Nice Arms Lady
Although my fitness goals have been different over the years, I realize that I always need to be asking myself if what I am doing is really helping me accomplish my weight and fitness goals? Am I bringing my “A-game” or am I bringing my “C+ game” and expecting an “A” anyways? Read Full Post
HMR’s Demo-licious Derby
Right now, HMR staff and people across the country are participating in the TI Challenge. And here in the Corporate Office, HMR staffers are taking turns serving up healthy recipes to our office mates. Let’s take a look at what the creative (and competitive) minds here at HMR have come up with… Read Full Post
Top 5 from the Trenches: High Volume Fruit and Veggies
Hello from the clinic trenches. Dieters in my classes tell me all the time they need to find foods that are easy to grab, high in volume, convenient and delicious. What is the answer? Fruits and vegetables! Recently, I polled my classes and here are the top 5 strategies for getting high volume with veggies and fruits. Read Full Post
Researchers Have Discovered the “Fountain of Youth!”
Many researchers have called this lifestyle behavior the “magic pill” or the “fountain of youth.” Best of all, the effects are positive for everyone and it’s free. Do you know what it is? Read Full Post
Souper Entree!
You can’t keep a recipe this good a secret! It’s warm, savory, and has a bit of a crunch to it. I like it enough to eat it several times a week. I’m talking about the HMR Savory Chicken. We all have our favorites, and this, for me, doesn’t even make my top 5. However, I L-O-V-E it when it’s prepared like this… Read Full Post
Are You Ready for a PUSH?
Here’s a question for YOU: are you happy with your current weight and level of fitness? Are there healthy behaviors and strategies from the past that have fallen out of your routine? If so, is it time to take on a “push” to build more momentum around your health behaviors? Read Full Post
Introducing the 2012 HMR Triple Imperative Challenge
The days are getting longer… the weather’s getting warmer… the birds are singing. Looks like it’s that time of year again for… The HMR Triple Imperative® (TI) Challenge! If you already participate in a Phase 2 class, you’re probably already hearing about the Challenge. If not, read on for some background and to learn how you can get involved. Read Full Post
Is it Really More Expensive to Eat Healthy?
How often have you heard people say they choose fast food because it is less expensive than healthier foods? How much data is there to support that claim? The answer – not much! It is possible to eat healthy foods without adding on extra costs. If you are trying to cut costs, here are some practical ways to keep food costs down… Read Full Post
No Longer Black and White!
I am a person who sees things as black and white, and that attitude carries over into my diet. Being regimented like this was very helpful while I was dieting in Phase 1. The problem came when I had reached my goal and no longer had to officially diet. I was either “eating healthy” or “eating whatever I wanted.” Read Full Post
The Guinea Pig Diet
The Guinea Pig Diet. No, it’s not a book on the New York Times best seller list or a fad diet that is endorsed by a famous actor or musician. It’s actually an observation I made when we recently bought my son a guinea pig to have as a pet… Read Full Post
Really Simple Soup: Garden Chicken and Rice
Wouldn’t it be great if you could put together an easy meal, using mostly canned ingredients, that could stay warm for a long time if needed, tasted great, and was low in calorie (perhaps, even in the Healthy Solutions® diet “box”)? Well, you’re in luck… Read Full Post
Common Phase 1 Challenges: Family Pizza Night
“I just started the diet and my family is sitting down for Friday night pizza – it’s killing me. I can’t imagine life without a slice of pizza. How do people deal with this ongoing issue of not having your favorite foods anymore?” Let’s take a look at what you can do to move beyond difficult situations like this one and stay “in the box.” Read Full Post
Jackson’s Drawing
An alternative title to this blog could have been: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Foods: Are my children listening? Read on to know more… Read Full Post
Top 5 from the Trenches: Entrees with Veggies
