Where's the Beef?! Not Here with Our Cajun Roasted Cauliflower "Steaks"

It doesn't have to be a Meatless Monday to fix up a fun veggie meal...

Here's a scrumptious low-calorie dish from our InShapeMD Fayetteville wellness team that's both scrumptious and hCG-friendly!

Cajun Roasted Cauliflower "Steaks"

Here's what you'll need:

- 1 large head of cauliflower cut into 3 1/2″ “steaks” (the remaining cauliflower kept for another use)

Per steak:

- 2 tsp oil

- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

- 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Prepare the cauliflower “steaks” by turning the head of cauliflower over so that the stem is facing up.  Make two parallel cuts on either side of the stem, then cut the remaining middle piece into as many “steaks” as possible (no thinner than 1/2″).  Arrange as many “steaks” as needed on a baking sheet.  The remaining cauliflower can be chopped and stored in the fridge for another meal, or it can added to the same pan as the “steaks” after they have already cooked for 10 minutes.  The “steaks” can also be stored in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge until ready to use.

Drizzle the prepared cauliflower “steaks” with 2 tsp oil for each steak, and then sprinkle with 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning and 1/8 tsp of sea salt.  Place in the oven and roast for 20 minutes.  Remove from the oven and gently flip over.  Sprinkle the other side with the remaining 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning and 1/8 tsp of sea salt.  Return to the oven for 10 more minutes, or until golden on both sides and crispy and dark brown on the edges.  Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

To roast cauliflower florets instead of “steaks”, cut up into bite sized pieces, drizzle with 2-3 tbsp oil and sprinkle generously with Cajun seasoning(about 1 1/2 tbsp or more to taste and depending on the size of the cauliflower) and salt (about 1/2 tbsp or 1 1/2 tsp) and roast for 20 minutes, stirring and flipping once in the middle.

For more nutritional support or information about our medical weight loss programs contact InShapeMD Fayetteville for a FREE consultation TODAY at: (678)817-0181.

Here's to beefin' up hCG -friendly meals in the kitchen!
--Your InShapeMD Fayetteville Wellness Team

From To-Dos to "I Do!" InShapeMD Fayetteville 's 4 Things to Accomplish Before Your Wedding

Wedding season is here (hooray!) which means a ton of you brides-to-be out there are busy doing a lot of planning, planning and MORE planning... 

Here are 4 important projects our InShapeMD Fayetteville wellness team suggests you include on your list of to-dos (as if you haven't already)!

1. Reserve a spot for your ceremony.
The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. today is a whopping $20,000 (yikes!)... While planning for YOUR big day, however, don’t let that number scare you. There are plenty of creative, budget-friendly wedding ideas out there, including where and when you will be tying the knot. For example, choosing not to say "I do" on a traditional Saturday can save you up to 50%. Instead, have your nuptial celebration at the same place, but on a Friday or Sunday. Since these venues don’t typically have weddings on those days, they'd be more apt to accommodate you at a discounted rate!

2. Make sure you have a photographer.

Having pictures taken of "the happiest day of your life" is generally the biggest part of collecting & sharing wedding memories (because even one picture alone can instantly take you back to that moment). Since exceptional wedding photographers are usually booked out a year in advance, be sure you start researching early. Oh and be sure to preview samples from each photographer's portfolio and keep a folder of their prices to compare against their competition. This will help you maintain your planned budget, as well as a peace of mind and the assurance of having high-quality (and Facebook-profile worthy) pictures after the ceremony!

3. Organize your reception.

No matter what size your wedding reception will be, it will still probably require the same amount of tedious planning... and that responsibility can be horribly daunting for attempting to make it flawless. Organizing flowers, wedding favors, food & drinks, entertainment, not to mention the seating charts are among the myriad of details you have to consider. There's also: the wedding attire, a caterer, deciding whether to have alcohol at the reception, cutting back on the wedding guest list, organizing your wedding timeline, and of course the most important part of all... gathering the expenses to fill all these needs! With that being said, make sure you have plenty of time to save or raise money for this extra-special occasion so you can have everything you want minus the stress of finding funds at the last minute!


4. Get into the best shape of your life.
Looking absolutely perfect on your wedding day means appearing radiant, feeling relaxed, being ready to start a brand new existence with your soulmate, and showing off how fabulously fit you are, of course! Your hair, nails, makeup, dress (and how you look in that dress) are all part of being the bride you always dreamed of on your special day. 

An easy way get into the best shape of your life is to enroll in a medically supervised weight loss program from InShapeMD Fayetteville several weeks before your wedding day. With our prescription hCG programs and our appetite-suppressing supplements, our wellness team can help you look undeniably perfect in that beautiful dress of yours! 

The wait for the wedding can be stressful, but the weight doesn't have to be... Contact us TODAY at: (678)817-0181 and let the countdown to the perfect YOU begin!
--Your InShapeMD Fayetteville Wellness Team

Go NUTS with InShapeMD Fayetteville 's 6 Super Snack Ideas (Containing 100 Calories or Less)!

