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Well wellll well, it's already July. Omg where does time go? I swear it was just the Xmas holiday season, lol. Now I will admit, summertime and picnics make it so hard to stay on track. The potato salads, macaroni salads, chips and dips, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, ETC. (omg my mouth is watering, HAHA) Here's a few tips I've mentioned before!! Were you asked to bring something? Offer to bring a huge salad. Not only will it give you a healthy option it for others as well. Even if you weren't asked, just bring one anyway. Even a fruit salad for desert. Skip the s'mores or brownies and cookies. Ask if you can bring a turkey dog or turkey burger for yourself to be grilled. If you do have a burger, take off one or both parts of the bun. Bring your water jug. Don't be tempted to drink soda and sugar drinks or sodas. Assess the situation when you get there. Scope out the healthy foods. The beer and liquor is full of sugar or empty calories. Skip it. It's hard but think of your long term goals. Only fill your plate once and eat like you would eat any other meal. Focus on protein and veggies! Maybe even eat before you go. That way you will be full and not even tempted. As hard as it is on these days at events and picnics....you really just need to keep that mental focus. Picture your body the way you want it to look. Put your before picture on your phone wall paper. ANYTHING to keep you focused and motivated to stick to your goals! Hope all of you have a happy and safe andddddd healthy 4th of July!
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Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move. This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds. Talk about a good feeling!!! Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost. Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move. This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds. Talk about a good feeling!!! Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost. Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move. This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds. Talk about a good feeling!!! Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost. Okay for those of you who have lost a massive amount of weight understand that last "plateau" where once you reach the last 30, you feel like no matter how hard you work, how good you eat, how much harder you make your workouts...you just can't get that scale to move. I would lie if I said I didn't get discouraged. It's all part of the process. In the last 2 months I've only lost 4lbs. I'm so determined and I work so hard, but when I least expect it, the scale will move. This week I post 3 out of 4 of those pounds. Talk about a good feeling!!! Throughout a weight loss journey, you will hit plateaus and you CAN'T give up. Just keep your hea up. Stay focused and know that it will come off. Also remember that just because the scale isn't moving, doesn't mean you aren't losing weight. Non scale victories are just as important as pounds lost. Ok, I definitely feel the need to post a blog about this.
Let me say this in the most BLUNT way possible, lol. Guys, I am a REAL person, just like all of you. Just because I have lost a large amount of weight, does not make me better than anyone. What I have accomplished can be accomplished my anyone willing to put in the hard work, time, dedication, and determination. As far as putting my story out there, publicly on social media, news papers, magazine, and TV is where “PASSION” comes into play. I am very passionate about my weight-loss because it is a back to basics approach with diet and exercise. No surgery. No magic pills, and certainly no excuses. Understand this…. I had my slip ups. I had those weeks where I didn’t want to work out. Where I over-ate at a picnic and felt like crap that night. Guys, I am just like you. As far as set backs? Wow, anyone who knows me I have had my share of those, including a pretty bad car accident, where I ended up rupturing almost a dozen discs between my neck and back. Medications, that cause weight gain…where you have to work 3x as hard as someone else just to lose weight? The occasional binge eating off emotion? GUYS do not think I have not done that. I am human. Going through those moments of disappointments where you step on the scale, and see no change even though you know you busted your butt the whole week, working even harder at the gym, and eating healthy. Weight loss is not all high’s! not for me, not for anyone. Especially when you are doing It the natural way. What matters is how you go about turning those Setbacks into Comebacks. Don’t let anyone, or anything become a setback so strong that it takes away the motivation you had. You have to remember that food is an addiction. You are battling an addiction. When you take that step to change your life and eating habits, you are saying “I am going to beat this addiction”. When you sign up for the gym, you need to understand, that “WEIGHT IS LOST IN THE KITCHEN, AND BODIES ARE TRANSFORMED IN THE GYM”. In the gym, there are going to be those days that you do not want to workout. Where its too hot and you don’t want to sweat. Those days where you are exhausted and had a bad day