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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

1. Eat what is in season. You may have your go-to meals and snacks but with the changing seasons you should change up what you eat a little bit. It’s a good idea to take advantage of what fruits and vegetables are in season to get the most benefits from them. Instead of a tropical fruit smoothie, try something dense and green with kale or something rich in flavor and antioxidants with pomegranate. Both of these foods are in season this time of year and can be used in salads and snacks as well. Beets are also a great choice and very versatile – they’re excellent for juices and in salads. Believe it or not, salads will warm you up just as much as soups or stews. As long as your body is provided with something to burn for heat, it’s up to you what you choose to eat. Some other great options if you’re looking for something different are nuts and seeds. Try heating them in the oven for a delicious, warm snack.

2. Warm up with hot drinks. After a long, cold day you don’t always have to turn to food to warm you up, especially when you don’t really have an appetite and you’re just looking to have something. Hot drinks like water with lemon or tea will not only feel good, but they’re good for you. Lemon and ginger in tea or warm water can help boost your immune system in cold and flu season by flushing out toxins, warm you from the inside out and they’re great for weight loss. They’re also a better alternative to coffee or hot chocolate, which have a much higher amount caffeine and sugar.

3. Keep a level head. Remember that cravings are psychological. Your brain may try to convince you to eat certain things when you’re cold, but that doesn’t make them necessary. By definition, a craving is just an intense, urgent or abnormal desire or longing. Your body needs fuel, but even in these cold months dense foods don’t always have to be high in calories or carbs.

Cravings are always hard to manage but especially more so this time of year. But when you are able to satisfy hunger with something healthy instead of whatever you are craving, you won’t derail your weight loss.

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

But beware – the worst thing you can do right now is go overboard. Putting too many things on your plate or trying to quit certain things “cold turkey” can make you weaker and crumble under pressure. If you have a long list of strict resolutions or things you want to accomplish (quit candy, cut alcohol consumption, exercise more, drink less soda, drink more water, eat more vegetables, get healthy, try juicing or a detox, eat more protein and focus on your weight loss, etc.) all at the same time, your brain is going to be the one getting the workout instead of your body. When you split your attention and have too many priorities it can actually make it harder to accomplish anything at all. For example, if you over do it at the gym it just means you’ll probably dread exercising and be less likely to workout. Instead, push yourself just beyond your comfort zone without getting too intense. Similarly, if you were to skip meals or try some crash diet you are basically setting yourself up for failure. Making changes to your eating and exercise habits is possible when done right.

The best way to succeed is to break up your resolution into manageable pieces. You should make realistic goals that are specific to you. If you have never been a runner and then decide to run a marathon next month, you should probably reconsider. Or if you want to cut down on how much sugar you consume, you will probably be feeling cravings after just a day or two without it. Your brain automatically prefers comfortable, old habits over new and different ones. For a while, for example, you will still crave sugar or resist going for a jog, but eventually you will be running a full marathon and will have left those sugar cravings behind. The most important part of this idea is to have a plan and hold yourself accountable. Make clear goals for each month or week and keep track of them. If you miss a goal, it’s not the end of the world. Readjust your plan and keep going. You’re not giving yourself any excuses to quit, you’re actually ensuring your success.

Most of all, it’s important to remember that this will take time. It is commonly felt that resolutions need to be accomplished within the beginning of the new year for them to count, but remember that a year is 12 months. It’s not a January Resolution, it’s a New Year’s Resolution. Changing your habits and completing a major accomplishment won’t happen over night. The changes may be small and gradual, but that doesn’t make them any less of a success. By the end of the year you will have accomplished so much that you never thought would ever be possible right now. The same way you start with simple, short phrases when you learn a new language – start small and you will see major results.

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

To have successful weight loss you need Balance in all areas of your life. The following are my favorite 5 resolutions to keep you healthy and your life in balance in 2015.

1) WEIGHT LOSS & FITNESS: While over 85% of Americans are overweight it’s no wonder it’s the number one resolution. But it’s also the number one resolution people stop doing before any other resolution. By Valentines Day, 75% of weight loss and fitness resolutions are already done and forgotten about. Don’t be that person this year. Make your weight loss and fitness a priority. A Healthy, Nutritious body and regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that they reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, enhance mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, a healthy nutritious body and exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Start by having a plan. When you have a weight loss and fitness plan you are more likely to see it through.

