and other calcium-rich foods. And don't forget to emphasize that another great way to build bone density is through strength-training exercises. The sooner your daughter learns the importance of a healthy dose of calcium, the better off she'll be for years to come!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
The buffet — it is many dieters' greatest challenge! Learn how to enjoy a spread without overeating with these inside tips from the American Institute for Cancer Research:
Be aware: Studies have shown that the more food that's available, the more people eat! Consciously resist the urge to "take advantage" of the food surplus!
Check portions: It's easy to lose sight of portion control at a buffet. Pay extra attention to how much you're putting on your plate!
Watch your mindset: Be on the lookout for the impulse to "eat your money's worth." Excess calories and fat are not value for your money!
Don't clean your plate: Remind yourself that it's OK not to eat everything you take.
Tune into your hunger: Aim to stop eating when you feel satisfied, not when you couldn't possibly eat another bite. Don't wait until you're stuffed to stop!
Plan ahead: Stroll down the entire buffet line so you can see what's available. That way you won't already have a full plate when you get to what you really want.
Use the two-thirds rule: Fill at least two-thirds of your plate with low-calorie choices like melon cubes or fresh vegetables.
Push the plate aside: When you're done, push your plate aside so you aren't tempted to pick at what's left!
Remember who is in control: You are in charge of your choices, not the buffet!
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Be Your Best, Do What It Takes, Have What You Want!!!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
If you're eating a balanced, healthy diet but not seeing any weight loss, experts from the Mayo Clinic say the problem may not be what you're eating but how much you're eating. They quizzed dieters about the food pyramid's average serving sizes and found many were misinformed.
For example, a serving of chicken is roughly the size and thickness of a deck of cards—not a whole skinless, boneless chicken breast. One serving of pasta is 1/2 cup cooked—not one full bowl. A serving of fruit juice is 3/4 cup, not a 12-ounce glass. A serving of bread is one slice, not two. As you can see, those extra calories from oversize portions add up fast!
Teach yourself to recognize a real portion by measuring everything out until you can eyeball a single serving accurately. You may be surprised to find that you were super-sizing your meals without even realizing it!
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Be Your Best, Do What It Takes, Have What You Want!!!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
When you're working out, it's natural to work up a sweat. But if you find yourself sweating all the time, it may be due to a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis. The condition usually begins around puberty and can become markedly worse when you're under pressure, such as while taking an important test or during a job interview. And it isn't limited to the armpits — other problem sites include the brow, palms, and feet.
Over-the-counter antiperspirants are often not enough to control the moisture, but luckily, several effective treatment options are available. Doctors usually begin by ruling out any other possible causes; they then recommend a prescription-strength antiperspirant. If that doesn't do the trick, Botox injections can shut down the flow for six to eight months. Other options include the use of an electrical device that can plug the sweat glands for several weeks, and — in extreme cases — a surgical procedure.
If you're bothered by excessive sweating, don't hesitate to talk it over with your doctor. It's possible that frequent or sudden perspiration could be a sign of menopause or a symptom of another medical condition, and it's always best to be sure. It's nothing to be embarrassed about — and certainly not something you have to live with. Soon the only place where you'll have to worry about breaking a sweat is the gym!
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Be Your Best, Do What It Takes, Have What You Want!!!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
Instead of passing on bad eating habits, aim to teach your kids how to eat right with this advice from the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases:
Eat breakfast every day. Don't let your child learn the habit of skipping meals, which leads to overeating later in the day.
Reduce the amount of fast food you eat as a family. When you do eat fast food, stick to the healthier options available.
Don't promise dessert if a child eats their vegetables. Using one food as a reward for eating another sends the message that some foods are more valuable than others, causing kids to favor the "valuable" foods.
Instead of loading up their plate, start with small servings and encourage your kids to ask for more if they are still hungry. This helps them recognize their natural hunger cues.
Allow your child to choose how much he or she eats from the healthy, balanced options you provide at mealtime. Don't focus on getting children to "clean their plate."
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Be Your Best, Do What It Takes, Have What You Want!!!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
Re: From Denise Austin Your Summer Hair-Care Guide!
With exposure to sun, salt, humidity, and chlorine, your hair can take a real beating during the summer months. But it doesn't have to! Keep your tresses looking their best with the following pointers:
Protect your hair and scalp from the sun with a hat or hair-care products that contain sunscreen.
Avoid using a blow-dryer and other heated styling tools every day. Air dry hair instead!
Wear hair in braids, a knot, a bun, or an upsweep to minimize frizz.Use anti-frizz products sparingly, even though they are tempting! Overuse leads to buildup, which can make matters worse. That's the last thing you want!
To create hair-friendly waves, braid damp hair, and then let it air dry.
If you spend a lot of time in a chlorinated pool, use shampoos and conditioners designed for swimmers.
Wet your hair in the shower before entering the pool so it absorbs less chlorine, or wear a swim cap. Wash hair immediately after swimming and use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove chlorine buildup.
Have your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks during the summer to eliminate dry, damaged ends.
Apply a deep-conditioning treatment once a week to help combat summer damage and frizz.
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Be Your Best, Do What It Takes, Have What You Want!!!
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You can achieve your personal best!!
