Texas Fit Chicks 75 Tips for Weight Loss (that really WORK!)

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                                               I can only handle 1 change now. What should it be??

• Eating out? Halve it, and bag the rest. A typical restaurant entree has 1,000 to 2,000 calories, not even counting the bread, appetizer, beverage, and dessert.
•  When dining out, make it automatic: Order one dessert to share.
• Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate
• See what you eat. Plate your food instead of eating out of the jar or bag.
• Eat the low-cal items on your plate first, then graduate. Start with salads, veggies, and broth soups, and eat meats and starches last. By the time you get to them, you’ll be full enough to be content with smaller portions of the high-calorie choices
• Instead of whole milk, switch to 1 percent. If you drink one 8-oz glass a day, you’ll lose 5 lb in a year
• Overeating is not the result of exercise. Vigorous exercise won’t stimulate you to overeat. It’s just the opposite. Exercise at any level helps curb your appetite immediately following the workout.
• When you’re exercising, you shouldn’t wait for thirst to strike before you take a drink. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Drink 8 ounces an hour before and another 4 to 8 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during your workout. Finish with at least 16 ounces after you’re done exercising
• Drinking too few can hamper your weight loss efforts. That’s because dehydration can slow your metabolism by 3 percent, or about 45 fewer calories burned a day, which in a year could mean weighing 5 pounds more. The key to water isn’t how much you drink, it’s how frequently you drink it. Small amounts sipped often work better than 8 ounces gulped down at once.
• Skipping breakfast will leave you tired and craving naughty foods by midmorning. To fill up healthfully and tastefully, try this sweet, fruity breakfast full of antioxidants. In a blender, process 1 c nonfat plain or vanilla yogurt, 1 1/3 c frozen strawberries (no added sugar), 1 peeled kiwi, and 1 peeled banana. Pulse until mixture is milkshake consistency. Makes one 2-cup serving; 348 calories and 1.5 fat grams.
• If you’re famished by 4 p.m. and have no alternative but an office vending machine, reach for the nuts—. The same goes if your only choices are what’s available in the hotel minibar.
• Next time you’re feeling wiped out in late afternoon, forgo that cup of coffee and reach for a cup of yogurt instead. The combination of protein, carbohydrate, and fat in an 8-ounce serving of low-fat yogurt will give you a sense of fullness and well-being that coffee can’t match, as well as some vital nutrients. If you haven’t eaten in 3 to 4 hours, your blood glucose levels are probably dropping, so eating a small amount of nutrient-rich food will give your brain and your body a boost.
• Making just a few changes to your pantry shelves can get you a lot closer to your weight loss goals. Here’s what to do: If you use corn and peanut oil, replace it with olive oil. Same goes for breads—go for whole wheat. Trade in those fatty cold cuts like salami and bologna and replace them canned tuna, sliced turkey breast, and lean roast beef. Change from drinking whole milk to fat-free milk or low-fat soy milk. This is hard for a lot of people so try transitioning down to 2 percent and then 1 percent before you go fat-free.

How do I avoid late-night eating??

• Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The large majority of people who struggle with night eating are those who skip meals or don’t eat balanced meals during the day. This is a major setup for overeating at night
• Eat your evening meal in the kitchen or dining room, sitting down at the table.
• Drink cold unsweetened raspberry tea. It tastes great and keeps your mouth busy.
• Change your nighttime schedule. It will take effort, but it will pay off. You need something that will occupy your mind and hands.
• If you’re eating at night due to emotions, you need to focus on getting in touch with what’s going on and taking care of yourself in a way that really works. Find a nonfood method of coping with your stress.
• Put a sign on the kitchen and refrigerator doors: “Closed after Dinner.”
• Brush your teeth right after dinner to remind you: No more food.
• Eat without engaging in any other simultaneous activity. No reading, watching TV, or sitting at the computer.

                                                       How can I control my raging sweet tooth??

• Once in a while, have a lean, mean salad for lunch or dinner, and save the meal’s calories for a full dessert
• Are you the kind of person who does better if you make up your mind to do without sweets and just not have them around? Or are you going to do better if you have a limited amount of sweets every day? One RD reported that most of her clients pick the latter and find they can avoid bingeing after a few days.
• If your family thinks they need a very sweet treat every night, try to strike a balance between offering healthy choices but allowing them some “free will.” Compromise with low-fat ice cream and fruit, or sometimes just fruit with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Try 2 weeks without sweets. It’s amazing how your cravings vanish.
• Eat more fruit. A person who gets enough fruit in his diet doesn’t have a raging sweet tooth.
• Eat your sweets, just eat them smart! Carve out about 150 calories per day for your favorite sweet. That amounts to about an ounce of chocolate, half a modest slice of cake, or 1/2 cup of regular ice cream.
• Try these smart little sweets: sugar-free hot cocoa, frozen red grapes, fudgsicles, sugar-free gum, Nutri-Grain chocolate fudge twists, Tootsie Rolls, and hard candy.
• Give it away! After company leaves, give away leftover food to neighbors, doormen, or delivery people, or take it to work the next day (and don't set it on your desk :)
• Walk around the mall three times before you start shopping.
• Make exercise a nonnegotiable priority.
• Remember, EAT before you meet. Have this small meal before you go to any parties: a hardboiled Egg, Apple, and a Thirst quencher (water, seltzer, diet soda, tea).
• As obvious as it sounds, don’t stand near the food at parties. Make the effort, and you’ll find you eat less.
•  At a buffet? Eating a little of everything guarantees high calories. Decide on three or four things, only one of which is high in calories. Save that for last so there’s less chance of overeating.
• Scramble eggs in a nonstick skillet. Pop some asparagus in the microwave, and add whole wheat toast. If your cholesterol levels are normal, you can have seven eggs a week!
• A bag of frozen vegetables heated in the microwave, topped with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts.

                                        Great ideas for a low-cal dinner when you don't want to cook

• A smoothie made with fat-free milk, frozen fruit, and wheat germ.
• The smallest fast-food burger (with mustard and ketchup, not mayo) and a no-cal beverage. Then at home, have an apple or baby carrots.
• A peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread with a glass of 1 percent milk and an apple.
• Skipping meals. Many healthy eaters “diet by day and binge by night.”
• Don’t “graze” yourself fat. You can easily munch 600 calories of pretzels or cereal without realizing it
• Eating pasta like crazy. A serving of pasta is 1 cup, but some people routinely eat 4 cups.43. Eating supersize bagels of 400 to 500 calories for snacks
• Ignoring “Serving Size” on the Nutrition Facts panel.
• Snacking on bowls of nuts. Nuts are healthy but dense with calories. Put those bowls away, and use nuts as a garnish instead of a snack.
• Thinking all energy bars and fruit smoothies are low-cal.

