Diet Center Collierville TN Archives

“Health Foods” That Are Destroying Your Health

Written by Diet Center MidSouth on March 17, 2019. Posted in Blog.

Navigating the sea of misinformation regarding health foods can be a full-time job. According to recent studies 54% of Americans examine nutrition labels when choosing their groceries, which means more than half of the US is focused on finding healthier options. Food companies have caught onto this trend and often advertise false nutritional benefits or completely dismiss the unhealthy aspects of their offerings. We’ve put together a list of few imposters to keep an eye on while making your choices.

Commercial Smoothie Chains

Traditional advertising would have us believe that going to our local smoothie shop means that we will be drinking beverages chock full of vitamins and vegetable goodness. However, the opposite is usually the case– a recent article by Purdue University revealed top-performing drinks at a well-known smoothie establishment to have as much sugar and calories in them as candy bars. What’s worse is that many of these established chains have opted to replace the vitamin-rich foods listed in their ingredients with sweetened alternatives such as ice cream or sugary fruit juice concentrates. Replace that sugar-bomb smoothie with a refreshing and vitamin-packed serving of our popular Wild Berry Gold Protein or protein-packed Instant Shape Up Shakes with your favorite fruit blended in.

Granola Bars

Granola bars seem deceptively attractive due to their high fiber content and mix of whole grains. The danger is that many companies add exorbitant amounts of sugar to their bars to make them more palatable for younger audiences. These high-sugar contents lead to very sharp spikes in insulin levels, which we all know lead to the body converting excess glucose into fat. Additionally, some companies will use high amounts of oil as a binding agent in their bars. All around, the dangers of these bars far outweigh the benefits. Consider instead a nutritionally balanced Diet Fast Protein Bar for all of the health benefits and none of the junk.

Frozen Yogurt Shops

A fun trip to your local frozen yogurt shop might sound like the perfect end to a week but consider this: most froyo shops use high levels of sugar syrup or high-fructose corn syrup to sweeten their mixture. Some frozen yogurt chains have been found to have as much sugar in their yogurt as commercial ice creams. Let’s not forget that even fruit toppings often have sugar added to enhance their natural sweetness. Don’t trust that all froyo is created equal and do your research. Grocery chains are beginning to carry frozen Greek yogurts that are perfect for mixing fresh fruit into for a creamy delight. Or, simply mix a Fat Burning Gold Protein Pudding Mix with some Greek Yogurt and freeze to make your own healthy frozen yogurt treat perfect for your weight loss program. As part of your program you can also enjoy a kiddie size TCBY in the sugar-free variety. Perfect for a quick treat on the go.

Sushi

Recent research uncovered that the levels of mercury in women’s blood has reached an all-time high. Mercury is toxic to the central-nervous system and is known to cause permanent damage to internal organs. The human body is capable of processing small amounts, but due to environmental pollutants, the fish we eat are now carrying increasing amounts of mercury, which is building up in our bodies to toxic levels. The number one fish used in sushi is tuna and unfortunately, tuna sits at the highest level of mercury saturation. Coupled with the large amounts of refined carbohydrates in white rice of a standard sushi roll and the sodium in soy sauce, those sushi rolls are not doing you any favors. Many rolls also contain large amounts of calorie-laden mayo which will definitely derail weight loss attempts. Substitute the rolls for some baked fish low in mercury content such as catfish, tilapia, or trout. Get the essential health benefits of fish oil without the mercury with Diet Center’s Cellulite Away formula containing EFAs. Good Fats without the danger of mercury

Frozen Diet Dinners

The idea is simple enough: microwave an entire healthy meal in minutes for the ultimate dining convenience. However, simplicity is the word that best describes the nutritional profile of these “meals”. These drab concoctions are full of processed foods that have had all their vitamins and minerals cooked out during the packaging process. To make frozen dinners palatable, companies pack them with sodium and flavor enhancers to trick your body into thinking they contain substance. This highlights a major issue in the food industry: calling something healthy does not make it so. Diet Center has had a 46 year-long track record of success in helping people on their health journey because we continually educate our clients that healthy food is REAL food. Skip the boxed mess and for a quick nutritious dinner, steam some seasoned chicken and vegetables together in a pan and serve with a side of savory quinoa.

