Weight Loss Tips from Whole Body Nutrition!

The first step to successful weight loss is to be mentally ready. Losing weight is as mental as it is physical and knowing that you are ready to start the process is the first step.

Once you are ready to begin follow these simple steps to find success:

1. Eat consistently. It’s ideal to eat 3 meals a day but better to eat 6 small meals instead. A consistent eating schedule will prevent hunger and overeating. Eating regular meals will also prevent sluggish metabolism.

2. Drink more water. By now this is very cliché but we all know water is a vital component in our diets. It prevents dehydration which can lead to other problems, but it also keeps our bodies and skin healthy. Water with meals instead of juice or soda will help you cut back on total calorie intake.

 

3. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables daily. They are low in calories, and loaded with important nutrients and antioxidants.

4. Avoid processed foods as often as possible. Process foods are higher in fats, sugars and sodium than freshly prepared foods are. Limiting process foods requires limiting canned foods, frozen meals, boxed or pre-prepared foods and even fast foods.

5. Exercise.  Exercising should be just as consistent as eating regular meals. Engaging in an activity that increases your heart rate 30 minutes a day 3-5 days a week will begin the process of weight loss.

Finally maintain a positive attitude and outlook, and view everyday as an opportunity to start new.

Wheat Berries

Just found out I like this food. Had it for the first time in a salad and it was delicious!

What are Wheat Berries?

Wheat berries are essentially unprocessed wheat kernels without the hull.  Pasta, flour and breads are all products of processed wheat berries. 

Wheat Berries are categorized as white or red, soft or hard. Either of the white or red variety can be found in soft or hard. The hard wheat berry has more gluten and takes longer to prepare than the soft kind.

Wheat berries can be cooked like rice eaten as a side dish or added to soups and salads for a nutty, flavorful whole grain dish. 1 cup of wheat berries yields about 300 calories and it’s loaded with fiber, protein and iron. Remember for any starch such as rice, flour, oats 1/2 cup cooked is considered 1 serving.

Wheat berries can also be soaked in water and sprouted this too can be added to salads. The sprouts are supposed to be a good source of the antioxidant vitamin E.

Where to get Wheat Berries

Wheat Berries can be found at natural food markets, health food stores or in the natural foods section at your local grocery store.

NOTE: white wheat berries are not refined; it’s the natural lightness of the grain that lends to its name.

For recipe ideas visit the foodnetwork.com, eatingwell.com, cooks.com or just Google search wheat berry recipes.