                                                                   How to Cut Calories:

• Juice has as many calories, ounce for ounce, as soda. Set a limit of one 8-oz glass of fruit juice a day.
• Get calories from foods you chew, not beverages. Have fresh fruit instead of fruit juice
• Keep a food journal. It really works wonders
• Follow the Chinese saying: “Eat until you are eight-tenths full.”
• Use mustard instead of mayo.
• Eat more soup. The noncreamy ones are filling but low-calorie
• Cut back on or cut out caloric drinks such as soda, sweet tea, lemonade, etc. People have lost weight by making just this one change. If you have a 20-oz bottle of Coca-Cola every day, switch to Diet Coke. You should lose 25 lb in a year.
• Take your lunch to work.
• Sit when you eat.
• Dilute juice with water.
• Have mostly veggies for lunch.
• Eat at home
• Limit alcohol to weekends.

                                                                       How to Eat more Veggies:

• Incorporate Shakeology into your day
• Have a V8 or tomato juice instead o a Diet Coke at 3 pm.
• Doctor your veggies to make them delicious: Dribble maple syrup over carrots, and sprinkle chopped nuts on green beans.
• Mix three different cans of beans and some diet Italian dressing. Eat this three-bean salad all week.
• Don’t forget that vegetable soup counts as a vegetable.
• Rediscover the sweet potato.
• Use prebagged baby spinach everywhere: as “lettuce” in sandwiches, heated in soups, wilted in hot pasta, and added to salads.
• Spend the extra few dollars to buy vegetables that are already washed and cut up.
• Really hate veggies? Relax. If you love fruits, eat plenty of them; they are just as healthy (especially colorful ones such as oranges, mangoes, and melons).
• Keep seven bags of your favorite frozen vegetables on hand. Mix any combination, microwave, and top with your favorite low-fat dressing. Enjoy 3 to 4 cups a day. Makes a great quick dinner.

                                                             Mantra to stay on track:

• “The best portion of high-calorie foods is the smallest one. The best portion of vegetables is the largest one. Period.
• “I’ll ride the wave. My cravings will disappear after 10 minutes if I turn my attention elsewhere.”
• “I want to be around to see my grandchildren, so I can forgo a cookie now.”
• “I am a work in progress.”
• “It’s more stressful to continue being fat than to stop overeating.”
• You can't ever "Out-Train" a bad diet

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? Click HERE to find a boot camp near you

Serving women from Anna, Prosper, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Fairview, Wylie, Plano, College Station, Houston, Richardson and Firewheel Texas

Not  a boot camp near you? You can start your fitness journey and get our 30 Day Fit Chick Challenge with 30 Days of recipes, at home workouts and printable grocery lists! For less than a dollar a day, you can start your weight loss no matter where you live. Click HERE to get started!

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7 Steps to Create new healthy habits

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What are your habits?


Do you eat the same thing for lunch, go through the same exercise routine, and fall into bed at the same time each night? Or maybe you've made a habit out of eating whatever looks good, avoiding exercise, and staying up as late as possible.

John Dryden famously said, "We first make our habits, and then our habits make us."

Confucius said, "Men's natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them."

And Aristotle noticed that, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."

It's pretty clear that the habits you adopt will shape who you are.
When it comes to your body, the two habits that define your physique are your eating and exercise habits. In fact, everyone that you know who is in great shape has dialed in these two important habits.

If you aren't happy with your body, then simply adjust your eating and exercise habits. Here's how to adopt a habit:

Making a Habit
Use these seven steps to create a life-improving habit.

1) Decide on the ONE habit that you would like to develop. It's tempting to pick up 3 or 4 healthy habits, but choosing just one new habit is realistic and doable.

Here are some healthy habit ideas:
Do not eat after 7pm each night.
Bring your lunch to work instead of eating fast food.
Exercise 4 times a week after work for 45 minutes each time.
Only eat fruits and veggies as your afternoon snack.
Get up early and exercise for an hour each morning.
Work with a personal trainer 3 times a week.

2) Write your new habit down on paper. Also include your 3 main motivators for developing this new habit, the obstacles you'll face, and your strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

Here's an example:

My new habit is to work with a personal trainer 3 times each week.
My 3 main motivators are 1) to feel confident in my bathing suit this summer, 2) to have more energy, and 3) to fit into my skinny jeans.

The obstacles I will face are 1) not having the energy to go to my session after work, 2) not having enough money to pay for sessions, and 3) not having my spouse's support.

I will overcome these obstacles by 1) doing my workouts before work instead of after work, so I have more energy, 2) cutting down on frivolous spending to ensure that I can afford it, and 3) asking my spouse to support my efforts.
3) Commit fully to your new habit, in a public way. This could mean posting it on facebook, or simply announcing it at the dinner table. Put yourself in a position where you might be a little embarrassed to give up on your new habit.

4) Keep track of your progress. You could keep a detailed journal or simply make a check mark on each calendar day that you successfully exercise your new habit.

5) Keep yourself publically accountable. This means either status updates on facebook or verbal status updates at the dinner table. Your friends and family are in a position to offer you support, so don't shy away from those close to you.

6) When you fail, figure out what went wrong so that you can plan around it in the future.

7) Reward yourself for your success.

Once your new habit becomes second nature, usually in about 30 days, feel free to add a second habit by going through the same 7 steps.

I'd love for Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp to become your new healthy habit! Call or email us now to reserve your spot.

Enjoy this yummy and healthy recipe tonight!

Easy Teriyaki Salmon

Salmon is filled with healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids, protein, and vitamin B12. This recipe is quick and tastes amazing. Serve it with a side of brown rice and steamed veggies.
Servings: 4

Here's what you need:

1 Tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 (6oz) salmon steaks

In a large re-sealable plastic bag combine the first six ingredients; mix well.
Set aside 1/2 cup of marinade and refrigerate.
Add salmon to remaining marinade, cover and refrigerate for 1-1/2 hours, turning once. Drain and discard marinade.

Place the salmon on a broiler pan. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 5 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade; turn and broil for 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Brush with remaining marinade.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 392 calories, 19g fat, 2.6g carbohydrate, .2g fiber, and 38g protein.

Bootcamp Fit Chicks in Meridiths' 7pm McKinney have this to say...

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After Texas Fit Chicks I have more energy, strength; I really feel stronger all over.
I would highly recommend Texas Fit Chicks to anyone. - Deena G.