Sports Drinks

The “sports drink” was born years ago to address a core complication experienced by long distance athletes. Sustained periods of moderate activity cause our glucose levels to deplete as our bodies quickly convert it into energy. After those levels go down, we experience a decrease in performance and an overall feeling of lethargy. As we sweat, our bodies also release electrolytes that we must replace to maintain physical output. The original sports drink was meant to add glucose and electrolytes back into the body to provide easily converted energy as well as replace the things being lost. Companies often fail to mention that an athlete must maintain activity continuously for at least 60 minutes for drinks like these to be beneficial to their performance. Otherwise, the high levels of sugar present in these drinks are simply providing insulin spikes that can lead to weight gain and poor energy use. Be wary of sugar water sports drinks and instead choose drinks that are beneficial to your overall health.

Fast Food Salads

The great lie of fast food joints is that the salads they make are healthy. Just last year, a major fast food chain was found to have salads containing calorie and fat counts as high their biggest cheeseburger… And we’re not loving that. Fast-food salad dressings typically contain large amounts of high-fructose corn syrup as well as preservatives which extend their shelf life for years. These pair with loads of carbohydrates from oil-fried croutons and breaded meats making fast food salads just another processed product devoid of any real nutrition. Make your own salads at home. They are guaranteed to be more delicious and cost far less. Try our delicious Steak Salad for a healthy yet indulgent dinner.

Weight Loss Blunders

Written by Diet Center MidSouth on March 11, 2019. Posted in Blog.

Congratulations! You have taken the first step in your journey to better health. If you have tried to lose weight in the past, you’ve probably encountered some challenges along the way. Here are a few of the most common blunders people make while trying to lose weight and how you can avoid them.

Not Planning

The primary goal of a weekly meal plan is to maintain a healthy diet while avoiding the nutrition pitfalls of a busy schedule. By prioritizing preparing meals ahead of time, you will always have a healthy meal or snack choice on hand for when you are in a time crunch. Success rarely comes without a plan, and weight loss is no exception. With the Diet Center Food List in mind, begin searching for healthy recipes you will enjoy cooking and eating. Don’t forget our Facebook Page, website, and center cookbook contains hundreds of delicious, easy to prepare, on-plan recipes. Base your programs around foods you love and watch your results skyrocket!

Not Seeking Support

Don’t be afraid to tell your family and friends that you have chosen to live a healthier lifestyle. You will find it much easier to avoid temptations and your friends will start inviting to go for a bike ride around town instead of going to get ice cream. This does not mean you have to stay at home for all of your meals! You will can have TCBY, Starbucks, and even Mexican Food! While following your Diet Center Program you to can dine out and attend special events because you will have the tools you need to be able to stay accountable to your food plan. Your Diet Center Counselor will guide and support you when faced with challenging situations.

Not Eating Enough Protein (Or Too Much)

Protein is very important. It helps you stay fuller longer and helps to regulate your blood sugar levels to avoid insulin spikes and crashes. Your body requires protein; there is no doubt about that. Your body also needs starches, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables. When you go overboard on protein consumption, you are missing out on vital nutrients essential to good health.

Thinking Exercise Will ‘Undo’ Poor Food Choices

Making the right dietary choices will always be 80-90% of your success. Most people think that doing 30 minutes on the elliptical will compensate for poor food choices. It doesn’t. A number of calories you burn through exercise is surprisingly small. This is one of the reasons the “Calories In vs Calories Out” weight-loss method is flawed. People over-estimate a number of calories they are burning and under-estimate a number of calories they are consuming. A balanced food plan that incorporates lean proteins, unrefined starches, fruit, vegetables and healthy fats will improve your metabolism and turn your body into a fat-burning machine.

Not Tracking

Maintaining a food journal is vital for successful weight loss. Recent studies conclude that regularly writing down everything we consume in a food journal may double weight-loss results! But not all journaling is created equal. Some people like to map out their meals ahead of time and just cross them off their journal as the week progresses. Others like to write each meal as it is consumed, either before or after they’ve eaten. Both methods are effective. Although food journaling apps are popular, Diet Center recommends that you put pen to paper and journal as your food is enjoyed. This makes you take the time to really think about what you are eating. It is also a great tool for repeating success. By recording what you eat you can identify successful periods as well as challenging situations.

