Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Fat Does Not Make You Fat

Contrary to popular belief, it's not fat that makes us fat, it's actually sugar. We have been bombarded by fat free products for years - fat free ice cream, fat free cookies and more, making us all think it was okay to eat these foods because they didn't contain any fat, which we all thought was the culprit in our ever expanding waistlines. According to bestselling author, Jorge Cruise, as he writes in his new book, "The Belly Fat Cure", he has discovered, after more than 10 years of research that, "there is only one critical key to getting rid of fat forever, and that is to lower insulin, the scientifically proven hormone that pushes fat into cells. You can't get fat or stay overweight without insulin. This is a biological fact that was proven in multiple research studies over the past 60 years that have appeared in such respected publications as The British Journal of Nutrition and The Journal of the American Medical Association. Unfortunately, this critical idea that insulin is essential for storing fat - and lowering your insulin is essential for releasing fat - has been buried under the conventional medical community's message that it's all about calories in, calories out; that all you have to do is exercise more and eat less to lose weight. It's a broken theory". So, according to Cruise, in order to lose weight, it is essential to lower our consumption of sugar and processed carbohydrates (white flour products) to insure that our blood sugar levels remain balanced and insulin levels stay in check.
Cruise's discovery has been backed by some very well known and respected top docs - namely Andrew Weil and David Katz, both at the head of the list in the Integrative Medicine field. Katz, who wrote the foreward of Jorge's book, states that, "excess sugar in our diets is among the most important factors conspiring against our waistlines and our health. Too much sugar means increased risk of weight gain, obesity, hormonal imbalance, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer".
So, does this give us license to eat all fats with abandon and gorge on artifically sweetened foods and drinks? No, we need to be smart about what we are putting in our mouths. The best fats to consume are heart healthy omega 3 fats such as avocados, almonds, walnuts, olive oil and salmon to keep us satiated, help recapture radiance and aid us in keeping blood sugar at balanced levels, so that insulin stays in check. That means sticking with quality proteins such as eggs, lean meats and fish, unprocessed carbohydrates which include plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding artificially sweetened foods that could cause cancer and tumors and actually increase sugar craving and hinder weight loss.
This low sugar/low processed carbohydrate plan is one of the best, most delicious, very satisfying and healthful ways to eat to avoid disease and naturally manage your weight. You will soon discover that after adopting this lifestyle that sugar cravings will disappear, energy will soar, hormone fluctuations will cease, mood will be lifted and you will be living your best, most dynamic life imaginable. It has certainly worked for me - for the past 25 years of my life and I highly recommend it to you - you won't be disappointed!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Biggest Loser Northboro/Southboro

I am so excited to be involved with the first ever, dual town "Biggest Loser Competition", sponsored by the Northboro and Southboro Massachusetts Rotary Clubs and UMASS Medical Center. This twelve week program starts this Wednesday, January 20 and runs through Wednesday, April 7. As a Certified Nutrition Consultant with my own private practice, I am able to provide my knowledge, support, guidance and encouragement to contestants looking to lose weight and reclaim their health and vitality. I understand the confusion and frustration many face as they try time and time again to lose weight once and for all, disappointed when they aren't able to maintain the lost pounds and eventually gain the weight back, sometimes ending up heavier than when they started. I personally struggled with weight issues and have been successful in maintaining my weight loss for more than twenty years. I'll be on hand every Wednesday night from 6-8pm at Algonquin Regional High School in Northboro, Massachusetts to share my tips for success, offer easy, family friendly recipes and provide individual and small group coaching. I will also be speaking about what to eat to generate weight loss, banish cravings, improve mood, lift depression, boost energy, balance hormones, sharpen focus, and help you look and feel fabulous. As host of "Dee-Lish Nutrish" Cooking Show, that airs on Northboro Cable Television, I'll also be demonstrating how to prepare healthy, delicious recipes and offering ideas for quick and easy snacks to help jump start your efforts and get you on your way to losing the weight for good! For more information about the Biggest Loser Northboro/Southboro Program go to http://www.northboroughrotary.org/ - it's not too late to join! For more information about individual and small group nutrition coaching send me an email at Dee@nutritionalmerritt.com. You do not need to be a part of the Biggest Loser Program to be eligible for coaching. What are you waiting for - this is your chance to make your weight loss dreams a reality!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Nourishing Yourself First

The decorations are down, the house is back in order (somewhat) and the kids are back at school (woohoo) after a full twelve days of family togetherness. Our family togetherness primarily consisted of both kids getting sick, one right after the other, which resulted in an adult getaway weekend being sidelined. It did make for some good family bonding, though, with some relaxing movie days on the couch in our PJ's while the dog tried to eat used, stray tissues. I don't know about you, but I could use a vacation right about now. Since that is not possible, the next best thing is to get back to a routine and focus on nourishing from the inside out. Taking care of yourself first so that you can feel renewed and ready to nurture your family and those you care about. For me, that means starting the day with my favorite hot beverage (click to learn more), doing some writing on the computer, getting in a good workout, fixing a delicious protein shake (click for recipe) for a late morning breakfast, doing some errands and then creating a yummy salad for a nourishing lunch (pictured above). Good food really helps me get through the day. Tonight I'm planning a delicious meal, my "Zucchini Noodle and Turkey Meat Sauce"(click for recipe) and a green salad with avocado and cucumber. I'm looking forward to connecting with my family at the dinner table and hearing about their day. Now, some days don't always work out as planned, they end up being crazy and you're just trying to make it all work in the midst of the chaos and that's okay. For me, just getting in a quick workout helps me to recharge and be prepared for the day of dealing with teens, work and life's ups and downs. Taking just a little bit of guilt-free time for myself helps me to be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister, business owner, etc. that I can be. What nourishes you and helps you get through the day? Just leave a comment below - would love to hear from you!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Dark Chocolate Holiday Bark