Bootcamp has helped me on many levels...outside of getting stronger as the weeks pass by, I feel better. I feel healthier, stronger, more energized, sleep better, and all those things that come with working out. But I also think it has added structure in areas where I was lacking it. I've started really considering what I consume and put in my body these days where I had never really given a thought to it in the past. I've seen results and in those results it makes me want to work harder and get in even better shape. I would definitely recommend TFC to friends and family...even strangers! I thoroughly enjoy the workouts. ~ Tracy E

"My attitude and confidence improved just after the 1st week. I've always been selfish w/my evenings & really didn't like obligating myself to regular evening activities. Again, result = lethargy, frustration, FAT! I love TFC being in my regular schedule and look forward to italmost every time! I heard my husband telling a friend the other evening that he hoped the budget would always be there for this because it has made a huge difference in my self esteem and attitude! I thought to myself "he's right, I do feel different"! I'm doing things I didn't think I could. I still have a long way to go building lung capacity etc, but I've come so far it's not even funny! AND, the inches lost were the icing on the cake! I think I lost 5+ inches the first round, or maybe it was 6+!! My weight is on a down trend and I actually have muscles!! It's reinforced and reminded me, we can do anything if we set our mind to it, apply the effort, and trust the Lord for strength!! WHOOHOOOO!!! We are all at different levels of fitness but everyone is encouraging and cheering each other on. Of course great groups are usually the result of leadership....... Meredith you are AWESOME. So encouraging, friendly, caring, dedicated, need I go on?! I have loved getting to know you, you are a blessing!" Bridgette B.

My clothes fit better! I don't feel like a stuffed sausage! I recommend Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp all the time and love the incentives you give to get people to sign up. It is affordable compared to the personal trainers at a gym. And it is just fun! I look forward to another session. Holly

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Why does Interval Training work?

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Boot Camp Fat Loss - Why Interval Training Works

What is it About Boot Camp Fat Loss and Interval Training that Works So Well?

If you are interested in knowing more about boot camp fat loss, then you have come to the right place. This is not the type of training meant for those that are afraid to sweat. We like to say that at Texas Fit Chicks bootcamp we don't sweat...we glisten. Losing weight with interval training like the type that is featured in our boot camp is much more productive than many other types of programs for fat loss out there.

For many people that want to lose weight it is not about how, but instead about the results. Women want to be able to see in the mirror that they are losing weight or at least step on a scale and see that they are lighter. This means that you need more than just a workout that makes you feel the soreness that you only feel when you know you worked hard. You also need a method of working out that is going to prove to you that you can lose weight and you can see it disappearing.

You do not need to have any fancy equipment to use boot camp fat loss exercises and the best fat burning exercises are the ones you can do with your own body. Texas Fit Chicks keeps it interesting with body weight movements that you can do without any equipment to get the results you are after. We also incorporate the use of medicine balls, resistance bands and Kettlebells from time to time.

Making Sure you Use Boot Camp Fat Loss Properly

 Boot camp fat loss workouts have become very popular across the United States and for good reason.  The reason behind the popularity is all in the results. The results that women are seeing from the different boot camp fat loss programs are visible and they change your body. Texas Fit Chicks is unique in our approach. Unlike other bootcamps in the area, we never yell, demean or embarass you into pushing yourself. Our atmosphere is to inspire you to challenge yourself. We know how to motivate without a megaphone.
When you participate in our boot camp programs you'll find out very quickly that you are going to use all of your muscles instead of just isolating a few of them each day. When you perform exercises that engage all of your muscles, you will burn more fat than you will ifyou just isolate one group of muscles. If you were to compare doing crunches to doing an exercise like a jump squat you are going to find that the jump squat burns about 10 times as many calories. This is because it engages more of the muscles groups than a crunch does.

If you become a client of Texas Fit Chicks boot camp fat loss program, it will help you to lose the weight you are trying to shed much faster than most other routines out there. We also hold you accountable! We use interval type of training to help you get your heart rate up, find your target zone, and engage as many muscle groups as possible in each exercise.

The best part about losing weight is that you gain confidence, energy, and so much more. This is a life changing experience that many have already gone through, and you can be our next FIT Chick! Once you find and complete the first of your Texas Fit Chicks boot camp fat loss program, you will be hooked on the results and you will want to do it again and again.

We offer locations in McKinney, Plano, Allen, Prosper and Frisco with times as early as 5am and as late as 8pm M-F. Our bootcamps are for women only and we've helped hundreds of chicks become TExas Fit Chicks since 2009. What are you waiting for? Get in with us for under $200 and change your life.

http://www.texasfitchicks.com/
www.facebook.com/texasfitchicks for FREE fitness TIps daily, plus a chance to win a FREE 5 wk Boot Camp with us!

5 Amazing (and Healthy) Recipes the fam will love...all under 30 mins.

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BBQ Chicken Wraps
Ingredients

4 large, high fiber tortillas (I used Large La Tortilla Factory Whole Wheat Low Carb Tortillas)
8 oz shredded, skinless rotisserie chicken breast
1/2 cup prepared barbecue sauce
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn (thawed if frozen, drained if canned)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Juice from 1 lime, freshly squeezed

Instructions
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add all ingredients except tortillas, carrots, cilantro and cabbage; stir to combine. Cook until hot, 4 to 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
Assemble the wraps by equally diving the cabbage mixture between the 4 tortillas, and place in the center of each tortilla. Top with one-fourth of the chicken mixture; roll as you would a burrito.

Slice in half diagonally and serve warm.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)Cooking time: 5 minute(s)Diet (other): Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 4
Recipe by LaaLoosh.com.

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 wrap
PER SERVING: 206 calories; 5g fat; 34 g carbohydrates; 33 g protein; 14 g fiber

Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Ingredients


2 5-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium shallot, minced
1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps
2 tablespoons dry vermouth, or dry white wine
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, or scallion greens

Preparation
Season chicken with pepper and salt on both sides.
Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once or twice and adjusting the heat to prevent burning, until brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 12 to 16 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.


Add shallot to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes. Pour in vermouth (or wine); simmer until almost evaporated, scraping up any browned bits, about 1 minute. Pour in broth and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cream and chives (or scallions); return to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan, turn to coat with sauce and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.


2 servings

Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition
Per serving : 275 Calories; 15 g Fat; 5 g Sat; 7 g Mono; 84 mg Cholesterol; 5 g Carbohydrates; 25 g Protein; 1 g Fiber; 373 mg Sodium; 370 mg Potassium

Crockpot salsa chicken

Ingrediants:
4-5 frozen chicken breasts
1 can of corn
1 can black beans
1 small can green chiles
1 jar of your favorite salsa
(deli fresh or homemade tastes best)
4 oz low fat cream cheese
Combine all ingredients in crockpot on low setting for 7-8 hours.
30 min before serving add cream cheese on top and let melt.
Stir (shred chicken If preferred) and serve with corn tortillas, quinoa or brown rice.
Makes 4-6 servings depending on size of chicken breasts. Great for freezing and saving for work lunches
Eating Well/2008

Healthy Sloppy Joes
IngredientsAllrecipes

1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
3/4 cup ketchup
3 teaspoons brown sugar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste


Directions
1.In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and green pepper; drain off liquids.
2.Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 188
Total Fat: 9.3g
Cholesterol: 50mg


Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients

1 pound shredded, cooked chicken
1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
7 corn tortillas
vegetable oil


Directions
1.Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.


