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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
February 20, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Losing Weight Can Be A Full Time Job

 

Adding weight loss to an already busy schedule can feel like an impossible challenge. It never feels like the right time to exercise and eating on the go usually means eating what’s convenient, even if it isn’t healthy. Work, family or school usually ends up being the priority, so why even try to lose weight? Losing weight can feel like a full time job: constantly having to manage what you eat, plan work outs and make the right choices when you’re craving the wrong ones. It can feel like weight loss is just as exhausting and mentally draining as full time job, so here are some ways to make things a little more effortless.

 

Make it a priority. Make the time. Get up early and make a healthy breakfast or fit in a work out. You are more likely to have a healthy day if you have a healthy morning, and as the day goes on you may find that work, social engagements, family, or homework take up the time you had planned to go to the gym. Don’t let other things get in the way. Even if you’re a morning person, it may be hard to become a morning exerciser but it will be worth it. Planning workout dates with others is also a great way to make sure you follow through. Working out with a friend or family member not only makes exercise more enjoyable, but you are less likely to cancel when you know someone is waiting for you.

 

Make it part of your routine. Once you get into a rhythm with exercise and eating healthy it will be second nature. They say that it takes 21 days to form a habit. For some, it may take a week and for others it may take much longer, but once you start feeling and looking amazing, you won’t want to stop. But if you do slip up or miss a workout, make up for it on the weekend. Working on your weight loss on the weekend may sound like the last thing you want to do, but avoiding the snooze button and continuing with your healthy routine with help you relax later in the day knowing that you did something healthy to deserve it.

 

Make it easy. Help yourself! Some people find it helpful to keep track of eating and exercise with a journal or fitness tracker. It takes some of the thinking out of meals and following your progress. This may sound like even more work, but planning ahead can make a week of healthy eating and exercise fly by without the frustration of piecing together last minute plans. Prep food, make meals and snacks that are ready to go, plan out your week – anything you can do on Sunday to have a plan for the week ahead will really pay off. Don’t leave it to chance. The same goes for fitness – make it easy on yourself and find a gym that is in a convenient location. Whether it is close to home, around the corner from the office or across the street from school, make sure a long car ride isn’t keeping your from your goals.

 

Work, school and family may make you feel like your hands are tied, but if losing weight is really something you want to accomplish you will find a way. When you make the time for your weight loss, you are investing in your future. What could be more important than that?

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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February 16, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Snow is Temporary

 
Don’t sabotage yourself!
 
I want you to realize that the snow is very, very temporary. Like when the snow melts and brings beautiful green grass…It’s like a coat over a bathing suit. You are going to take off the coat and whatever you have been doing while it’s snowing is going to show. STOP SABATOGING YOURSELF. Snow doesn’t mean food. It means inconvenience, but it can also mean fun.    
 
Just because the kids are home for vacation or a snow day that does not mean you have to eat all day. Teach that there is more to do on snow days or days stuck inside then just baking and eating. Play tag in the play room or basement. Set up a fort and watch a movie together. Have a dance contest. Do some arts and crafts or painting so your hands are occupied. Play a board game.  
 
If the kids are not around…clean out an old closet that has been waiting for your attention. How about the play room or basement that may need some organizing. Maybe do an extra exercise video today or read a book that you have been putting aside.
 
Don’t throw in the towel because there is another snow day or because the kids are home from school for another week long vacation. The very worse thing you can do today is say “I’m going to start tomorrow” because they are home…AGAIN.
 
Use today as a day to challenge yourself to eat healthy while your kids are around. Since they are not going anywhere anytime soon it’s a good idea to learn to eat healthy and make the right choices when they are with you. Try not to use your kids as an excuse to overeat. REMEMBER: CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE.
 
It is February 16th!  If you haven’t started or feel a little off track then start this week! If you lose 1 pound by the end of each week starting this Friday the 20th until the Friday of Memorial Day you will have lost a total of 15 Pounds!!! WOW!!! 15 pounds, and that’s only with doing 1 pound a week. If you throw in some 2 and 3 pound weeks along with your 1 pound weeks – you will have a 20-30 pound weight loss by Memorial Day weekend.
 
At the end of the day it’s a very simple concept. Eat healthy 6 days, indulge on the 7th, and lose weight. The cleaner you stay 6 consecutive days, the more weight you will lose weekly.  The days may go slow but the months are flying by….
 
