May 16th, 2012
If you’re looking for inspirational support, knowledge about food, or tips on how to get fit and stay that way, there’s a site that can guide you through your weight loss journey.
In fact, there are so many resources available; it can be difficult to figure out which sites are worth a second look so we put together a list of some of the most useful websites. It’s been proven that you can lose more weight when you have support from your community, and joining one or more of these sites can give you the extra push you’ve been looking for.
- Calorie Count
This site lets you keep track of your calories, browse food, recipes and exercises. You can even ask food related questions to registered dieticians. And of course there’s an app so you can take all of this on the go!
- Spark People
A community and support based website, where you can create customized fitness programs, meal plans and search through recipes, articles and more!
- LIVESTRONG
We all remember those little yellow bracelets, but when you visit the Livestrong website you’ll find more than that. Keep a food diary, count calories, explore fitness ideas and join the Livestrong community.
- FitDay
Watch your fitness and health progress with this great website. Read success stories from other members, create a free account to keep track of your food intake and exercise.
- Weight Watchers
Jennifer Hudson has shown us that it works, and now Charles Barkley is helping to get men to join. This large community makes your weight loss journey easier by providing its famous point system, recipes and fitness features.
- Obesity Help
Browse forums, check out before and after photos of other members (for an extra boost of motivation), build a personal profile and share your story with others in this online weight loss surgery community.
Photo thanks to uihealthcare.org
Tags: health, inspiration, lifestyle, motivation, obesity, Online, Spark People, support, weight loss
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May 9th, 2012
Making the decision to invest in bariatric surgery is a serious one. Especially in these challenging economic times, spending any amount of money could seem frivolous, irresponsible or even impossible.
There’s no question that the cost is significant. However, we’d encourage you to think differently about the decision.
What does it cost you not to make the choice?
In the financial world, there’s a term “ROI,” or “Return On Investment,” that describes what an investor might get back for the amount of money spent on a venture.
When we make the decision to pay for college, it’s an investment in our career prospects. When we put a down payment on a house, it’s an investment in our environment and security. When we set aside money for retirement, it’s an investment in our future.
But what about the foundation of who we are? Without health, all of those things could quickly become irrelevant.
Obesity is expensive: It costs on average $9,434 per year for out-of-pocket from failed diets, lost wages, medicine and doctor visits. It’s also the second leading cause of preventable death.
We can take out a mortgage on a home. But what about our body, the physical self that houses who we are and how we live? Health and well-being are worth the investment. The ROI? Life.
Making some budgetary changes could make more money available than you might realize. How much money do we spend on things that immediately disappear? For example, just eliminating a daily cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop can save $1,000 or more per year.
And by becoming healthier, you could increase your career prospects. Interviewers make snap judgments with first impressions. By investing in losing weight, you will gain confidence and boost the chances of getting hired, as well as increase your earning potential. You’ll also have more stamina and ability to work better and longer, increasing your chances of promotion and even higher wages.
Talk to Team:Bariatrics about what options are available for financing a healthy decision.
If you need some inspiration, listen to some success stories or join us on Facebook. Each person believed in the investment in themselves – that their lives were invaluable. And the return on their investment was priceless.
Photo by redjar via Flickr.
Tags: Bariatric surgery, change, decision, gastric band, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, goal setting, health, journey, life changing, obesity
Posted in Bariatric Surgery, TEAM:BARIATRICS |
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May 2nd, 2012
Are you in charge of providing a snack for a birthday party at school or work? The challenge may be that you want to serve something that everyone will love and yet still be healthy enough that there will be no guilt in eating or serving it! Consider these options:
1. Rice Cakes and Fruit – arrange them in bowls and garnish a few with frosting
2. Mini Carrot Pineapple Muffins with low fat cream cheese frosting
3. Newton’s Fruit Cake – place Fig Newton cookies around the outside of a pan and fill with dried or fresh fruits. Add sprinkles and then adhere candles to the tops of the cookies. (see the picture above) 85 calories cookie/fruit
4. Dip Me Sheet – place a variety of fruits such as apple slices, strawberries, and pineapple, or vanilla wafers with pumpkin, caramel, or chocolate dip in an attractive square pan. (Pumpkin dip recipe below)
5. Rice Krispies Treat Bowl – Make your own or take the easy way out by buying Kellogg’s – arrange these in a bowl and garnish the middle one with frosting, sprinkles and a candle. 90 calories each.
Prep: 10 minutes Chill: 1 hour
15 ounce can pumpkin
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
6 ounces fat free greek yogurt, plain
8 ounces fat free cool whip
Mix pumpkin with brown sugar, vanilla and spices, blend well. Mix in yogurt. Fold in cool whip and chill in refrigerator until ready to eat.
