NIFS Healthy Living Blog

Name: Daniel Feinstein

Share your story or a bit about yourself in a few sentences:

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be extremely challenging. For me, the exercise piece of the puzzle comes relatively easily; however, I’ve struggled making well-balanced food choices. I am easily tempted by a sporting event or a night on the town, which tends to lead to poor choices.

NIFS programs that you participated in: Summer Showdown, Maintain Not Gain, Slim It to Win It

Why did you join this program?

To win three free months of NIFS membership! All joking aside, I joined for several reasons: to bring a sense of accountability for my fitness results (both to myself and to my team), to learn more about living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, to meet new friends, and to experience training sessions specifically designed to target fat loss.

Something you have enjoyed:

I really enjoy group training. It fosters an environment where teammates encourage and push each other, oftentimes outside of typical comfort zones.

Something you have learned or something that surprised you:

Not specifically something I’ve learned during Slim It to Win It, but this program helped remind me how important a well-balanced diet is to achieving certain fitness goals (especially fat loss). As I grow older and my metabolism slows, the more I realize how difficult (or nearly impossible) it is to offset poor diet choices by working harder in the gym. 

Favorite exercise from one of the workouts?

I do not have a favorite exercise; however, I really enjoy the fact that each workout is unique and incorporates several themes into one 60-minute session. So far, a typical workout has included dynamic warm-up, core, strength, metabolic, and cool-down.

What accomplishments have you achieved during your training program for Slim It to Win It (or do you hope to achieve)?

I hope to lose a little fat, meet friends, and develop healthy habits.*

What struggles have you encountered? Tips you have learned along the way?

I typically struggle with maintaining a “clean” diet. Using MyFitnessPal to log meals has helped tremendously. In general, making smart meal choices can be difficult when eating off of a menu. Because of this, I have found that planning and preparing my meals (and snacks) really helps.

How do you stay motivated?

I really enjoy working out, but the following tips help me stay motivated:

• Schedule: I view working out as part of my daily schedule; of course, rest days are planned. In any given week I have a schedule with an idea of the type of workout planned each day. I enjoy working out first thing in the morning. My workday can be hectic and exhausting; working out in the morning leaves one less thing to worry about.

• Variety: Variety also plays a big role in staying motivated. I rarely do the same exact workout twice and like to include challenges as part of my workout.

• Goal setting: When setting goals, I rarely make goals related to my physical appearance (maybe I should!). My goals are more fitness related, such as row 2000m in less than XX minutes, do XX pull-ups, et cetera. I find myself continually adjusting my goals as skills and fitness improve.
  
  *Weight loss claims and/or individual results vary and are not guaranteed.

This blog was written by Crystal Belen, NIFS Heath Fitness Instructor. Learn more about the NIFS bloggers.

Fit & Forty+ (Fabulous) Series—Eat Right to Feel Right

In this video, I have asked our resident dietitian, Angie Scheetz, to give us some tips on getting your metabolism revved up. We look at how to fuel your body in the morning as well as pre- and post-workout.

Further Nutrition Tips to Boost Metabolism

1. Eat every 4 to 5 hours. If you are eating more frequently, it makes your metabolism constantly have to work to break down fuel. This helps to keep it working optimally, as opposed to going long times in between meals.
2. Eat more nutrient-dense foods. Your body naturally burns more calories when you eat foods that are more challenging to digest. For example, an orange takes more effort from the metabolism to break down than a glass of orange juice. The more effort it takes and the longer these items stay in your body, the more calories are burned, which keeps the metabolism revved! Choose more high-fiber food more often to keep your metabolism working.
3. Drink plenty of fluid. If you get the slightest bit dehydrated, your metabolism drops by 3 percent. By making sure you are taking in plenty of fluid, especially calorie- and caffeine-free liquid, you can keep the metabolism working well. Foods high in fluid like fruits and veggies can also contribute. The best way to guarantee that you are hydrated is to check the color of your urine. After you go to the restroom for the second time during the day, it should be pale to clear.

Check out Angie’s blog on what a healthy lunch includes.