Eating “Diet” Foods

If you want to lose weight, you have to eat a balanced diet that consists of REAL food. Just because a label says it’s low-fat or low-sugar, doesn’t mean that it is healthy. Often, companies will increase other unhealthy ingredients in an effort to make food taste better. For instance, when you see a label that says ‘low-fat’, typically it will contain high amounts of salt and sugar additives to make up for the flavor lost from the reduced fat. With Diet Center Midsouth, you eat fresh, everyday foods that you prepare yourself. This ensures that you have the tools to make healthy food choices to maintain your results once you have completed your program.

Always Doing The Same Routine

Variety truly is the spice of life and when you embrace variety in your food plan you will feel better, have more energy and achieve better weight-loss results. Don’t be a creature of habit, be adventurous and enjoy a variety of new foods daily and weekly, as a part of your balanced food plan. Sparking variation in your normal health routine and food plan helps to create lasting change for sustainable weight loss and long-term good health. Don’t fall into the habit of eating the same foods day in and day out. Our bodies naturally require diversity because no one food contains all the nutrients our bodies require, nor does one specific exercise target all parts of the body.

All of these weight-loss blunders are made with the best of intentions; however, you can easily learn how to avoid them by enrolling with Diet Center. You will be given all of the nutritional education and support required to help you successfully lose your excess weight and maintain your results long-term. Visit your local Center or give us a call at 901-259-TRIM to start living your Healthy Ever After!

High-Fat Diet Plans May Lead to Chronic Inflammation

Written by Ty Bushart on March 3, 2019. Posted in Blog.

There’s currently a lot of debate surrounding diet plans that utilize fat as their primary mechanism of caloric intake. There is loads of research that supports the body breaking down to supply energy to the body in the absence of traditionally carbohydrate-heavy diets. The question is whether it is safe for the body to consume high-levels of fat and what implications that fat has for your overall health. To be very clear, fat is an essential part of healthy nutrition and we recommend eating healthy “good” fats like olive oil, nuts and salmon. Give us some butter on our sweet potatoes any day!

“As we now know, internal inflammation is one of the biggest factors that encourages weight gain and slows the metabolism.”

The issue at large is that while consumption of high levels of fat may encourage your body to use fat as energy, it still must be taken into consideration that too much of a good thing can have bad consequences. In a 2010 study by University of California physiologists, it was found that eating a high-fat diet plan is linked to changes in gut microbiota and the development of “low grade” systemic inflammation. As we now know, internal inflammation is one of the biggest factors that encourages weight gain and slows the metabolism. Additionally, changes in the bacterial landscape of the gut can mean that the body is not only absorbing nutrients poorly but failing to fully break down essential components of fat into energy and simply storing them instead.

“…high-fat diets may be affecting sleeping patterns which then disrupt many of the functions of the body”

A recent study has also found preliminary evidence of linkage between high-fat diets and potentially adverse impacts on circadian sleep rhythm. That means high-fat diets may be affecting sleeping patterns which can then disrupt many of the functions of the body. Poor sleep can lead to an overproduction of the hormone cortisol which encourages fat storage around the midsection and serves as just another reason not to overload on bacon simply because it is not carbohydrates.

Another interesting find of the study is that an energy-dense diet has an effect on the vagus nerve, which is responsible for controlling much of our digestive tract. Energy dense is simply another way of saying high calorie and includes items such as fast food, cheeseburgers, high-fat foods, processed foods, etc. These high-fat diets have been found to alter the communication between our vagus nerve and the digestive tract in a way that signals to the body to store more fat. The implications of these studies warrants more research but what is clear is that the digestive system is being altered in some way by consumption of fat that may have negative side effects on metabolism, fat storage, hormones and much more.

“Nutrition should not only be a proper balance of healthy foods, it must also seek to address factors such as inflammation, hormone imbalance and the complex interactions of the human body.”

The Diet Center Program is a proponent of the balanced approach to macronutrients with healthy levels of fat, carbohydrates and proteins. We believe all the food groups are great and choosing selections from every day foods is sustainable for keeping the weight off. In fact, studies support that diets with balanced levels of healthy fats not only decrease inflammation, they actually discourage fat storage. Nutrition should not only be a proper balance of healthy foods, it must also seek to address factors such as inflammation, hormone imbalance and the complex interactions of the human body. Our scientifically formulated nutraceutical-grade supplements such as our Herbal Formula II and AM/PM Weight Control Patch address many of these factors in order for clients to achieve their quickest and easiest weight loss for lasting results.