at work and you just want to go home. BUT, those workouts turn into the best ones. You have to also keep in mind that results form the gym will not be consistent if your healthy eating isn’t consistent. This isn’t easy. Do not let anyone lie to you. Its hard BUT its all about how bad you want it. how hard you are willing to work to reach your goals. How taking the easy way out will never feel as satisfying and rewarding as the hard work you put in paying off. Its about making the decision between getting results or getting excuses, because you cant have both. People think just because I am in the public eye, or that because I have had a major success with weight loss, or because of my large following that I am some type of health/fitness robot. That my life is so perfect. That I wouldn’t be approachable. That is very far from any type of truth. I am a normal person just like you, who has a life outside of the gym and eating healthy. A crazy, busy, hectic life, lol. I will get emails, and DM’s on Instagram saying “omg I saw you at the gym, and I wanted to come up to you, but I didn’t know what to say”. Guys, I have people come up to me daily that recognize me, whether it be at the gym, or a public place, a store, restaurant, mall, ETC. Trust me, I am 1 of the most approachable people, so never feel like you cant approach me! Then there are those people will literally get extremely emotional when they meet me and tell me that it is because of me they started a weight loss journey. That I am their inspiration. I really get the people who ask to take a picture with me. I get it all. THIS IS WHY I SHARE MY JOURNEY. My goal was and is to change lives. I just want anyone who follows me to understand that I am the same as you. All of your struggles during your journey…I have and always will deal with. Its overcoming them that makes us successful. Here are a great bunch of tips I put together for you guys when trying to make a decision on which gym to choose!
Most of you know by now, I am a proud member of “PLANET FITNESS”, a gym who takes pride in their slogan of being a “Judgment Free zone”, and delivers that promise to its members every single day. Truthfully, my entire weight loss journey started with a random-spur of the moment decision to do a U-turn in the middle of the road and pull into a Planet Fitness in Shelton, CT. (which has since relocated to Derby, CT). Honestly, best decision I ever made. I was extremely self-conscious being over 400 lbs, and I walked in there, and not at 1 point felt I was being stared at or made fun of because of my size. That is how EVERY gym should be. One thing that gets on my nerves is when people say, “A Gym Is A Gym”. UHM, NO! That might be your opinion, but don’t except someone morbidly obese to feel the same way, because I know I sure didn’t feel that way then, and I still don’t agree with that statement now. A gym isn’t just about where you go to sweat, its where you spend 1-2 hours a day. What you see, what happens around you matters. What is allowed at these facilities matter. Dress code, behavior, ETC matters. You being comfortable matters. How are you going to stick with making exercise a habit if you don’t feel comfortable where you work out? Understand that there is no 1 set type of gym for people trying to lose weight, or maintain weight loss and another set gym for those who are trying to gain or bulk. But we all have 1 thing in common and that’s fitness, regardless of our goals, and that is HEALTH AND FITNESS. Keep that in mind. At no point should you feel intimidated or out of place, so you need to find the facility that you feel comfortable at. Find one with helpful employees that a friendly and make you feel welcome, that you can go to if you have a question or need helping using equipment. Check for cleanliness. No gym is “Clean”, lets be realistic here. The amount of germs inside of a gym or almost as much as an airport lol, but keep these things in mind: Are the Spray Bottles and Towels to wipe down your machines before and after use? Do you see employees cleaning? If there are ceiling fans, is there a ½ inch thick of dust? Are there showers? Are they decently clean? Keep in mind as you are on a weight loss journey, that you were once a beginner. If I am working out and I see someone new who may not be using something right, I will ask them “would you mind if I show you how to use this machine correctly? You don’t want to hurt yourself.” Its all on how you approach people, and you also want to make yourself approachable. Say Hello to people. Give them a compliment, let them know that they are working hard and it will pay off. If you notice a change in them let them know “I see you are losing weight, you look great” I do this a lot! And seeing the way someone lights up when you tell them that makes me feel good. Wouldn’t you want someone to do that to you? Wouldn’t you walk out of the gym feeling great? Feeling like your hard work is paying off? Make someone’s day. We were all beginners at some point. There were those machines I didn’t know how to use in the beginning and I remember someone coming up to me and correcting me. They didn’t do it to make me feel stupid. They did it because they saw how hard I was working out and they wanted to make sure I got the best results.
