Bonnie's Diet Tips

Dieting doesn't have to be complicated.

It's not how many carbs is in your diet, it doesn't matter what your blood type is and it doesn't have to cost you an arm and leg. It boils down to one thing and one thing alone - calories. If you want to lose weight, you have to take in less calories than you burn period. If you are dieting and you aren't losing weight, then the solution is simple - you are taking in too many calories. Even if you are eating all fresh organic foods and extremely healthy and aren't losing weight, most likely your portions are too large which means, again, you are taking in too many calories. Calories is ALWAYS the answer, plain and simple.

5 SIMPLE RULES:

1. Keep a daily diet log. Keep a track of calories like you keep track of your bank account.

2. Eat 5-6 meals/snacks a day to help speed up your metabolism.

3. Main meals should be no larger in size and in calories than an average Lean Cuisine.

4. Keep meals simple. The fewer ingredients and condiments, the fewer calories.

5. Be consistent. Until you reach your goal, you need to diet seven days a week.

SOME OF OUR OWN DIET GUIDELINES BONNIE & I USE:

1. Don't buy any snack or food you can't trust yourself around. (Chips, crackers, sweets, pastas & rice are our weaknesses)

2. Only go to restaurants who have healthy choices. Decide what you are ordering before you even get there and stick to it.

3. Drink a glass of water every time you find yourself staring into the fridge or pantry.

4. Stay busy. Limit time in front of the TV - everyone likes to snack while watching television. Less TV, less snacking.

5. Make yourself get out of the house even on those lazy, rainy days.

6. Sodas are a treat, not a beverage. Save diet-sodas for a dinner out on the weekend or a movie. Water is a staple.

7. Divide all meals out in half and eat the rest a couple of hours later.

8. Experiment. Don't be afraid to try new food products that meet your caloric intake. Some things you may never buy again (because they are yucky or boring) but many times you'll discover something new and great!

9. Shop on the outside perimeter of the store (fresh meats & produce).

10. Know what you are eating. If in doubt, don't eat it. The only way you KNOW if you are doing well on your diet is if you KNOW what you are eating. You should always read labels and be accountable for what you eat. (We like our snacks to be around 100-150 calories or less and meals between 300-400)

EATING WITH STEVE AND BONNIE:

If you were to visit the Pfiesters, this is most likely what you'd be eating...

1.) BREAKFAST: 1 packet of Quaker Oatmeal Fruit & Cream (and our morning coffee)

2.) SNACK: Protein Shake: tsp peanut butter, fat free milk, honey, ice, Zero Carb IsoPure whey protein (Vanilla) an sometimes a 1/2 a banana OR Lite Orange juice, vanilla protein, lemon juice and ice. (Click here for some of our favorite protein shake recipes)

3.) LUNCH: 6oz chicken breast & half a sweet potato (OR a South Beach Diet Pizza if I'm in a hurry - 32gms of protein!)

4.) SNACK: A few almonds, light yogurt, rolled up meat, Bear Naked granola or fruit). Look at our list of favorite snacks below.

5.) DINNER: Almost always a salad - mixed greens, grilled meat, slivered pear or apple, almonds, walnuts or sliced avocado (for good fat) and fresh oil & vinegar dressing or salad spritzer. (Look at some of my favorite salad recipes) ...OR we we'll have grilled meat and one veggie - almost always green beans, asparagus or broccoli

6.) SHAKE: Lite Protein shake - 1/2 water - 1/2 fat free milk, ice, protein powder, vanilla extract and a teeny bit of peanut butter. Coffee lovers can add a dash of instant coffee for a coffee cooler taste.

....and lots and lots of water. I don't drink any other fluids but water. (except my coffee)

FAVORITE SNACKS:

100 Calorie popcorn (butter spray is a low-cal way to help salt stick)

Sugar-free Jello pudding

Sugar-free pudding popsicle

Pretzel sticks

Caramel Rice Cake with a thin layer of peanut butter

Wassabi Almonds

Cottage Cheese

Cantaloupe

Dill Pickle

Rolled up lunch meat with honey mustard