Your Guide to Staying Energized All Day

Written by Diet Center MidSouth on February 19, 2019. Posted in Blog.

It’s 2 PM in the afternoon and you’re desperately fighting to keep your eyelids from closing as you slip into the mid-day stretch of low energy. As you internally yell at yourself to “Wake up!”, you begin to wonder, “What do I need to do to get this to stop”? We’ve put together a set of simple tips to keep you awake, productive and feeling like you can take on the world.

Lay Off the Simple Starches

Clients of the Diet Center Program know that overloading the body on carbs has a detrimental effect on your overall health but it is also important to note what carb overload does to your energy level. The McSandwich and fries hit your system for a temporary energy boost but all too quickly the body realizes it needs to store the extra carbohydrates as fat and begins to pump insulin into the body. This triggers that hard crash after a meal and leads to you staving off the snores at work.

Eating a healthy balance of complex starches during the day slows the rise in blood sugars and leads to lower insulin spikes as well as allows you to digest your food more slowly. Rather than fall asleep, you can enjoy healthy even energy throughout the day. Complex starches include quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, millet, steel cut oats and more.

Eat Enough Fiber

You may be asking, what does fiber have to do with me falling asleep? Lots, actually. Eating enough fiber is an essential part of proper digestion. When your intake is inadequate, the body begins to get bogged down with undigested food and your ability to absorb nutrients is negatively affected. Poor absorption leads to a lack of energy because your body just isn’t getting the needed nutrients to produce energy.

A simple solution is to enjoy foods that have high fiber content. Pears, wild rice, raspberries, and broccoli are just a few wonderful options to help you keep your digestion healthy and your energy levels stable.

You Need a Boost

The temptation to grab a mid-afternoon coffee is high when you start feeling less than awake but this may not be the best option for you. The high acid content in repeated cups each day can lead to acid erosion of tooth enamel as well as yellowing of teeth. If you enjoy going out to grab your coffee, you’ll have to be aware of things like sugar, additives and high dairy content which can throw your healthy eating habits and weight-loss results off very quickly.

Diet Center’s Fat Burning Water Enhancer is a healthy weight loss boosting drink designed to help you experience a positive lift during the day with B Vitamins while helping to power your metabolism. Free from sugar and dangerous chemicals, each pack contain ingredients to burn fat, suppress appetite and help brighten your day and get you back in the working mood.

Fresh Air

Mother knows best and when she told you that you need fresh air, there was some serious wisdom there. When you’re starting to feel heavy eyelids set in, taking a short walk in fresh air can do wonders to reset your body and help you bring back some much-needed energy. How you ask? Your body will be taking in more oxygen during the activity and allow for increased energy production. You’ll wake back up in no time and if the sun is out, this is the perfect opportunity to soak up some Vitamin D.

Have a quick stretch while you’re enjoying the fresh air. Stretching is also a wonderful way to bring blood flow back into your limbs and provides a nice boost of energy. There’s never a bad moment to add a little flexibility into your day!

Music

This may seem like the oldest trick in the book but it absolutely works. Pumping music through your earphones is a great way to remind your body to get back to it. Dance music with a steady beat actually awakens a biological response in the body to match the beat which is also why your local gym blasts that one dance track over and over until you’re sick of it. Setting the tempo for your work with a catchy song will keep you on track, productive and feeling energized. And I mean, why not have some fun while you’re at work?

Circadian Rhythm

The most obvious way to have more energy is to make sure you are getting adequate sleep but a little less obvious is the role circadian rhythm plays on the amount of energy you experience mid-day. Our bodies are biologically designed to follow the pattern of night and day but since we are amazing creatures, we can choose to ignore our own biology and set our own hours. A person who is a night owl not only loses sleep typically but also has an out of whack circadian clock because of it. When the body doesn’t know what rhythm it needs to be on, you can expect to experience tiredness at unfortunate times.

Set a sleeping schedule for yourself and do all that you can to stick to it. Going to bed at a reasonable hour such as 9 or 10 PM and waking 8 hours later will help you feel rested and experience proper energy through the day. Need a little help sleeping easy? Try Diet Center’s AM/PM Weight Control Patch to help increase feelings of relaxation, restful sleep and protect the body from hormone-related weight gain. The AM Patch has natural energizers while the PM patch has special ingredients to help you burn fat while you sleep while also promoting a restful snooze.

