Love pasta, hate the calories? Try this!

I have my opinions about past.. I LOVE IT! I also Battle with it!
Here is a fabulous solution to help cure your carb fix!

Blog by Carrie Chesloff Rossenfeld, “Getting real about weight”.
Check out her web site!

http://gettingrealaboutweight.blogspot.com/

The Pasta Question

If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know how I feel about starchy, refined carbs–limit, limit, limit! They really contain very little nutritional value for the calories consumed, and they can put weight on you faster than almost any other type of food. Yet I don’t believe in completely eliminating any food from your diet (except for trans fats, which I’ve explained before). So how do you incorporate pasta–a delicious starchy, refined carb–into your diet?

First of all, consider the type of pasta you’re eating. Is it made from 100% refined grains, 100% whole grains or some combination of the two? The more whole grains it contains, the great the fiber and nutrient content and the more healthful it is. This leaves room for a little more pasta indulgence. Second, how much pasta are you eating in a serving? A standard pasta serving is 1/2 cup and weighs in at around 200 calories, which is far, far less than what you’d typically serve yourself for an entree and way less than what a restaurant or takeout place would serve you. It’s very easy to consume large amounts of calories from pasta, particularly if it’s the main course of your meal–and also because it’s so yummy, right?

My solution is, on the infrequent occasions you eat 100% refined pasta, make it your side dish or “tasting” item rather than your main course. Sure, you can add veggies to it and a healthful sauce, but you’re still likely to consume more calories than you think and the type of nutrients your body will store rather than burn. Translation: fat storage! If you make pasta your side dish, you’ll be controlling your portion sizes more easily and leaving room for the stuff your body needs and that will help you shed pounds: lean protein, veggies, fruit, etc.

So be judicious about your pasta intake and you can treat yourself now and then so you won’t feel deprived. Pasta is one of life’s great pleasures, so enjoy–in moderation, of course.

Try this:Calories and cut corners $

Carrie Chesloff Rossenfeld, cLEANmomma fan, shares her two cents.

Check out her web site at http://gettingrealaboutweight.blogspo

If you’re like me, you not only attended several parties over the holidays, but you ate a lot more restaurant meals than usual, too. This impacts not only your budget (ouch!), but also your waistline. My solution? Be more creative with meals at home, and give the restaurants a rest, at least for a little while.

It is certainly possible to eat healthfully in a restaurant, but it takes work: scanning the menu, deciding what sounds appealing and possibly in line with the day’s allotment of calories, fat, etc. And without a doubt, we should be able to splurge once in awhile nutritionally and financially on restaurant meals. But when we start to go overboard, we feel it. Restaurant meals almost always have more calories in them than the ones you cook yourself–definitely the portion sizes are larger than what you’d typically serve yourself. With rare exceptions, chefs are more concerned with how the food tastes and looks than how healthful it is, and you never really know how much butter or oil was used to cook your meal.

So, if you want to reverse an upward trend in weight and/or spending, start eating more meals at home. If you have a family, make it a fun weekend project to cook meals together. Start by researching healthful versions of family favorites (www.cookinglight.com is a good place to start), maybe trying some exciting new cuisines or pulling out an old classic that you haven’t made in years. There’s a wealth of great recipes available online, so you’ll never be at a loss for what to make. A quick trip to the supermarket will ensure you have everything you need. No doubt, you’ll see the scale inch downward and your wallet fatten up before long.

How to lose a pound a week. Here’s how!

It’s now January people and if you  now suffering from “FATTUSHAPHOBIA”, because you have eaten your way through the holidays, then pay attention so you can trim your thighs and flatten your tummy with very simple baby steps!!

In order to lose a pound a week in a healthy way, you need to decrease your calories for the day by 500. That may sound very difficult to many of you, but here is a little secret. Split up the 500 calories. Cut out 250 calories from your diet and burn 250 calories by elevating your heart rate and doing cardio.

How to cut 250 calories with Cardio:

If you find that you don’t have time to burn it off with cardio, you are WRONG!

