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!

Quick, Healthy, “Grab Me” Foods

Fuel Your Body Throughout the Day to Avoid the Crap You Crave When You’re Starving!

Sometimes when you’re on the go you don’t always have the chance to eat the way you really should. A great way to control your cravings is to make sure to carry around easy “grab me” snacks that are small in size but high in quality.

For example, in my purse you’ll always find a baggy of raw almonds (with some yummy raisins thrown in). I don’t need to eat the entire bag, but if I’m trapped on the freeway and I’m starving its a fabulous way to curb the hunger, and almonds are a great source of omega 3.

Below are some secret tips and tricks to curb your hunger! To learn all about my program, check out this link! It truely has helped so many woman get in shape and stay on track! http://www.cleanmomma.com/store/

Here are a few “grab-me” snacks that will keep you going and stop you from from heading to the drive-through:

• 1 large apple with a shmeer of peanut butter to dip into – delicious!

• Some string cheese with 5 crackers or rye crisps – this will really boost your energy level!

• Peeled baby carrots and a side of ranch (Nancy’s Kitchen Ranch Dressing is  soooo good and low in fat)!

• Sugar snap peas with Nancy’s Ranch. These are good when you mindlessly want to chomp on something (without paying attention to how much you’re eating) while watching, say, Oprah!

• For something sweet, I love hot cocoa (sugar free). It really curbs the sweet tooth and is low in fat and calories.

• A cup of blueberries is a great choice and higher in antioxidants and vitamins than almost any other fruit!

• Cucumbers are great. I sometimes eat an entire cucumber and dip it in ranch dressing – plus it gives my mouth something to do besides yacking (and it curbs those salty cravings).

• Trader Joe’s “No Yolk”  Egg Salad and rye crisps. Yummy and easy.

• Sliced strawberries and low fat whipped cream – my kids think this is the greatest dessert!

• A portioned-controlled handful of pretzels and cream cheese. Yum!

• For mindless snacking choices when you are say on a long drive, try sunflower seeds.

If you never allow yourself to indulge, you will rebel with a vengeance!

Instead give yourself the treat, enjoy it, without eating the entire bag. It’s OK to have that Oreo or piece of chocolate.

Substitute your cravings with one of the above choices and then do something indulgent for yourself, like taking a hot bath or get a pedicure.

Remember its your body, its your choice!