One Day Sale!

Written by Ty Bushart on November 25, 2018. Posted in Blog.

SAVE BIG on ALL Diet Center Products and Programs!

Start now, or start after the first of the year, but don’t miss these lowest prices of the year!

Diet Center MidSouth is having a ONE DAY SALE on Monday, November 26, 2018!
Start your New Year’s Resolution early for only $25 per week!

Can’t make the sale date? Mastercard, Visa, Discover or American Express accepted by phone on the day of the sale.

Current clients: Make sure to come in today to save on products and receive a coupon book to help you save all during December!

Your Guide to Meal Timing, Frequency and Ratios

Written by Ty Bushart on October 14, 2018. Posted in Blog.

Ready for fast and easy results that will motivate you to stay with it until goal? Healthy eating begins with balance. You want to balance your food intake, increase variety and also be conscious of when and how much you are eating to get amazing results on the scale. Balancing the food on your plate, eating all of the food on your Diet Center plan daily and eating your meals at great times will lead to optimal weight-loss results.

What you eat is important, however, how much and why you eat is essential to your weight-loss success. At Diet Center we want you to have both rapid weight loss and lasting results. Proper portions, meal timing, ratios, not skipping meals and eating frequently heals your metabolism and prepares your body to burn stored fat for fuel and achieve lasting weight-loss results. Here are some helpful guidelines for Meal Timing and Frequency on your Diet Center Program.

Eat 30-45 Minutes After Waking

After a long night’s sleep, your body will require nourishment for energy. Diet Center recommends eating breakfast within 30-45 minutes of waking to provide your body with energy and help to prevent overeating later in the day. Before eating breakfast drink 8 to 16 ounces of water to prepare your bodily systems for the day. We recommend our 24 Hour Thermogenics Water Enhancer to boost metabolism and provide great appetite suppression. Eat a hearty breakfast consisting of lean protein, a healthy fat and an unrefined carbohydrate to keep you fuller longer! Diet Center products can also provide a variety of choices for easy-to-prepare breakfasts.

Eat Frequently

To keep your body energized and your metabolism functioning optimally, we recommend you eat every 2-3 hours. When you delay eating or skip meals, your insulin levels spike, which can result in added insulin in your blood stream, cravings and eventually lead to weight gain. When insulin levels are in balance, your body won’t go into starvation mode and blood sugar levels stay balanced.

Eat 2/3 of Your Food Before Bed

To assist with cravings and control overeating, enjoy your breakfast, lunch and snacks within the first 9 hours of your day. Finish eating all of your food for the day within 2 hours of going to bed. We also recommend eating your starch and fruit servings early in the day to ensure your body will digest them properly throughout your day. Also be sure you are taking your Carb Blockers to assist with reducing cravings, decreasing hunger and increased fat burning.

Eat Everything on Your Plate

Contrary to many weight-loss myths, skipping meals or leaving food on your plate does not equate to healthy and consistent weight loss. You must eat to lose! Eat all the food allotted on your plan to experience fast and healthy weight-loss results. These foods are specifically designed to boost your metabolism and create thermogenesis—or the creation of heat—in the body. This process allows your body to burn fat for fuel and shed excess weight in a fast and healthy manner. Count nutrients and not calories. Nourish yourself and nourish your health.

Eat Proper Ratios

Obtaining the optimal ratio of food groups at every meal is essential for weight-loss success because you are allowing your body to balance blood sugar and weight-related hormones. Proper ratios will also spark thermogenesis in the body. Use a food scale when preparing meals in the home to “check” yourself. Under eating can cause your metabolism and fat burning factors to slow—so make sure you are getting enough!

Eat frequently, eat balanced portions and eat everything on your plate! These simple rules are essential to helping ensure you lose your weight and lose it all! Your Diet Center Counselor will be glad to help with meal planning and an eating schedule to maximize your personal metabolism and lifestyle needs. Let’s do it together!

Beat Liquid Calories: Revamp Your Coffee Order to Stay on Track

Written by Ty Bushart on September 28, 2018. Posted in Blog.

Did you know a Venti white chocolate mocha from Starbucks has 580 calories and 22 grams of fat? Or that a tall espresso only has 10 calories? Your daily coffee habit can have a major impact on your overall calorie intake. But you don’t have to give up your daily pick-me-up in order to keep your weight loss goals on track. Below are some easy tips to put a healthier spin on your morning coffee.

