Healthy Lifestyle Archives - Diet Center MidSouth

Simply Sensational Diet Center Salads

Written by Ty Bushart on March 6, 2022. Posted in Blog.

The idea of healthy food immediately brings to mind delicious and beautiful salads that are not only healthy but Instagram-worthy. We put together a list of some of the best ways to create nutritious salads that will make meals a beautiful breeze and make staying with your Diet Center Weight Loss Program fresh and delicious.

Mix Up The Proteins

The quickest way to get bored and fall back into bad habits is eating the same thing all of the time. Not only do your taste buds sigh at the thought of another bite, but the body has something called “metabolic memory” that kicks in when you eat repetitively. Once our bodies get used to a certain set of nutrients, our metabolism works less efficiently to handle the load.

What this translates into ultimately, is a slowing of weight-loss results. The importance of variety is that the body is not able to develop a metabolic memory of a meal and it will work harder to process. The simple way of putting it: Eat different proteins for each meal to keep your metabolism running high.

To make things easier, we like to prepare servings of chicken, eggs, beef, etc. and seal each one in a baggie so that when it comes time to add some protein to a meal, it’s as simple as reaching into the fridge and pulling one out.

Tip: For longer shelf life, make enough for two weeks of meals and store half in the freezer. A quick thaw in the microwave and voila, protein!

Vibrant Vegetable Buffet

A recent article delved into the psychology behind why buffets and the sight of food is so enticing to us. One of the key findings is that the visual presentation of a variety of foods releases dopamine into our system. This harkens back to the caveman days when food was difficult to get and serves as a physiological reward for having achieved a biological imperative, to eat. The body is wired to have a positive response to the presentation of food.

Now, let’s translate this principle to how we make our salads. At the beginning of a week, take a container with compartments and chop your favorite salad vegetables into each bin. When it comes time to assemble a tasty lunch, you can simply drag out the container to easily pick and choose what inspires you each day.

The results are two-fold. Meals are so incredibly easy to make that weight-loss will be all the easier and you are training your body to have a positive response to healthy foods that will make you smile with how beautiful they are.

Fantastic Fats

Let us shout it from the rooftops, “Eating healthy fats is a necessary part of weight loss!’”. And when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Making your own salad dressing can be a fantastic way to save money as well as experiment with bold new flavors for your foods. We love to make our own dressing with extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar and our favorite salt-free spice blends. If olive oil isn’t your thing, we also like to make healthy croutons to add a divine crunch when we are craving carb-y goodness.

Restaurant-Worthy Croutons

1 serving | per serving: 1 starch, 1/2 fat
4 Melba® Toast
½ teaspoon butter
1 clove fresh garlic
Mrs. Dash® Salt-Free Lemon Pepper seasoning (to taste)

Set oven to broil. Crush the Melba Toast to desired size and arrange on a small baking sheet. Melt butter with the garlic and Lemon Pepper seasoning in a small dish and brush mixture over crushed up toast. Broil croutons on the middle rack for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and remove. Wait 2 minutes and serve when ready.

That’s So Sweet

Don’t be afraid to add your favorite fruit to your salads to give them a new dimension of flavor. Adding more colors of the rainbow to your plate also means that you are increasing your phytonutrient intake. As you know, phytonutrients are essential chemical compounds produced by fruits and vegetables that can help prevent many of the factors that lead to chronic illness and disease. The more colors you eat, the stronger your health will be. So, like we said, don’t be afraid to throw a few blueberries or some vibrant kiwi into the mix for a salad that will make you smile.

Tip: Hate it when your fruit dries out in your lunch? Fold a damp paper towel over the top of your salad to keep it fresh and beautiful until you eat.

Handful of Herbs

There’s no reason to skimp on flavor when fresh herbs are easily available at your local grocery store. Or better yet, grown right in your own garden! A quick handful of fresh basil, cilantro or any other seasonal herb can bring added dimension to your meal to keep your taste buds on their toes.

Herbs also have the additional benefit of being health powerhouses full of vitamins, antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Adding just a few extra ounces of herbs to your diet can help strengthen your immune system and improve your overall health, simply by eating!

Tip: Make fresh herbs last much longer by storing them in the fridge with stems submerged in water and covered loosely with a plastic bag.

Great Reasons to Add Variety to Your Diet

Written by Ty Bushart on February 24, 2022. Posted in Blog.