2.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

3.Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with oil. Cut tortillas into strips, then spread on a baking sheet.

4.Bake in preheated oven until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. To serve, sprinkle tortilla strips over soup.
Nutritional Info: 262 Calories/10.2g fat
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Hormonal Triggers that might be making you fat!

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I love endorphins. Hey, I confess. If you gotta be addicted to something, why not something good for you, right? There's nothing better than a runners "high" after a great workout.


Endorphins are the body's natural pain medication hormones. Endorphins (en-dor-fins), when they're released, make us feel better, improve our mood, increase pleasure, and minimize pain. There are some good ways, and bad ways, to increase endorphins.

Low endorphin levels make us crave fat

Nan Allison in her excellent book Full & Fulfilled describes the relationship between endorphins, food, and exercise. By permission, Nan Allison, M.S., RD writes:

High concentrations of endorphins in the brain produce a sense of euphoria, enhance pleasure, and suppress pain, both emotionally and physically. When endorphins are low, people feel anxious; they are also more aware of pain. They have an appetite for fat and fatty foods, such as fries, cheese, creamy sauces, margarine, butter, fried chicken, potato chips, and chocolate, to name some of the most popular examples. Upon eating some fat, they will notice a change in mood, feeling more pleasure. This feeling is related to a higher concentration of endorphin.Exercise, by releasing fat from within the body, raises endorphins and causes the same mood changes.

When we have cravings for potato chips and chocolate, it may mean that we need an endorphin pill rather than all the empty calories from chips. Well, there's a problem. We don't have an endorphin pill. But we have something even better; knowledge of how to deal with these specific types of cravings.

Low serotonin levels make us crave sugar

Similarly, another hormone, serotonin makes us feel calm, poised, confident, and relaxed. When our serotonin levels are low, we feel nervous, irritable and stressed. We don't crave fat, now we crave sugar.

Have cravings for sugar? Nan Allison advises that trying some crackers, frozen yogurt or popcorn may help by raising serotonin levels with far less calories.

Low dopamine make us feel foggy

Mentally "foggy" at times? This just may be caused by low dopamine levels. When we don't get adequate protein, dopamine levels drop and this makes us mentally sluggish.

The best way to raise dopamine levels, get plenty of lean protein in you diet, with moderate fat and carbs, advises Nan Allison.

High-intensity exercise performs best

Researchers have shown for years that high-intensity exercise increases these hormones significantly. At Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp we incorporate interval training ~ with intensity that's guaranteed to burn fat and change your body.

"Post-exercise beta-endorphin levels correlated with the peak speed attained during the sprint and the subjects peak power to weight ratio. These results suggest that the increases in plasma adrenaline are related to those factors that reflect the stress of the exercise and the contribution of anaerobic metabolism." ( Exercise intensity-related responses of beta-endorphin and catecholamines, 1987, McMurray).
When we experience strong cravings for sugar and high fat foods, it's probably due to a low hormone level that can be resolved with a sensible food choice.

When it comes to diet, the research is clear, the best diet is a balanced diet / in moderation.

Remember to get some high-quality carbs before workouts. This will help fuel the intensity of the workout, and increase, not lower your metabolism.
 
Here's a fabulous post-workout snack: great post workout meal! It's about 300-400 calories depending on the type of yogurt you use. It's great to make extra...you can store in the fridge to grab and go! It tastes wonderful from the fridge or freezer (as an ice cream substitute)! My kids love it too as a dessert! It's packed with protein!
Ingredients:

4 oz Vanilla Yogurt
4 oz Light Cottage Cheese
1 tbsp Granola
1/2 scoop vanilla Whey Protein

Add fresh or frozen Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or any other fruit you would like to try with it.

Blend in blender then enjoy!!
 
Every client of Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp gets a FREE MEAL plan to teach you how to eat! You will lose weight and get faster results than at the gym with our trainers.
All fitness levels welcome - we train chicks in McKinney, Frisco, Plano and Prosper Texas.
Click here for Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp Website

Why our clients love Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp...

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Sometimes chicks are nervous that they won't be able to "Do bootcamp" because they feel like they're not fit enough. I can't tell you the number of times that I've heard the following: "I need to start working out so that I can do ok once I start with Texas Fit Chicks." Nothing could be further from the truth! We show each exercise at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Don't take it from me though, here are a few of our chicks and their experience with our fitness boot camp:

"Joining Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp has been a life changing experience for me. I have finally found the motivation that I was lacking for so many years. I was very nervous when I joined boot camp that I would not be able to keep up in the classes. From the first day of class I have felt comfortable and confident in my abilities. The trainers show you different levels for each exercise and allow you to increase to the next level at your own pace. I also enjoy how every class is different and the exercises are fun. After 3 months I have lost 24 lbs and 18 inches. I could not have done it without Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp." - Brooke R.

"This boot camp helped me push myself harder than I ever would have pushed myself at the gym. The large variety of strength and cardio exercises kept me from ever getting bored and the accountability of being in a class setting kept me from making any excuses! I lost weight and inches in my first five weeks and am looking forward to losing even more!" Karen M

"I was really really nervous about starting this boot camp.  I didn't think I'd be able to handle the level they worked out or manage to get up at 4:30am three days a week.  It's been a great experience so far.  Melody assured me I wouldn't feel uncomfortable (I'm REALLY shy), and although I was still hesitant, I gave it a shot.  She was right.  I haven't felt uncomfortable one time.  I've been able to work out at the level that feels right for me.  I can already see a difference in my body and have only gone 4 times so far! I already can't wait to sign up again." Danielle O.

We strive to make Boot Camp fun and EFFECTIVE. Our number one goal is for YOU to reach your goals. Our Female trainers are all experienced and experts in our field - with national certifications. We will never try to sell you supplements, Shakes or anything else. Just result Driven workouts. We love training chicks in McKinney, Frisco, Plano and Prosper ~ and have women that drive from Allen, Prynceton and Dallas to join our bootcamps! Jump in on any Monday that works for you...and with the flex option you can do bootcamp even if you travel or have a changing schedule from week to week.

Our free meal plan gets you results faster. Don't wait to get fit before you jump in with us ~ that's OUR job to get you fit!