Lower the Volume

The easiest way to drink less calories is to cut the volume. Brew your coffee stronger at home so one cup with a little plan approved dairy, rice or almond milk does the same job as three cups flavored with high-sugar creamer substitutes. Stick to the smallest option at cafés instead of the giant one that won’t fit in your car’s cup holder. Espresso has higher caffeine by volume than drip coffee so if you enjoy the flavor consider switching from multiple cups of drip to a single macchiato or Americano to kick off the day. Starbucks is definitely on program and a tall Skinny Latte in Mocha, Caramel, Cinnamon or Vanilla can be a great exchange for your dairy.

Up the Quality

When coffee is bitter or watery many people are tempted to add sugar and high fat dairy or creamer products to improve the flavor. Just like a fresh piece of fish only needs a few herbs and lemons to be incredibly flavorful, high-quality coffee only needs a splash or dash of add-ins to make your morning brighter. Skip the pre-ground grocery store brands that are often stale by the time they hit the shelves. Instead buy fresh-roasted whole beans, store them properly and grind them right before brewing to release the best flavor.

Skip the Specials

Between seasonal promotions and rows of treats, impulse buys in a coffee shop can quickly derail your nutrition plan for the day. Before meeting a friend or stepping out with a co-worker think about what your healthiest option is for the café or eat a healthy snack or Gold Protein before you go. While a Pumpkin Spice Latte may sound incredible on cooler weather day, it is packed with sugar and fat! Opt for a flavorful hot-spiced tea instead. Diet Center’s Chocolate Pudding/Shake and Vanilla Pudding Shake mixes make great substitutes for high fat, high-sugar creamers and are packed with protein. Just add them to your coffee.

Consider Alternatives

Consider switching from coffee altogether with tea or hot water with lemon. We also recommend our flavorful Water Enhancer energy drink that combines powerful antioxidants with key vitamins and nutrients to fight fatigue with natural metabolic enhancers.

By learning to enjoy the real taste and flavor of high-quality coffee or finding an alternative to your morning routine, you give yourself freedom from empty calories. All without sacrificing the comfort and motivation you receive from your daily pick-me-up.

How Important is Working Out to Weight Loss?

Written by Ty Bushart on September 9, 2018. Posted in Blog.

We’ve all had thoughts like “If I work out really hard now, I can eat that pizza later. Right?” Well, no. Working out does not give you a free pass to eat whatever you want if you’re looking to shed those extra pounds. Consuming fresh foods in balance is the key to weight-loss success, exercise plays a much smaller role than you may think.

Now we aren’t saying that exercise isn’t important; it’s just not as important as what you are eating when it comes to losing weight. Exercise is great for over-all good health. It helps reduce the risk of stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and heart attack. It also helps to torch more calories to enhance your weight loss efforts and tones your body as you are losing inches. However, when it comes to weight loss; it can’t erase the harmful effects of unhealthy foods. Here are some reasons why exercise isn’t the ‘magic pill’ that many people believe it is.

A number of calories burnt through exercise are relatively small in the grand scheme of things. We use up most of our calories just by being alive (the resting metabolic rate). To put it in a real-life scenario, let’s say there is a 200-pound man who is at 30% body fat. He will expend 1,743 calories per day just by staying alive.

On top of that, he’ll expend more calories on top of that through what’s known as the Thermic Effect of Food (TEF): the number of calories that he spends digesting and absorbing his nutrients from food. This accounts for about 10% of total calorie use. It’s even higher on the Diet Center Thermogenic Plan, where foods are specially selected because of their higher fat burning power.

Add another 10% on top of that through a metabolic process known as NEAT (Non-Exercise Adaptive Thermogenesis). This is the amount of calories used by doing things like fidgeting. Unfortunately, this can vary greatly from individual to individual.

This means our subject could expend 2,100 calories without even getting out of bed. Now, add another 10% for getting out of bed and going about his daily routine and he’s already burned 2,300 calories.

Adding exercise into the equation barely makes a dent in his overall caloric expenditure. Now we are not suggesting that you shouldn’t exercise, but rather, it’s important to realize where a majority of your caloric expenditure is coming from.