Are you snowbound and looking for something to do? Why not make some easy, homemade Holiday Bark, made from antioxidant rich dark chocolate and show your family, friends, teachers, babysitters and bus drivers how much you appreciate them this season. Bark making has become an annual tradition in my house for the past ten years, mainly because it is so simple, quick and adds a nice personal touch to gift giving. Follow the recipe below to make your own holiday bark and use a pretty tin or gift bag to wrap your homemade creations, keeping some on your kitchen counter so you're prepared for reciprocating with those spontaneous, last minute gift givers!

Dark Chocolate Holiday Bark

12 ounces Hershey Special Dark Chocolate morsels

3/4 C chopped, toasted pecans

3/4 C dried cherries or craisins

Melt chocolate in microwave in large glass measuring cup for 1 minute and stir. Microwave for 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating until chips are melted and smooth when stirred. Mix in half of the pecans and half of the cherries to the melted chocolate and stir. Spread mixture onto a tray lined with wax paper, using a spatula to spread it out, careful not to make it too thin. Sprinkle remaining pecans and cherries onto chocolate, using spatula to press into the chocolate. Put tray of bark into freezer to harden for at least an hour and then peel from wax paper and break into large pieces. Enjoy!

This post is linked to Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Boost Your Immune System With Tulsi Tea

'Tis the season - you're running around getting everything ready for the holidays, feeling stressed out, making sure you find the perfect gift for Aunt Sally, rushing to your kid's school for the Holiday sing-along, trying to do thirty more minutes on the treadmill so you can indulge at your company party tonight....the list goes on. Add to that long list to remember to grab a few extra boxes of tissues at the store as you feel like you're coming down with something.
It's a crazy time of year, but if you can find ten minutes to take a break and slow down with a nice hot cup of tea you may find that your to-do list doesn't seem that long and that cold might be going away after all. Relax with some Tulsi tea, also known as Holy Basil tea, that has been referred to as the "elixir of life" because of its amazing health benefits. Studies show that Tulsi tea improves your body's ability to fight viruses, helps your body cope with stress, aids in lowering cholesterol and helps to maintain normal bood sugar levels.
Check out Organic India's line of Tulsi tea that comes in eighteen different all natural flavors - I am partial to the Red Mango variety, myself. You can find this tea at most grocery stores, health food stores and at http://www.organicindia.com. So, take a few minutes for yourself, in the midst of the madness and sit down with some Tulsi tea - your body will thank you! Image credit to http://organicindia.com.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Love in the Kitchen Latkas

If you're longing for a latka just like Bubbie used to make, look no further than this fabulous recipe by fellow blogger, Certified Nutritionist and Holistic Lifestyle Consultant, Meghan Telpner. Meghan's "baked not fried" version uses sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes, thus amping up the health content of the traditional latka, lowering the glycemic index and increasing the fiber all in one fell swoop! Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Solstice, these super easy to make, " Love in the Kitchen Latkas" are sure to make your holiday extra special. Go to http://www.meghantelpnerblog.com/ to view the recipe. Photo credit to http://www.meghantelpnerblog.com.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Hop on the Holiday Trolley

Holiday Trolley 12/5 Hop on the Northborough Holiday Trolley and get in the Christmas spirit! The trolley will be making stops at local shops from 11:30 am until 5:30 pm on Saturday, December 5th. Enjoy special discounts and complimentary snacks and beverages at certain locations. Be sure to stop at the Times Square Plaza (where Romaine's Restaurant is located) and come visit me! I'll be serving up my homemade Sugar Free Spiced Pecans, refreshing drinks and quick and delicious recipes to make your meals meaningful. In case you won't be able to make this festive event, here's the Sugar Free Spiced Pecan recipe so you can make it at home. It's a quick, easy and delicious snack recipe that would make a great stocking stuffer, teacher gift or perfect nibble to serve at your next party - and it won't spike your blood sugar because it's made with the all natural sweetener, xylitol, which is made from birch trees.
Sugar Free Spiced Pecans
1/2 C xylitol (all natural sweetener made from Birch trees)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 C water
2 C pecan halves
Combine all ingredients, except pecans, in a glass bowl or large glass measuring cup. Cover bowl with wax paper and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Stir and microwave again for 30 seconds. Add pecans, stir well, and microwave 30 seconds more. Spread the coated pecans on wax paper and seperate with 2 forks. Cool completely. Store in a closed container in pantry.
 
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