Daily Boot Camp Fitness Tips on Texas Fit Chicks Facebook Page

Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp Website

Thinking about lipo? Think again...

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Liposuction is the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons - but, says new research, it’s far from perfect. A new study from the University of Colorado examined non-obese patients who’d had liposuction of their thighs and lower abdomens and found that fat that’s been removed from one part of the body comes back in another part. For study participants that meant that, after a year following the surgery, fat deposits came back in the patients’ upper abdomens, shoulders and upper arms. Liposuction, which is not a treatment for obesity and which removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body, such as the thighs, chin and abdomen, accounted for 200,000 procedures in the US last year.

Garlic Stuffed Chicken ~ Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp Trainer Favorite!

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Chicken should be a staple when trying to eat clean. Bootcamp workouts and eating clean will get you to your results twice as fast as just boot camp alone! My children get sick of mundane chicken from the grill ~ so I have to always find ways to spice it up and keep it interesting! Here's a recipe I love that is also great for you!

Garlic-Stuffed CHicken
2 servings

2 chicken breasts (about 1lb)
10 cloves Garlic, halved
1 egg, beaten
1/2C Wheat Germ

1.  Prehead oven to 350
2. Use a sharp knife to make 10 small cuts per chicken breast
3. Insert a piece of garlic into each cut
4. Coat each breast with egg and wheat germ
5. Bake for 45 mins or until cooked through

Nutrients per serving:
Calories: 418, Total Fats: 9g, Sat Fat: 3g, Trans Fat 0g, Sodium: 187mg, Total Carbs 20g, Fiber 4g Protein 66g, Sugars 0g, Iron: 5mg
- Oxygen Magazine

Top 10 Favorite Trainer snacks

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Snacking throughout the day is the best way to keep your metabolism stoked and body out of starvation mode. The following snacks are my personal favorites...and while I'm not a nutritionist...I get asked what I eat often. Thought I would share my top 10 fave snacks with you! One other note - I don't "count calories" throughout each day. I think these have on avg of 200-250 each, give or take a few.

• Muscle Milk Light with frozen banana ~ Great protein with no sugar or lactose. I freeze bananas (when they're on the greener side). Pour can of Muscle Milk into cup, run banana under a little water to soften the peel (or peel before you freeze) unpeel banana, chunk it up into 3 pieces. Add ice and blend. Consitstency of a milkshake and really satisfying! I get the 18pk of muscle milk at Sams (around 24 bucks)
• Supreme Protein ~ best protein bar EVER. Yummy and only around 200 cals. Truly tastes like a candy bar and kills chocolate cravings for me.
• Edamame ~ Buy it already portion sized out for you at Sams (frozen). Steams in the bag and only has 150 calories. Keeps your hands busy as you snack.Great movie watching snack!
• Celery w/ Almond Butter ~ Celery has like 20 calories for 3 stalks. Add 1T of almond butter and it's a great healthy snack that my kids actually love!
• Apples ~ Apples are full of fiber which is always good when trying to lose weight. Try to buy organic since the skin is thin, and they will be full of pesticides. Once you eat the organic for a while, the others taste really bad. Buy only what you will eat for the week - they will go bad faster than non-organic (which is NOT a bad thing!)
• Greek Yogurt with Frozen berries ~ this is so good. 1C of plain greek yogurt, 1/2C of frozen blueberries,strawberries, etc. and a Truvia packet (or liquid stevia). Satisfies my sweet tooth and is packed with protein. Deeee-lish
• Raw, Unsalted Almonds ~ I keep a ziploc bag of these in my car all the time. They are perfect for when you're out and start getting hungry. Has saved me from the drive-thru many a time.
• String Cheese and a cup of hot green tea ~ This is a great afternoon snack. Eat the cheese slowly and savor with the tea. It's relaxing and the benefits of green tea is another entire article in itself!
• Turkey Lettuce Wrap ~ Choose low-sodium breast of turkey from the deli, wrap in a piece of Bibb lettuce and have 2 or 3 for a great snack. This was from South beach when I tried that a decade ago, and I still remember (and love) this snack
• Hard Boiled Eggs ~ I boil a dozen eggs every Sunday and they are gone within the week. Kids love them and they are a really easy grab and go snack that fill me up! Need more than 1? Have up to 5 egg whites and 1 yoke.

Hope you enjoy the ideas ~ feel free to share any others that you love!
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Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp Times and Locations

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Stonebridge Ranch (McKinney)

MWF 5am-6am & 6am-7am (Trainer - Melody)
or
MWF 9:30am-10:30am (Trainer - LeighAnne)
trainwithmelody@gmail.com

Stonebridge Ranch (McKinney)
M,Tu,Th 7PM-8PM (Trainer - Meridith)
trainwithmer@gmail.com

East Frisco (Custer/Eldorado)
MWF 5:30am-6:30am (Trainer - Christine)
trainwithchristinetaylor@gmail.com

Central Frisco (Legacy/Lebanon)
MWF 5:30am-6:30am AND *NEW*9am-10am(Trainer - Michelle)
trainwithmichelletx@gmail.com

*NEW* Plano (Spring Creek/Preston)
MWF 5:00am-6:00am (Trainer - Titia)
trainwithtitia@gmail.com

*NEW* Prosper (Lighthouse Church)
MWF 5:30am-6:30am (Trainer - Toni)
trainwithtoni@gmail.com

Fitness Plans for 2012? Reach your Goals with Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp!

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Are you ready for the New Year? Is one of your resolutions going to be weight loss? Thousands of people will make that a goal, but won't stick to it. If you are ready to get committed to your Fitness and Health, Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp is the place to be. How many of us have a gym membership that we pay for each and every month and never go? If you're lacking motivation and need someone to check in on you when you don't show up for a workout, you've just found it. Our bootcamp trainers have a true passion for helping women lose weight and live healthier lives. Here's what a few of our clients at Texas Fit Chicks are saying about our bootcamp:

Down 7 pounds and 8 inches in 5 weeks! Texas Fit Chicks has been such a great experience.  I have attended a couple different locations and every trainer I've had has been wonderful!  As someone who has never been especially fit, it's great to finally be enjoying a workout.  The support from the trainers and my fellow fit chicks has made all the difference.  I have a couple of friends who have signed up after seeing my results, and I truly can't say enough good things about my experience with Texas Fit Chicks.  I'm already signed up for two more sessions, and hopefully many more in the following months! Kelsey A.

"Bootcamp has helped me on many levels...outside of getting stronger as the weeks pass by, I feel better. I feel healthier, stronger, more energized, sleep better, and all those things that come with working out. But I also think it has added structure in areas where I was lacking it. I've started really considering what I consume and put in my body these days where I had never really given a thought to it in the past. I've seen results and in those results it makes me want to work harder and get in even better shape. I would definitely recomment TFC to friends and family...even strangers! I thoroughly enjoy the workouts!"
Tracy E.