Not all calories are created equal. A pound of fat is 3500 calories. If you eat 500 calories less than you burn every day, then after a week (7×500 = 3500) you will have lost a pound of fat.

From this simple equation comes the idea that all calories are created equal, no matter what foods they come from. The fact is that different foods can have vastly different effects on our bodies and go through different metabolic pathways before they’re turned into energy. Just focusing on the calorie content of foods and disregarding the metabolic effects they have is a highly flawed way of thinking. Two hundred calories of broccoli is NOT the same as two hundred calories of potato chips.

Most people are horrible estimators of calories in vs. calories out. Yes, it’s important that you are burning more calories than you are consuming in order to lose weight. There is one problem with this method: user error. People either think they are burning more calories or consuming fewer calories than they really are. The grab-a-handfuls and the Hershey Kiss at the office all add up. A structured food plan with accountability closes this gap and provides results.

Movement is important and that should be the primary focus when looking to drop pounds and inches fast. Save the weights for when you are closer to goal and focus on movement that helps to reset your day. Park further in the parking lot, do a light 30 minute walk or swim. This will help boost metabolism and blast the inches away fast in conjunction with your program.

At Diet Center, our focus is on eating quality, whole fresh foods. It is important that you learn about how to address the causes of weight gain and how to ensure your body is receiving the proper nutrients. Once you have an understanding of that and start to see the weight start to drop, you will feel so good and have so much energy that you will enjoy being more active.

What’s In Season for Fall?

Written by Ty Bushart on September 4, 2018. Posted in Blog.

Fall is official on September 22nd. We love this season! Eating with the season is a helpful way to get the freshest fruits and vegetables all year round. Fall is celebrated for its healthy harvest of crisp fruits and delicious root vegetables. These foods are perfect for creating warm comfort meals as the weather changes from hot and sticky to cool and breezy.
This fall, visit your local Farmer’s Market to grab the freshest organic fruits and vegetables of the season. Seasonal produce options sometimes tend to be cheaper during their specific time of year, so stock up and get your fill of our favorite slimming fall foods below!
Blueberries
While berries are typically a summer fruit, many varieties are still available through fall. Stock up early in fall and freeze your blueberries so you have delicious locally grown berries all winter long. Use them in oatmeal, smoothies, sauces and more!
Apples
No food quite brings together the fall season like a crisp apple. With so many varieties to choose from, you won’t tire of these tasty superfoods, which are full of antioxidants and healthy flavonoids! Take a seasonal outing to a local orchard where you can pick your own apples right from the trees!
Pears
Pears are another delicious and versatile fall fruit. They are a wonderful source of fiber and are low in calories. You can add pear slices to salads or use in baking for a sweet and juicy treat!
Cranberries
These antioxidant-packed fruits are more than just a staple on the Thanksgiving table. Cranberries can be used in salads, sauces, grain dishes like quinoa or on top of your favorite poultry!
Winter Squash
Selections of winter squash make delicious fall meals. Acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash are enjoyable in soups, sauces and desserts, and can be used in a hearty side dish or as a stand-alone entrée. Use spaghetti squash as a stand-in for pasta or mash butternut squash in place of potatoes!
Pumpkin
This notable Halloween decoration is good for more than carving. Small pumpkins are delicious in baking dishes, casseroles, soups and more. You can take the legwork out of scooping a pumpkin and purchase unsweetened pumpkin puree from the grocery store.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are freshest during the fall season. You can sauté them with olive oil and salt and pepper or roast them in the oven with sliced onions, garlic and balsamic vinegar. Add pistachios or almonds for extra flavor, protein and good fat in your side dish. Brussels sprouts are also a great source of vitamin K, iron and folate!
Parsnips
Similar in texture to a carrot, this tasty root vegetable is rich in fiber and potassium and becomes sweeter as it is exposed to cold weather. Autumn is a great time to try your hand at cooking with parsnips. Add a crunch to your salad or roast with olive oil. Combine with soups and stews for enhanced flavor!
Cauliflower
This winter vegetable has abundant health benefits including compounds that may help to prevent cancer, phytonutrients to help lower cholesterol and vitamin C. Cauliflower is delicious when steamed, but can also be used as a substitute your favorite carb-heavy foods, including mashed potatoes, rice and even pizza crust!
Turnips
These fall-favorite root vegetables are tender and mild. Use them in salads or roast with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper to bring out the flavor! You can even cook the leaves, which taste similar to mustard leaves and are packed with nutrients! These root vegetables are a great source of vitamin C and vitamins A, K and folate!
Be adventurous this fall by welcoming these delicious autumnal fruits and vegetables into your weekly meal planning during this festive season. For more fall recipes and ideas, follow the Diet Center Midsouth Pinterest and Instagram pages!

