Amy Culver - The Queen Of Lean


Holiday stress


Holiday season isn't all just about food


Plan ahead to stay on the right track


Prioritize this Thanksgiving


Choose treats wisely during the holidays


Starting a weightlifting routine


Healthy body has right signs


You need a livable food plan


Tailor your food according to needs


Plan strategies for when life gets hectic


Traveling can challenge eating habits


Parenting your own inner spoiled child


Long-term motives create long-lasting results


Interval training works for anyone


Check ingredients when eating out


Get out of the house for your workout


Lack of sleep may lead to weight gain


Cooking extra saves time and calories


Even small changes can make an impact


Swimming is a good
all-around exercise


Don't let slip-ups destroy your plan


Make your lifestyle and health compatible


A little exercise can yield big results


Food plans can help you eat right


Moderation is weight-loss key


Give your weight-loss plan time


Combat post-holiday blues with activity


Choose holiday calories carefully


Good kitchen tools make life easier


Enjoy feast in moderation


Start planning holiday meals now


Don't buy Halloween candy too early


Theaters offer healthy snacks


Try to avoid evening snacking


Tips to stave off hunger pangs


Stuck?  Reassess your routine


Avoid peaks and valleys in diet


Measure size of food portion to help tip scale in your favor


Learn to love being thin


Change your lifestyle; don't just diet


Fruity thoughts to keep fit


Water can ease cravings


Working a pool into your exercise routine


Stay focused, move forward


Delay caving to craving


Review of daily plan should include diet & activities


Holidays are never-ending


Measuring food is key to weight loss


Food-logging can help in weight loss


Find ways to make exercise fun


Reserve time for your exercise program


Substitutions for your holiday treats


Moderation is key to good diet

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Plan ahead to stay on the right track

If this time of year were merely about a couple of holidays, it might not have such an impact on our food plans.  But there are parties and goodies on everyone's desk, and neighbors who bake, and the temptations seem never ending.

The best defense, as they say, is often a good offense.  In this case, that means you need to plan ahead.

Now, more than ever, is the best time to keep healthy snacks around.  Whatever your food plan is, keep snacks on hand that fit your plan.  This way you won't end up with those 3 p.m. hunger pangs that lead you to your co-worker's fudge.  That's not to say you shouldn't enjoy this time of year and have a piece, but have it when you can taste it slowly and
enjoy it, rather than eating it because it's there and you're hungry.

Parties are another food-plan danger.  There seem to be two schools of thought.  One says to eat a lot ahead of time, so you don't eat anything at the party, and the other says don't eat all day so you can indulge all you want. 

Our bodies work best when we feed them on a fairly regular schedule.  You might be more successful if you spend your day eating normally.  Then, when you get to the party, you can enjoy yourself, responsibly.  Eat slowly, taste your food, and focus on the company rather than the cheese dip.

And, of course, be careful with alcohol.  In addition to being empty calories, it inhibits the brain's receptors that let you know you are full.  It can actually make you feel hungrier and thus more likely to eat.  Again, enjoy yourself, but have two glasses of water between each drink.