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. 

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!

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?