Here’s a good tip! If there are no Planet Fitness Gyms in your area, then visit the local gyms and ask if they have a free trial. Some offer a free week, or a free month, and some even have free day passes. Take advantage of those! Make sure you know what machines and amenities you will want before signing any contracts!! Visit the gym at the prime workout times! (8-11am, 3-4pm (after school rush or after 1st shift rush), 5:30-8pm (the after work and after dinner rush) Visiting the gym you are interested in at these times will help to give you a good idea of how crowded it gets, and the availability of the machines. What are the hours they are open? Will it accommodate your schedule? Is it 24 hours? How far is the gym from were you live or work? Distance is important. Are they a chain? If so, can you use your membership at the other locations for free?
Check to see if the gym has or offers personal training. Ask for info on them, compare rates, success stories, ETC.
As yourself what you are trying to get out of your workouts. What your goals are. Look for a mix of machines. If your problem area is your legs or lower body, check for a gym that has multiple types of machines that target that area! DO NOT BE SCARED TO ASK QUESTIONS! Next thing…the cost? Does it fit in your budget? Are you going to break the bank just to exercise? Weight loss isn’t cheap. From constantly having to buy new clothes as you go down in size, supplements, healthy foods (which cost more), and workout clothes and sneakers. Losing weight can end up being very costly. You have to find a gym membership that you can afford every month. I am lucky enough to have a gym that is open 24 hours and has EVERY piece of equipment that I need to workout. Whether it be upper body, lower body, machines targeting stomach problem areas, ETC, I have it all right there. Not even that but it has tanning beds for when I tan, Hydro Massage beds, that are amazing for relieving muscle stiffness and soreness which I use sometimes before and after my workouts, and also massage chairs, and not to mention FREE PERSONAL TRAINING. With my PF black card, I can also visit any Planet fitness, ANYWHERE. When visiting family in PA, or FL and need to get a workout in, I can go to any of those gyms there without having to pay a fee.
You need to find what works for YOU. What makes YOU comfortable. What makes YOU happy. What YOU can afford. After all this is YOUR journey.
I hope this could help you all out and try to guide you in the right direction when choosing a Gym at the beginning of your weight loss journey, or even if you are looking for a new gym. I get asked a lot “how did you know what gym to go to?” Truthfully I didn’t. I was at an extremely low place in life, was driving home from work…saw those “Judgment free zone” signs outside of the gym that I drove past every day, and just pulled in, signed up, and look at the outcome of it. I am now a weight loss success story trying to inspire others. One thing people starting, or already on a weight loss journey tend to do, is to forget how to hold yourself accountable. Even if you are already on a journey to lose weight, and you realize you have hit a plateau, not seeing the results you want to see, or starting to lose motivation. You need to light a little fire under your butt, lol. WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN. Either buy a weight loss/food & water journal, or get creative and make one. Write down everything you eat and drink that day, even the dressings, sauces, toppings, ETC. Anything that has calories.
Another Idea. Post everything you ate in 1 day on a social media site. Make a collage and post it on Instagram or Facebook. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable posting it, then you shouldn’t be eating it. You would also be giving others good ideas as to how to eat healthy. There are lots of positive reasons for posting your health and fitness things o n social media. You never know who you are inspiring. You can also make a page just for your weight loss journey. There is such a large community of people going through the same things you are. Follow eachother, and help to keep each other motivated, get recipe ideas, ETC. These are great ways to hold yourself accountable. Track, Track, TRACK! You would be surprised how quickly you clean up your act or see a change Weird blog post I know...but this is just a tip! I know you change relate to those days...Crunched for time, don’t have time to bake your sweet potato in the oven but still need that sweet potato for your meal? Don’t worry, I got your back! Take a fork, or a knife and tab a few holes in it. Then place it in a microwave-safe container and put a little water in the bottom of the container. (3tbsp max) Now put it in the microwave for 12-13 minutes on high heat BUT making sure that you check on it every 3-4 minutes.
This method has saved me so many times!  What do your cravings mean? How can You satisfy them? Look at this pic!' When you see those three words, the 1st thing that comes to your mind probable isn’t Food. BUT, that’s now goig to change. Ladies and Gentleman, please understand that eating healthy does NOT mean you cant eat the food you love. YOU can, you just wont be preparing it the same way. You will need to edit your recipes, Alter some of the ingredients or steps, and most importantly make substitutions! There are tons and tons of substitutions for the foods and ingredients you love that taste just as good.