 
SNOW TODAY SUMMER TOMORROW
 
 
 
USE THE CHART BELOW TO HELP YOU TRACK YOUR WEEKLY WEIGHT LOSS: 
Click the links below the pictures to download.
 
WEIGHT TBLE
 
EXAMPLE TABLE
 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

 
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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
February 12, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Valentine’s Day Weekend

 

In a blog post last month we talked about avoiding excuses. This time of year there are excuses around every corner that will keep you from reaching your goals: I’m too busy, it’s too cold, I don’t feel well, etc. And soon Valentine’s Day will add even more of a challenge. Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for spending time with those you love, but unfortunately it tends to be more about showing you love someone through chocolate, candy and a big dinner. Don’t let another holiday be your excuse to indulge in food you wouldn’t normally eat just because everything is heart shaped or holiday themed.

 

Despite your best efforts, you’ll probably find yourself loading up on chocolate for your children’s Valentine’s Day party at school. We all remember those little Valentines with a little piece of chocolate or candy attached to it that each child hands out to their classmates. As fun as they are to give and receive, you’ll probably be the one putting them together the night before. And with all that candy in front of you, it wouldn’t be so bad to have just one, right? Or a couple? They’re so small, they won’t matter…this kind of thinking is never good. Keep healthy snacks around if you think you’ll be tempted and save the snacking for the weekend. And make sure left over candy doesn’t linger in your house.

 

Instead of putting the focus on food and gifts, make a plan to do something fun and meaningful with those you love. Luckily Valentine’s Day is on a weekend, so there are a variety of activities or special outings you could plan. Spending quality time with family and friends is the greatest gift – make it special even if it is as simple as a meal at home together. Make it more about what the holiday means and less about what you buy or give to each other. When it inevitably does come to gift giving, you may not be able to control what you receive but there are so many gifts other than a box of chocolates that are just as thoughtful and romantic. Putting in a little bit of time to give a gift that is truly meaningful like a photo album or that certain thing they’ve had their eye on will be so much more special and worthwhile. Even if you choose to make Valentine’s Day your cheat day, try not to make it a cheat weekend.

 

Holidays tend to make us feel like the rules don’t apply because we want to live in the moment. There’s nothing wrong with embracing a holiday, just keep in mind that that doesn’t always have to mean eating what you want and not caring until Monday morning. Just remember – the best parts of any holiday won’t disrupt your weight loss plan.

 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

 

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February 9, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Healthier Valentine’s Day Treats

 

With Valentine’s Day coming up this weekend we wanted to share some healthier Valentine’s Day treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you healthier than typical sweets and candy. Make Saturday your cheat day and with these healthier recipes you can indulge without going completely off track.

 

This first recipe is simple, easy and can be made with a wide variety of ingredients. All it takes is a heart shaped cookie cutter and you can make Fruit Kebabs with watermelon and strawberry for a festive treat, or any fruit of your choosing for an adorable snack. You can keep the heart shaped theme going with almost any food – potatoes for a festive side and even carrots and cucumber to dress up a salad.

 

Screen Shot 2015-02-08 at 9.00.36 PM  Screen Shot 2015-02-08 at 9.01.11 PM

 

Another incredibly easy and tasty recipe is Raspberries and Chocolate Chips. Just place a dark chocolate chip inside each raspberry for a sweet and simple treat. Get double the antioxidants from the combination of raspberries and dark chocolate, as well as vitamins and minerals from both ingredients.

 

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Raspberries and chocolate come together again for this next recipe: Raspberry Chocolate Truffles. These treats will taste decadent despite their healthy ingredients. In a food processor combine the following: 6 dates, 1/3 cup raspberries and 2 tablespoons of water. After the mixture is well-chopped (about 30 seconds), place it in a small pan and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 1/3 cup melted coconut oil and 1/2 tsp of vanilla to the mixture. Put the mixture back in the processor and add 3 tbsp of cocoa powder, process until smooth. Refrigerate for about an hour then scoop out 2 tsp sized portions and shape into balls. Place cocoa powder on a plate and roll the balls in the cocoa powder.