2)  ENJOY LIFE MORE & ENJOY YOUR FAMILY: Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that “enjoying life more” has become a popular resolution in recent years. It’s an important step to a happier and healthier you! Get out there with your family or friends and do something that makes you happy, something fun! It can’t be all about work all the time.

3) LEARN SOMETHING NEW: Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or maybe even learn how to cook? 🙂 Whether you take a course or read a book, you’ll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year’s resolutions to keep. Most local colleges and universities offer distance and adult education programs. Find something that interests you and learn something new this year.

4)  GET OUT OF DEBT:  Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It’s a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. There is no greater stress on the body and mind then being in debt. Take small steps and get out of it while you can. If you are not in debt then start saving. People who have a savings account feel 60% less stress than those who live paycheck to paycheck.

5)  HELP OTHERS: This is my favorite. A popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution, is volunteerism and it can take on many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, donating your time at the local hospital – there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need.

If you can get your life in balance you will feel a much better sense of control.  The above 5 resolutions give you that control in every area of your life from Health, Having fun, Education, Financial and the Giving of Yourself. The resolutions are not meant to accomplish overnight. They are meant to accomplish this year.

Make 2015 your year of balance, control

and one you want to remember and reflect on.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

This is a great time to be building momentum. This month we have talked a lot about getting through the holidays, but you should also take this time to give some thought to your New Years Resolution. Usually it’s something that people dread. A seemingly impossible task that they commit themselves to even though they know deep down that they won’t accomplish it. They tell their family and friends that they’re going to finally get healthy, eat right, exercise and lose those 5, 10, 15,  20 plus pounds. But then they dive in with the wrong mindset. Everything healthy they do is a step in the right direction, and when they go off track and finally give up? Well, it was expected to end that way anyway.

That cycle ends this year. Whether you have been on your weight loss plan for the past few months or made the decision to start last week, you already took the first step. What else will you do differently? Remember how far you have already come and look forward to your future accomplishments.

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

Something that can really help you get through Christmas as healthy as possible is to stick to your fitness routine as much as possible or make time for exercise in the next week. If you usually wake up for an early morning workout – stick to it. If you aren’t usually a morning person, give it a try. As much as you want to press the snooze and sleep in, working out in the morning not only helps you be productive throughout the day during the rest of the year, but it can also help you fit in more activities during the holidays when you have more free time. It will put you in a good mood, help you sleep better and sticking to a routine will help you stay in shape. When you start the day healthy you are more likely to make good decisions the rest of the day. And going from a healthy lifestyle to completely the opposite and then trying to get back will really overwhelm your body.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, try and find a way to put the focus on something other than food. It’s known that Christmas is about more than food and presents, but how often do we really think about this and take it to heart? Come up with a fun activity or new tradition, such as sharing family photos, playing a game or walking around your neighborhood and looking at the Christmas lights. Embrace the opportunity to enjoy the holiday with friends and family and all of a sudden it seems easier to manage when the meal isn’t the only highlight of the night. It will also make it easier to get back to your weight loss plan when the holiday is over. As much as you don’t want to think about the end of this wonderful time, it will go a lot smoother when you are thinking about the happy memories you have instead of the extra work you have ahead.

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

Instead of replacing traditional holiday foods, try making existing recipes a little healthier. Latkes are usually made with regular potatoes, but can also be made with zucchini, sweet potatoes, onions and carrots. Though it is traditional to fry them, you can bake them in the oven instead. Simply prepare them to your liking and bake at 425 degrees for 5 minutes on each side.

  

You can buy applesauce to pair with the latkes or you can make some with just a few simple ingredients and flavor to your taste. Peel, core and quarter whatever flavor apple you like and add to a large pot filled with water. Add whatever spices you choose, such a cinnamon and nutmeg, or leave as is. Heat until apples are tender and cooked through then mash or blend them to however chunky or smooth you prefer.

  

Brisket is another recipe that can easily be made lighter. Use the “first-cut” section as opposed to the fattier “point cut” to start. Use a dry rub to marinate and bake in the oven. Serve with sauce on the side.

 

Before you even sit down for Christmas Eve Dinner you have a great opportunity to serve some healthy and festive appetizers and snacks. Spiced nuts are great for the holidays and are delicious and simple. To prepare, warm nuts such as pecans, walnuts, pistachios and cashews or any combination, in the oven then drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and toss with seasonings of your choosing such as salt, thyme, rosemary, pepper, or cayenne pepper.