In this blog series, I highlight the “Top 5 faves” in our local HMR Program. This time around we are going to look at the top 5 entrée and vegetable combo recipes that dieters in our clinic are eating on a regular basis and would consider their “go-to” recipes when they want something filling, delicious and easy for lunch or dinner. Read Full Post
Girl about Town: Every Little Bit Counts
We know we need to make the time to get regular exercise – but we’ve all got crazy-busy lives, right? However, nothing helps you feel as good, as energized, and as ready for your day as good ‘ol physical activity. So why do so many of us resist doing it? We feel like we just don’t have the time. Read Full Post
Take Control of Your Food Environment
Let me tell you a story about Rebecca* and her attempt to stick to her diet in the face of an un-supportive environment. Perhaps you can relate to her experience… Read Full Post
Healthy Families: Bringing Vegetables and Fruits into Meal Times
As a mom and, I hope, a healthy role model for my daughter, we work on healthy behaviors as a family. One of the things I am constantly working on is finding ways to incorporate a variety of vegetables and fruits into my family’s snacks and meals. Here are some strategies for boosting your family’s fruit and veggie numbers… Read Full Post
Dixie Dog and My Workout Rut
Have you ever had a life change that completely disrupted your routine? Whether it’s moving to a new home, caring for a sick relative, or, in my case, the addition of a 4-legged family member, major life changes can be a huge blow to your regular workout routine. Read Full Post
Teach Your Children Well
Think of the good example you set for your family by eating more fruits and vegetables, using low-calorie meal replacements and exercising routinely. If your kids are younger and you’re wondering if they even notice… well, I’d like to give you confidence that they do. Here is an example that convinced me. Read Full Post
Sneaky Chef: The Purees Edition
I got into the habit of making purees regularly when I was making my own baby food. It was so simple to pour a puree into an ice cube dish and freeze it for later use. I’ve continued to do this to be able to have quick and easy access to some extra vegetables that can be easily incorporated (or hidden) in other foods I prepare. Read Full Post
My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets (and how I use them to make my life easier): The Blender Edition
I do most of the cooking for my family and rely on my favorite kitchen gadgets to help me make quick, delicious and nutritious meals. Read Full Post
5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! The Mileage Club
Have you ever heard of a Mileage Club Toe Token? Well, if you are a primary school student in my town, you are working very hard every week to keep earning them - in all different colors. I recently blogged about some of the “5-2-1-0 Let’s Go!” initiatives that my town is doing, and I have to say, Mileage Club is one of my personal favorites. Read Full Post
Hacking Your HMR Shakes
Preparing an HMR shake is pretty easy – powder, water, ice, blend. Given how creative HMR dieters can be, I wanted to share some of their tips and tricks for making shakes in different ways. If you are looking for new flavors, textures, high or low volume, or just want to try something different, I think this blog will be worth your time. Read Full Post
Eating Healthy Fats
To many people working hard to lose or maintain weight, fats are often thought of as a 4-letter word. The calories of fats are twice as concentrated as calories from carbohydrate or protein, which is why they make foods so calorically dense in such small amounts. But we don’t need to avoid all fats. Some fats are actually considered healthy. Read Full Post
Gluten-Free Diets – A Closer Look
Have you noticed how many food brands today are marketing to consumers about their new “healthier” gluten-free products? Is a gluten-free diet a.) healthier, and b.) does it lead to long-term weight-loss? I was curious… Read Full Post
Hacking Your HMR Entrees
(Hack: modifying an item to create additional functionality)
At first glance, preparing an HMR entree seems very straight forward. Open the box, microwave for 1-2 minutes, add spices or vegetables, and eat. In fact, there are a lot of other creative ways to enjoy entrees. Let’s take a look at some of the tips and tricks veteran HMR dieters use.