 

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This next recipe combines healthy ingredients for a sweet treat: Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Cups. For this recipe, combine 3 tablespoons of cacao powder, 1/3 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of peanut butter (or any other nut butter) and 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup or coconut syrup) in a small sauce pan on low heat. Pour this mixture over puffed quinoa in a large bowl and stir until everything is mixed together. Spoon into muffins cups and freeze until hardened (about 10 minutes). You can add a fresh raspberry on top of each one as a festive garnish.

 

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For those vegans out there, this next recipe is made without dairy, and is also gluten free. This recipe for Strawberry Lemon Rice Crispies is a tasty treat that kids will love. Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 10 oz of marshmallows (you can use the brand Dandies for the vegan option) in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of beat juice for color (optional) and the juice and zest from one lemon into the pan. Remove from heat and add rice puffs and 3/4 cup dehydrated strawberry pieces to the mixture. Press into a 9×9 square pan and let cool.

 

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Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without Chocolate Covered Strawberries. We recommend using dark chocolate chips in our recipe. Melt the chocolate on the stove with a double boiler (two pans that fit together – putting water in the bottom and chocolate in the top pan), or boil water in a sauce pan and place chocolate in a glass bowl into the pan. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For extra flavor and crunch, finely chop any nuts of your choosing and place in a bowl. After dipping strawberries in chocolate, dip them in the bowl of nuts.

 

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~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
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February 5, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

How Healthy Is Your Heart?

 

February is American Heart Month, so we want to ask – how healthy is your heart? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is, with healthy choices and the management of health conditions, heart disease can often be prevented. Make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your heart healthy and strong with the following tips for a healthy heart:

 

1. Get a check up. In general, you should be getting a check up at least once a year. If it has been more than a year or you can’t even remember the last time you saw your doctor, now is a great time to get yourself checked out and get the right tests done to make sure your heart is healthy. Ask about blood pressure tests, cholesterol tests, diabetes screening and seek counseling if you need extra guidance. Learn about prevention for conditions you may be at risk for. Keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check. Cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and heart attack. When there is too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol circulating in your blood, it can slowly build up in your arteries and create plaque that can narrow your arteries. If a clot forms, it can block a narrowed artery and a heart attack or stroke can happen. High blood pressure can damage your heart and arteries by placing too much pressure on them. This can cause microscopic tears in the walls of your arteries. If you are already at risk for heart disease, or take medication for blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, follow the instructions carefully. Manage your symptoms and medications carefully with your doctor.

 

2. Eat right. Having a healthy diet is great for your weight loss but can also help prevent heart disease and improve heart health. Reduce trans fats and steer clear of foods high in sodium. Look for foods with protein, fiber and Omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the body and can prevent damage to bloods vessels that can cause heart disease. Salmon is a great source of Omega-3 (as well as many other vitamins and minerals) which makes it such a smart choice for heart health. Look for protein in legumes such as beans, peas and lentils. They are great for your heart because they have no cholesterol. Nuts such as walnuts and cashews are also extremely healthy sources of protein. Fruits with antioxidants like blueberries help remove free radicals (harmful molecules that can contribute to heart disease) with their powerful antioxidants. Spinach is probably the healthiest food for your heart with Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. It has a particularly high amount of folate, which is important for building and maintaining healthy cells – especially red blood cells needed for heart health. Ground flaxseed is also high in Omega-3 and fiber and can be added to yogurt, oatmeal and even mustard for an extra healthy meal or snack.

 

3. Don’t smoke and limit alcohol use. Alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heavy drinking can weaken the heart muscle. Smoking is also a risk factor for high blood pressure as well as heart failure and coronary artery disease which can lead to heart attack.

 

4. Exercise regularly. Check with your doctor first to know how much activity is good for you, but exercise is the best way to build a strong heart. Walking is the simplest way to get your blood pumping. Swimming, cycling, skating, and jumping rope are also great ways to move you body and step it up a little more. A class like Zumba can be a fun way to get your heart pumping, just make sure you can handle this cardio workout. Weight training and resistance bands will help you stay in shape and can increase “good” cholesterol. Yoga is also a great heart healthy activity that combines stretching, breathing and relaxation – something that is important to our last heart heath tip.