When I do release my meal plans, I will have a long list of substitutions you will love… But in the mean time, take the time to research healthier alternatives for foods you love!
Yes, I am going to tell you the importance of Ziploc bags.
Buy some Ziploc snack bags next time you go to the grocery store. Then when you get home from the store, portion out all the food that can be portioned out Need some examples? 1 cup of cereal, 1 cup of fruit, how many items per serving, ETC. For instance, if I buy rice cakes, I know they are 2 for 90 calories…so I will put 2 in each Ziploc. By doing this, it not only stops you form over eating but it makes it easier to grab healthy foods when you are hungry I do this for almost all possible foods, it truly has helped me stick to the portion for servings, and stops me from over eating. Today is Sunday, so get the Ziploc bags ready with snacks for your week ahead! Ok guys, I get this question a lot so what better way to clear the air? Have I used a waist trainer? Absolutely not. Would I? Definitely not. If you are not familiar with what they are...they are like a corset like contraption.(yes like the corsets from back in the day) it is meant to cinch your core, back, & hips. The "idea" is that if you wear it over a period of time that your body will magically "mold" itself smaller. Celebrities post it all the time. That doesn't mean it works guys!! Do your research. Experts have proved it doesn't work. They have also proved that if worn tight enough, it can squish your lungs and ribs. YOU CAN NOT reduce the collection of fat in one particular area of your body. Some people also wear them to give themselves a curvy shape or to hold on fat or skin? A waist trainer is not a weight loss plan. Seriously, there are no easy ways out to losing weight. Losing weight isn't easy! Cutting calorie intake, exercising, changing your whole life...ETC. it takes lots of hard work and dedication. You have to want it. You have to work for it, just like any other goals you set in life. Bottom line is, weight loss is exercise and healthy eating. There are no shortcuts. There are no magic corsets. There are no secret pills. I will never lie and say it's "easy" but I can and will always say it's worth it. If I can do it so can you. Well this week I was beyond blessed to have been given the opportunity to be interviewed by WTNH news reporter Jocelyn Maminta at my Planet Fitness gym in Trumbull, CT. You are probably wondering how it went! Well truth is, personally I could have done A LOT better. My mind kinda froze. If I was asked those questions again, idk if I would answer them the same way. Not sure why I was nervous at all seeing as I am very good at speaking to people and with people not only about my weight loss story, but about weight loss advice and tips, etc. looking back, I definitely let my nerves get the best of me. I had many talking points in my head of what I would say, and when that camera turned on, I forgot it all. But you know what? It happens. I can't beat myself up for how I wish I did! What matters is what I have accomplished! All in all though, it was a great day. I got to meet some amazing people, from Planet Fitness, The Pita Group, & WTNH! I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity! I just hope and pray what I did say and how I did answer will touch someone's life. That someone will see that with hard work and dedication you can lose weight. That is what my main goal is. To touch the lives of others and inspire them with my story. I want others to realize That if you do find a gym you are comfortable in, anand stay consistent, that you can reach your goals with exercise and healthy eating.  Showing my old jeans size 22. My largest was a size 28. (I am currently a 12)  Left to right: VP of marketing for Planet Fitness Matt Wilcox, Me, news 8 reporter Jocelyn Maminta & Linda Ferrer from The Pita Group  They interviewed my Doctor. (Dr. Corey Jaquez)  Beyond humbled. I never thought when I started documenting my weight loss journey that I would obtain such a large amount of followers and support. I can't thank you all enough for your kind words, support and encouragement. What people fail to realize is that...motivating others is what keeps me motivated. Xoxo Whether you lose 0.4 lbs in a week or 4.0 lbs in a week, keep in mind you are still losing. If you worked your hardest, and did not lose the amount of weight you thought you would lose or that you were hoping to lose, do not be discouraged. Keep in mind other factors, like you could be retaining water, or that you are building muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat.