You can burn up to 300 calories if you do the “Rag Drag” for seven-ten minutes twice a day! Even if you are not cleaning your floors, you can do the “RAG DRAG”  in the bathroom watching your kid in the tub for 10-15 minutes, or try it while you are in the kitchen and your kids do their home work, be creative. The key to burning the most calories is to push yourself every other minute. This will elevate your heart rate. Do one minute at a low intensity then one minute at a higher intensity. I swear this is so doable and is an insane cardio work out that tagets not only your heart rate but tightens your tummy, inner, outter thighs and tush! It’s so easy to sneak in!

Here is how to do it!

How to cut 250 calories a day from your diet:

-Replace your morning bagel and cream cheese with an English muffin and cottage cheese.

___ Skip the large bakery muffin in favor of 1 slice of whole wheat toast topped with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.

__ Instead of a big muffin, choose 3/4 of a high fiber cereal

___ Instead of scrambled eggs, choose egg whites

___ Replace your 450-calorie lunch with a high protein egg whites tossed in a salad

The key is, not to feel like you are on a diet, but with each meal or snack, modify it a bit and you will be surprised how many calories you will subtract by the end of the day!

Good luck and let me know how that woks for ya!

Order the cLEANmomma DVD today, for just 14.95 and get your FREE Ebook!

Watch video on how to eat smart during the holidays!

Eating right during holiday season can be a biatch! Nutritionist, Stephanie Lecovin gave me some helpful tips on how to beat the holiday bulge. Here is what she suggests:

Here are a few tips to help people stay on track during the holiday season:
1. Deck the halls with fruits & veggies! Keep containers of cut up fruits and veggies available for munching.
2. Making egg nog? Think twice. We’re talking sugar, sugar, fat and more sugar! You’re much better off having a glass of red wine!
3. Go nuts! Roasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, etc.) mixed with dark chocolate are a healthy, decadent treat.
4. Never bake cookies for Santa on an empty stomach. Also, be realistic…if you want to enjoy one or two of those cookies, sit down and enjoy them! Don’t eat them standing up, distracted, and feeling guilty.
5. Eat a balanced dinner before going to a cocktail party. You’ll be less likely to over-indulge in unhealthy appetizers or desserts and will at least have something in your stomach before drinking. 6. Choose your side dishes wisely. Make lots of colorful veggie dishes (salads, Brussels sprouts, green beans, etc.) and just one starchy side (potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, bread, etc.).

Happy holidays to all! Eat smart!

OMG! I Gained 10 Lbs. Its coming OFF!!!!! Here’s how.Day 2

This was a day of true motivation… I needed to sweat! Of course when and how became the issue.
I had only 2 hours before I picked my son up from preschool and I had a ton of work, 2 errands and 14 emails to respond to. I still made it happen and I am proud to say I have sweaty hands typing this blog, (gross. TMI?)

Here is what I ate.

Breakfast: My Fav cereal, shredded spoonfuls by Barbara. Sprinkled with flax seed 3/4 cup low fat milk. Coffee
Water with lemon and hour later, (totally cut the food urge)

snack: A piece of string cheese and a small Fuji apple

Lunch: over grilled chicken and a side of spinach salad

snack: a few wasa crackers with light cow cheese, (the triangles) yum

Dinner: a bowel of grilled veggies with lots of garlic and seasonings and a small side of whole grain pasta with a TON of sauce. ( That’s the key of eating pasta. have it, but load up with the marinara the tomatoes are great for you)

Desert: A small square of dark chocolate, small tspn, of almond butter, and a swig of low fat milk

My work out was this. I wanted to go for a run, didn’t happen… to much to do. so after dinner and the food was digested I did my “Rag Drag” for 25 minutes as my kids played on the computer and my daughter colored some pictures. Its was easy to do with them in the room, they just like me there and laugh when I bust out with the rags. Oh, I also folded the laundry while I was “draggin”

I also managed to squeeze in 12 push ups at my sink 6 times to day. (that adds up!)