Food and Diet Myths

Lastly, Angie is going to dispel a few food and diet myths:

1. Late-night eating has to be avoided; eat no later than 7 p.m. Your metabolism does not “shut off” after 7 p.m. However, this is when most of our mindless eating occurs. Instead of reaching for the salty or sweet snacks late at night, stop and think, “Am I truly hungry?” If the answer is yes, choose a reasonable snack between 100 and 150 calories. If the answer is no, have some water or hot tea, or distract yourself by brushing your teeth, doing a crossword puzzle, or getting up and taking a lap around the house.
2. Supplements/fat burners really help you lose weight. Supplements and fat burners are not regulated by the FDA. These products can potentially be very dangerous and there is no research that supports that they work. Instead, focus on a balanced diet with exercise to get the results you want. If you want to check to see whether your current supplement has been tested, go to the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention website to see whether it has been evaluated.
3. Women need protein only if they are body builders. Everyone requires protein after strength training, even if you are just toning up. The recommendation is 7 to 10 grams of protein within 30 to 60 minutes of the resistance training. Reach for a glass of low-fat chocolate milk, a Tablespoon of peanut butter on an apple, or a container of Greek yogurt to get in the ideal amount!
4. You cannot indulge in your favorite foods if you want to lose weight. All foods can fit into your diet if you are trying to lose weight. The key is balance. Get in your recommended servings of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meat, dairy, and healthy fats each day and there will be room for the occasional treat. For most women this is around 150 calories per day, and for men it is around 250 calories. Make sure to get your base needs met first and then splurge on a favorite dessert or snack. Go to Choose My Plate for a personalized plan.
5. You can never eat out if you want to lose weight. Most restaurants are attempting to offer healthier options for diners. It is up to you to choose these options! When dining out, remember to balance your plate. Half of it should be filled with fruits and non-starchy vegetables, one quarter with lean protein, and one quarter with grain and starchy veggies. This can be accomplished at all dining-out establishments. Remember portion control, too! Take some home or share with someone to keep portions in check. Use an app or website such as My Fitness Pal to look up the calories before ordering.

If you have just joined this series be sure to go back and read all the blogs. Including:

Getting Started

Foam Rolling and Increasing Your Range of Motion

Need help planning proper dietary habits into your lifestyle? Schedule a Personal Nutrition Coaching (PNC) session with Angie today!

This blog series was written by Kris Simpson BS, ACSM-PT, HFS, personal trainer at NIFS. If you have questions about something in this series or would like to schedule an appointment with Kris please contact her at 317-274-3432 or email. To read more about Kris and NIFS bloggers click here.

We have all heard the statistic that the average person gains 7 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. This is somewhat exaggerated; the actual number is a 1-pound weight gain. However, this pesky 1 pound usually hangs on year after year, so over 10 holiday seasons that is a 10-pound gain! The goal during this time of year is to maintain your weight, which is definitely a challenge with all of the extra food gatherings.

7 Tips for Holiday Eating

Here are some tips to help survive the holiday parties and make sure
your weight is the same on January 2 as it was on November 28.

1. Restrict the number of alcoholic drinks at holiday parties. At a minimum it is 100 calories per drink, and depending on what you are choosing, can be as high as 400 (eggnog!). The recommendations are one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Instead of adding all of the empty calories from alcohol, save those calories for filling food!
2. Have just single servings of your favorite foods. If you are super excited to have a food that comes around only once per year, enjoy every last bite of the single serving, wrap up some and enjoy it the next day, too.
3. Don’t skip meals to “save room” at the party! This can lead to out-of-control eating. Instead, make sure to have balanced meals and snacks throughout the day, aiming for fruits, veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. You can even grab a snack before the party to help with the desperation eating. An apple with peanut butter, Greek yogurt and fruit, or a stick of string cheese with a handful of nuts would be a perfect filling and nutritious snack option.
4. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and at the party. This can help keep you full; and if your hand is already occupied with a beverage, it will be more challenging to reach for the food!
5. Remember that you can have some foods all year long, such as crackers, cheese, and pretzels. Choose the foods that are the most interesting and unique, and come around only once per year. Then frame it positively and say, “I want to save my appetite for the best” instead of “I am not allowed to eat these foods.”
6. Repeat these words: “No, thanks, on the seconds. It was delicious, but I have had enough.”
7. Instead of focusing on the food, put effort into enjoying the people and conversations, and really connecting.

This blog was written by Angie Scheetz, RD, Wellness Coordinator. To find out more about the NIFS bloggers, click here.

The holidays are known as a time of temptation, bustling around, and busy schedules. It’s part of what makes me love the holiday season so much. Despite the cheerful feelings in the air, many times when we get busy, nutritious foods and regular exercise are the first things to go!

I can definitely relate to feeling the holiday rush and not knowing where or when to fit in my healthy lifestyle. I also know that with a little pre-planning and a conscious effort put into my food and exercise routine, I feel much happier overall and I am able to enjoy fun holiday events even more! Whether you are attending holiday parties, working long hours, or enjoying your child’s holiday performance, it’s still important to make time for health.

Here are my six tips for staying healthy during the busy holiday season.

