Three fast and easy strategies that work

Does it sometimes feel like you're too busy to dedicate yourself to losing weight? I know how that can be. Between work, school, kids' activities, cooking and cleaning, I barely have a moment to myself before it's time to go to bed.

I've found that small steps every day really add up. Try these three strategies and see how great you look and feel - they don't take much time or effort, and the results may be surprising.

1. Errands + exercise = success
Forget the gym - I like to add some physical activity to the errands I run. For example, I always park at the back of the parking lot and walk. I choose to take the stairs. I use a basket at the grocery store instead of a cart when I don't need a lot of food. I take a walk around the office when I need to talk to a coworker, rather than use the phone.

2. Mmmm: shake it up
RightSize Smoothies are great for meal replacement and really help me cut calories fast. I simply replace one or two meals a day with a smoothie. They are quick to make, come in many tasty varieties, and provide me with the nutrients I need while cutting the calories.

3. Feel the hydration sensation
Staying hydrated throughout the day helps my body look and feel great. I always have a bottle of water close by because it's the perfect zero-cal beverage! Plus, drink a glass before a meal to feel fuller - by doing this I eat fewer calories and feel more satisfied. 

Today, we have some really great information on the benefits of chocolate from our Research and Development Group Leader, Lynn. Not only does Lynn work in the RightSize Test Kitchen, but she is also a mom. Here is what she has to say about yummy, delicious chocolate.

--------------------------
  
Did you know that the flavor in RightSize Lean Cocoa Bean is not only great tasting, but it is also good for you? Lean Cocoa Bean gets its great taste from cocoa powder which contains high levels of polyphenols.  Polyphenols can be found in many common foods, such as blueberries, cranberries, red wine, and dark chocolate.  These polyphenols act as antioxidants which have many health benefits.  Many studies have shown that antioxidants from cocoa may improve cardiovascular health by:

- Improving blood flow
- Helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Reducing blood pressure

It is also essential to get regular exercise and eat a balanced diet, and RightSize can help you do it.

There's nothing like a home-cooked meal, but if you're busy like me, it's easy to get in a dinner rut where you make the same three dishes over and over again. Well there's an easy solution - I like to always keep these seven items on hand so that I can add pizzazz to any meal. 

Zucchini - My favorite! This delicious vegetable is so versatile. It can be roasted for a tasty side item, or it can be chopped and added to virtually any recipe. Try some in your next pasta or chicken dish.

Whole grain pasta - Whole grains are so important for a balanced diet, and I love feeding my family whole grain pasta. Think beyond spaghetti and add pasta to soups, stews and hearty side dishes.

Cabbage - This great green food is packed with antioxidants. Of course I eat it frequently in salad, but it's also perfect for any type of sautéed dish.

Quinoa - Recently, quinoa seeds have boomed in popularity. They are full of protein, fiber, iron and calcium. I love the nutty flavor which is great as a simple side dish, or add to stuffing, soups or salads.

Chickpeas - Also known as garbanzo beans, these little gems come canned and are so easy to use. Simply drain, rinse and add to almost any recipe - I love them in light sauces or in soups. Puree and season for a quick and tasty hummus snack.

Canned fruit - Canned fruit is a great substitute when fresh isn't available, just make sure you opt for fruit packed in water or low-sugar options rather than thick syrup. Eat it as a snack, or use when baking.

Teriyaki sauce - I love the sweet/salty taste of teriyaki, and I've found cooking with it brings out the natural flavor of foods. You can mix it with a little extra virgin olive oil for a superb meat marinade and also use it as a glaze for veggies.

Those are my secrets. What do you guys have at your home to keep cooking fresh and delish?

My goal to live healthy in 2012 isn't just for myself; it's for my husband and kids too. But sometimes living a healthy lifestyle is a challenge when it becomes a family goal. Here are some tried and true strategies that have worked for me and my crew - they'll help your family live healthier and happier too!

1. Play together
Planning play times together is a lot more fun than a trip to the gym and you can burn just as many calories. Games like tag, hide-n-seek and kickball are easy to do at home and are a great workout for everyone. You might also try making up a family dance - one of the favorites at my house. Pick a song and work on the groovy moves together. You'll be bonding and doing something good for your health, plus your kids will sleep like little angels at the end of the day. 

