Archive for the ‘Weight Loss Tips’ Category
Your Weight “Set Point”
Just as your body temperature is programmed to stay around 98.6 degrees, your body weight is naturally regulated to stay within a range of 10%-20%. This weight range is known as the “set point.” A complex set of hormones, chemicals, and hunger signals help your body naturally maintain your weight within this range. It is not just a matter of genetics, though. Your eating and exercise habits can also help to determine your set point. It is difficult, but not impossible, to set your range lower. With changes in healthy eating and exercise behavior, you can lower your set point.
Created by Karen Thampoe, MD.
West Houston Internal Medicine
Office located in Katy, Tx
Holiday Food No No’s
- Turkey Skin-Instead have turkey breast or white meat.
- Stuffing-Instead try Wild Rice Stuffing.
- Buttery Mashed Potatoes-Instead use low-sodium, fat free chicken broth.
- Sweet Potatoes Casserole-Instead leave out butter & cut sugar in 1/2.
- Pecan Pie-Instead eat some mixed nuts, if you can’t resist have a small piece without the crust.
- Fancy Finger Foods-Instead chilled shrimp or fresh fruits & vegetables.
- Caramel popcorn-Instead stick to plain popcorn.
- Egg Nog-Instead make a low calorie Egg Nog with skim milk, egg substitutes, & artificial sweeteners.
- Mixed Drinks–Instead make a wine spritzer by adding a splash of wine & sparkling water to pomegranate or cranberry juice. Contributes to fruit serving for the day.
- Cakes & Cookies– Instead whole grain cereal or crackers.
- Milk Chocolates–Instead have a solid dark chocolate with 70% cocoa. Multiple studies suggest a single square or two a day can help prevent heart disease.
The 10% Solution to Weight Loss
Maybe you’ve been struggling — without success — to get down to the size you were in high school or on your wedding day. But do you really need to go that low?
The truth, experts say, is that you can weigh more than your ideal weight and still be healthy (not to mention happy).
If you’re overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight is associated with a myriad of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar, and reducing your risk for heart disease. Not only that, experts say, but this kind of weight loss is easier to attain and maintain, setting you up for success in the long run.
Experts recommend that you try losing 10% the old-fashioned way — by slowly changing eating and exercise behaviors — then maintain this new weight for a few months before trying to lose more. Not only will your body get the signal to lower its “set point,” but you’ll give yourself a chance to get used to new food choices, smaller portions, and regular exercise.