So there ya have it! It’s COMING OFF!!!!!!!
Best Carolyn
ps. Feel free to chime in with any tips you might have and I’ll post them for ya!

DVD now available!

OMG!!! I gained 10 Lbs, and Its coming off. Here’s how! – Day 1

Yes, it’s true. I gained 10 Lbs! I stepped on the scale this morning and just about had a heart attack.
Being sick, overworked, overbooked, over exhausted makes working out an eating right really low on the “to do” list. Old habits became the norm because I just didn’t have time, or I was just too run down.

Well, my cold is gone, I’m somewhat caught up with my life and what do I have to show for it???
10 lbs on my thighs and tush! Not for long. I must say part of my success shall be my determination to squeeze back into my favorite jeans ( from forever 21, hehe) ..

I have decided to blog my weight loss journey for you to follow, and for me  to stick to.
If you would like to follow along with what I am doing be my guest and read what I am eating and what I am doing to GET THIS OFF!!!!

I started today after I stepped off the scale this morning. Here was my day.

Breakfast:  a bowl of shredded spoonfuls multi grain cereal, (BARBARA’s Bakery makes it. YUMMY. 2 tsps of flaxseed, tastes nutty. and 3/4 cup of low fat organic milk, coffee, ( 2 cups)

Snack: a handful of raw almonds

Lunch: 2 bites of my daughter’s grilled cheese, (had to), a salad with grilled left over chicken, water with a ton of lemon juice.

Snack- fuji apple and a few pistachios.

Dinner: almond crusted chicken and some wild rice dish my sister in law made. mostly ate the chicken

Desert:  I want chocolate…pms big time. II shall have a chololate kiss with a small teeny tsp of almond butter and swig of milk. That will cut the craving. Oh… I will also spit out the rest of this gummy worm, (don’t need those calories!)

Work out.
I had the kids for the entire day, ( no school, the day after thanksgiving week end… joy. seriously… what’s up with that???). Needless to say, going for a run was not on the agenda. Instead I did my laundry,dishes, and colored  while  I shoved in 5 sets of 15 through out the chores and coloring a picture of  a spooky hair salon my daughter drew.

I did 5 sets total of each. (start with 2-3 sets if you are not use to this kind of movement)

15- leg lifts to side

15- leg lifts to the back

15- squats

15 grand plies

15 counter top push ups ( arms) did it every time at the sink.

15 ab kick outs ( did those on the floor while I built a choo choo train track with my son)

Don’t for get I did 5 sets of those. Do at least 2 sets to start out and work your way up.

That’s the day folks, Not too exciting but lets see whats up for tomorrow.
Check in for tomorrow’s daily diet and work out!

What is a cLEAN Diet™?

This program is about making SMART food choices – as we all know, exercise alone will not get you all the way there…trust me.

I have to tell you, there is nothing like a glass of milk and a bag of Oreo cookies after I put my kids to sleep. However, over the years I really learned the real term “moderation”!

Stephanie Lecovin, my ultimate bff and a certified nutritionist, has had a major influence on my eating habits (and my life). Together she and I have put together a meal plan to help you start making (what we hope will become) lifelong changes in the way you think about food. Not only will you feel better, but as a result of fueling your body with quality food  (and yes, you can still have chocolate cake!) you will also shed those unwanted bulges around your thighs and tummy.

Believe me – I’m the first one to spit out the tofu salad, but with these simple lifestyle changes:

• I started to lose weight
• Since I ate more often, my appetite was under control
• I had more energy

I will be sharing my thoughts and tips on how to make life changes (while still enjoying the jar of peanut butter with chocolate chips).

The cLEAN Diet is part of the cLEAN Momma program, available on DVD, but  I’ll be continually posting FREE eating tips and recipes for you to check out.

Remember… moderation is the key, and if that doesn’t work for ya, try duct tape!

Eat to Live… Don’t Live to Eat…

(unless its chocolate.)

Solutions to mindless munching, stop it now!

