Lose 7 lbs in 7 weeks- WEEK 6

We have less than 1 week until we celebrate another new year. A new, squeaky-clean year to become the best you YOU can be! 

The average American gains 7lbs between October and January (think Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years events... and food). 

This year, let's do things differently. Instead of gaining 7lbs this season, lets lose 7lbs together!! (Or maintain if you’re at a healthy weight already).

Each week, I have posted a couple tips to keep you (or get you) in the best shape of your life- during several of the big holidays!! I would love for us to make this a dialogue. Submit your reply and let me know what works for you, what doesn't, what your goals are... etc. Your inspirational ideas and stories may also inspire the other Patch readers to make healthy changes this season! This is week 6 for those of you that missed the last couple weeks tips (be sure to check it out on the Patch Blog Site!!).

Statistics show that if we can be in a fitness journey together, we are more likely to achieve our goals and beyond!

Below are my sixth week’s healthy tips; remember, you can do it!!

Veggie Sneak Attack

It’s easier to eat more vegetables when your whole family is involved. If your family finds veggies boring, you don’t have to be sneaky—or use a cheesy sauce as a cover-up. Simply blend them in. Use your juicer or blender to chop broccoli, zucchini, carrots, cauliflower and other super-nutritious veggies until they are so fine you can mix them into your pasta sauce, soups, wraps or stir-fry. If you have children, get them involved! Most kids love helping with electronics (with adult supervision of course). You or your spouse may not notice the veggie sneak attack, but your body will thank – and reward you!

Make Sundays (or Wednesdays) Set-Up Day

Use Sunday (or any day of the week that fits in your schedule) to create the meals and snacks for a week of fast and easy meals. By cooking a big batch of whole grain rice and grilling some chicken or shrimp, chopping vegetables and putting them in Tupperware, you can prevent a lot of hungry trips to the fast-food drive-through. At the end of a hectic day, just throw some of your prepared ingredients into the microwave (or preferably oven) and add a few different seasonings. Voila: fast food that’s also tasty and healthy. It’s an easy way to stay on course toward your weight-loss goal. Try this easy recipe (all ingredients can be pre-cooked):

Chopped Chicken Breast,

Lightly steamed broccoli (or veggie of your choice),

100% real cheese,

and brown rice.

Mix together all ingredients and heat- Enjoy!!