 

5. Limit stress. Identify your sources of stress such as anxiety, aches and pains, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. Learn techniques to reduce stress, like deep breathing, meditation, guided muscle relaxation and yoga. Get plenty of rest as often as you can. Clear your mind of nagging worries and let go of things you can’t control. Spending time stressing about other people or situations you can’t control will just take away all your energy and stress your body. Take 10 minutes to get some air and take a break every day. Most of all, take care of yourself.

 

This month we will revisit Heart Health and provide more tips and ideas for getting your heart healthy and strong.

 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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February 2, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Reflect on Your Resolution

 

As we embark on the second month in the New Year, take some time to reflect on your resolution. Has it changed? Are you on track? Has it taken a new direction? Have you accomplished some of it? All of it? Many people make the mistake to committing themselves to a resolution but then never tracking their progress. Either it happens, or it doesn’t (and usually, it doesn’t) – there is no in between. A huge part of reaching success with a resolution is to hold yourself to it, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t adjust it. This is not meant to give yourself a way out, just to make sure that you can reach your goals. For example, if you had planned to lose a certain amount of weight in the month of January and it didn’t happened, don’t give up on it. Come up with a plan to make it happen in February. But don’t just push it back – reflect on why it didn’t happen. Maybe it was too big of a resolution for just one month. If so, try spreading it out over 2 months or more. People always seem to be in such a rush to complete their resolutions, but accomplishing a goal or making a lifestyle change doesn’t happen over night. Give yourself time to reach the finish line.

 

This is why quick fixes never work. They are only made to give you immediate results, not lasting, healthy changes. Patience may be the hardest part of working towards a goal, but if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Changing your habits not only takes time, but it also takes a lot of strength. Not just the physical strength to exercise, but also mental strength to stay on track and motivate yourself. It can be exhausting to constantly have to think about what to eat, when to exercise and to keep yourself from going back to old habits, but the strength you build and the amazing things you accomplish because of it will be just a rewarding as reaching your goal weight. Fad diets and quick weight loss solutions make you drop pounds but they don’t improve your lifestyle the way getting healthy does.

 

If you’re feeling stuck with your resolution, try breaking it down and making it more specific. Instead of just saying you want to lose a certain amount of weight or you want to “get healthy”, make it more precise. Try making tangible goals, like working out 3 days a week or cutting back on a certain food or drink you consume often. The more vague a goal is, the harder it is to achieve. It may seem like the more open-ended an objective is, the easier it is to accomplish because there are so many ways it can be fulfilled, but this will actually work against you. The same way that you decide the road to take before you drive anywhere, you need direction to be able to follow through on your resolution. Always have a plan, get as specific as possible, and stick to it!

 

2015 is only just beginning…Make it count!

 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

 

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January 26, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Make The Most of a Snow Day

 

In the next few days New York will be experiencing a major blizzard that is projected to result in a massive amount of snow accumulation and high MPH winds. Several schools have already decided to close and many residents may not be able to get to work. If you find yourself stuck at home in the next few days, or any time you experience extreme weather, there are a couple things you can do to stay safe, healthy and occupied while unable to leave your home.

 

You can still follow your fitness routine even if you can’t get outside or get to the gym. Get in an at-home work out – there are so many options online or on TV for any type of exercise you are looking for. Try searching YouTube or OnDemand for a workout video, search online for blogs or websites with at home workout routines or flip through a fitness magazine to get ideas. If your family is home as well, get them involved. It’s a terrific way to be active and spend time together. You could also try playing a fun game together like charades, Celebrity or Cranium. You’ll fight boredom by being active and you’ll get a good workout from laughing as much as moving your body. You can also use your time to cook up something healthy. If you don’t normally cook it’s a great way to kill time and it can be an entertaining activity for kids. Find something fun to make like zucchini linguini or spaghetti squash, or something where they can add their own toppings like egg white muffins or veggie pizza.