"Joining Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp has been a life changing experience for me. I have finally found the motivation that I was lacking for so many years. I was very nervous when I joined boot camp that I would not be able to keep up in the classes. From the first day of class I have felt comfortable and confident in my abilities. The trainers show you different levels for each exercise and allow you to increase to the next level at your own pace. I also enjoy how every class is different and the exercises are fun. After 3 months I have lost 24 lbs and 18 inches. I could not have done it without Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp." - Brooke R.

"This boot camp helped me push myself harder than I ever would have pushed myself at the gym. The large variety of strength and cardio exercises kept me from ever getting bored and the accountability of being in a class setting kept me from making any excuses! I lost weight and inches in my first five weeks and am looking forward to losing even more!" Karen M

"I was really really nervous about starting this boot camp. I didn't think I'd be able to handle the level they worked out. It's been a great experience so far. Melody assured me I wouldn't feel uncomfortable (I'm REALLY shy), and although I was still hesitant, I gave it a shot. She was right. I haven't felt uncomfortable one time. I've been able to work out at the level that feels right for me. I can already see a difference in my body and have only gone 4 times so far! I already can't wait to sign up again." Danielle O.

Sometimes chicks are nervous that they won't be able to "Do bootcamp" because they feel like they're not fit enough. I can't tell you the number of times that I've heard the following: "I need to start working out so that I can do ok once I start with Texas Fit Chicks." Nothing could be further from the truth! We show each exercise at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Don't take it from me though, here are a few of our chicks and their experience with our fitness boot camp.

We strive to make Boot Camp fun and EFFECTIVE. Our number one goal is for YOU to reach your goals. Our Female trainers are all experienced and experts in our field - with national certifications. We will never try to sell you supplements, Shakes or anything else. Just result Driven workouts. We love training chicks in McKinney, Frisco, Plano and Prosper ~ and have women that drive from Allen, Prynceton and Dallas to join our bootcamps! Jump in on any Monday that works for you...and with the flex option you can do bootcamp even if you travel or have a changing schedule from week to week.

We know you have other options when it comes to working out ~ and if you've not been one of our Fit Chicks yet, we wanted to let you know WHY you should choose our bootcamp, and what makes us different than the rest!

• Instructors that are ALL nationally certified Personal Trainers. This cert requires much more in depth study than the group fitness cert. You can be confident that your trainer knows what she's doing and can also address any health issues or concerns you may have when working out with us!
• Nutritional Guidance ~ You will get a FREE meal plan when you join Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp, that was created by a registered dietician exclusively for us. It will give you healthy options to mix and match over the course of your bootcamp
• Our philosophy ~ we think that it's unnecessary to scream at people when trying to motivate them. That will never happen in our bootcamp. We don't use whistles, intimidation, or (heaven forbid) megaphones to encourage you to work hard. Our clients experience amazing results without that! There's just no need for it. We motivate, encourage and inspire and that's what our clients love.
• Amazing workouts! We have dozens of women that stay with us year after year because they never do the same workout twice. Melody creates workouts for all of our locations, and incorporates Kettlebells, Medicine balls, resistance bands and more to keep it fun, and you're always guessing what's coming next.
• Perfect for every level! Our trainers teach you how to modify each and every exercise we do, so that it's appropriate for every fitness level.
• All women. There's never any problem if your shirt is riding up your back doing the beloved mountain climbers ~ since it's just women there! Many times male-led camps don't focus on what women really want to work, or they overtrain clients which leads to injury. I've heard from too many clients that tried a male-led bootcamp and have had that experience.
• Consistency. There are lots of bootcamps that pop up overnight, and go away just as fast. Texas Fit Chicks has been going strong since 2009, and all of our trainers have years of training experience. We aren't going anywhere ~ and you can count on a great workout every single time we meet.
• We are INDOORS for the winter ~ and if there's rain. Not in a parking garage, not under a canopy, inside a climate-controlled bldg. Even if there's not lightening, we won't ask you to workout in the rain (unlike others) - we don't want to do that, and don't expect our clients to do something we wouldn't do ourselves!
• Affordable Accountability ~ If you're not in class, we will email you each and every time you miss. You're not just a number to us, we want you to reach your goals as much as you do, and to get there, you've got to be there! You will always hear from your trainer checking in on you, and we miss you when you're gone.
• We make it FUN! You will make friends, laugh, work, and meet other chicks that have the same goal as you do ~ to get healthy! Our bootcamp makes it easy to form great relationships with other women.

READY TO GET FIT? We have a couple of options ~ including one that's PERFECT if you want to lose 15 pounds or more. Our FIT FOR LESS program brings bootcamp down to just $10 a workout! With a 15 week commitment, it's Affordable Accountability! Limited space since we are indoors for the Winter ~ grab your spot today! FIT FOR LESS Bootcamp

Just want to do ONE 5 wk session with Texas FIt CHicks?
 5 Week No Excuses Bootcamp

Locations in McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Plano and Frisco Texas! Early morning bootcamp and evening bootcamp available. Limited Space ~ Reserve your spot today!

Questions? Email us: texasfitchicks@gmail.com

Click here for more details

$99 Friend Deal for our new FRISCO evening Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp!

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Texas Fit Chicks FRISCO EVENING Camp

 starts March 5!!

This week ONLY you can get boot camp for just $99 when you sign up with a friend!*

Details of the deal:

You and a friend both sign up for our new 7pm Frisco evening camp with Texas Fit Chicks, and you each get:

What you get: 5 wks of full body (amazingly FUN and effective) workouts with your nationally certified female trainer + Free 5 wk meal plan to get you even faster results than our workouts alone + Amazing support on your weight-loss journey + Training for just over 6 bucks an hr!! It's a steal. + Full Email access to your trainer. Got a question you don't want to ask in class, we are always happy to help even when we're not training you.

All of this for $99!! That's a savings of $100!

Hurry...offer expires March 4!!

Angela will get you to your goals, and have amazing support along the way. We motivate without the megaphone ~ but will push you in a way that makes you get the results you want. Just in time for summer :)

Want to grab this deal?

Email Angela for details on how to get this deal and sign up!TrainwithAngelab@gmail.com

 Our 5 wks are already a low $199 ($13/hr) if you can't find a friend, and you can start any Monday! All fitness levels welcome. Still not sure? Read these testimonials from a couple of our fit chicks...