At InShapeMD Fayetteville we want YOU to be more aware of what you're consuming. Not only can it contribute to better weight loss results, it can help you achieve ultimate health for the long-term. 

So if you're feeling a bit hungry but you're still watching your waistline (aren't we always?!)... Here are 6 snack suggestions to try for only 100 calories or LESS!

1. A ½ Cup of Slow-Churned Ice Cream  
Surprise! Today, Ice cream will be on the top of our list. It's low-calorie and the key is to look for slow-churned or doubled-churned varieties, a process that reduces fat and calories while still retaining its creamy texture.

2. 6 Cups of Microwave Popcorn
This snack already has a very small calorie count, but some brands are even as low as 100 calories. So even if you're not veggin' out on the couch to watch a NetFlix movie, popcorn (the low-calorie kind, of course) can still be a wise snack option for you!

3. A Mini Quesadilla
You really don’t expect to see this as a recommended snack, but it can be a great choice. Try this recipe, by sprinkling an ounce of grated low fat cheddar cheese over a corn tortilla. Fold it in half, then microwave for 20 seconds. It’ll be a quick, easy, and healthy "mini meal" for you to enjoy!

4. Cottage Cheese & Cantaloupe 
Just grab a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese (which is a protein powerhouse by the way) and add chopped or sliced melon. With a small cantaloupe, the calories contained in this refreshing dish is just 100!

5. Three Crackers with Cheese
Choosing organic, whole grain crackers is the key to this delicious favorite. The crackers will provide you with fiber to help you feel fuller longer, and the cheese gives you the protein and calcium you may need for optimal weight control.

6. Fourteen Almonds
When those munchies strike while you are on-the-go, here's a convenient way to nosh on something nutritious. Eat 14 almonds just to hit the 100 calorie mark. The best part is... You can take these protein-packed nuts with you anywhere... which means they're even a great snack to keep you company if you're ever stuck in traffic.

For more information about healthier living or to find out about our medical weight loss programs at InShapeMD Fayetteville contact us TODAY: (678)817-0181.

Here's to better eating choices, and an even better reflection you'll notice in your mirror!
--Your InShapeMD Fayetteville Wellness Team

We Came, We SLAW, We Conquered: An InShapeMD Fayetteville hCG -Friendly Crunchy Slaw Recipe

Ingredients:

- 6 c. shredded cabbage

- ½ med. red onion

- 6 radishes, grated

- ¾ c. Rice vinegar

- ½ t. white or black pepper

- 1 t. celery salt

- 1-2 pkts. Splenda or other sugar substitute

Instructions:

- Place cabbage, onion, and radishes into a large mixing bowl. 

- Combine rice vinegar, spices, and Splenda. Mix well. 

- Pour over cabbage and toss well to coat. 

- Let sit 10-15 minutes or chill overnight; tossing again before serving.

Makes 4 servings of 1 ½ cups each

Calories: 36 per serving. Fat: 0g.

For more great nutritional tips or information about our InShapeMD Fayetteville medical weight loss products and services contact us us TODAY: (678)817-0181.

HEALTH-Bent on the Best Mother's Day Gift

Mothers’s Day is almost here... and there's nothing like giving Mom a present to brighten up her day with something that can also improve her health and well being, right?

With that in mind, here are 3 perfect Mother's Day gift ideas you can purchase from your wellness team at InShapeMD Fayetteville before this special occasion arrives:

1) Energy-Boosting B12 Shots
Cyanocobalamin (or Vitamin B12) has been found to be very important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation and healthy protein/tissue synthesis in the body. Although Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that's naturally present naturally in meats, seafood and dairy products... it may not be quite enough to provide that extra "oomph" of an energy boost that many of us need to power through a hectic week. With Mom busy running around to take care of the entire family, a bundle of B12 shots could be the perfect "pick-me-up" present!

2) A 30-Day Supply of Green Coffee Bean ExtractAs you may already know, the craze for Green Coffee Bean Extract has been a huge hit among dieters everywhere... especially after it was called "the miracle pill" by Doctor Oz during a recent episode of his talk show. Oz says the compound in green coffee beans, called “chlorogenic acid," seems to have a beneficial effect on metabolism so it can BURN FAT FAST for just about anyone who wants to lose weight. There are even studies today that prove its positive effects on weight loss (ref: Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 2012). So if you've heard Mom mumbling lately about trying to drop a few pant sizes or tone up for summer vacation, a bottle of Green Coffee Bean Extract could help give her metabolism the calorie-crushing jolt she desires!

3) A Gift Certificate for Wellness Products/Services at InShapeMD Fayetteville
If your mother is one of those "hard to shop for" type of people, that's okay. You can always give her something that points her in the direction of good health-- like a gift certificate. Our vouchers can be used toward any wellness products or services of Mom's choice... from our medical weight loss solutions to even our hormone optimizing programs!

For those of you out there who are scrambling for last-minute Mother's Day presents... scramble no more. Stop in at InShapeMD Fayetteville TODAY or call us NOW to reserve your desired present for Mom: (678)817-0181.