Also keep in mind that NON-SCALE victories are the best feeling ever. Are you working your hardest, and do not see the scale moving? Try on a pair of pants, you will most likely see them being more loose. Look at a picture of yourself taken a few weeks ago, and take a new one today…you will most likely see a difference. I have weeks go by where I do not lose any weight. It is VERY normal. You may not lose weight every single week. Are you on a plateau? If so …then read my recent blog about being on a plateau!!! Do not get discouraged! Whether its pounds, or inches…a loss is a loss! Small or big, it is still a loss, and learn to be proud of yourself for every step you take to change your life in order to reach your goals. I get many, many, many emails saying “I am trying everything, but I am not losing weight. Is it because I ma not working out?”
NO. it is absolutely not because you are not working out. Although exercise is a very important factor in weight loss, it is very important to remember that weight loss is ABOUT 80% NUTRITION AND 20% EXERCISE.
I know this all really does sound like common sense, but believe it or not, people don’t get it. Healthy eating is what weight loss is all about. Even if you are counting calories, you have to be mindful of what foods, chemicals, seasonings, sugars, etc you are putting in your body. Focus on eating 5-6 times a day, smaller meals. Focus on proteins! Protein is so important. It helps you to feel fuller longer, and helps your metabolism. I truly hope this could be of some help to people. There is no way someone cant lose any pounds if they are eating extremely healthy. With out without the gym, weight is lost in the kitchen, and bodies are transformed in the gym. Do I workout? YES 6 times a week minimum. I happened to love working out, and love making changes in my body, but it is not impossible to lose weight without going to a gym. Change your eating habits. Realize this is a lifestyle change you need to make. It is a mentality. If you want to do it, and you are ready to do it, you will accomplish it. Plan ahead (see previous blog entry about planning your meals ahead of time)-throw out all junk food & keep healthy options in your fridge, and you will end up making better choices. Cardio intervals (which are short sprints in between slower recovery periods) are better at helping you lose weight than just steady-state cardio.
I am sure you are asking why…so let me tell you!!! Cardio intervals force your muscles to work harder without adequate oxygen, (this is called anaerobic conditioning). This helps your muscles burn more fuel, perform better, and grow in the long run and can even cause certain gene changes in your body that end up speeding up your metabolism. Keep in mind that since bigger muscles=more fat burning……. It is important to incorporate interval training into a few cardio workouts each week. Sharing some info I learned in class! Even though I have gone through a weight loss process, and am still on a weight loss journey, it is amazing to learn why certain workouts/exercises are so important! The 1st best thing I have is the personal/physical experience, and now I am gaining the actual book-knowledge! I love it! I found my passion J -Till next time. -Annamarie I get asked very often if I take any vitamins and which ones I take.
I do take vitamins, a bunch of different kinds, that do different things. Before taking anything just because someone else takes it, please consult your physician and make sure that there is nothing that can prevent you from taking them. Also make sure that if you are on any medication, they do not counteract. Do your research, but these are the ones that work for me. I take these:
I have taken vitamins and supplements for almost my entire weightloss journey. I add some then take some away, trial and error. These are the ones I have chosen to stick with. I RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING ANY SUPPLEMENTS. Here are other Vitamins/Supplements that you may want to consider and talk to your doctor about. Also, You may want to talk to your doctor about about doing blood tests to see if you a deficient is certain vitamins. Vitamin D, is very important and your levels can dip very low during the winter months. Vitamin D is extremely important to the body, especially the bones. B12: Energy Production and Nervous system health. B Complex: Cellular production and antioxidant support Zinc:Immune System Support and essential nutrient found in bone formation Astragalus Magnesium Selenium Probiotics! They are essential to your digestive health and because over 50% of your immune system is in your gut. There are so many vitamins and supplements, I could go on all day. Talk to your doctor about what ones are right for you. Lastly, remember that the best way to get vitamins is from food through fruits and vegetables and dark leafy greens! -Till next time. Annamarie I get this question all the time “can I still eat pasta? And how can I measure it?”