"I lost 15 lbs and 7 inches in my first 5 wk bootcamp with Texas Fit Chicks!" - Tonja N. Age 51

"Joining Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp has been a life changing experience for me. I have finally found the motivation that I was lacking for so many years. I was very nervous when I joined boot camp that I would not be able to keep up in the classes. From the first day of class I have felt comfortable and confident in my abilities. The trainers show you different levels for each exercise and allow you to increase to the next level at your own pace. I also enjoy how every class is different and the exercises are fun. After 3 months I have lost 24 lbs and 18 inches. I could not have done it without Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp" - Brooke R. 4/11

"This boot camp helped me push myself harder than I ever would have pushed myself at the gym.The large variety of strength and cardio exercises kept me from ever getting bored and the accountability of being in a class setting kept me from making any excuses! I lost weight and inches in my first five weeks and am looking forward to losing even more!" Karen M.

Join us today and start Monday! Let us get you to your fitness goals.
Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp ~ Get Up. Get Out. Get FIT!

$99 5 wk Fit Friend deal is only good for our Traditional "NO EXCUSES" 5 wk bootcamp, and not offered for the flex card. Friends must start on the same date and the same class time/location for offer to be valid. Not valid with any other offers *Both clients must be new clients only, never having previously been enrolled in a TFC camp at any other location.

Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp SUMMER CHALLENGE

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Sometimes a little competition is all we need to kick it up a notch. Now you've got it! Announcing the Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp Summer Challenge. It starts this Monday and finishes just in time for swimsuit shopping!! Here are the details:


Starts Monday ~ April 11 and contest ends May 13

The chick with the biggest drop in bodyfat will be declared the Fit Chick Winner and will receive:
FREE 5 Week Bootcamp
FREE 3 mos of FitChickTraining.com
CASH Prize!

We are doing this "biggest loser" style and it's $10 to take part in the contest! Here's how:
Let your bootcamp trainer know you want IN on the Summer Challenge! Bring $10 by Monday (Apr 11) and give to your trainer ~ all will go into the pot to be given to the winner! She will take your body fat% before your workout on Monday, so it's the most recent measurement. Everyone will re-measure their bodyfat on the last day of the contest (May 13) and winner will be announced that day!!

Not currently a client of Texas Fit Chicks? Start Monday with us, and you can also be eligible for the challenge! Email Melody at TrainwithMelody@gmail.com for a list of times/class locations, etc.

Start the summer off right with us!!

Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole (Yes, it's healthy!)

Yes - you can enjoy Mexican food AND casseroles that are healthy! Sounds like an oxymoron ~ but you will love this recipe. At only 240 calories per serving, it's a great dinner to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients



1 can fat free cream mushroom soup


1 can fat free cream chicken soup


1 can water


1 can black beans, drained and rinsed


1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies


1 1/2 c rice


1 pkg taco seasoning


cilantro and green onions chopped (optional)


frozen boneless,skinless chicken breasts


shredded cheddar cheese (2% cheese)




Directions


13x9 in glass casserole dish with cooking spray


wisk soups, water and taco seasoning in bowl then pour into bottom of dish


sprinkle rice over soups


place chicken breasts FROZEN over soup and rice


pour beans and tomatoes over chicken, cilantro and green onions sprinkled on top.


Cover with foil, bake 350 degrees 1 hour,40 min.


remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over to melt.


Number of Servings: 12

100 Easy Ways to Cut 100 Calories a Day

Here are 100 painless ways to cut 100 or more calories a day. Making small changes can add up to big results when you are trying to lose weight, and keep it off.

1. Spread 1 tablespoon of all-fruit jam on your toast rather than 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Replace 1 cup of whole milk with 1/2 cup of nonfat milk.
3. Eat 2 poached eggs instead of 2 fried eggs.
4. Replace 1/2 cup of granola with 2 cups of Cheerios.
5. Instead of using whole milk and eggs to prepare 2 slices of French toast, use nonfat milk and egg whites.
6. Snack on an orange and a banana instead of a Snickers candy bar.
7. Munch on 35 pretzel sticks instead of 1 ounce of dry-roasted peanuts.
8. Replace 1 cup of sweetened applesauce with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
9. On your lamb-and-vegetable kabob, replace 2 of the 4 chunks of meat with fresh whole mushrooms.
10. Dip an artichoke in 1 tablespoon of low-fat mayonnaise instead of 1 1/2 tablespoons of regular mayonnaise.
11. Steam your asparagus rather than sauté it in 1 tablespoon of butter or oil.
12. Instead of a 5-ounce glass of wine, opt for cherry-flavored sparkling water.
13. For a chewy snack, have 1/2 cup of dried fruit rather than 9 caramels.
14. Replace 3 slices of bacon with 3 slices of Light & Lean Canadian bacon.
15. Eat a Lender's egg bagel instead of a Sara Lee egg bagel.
16. Select 1 cup of home-style baked beans instead of an equal serving of baked beans with franks.
17. Replace 2 biscuits with 2 dinner rolls.
18. When making a sandwich, use 2 slices of Roman Light 7-grain bread instead of Pepperidge Farm wheat bread.
19. Eat 1/2 cup of steamed fresh broccoli instead of 1/2 cup of frozen broccoli in cheese sauce.
20. Make a burrito with 1/2 cup of fat-free refried beans and 1 ounce of nonfat cheese instead of the same amount of traditional refried beans and cheese.
21. Replace an apple muffin with a high-fiber English muffin.
22. Reduce a typical serving of chocolate cake (1/8 of a two-layer cake) by one-third.
23. Switch from 1 cup of whole-milk hot chocolate to 1 cup of steamed 1% milk flavored with a dash of almond extract.
24. Replace 1 cup of caramel-coated popcorn with 2 1/2 cups of air-popped popcorn.
25. Switch from 1/2 cup of yogurt-covered raisins to 1/2 cup of plain raisins.
26. Snack on 1 cup of nonfat plain yogurt instead of 1 cup of custard-style yogurt.
27. Top your celery sticks with 2 tablespoons of fat-free cream cheese instead of 3 tablespoons of regular cream cheese.
28. Replace 2 fried-chicken drumsticks with 2 roasted drumsticks and a cup of peas and carrots.
29. Instead of eating 5 chocolate-chip cookies, savor the taste of 2.
30. Lighten your 2 cups of coffee with 2 tablespoons of evaporated nonfat milk instead of 2 tablespoons of half-and-half.
31. Replace a 12-ounce can of cola with a 12-ounce can of diet cola.
32. Thicken your cream sauce with 1 percent milk and corn starch instead of a roux of butter and flour.
33. At the appetizer tray, choose 4 fresh raw mushrooms instead of 4 batter-fried mushrooms.
34. Use 2 tablespoons of fat-free sour cream instead of regular sour cream (on baked potatoes or in stroganoff). If done twice in the day, 100 calories will be cut.
35. Reduce the size of your steak from 4 1/2 ounces to 3 ounces.
36. Grill a cheese sandwich with nonstick cooking spray instead of margarine.
37. Replace 1 cup of chocolate ice cream with 2/3 cup of nonfat chocolate frozen yogurt.
38. Snack on 2 ounces of oven-baked potato chips instead of regular potato chips.
39. Instead of topping your salad with an ounce of croutons, get your crunch from 1/4 cup of chopped celery.
40. Instead of 1 cup of macaroni salad, eat 3 1/2 cups of spinach salad with 2 tablespoons of low-calorie dressing.
41. Cut the peanut butter on your sandwich from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon.
42. Serve your turkey with 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce instead of 1/2 cup.
43. Order a sandwich on cracked wheat bread instead of a croissant.
44. Complement your hamburger with 1 1/4 ounces of oven-baked tortilla chips instead of a side of fries.
45. Split an apple Danish with a friend rather than eat the entire thing.
46. Order 2 slices of cheese pizza instead of 2 slices of pepperoni pizza.
47. Grab a Dole Fresh Lites Cherry frozen fruit bar instead of a Sunkist Coconut frozen fruit bar.
48. Snack on 1/2 cup of fruit cocktail canned in water instead of 1 cup of fruit cocktail canned in heavy syrup.
49. Switch from 1 cup of fruit punch to 1 cup of sparkling water flavored with 2 teaspoons of concentrated orange juice.
50. Instead of eating garlic bread made with butter, spread baked garlic cloves on French bread.
51. Rather than snack on 1 cup of grapefruit canned in syrup, peel and section 1 small grapefruit.
52. Dip your chips in 1/2 cup of salsa instead of 1/2 cup of guacamole.
53. Switch from 1/2 cup of Frusen Gladje butter pecan ice cream to Breyers butter pecan ice cream.
54. Use 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise in your tuna salad instead of 2 tablespoons.



