Maintain - Don't Gain!

Make it a goal this holiday season...to maintain and not gain! Here are a few food ideas that will keep you feeling full, to minimize reaching for another piece of pie!

Include Lean Proteins throughout the day. You will feel more full after a chicken salad vs a garden salad (just be sure not to drench it in high fat dressing!). Your body uses up more calories to digest protein - which makes you feel more satiated. You will stay full longer. It also builds muscle, so the more lean tissue you have, the more calories you will burn overall. Thus the reason for our weight training during boot camp! Examples of lean proteins include: fish, nuts, beans, cheese, yogurt, shrimp and skinless chicken breast.

Filling Fats - Healthy fats take longer to digest, which can prevent you from overeating by keeping you full between meals. Mono- and Poly-unsaturated fats are known for their protective heart benefits, which is important for long term health. Healthy fats include: unsalted, unroasted nuts, avocados and olive oil* . I love to keep raw almonds in a ziploc baggie in the car - for when I am out and need a filling and quick snack. *all in moderation*

Low Calorie Fiber - To keep your metabolism revved up - you want to eat several small "meals" throughout the day. Fiber rich fruits and veggies are filling and give you the antioxidants that fight disease, with very little calories. You want to include colorful fruits and veggies - organic if possible