Well, I do not cut out carbs. Carbs are EXTREMELY important especially if you are active. You just have to know how to limit your intake. On the box, it will say a portion size is around 2oz!! FYI--That 2-oz. portion refers to the dry, uncooked pasta... Lets be honest…. That truly isn't all that helpful when trying to figure out how much pasta (cooked) you can have for the calorie count on the box label! We did a full-scale investigation of this last year, and came up with some GREAT info. And since you (and lots of others!) are still baffled by pasta portions, I'm rerunning our findings here and now... Servings per container: While the nutritional panels stated the boxes contained "about 7 servings," we found that they contained closer to 6 servings. What does this mean? Simply dividing the box into portions according to the approximate "servings per container" won't necessarily give you the correct serving size. When cooking pasta… A single 2-oz. serving of dry penne cooked up to a cup. Both the cooked spaghetti and the elbow mac measured in at a cup per serving as well Dry pasta tips… If you do not have a food scale,, or do not feel like using one, and you are wanting to cook a single serving of pasta…remember this: A 2-oz. serving of uncooked elbow macaroni comes to just shy of 1/2 cup. The same amount of dry penne measures in at a little over a 1/2 cup. As far as spaghetti… there really is no easy cup measurement for uncooked spaghetti. WITH THAT BEING SAID…..Pasta will generally double in size when it cooks, SO… a cup of cooked pasta is a good ballpark for a single serving size! ALSO- (saving the best tip for last)If you're eating at a friend or family members house or even a restaurant and need to estimate that 1-cup serving, always remember it's about the size of your fist. Keep in mind that each cup of pasta has around 200 calories. This is extremely good to know, considering most restaurants serve up at least FOUR fistfuls per order. For you gluten free people out there, like my siblings. Try Trader Joes Brown Rice Pasta (my twin says it one of the better ones she has tried) please follow the same rules, I mentioned above. I always cook a usually half a box of pasta and/or a full box and then measure it out, for our family dinners and then lunch portions the next day. However, if it is just you or your significant other and you. Do what my twin does, she gets out her food scale and measures 4oz (2 oz each) for her husband and her. Then, she cooks it and divides it in half. Like my twin, some people only cook enough for that meal. My twin always wants seconds on the pasta, but when she only cooks 2 ounces, she can't go back for seconds, there is no more. So then, she is forced to move to salad or a protein! So my friends, eat some pasta! But, remember 2oz dried, 1/2 cup dried or 1 cup cooked. Or, if your out to dinner 1 fist full of pasta. Oh yea, there is nothing wrong with asking the waiter or waitress to bring you a half portion of the pasta, you might not get a discount, but your body will be better for it. There you go, have a little pasta this weekend! Manga! -Till next time Annamarie Hey guys, as you know spring break is just around the corner. Why ruin all the hard work you put in during the year? These 2 tips are not just good for spring break but for vacations in general.
Make sure you do your research before you travel . See if your hotel offers breakfast, and see what they offer. Some only offer Bagels, Danishes, and muffins, ETC, which are a No-No as far as having a healthy breakfast is concerned. If the hotel does not have healthy options, see what's available at the surrounding places. A good idea would be to find out if your room has a mini refrigerator. If there is one then you can stock it with healthy snacks. Make exercise a part of your trip. Get in some extra exercise! I know that it is a vacation but do not lose sight of your weight-loss goals. See if your hotel/motel has a small gym. If not, go for a walk, bring a workout DVD with you, get it over with 1st thing in the morning and make sure to take advantage of any fun vacation activities like swimming, or hiking. Some of my family is going to Europe for a vacation, others are going to a destination wedding on an island and some are traveling fairly local. If your traveling to Europe: Pack some snacks, especially if you will be touring a lot. Having healthy snacks and/or protein bars are you in key to not getting hungry and then shoving food any food in your mouth and/or over eating at your next meal. Usually in Europe, you do a lot of walking, so bring those sneakers and comfortable shoes, maybe a pedometer or your wrist activity tracker. If your in France, eat a croissant, don't deprive yourself. Your there there are they are known for their pastries, enjoy one! If you stop by that pastry shop for dessert at night, get somethings small or share something. If your traveling to an Island, Tropical Place, and/or a All Inclusive Hotel: Those places are usually know for their fresh fruit and produce, stick to that! At breakfast, go for the fruit, then add some protein and if needed something else. Just because they have food around all day or there is a buffet all day, doesn't men you need to eat it. Ask yourself, when did you last eat? & When will you next eat? Then, plan your next food choice. Lying on the beach makes you hungry. Plan