After all you can't go wrong by giving the gift of wellness!
--Your InShapeMD Fayetteville Wellness Team

InShapeMD Fayetteville : What Certain Weight Loss Tips & Unicorns Have in Common

At InShapeMD Fayetteville we're aware that there are several weight loss tips out there which can somewhat be compared to unicorns... as in, they're just myths, although many people still believe they're real.

With that being said here are 5 common statements we've recently heard regarding the dreaded process of slimming down, along a brief explanation as to whether each statement is simply a myth, or may hold some truth:

STATEMENT #1: Exercise must be strenuous and should be done at a certain level of intensity, for a certain amount of time in order to be of any help when trying to lose weight.

Myth. Many of us are aware that moderate to intense physical activity can be beneficial in weight management, but it doesn't have to be performed at a Navy Seals training pace to be effective. In fact, a three-mile walk burns about the same number of calories as a three-mile run... so why not opt for the workout routine that's more practical if shrinking your waistline is your number one goal?!

STATEMENT #2: Eating as much protein as possible at each meal in order to manage your weight is fine, because protein is good for you anyway.

Myth. While protein is important for good health and weight management, it can also lead to certain health problems when consumed in excess. Experts agree between 10%-35% of your total calories eaten daily should come from protein. Anything over that percentage could possibly be detrimental to your waistline-whittling attempts.

STATEMENT #3: You can lose belly fat by just doing sit-ups.

Myth. Many "newbie" gym members or workout novices aren't really aware of the ideal exercises which can help tighten their tummies, trim their thighs or strengthen their necks to wipe out that embarrassing double chin. Sure, doing the right strength training exercises can help you build muscle tone and ride your figure of flab, but doing 1,000 sit-ups a day will NOT result in the loss of belly fat. The kinds of food you eat, however, CAN (hence the popular saying, "Abs are made in the kitchen!).

STATEMENT #4: Since high-fat diets have been linked to heart disease and other health-related risks, it's best to totally eliminate fat from your diet.

Fact. One gram of fat contains more than twice the calories of one gram of carbohydrates or protein. Solution? Just say NO to fried foods and ignore those nagging temptations to hit up local fast food/drive-thru chains, simply because they're "just quicker and easier" than cooking a nutritious meal at home.

STATEMENT #5: It is actually possible to change your dietary habits in order to lose weight while still enjoying meals that are satisfying, tasty, as well as nutritious.

Fact. Subscribing to a medically-supervised weight loss regimen (such as our prescription hCG program at InShapeMD Fayetteville ) doesn't mean you have to forego great tasting meals. By learning how to make healthier lifestyle changes from our wellness team you can enjoy every bite of your food without loading up on all the extra calories, sodium or saturated fat!

At InShapeMD Fayetteville we want YOU to be more aware of what you're consuming. Not only can it contribute to better weight loss results, it can help you achieve ultimate health for the long-term. 

For more information about healthier living or to find out about our medical weight loss programs contact us TODAY at: (678)817-0181.

Here's to healthful eating choices, and that's a FACT!
--Your InShapeMD Fayetteville Wellness Team

Reap What You So-da: InShapeMD Fayetteville Dishes About Diet Drinks

You are hot and thirsty, and if you are like most Americans, the first drink you will reach for will be a carbonated beverage. 

If you are worried about your caloric intake however, you will likely pick a diet soda. 

For many years soft drink companies have spent billions of dollars convincing all of us that the diet soda is the healthier and lighter choice... and yet there are still so many of us who are struggling with weight gain. 

With the advertisements that are played out by a very in-shape model, however, who can blame us if diet soda seems like a dream come true? Many who have experienced this will say that diet sodas are “wolves in sheep's clothing,” fooling the population (mostly women) into thinking that they are doing something beneficial for their bodies when in reality, they are sabotaging their own best efforts of losing weight.

Sure, everyone knows by now that diet soda may not have all of the sugar or calories of a regular soda, but in place of those elements, there are several other health-draining chemicals, like for instance: caffeine, artificial sweeteners, sodium and phosphoric acid. Studies have shown that these elements are chemically venerable to the younger generations.

Many more recent studies about the goodness of diet sodas have been flying around lately, but the majority are actually setting you up to gain even more weight. Some experts are now even exploring the possibility that artificial sweeteners are responsible for confusing our taste buds and all those brain measures of satiety that are based upon what we eat.

Recent statistics on America’s Love for Soda (Sugar and Diet) from the Beverage Digest show the overall average sales of soda was 10.2 billion cases in 2005. That's about 828 eight-ounce servings for every man, woman and child in the US alone!

So if you really want to do something good for your body and your BMI (Body Mass Index), exchange that can of diet or sugar soda for a cool glass of filtered water-- no other drinks are close to it. You can even infuse it with some fresh fruit to add a little zing without the extra calories!

For more nutritional support or information about healthier choices this summer, contact InShapeMD Fayetteville for a FREE consultation TODAY at: (678)817-0181.

Here's to staying cool and staying healthy!

--The InShapeMD Fayetteville Wellness Team