Weight Loss Plan Archives - Page 2 of 4

More Than Digestion – The Importance of Gut Health

Written by Ty Bushart on July 31, 2018. Posted in Blog.

According to compounding research, good health begins in the “gut”, but what exactly does that mean? The term gut health is quickly expanding from a scientific topic to a common buzzword in the health and wellness industries. Most people know that gut health involves digestion and absorption, however, the truth is, gut health means much more.

Often referred to as your body’s “Second Brain,” your gastrointestinal system affects much more than digestion. Healing your gut can have positive affects for weight loss and everything from mood to memory. Read on to learn how a healthy gut will benefit your overall health and wellness.

Defining Gut Health

While scientifically there is no one definition for gut health, scientists agree that the intestinal microbiota—or flora—and the gut barrier determine gut health. A healthy, intact gut barrier maintains a healthy gut, while any issues in microflora can compromise your body’s defense systems. While the lack of a definition for gut health creates an issue for researchers, it also generates the need for people to recognize signs in their own body.

Signs of good gastrointestinal health, according to a 2016 issue of BioMed Central Magazine, include:

Effective absorption of food, water and minerals
Regular bowel movements and no abdominal pain
Normal stool consistency and rare bloating, constipation or diarrhea
No bacterial overgrowth
Balanced serotonin production
No inflammatory bowl disease or other inflammatory disease
No acid reflux or other gastric inflammatory disease

Function of Healthy Bacteria

The human gut contains 10 times more bacteria than all the human cells in the entire body, including 400 known bacterial species. These strands of bacteria in your gut promote gastrointestinal function, protect the body from infection, regulate metabolism and comprise more than 75% of our total immune system—and that’s only the extent of what we know about the gut’s role in our health.

Importance of Gut Health

It’s all related. Your body’s systems aren’t mutually exclusive—in fact, they perform together, interrelated in a manner that can either benefit or hurt your health, depending on how they are nourished. Scientists also refer to the “brain in your gut” as the enteric nervous system (ENS). The hundred trillion bacteria found in your gut are involved in your brain at many levels, controlling mood, memory and beyond.

Combat Leaky Gut

Scientists have shown that “leaky gut”—a condition that causes the lining of the gut to become compromised and increases inflammation—can increase your susceptibility for brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and autism.

Behaviors Detrimental to a Healthy Gut

Many behaviors, lifestyle habits and tangible items contribute to unhealthy gut flora. These include:

Antibiotics and other medications and NSAIDs
Diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods
Chronic stress
Diets low in fiber
Dietary toxins
Environmental toxins
Pesticides from commercially grown foods

How to Restore a Healthy Gut

The key to restoring or maintaining a healthy gut involves being cognizant of diet and lifestyle behaviors that can improve and possibly heal poor gut health. Here are some helpful tips for experiencing optimal gut health.

Remove toxins from your diet
Eat plenty of fiber
Take a high-guality digestive enzyme such prior to every meal
Take a high-quality probiotic.
Ensure you are getting enough fiber with a high-quality fiber supplement such as Diet Center Fiber Capsules or Fiber Drinks.
Take steps to manage stress such as meditation, yoga, exercising and other relaxation methods
Opt for raw, whole, organic, non-GMO foods, when possible
Add fermented and cultured foods to your diet, including kombucha, kimchi and other prebiotic foods like garlic and jicama

Gut Health isn’t just a fancy health buzzword, it’s a term you should take seriously and monitor closely. Eat whole foods, avoid processed items and take a quality probiotic supplement to guarantee you are taking every precaution to ensure a healthy gut.

When Less is More: 10 Tips for Portion Control

Written by Ty Bushart on July 24, 2018. Posted in Blog.

When it comes to losing weight and living a healthier life, most of us know that what we eat is important. However, sometimes we forget that how much food we eat is just as critical. Identifying a healthy portion can be tricky and takes practice. Portion control doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be eating tiny serving sizes of everything. Consult your Diet Center plan guidelines for proper portion sizes and follow your meal ratio guidelines to create balanced meal plates.

