Posts Tagged ‘Diet plan’

Calorie versus Food…Your Choice!

Monday, November 24th, 2008

We often talk about the right calorie composition in the right food. Our daily eating pattern is always under the scanner..Whether, we are having the right diet for weight loss and long term health OR we are just adding more layers.

The following calorie versus food table might help.

Weight-loss snacks
Approximate number of calories Food
10 calories 1 large stalk of celery
25-30 calories 1 cup raw vegetables
6 medium baby carrots
60 calories 2 cups air-popped or light popcorn
1 cup of cantaloupe or grapes
1 small can of vegetable juice
100 calories 1 cup sliced bananas and fresh raspberries
2 domino-sized slices low-fat Colby or cheddar cheese
1 fat-free chocolate pudding cup
150 calories 1/2 cup frozen, low-fat yogurt topped with 1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup sliced apples with 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
4 rye crispbread crackers
200 calories 1/4 cup dry roasted soy nuts (calories vary by brand)
1/3 cup granola
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese topped with 1/2 cup sliced fresh peaches

Source: Source: Department of Agriculture — Nutrient Data Laboratory, 2007

Is this Diet Plan best for you?

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

Does the Diet plan fit your needs?

How do you know if a weight-loss plan fits your needs and lifestyle? Ask yourself these questions. Does the program:

  • Include various foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains (particularly whole grains), low-fat dairy products, lean protein sources (meat, poultry, fish, beans and other legumes), nuts and seeds?
  • Include foods you like and that you would enjoy eating for a lifetime — not just for several weeks or months?
  • Feature foods you can easily find in your local grocery store?
  • Allow you to eat your favorite foods, or better yet, all foods?
  • Fit your lifestyle and budget?
  • Include proper amounts of nutrients and calories to help you lose weight safely and effectively?
  • Encourage regular physical activity?

If you answer no to any of these questions, the weight-loss program isn’t right for you, as you probably won’t stay with it.

Successful weight loss requires permanent changes to your eating and physical activity habits. This means you need to find a weight-loss strategy that you can embrace for life.