I have to share this story with you…

When I used to put the kids to sleep, my full day of will power and healthy choices would slowly erode and eventually morph into a picture of an out of control woman – lying in bed watching “So You Think You Can Dance”, covered in Oreo crumbs, desperately try to clean up (with orange Cheetos-covered fingers). Next I would bust out my bag of pretzels, cream cheese and baby wipes (I did learn my lesson from my Cheetos-in-bed experience!). As much as I meant to avoid bad food choices, I ate it all anyway. Needless to say, there was no cLEANmomma webcam in my bedroom.

Since popping out Jack, I’ve worked hard at eating well during the day – lots of fruit, spinach, and foods high in protein – desperately trying to cover all four food groups.  Then along came 8:30 p.m. and the four food group triangle we all learned in elementary school slowly transformed into a four group rectangle – sugar, fat, starch, and salt, and it coincidentally looked like a graham cracker covered with peanut butter and jelly. Hey, we all have our weaknesses. With my new orientation to fitness, I did the math on my “harmless” snack and discovered that I might as well be eating a Big Mac… (no joke!)

Something Had to Change

I finally switched to a healthier night time snack and I have to say, it’s sooo fab and really satisfying.

Hear me out before you judge.

I take a jar of baby food (sweet peas are the best)… just kidding.

Clean Momma’s Night Time Cucumber Snack

I mix 2 tablespoons lowfat ranch salad dressing (40 calories) – I happen to like the the all-organic Nancy’s Healthy Kitchen brand -  with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (10 calories) and start dipping a whole (unpeeled) cucumber in it and munch away while I watch my favorite dancers (Gotta love Brandon!).

So here I am these days sitting in bed eating an entire cuke with cream on it and watching male dancers (there is probably something subliminal going on but let’s not go there).

It’s really yummy and combines the crunchiness of the cucumber with the saltiness of the salad dressing.

Yum!

It may not taste like a Big Mac, but unless they start selling self esteem in a Happy Meal, I will stick to my healthy alternative.

C-

Eat smart tricks – Tips From My Nutritional Expert, Stephanie Lecovin

Stephanie Lecovin, my bff since the tender age of three, has joined me as my expert nutritionist to help create the cLean Diet. Steph has been a major influence on my new cLEAN Lifestyle™, and it’s an honor to share her brain with you!

Stephanie Lecovin MS, RD, is a Certified Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian. She combines her knowledge of clinical nutrition with her experience and passion for food and cooking. Stephanie educates her clients on developing healthy eating habits and empowers them with tools and resources for achieving optimal wellness. http://www.nutritionhousecalls.com/aboutme.html

Why learn the cLean Diet™? Because it’s Way of Life, Not a Quick Fad, People!

Here’s the Deal. When I Talk About a cLean Diet™, I’m Not Talking About Washing your Fruit.

Every Spring when I used to think about how I was going to strut around the pool in my bikini, the first word that came to mind was DIET – and what popped into my head was a list of things not to eat.

If that sounds familiar, then wake up people! Let’s be clear – “dieting” is the fastest way to the cookie jar of rebellion!

A cLean Diet is a way of life and a new perspective on eating.

Eat to Live… Don’t Live to Eat!

The first thing I did to change this pattern of thinking was to eat before I got hungry. I’m not talking about shoving a ton of food in my mouth every 5 minutes. What I’m talking about is watching the clock, and if its been over 2 hours, I’ll eat a handful of raw almonds or string cheese. That way I’m set and I don’t have to think about the inevitable cravings that come from dieting.

I also hate drinking water, so I came up with a drink of my very own!

I put a lemon in my large water bottle with a dash of Splenda. Eventually I lessened the amount of sweetener , and now all I need is the lemon. Now I have a chemical-free, natural drink!

I’ll be continually posting eating tips and recipes for you to check out.

And remember… you can still have the cookie or the chocolate, but don’t eat the entire box! Moderation is the key, and if that doesn’t work for ya, try duct tape!

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