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Healthy Changes for Healthy Weight

By Chris Jensen, January 11, 2011  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Chris Jensen
Need help developing healthier habits? Good health—and healthy weight—are about smart decision-making. Listen in and learn about success tools for creating health through optimal nutrition in this encore presentation of our podcast interview with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, board-certified family physician, author, and co-founder and chief medical officer of Eat Right America. Let us know what steps you are taking toward healthy changes this year for a chance to win an Eat Right America bundle featuring some of their best-selling books, DVDs and assorted other special gifts: a $97 value! Simply enter a comment below by January 31st and one lucky reader will be selected at random.

The motivating reasons Dr. Fuhrman’s patients make healthy weight a priority: •Learning about the successes of others losing weight and reversing chronic disease, when all other diet methods have previously failed, triggers the desire to recommit to health. •Discovering the science, logic and theory behind high-nutrient eating to remove addictive overeating provides the drive to get started. The two biggest obstacles that stand in the way of motivation and determination to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight: •Misinformation about food and nutrition indoctrinated at an early age. •Allowing feelings and emotions to govern decision-making and food addictions to control behavior. The top habits to adopt when trying to maintain a healthy weight: •Focus on long-term health and not on immediate weight loss. •Eat enough food volume with high-nutrient foods to remove the desire to overeat. •Educate with the right information from the start. Everyone can take steps toward being healthier with this knowledge: •Our health is our greatest wealth. •We can’t escape the biological laws of cause and effect. We must recognize that we can’t buy good health; we have to earn it with healthy eating and physical fitness. •Good nutrition is not optional; it’s essential. Putting nutritional science into action allows us to take control of our health destiny.

 

