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.

Do you ever get the snack attacks? Those moments when you have an intense craving that won't go away? I do, and the cravings can range from the need for something crunchy, like chips or crackers, to something super sweet, like candy or cake.

I have some secret weapons against the snack attacks. By giving myself a healthier version of what I want, I satisfy my cravings and give my body the vitamins and nutrients it really needs. Here are three common cravings and the simple solutions:

1. I need something crunchy now!
Oh the crunch of salty potato chips - it's something that goes back to my childhood. But because my metabolism isn't what it used to be, I need a smarter alternative. My solution: crunchy fresh veggies. No matter what time of year it is, you can't beat the fresh flavor and satisfying crunch of vegetables like carrots, cucumber, peppers, celery and cauliflower. For some extra pizzazz I like to add a low-fat dip or some spicy hummus.

2. I need soda now!
Soda is as American as apple pie. Unfortunately those satisfying bubbles are full of empty calories and huge amounts of sugar. If you need to wet your whistle and H2O just won't do, I suggest turning to fresh juice. If you're ambitious, squeeze your own for a flavor that will make your tongue dance. If you're short on time, be sure to choose 100 percent juice options when at the store. Still craving the bubbles? Mix half juice and half seltzer or mineral water for a bubbly treat. 

3. I need a sweet treat now!
Oh the dreaded sweet tooth - it can really take a bite out of any healthy diet  plans. When I need something sweet, I turn to RightSize Smoothies for sweet satisfaction that helps me cut calories while giving me the nutrition I need for the day. Here is one of my favorite recipes for when I need something sweet - make it a meal or have it as a snack and share with a friend: 

Holiday Chocolate Mint Blizzard
Lean Cocoa Bean - 29.1 g. or 1 scoop 97.01 kcal
6 oz. skim milk 60.0 kcal
4 pieces Andes Candies 100.0 kcal
6 ice cubes

TOTAL: 257.01 kcal

Family functions, visiting relatives, and holiday parties seem to take us away from exercise and conscientious food choices, as we focus our attention on enjoying life, eating, drinking and good company.

Follow these simple holiday tips and tricks to maintain:

Exercise.  It can be hard to maintain your exercise schedule during the busy holiday season. Take time each day to exercise; if you have to rearrange your exercise time to fit it into the holiday frenzy, do so. Take a brisk walk, do a few sit ups or lift some hand weights. It all helps.

Portion Sizes.  Find yourself overindulging during the holidays? Me, too. It is okay for you to eat some of your favorite holiday foods, so no need to feel guilty about it! The trick is to not eat too much. Just make a good choice about the portion size. My rule of thumb, I never eat more than a small fist full of dad’s yams. That’s my indulgence. Mmmmm.

Sleep.  Celebrating the holidays normally leads to less sleep. Is it worth being sleep deprived during the holidays? No. Sleep deprivation can cause impaired alertness, blurred vision, slurred speech, muscle weakness, headaches, and weight gain. Make sure to stay well rested. 
 
Snacks.  Oh, the yummy snacks around the holidays. A healthy snack portion of fruits, vegetables, or nuts is always a good choice. But as an alternative, try a half scoop of RightSize Smoothie mix with 4-5 oz. of skim milk. I do this all the time and not only does it taste great, but it keeps me feeling full until my next meal. My favorite snack is Leano Cappuccino!

Drinks.  Eggnog, fruit punch, or mixed drinks all contain calories that can be easily eliminated during the holiday. Instead of having one 10-12 oz glass of eggnog, only have one 4 oz serving of the reduced fat version. Remember drinking water really is the best option, but if you just got to have some of that holiday treat (like me) make a smart choice.

Happy Holidays!

With the holidays in full swing, it might feel like you're being bombarded with desserts and treats from all directions! From all the goodies at the grocery store, to the baked goods left in the break room at work, to the array of treats at each holiday party - it can be difficult for even the most strong-willed person to restrain.

Every day there seems to be at least one instance where the holiday cookie monster is trying to tempt me. My solution? I drink a RightSize smoothie. Not only does it satisfy my sweet tooth, but it is designed to replace a main meal. I get to indulge without the calorie overload.