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My Gym Dilemma
Recently, on a walk with one of my co-workers, we got to talking about our workout routines, mainly all the planning that goes into making a workout actually happen. Read Full Post
March is National Nutrition Month
March can be such a challenging month, weather-wise. At least in the northeast, it truly can come in like a lion and go out like a lamb. The cold and gloom of still-wintery weather can lead to hibernation from healthy behaviors. So what can you do to reverse this? Read Full Post
Top 5 from the Trenches: High Volume Shakes
Ever wonder what other HMR dieters’ favorite recipes are? Welcome to the first in a series of “Top 5” lists all about our most popular (and most filling) recipes, according to HMR dieters. We’ll explore everything from high volume shakes made with fruit, to entrees with veggies, as well as grab-and-go veggie and fruit snacks. Read Full Post
The Importance of Good Hydration All Year Long
Most of us know it’s important to stay hydrated, but what may be surprising is that our fluid needs in the winter can often be the same as at the peak of summer, when heat and humidity are excessive. Our internal regulation of fluids is managed by thirst, but dehydration can trick us into making poor decisions. Read Full Post
The 78-year-old Titan
Most of us seek out role models in our personal and professional lives to guide us and inspire us to be our best. However, when it comes to health and weight, most people have very few healthy role models in their lives. Read Full Post
Sneaky Chef: The Beans Edition
In a previous blog, I wrote about how I incorporate zucchini into foods. Here, I’m going to share some tips on how to include extra servings of beans into your family’s meals. Read Full Post
The Can Man: Adding Volume to my HMR Entrees
My 25 years with HMR have been an exciting ride, and I have seen a lot of changes to the program. One big addition that I remember vividly was the introduction of the HMR Entrees. Read Full Post
Family Matters: Being Active Together
One of the resolutions I made this year is to be more active with my family - particularly with my 7-year-old daughter. The troubling headlines about childhood obesity do not paint a pretty picture. According to the CDC- approximately 17%, or 12.5 million, children and adolescents aged 2-19 are obese. Read Full Post
Really Easy Meals: The Five-Bean Potato
Have you ever been in a situation where you’re rushed, hungry, and not quite sure what to eat? Well, my friend, you have come to the right place. Read Full Post
5-2-1-0: Eating through the Rainbow
Eating through the Rainbow…what a fun way to inspire kids to eat different colors of fruits and vegetables! As part of the 5-2-1-0 program that I recently blogged about, my daughter’s primary school, along with the School Nutrition Program, participated in this 5-2-1-0 activity: Eating through the Rainbow. Read Full Post
Make a Shake, Make it Great: Use Spices, Coffee and Cocoa
Originally published October 24, 2011, this blog was part of an early series on add-ins to jazz up your HMR Shakes. We thought it was worth sharing again, in case you missed it the first time... Read Full Post
Those Little Cuties!
I’m sure you’ve seen them! Cuties® are little mandarin oranges that are a popular sight in winter months. They can actually be two different kinds of mandarins, depending on the month. They are seedless, super sweet, easy to peel and kid-sized. Read Full Post
Share the Love this Valentine’s Day
Every year on February 14th we celebrate Valentine’s Day, and while cards and flowers are perfectly acceptable gifts, the real big hits that day are candy, chocolate, and nice romantic dinners. In other words, indulgent food is usually involved. This can put people working on their weight in a bind – but there is another alternative… Read Full Post
Tell your Honey to Take a Hike!
So many holidays and celebrations are centered around food. It doesn’t have to be that way! Read Full Post
Working Out in Winter Months
I’ve previously written about working out with my kids in tow. In thinking about exercise recently, I’ve come to realize that I rely on the outdoors, and more specifically on good weather, for most of it. Living in the Northeast with cold, icy winter weather makes me realize that I’m going to need to do some adjusting as it pertains to my regular exercise routine. Read Full Post
Your HEART is in Your Hands!
The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign raises awareness of heart disease in women and encourages them to make healthy lifestyle changes. On National Wear Red Day® (the first Friday in February), wearing red is a way to show support for cardiovascular prevention and education. Read Full Post
New Year’s Resolutions: Useful or Useless?
Over dinner with a friend, we began discussing New Year’s resolutions, which led to a debate on whether they were useful or useless. “They are worthless!” he exclaimed, “No one ever keeps them, and then people feel like failures!” Of course not everyone follows through with a New Year’s resolution, I thought, but they are definitely not useless. Read Full Post
The Super Bowl: Who’s Going to Win?
Super Bowl is arguably the biggest football event of the year. To have a successful weight management day, take a look at some of these delicious recipes. Read Full Post
5-2-1-0 Let’s Go!