Here are some helpful tips for practicing healthy portion control in your everyday life.

Measure and Weigh

Since eyeballing portion sizes such as a cup of cereal or 4 to 5 ounces of cooked meat can be tricky, it is important to begin portioning out your meals by weighing and measuring. Use a measuring cup for loose items and liquids and purchase a scale to weigh meats and poultry. You can even portion out items like cereal, rice, snacks, etc. in Ziploc bags to have healthy serving sizes ready to grab and go.

Learn Comparisons

Did you know that the equivalent of 4 ounces of meat is the size of your palm? After you’ve become an expert at measuring your portions, you will learn to associate easy visual techniques to control your servings without using a scale or measuring cup! Double check yourself to make sure you are getting enough to keep you in fat burning mode.

Downsize the Dishware

Many of the plates we use for meals are large and do not promote proper meal ratios. Restock your cabinets with smaller dishware or eat on plates normally reserved for “appetizers. Place your fork down between bites and enjoy chewing your food. Serve salads before dinner in larger bowls and encourage friends and family to get their fill!

Fraction Your Plate

A simple rule for portioning your meal plate is this: divide it in half and fill one-half with vegetables and the other with equal parts lean protein and an unrefined starch.

Drink Water

Drinking eight ounces of water before each meal will help you to not overindulge. Plus, many symptoms of dehydration pose as hunger and drinking more water before and with meals may work to eliminate those false hunger pangs as well. An added benefit, water helps to flush the fat and toxins you are breaking down rapidly on your Diet Center program.

Remove Serving Bowls from the Table

Removing serving plates and bowls from the table will help regulate portion sizes. However portion control isn’t all about eating less—it goes hand in hand with eating healthfully—so don’t move that salad bowl just yet! Allow family or friends to continue filling up on fresh vegetables instead of starches or protein.

Keep a Food Diary

A food diary will keep you accountable to your Diet Center rapid results plan. With everything in writing, you know exactly how much you’ve consumed or how much you plan to consume throughout the day.

Snack Throughout the Day

When you arrive at the dinner table famished, you are much more likely to overeat. Enjoy healthy snacks throughout the day with an emphasis on protein, vegetables and unrefined starches. Diet Center encourages clients to keep a few protein-packed snacks on hand at all times to keep full and satisfied all day long. The Cheddar Bites with Salsa is amazing!

Turn Off Distractions

Turn off the television, computer, tablet and phone during meal time. Sit down and enjoy your meal without distractions. This will promote mindful eating, which allows you to feel more satisfied with every bite.

Simple changes can ensure you and your loved ones are eating healthy portions, even on the go! By practicing healthy meal portions and ratios, you will become aware of how much you are eating each day and promote healthy weight loss and long-term wellness.

It’s all about rapid weight loss with lasting results at Diet Center. Commit to these tips to create change you will feel great about.

What’s In Season For Summer

Written by Ty Bushart on June 3, 2018. Posted in Blog.

Summer is in full swing, which means delicious, colorful produce is available. With so many options, it’s easy to incorporate fresh, whole foods into your daily health regimen. Check out the recipes below and taste all that summer has to offer on your Diet Center Program.

ONE PAN LEMON HERB SALMON AND ZUCCHINI

Makes 4 Servings | 1 vegetable per serving | 3 protein per serving | 1 fat per serving

Ingredients

4 zucchini, chopped
4 teaspoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the salmon

2 tablespoons Stevia brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 (3-ounce) salmon fillets
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray baking sheet with oil sprayer. In a small bowl, whisk together Stevia brown sugar, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, dill, oregano, thyme and rosemary; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
Place zucchini in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with Morton® Lite Salt and pepper, to taste. Add salmon in a single layer and brush each salmon filet with herb mixture.
Place into oven and cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 16-18 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the salmon filets.
Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

HEALTHY GARLIC GREEN BEANS RECIPE

Makes 6 servings | 1 vegetable per serving | 1 fat per serving

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds fresh green beans
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon Morton Lite Salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan, toss green beans, oil, garlic and Italian seasoning until beans are well coated. Bake, uncovered for 12-15 minutes or until beans are crisp-tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with Morton Lite Salt and pepper.