2. Snack smart
Getting my kids to eat healthy was a challenge at first. Let's be honest - no one wants plain celery sticks when potato chips are sitting there waiting in the cupboard. One of the best ways to get kids excited about eating healthy,  especially the little ones who are particularly picky, is to incorporate fun colors into every meal. Think bright orange sweet potatoes, rich green beans, vivid yellow pineapple - all the colors of the rainbow make eating and snacking both fun and healthy.

3. Shop together
I found that having my kids come to the grocery store with me is a great way to teach them about healthy foods and encourage them to make nutritious decisions for themselves. For example, by exploring the fresh produce section or the all-natural food aisle together, I can point out what options are delicious and nutritious. Then I let them choose something for themselves. The next time they want a snack, they frequently pick what I let them choose at the store, so both mom and the kids feel like winners. 

4. Remember rewards
Having a healthy family isn't about depriving them of anything - it's all about balance. So when my family eats a healthy dinner, I let them have a small treat for dessert. Maybe everyone gets a cookie or a scoop of sorbet. If my son makes a healthy snack decision, I let him stay outside for an extra 15 minutes to play. As the parent, I think it's important to acknowledge my kids' efforts and make sure they know I'm proud of them.

5. Practice what you preach
Whether they say it or not, kids look up to their parents. I want to show my kids that I make healthy choices in my life and expect them to do the same. When I'm having a meal replacement drink, my kids sit and eat a healthy breakfast or lunch with me. When I skip soda and opt for water, it shows my kids it's a smart choice for them too. Living by example is so important, so be sure to practice what you preach.

At the end of each year, most people evaluate their life and make goals for the new year. One of the most common resolutions is to get healthy and lose weight, especially after the overload of holiday treats.

The problem is that after a month or two, the majority of people lose sight of their resolutions, or give up altogether. I am determined not to be one of them. To do this, I have some easy strategies that help me keep my weight loss goals.

1. Working out doesn't have to be "work"
I find when I make exercising fun I don't dread it because it is less like work and more like play. Running around with my kids playing tag or hide-and-seek can get my pulse going just as much as if I were taking an aerobics class. Plus it's great bonding time.

I also like to spice things up and try something completely new - like take a dance class or even Tae Kwon Do with my daughter. Sometimes, I'll bring a friend along, as many places offer a session or two for free to try things out. It can be great fun for everyone and the fitness comes naturally.

2. Eating healthy can be delicious
Healthy eating is too often associated with bland foods that leave you feeling unsatisfied. I have found healthy eating is all about balance and finding the right solution for your lifestyle. My weight loss success is largely due to replacing one or two meals a day with a RightSize smoothie. 

Each smoothie flavor is scrumptious, and with so many recipes, you can customize to your tastes. It's a quick, satisfying way to cut calories - not an easy task when you're a busy mom with rambunctious kids.

3. Don't forget to reward yourself
Healthy living is more like a journey than a destination - especially when you're trying to cut some extra pounds. Make sure to set realistic goals for yourself. It might only be a couple pounds a month, but those add up after a while!

When I reach one of my mini-goals, I make sure to reward myself. It might be a little pampering like getting a massage or manicure. Or perhaps I'll plan a date night with my husband. A small reward is a little extra motivator to help me keep focused.

Anyone else have some strategies for keeping their New Year's resolution? I'd love to hear them.

Make 2012 the Year of Positive Thinking

It's the start of 2012 - a time for renewed ambition toward all life's goals. For me, the new year is the perfect time for a fresh outlook. My goal is to live a good life that benefits my body, mind and soul - not only for me, but also so I can be a good role model for my children.

My health has been a priority for some time now, and I'm lucky to have found success in managing my weight. By making healthier nutrition decisions, along with exercising and having meal replacement shakes pretty much daily, I continue to reach my goals. But there is one more important part of my equation for success: the power of positive thinking.

Weight loss is difficult. There is no easy quick fix. But you can do it with dedication, a solid plan, and the help of positive thinking. Do not get down on yourself; it will only set you up to fail. You must stay positive about every step you take, no matter how big or small. Remember, managing weight is a journey, not a destination. A healthy lifestyle is a choice you make each and every day.

Not only do you need to stay positive yourself, you need to surround yourself with positive people who support your goals. By having optimistic, supportive friends and family, you'll be more positive yourself, and sticking to tough resolutions, like losing weight, is more easily achieved.

So as you start the new year, I wish you the best of luck on your weight loss goals and any resolutions you have made. By believing in yourself and staying positive, anything can be achieved.

Happy 2012 to you all!