Recently, Chris Weithman, HMR’s resident dietitian, blogged about the childhood obesity dilemma that we’re seeing all over the news. As a mother of 3 young children in a Maine school system, I am lucky that the kids in my town are working on their ABCs, 123s, AND 5-2-1-0. Read Full Post
After-School Snack of Champions
With the influence of HMR on one shoulder and a gourmet chef on the other, I try to make my kids after-school snacks that are fun, delicious AND healthy. Read Full Post
BBQ that’s PDQ and ITB
Good barbecue can be a bit of a production to make, and it tastes great. Oh, there are two other things we should agree on: It’s pretty high in calorie and definitely not “in the box.” Or is it? Is there a way to get that great barbecue flavor without blowing your diet? Indeed, there is. Read Full Post
A Blast from My Past: The Counter-top Blender
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get stuck in a rut with your daily routines? One of my preferred routines was to make my daily HMR shake with a Braun® hand-held Immersion blender. It wasn’t until I was stretched out of my comfort zone that I realized how much of a rut I was in. Read Full Post
The Childhood Obesity Dilemma
It’s all over the news – the escalating weight problems of our youth. Medical communities, the federal government, and the First Lady are all talking about what is causing childhood obesity and what we need to do about it. Read Full Post
The Secret Life of a Five-Bean Entrée
All HMR entrees lead a secret life, and the Five-Bean entrée is no exception. Here’s the secret: they also make great soups. Read Full Post
No Time for Morning Exercise?
No time for morning exercise right? Or at least that used to be the case. As the kids have gone, so have my excuses. I’ve learned that there are advantages to staying on the same morning schedule that used to be my norm when the kids were home, and using that time to exercise. But the reality is that it can be easy to talk myself out of it. Read Full Post
How to Pick a Diet
So you’ve made weight loss a priority for the New Year. But this time you want to make sure you actually have a chance of success. Sound familiar? In fact, studies have shown that 82.5% of people pick a diet that is virtually guaranteed to fail. Weight loss can be successful, however, if you know what factors are important to consider. Read Full Post
Soup: The Weight-Loss Secret That Comes in a Bowl
Allow us a moment to ponder the lowly bowl of soup. When you think about it, soup is just a main course with water added, right? It’s the same amount of food and you’ll eat just as much, right? Well, as it turns out, not so much. Read Full Post
The DVR is my Secret Weapon
While working on my health over the past 25 years, I’ve discovered that if I want to sustain a high level of physical activity, I need to have a variety of strategies to do it. I’ve also learned that I need a “go-to” activity that I can count on, no matter what. Read Full Post
So You Made a New Year’s Resolution to Lose Weight. Now What?
Now that January 1st is behind us, many people like to get a fresh start and make New Year’s resolutions. Coming off of the holidays with all the high-calorie holiday “treats” that cause weight gain, the resolution to lose weight is a popular one. Here are some tried-and-true strategies anyone can do to lose weight and keep it off. Read Full Post
The Rehabilitation of Brussels Sprouts
If ever a vegetable needed a public relations makeover, it would be the Brussels sprout. Just do a quick online search for Brussels sprout and you see comments such as “Tastes like punishment!” and “Soft, mushy and yucky – no thanks!” So, let’s blow up traditional ways of cooking them. Instead of boiling, let’s try something new – like roasting. Read Full Post
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2012 (56)
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April
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Introducing the 2012 HMR Triple Imperative Challenge Is it Really More Expensive to Eat Healthy? No Longer Black and White! The Guinea Pig Diet Really Simple Soup: Garden Chicken and Rice Common Phase 1 Challenges: Family Pizza Night Jackson’s Drawing Top 5 from the Trenches: Entrees with Veggies Girl about Town: Every Little Bit Counts Take Control of Your Food Environment Healthy Families: Bringing Vegetables and Fruits into Meal Times
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March
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Dixie Dog and My Workout Rut Teach Your Children Well Sneaky Chef: The Purees Edition My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets (and how I use them to make my life easier): The Blender Edition 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! The Mileage Club Hacking Your HMR Shakes Eating Healthy Fats Gluten-Free Diets – A Closer Look Hacking Your HMR Entrees My Gym Dilemma March is National Nutrition Month Top 5 from the Trenches: High Volume Shakes The Importance of Good Hydration All Year Long
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February
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Sneaky Chef: The Beans Edition The Can Man: Adding Volume to my HMR Entrees Family Matters: Being Active Together Really Easy Meals: The Five-Bean Potato 5-2-1-0: Eating through the Rainbow Make a Shake, Make it Great: Use Spices, Coffee and Cocoa Those Little Cuties! Share the Love this Valentine’s Day Tell your Honey to Take a Hike! Working Out in Winter Months Your HEART is in Your Hands!