GRILLED ROSEMARY PLUM TOMATOES

Makes 4 servings | 1 vegetable per serving | 1 fat per serving

Ingredients

1 tablespoon minced shallots
4 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Morton® Lite Salt
8 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
Oil sprayer

Directions

Prepare grill.
Combine first 6 ingredients (through salt) in a small bowl. Add tomatoes; toss to coat. Place tomatoes, cut side up, on grill rack coated with cooking spray. Cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

PEACHES AND CREAM POPSICLES

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

4 – 5 large peaches, pitted and chopped
1 Vanilla Fat Burning Gold Protein Pudding, prepared

Directions

Blend prepared Gold Protein and peaches until peaches are in small chunks.
Pour into Popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

MINTED WATERMELON SALAD

Makes 8 servings | 1 fruit per serving | 1 fat serving

Ingredients

6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
2 tablespoons minced fresh mint
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons Stevia®

Directions

Place watermelon and mint in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, oil and Stevia until dissolved. Drizzle over salad; toss gently to combine.

Helpful Tips for Ordering Out

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

Can you lose weight while having foods you love? When it comes to dining out at restaurants, you may think there’s no possible way you can go out to eat and continue to lose or maintain your weight loss. At Diet Center, we introduce you to all the tools and knowledge needed to make eating out a breeze.

Before you dine out, it’s important to be prepared! Walk into the restaurant knowing that you are going to say “no” to the bread basket, you are committed to avoiding empty calories such as alcohol and you’re going to enjoy the company rather than focusing solely on food. There are plenty of healthy options when dining out that allow you to enjoy what you are eating while maintaining your commitment to your weight-loss and health goals. Here are some additional tips for ordering out.

Tip 1: Prepare Ahead of Time

Most restaurants have their menus online. Take a few minutes to view the menu ahead of time and choose the healthiest option from there. This way, you are already prepared to order and won’t be tempted by other menu options! Before the meal, be sure to take your Diet Center Carb Blockers, which will assist with reducing cravings, decreasing hunger and increased fat burning. A Gold Protein Drink or Fiber Supplement will also aid in creating a feeling of satiety helping to avoid overeating.

Tip 2: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

You can ask the chef to prepare your food any way you’d like. Don’t be afraid of seeming “picky”—restaurants receive special orders all the time. Don’t feel obligated to explain that you are trying to lose weight, simply tell the waiter that because of dietary concerns, you need your meal prepared a certain way. Ask to have your protein grilled without butter, fat or salt and substitute an extra vegetable or side salad for your starch option!

Tip 3: Order Healthy Options from the Diet Center Food List

You may order any meats, fruits and vegetables from your servings, however, we recommend you save your starch servings for when you eat at home. Starch servings at a restaurant can be double or triple the recommended portion and contain far more calories.

Tip 4: Avoid Temptation

Don’t tempt yourself. Wait until your fellow diners have taken a roll or piece of bread from the basket and politely ask the waiter if he can remove the basket from the table. Order soda water or iced tea with lemon or lime instead of a cocktail. This way, you avoid temptation and stay on track! If wine or cocktail is a must, ask your Diet Center Counselor for suggestions and order your drink after you place your order for your entrée. This keeps you on track!

Tip 5: Be Aware or Large Portion Sizes

Restaurants are notorious for serving larger-than-recommended portion sizes. To avoid overeating, ask your waiter to box half your meal up right away. That way, you won’t feel lethargic after your meal and you’ll also have leftovers for the next day. Another option is to cut all portions in half immediately upon being served by creating a line in your food. This will tell you your “stop” point. Without this line, it is easy to lose focus on how big the beginning portion was.