One of my favorite recipes is inspired by the rich and decadent flavors of the holidays. Try the below recipe and you'll feel just like Santa eating cookies and milk, without the worry about an expanding waistline:

   Holiday Cinnamon Cookies for Two
   1 scoop SkinniVanilli - 92.45 kcal
   6 oz. skim milk - 60.0 kcal
   2 graham crackers (31 g.) - 130 kcal
   1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   6 ice cubes
  ---------------------------------------------------
  282.45 kcal TOTAL or 142 calories per person

Remember, any time you're tempted by holiday treats, a RightSize smoothie can help keep you on track so you can reach your health  and fitness goals no matter what time of year it is. You can even customize this recipe - try a different low-calorie cookie or another favorite spice. Feel free to cut the recipe in half if it's just for you, but sharing is caring during the holiday season.

Anyone else have a favorite smoothie recipe to share?

So, have you heard about this YouTube thing?  We think it's going to be around for a while.

Ok, so admittedly, we are a bit late to the YouTube game.  We weren't really sure what we wanted to do with it, how we wanted to use it to help us, or help our customers.  As a result, a search for RightSize on YouTube brings up some "interesting" videos.  We want to be more to our community of users, and that's where YOU come in.

RightSize has always been about supporting our diverse community of users.  You might be interested to know that our demographic ranges from 18 - 75.  There is no standard RightSize user, and that is a good thing! With RightSize, literally anyone can lose weight.

Weight loss is not just about following a plan though.  It is personal.  It is often difficult - physically and emotionally.  It can be lonely, but it can also be life changing and amazing and satisfying.  We want to provide our community with a way to continually see the benefit of sticking to it, and foster support and instill the knowledge that YOU ARE WORTH IT and RightSize CAN help in each and every person we come in contact with.

So, hopefully, you all have been thinking about why NOW is the time to finally take back your life.  Whether that means it takes you 2 months or 2 years or more to reach your goal. We want to provide you with an opportunity to do just that!

Here's how it is going to work:

1. Create a "Pick me" video - Upload a video to YouTube with the title, "RightSize Smoothies Pick Me!".  We want to hear your story, anything you want to tell us about you, your motivations for losing weight, why you feel you struggle, etc.  This is sort of going to be your "audition".

2. Send us a link to your video - by sending us the link you have to agree that we can link to it from our channel, and use it for this purpose.

3. You have to be willing to commit to submitting one video a week.  This video will include an update - any victories or failures, weight or inches or sizes lost or gained (however you are tracking - does not have to be a scale, but should be measurable).  You can use your imagination here: show how you prepare the product, where you used it, your user experience, but we also want to hear just from you, about you.

4. You have to be willing to commit to using the product.  Once a day, or twice a day, but replacing at least one regular meal with RightSize and eating "sensibly" at your other meals.  We will provide personal support and suggestions to our vloggers as needed. Exercise is optional, but does speed weight loss and help you tone as you lose - its a good thing, but not required for this.

5. We will send you all the product you need to accomplish your goal for the duration of your vlogging!  You will also get the support of friends, family, strangers, and possibly change the life of someone watching and inspire them to greatness.  If you crave accountability and a FREE way to use RightSize, this is the opportunity you have been looking for.

Submit your video link to us by 5/31/11.  Please send your links to jgoodner@rsize.com or email me if you have any questions.

Free 5 pack of SlimminAde when you send us your RightSize story!

A Gift Certificate for You!

Have you lost weight with RightSize? Then we want to hear from you. To show our thanks, we are offering a Gift Certificate for a customer favorite: a 5-pack of SlimminAde - our delicious hunger-smashing lemonade.

How to Redeem your Gift Certificate

Simply send us your story here (reviews@rightsizeonline.com). Tell us about yourself, how much you lost, how our product helped, and anything else you think we should know - feel free to include any before and after photos as well!  Put "Free Slimminade" in the subject line and remember to include your name and shipping address. We'll automatically send you your 5 pack of SlimminAde!

P.S. Hurry, this gift certificate expires on May 30, 2010!!!!