a stressful time of year...

Just days ago Dr.Norman's wife (who would also be my boss) called an office meeting. There she explained to us that when we opened up we better be ready, for it was days after Thanksgiving and our patients would be coming in looking for support and to weigh in after the holidays. She also reminded us this was a stressful time of year, and for us to be extra sensitive when dealing w/our patients. She was exactly right. This past week has been crazy. Patients have come in with all sorts of stories..Some claim to have totally been stress eating due to being stuck in a house with in-laws over Thankgiving. I have seen more attitudes and tears over the past week,then in the last 2 months. Patients come in appearing to be angry. I normally would be very offended if someone came in snapping and demanding something. Through Mrs. Nan's advice and her wonderful people skills, I have learned to look beyond the attitude. Everyone has a story. A reason as to why they are hating the world. 9 times out of 10 it is somehow related to stress.People come in beating themselves up because they cheated big time over Thankgiving and gained. We know how it feels to stress. We also know how it feels to turn to food for comfort. Its kind of like being 'kicked while you are down' Cravings will jump on you at your most vulnerable times.We have got to fight back. Have healthy snacks around that you can easily grab. Carrotts,nuts (ecspecially almonds) sliced turkey, sugar free jello w/sugar free whipped cream, raw veggies, grapefruit, small amounts of cherries or strawberries.. AVOID chips or turning to a tub of icecream.ITS NOT WORTH IT!!!! and plan ahead don't put yourself in any situation over Christmas that is going to cause more stress than it is worth.

God bless you ALL :)

Almost Thankgiving!!!

So.. There are tons of recipes on the web. Some really great ones, some not so great..

Pay attention to not only the carbs and calories in these recipes.. but also to the sugar content!!!

The 3 best meats to stick to over the holidays and always.. would be chicken, turkey and fish.

Red meats are protein, but not as healthy as the others.

Green leafy veggies have to be a must @ your holiday meal.

It may be hard but it is very important to avoid as many carbs as possible over the holidays! Carbs leave you wanting MORE eat protein to get that 'full' sensation!

If you must have something sweet, make a sugar free/fat free jello and top it w/ sugar free whipped cream.

Same w/ sugar free/fat free pudding, add splenda if you must.

You can take a traditional Holiday meal and put a healthy 'twist' on it. Change small things, 'try no salt' salt, leave the rolls off, Offer more protein and less of the carbohydrates. Have a variety of green veggies.

The most important thing when it comes to meals over the holidays: If you must indulge and 'cheat' a little, watch your portion. Don't over do it! Fill up on proteins and veggies and 'taste' what you must!

Holiday Recipes

Low carb/low sugar holiday recipes coming soon.. feel free to post any you would like to share!!!!!!

Nan Norman's 7 steps to diet success

1. Keep a food/excercise DIARY. Work out a food & activity code for yourself with no low grades!
2. Have an ACCOUNTABILITY partner: a friend, neighbor,online companion..
3. Find five DIVERSIONS (food thought interruptors) that are healthy, cost nothing,and are accessible to you to fill your empty food obsession times.
4. Practice TIME MANAGEMENT skills: Learn how to budget your time and energies so you always have food on hand & time to eat healthy, nutritious, snacks and meals.
5. Beware of TRANSFER ADDICTIONS that aren't positive.. find a positive HABIT
6. Discover your CORE DESIRE and build a bridge of steps toward that goal. (long & short term)
7. PRAY daily.. ask for guidance and control. God care and has solutions.

Good Morning

Good morning everyone. Welcome to my blog!!! I am excited to be a new member of extrapounds! I am actually on staff at The Myrtle Beach Diet. We have lots of handy tips and fabulous products for weight loss. Feel free to ask questions, or visit our website.. www.myrtlebeachdiet.com