Makes about 12 servings.
Nutrition Facts per ½ cup serving: Calories 102, Saturated Fat 0 g, Protein 2 g, Carbohydrate 25 g, Fiber 1 g, Sodium 25 mg
ARTICLE COURTESY OF INDIANA HEALTH UNIVERSITY, NUTRITION NUGGETS NEWSLETTER, NOV. 2011
Photo by: Susi’s Kochen Und Backen Adventures
Tags: Birthday, commitment, food, health, lifestyle
Posted in Bariatric Surgery, Nutrition |
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April 26th, 2012
“We must break the cycle before it breaks us” – Angela Bininger (via Empowerers.com)
Patterns are difficult to change. Frankly, any kind of change is a challenge.
But all too often, we see the effects of not changing. We see people fall into the same patterns that their parents and families repeat over and over. Whether it’s an addiction, abusive behavior, etc., far too often, people succumb to the patterns of the past.
But there are always exceptions to the rule. We hear about people who break the cycle all the time. And we’re inspired by their courage and determination.
They remind us that people are not bound absolutely to their pasts. Each individual has the potential, the very real possibility of breaking destructive patterns and changing their fate.
We are not our parents. We are not our families. We are individuals who can be influenced by our pasts and environment. But we can also find the strength and fortitude to forge our own fresh paths.
Vicious cycles can emerge without us even realizing it. And the person who succumbs to such a cycle may be staring back at you in the mirror.
Ultimately, obesity is a killer. It’s a slow abuse of the physical and spiritual self. The body is beaten down. Confidence is killed. The spirit is smothered.
If you are obese, you may feel hopeless. You may feel like you have tried everything – and failed at everything. Maybe even more than once.
But there is hope. There is a help to make changes. You are not trapped. You hold the key to your own shackles. And many have successfully broken their own cycles.
It takes courage to change. It’s not easy, but you are not alone. You have tools and resources available to help break the vicious cycle. You have the strength deep within you. You are not a victim. You are a victor.
Find out what you can do to break the cycle today. Contact Team:Bariatrics now!
Photo by Toni Lozano via Wikimedia.
Tags: Break the Cycle, change, decide, encouragement, inspiration, journey, life changing, lifestyle, motivation
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April 20th, 2012
We’re all familiar with the phrase “There’s an app for that” and when it comes to weight loss and health, there are literally hundreds of apps to choose from. But it can be difficult to know which app is the right tool for your weight loss journey.
We’ve scoured the web, reading reviews and talking to fitness and nutrition pros to find you the best in health and fitness apps. Below you’ll find the top 4 apps for Android phones, and the top 4 apps for iPhones. Most of them are free, but some could cost up to a few dollars. Whether you’re looking to keep a food journal, or you’re looking for a virtual personal trainer, we’ve got the right app for you.
Android:
1. Adidas miCoach – FREE
This app gives you your own personal coach! It also uses GPS and has real time audible coaching to keep you going. You can also customize your training plan based on workout and sports activities.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adidas.micoach&hl=en
2. Fast Food Calorie Counter Lite – FREE
With all of the healthier options available at fast food restaurants these days, its okay to stop in for a quick lunch. This app lets you see how many calories are in your fast food meal (you can even compare the healthier options to the unhealthier versions to see how many calories you can save in one meal). There is also an upgraded version of this app for $1.99.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.concretesoftware.caloriecounter&hl=en
3. Instant Heart Rate – FREE
Did you know you burn the most calories when you’re at your target heart rate? Simply place your finger over your camera, and the color changes in the light that passes through your finger will show your heart rate.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.azumio.instantheartrate.full
4. VirtuaGym – FREE
This virtual gym is great for a workout at home or at the gym! It offers 3D demonstrations, clear instructions, and a virtual personal trainer (Brad Fit)! There are even Beginner and Newbie settings.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digifit.virtuagym.client.android&hl=en
iPhone:
1. Jillian Michaels Slim Down Solution- FREE
This app is great whether you are just starting to workout or if you’re looking to spice up your workouts. Workout videos, record your progress, there’s even a GPS to help you track routes for jogging.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jillian-michaels-slim-down/id399841706?mt=8
2. Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker by MyFitness Pal – FREE
Organize your dieting plans and track your weight and exercise with this app. Use the barcode feature to scan items into the app to track calories instantly!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calorie-counter-diet-tracker/id341232718?mt=8
3. Nutrition Menu – .99
Find nutritional information about the food at some of your favorite restaurants using this app. What makes this app special is that it does not require 3G or WiFi to work, so you always have access to the information.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nutrition-menu-calorie-exercise/id294692235?mt=8
5. Get Running (Couch to 5K) – $2.99
This app has 5 star reviews from many users and it boasts “you’ll be running continuously for half an hour straight in 3 weeks, even if you can’t get off the couch today”. There’s a forum where you can talk to fellow running rookies, and there is an audible coach that encourages you along the way. We featured this app before but we thought it deserved a second mention!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/get-running-couch-to-5k/id319043985?mt=8
Tags: Android, Blackberry, cell phone, change, decision, encouragement, exercise, fitness, health, iPhone, life changing, lifestyle, motivation, weight loss
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April 11th, 2012
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to wake from winter’s hibernation and welcome the new season. It’s also a chance to start fresh.