 

When it is safe to go outside, there are so many fun winter activities that are also great calorie burners. Sledding, building a snow man, having a snowball fight, building a snow fort and making snow angels are just a few perfect options for families and smaller children. Ice skating inside or outside, or a game of pick-up hockey are great for older kids and teenagers. If there is a lot of snow, head to a park or bike trail and try snow shoeing or cross country skiing. Both activities are great for enjoying the outdoors and can burn 500 or more calories in an hour. You can even burn calories just from shoveling your driveway or side walk. But be careful not to overwork yourself – strenuous activities like shoveling snow can increase your risk of heart attack. When the temperature drops, our blood vessels narrow to prevent our bodies from losing too much heat. It’s our body’s natural reaction to cold temperatures outside, so when this affect is combined with increased blood pressure from demanding activities, it can put people with heart conditions and people involved in strenuous exercise or activities at greater risk. Here are some ways to prepare yourself before going outside:

 

  • Warm up with stretching or light activity before beginning any laborious activity
  • Layer clothes beneath a windproof and/or waterproof outer shell to maintain body heat
  • Take breaks to give your muscles (especially your heart) a rest
  • Try to always have at least one other person with you during any activity to ensure you are not alone should an emergency occur

 

Winter is a wonderful time of year that offers so many unique ways to enjoy the outdoors – and indoors! – with your family and friends. Be safe and enjoy the snow!

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 11730

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January 22, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Stop Looking for Excuses

 

There are so many reasons to take it easy this season but now is not the time to hibernate! Excuses to stray away from your weight loss plan are everywhere. But this year isn’t going to be the same as the last. It may feel impossible to spend your time and energy on getting fit, but now really is the best time to focus on your weight loss.

 

One of the most common excuses this season is the weather. Being bundled up and feeling sluggish in the cold temperatures isn’t exactly the right environment for outdoor activities or heading the the gym. But believe it or not, this is exactly the reason why you should exercise regularly – what better way to warm up than to work out? Instead of sitting on the couch under a pile of blankets, get your body moving to warm yourself up. The best part is, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to fit in a workout. Try some of our at home work outs (https://innovationweightlossandfitness.com/portfolio/4230/) or check out our Pinterest for more ideas (http://www.pinterest.com/innovationny/).

 

Another seasonal condition that can keep you from working out can be the lack of sunshine. Less daylight can make you feel like the day is over by 4 p.m. Again, just because you don’t want to go outside int he darkness to get in a workout doesn’t mean that you have to miss out. It can also be a good idea to switch to morning workouts if you have the time. You can get in some sunshine and start your day right, which means you have a better chance of having a good rest of the day.

 

Feeling under the weather? Cold and flu season is in full swing, but you don’t have to let minor symptoms get in your way. Dealing with the sniffles is likely to be part of your winter season, so don’t let it be an excuse to cancel a workout. Many time exercise can actually help you feel better. Exercise at a lower intensity or pick something low impact and slowly build back up to a regular workout as you feel better.

 

You may not want to think about it now, but warm weather isn’t as far away as you think. Skipping a workout or deviating from your weight loss plan for a day or a week may not seem like a big deal when spring and summer feel so far away, but now is really the perfect time to get ready for warmer seasons. You don’t have forever, you have a couple months and you can do a lot in this time. Make it count! You will feel great and look great when it’s time for shorts and t-shirts.

 

Turn your excuses into reasons to motivate yourself. Winter is no excuse to stop working towards your goals. Keep a positive outlook and soon even the smallest healthy choices you make will have major results.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8301 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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January 19, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Is Someone Trying to Sabotage Your Resolution?

We’re more than half way through the first month of the New Year and you have probably already faced many obstacles while trying to stick to your Resolution. Going back to school and work after the winter break means eating on the go and that healthy eating usually takes a back seat to a busy schedule. And it can be tough to make time for exercise, especially in the cold weather when it can be hard to find the energy. Difficulties like these can be combatted from within through motivation and encouragement, but sometimes you will find that challenges can come from another person. Your friends and family may seem supportive, but sometimes they think that steering you away from your weight loss will make you happy and more relaxed. They see you eating light and they hear of how you struggle sometimes, so they think that giving you a way out and convincing you to skip that workout or to have that dessert will solve your problems. It can be hard to say no to the people you care about and spend the most time with, but you also have to watch out for people that are trying to sabotage your Resolution.

 

Co-workers may mean well when they come by with that box of donuts or plate of cookies they baked last night, but you have to rise above being tempted in the workplace. The last thing you need is to start rewarding yourself with food when you complete a task or feel stressed at your job. Getting personal at work can be uncomfortable, but there are nice ways to turn down unhealthy food and unnecessary snacks. Just let people know that you don’t have room or just ate, or if you feel the need to take what they are offering, only take a bite or two. So next time your coworkers are passing around birthday cake slices at an office party, have a plan and get through the day without the extra eating.