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January
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The Super Bowl: Who’s Going to Win? 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! After-School Snack of Champions BBQ that’s PDQ and ITB A Blast from My Past: The Counter-top Blender The Childhood Obesity Dilemma The Secret Life of a Five-Bean Entrée No Time for Morning Exercise? How to Pick a Diet Soup: The Weight-Loss Secret That Comes in a Bowl The DVR is my Secret Weapon So You Made a New Year’s Resolution to Lose Weight. Now What? The Rehabilitation of Brussels Sprouts
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April
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2011 (71)
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December
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Girl about Town: Hot Drinks for Cold Days Suffering from Holiday Diet Fatigue? Pump up the Volume! Demo-licious! To Snack or Not To Snack? Sneaking in Physical Activity during the Busiest Time of the Year Healthy Hanukkah Helpings The Phase 1 ‘Stay In the Box through Year End’ Challenge Banishing the Baking Blues Moo Goo Gai Pan: In the Box Take-Out Food Training for White Rock Girl about Town: The Well-Stocked Pantry Pesto Change-o Turkey Chili with Beans: Three Ways
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November
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The Kids are Back in Town Are You Planning to Stay “In the Box” on Thanksgiving? Un-learning Theory Building the Better Burger: Portabello Burgers The Phase 1 Thanksgiving Challenge Wondering How to Make Sense Out of Health Information on the Internet? Autumn Chili Taking a Bite out of Holiday Weight Gain My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets (and how I use them to make my life easier): The Food Processor Edition Raise the BeneFit Bar Starting Over: How an Injury Brought My Exercise to a Whole New Level On the Road… and on the Decision-Free Diet Lettuce Play With Our Food
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October
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Empty Nest – Empty Fridge! Can You Reset Your Metabolism? Yoga with Irene On the Road: How to Take Your Exercise with You Picnic Beans Girl about Town: Party Down at the Pot Luck My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets (and how I use them to make my life easier): The Crockpot Edition Freeze, Frappe or Float A Train, A Plane, and A Hotel Room Dips Without Chips Sneaky Chef: The Zucchini Edition
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September
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A Conversation with Jason Fast Food for a Family of Five Make a Shake, Make it Great: Use Extracts Dynamic Entree Duos Are School Lunches Getting Healthier? Farm Fresh, Any Time of Year Girl About Town: The Lost Weekend Misleading Labels: How ‘Zero’ Calorie Foods Contain Hidden Calories Just Like Mom Used to Make Make a Shake, Make it Great: Use Sugar-Free Pudding or Jell-o Yo-yo Dieting: Harmful or Harmless? Kids and Kabobs
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August
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Recipe Substitutions: Great Taste, Less Calories! Benefits of Weight Loss that Your Doctor Won’t Tell You Yikes! The Gym! Veggies Undercover I Eat Whole Cantaloupes No-Bake Entree Recipes, Part 1 Looking for Straight Talk about Nutrition? The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly… of working out with kids in tow Make a Shake, Make it Great: Use Sugar-free Syrups Girl About Town: Putting Your Best Foot Forward CSA Share, How Do I Love Thee? Diary of a Demo The 4 O’clock Shake Make a Shake, Make it Great: Use Diet Soda or Sugar-free Flavored Water What’s on the Menu? Lots of Calories!
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December
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