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, doing the same exercises and expecting different results. Our bodies naturally require diet and exercise diversity because no one food contains all the nutrients our bodies require, nor does one specific exercise target all parts of the body. Here are some important reasons to add variety to your daily health regimen.

Improve Gut Health

The Institute of Food Technology states that diversifying your diet can improve gut health. According to a lecture by Mark Heiman, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at MiroBiome Therapeutics, diet is the principal regulator of the GI microbiome, which contains trillions of bacteria used to aid in digestion and regulation the GI system. Heiman’s studies concluded that the microbiome requires a varied diet to function optimally. Taking a digestive enzyme such as Diet Center Fiber Capsules and a probiotic while following your Diet Center Program will help to improve gut health, decrease inflammation and improve the absorption of key nutrients.

Receive Varied Nutrient Profile

Kale is nutritious, however eating kale all day every day won’t provide you with the nutritional makeup your body needs to perform its best. Though kale contains vitamins and nutrients, it does not contain the diverse number of nutrients your body needs to run all its systems optimally.

Lessen the Phytonutrient Gap

According to a study titled “America’s Phytonutrient Report,” 80 percent of Americans are endangering their health by failing to vary their diet with colorful fruits and vegetables. This finding refers to the “phytonutrient gap.” Humans need a varied, colorful diet to receive phytonutrients, many of which are powerful antioxidants that can fight the damage caused to cells over time.

Avoid Boredom

Other than the scientific health benefits of eating a variety of different foods, it can also help you avoid boredom in your program and lead to less deviation. Most people find that eating the same thing every day can become mundane and cause unnecessary overeating of unhealthy foods, simply to break the humdrum cycle. By varying your food plan with healthy items, you can stay on track and create excitement in your eating.

Connect with Your Food

By purchasing and preparing colorful, nutritious foods, you learn the beauty and importance of a balanced food plate. Filling your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables is like creating a piece of art. Think of the plate as your canvas and make it as beautiful and balanced as you can. Cooking at home will also allow you to forge a deeper connection to your meals knowing you created them by hand.

Boost Your Metabolism

Have you heard the term “shocking your body?” Chances are if you find yourself hitting a weight-loss plateau, your body is signaling the need for change. By altering your healthy food options, you can tell your metabolism to work harder to process and identify these new foods.

Tips for Variety

Now that you know why you should vary your food choices and exercise routine, here is how you can make small changes to achieve this variety every day!

Get colorful. Add a rainbow of different fruits and veggies to your cart every time you shop.
Try something new. Make a promise to yourself to try a new healthy food each week. Brussels sprouts, bok choy, dragon fruit, blood oranges, Swiss chard are great options for variance.
Shop with the season. For the freshest produce, consider eating fruits and veggies that are in season.
Add veggies. Add different vegetables to your favorite soup, sandwich or breakfast options for additional variety, nutrients and taste!
Start small. Change one part of your meal at a time. Add another vegetable or change up your typical protein selection. Small steps add up!
Switch up your exercise. Just like diet, the same exercise routine can lead to your body plateauing. Change your cardio or introduce small weights to your regimen. You might even find something new you didn’t know you liked!

Be adventurous and step out of your comfort zone. We have a feeling you will feel better, have more energy, experience faster weight loss and enjoy improved health.

“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.

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.

5 Foods to Detox Your Body in the New Year

Written by Ty Bushart on December 28, 2017. Posted in Blog.

When people say the word “detox,” they often think master cleanse, juice diet or some form of fasting. What you may not know is that there are 5 foods to detox your body in the New Year—no fasting required!
Every day we eliminate or neutralize toxins through our colon, liver, lungs, skin and kidneys. However, with the volume of toxins we are exposed to through pollution, animal products and processed foods, our organs are working overtime and can’t always do the job 100%.
What you should do is incorporate foods that have detoxifying properties to speed the natural detox process along! Here are 5 foods to detox your body that are easy to incorporate into your Diet Center plan that support your body’s natural cleansing system. Don’t feel like you have to eat all of them at once—even just incorporating one of these 5 foods to detox your body adds real benefits you can see.
1. Cauliflower
Full of antioxidants, this cruciferous vegetable aids your body’s natural detoxification system and reduces inflammation. Roast with a little olive oil and garlic for a tasty treat! There are many other Diet Center recipes that incorporate this powerful vegetable as well, including Cauliflower Soup and Cauliflower “Smashed” Potatoes.
2. Broccoli
This vitamin-packed green machine helps neutralize and eliminate toxins. A perfect addition to your favorite Gold Protein Chicken Soup! Check out the recipe for Fat Burning Spicy Broccoli and Chicken Chowder.
3. Herbal II Formula
Our Herbal II nutraceutical detox supplement helps to: break through stubborn plateaus, improve metabolic rate, balance stress to energize and enhance weight loss! The perfect companion to your healthy new you, Herbal II is a health powerhouse! Ask your Diet Center Counselor for details.
4. Grapefruit
A good source of fiber, grapefruit helps lower cholesterol and aids digestion. If it’s too sour try a sprinkle of stevia on half a grapefruit for a sweet and tangy snack.
5. Cucumber
When you need to flush out toxins, reach for a cucumber! Ninety-five percent water and packed with nutrients, cucumbers sliced with Morton Lite Salt is a detox delight.
Your challenge next week is to try to add just one of these into your meals. Come back and tell us what you ate and how it made you feel!

