Safe, Effective, Natural

As inspirational as they are, many of the images associated with weight loss and fitness present the journey as a solitary struggle. The depictions of the lone runner making their way along the beach, the weightlifter hard at work in a deserted gym and the unrelenting athlete rising up before dawn to begin their routine are widespread and familiar, and they provide a source of motivation for plenty of people.

On the other hand, this is certainly not the only way to succeed with weight loss, and may not be the best. These days, more people are taking advantage of the social aspect of the journey, sharing information, experience and hope with one another—thanks to Facebook and Twitter, these relationships can sometimes be formed across countries!

By making weight loss a collective effort, everyone learns more and improves much faster, and on those days when one member falls behind, another is available to pick them up. This newer approach is a big part of what enabled Cortney Nicolato to lose 53 pounds in 17 weeks with TLS Weight Loss Solution. As her testimony reads:

 “I have been sharing my progress on Facebook with my friends. I really started this for my own accountability, but little did I realize the amount of inspiration these posts generated. My facebook family cheered me on with thousands of posts of encouragement. Additionally, I received Facebook messages asking about the program…many of these friends are seeing amazing results.”

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Over the course of a weight loss journey, it’s expected that there will be plenty of trial and error: finding out what food combinations work best, when cravings for “bad foods” are likely to occur and how many meals are needed to avoid hunger pangs throughout the day. The common thread among all of the above is food, and of all the factors involved in successful weight loss, food is the most universal and stands among the most important.

The right food sources—lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and shakes—provide the quality nutrients that the body needs, not the empty calories it doesn’t. Learning this style of thinking enabled Andy Powell to lose 24 pounds following TLS Weight Loss Solution. As he puts it:

“TLS has shown me that I control what goes in my body and how that ultimately affects my entire well-being…I will continue to use that knowledge.”

Many of the greatest challenges in weight loss happen on the inside. Learning the value of food, and gaining an appreciation for it is a major turning point mentioned in many of the success stories received TLS Weight Loss Solution.

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Most of us have learned by now that eating the right (or wrong) breakfast can easily set the tone for the entire day. At worst, it might mean suffering through a caffeine-and-sugar-induced roller coaster that leaves us wishing for a noontime nap; at best, however, breakfast can deliver abundant and consistent energy that lasts—especially when it’s made up of a balance of nutrients that are sourced from real foods.

To make this happen, we need to include proteins, fats, fibers, and the appropriate carbohydrate choices—all from the least-processed foods we have access to. For better nutrition and energy--as well as for those who have found success with the low-GI lifestyle--it's time to think outside the (cereal) box.

Here are a few creative, non-traditional breakfast ideas worth trying:



Soup– if you prefer a hot breakfast but have had enough of bacon and eggs, homemade soup is a quick and easy alternative—especially if you make enough for leftovers. Veggies and beans contribute both flavor and fiber, and including a whole protein source like chicken, tofu or beef will add needed nutrients and energy. Add a little finesse with your favorite spices and you’ve got a simple, heartwarming meal that can be enjoyed anytime!



Salad– The cool crunch of fresh greens and vegetables first thing in the morning may seem a bit odd, but a filling salad can be prepared quickly and provides a filling host of fiber sources that keep your tummy from growling for hours—a few fresh berries can help with the transition, and make it seem more like breakfast. Add a protein of your choice, along with nuts and seeds, for a breakfast that fills you up with slow-digesting, clean-burning fuel.

Chili– a warm bowl of chili delivers a much better “Stick to Your Ribs” fullness than a cold bowl of cereal, and there’s something to be said for starting the day on a spicy note. Since this one typically takes a little while it’s best prepared ahead of time (such as for dinner the night before?), but this meat-and-bean combination provides plenty of protein and fiber, along with slow-digesting carbohydrates that will fuel your brain for hours before hunger strikes again.



Stir-fry– if you don’t happen to have a wok, use your favorite egg pan to melt some coconut butter and sesame oil and put the heat on some chopped broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and onions.  Add chicken, beef or pork to the mix, and jazz it up with a handful of cashews, red pepper flakes, ginger, garlic, and a shot of soy sauce for a refreshing start to your morning. 

Breakfast Cheesecake- While it’s not quite the Italian tradition, this dessert-lover’s breakfast is simple, sweet and satisfying.  Begin by mixing 1 cup of cottage cheese with 1-2 scoops of vanilla-flavored whey protein powder. Add a handful of your favorite berries, a few tablespoons of granola and finish with a dash of cinnamon.  Behind all the great taste is nutrition that lasts!

Breakfast, more than any other meal, should promote a rise in energy, satisfaction, and readiness to tackle the day’s tasks. If some of these suggestions seem odd, bear in mind: breakfast is nothing more than the first meal of the day, and it doesn’t have to be limited to what you may have grown up with. Give some of these Dinner-for-Breakfast ideas a try the next time you get bored—you’ll be glad you did.

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By Hannah Calloway

When we log our meals, most people forget to log all of the additional things they eat with their meals. Keep in mind that condiments can make or break your meal, just as they make or break your diet and healthy eating choices. Here are some “best and worst” items from the condiment world:

HEALTHIEST CONDIMENTS

(Courtesy of Menshealth.com)

Hummus: This spread, made from chickpeas, packs lots of fiber into a small serving. Your local grocery store likely has several flavors to choose from. Try roasted red pepper or pine nut.

Guacamole: This green dip includes healthy fats from avocado. Look for an original guacamole recipe on the blog soon!

Pesto: Pesto tastes delicious paired with grilled chicken. It is surprisingly high in antioxidants as well.

Salsa: Original salsa is low in sodium and has no fat. Try it as a salad topping in the place of dressing. Beware of specialty salsas that may have more than their fare share of sugar.
 

UNHEALTHIEST CONDIMENTS

(Courtesy of Menshealth.com)

Full-Fat Mayonnaise: Just say “no” to this creamy condiment.

Creamy Salad Dressings: Put down your thousand island and ranch dips and opt for oil-based dressings.

Ketchup: Tomatoes are supposed to be healthy, right? Not when added to ton of sugar and salt. If you can’t stand to eat your burger without ketchup, look for a low-sugar option.

Cream Cheese: Instead of smearing your bagel with fatty cream cheese, try a fat-free version or experiment with a thin layer of margarine and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

 
You decide!We found conflicting information about honey mustard. What do you think? Does it go on the best or worst list?

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by Hanna Callaway

Did you know that we’re on Pinterest? Pinterest is a great resource to organize ideas, photos, recipes, and more! We love pinning low GI meals, fun workout plans, and inspirational messages that you can pin to your own boards and save for later.
Here are a few of our recent favorite pins. What do you think?


Low GI Blueberry Cheesecake


Low GI Maple Grilled Salmon


Inspiration: Don’t Give Up!


Tips For Freezing Foods


10 Minute Arm Exercises
 

Find hundreds of more pins like these when you follow us on Pinterest. We can’t wait to network with you!

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