A Few Things That Can Add To Your Waist

Stress - Cortisol is the flight or fight hormone that's released from the adrenal gland when we're stressed out. This hormone increases blood sugar which increases insulin which increases fat deposits.

Sleep Deprivation - Not getting enough sleep can turn on that Cortisol too. It also messes with your hormones that control your appetite which leads to binge eating.

Low Vitamin D - A vitamin D deficiency can lead to blood sugar regulation too. Vitamin D is very important in helping your bones absorb calcium. A simple blood test can tell if you are low in Vitamin D.

Constipation - You gotta keep everything moving or it will just sit and fester. Try some fiber foods like broccoli, peas or peas and remember to drink lots of water!

* From March 2010 Parenting Magazine

Chick Peas

Chick peas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a wonderful snack!! Pop open a can, rinse thoroughly and munch away. They're fantastic on salads too! Don't forget pasta salads...tomato salads...etc... The possibilities are endless!!!! Yum!!!

Why Green Tea?

Did you know that green tea is the same plant as black tea? Green tea is less processed than black tea so it retains the majority of it's nutrients.

Hot outside? Try iced green tea with a sprig of home grown mint!

Beans

Beans contain a resistant start that doesn't turn to sugar like most carbohydrates. Instead they pass through the body and act like fiber. This kind of starch is found not only in beans, but in potatoes, bananas and corn.

* From Parenting Magazine 2010

Green Tea

New research has a link between green tea and weight loss. Catechins are compounds found in green tea that boost energy expenditure, increase the rate in which cells release fat and speed up the liver's ability to burn fat.

* From Parenting Magazine 2010

Healthy Fat

Fat isn't all the same. Saturated fat is saturated with bad cholesterol, but unsaturated fats can help to lower bad cholesterol. You can find these good fats in avocados, nuts, olives, dark chocolate and flaxseed oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are found in wild salmon, cod, and walnuts and help regulate blood sugar. Watch your portion sizes!

* From Parenting Magazine 2010

Whole Grains

Grains are great sources for fiber, but they also contain cortisol and chromium. Cortisol fights a stress hormone that encourages fat stores in the waist and chromium keeps down insulin production which at high levels encourages fat stores around the belly. Three servings a day is recommended and focus on the grains in their natural form like oats, brown rice or wild rice and quinoa.

* From Parenting Magazine 2010

Lean Protein

Protein works like whey in that it helps to build muscle. Lean protein also takes longer to digest so you stay full longer. Six ounces a day is good for a 1,800-2,000 calorie diet. If it helps, a 3 ounce portion is about the size of a deck of cards.

* From Parenting Magazine 2010

Potassium

Orange juice, bananas, baked potatoes (with the skin), sweet potatoes, and spinach are high in potassium and can help with salt cravings. Our body's cells need water. Potassium helps to bring water into the cells. Sodium pulls out and leads to dehydration.

* From Parenting Magazine 2010

Diary

Dairy products contain whey which supports growth of lean body mass. Calories taken in from low-fat dairy food doesn't go straight to the hips. Try to get 3 servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy every day. There are some great options out there like string cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese. Try Greek yogurt! It's great for you and can also be swapped for sour cream. Keep in mind that yogurts with fruit and nut have extra calories and sugar. Try adding your own!

* From Parenting Magazine 2010

Cherries, Berries, and Grapes

These fruits contain Anthocyanins which can help burn belly fat. These fruits are very colorful with a tart flavor so opt for the tart cherries (dried or frozen). 2 cups of these guys daily are recommended.

* From Parenting Magazine 2010