250 Comments

Comments

Daphne says ...
My new best snack friend is Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal. When I get a snack craving I mix up a bowl of oatmeal with canned pumpkin, flax seed, ginger, cinnamon, and powdered cloves. YUM! Keeps me out of the 'less than noble' snacks!
01/12/2011 8:42:34 PM CST
Cheryl T says ...
I'm having at least 100 "green monster" smoothies in 2011. A group of friends has banded together to share recipes and photos on facebook on our path to drinking 100 in 2011. We've created a list of rules (like all vegan, minimum 8 oz, etc) to guide us and are sharing tips, equipment and ingredients. All towards the goal of including more green vegetables in our daily diet for 2011!
01/12/2011 8:43:36 PM CST
Ko Barrett says ...
I'm eating vegetarian when eating with my vegetarian partner and/or daughter and otherwise I am trying to eat local, organic and only humanely-raised meat products. Biggest healthy change: smaller portions and eating mindfully (ie. not eating lunch distracted at the computer) Find I don't need to eat as much as I think I do.
01/12/2011 8:48:51 PM CST
Cynthia Major says ...
This year I will cook healthier foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, more raw foods and exercise. I have started walking 3 miles 4 – 5 days per week in preparation for running a marathon in November 2011. I will be participating in The Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) in February 2011. I will also attend more health related events. I will do all I Can to take charge of my life.
01/12/2011 9:05:09 PM CST
Yvonne says ...
I need to eat more green vegetables!
01/12/2011 9:09:45 PM CST
Rosemarie Watkins says ...
I'm continuing with my effort of several years to better my overall health with weight/the number on the scale being of secondary consideration. I'm trying to eat simpler, less-processed foods whenever possible. For example, this year I cut out processed cereal in favor of rolled oats and the like.
01/12/2011 9:33:15 PM CST
Karen Nionquit says ...
Fresh, seasonal foods prepared with less fat and more attention to nutrient rich foods.
01/12/2011 9:40:08 PM CST
Shannon Stanton says ...
I am trying to exercise more and as a family, eating healthier (not eating out) no hfcs or hydrogenated oils, keeping a food journal, and get the junk food treats out of the house. If I want something sweet I need to bake it from scratch! My husband and I are going to Hawaii in March and I would really like to lose 10-15 pounds.
01/12/2011 9:44:28 PM CST
Gaiya says ...
1. I do not starve myself when I'm hungry (unless it's right before bed, which I will avoid by eating enough food earlier). 2. I am learning to stop eating when I'm slightly full. 3. I am trying to use more fresh veggies and fruits, and add more fish to my menu. 4. I am using less oil when I am cooking.
01/12/2011 9:45:16 PM CST
Karen says ...
I started exercising regularly last year for the first time in years and am trying to increase my frequency of my workouts this year. We are also eating at home much more and trying to make better, informed choices.
01/12/2011 9:45:35 PM CST
Julie Pryor says ...
I've given up processed foods. No more lean cuisine frozen dinners for me! I'm committing to eating one large salad a day, for either lunch or dinner. I'm going back to eating whole foods, and staying away from anything processed. My health is my top priority this year!
01/12/2011 9:46:49 PM CST
Cindy Myers says ...
I have signed up for the 28 day eat right challenge. I am also trying to eat more raw foods and veggies. Meat Portions are being cut back. And I'm enjoying the flavors of unprocessed foods and eating a "clean" diet.
01/12/2011 9:47:47 PM CST
Melanie says ...
More whole and unprocessed, in season. More veggies, and less of everything else!
01/12/2011 9:59:17 PM CST
Lynne Kinsey says ...
For years my father pestered me to lose some weight. I ignored him and remained overweight. Then last year while confined to home while recovering from head surgery. I decided to eat less & eat better as long as I was home. As a result over a few months, extended from my recuperation time, I lost 30 pounds. I didn't starve or sacrifice, I just paid attention to what I ate and ate less. I gradually lost weight and clothing sizes. Everyone else noticed it more than I did. When I finally needed all new clothes in my closet, it was very obvious to me. It wasn't that difficult, it just required that I paid attention to what and how much I ate. I had been eating more than I needed to. I will now continue in the new year with healthier eating patterns.
01/12/2011 10:05:49 PM CST
Dana G says ...
I'm avoiding as much processed and artificial food as possible, and trying to prepare every meal myself instead of eating out.
01/12/2011 10:28:12 PM CST
Debby says ...
Always being somewhat of a healthy eater, I still snacked on sweets and carbs. I suppose they are a bit addicting! In addition, I walked a few days a week for about a half hour. I suppose I gave it a half hearted try. A couple of years ago, I was diagnosted with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). With this, I am limited to how much protein (meat & dairy & grains) I can eat in a day. I am trying to keep up my protein levels so I don't loose muscle. It's been quite a strugle! This year, I have committed to walking daily for 30 minutes at a quick pace, and using weights every day (alternating muscle groups). I am being intentional about watching my portion control and what foods I am eating when. I am concentrating on eating 2-3 fruits, 4-5 vegs, 3-4 whole grains, 1-2 dairy, 2-3 proteins, 36+ ounces of water per day. I am eating 3 meals and 2-3 snacks. I have about 20lbs to loose and am giving myself 20 weeks to do it. Hoping for sooner! Because of my CKD, I have found a tea at Whole Foods by Yogi that is a Liver/Kidney Cleanser that I enjoy drinking and love the flavor. I would love the idea that I might not have to take the kidney medicine if I can loose some weight and clean up my eating! We don't have a Whole Foods too close to us (about 30 mins away), but there is a Whole Foods both in Sarasota and Naples where our parents live and so we visit those stores often during our visits to our parents! Love, love, love those stores!
01/12/2011 10:38:50 PM CST
sharon says ...
I'm trying to eat healthy and lose weight because I have type 2 diabeties. so far I've lost 40 pounds since Feb. 2010 just by watching what I eat and increasing my activities. I mostly try to eat less sweets and increase my vegatables and fruit. I also drink alot of green tea
01/12/2011 10:55:16 PM CST
Marcy B says ...
I am keeping fresh fruit on the table at all times, and offering it as a snack to all members of the family first. Today, my kids opted for apples and didn't ask for cookies! Let's hope it lasts. . . .
01/12/2011 10:55:26 PM CST
kayleigh says ...
I have been sick for most of my life and have tried every fad diet out there. But finally the tide is turning for me. I have become a vegan and starting eating organic fruits, veggies and grains and the past few months have been amazing! I have lost 30lbs and still have 70 more to go. I feel amazing and am starting to work in yoga and exercise. Thank you whole foods for always having exactly what I'm looking for!
01/12/2011 10:59:07 PM CST
Merriann Sherwood says ...
I'm making more of an effort to cook all of my own food, avoiding take out and processed foods. I'm also trying to make sure I eat veggies and fruits every day.
01/12/2011 11:18:08 PM CST
Dorene Honeycutt says ...
I am trying to cut back on the amount of junk foods I eat. I love salty snacks and so, it's time to give those up for more nutritious and healthier alternatives.
01/12/2011 11:19:09 PM CST
Petya says ...
Yes, I need to loose weight, but my goal is to be healthy! I love cooking and now I plan to pay close attention to the products I use in my kitchen. Buy organic, natural.
01/13/2011 12:12:21 AM CST
Aneglica says ...
This year, I have chosen to go gluten free, and lowered my families intake of hydrogenated oils and saturated fats. The biggest thing is red meat. We have cut out red meat and eat smaller meal portions with healthy snacks in between. Fried foods have also been cut out of our diet. There have been drastic changes for our family of 6.
01/13/2011 12:35:10 AM CST
Julie says ...
I am the only one responsible for what goes into my body. It seems like every other week I go back and forth with healthy eating, less snacking. Then other weeks I can't get enough junk food. With proper education and practice I believe I can overcome my frustrations and lead a healthier life. I would love to get my hands on these materials. Proper, whole nutrition is the best thing anyone can do for themselves. I feel empowered just by reading all of these posts!!
01/13/2011 2:56:13 AM CST
Lara says ...
No more caffeine, less meat, less processed foods. More veggies and fruit!
01/13/2011 3:37:45 AM CST

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