Tip 6: Eat Slowly and Mindfully

Eat slowly during your meal and be sure to take short breaks where you can put your fork down and pause or take a few sips of water. Give yourself 15 minutes after your meal to feel full. It takes the feeling of satiety time to register within your brain. If you still don’t feel satisfied, enjoy a decaffeinated non-fat latte or fresh fruit.

Ordering out at restaurants is easy when you prepare ahead of time and arm yourself with the knowledge to choose healthy options and the willpower to avoid temptation.

Why is Fiber Important for Weight Loss?

Written by Ty Bushart on January 10, 2018. Posted in Blog.

Did you know that fiber fights fat? Daily meal plans high in fiber not only help you lose weight faster, but have an array of health benefits. Dietary fiber is different from other food components such as fats, proteins, and carbs that your body breaks down and absorbs. This is because the human body can’t digest fiber; instead, it passes fairly intact through your stomach, small intestine, colon and then out of your body.

Why is fiber important? It flushes toxins from the body and provides numerous other health benefits as well:

Aids in weight loss. Fiber serves as an appetite suppressant. It also tends to be less calorie-dense, providing fewer calories for the same volume of food. We are breaking down fat rapidly on the Diet Center program. Fiber provides a catalyst to remove what we break down.
Enhances bowel function and health. Fiber decreases constipation and lowers the risk of hemorrhoids, diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Normalizes blood sugar levels. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar. This helps improve blood sugar levels and, consequently, helps manage diabetes.
Improves cholesterol levels. Fiber may help to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol as well as total cholesterol, therefore reducing the risk of heart disease.
Supports the immune system. Fiber supports good bacteria, or intestinal flora, and speeds the elimination of wastes and toxins from the body.

The average American consumes a mere 5 to 10 grams of fiber per day, while the American Dietetic Association recommends between 25 and 35 grams. On the Diet Center program, we ensure that clients are consuming a minimum of 25 grams per day. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meal replacement products and fun-flavored fiber drinks all contribute to your daily fiber intake, while on the program.

Eating a diet rich in fiber helps keep your digestive system healthy and can lower your risk for numerous diseases, while at the same time helping you lose weight! Fiber fights fat!

Setting Successful Weight Loss Goals

Written by Ty Bushart on January 6, 2018. Posted in Blog.

We are ringing in 2018 with results. You’ve planned to look and feel your best, and now it’s time to get started. The first step of your weight-loss journey is to determine your goals. Setting smart, specific goals for yourself will motivate you to reach them. Before you begin, write down your goals so that you can reference them frequently throughout your program phases to track your progress.
Your goals will change as you begin to lose weight so it is important to always be challenging yourself with new goals weekly and monthly. Your Diet Center Counselor is here to support you during your entire journey and help you achieve your goals. Take advantage of their advice and support.
SMART Goal Strategy
A helpful tool for setting goals is to use the SMART goal strategy. This strategy will set you up to successful accomplish your goals, both large and small. Each of your goals should meet the following criteria:
Specific: Each goal should be specific. For example, losing weight is not specific, however, losing 35 pounds in 15 weeks is specific.
Measurable: If you can measure a goal you are better equipped to determine whether or not you have achieved it. You can also set milestones with measurable goals.
Attainable: An attainable goal is one that you have enough time and resources to achieve.
Realistic: All goals should be realistic. Setting unrealistic goals may result in disappointment or cause you to give up.
Timely: Goals must have starting points, ending points and fixed durations. Studies have shown keeping track of your progress will help you evaluate and stay motivated.
Set One Specific Goal
“Vague goals produce vague results.” There is no place in your life for vague goals. Your subconscious mind will fulfill whatever it focuses on and if your goals are ambiguous or incomplete, then you will achieve results that are also ambiguous or incomplete. You want to make your goal as detailed as possible in order to achieve the specific results that you desire. A specific goal is one that is clearly defined in such a way that anyone could come by and understand what you intend to accomplish. Your goal should contain a detailed description of what you want to accomplish, when you want to accomplish it by, and the action(s) you will take to accomplish it.
To set a specific goal, you must answer the six “W”questions:
» Who: Who is involved?
» What: What do I want to accomplish?
» Where: Identify a location.
» When: Establish a timeframe.
» Which: Identify requirements and constraints.
» Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.
EXAMPLE: A general goal would be: “Get in shape.” But a specific goal would say: “Join a health club and workout 3 days per week.”
Set Long and Short-Term Goals
Creating both long and short-term goals allows you to prepare for a change, rather than a quick-fix solution to your overweight condition. Short-term goals will help you evaluate and celebrate your results along the way, while long-term goals will establish solutions to help you change behaviors and lead a healthy life.
Get Organized
Now that you have established your goals, it’s time to plan. Create a timeline of your journey and keep that in a place where you will see it every day. Track your progress weekly using a notebook and record your food, water, nutritional supplement and activity on your Journal daily.
Stay Accountable
Staying motivated 100 percent isn’t always easy. Enlist the support and assistance of friends, family and your Diet Center Counselor. This is your journey and it’s important that you create a positive support system to achieve your goals. Your Advisor is there to help motivate you to achieve your goals, offer solutions and keep you accountable during challenging situations.
Reward Yourself
Reward yourself for each milestone you reach. Also remember to pat yourself on the back for small victories as well; declining dessert or getting 20 minutes of exercise in 3 times a week. Taking time to celebrate your success with non-food-related rewards is your building block for long-term success.
Review After Every Victory
The moment you achieve a goal is a triumphant feeling! Celebrate and assess your past goals and, from there, create new goals following the SMART method. If your goal was to lose 50 pounds by a certain date and you achieved that, celebrate the win and set a new goal. Your new goals could be anything from trying a new sport for 30 minutes a day to joining a gym for a month to merely working to maintaining your new goal weight in the future.

