Tags: diet, fruits, vegetables, Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers Unveils New Plan Posted on December 17th, 2010
Well halleluiah, finally Weight Watchers, diet behemoth has joined the 21st century! They’ve unveiled a plan that “allows” fruits and vegetables on their new “Points Plus” program. As a health educator and weight loss coach, I never could figure out the logic in the original “points plan” that gave people the choice between a piece of chocolate cake or a whole wheat muffin. Poor choices! Both will spike insulin, leave the body feeling hungry and wanting “more.” Now with the new system, fruits and vegetables are “points free.” People can eat an unlimited amount of fruits and vegetables, helping them to be healthier and stay full longer. The new formula is based on the amount of protein, fiber, carbohydrate and fat found in foods – a formula which takes into account that protein and fiber are important for that “feel full” feeling, thus warding off hunger.
Well, I could have told you that. I’ve been running successful weight loss programs for years. What makes a dieter fail? Deprivation, stringent rules, calorie counting (sorry – it doesn’t work) and constant insulin spikes which initiate a craving response. If you want to help people to lose weight, keep them full. Hunger is a natural body response. If you’re hungry you won’t adhere to a weight loss plan – pure and simple.
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/food/diet-nutrition/2010-12-13-weightwatchersfollo13_ST_N.htm
Tags: obesity, vegetable, vegetables
Americans Say NO to Veggies Posted on October 4th, 2010
Despite the fact that obesity rates are climbing, people are still not eating enough vegetables according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Across the country, the percentage of adults who eat fruit twice a day or more is just 32 percent in 2009. The highest consumption of vegetables is in Tennessee at 33 percent and the lowest is Washington State at 22 percent. No state met the government target that aimed to have 75% of the population consume 2 servings of fruits or vegetables a day. With alarming colon cancer statistics you’d think that people would want to increase their vegetable intake. Even obesity and adult-onset diabetes should send people to the vegetable aisles in droves. After all how bad can grated zucchini sautéed in delicious and healthy coconut oil be? What about a great ratatouille consisting of red bell peppers, onion, garlic, eggplant and zucchini garnished with grated pecorino cheese. Vegetables are wonderful, they provide vital nutrients, help with blood sugar balancing, help move wastes through the body, help us keep our waistlines and keep us out of the cancer zone. The food we eat affects our health on every level. Remember what your mother said – eat your vegetables!
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20100915/ARTICLES/100919597/1008/living?Title=Want-veggies-fruit-with-that-