55. Hold the tartar sauce on your fish sandwich, and squeeze lemon on it instead.



56. Replace 3 fish sticks with 3 ounces of grilled halibut.



57. In sandwich spreads or salads, use 3 teaspoons of dijonnaise instead of 4 teaspoons of mayonnaise.



58. Use 2 tablespoons of light pancake syrup instead of 2 tablespoons of regular syrup.



59. Top your pasta with 1 cup of marinara sauce instead of 1/2 cup of alfredo sauce.



60. For each serving of pasta salad you make, reduce the oil or mayonnaise by 1 tablespoon.



61. Replace 1/2 cup of peaches canned in extra-heavy syrup with 1/2 cup of peaches canned in water.



62. Prepare 1/2 cup of steamed peas and cauliflower instead of frozen peas and cauliflower in cream sauce.



63. Cut back on sampling during cooking. The following "tastes" have 100 calories: 4 tablespoons of beef stroganoff, 3 tablespoons of homemade chocolate pudding, 2 tablespoons of chocolate-chip cookie dough.



64. At an Italian restaurant, snack on a large breadstick instead of a slice of garlic bread.



65. Eat a 3/4-cup serving of pudding made with skim milk rather than a 1-cup serving of pudding made with whole milk.



66. Choose 1/2 cup of brown rice instead of 1 serving of frozen rice pilaf with green beans or 1 serving of frozen Oriental rice and vegetables.



67. Compliment your sandwich with 3/4 cup of split-pea soup instead of 1 cup of chunky bean and ham soup.



68. Replace 3 tablespoons of strawberry topping on your ice cream with 3/4 pint of fresh strawberries.



69. Pass on the second helping of mashed potatoes.



70. Eat 3 grilled prawns with cocktail sauce instead of 3 breaded and fried prawns.



71. Make a pie crust with 1 cup of Grape-Nuts cereal, 1/4 cup of concentrated apple juice and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, instead of using a traditional graham-cracker crust. You'll save 100 calories per slice.

72. Replace 8 sticks of regular chewing gum with sugar-free chewing gum.

73. Snack on a papaya instead of a bag of M&Ms.

74. Substitute 3 ounces of scallops for 3 ounce of lean beef in your stir-fry.

75. Rather than spread 4 tablespoons of cream cheese on two slices of raisin bread, dip the bread in 1/2 cup nonfat apple-cinnamon yogurt.

76. Munch on 1 cup of frozen grapes instead of an ice cream sandwich.

77. Rather than drink a strawberry milkshake, make a smoothie of 2/3 cup of low-fat milk, 1/2 cup of strawberries and 1/2 a banana.



78. Replace 2 brownies with 2 fig bars.



79. Eat 2 meatballs instead of 4 with your spaghetti.



80. On a hot day, quench your thirst with a glass of ice water with lemon or mint instead of a can of light beer.



81. Eat 1/2 cup of black beans instead of 3 ounces of roast beef.



82. Replace 1 1/2 tablespoons of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spread with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Nucoa Smart Beat margarine.



83. Choose 1 serving of vegetarian lasagna instead of lasagna with meat.



84. Eat 2 Kellogg's Nutri-Grain bars instead of 2 Kellogg's Pop-Tarts.



85. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of low-calorie French dressing on your salad instead of 2 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing.



86. Replace 1 large flour tortilla with 1 six-inch corn tortilla.



87. Eat a turkey sandwich instead of a chicken salad sandwich.



88. Choose 4 1/2 ounces of tuna packed in water instead of 4 1/2 ounces of tuna packed in oil.



89. At Burger King, have a Whopper Jr. Sandwich with regular fries instead of a Whopper With Cheese Sandwich.



90. Order your Quarter Pounder without cheese.



91. At Jack in the Box, eat a regular taco instead of a super taco.



92. Fix 1 cup of turkey chili with beans rather than regular chili with no beans.

93. Use 1 cup of fat-free cottage cheese instead of regular cottage cheese.

94. Order a sandwich with barbecued chicken instead of barbecued pork.

95. Replace 1 cup of corn with 1 cup of carrots.

96. Reduce your helping of turkey stuffing from 1 cup to 2/3 cup.

97. Have a single scoop of ice cream instead of a double scoop.

98. Replace 2 ounces of corn chips with 2 ounces of SnackWell's wheat crackers.

99. Eat 1 hot dog at the baseball game instead of 2.

100. Shred 2 ounces of fat-free cheddar cheese on nachos instead of regular cheddar.

Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., is a nutritionist in private practice and editor of the Nutrition Report. Her latest book is Nutrition for Women: The Complete Guide

We offer fitness training for women only - with our boot camps in McKinney Texas. Serving women of Frisco, Plano, Allen, Dallas and Prosper Tx. Our trainers are all nationally certified fitness trainers and have a passion for helping women lose weight and regain health through exercise! Join us for a 5 wk boot camp and start any Monday.