Finding the classic caloric restrictive diets to leave you feeling moody? low energy? deprived? And ultimately, in the same weight predicament only a few months(or weeks) later? If so, you’re not alone!
For this very reason, Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, Tara Gidus, RD (), and Kristina LaRue, RD () combined their knowledge of nutrition, fitness, and the culinary arts to create a cookbook designed to help readers transform their bodies and lives.
Too often, diets are seen as a means to an end. However, the diet should be an end in of itself. For change to occur, we need to commit to a new lifestyle. emphasizes the importance of identifying some inner motivators. Seeing diets as a quick fix to our problems does not result it long term results. Weight loss has failed as a motivator, time and again. Identifying some other driving forces will provide an extra source of motivation. The Flat Belly Cookbook For Dummies has a creative approach to helping your goals stick:
1. Create a list and physically write down some reasons for weight loss
2. Memorize the list and keep it handy
3. Refer to this list when temptation enters the scene
Sure, following a new meal plan is not easy at first. It takes time to establish a routine. Remember, the positives of following a healthy meal plan go far beyond weight loss, as a number on a scale isn’t nearly as important as these benefits:
–Health: decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other lifestyle relation illnesses
–Confidence: not only will you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Every time you say no to temptation, your self-efficacy increases. This overflows into every area of life. Not just diet!
–Energy: Flat-Belly foods give you a study flow of energy to resist the mid-day slump or weekend food coma
–Relationships: yes, you will probably be a nicer person!
To reinforce these motivating factors, the Flat Belly Diet Cookbook gives us another strategy called visualization to reinforce commitment to change. Here’s how it works:
-close your eyes and picture yourself at your goal weight (remember, this does not have to be a number. It is simply a point at which you look and feel your best).
-Once you can picture your-self at this point, take a few more minutes predict some possible roadblocks.
-compare the short term pleasure of giving into temptation with the satisfaction of attaining your goal. Is it worth it? For most of us, the answer is as clear as day: NO WAY!
I would take this exercise even further and suggest imagining how you will deal with predicted roadblocks. Picture yourself taking victory in defying these health hijackers. Maybe it’s calling a friend, going for a walk or finding a healthy alternative to a comfort food.
The Flat Belly Diet Cook for Dummies is an excellent resource for those seeking to follow a healthier eating pattern. It provides
To order the book at
Aloha Turkey Burger with creamy Mango Sauce
Zesty lime, smokey paprika, and sweet mango&coconut, this burger is the bursting with character! I was surprised that a combo of so many different flavors could collaborate to create the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. I did make some changes to the sauce. The original recipe called for pre-sweetened mango Greek yogurt. But, I’m not about that so I just created by own rendition by adding a little of Trade Joe’s pineapple mango salsa to plain Greek yogurt. I also added a little more Sriracha since my family loves spice.
Share (in the comment section) your best way to side step roadblocks. I will draw a random winner, contact you & send a book your way on Friday, March 21st. You have until Thursday, March 20th at midnight (PST) to enter! Ready-set-go!
Just Wendy Jo
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