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Healthy Changes for Healthy Weight
| Meet the Blogger | More Posts by Chris Jensen Need help developing healthier habits? Good health—and healthy weight—are about smart decision-making. Listen in and learn about success tools for creating health through optimal nutrition in this encore presentation of our podcast interview with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, board-certified family physician, author, and co-founder and chief medical officer of Eat Right America.
Let us know what steps you are taking toward healthy changes this year for a chance to win an Eat Right America bundle featuring some of their best-selling books, DVDs and assorted other special gifts: a $97 value! Simply enter a comment below by January 31st and one lucky reader will be selected at random.
250 Comments
Comments
eating more.
01/31/2011 2:55:40 AM CST
I've been somewhat aware of the benefits of eating local and fresh foods as well as organic versus the cheap junk on the large conglomerate's shelves, but recently I've been watching more and more food based documentaries like Food Inc., Food Matters, etc.. and I've learned how incredibly ignorant I was before about the food we eat. While I'm in the middle of my masters degree and live on a tight income I'm setting out to change the types of foods I eat. I'm choosing to start with organic meats (as well as limiting my meat intake) and switching more to local and fresh seasonal fruits and veggies as much as possible. I've began cooking more vegetarian and vegan meals recently and have learned that it really isn't that difficult! I can still eat a lot of food as long as it's the right foods.. anyone who tells you that you have to starve yourself to lose weight or maintain weight is crazy! I'm slowing changing my stereotypical American traditions and thoughts about eating and I'm loving every minute of it! More energy and a better waistline is the way to go! :)
01/16/2011 11:28:48 AM CST
I have been striving to eat real, whole foods instead of foods that are made in factories with food-like ingredients. Very thankful for the variety at Whole Foods.
01/16/2011 2:37:13 PM CST
I've exchanged sugar for Stevia in my diet and am alcohol-free and gluten-free. It really took my body rejecting these things for me to change, but it HAS helped me focus on putting only the best stuff in my body. Now we make quinoa and wild rice more, and I don't spend extra money of beer and sugary snacks!
01/16/2011 2:46:50 PM CST
My husband and I started preparing for our healthy 2011, in 2010. We started training, little by little to run the Whole Foods My First 5k on 1/2/11. That was the beginning of our new start. I started looking for gluten-free, high fiber, low-calorie recipes and everyday we cook our healthy meals. We bought serving utensils that are "correct portion" servers. And, we load our plates with greens and veggies. We stopped using butter and now use low-sodium broth, spices and herbs to cook and flavor our foods. We both exercise 4-6 days a week, even if it's just for a little while. The change is hard, but every day, gets better. We both feel more healthy. We both sleep better and during the day our energy levels are higher than ever. I can't imagine going back. I only hope that we can keep going forward.
01/16/2011 6:54:33 PM CST
I am doing the Daniel Fast since 1/02/11 and then from there I plan to live as a vegan. I have lost weight and feel much better since the transition. No more swelling in my ankles and feet and that is my daily motivation to be able to wear shoes in my closet that I haven't worn in over a year.
01/16/2011 8:49:55 PM CST
Nearing my 50th birthday, I've replaced many of my old "Weight Watchers" ways with a committment to clean eating, drastically reducing the amount of processed foods I eat, with the hope of completely eliminating them soon. Have lost 2 lbs in 2 weeks, as opposed to the maintaining / small gains I've seen for the past year. :)
01/17/2011 6:59:30 AM CST
I feel better when I eat healthier but it's a real challenge to keep my family on board!
01/17/2011 8:00:27 AM CST
This year I'm focusing on curbing my sweet tooth by finding healthy desert alternatives. As far as regular meals go I am a relatively healthy eater, but when it comes to dessert....well thats my weakness. I am trying to substitute things like fruit and yogurt that are sweet, yet healthy when I am craving an after dinner treat. I also set the rule for myself that I would avoid sweets unless it is a special occasion (i.e. a birthday). That way the desserts that I love become more of a treat than something regular.
I have also been trying to be more conscious of what exactly is in my food--avoiding things that "look" healthy but are actually full of things like high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
01/17/2011 8:48:03 AM CST
We started getting meals from My Fit Foods. Perfectly portioned, healthy, fresh meals. Also shopping at Whole Foods for our fruits and veggies to make some of the meals at home. After one week I've lost 5 pounds and feel amazing. No more processed food. My skin looks better, I have more energy, and I don't feel disgusting after eating. Next, gradually increase excercise and hope to join a boot camp.