It’s a new year, a new you and we look forward to celebrating winning results with you!

5 Tips for Healthy Holiday Success| Weight Loss Tips

Written by Ty Bushart on December 15, 2017. Posted in Blog.

The holiday season presents a host of challenges to those who are trying to stick to a healthy eating plan. It can feel like food and drinks are at every turn, and it may be tough to say “no” again and again.

Plus, the added stress that seem to coincide with the holidays can make stress eating much more tempting, and cravings much more difficult to overcome.

Diet Center’s One Day Sale

Written by Ty Bushart on November 22, 2017. Posted in Uncategorized.

The day is finally here! Diet Center’s One Day Sale. It’s our lowest price of the year to get started and it is the Monday after Thanksgiving. This is our lowest prices of the year on all weight loss programs and all your favorite Diet Center products. Now, our programs are even easier with our new AM/PM Weight Control Patch. We always love this event, because we can help so many new clients WIN at losing. The event will be going on at all 7 Midsouth Diet Center locations for 12 hours only– 8AM to 8PM and this offer will not be repeated, so Monday is the day to do it. Start your weight loss program now or in the new year, but don’t miss Diet Center’s lowest prices of the year. Diet Center is FLEX Card (FSA) and Health Spending Account (HSA) approved, so use your employer benefit to help you get started. See you Monday, November 27th at Diet Center’s One Day Sale and drop 20 your first month. Ready, Set, GOAL!

Happy Birthday to Us!

Written by Diet Center MidSouth on July 14, 2017. Posted in Blog.

Hi DC SUPERSTARS! It’s Jason and we are partying hard for Diet Center’s 43rd Birthday! You are the purpose of this celebration, as we would not be here without our fabulous clients and team members. All of us at Diet Center have one mission–and that is to bring more and more people to wellness everyday. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to do what we love and make a huge difference.

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!

Tag: Weight Loss Plan

More Than Digestion – The Importance of Gut Health

When Less is More: 10 Tips for Portion Control

What’s In Season For Summer

Helpful Tips for Ordering Out

Why is Fiber Important for Weight Loss?

Setting Successful Weight Loss Goals

5 Tips for Healthy Holiday Success| Weight Loss Tips

Diet Center’s One Day Sale

Happy Birthday to Us!

Sizzling Summer Strategies

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Tag: Weight Loss Plan

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