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

Life's a Beach with hCG-Friendly Shrimp Ceviche

Spring Break season is in full swing, which is a great reason to take a little break from your daily grind... but still adhere to your prescription hCG weight loss program.

With that being said our InShapeMD Fayetteville wellness team has a "beachy" AND hCG-friendly recipe for you to try this week: Shrimp Ceviche!

Here's what you need:-1 to 2lbs of shrimp, fresh or frozen, raw or cooked, peeled and deveined, tail on or off (hCG-friendly Ceviche only calls for 8 large shrimp for a total of 52 calories).

-2 large lemons, freshly squeezed about ¾ cup to 1 cup

-2 to 3 large limes, freshly squeezed

-1 tablespoon fresh garlic

-1 mild or medium pepper, finely chopped

-1 red onion finely chopped

-4 large tomatoes finely chopped

-2 cumbers peeled and diced into ½ inches

-Fresh cilantro chopped

-Fresh parsley, chopped

-Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for taste

Directions:
Thaw shrimp if frozen. If using raw shrimp, bring water to a boil and cooked the shrimp for 1-2 minutes, until it turns opaque white and reddish (overcooking can cause your shrimp to become rubbery). Once cooked, rinse shrimp under cold water. 

Combine juices from lemons and limes in a large bowl and add shrimp. Cover bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.

After half an hour add these ingredients to the shrimp & juices in your large bowl: Tabasco, garlic, onion and pepper. Lastly add in cilantro, parsley, tomatoes and cucumbers. Toss and mix evenly. Return to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to infuse into your shrimp.

When ready, serve yourself a bowl containing 8 large shrimp with the all the mix-ins, add a serving of Melba Toast (optional) & enjoy!

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

Here's to ensuring "life's a beach," even while you're on a diet!

--The InShapeMD Fayetteville Wellness Team

Gumb-Oh! Seafood-in-a-Bowl That's hCG-Friendly AND Delicious

Gumbo is a dish that originated in southern Louisiana during the 18th century, but is now enjoyed by seafood lovers nationwide.

Its original recipe primarily consists of a strongly flavored stock, meat or shellfish, a thickener and seasoned vegetables (which can include okra, celery, bell peppers) and many other "Cajun cuisine" ingredients. Several spices and powders are also added to help give it that southern flair.

What we at InShapeMD Fayetteville have for you today... is a toned-down version of that wonderful dish that's still big on flavor as well as hCG-friendly! 

Here's what you need so you can indulge without going overboard:

-100 grams of seafood
We chose this combination-- 3.5 oz. whitefish (98 cal), 3.5 oz. shrimp (110 cal) & 3.5 oz. crab meat (60 cal).

-1 chopped garlic clove (2 cal)

-2 large chopped Roma tomatoes (66 cal)

-¼ teaspoon onion salt (0 cal)

-¼ teaspoon Creole seasoning (15 cal)

-dash of garlic powder (3 cal)

-dash of celery salt (2 cal)

-dash of cayenne pepper (3 cal)

-1-2 packets of organic Stevia (0 cal)

Preparation:
Sauté seafood with chopped garlic on high heat until browned. Add remaining ingredients, and simmer on low for at least 15 minutes. Cool it down a little, serve and enjoy!

For more information about healthy living or find out how we can help you reach your weight loss goals visit our InShapeMD Fayetteville web site  TODAY.

Here's to guilt-free gumbo!
--Your InShapeMD Fayetteville Wellness Experts