L.A. Lifestyle - Nutritional Products

Liquid calories can contribute to serious weight gain without you even knowing it. Studies have shown that regularly consuming sugary drinks does contribute to weight gain, mainly because these types of beverages are easy to drink in large quantities and don’t make us feel full.

There are so many beverage options out there to choose from:
•    Regular and diet sodas
•    Sweetened teas
•    Fruits juices
•    Flavored water
•    Energy drinks

These beverages are filled with tons of sugar and empty calories. Drinking at least one soda a day can seriously inhibit your weight loss and healthy eating habits. A single 12-ounce can of soda will put about 10 teaspoons of table sugar into your body.  The main sweetener in soda, high-fructose corn syrup, can increase fats in the blood called triglycerides, which raises the risk of heart problems, diabetes and other health problems. They also may be linked to psychological triggers for poor eating habits and fast food cravings. Mixed alcoholic drinks are also dangerous to your health—since alcohol slows down your metabolism, most of that sugary margarita or daiquiri will turn into fat.  If drinking alcohol, drink a glass of wine in moderation or a beverage with few ingredients, instead of a syrupy one loaded with calories and sugar.

What to drink instead:
•    Water (add lemon or lime juice for a fresh flavor)
•    Unsweetened fruit juice
•    Juice with a low amount of sugar (1 glass a day)
•    Unsweetened iced or herbal tea

Sometimes less is more. Food portions are hard to figure out, whether it is when making food at home or eating out. Most restaurant plates contain 2-3 servings per entrée, leaving you no choice but to eat it. A well-balanced (and sized) meal should consist of protein, vegetables and a starch.
Fast food is another way we get large portions on the go, and at usually a much lower price than healthier options. It is important to stay away from fast food and processed foods, because their ingredients are potentially damaging to the body. Reading serving sizes on food containers is also harsh reality check. Many low fat or light snacks may say 100 calories; its only 100 calories per serving, which could be as little as 1 cookie or 3 chips! Eating by serving sizes is the only way to avoid heavy snacking and keep off the pounds. I know it is difficult to watch what you eat if you frequently go out for meals—temptations are everywhere.

The easiest ways to avoid these problems are:

•    Split a meal with someone
•    Choose an item that comes in a ½ order
•    Immediately split your entrée in half when it comes
•    Get a box and take a good amount home

Here’s how to measure food when eating in or eating out:

•    3 oz beef, chicken or fish—as big as a deck of cards
•    ½ cup cooked spaghetti—as big as your fist
•    ½ cup ice cream—as big as a tennis ball
•    1 tbsp salad dressing—as big as ½ of a golf ball
•    ½ cup mashed potatoes—as big as a baseball
•    1 tsp butter, margarine or oil—as big as the tip of your thumb

I have consulted with many people over the years. In the past, I would ask questions to get an idea of a customer’s general eating habits, amount of exercise they get and other lifestyle factors that may influence weight. As a former bodybuilder, fitness was my life for many years. Every person is different; a combination of things will affect how they lose weight, such as heredity, lifestyle habits and the kind of goals they want to achieve. Knowledge and motivation are two key factors in making a successful lifestyle change to be healthier. I encourage everyone I speak with to look at it as a long term process that will continue to change over time. Some days will be easier than others. Every day I prepare meals and supplements for myself to stay on track. I have had trouble with motivation at times, but I stuck to my usual routine and reminded myself why I was living this way. Restating goals for yourself, including professional, personal and weight loss/fitness goals will help you stay focused. Taking care of your mind and body is the best way to prolong your life and will help you live fuller every day.

For me, knowledge has always been power. Many years ago I began reading up on how the body worked, focusing first on absorption and digestion. How nutrients are absorbed into the body has always interested me, even before my research began. Years ago I made a personal commitment to only put natural, healthy foods into my body. There is so much toxicity in our environment, and those factors are potentially damaging through the foods we eat, the air we breathe and the medications we take. You only get one body, one life. Understanding how the body works and processes food is amazing. So many people are unsure how to determine caloric intake per day, the weight they should be at, what size they are. It really comes down to how you feel and how healthy your body is inside and out. I try and stay on top of things by reading up about fitness, nutrition and supplementation every day.

Some of My Favorite Readings:

1. The New Optimum Nutrition Bible
2. Staying Healthy with Nutrition
3. Biochemical Individuality