activities that keep your moving (your exercise) and will keep you busy instead of thinking about food or just venturing off to the snack area. The liquor might be all included, but it does have calories. There are calories in the liquor and the even more in the sweet mixes and juices they add to those taste specialty island drinks (yea, I know their good!). Ask for bottled water, see if they have coconut water, even diet soda. Make sure to stay hydrated with lots of water. Again, your on vacation, if you want that 1 margarita or the daiquiri, go for that that 1. Enjoy it, savor it, and get back on track! If your traveling locally or within the U.S.: Your research should be easier than if your are going abroad! With that said, ask your hotel if they have a mini frig in your room? Or, choose a hotel that has a kitchenette (an Extended Stay hotel or Suites Hotel) Find out what your breakfast options are where you are staying, use Google maps, apps and/or website to find out what diners, restaurants, supermarkets are near to where you will be. Some people I know, go as far to review restaurants on Trip Adviser, then print out the menus to the local restaurants to review food and pricing options. And then, they take the menus with them on their trip, so depending on what food they are in the mood for they review the menu's they have and then head to that restaurant. If your at the beach and the restaurant is know for their crab cakes, go ahead. If that other place is known for their Lobster Mac N Cheese, order it and share it, or order it and tell them you only want half of it brought to you, and only eat a fist full. Then, get back on track for the rest of the day. And, DON'T FORGET TO WORKOUT! REMEMBER, the goal is not to gain weight on vacation. If you come back the same, great for you. If you come back a pound or two heavier, work it off. Just, don't come back 5-10 pounds heavier. Lastly, because your not at home near your food options. Be mindful of your eating! Remember what you already ate that day, what you are eating/are planning to eat, and what are you going to eat later on in the day. Ask yourself, is that fast food burger worth it as you are driving to and from your destination? Maybe, you feel that the tasty beer battered fish (at the beach-side restaurant) for lunch was so worth it! Then, be extra healthy for dinner. (Maybe a salad with protein or grilled fish.) Don't lose track of your success and weight loss goals, you don't want to come home disappointed with yourself. -Till next time Annamarie In order to help speed metabolism and lose weight, you need to eat a small, healthy meal every 2-3 hours. But since you are obviously not home to make these meals every 2-3 hours, you need to THINK AHEAD and PLAN MEALS in advance.
Planning your meals and making them ahead puts you in complete control on what you are putting into your body. It will help you to avoid all temptation and will make your life more convenient, and it obviously helps you to keep track of all the calories you eat. Why is it important. This is why… You Shop A Lot More Efficiently!! You will already have a list of the ingredients you need even before you go the supermarket or grocery You Save Money!! When eating out less and shopping for groceries more efficiently, you will save money. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY….You Will Eat Healthier!! When you already have a menu of the foods you're going to prepare for the next several days, you won't have to resort to eating out. When you plan meals, you can avoid eating nutritionally lacking foods…such as, pizza, cheeseburgers or a bucket of greasy chicken. Prepackaged meals are just as bad!!! ALSO- my most important piece of advice I can give any of you is to THINK/PLAN AHEAD and pack healthy, already pre-portioned on the go snacks! Keep them everywhere, and replace after used.!! in your car, in your purse, in your backpack, in your desk at work, and even at home. YOU HAVE NO CLUE HOW MUCH CALORIES, TIME, AND ENERGY THESE TIPS WILL SAVE YOU. They will hopefully be out by 1st week in April. I get about a dozen inquiries a day, which is why I am posting a blog entry in regards to the question. The meal plan will include lots of amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas and recipes as well as tons of snack ideas. Stay tuned. :) If you are a member of planet fitness gyms make sure you go to your app store on either iPhones or android phones and download the app! They have something called"planet of triumphs" where you can basically share any of your achievements inside or outside of the gym,Health or fitness related.it is a good way to not only get motivation from others but it is one of the best ways to motivate others. Always share your story. You never know who you are inspiring. You could be the someone elsedoesn't give up  Many ask what pre-workout mixes I use. I alternate between these two. C4 and optimumnutrition gold standard pre-workout. I purchase mine from bodybuilding.com Heyyy guys! I am getting multiple emails daily in regards to my meal plans. I am finished them up, then they will be edited. I am hoping for the next 2 weeks to have them finalized then they will be available for purchase. They will include MANY meal and snack Ideas, many tips, and OFCOARSE many of my recipes. Can't wait!! |
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