Here’s to a healthy and happy 2018!

Your Diet Center Team

Healthy Holidays the Diet Center Way

Written by Ty Bushart on December 21, 2017. Posted in Blog.

Some people like to use holiday parties as a good excuse to be lenient with their weight loss plan, but between “friends-giving” and the countless holiday parties, those off-plan days can really start to add up! When you’re faced with a beautiful spread of holiday treats, ask yourself if that food item will help you achieve your long term health goals, or if it will only satisfy you in the moment.

Before heading out to your holiday festivities this year, make a promise to yourself that you WILL stick to your meal plan and you WON’T let the next few hours keep you from achieving your goals!

Healthy Holiday Tips

Get Active – Even though the weather is getting cooler, there are many fun ways to get active through the holidays. Go sledding at a local park or make a giant snowman in your front yard, and try taking the stairs instead of the escalator while you’re out finishing holiday shopping!
Ditch the Alcohol – The calories on alcoholic beverages add up quickly, and the way alcohol interacts with your body actually slows the metabolism of food, causing unnecessary weight gain.
Plan Ahead – Planning is one of the key components to successful weight loss AND a healthy holiday season. If you know that the dessert buffet is going to be a challenge for you to avoid, bring along your favorite sweet Diet Center snack!
Drink Plenty of Water – Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can often be confused for hunger! Water also helps the body support a natural detox, and reduces excess bloating.
Try New Recipes – Even if you’re trying to lose or maintain your weight loss, your holiday meals can (and should!) taste delicious. Using real food, and a little preparation, you can serve and enjoy a tasty holiday feast without feeling guilty about it the next day! Your Diet Center Counselor can load you up with all kinds of tasty treats you can make at home. Give one of our holiday recipes a try, and let us know how YOU plan to have a deliciously on-plan holiday by sharing tips and recipes on our Facebook page.

Sizzling Summer Strategies

Written by Diet Center MidSouth on June 25, 2017. Posted in Blog.

Hi Diet Center SUPERSTARS! It’s Jason and I am so glad you are here. We have so many new clients getting started for summer and I want to personally welcome you to the program. At Diet Center, we get results. You came here for change and I want to give you some strategies to help you rock your results!

12 Benefits of Your Weight Loss Success

Written by Diet Center MidSouth on April 18, 2017. Posted in Blog.

Congratulations on making the decision to live a healthier lifestyle. At Diet Center, we know the hardest part of your journey is often taking that first step. In honor of you and our 44th Year Anniversary, here are 12 reasons to pat yourself on the back for putting your health first.

Dish It Up and Lose The Pounds

Written by Diet Center MidSouth on June 15, 2016. Posted in Blog.

Ever notice how large the platters are at your favorite places like Outback or Houston’s? Portion control will help you lose weight. However, with the 12-inch plates and large drinking glasses or coffee cups that are often found in households and restaurants today, smaller portions can look disappointingly small. When you see a little scoop of food served on a large dish, you might feel deprived. Even though that small serving can be physically satisfying, the sight of it can make you feel negative emotionally.

How Do I Diet When My Family Isn’t?

Written by Diet Center MidSouth on July 2, 2014. Posted in Blog.

Learning to eat less of the high-calorie foods you love isn’t always easy. What can make it even harder: having to stare down those fattening foods at your very own dinner table.

From the spouse who brings you a huge box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day to the mother-in-law who plies you with home-baked goodies to the skinny friend who invites you to uber-fattening lunch dates, the result is much the same. While their intentions may be all good, experts say the results can be all bad for the dieter trying to stick to a healthy eating plan.

Tag: Healthy Lifestyle