Go with a red and green theme for Christmas with this clean and gluten free recipe. Chop red and green peppers into thin slices then add a dab of hummus. It’s simple, healthy and festive all in one.

 

For dinner, you can’t go wrong with a simple roasted chicken. It’s healthy and will please almost anyone at your table. Dress it up for the holidays by laying skinless chicken slices on a bed of pomegranate farro salad. For the salad, cook then cool the farro and add with arugula, romaine, celery, pomegranate seeds, almonds and a vinaigrette of your choosing.

 There are so many seasonal sides that can be a fantastic addition to any holiday dinner. Roasted winter vegetables are a great go to. Beets, turnips, carrots, fennel and onions can be combined with thyme and extra virgin olive oil for a simple, colorful side dish.

  

Try a fresh twist on quinoa with this recipe for Quinoa with Dried Cherries and Pistachios: Prepare quinoa as usual. Meanwhile, combine olive oil, lemon juice and pepper separately then add this mixture to the quinoa. Mix in dried sweet cherries, dry-roasted pistachios, fresh mint and parsley.

  

If you’re looking for something sweet, try one of these recipes: Crunchy Pear and Celery Salad (pictured left) and Pear and Arugula Salad with Walnuts (pictured right). The first salad calls for cider, pear, raspberry or other fruit vinegar to be whisked with a small amount of honey and salt for the dressing. Then add diced pears, celery and pecans to the mixture and season with pepper. Serve on top of a lettuce leaf for a beautiful presentation. For the other salad, simply toss arugula, pear slices and walnuts with mustard vinaigrette.

 

Putting even just one healthy recipe on your table or bringing it to your host’s table can take away some of the stress of holiday eating. When your mind is less concerned with what you’re eating, you can embrace the holiday and the people around you so much more. Enjoy!

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodybury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

Let’s start with the smartest decision of all…Don’t go hungry. I know you want to fit into that dress or suit, but if you go to the party hungry you are setting yourself up for disaster. Because we know all it takes is one glass of alcohol and you will feel ten pounds lighter and the food will be ten times more tempting. So on the day of any holiday party, have your breakfast, lunch and snacks. Even if you plan on drinking alcohol it’s best to have your snacks. You may not lose, but more importantly you will not gain. After all, if we can get through December and maintain, you should consider yourself a success.

Moving on…When you are faced with the holiday hors d’oeuvres table, the best thing you can do is be choosy. The phrase about one’s eyes being bigger than their stomach comes to mind. Don’t get seduced by the food! At the end of the day it’s just food. It will be there at the next holiday party you go to. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it, but let’s taste instead of indulge. Visualize the difference between tasting everything and indulging in everything. Not a pretty sight for those who are indulging in everything. Most important, never eat to please others. If you know you have had enough then own up to it and be done with it. Focus on what’s really important – spending time, laughing and enjoying the people around you.

When it’s time for you to dive into the food table, here are a couple of helpful tips to remember portion sizes. You can enjoy all that the party has to offer, just start small. A fist is around one cup. Your thumb is the equivalent of about an ounce and your palm is around three ounces. Two thumbs are around a tablespoon and the tip of your finger is about a teaspoon. Choose carefully when serving yourself or eyeballing a portion. Remember alcohol can impair your vision so when eyeing sizes it might be best to eat before you drink. You can also help yourself out a little more by using a smaller plate when you have the option. A bigger plate my cause you to fill it up even though you only want or need part of what you dished out.

For most of us, celebrating and consuming tend to go hand in hand. There are a few things you can do to keep yourself from overeating mindlessly or unintentionally. First, take your time before eating when you arrive. Don’t go straight for the food. Instead, socialize before you get a plate. Also, once you have started eating or have had your fill, move away from the food. Don’t linger when it can be so easy to grab one more. And again, remember to watch what you drink. It can be easy to refill your glass and lose track when you’re eating and socializing. Start with water or soda before having that glass of wine or eggnog. Make sure to drink a full glass of water between each alcoholic drinks, it will not only keep you hydrated it will help your headache the next day. And of course make sure you have a designated driver.

Most of all, remember this time of year is about enjoying old and new acquaintances. It’s a fun and festive month and when it’s all over you want to find yourself with fond and fun memories, not the 10-15 lbs it’s left behind. Be mindful – make good choices. Everything matters. At the end of the day and year – it’s still only food. It’s will all be there in 2015.

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018