Living in Austin and seeing all the amazing healthy people is really motivating. That and watching shows like the Biggest Loser, I used to be fat, Heavy,are inspiring. This is a lifestyle change for sure.
01/17/2011 10:50:22 AM CST
I am making simple changes. One each month. So by the end of the year, I will have accomplished 12 new steps to improving my health. For January, I am drinking more water and for a hint of flavor, I add a cinnamon stick to each bottle of water. month.
01/17/2011 11:17:53 AM CST
I am trying to change our eating style but, after cooking the same way for over forty years it is hard. Thanks for your help!!
01/17/2011 11:29:44 AM CST
thanks for your help.
pls put organics on sale!
01/17/2011 2:14:17 PM CST
I am eating more organic foods, and as little processed foods as possible. I am also cooking more, and eating out less. I already workout all the time, my eating has always been the issues, because I have constantly traded one bad thing for the NEXT bad thing (i.e. sugar for Splenda and Equal). I am now enjoying green tea (and other teas) at least 2x a day without the addition of ANY sweetner. The first day was rough, now, it's pretty much easy and enjoyable (WHO KNEW!?!?!?) I am also always on the prowl for healthy snacks and meals that I can make myself to satisfy any cravings and also actually provide nutritional value to mine and my family's diet. And, most of all I am sharing all I am learning with everyone so they can make great choices too! Next up: baking my own bread!
01/17/2011 2:38:12 PM CST
Unfortunately, I started drinking diet soda 30+ yrs ago. I have read several times that drinking diet soda can actually cause weight gain over time. As of Jan 4 I have stopped drinking diet sodas. As a special "treat" I occasionally drink a green tea instead. Mostly though, I have increased my water consumption. I can honestly say I don"t miss my soda at all!
01/17/2011 4:29:56 PM CST
This year I'm recommitting to regain my healthy weight. Last year was full of illnesses and injuries which threw every bit of my life off track and unfortunately threw a few pounds back on.
01/17/2011 8:46:30 PM CST
I am reading labels and planning my meals so I am prepared and not running through the drive through. I am also making attempt to cut out less processed foods.
01/18/2011 12:26:22 PM CST
I've started integrating whole foods into my day, gotten back to the Y, and stopped the unhealthy grazing. Also drinking 8+ glasses water per day for first time in my life. Found your "Health Starts Here" section and can't wait to start trying recipes!
01/18/2011 2:02:37 PM CST
I've started making all of my snacks instead of buying packaged foods. I've made granola bars and whole wheat crackers from recipes on the Whole Foods website. They have all been a big hit with the family. I also recently took up boxing! Never saw that coming but I love it and what a workout it is!
01/18/2011 2:17:51 PM CST
I have cut out processed food from my own diet (only allowing myself one meal a week to cheat, usually a piece of pizza) and I am slowly taking it away from my kids lunches. I am cooking at home with whole products. I have done this for almost a month and the results are amazing! I lost 40 lbs two years ago by just cutting my calories and exercising daily. Even though I maintained the weight loss I still didnt feel "healthy". Now I can say with choosing whole foods over processed that I truly feel HEALTHY!!
01/18/2011 2:26:55 PM CST
Eating locally Sourced food which includes seasonal vegetables and fruits, whole grains and beans
01/18/2011 5:25:21 PM CST
This would help me so much, I am needing to learn how to eat healthier for me to start loosing some weight and to get healthy to feel so much better about myself.
Thank you for the opportunity.
01/20/2011 5:52:41 AM CST
This year I have tried to really increase my physical activity by walking on the treadmill. Since I have started I have increased the distance 1/2 a mile per week. I am now walking 2.75 miles per day. I walk 7 days a week. I am also tracking everything I eat in a daily journal. I am a weight watchers member and attend group meetings every Sunday which really helps keep me motivated to keep going. My new motto take one day at a time.
01/20/2011 9:57:39 AM CST
I've committed to learning new vegan recipes to build more veggies into my diet, and I'm eating whole foods over processed ones.
01/20/2011 12:09:42 PM CST
ive been eating sugar free or low in sugar foods, have been eating more veggies and fruits, and have been drinking a lot more water. ive also started exercising, right now im just starting off with walking, but want to gradually work up to doing some aerobics
01/20/2011 1:23:29 PM CST