 

If you don’t find temptation at work, you will most certainly find it at home with your kids and family. You may plan to eat healthy when you come home but your kids probably have something else in mind. They want what they want, and they want dessert too, and you won’t hear the end of it until they get it. Maybe they want to go out for dinner to their favorite place where you know you don’t have many options. It can be hard to juggle your own eating habits with your family’s. You feel like eating healthy doesn’t seem like a priority when you’re eating with other people. This can be especially hard when you’re at a relative’s table when food is personal. If you do feel the pressure to eat, use the tasting method. Just take one spoonful. And remember that when it comes to family meals, it’s about more than food. Don’t focus on what you’re not eating, focus on the time you spend together.

 

Your family and coworkers may understand your choices, but your friends may be your biggest obstacle. They want you to indulge and enjoy things with them. They want to go out for drinks or meet up at a cafe for coffee. When you find yourself in a social situation where eating or drinking certain foods is part of the get-together, you have to do the best you can. Don’t just give up because you think the situation is out of your control. Look for healthy alternatives or go for something that you know is a good choice. Meeting up isn’t an occasion to fall off the wagon. You can also plan accordingly when you have the time. If you know you’re meeting up with a friend for coffee, keep it simple (no sugary syrups or whole milk) and make it one of your snacks.

 

Navigating social situations is part of daily life so it will also be part of your weight loss. It can be tiring to combat your own temptations, and then to add someone else telling you that you should treat yourself to whatever food you want isn’t helpful. They may think that one meal or snack isn’t a big deal, but you work too hard to spoil your resolution. Make it something you are proud of and include the people around.  If they really want the best for you they will understand.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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January 12, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Winter Recipes That Won’t Hurt Your Weight Loss

 

Just because this time of the year is associated with heavy winter foods, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t an abundance of recipes that won’t hurt your weight loss. There are many dishes that can be made in a healthy way, and some surprising ways to take advantage of fruits and vegetables that are in season.

 

When you think winter, the first food you may think of is soup. There is nothing like a warm bowl of soup after a long, cold day, but many soups are just as high in calories and sodium as some meals that you would never think of ordering while trying to lose weight. Keep it simple with a Vegetable Soup made from vegetable broth and your favorite vegetables like onion, celery, carrots, green beans, peas, tomatoes and more. Add just a teaspoon each of salt, thyme, and oregano and one bay leaf, and you have a simple, delicious soup that will satisfy your hunger without negatively affecting your weight loss.

 

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Slow cookers are a great way to get a delicious meal without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. You can use a slow cooker for this recipe for Quinoa and Veggies: Rinse and add one and a half cups of quinoa to the slow cooker. Add one tbsp of olive oil then add three cups of vegetable broth, one chopped medium sweet red pepper, one cup of fresh green beans, one chopped small carrot, one chopped small onion and two minced garlic cloves. Cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours.

 

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Salads are a no brainer when it comes to weight loss, and winter is a great time to mix it up with healthy and flavorful ingredients. Try something zesty and fresh with a Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Salad. Simply combine shrimp, two tbsp olive oil, two tbsp lime juice, 2 tsp lime zest, one tsp ground cumin, one tsp dried oregano, one tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl and toss until each shrimp is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Cook each shrimp for about 4 minutes on each side then allow it to cool slightly. Serve on top of mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing.

 

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Vegetable chips are a great snack and can be made from a variety of veggies and seasonings. When you’re looking for something to munch on, try Zucchini Chips. To make these, thinly slice one medium zucchini then lay the slices on a paper towel. Sprinkle the slices lightly with salt and then let them sit on the paper towel for 10 minutes (this will help draw out the liquid so they cook faster). Lay out the slices evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with seasonings of your choice. Bake for about 2 hours, let them cool, and enjoy!

 

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Smoothies may not sound like an obvious winter suggestion, but they are a great way to to get some fruits and vegetables into your day. Kale is a super healthy food that is currently in season that is great for smoothies. Blend one cup of kale, one cup of water, one medium apple, the juice of one lemon, two sprigs of mint and one cup of crushed ice for a delicious and healthy Green Winter Smoothie.

 

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~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

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