One of the best rituals of the season is Spring Cleaning. This time of renewal can inspire us to clean up our living spaces. Pack away the winter clothes and clear out space for the warmer weather ones. Wash windows so that we might see clearer and allow light to shine in. Clear out cobwebs, shake the rugs, prepare the house for a season of sun. This ritual can be very satisfying and rewarding.
But don’t stop with your home. This year, consider celebrating the season with a spring-cleaning of the mind.
Old ways of thinking and behavioral patterns can keep us locked or stuck in one season. But every spring reminds us of a chance to start anew.
This spring, give yourself the chance to bloom – to burst through and blossom into your full potential. Start by asking yourself some questions:
• What no longer fits? What can you let go of?
• What old habits can you banish?
• What patterns or routines no longer serve you?
• What steps can you take right now to let go of the old to make room for the new?
One way to get a sparkling new attitude is to make a clean sweep of your health. Find out how Team:Bariatrics can help. Take the step toward health and begin anew.
It’s not just about making a change for a single season. It’s about spring-cleaning for a lifetime of good health and happiness.
Happy Spring!
Photo by Connor McCourtney via Flickr.
Tags: care, change, decision, encouragement, health, journey, life changing, lifestyle, motivation, support
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April 2nd, 2012
Coming soon to a mail box near you is LIVEWELL MAGAZINE! Here’s one of the articles we’ll be featuring in the magazine about making good choices in the morning.
If you grab a cereal bar and a coffee on your way to work every morning, you probably anticipate Sunday brunch all week. Everyone loves a warm, comforting meal at home or at a restaurant, eaten with family and friends.
The only downside to brunch is its potential to promote unhealthy eating: Bacon, Eggs, Croissants loaded with butter. Chocolate-chip muffins. These mouth-watering morsels might sound delicious, but eating them regularly can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol and heart disease.
A heart-healthy meal doesn’t have to be bland. Try these recipes for a nutritious take on brunch.
Banana Yogurt shake
11⁄2 cups fat-free milk
4 small bananas, peeled 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt 1 tsp. vanilla
1⁄2 tsp. cinnamon
1⁄8 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup ice cubes
Combine all ingredients except ice cubes in blender or food processor; process until thick and creamy. With motor running, add ice cubes; process until smooth. Pour into tall glasses.
MAKES 4 SHAKES
Per serving: 160 calories,
2 g fat (1 g saturated fat),
5 mg cholesterol, 85 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber
Red and Yellow Pepper Omelets
1 tsp. olive oil
1 sweet red pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
4 egg whites
1⁄2 tsp. dried basil
1⁄4 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese,
divided
in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat, warm oil; add the pep- pers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes. keep warm over low heat. in a small bowl, lightly whisk together the egg whites, basil and black pepper. Coat a small nonstick frying pan with nonstick spray. Warm over medium-
high heat for 1 minute. add half the egg mixture, swirling the pan to evenly coat the bottom. Cook for 30 seconds or until the eggs are set. Carefully loosen and flip; cook for 1 minute, or until firm. Sprinkle half of the peppers over the eggs. fold to enclose the fill- ing. Transfer to a plate. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. of the cheese. repeat with the remaining egg mixture, peppers and
1 tsp. of cheese.
MAKES 2 SERvinGS
Per serving: 90 calories, 3 g fat
(1 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol,
140 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tags: food, gastric bypass, health, holiday, lifestyle, nutrition
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March 28th, 2012
Look for LIVEWELL MAGAZINE in your mailbox soon. In the meantime, here is a sneak peak that will help you make healthy food choices.
Which breakfast option has fewer calories?
McDonald’s Egg McMuffin
Plain bagel with cream cheese
at 300 calories, an Egg McMuffin is definitely the better choice. Surprised? a bagel may seem healthier, but portion control is key here. Smear
2 tablespoons of cream cheese on
a large bagel and you get a whopping 460-calorie breakfast.
Which snack is the lower-calorie choice?
1 cup canned pineapple
20 almonds
fruit is usually more diet-friendly than nuts—but not when it’s packed in heavy syrup. Just 1 cup of canned pineapple delivers almost 200 calories, compared to 140 calories for 20 almonds.
