Fitness Takes NO holiday Food Tips!

So I have been doing some research on food to help myself and the StrollerFit Moms make it thru the Holiday's without gaining the Holiday Weight. Coming to class and exercising is a must, but what about the food.


We all know a calorie is a calorie, right? And we also know that to lose weight you must burn those calories (coming to StrollerFit, Restore the Core, Mommymusclsculpt and Mom n' Tot Yoga will help with that). But Did you know that all calories are not created equal?

For example - lets look at a 200 calorie piece of cake verses a 200 calorie piece of chicken. They both have 200 calories, but your body does not look at them the same way. The cake is loaded with simple carbs. and sugars, which ultimately make your blood sugar sky rocket, you get a quick burst of energy and then your insulin goes up and the bad begins to happen....

Insulin promotes fat storage and the energy kick does not last long. It goes up and them plummets so you begin to get tired and crave more sugary foods (I have felt that way after eating a low fat snack pack and bet so have all of you, not know why you are now tired.)

But the chicken does not do that to your body....lean protein has a total different affect on your body. Protein takes the most energy of all nutrients to to break down, so you feel fuller longer. There is also no affect on your insulin!! This helps you lose weight. For those of you working out, the protein helps your muscles repair and build (remember muscle burns fat and the cake won't do that!)

You can not eat just protein. Fat and carbs are important too, but they must be the right fat and protein. you need to eat the best foods that will give you the best results, help you lose body fat, tighten & tone, and feel energized throughout the day.

I am referring to eating natural foods, unprocessed without chemicals and preservatives, not the 100 calorie snack packs. These foods work with the body and will boost metabolism, boost energy and boost fat burning. Especially when paired with a great workout like StrollerFit!!

So for the holidays, try these 10 food to help lose body fat and keep the holiday pounds off.

1. Lean, boneless chicken breast (seasoned well), protein is good!
2. all natural Peanut Butter or Almond Butter, no matter what your age, everyone loves PB&J (on Whole Wheat bread, see #3)! Plus Peanut Butter is a great source of Omega 3's, protein and complex carbs.
3. Whole Wheat Bread - (rye and pumpernickel are good too), just make sure is says "Whole Wheat"
4. Turkey Burger's are a great substitute for ground beef (make sure it is lean turkey - white meat, if not, you might as well eat beef). Extra lean 93% ground beef is good too.
5. Spinach-high in vitamins and a great source of fiber and protein too (Bet you did not know spinach has protein)
6. Garlic is a "Super" Food - a great way to flavor foods and it is filled with immunity boosting powers, something we all need during cold and flu season.
7. Apples are high in Fiber and and when used with a little peanut butter you have the perfect pre-workout snack.
8. Oatmeal...Start the day with a great complex carb. for energy and it contains protein. You can add anything to make it your own. I like apples and cinnamon or honey and blueberries.
9. Eggs...They always get a bad wrap for cholesterol but research shows they are a great way to start the morning. People who eat eggs in the morning are fuller longer and less likely to get mid morning sugar cravings. (I like 3 egg whites with spinach and mushrooms on a Arnold whole wheat sandwich thin. Sometimes I add shredded cheddar for added flavor or a tbs of bacon bits, or both)
10. Quinoa..if you have never tried Quinoa, you should. It is a powerful grain from South Africa. It is a complex carb. that contains essential amino acids (the only grain to have this). I have a great recipe for a side made with Quinoa and a breakfast dish. I will post both on the food blog, later at http://funfitrecipesfromsf.blogspot.com/

(During holiday meals, remember eat what you enjoy, just don't over eat and make the holiday a one day event, do not eat the leftovers and make it an event that keeps repeating)

Also, remember to drink lots of water and stay hydrated and do not go to holiday meals or parties on an empty stomach or you will overeat.

Hope to see you all at the Fitness Takes No holiday workouts from November 3 thru the end of December. Anyone that emails me a healthy tip before November 3rd will get a point for the challenge.