Easy Meal Planning for Busy People

Written by Ty Bushart on August 14, 2018. Posted in Blog.

Meal planning doesn’t have to be a daunting task, the reality is that planning ahead can be fun and is super important to achieving success on your Diet Center Program. The key to success is identifying and implementing a meal-planning strategy that works best for you. A goal with a plan always equals results.

Some people plan a month in advance, prepare meals in bulk and freeze labeled containers of pre-made lunch and dinner entrees. We like to call this the Sam’s Club or Costco method. Others choose to shop for fresh ingredients and prepare meals daily. What works for one person may not work for another; the goal is to find a personal meal-planning strategy that is the easiest for you. You will save time, money and stress by planning your meals in advance. Going into your week prepared helps you to perform the best on your Diet Center program. This also includes researching restaurants prior to visiting them to have your success plan laid out. You can enjoy foods you love and still lose weight each week!

Scan Recipes

Variety is the spice of life and key to your success. We want you to enjoy an assortment of varied, delicious food from all your favorite food groups so that you do not become bored or discouraged by eating the same food day in and day out. The Diet Center Program focuses on real food, allowing clients to integrate tons of different fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, starches and fats into their meal plans. Browse our Facebook Page (Diet Center Midsouth) and Recipe Books at the center to find recipes that you will love like Spinach Lasagne, Flatbread Pizza, Nachos, Stuffed Peppers, Creamy Chicken Alfredo, Key Lime Pie and many more!

Scout Sales

Many people stick to a grocery budget and are constantly on the lookout for discounts and coupons for food purchases. Check your local grocer’s website as well as coupon apps like Ibotta, where you can receive money back on the purchase of healthy items like milk, eggs, produce and more! Living and eating healthy can be very economical if you plan ahead and strategize a coupon-clipping tactic. Have fun!

Make a Menu and Grocery List

When you plan your menu for the week, you will be setting yourself up for weight loss success. Complete your food journal for the week and shop for the necessary ingredients to prepare all of your meals. This ensures you are staying accountable to your food plan and not placing extraneous items into your grocery cart. Your Diet Center Counselor will be glad to assist with meal planning and prep ideas.

Make Extra

Double your recipes at dinner and you will have enough to take for lunch the next day or have leftovers for dinner on a busy night. If you have a tried-and-true recipe, you can even triple or quadruple it and freeze enough for a week’s worth of healthy meals for the whole family!

Organize Your Refrigerator (And Freezer!)

Organize the items in your refrigerator so you know exactly where everything is when preparing meals. Having your refrigerator organized and having healthy snacks at your fingertips makes it easy to avoid unhealthy snacks and allows you to concentrate on mindful eating.

Cook Perishable Items First

If you have purchased perishable items prepare them early in the week to avoid wasting food. Incorporate additional raw vegetables as snacks or make a medley of fruit for breakfast to keep these items from spoiling.

On-the-Go Meals and Snacks

If your weeks are busy with meetings, travel, kids’ sports or social activities, consider meals you and your family can grab on the go. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and skipping it will stall your weight-loss. Make healthy grab-and-go items ahead of the time, like egg muffins or mason jar salads. Have Diet Center snacks on hand for convenient high-protein smoothies, delicious bars or savory snacks. If you are planning a vacation or traveling for work, stock up on meal replacements to have easy to prepare high-protein meals with you wherever you go!

Set it and Forget It

Consider purchasing or (wiping the dust off) a slow cooker or crockpot. Toss your favorite healthy ingredients inside in the morning, leave it all day and come home to the enticing aroma of a delicious home-cooked meal.

Remember Your Seven Little P’s

Prior Proper Planning, Preparing and Packing Promotes Progress!

Creating and sticking to a meal-planning strategy will not only help alleviate stress, it will save you time and money, set you up for optimal weight loss results as well as teach you healthier habits for long term success. On your next Success visit into the center, chat with your Diet Center Counselor for even more ideas.

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