Which sandwich is a diet winner?
Turkey and cheese wrap
6-inch roast beef whole-wheat sub
Turkey is always touted as a diet no-brainer. But a typical turkey and cheese wrap at a fast food place like SUBWAY® has about 400 calories,
even if you hold the mayo. Even more shocking? More than 300 of those calories come from the wrap itself. you’ll save calories by ordering a 6-inch roast beef whole-wheat sub with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, pickles,
green peppers and onions—all for only 290 calories.
Which is the leaner cold beverage?
16 oz. cola
16 oz. flavored iced latte
Soda gets a bad rap, but with 190 to 500 calories in one serv- ing, it’s specialty coffees topped with whipped cream and loaded with sugary syrups that are the real diet disaster. a regular cola will set you back 128 calories.
if you must have soda, choose a zero-calorie version, and lighten up your coffee drinks with nonfat milk. The best beverage, of course, is water. To jazz it up a bit, add a splash of lemon, lime or orange juice.
Which dinner option has fewer calories?
Caesar salad with grilled chicken
Slice of pizza with a side salad and light vinaigrette dressing although it may seem low-cal, a grilled chicken Caesar salad like the one served at Wendy’s® can weigh in at almost 500 calories. The dressing alone adds 250 calories and 26 grams of fat. for a quick meal, you’re better off with a plain slice of pizza and a small tossed salad with light vinaigrette dressing, for just 361 calories.
Photo thanks to: MadSweat Blog
Tags: food, health, lifestyle, nutrition, protein, recipes, support
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February 29th, 2012
Did you know that sitting for long periods of time can increase your risk of heart disease? A 2010 editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that those who sit for prolonged periods have a higher risk of disease than those who move a muscle every now and then in a non-exercise manner, such as walking up the stairs to grab a cup of coffee. Even people who exercise regularly, but are otherwise sedentary, can experience this effect. Of course, exercise is still a great way to protect your health but getting started can be difficult. So start small, and simply stand up.
We know this can be easier said than done for many of us. We spend our days sitting at a desk, behind the wheel, or on the couch. Try these five tips to reduce your sitting time:
1. Stand while you fold laundry.
2. Walk or stand as you talk on the phone.
3. Keep moving during your favorite TV show. Instead of kicking back on the couch, march or jog in place, or do sit-ups.
4. Take several breaks throughout the day and walk away from your desk or computer.
5. On long car drives, pull over and get out of your car for a 5-10-minute break every hour or so.
Photo thanks to OptimizedExecutive.com.
Tags: change, encouragement, exercise, goals, habits, health, lifestyle, walk
Posted in Health, Lifestyle |
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February 15th, 2012
Q: I would like to eat healthier. Is honey better for me than sugar?
A: Calories are about the same between the two but choose honey over sugar because sugar has no nutritional value, whereas honey contains as many antioxidants as some fruits. Dark-color honeys such as Buckwheat seem to possess more antioxidants than light-color varieties. Interestingly, Buckwheat honey equals the antioxidant power of Vitamin C of a tomato!
Q: Can you give me suggestions for a good pre-game meal?
A: The main idea of the pre-game meal is to prevent hunger without eating so much that it brings on cramping. This is really an individualized call of what your body can handle and what you feel is best to eat. Suggestions are to eat a light meal 1-2 hours before the game and to drink plenty of water. Examples are cereal and milk, trail mix, turkey sandwich, and cheese and crackers. Your true energy will come from your glycogen stores. These should be filled by eating healthy meals, higher in carbohydrates for several days before the big event.
Q: Should I use sea salt or regular iodized table salt?
A: Sea salt and table salt have the same basic nutritional value. But if you’re trying to keep sodium intake to a minimum, using sea salt may be the better choice with its more intense flavor and less likelihood to use as much as you would with regular iodized table salt. Some people think that sea salt is healthier because of the way it’s processed and the fact that it has trace minerals that table salt doesn’t have but those particulars are in such a low quantity that they don’t make a difference to your health. Personal choice is the key here!
Q: What are some good food choices to reduce inflammation in the body?
A: Here are some of the top foods to help reduce inflammation in the body:
1. Omega 3 fatty acid foods: Examples are cold-water oily fish, walnuts, flax or
pumpkin seeds, avocado, canola oil, olive oil, and walnut oil.
2. Fruits and vegetables, especially berries (eg. strawberries and blueberries).
3. Fresh foods instead of heavily processed foods.
4. Whole-grain foods such as whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and
oatmeal.
5. Spices such as garlic, ginger, hot chilies, and turmeric.
Tags: eating, food, health, nutrition, questions, weight loss
Posted in Bariatric Surgery, Nutrition |
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