1. Schedule the Appointment

At the end of the weekend, I like to take out my planner and write down my workouts where I have time available (in ink!). This allows me to know ahead of time I have an appointment. And just as if I were meeting with someone for business, I don’t want to miss it or be late. Looking at my time day by day, and sometimes hour by hour, makes the busy schedule seem a lot more manageable and allows me to find empty time pockets that I can fill if necessary.

2. Make It a Tradition

A couple of years ago, I signed up for my first Thanksgiving morning run and it was a blast! There were tons of crazy costumes, families, and runners of all experience levels participating. The atmosphere was so happy and inviting! Having the race to look forward to kept me on task for the month of November, as I knew I needed to stay in shape to complete the race and feel good the rest of the day. I enjoyed the race so much that I have signed up for a race every year since, and now I am getting my family involved!

3. Cook in Batches

Make batches of healthy meals and snacks at the beginning of the week so you aren't tempted by holiday treats at all times. I make this a habit even when it’s not the holiday season. It could be as simple as roasting extra veggies, cooking extra chicken or fish to throw on salads, or making sure all of your produce is clean and cut so you can grab and go at any time. Holiday treats are part of the season, so enjoy them, but don’t shape your entire holiday diet around them.

4. Combine Workout with Work

I know how it feels to have a big exam coming up that consumes every thought in my head, or extra work that needs to be completed away from the office. Having things like this on my mind have made me feel guilty about taking the time out of my schedule to get some physical activity in. Luckily, I have found a way to squeeze in some extra work while getting my exercise in. Read your notes while riding a stationary bike, running on the treadmill, or using the elliptical. It may not be your preferred mode of activity, but it is still movement. Combining the two things on your to-do list will hopefully give you a little break in your schedule so you can spend your spare time celebrating rather than at the gym.

5. Pack Your Bag

Preparing for the next day the night before helps me stay focused and not miss any appointments I may have coming up, and that includes my workout appointment with myself! I pack my entire bag the night before so I can get up early to work out before my day starts or hit the gym right after work—if you are lucky, squeeze it in during lunch! No matter what, your bag will be packed and ready to go, leaving you with no excuses.

6. Find a Workout Buddy

Having a partner in crime for any activity makes it more enjoyable, and the same is true with working out! Another option is to attend a group class. Meeting the others in the group will help hold you accountable for showing up each day. They will help motivate you during the workout, too!

If you need some extra motivation, NIFS offers Group Training classes throughout the week to keep you on track during the holidays!

This blog was written by Tara Deal Rochford, NIFS Membership Manager and a group fitness instructor. Author of Treble in the Kitchen. Meet our other NIFS bloggers.

We have all heard about holiday weight gain from eating too much of those delicious celebratory foods. However, a lot of the foods that we typically only see around this time of year can be very good for us. Here are some superfoods and recipes to incorporate into your annual holiday feasts!

Brussels Sprouts:

• Loaded with 15% of your RDA for fiber to help keep cholesterol low.
• Lots of cancer-fighting antioxidants like Vitamins C, E, and A.
• Contain one-third of the inflammation-reducing omega-3 fatty acids your body requires per day.
• Over 200% of the RDA of Vitamin K, which is essential for proper brain and nerve function.

Pomegranate:

• May help keep plaque from forming on artery walls.
• Antioxidants in it have been found to slow prostate cancer growth.
• Improves blood flow to the heart and reduces the risk for heart disease.

Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate and Bacon

Makes 3 to 4 side-dish servings

5 to 6 cups Brussels sprouts (about 1.5 lbs.), cleaned and quartered

2 slices turkey bacon or center-cut bacon, cut into small pieces

¼ cup pomegranate seeds

¼ cup pecan halves, roughly chopped

⅛ to ¼ tsp. sea salt and pepper, depending on preference

1. Begin by cooking the bacon over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
2. Once the bacon is almost all browned, add the Brussels sprouts. Cook and stir at least once a minute. When most of the Brussels sprouts have browned a little bit and are softened
   (about 5 to 7 minutes), pour into pomegranates and pecans.
3. Add salt and pepper.
4. Cook the entire mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes.

(Recipe from www.eatliverun.com.)

Turkey:

• Lean source of protein with all of the essential amino acids.
• Contains selenium, which is helpful in thyroid and immune system function.
• Is a good source of Vitamins B3 and B6.

Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Makes 8 servings

¼ cup flour

2 cups turkey stock

4 cups fat-free milk

2 large celery stalks, chopped

1½ cups chopped onion

8 oz. sliced mushrooms

Fresh ground pepper

2 TB. chopped parsley

8 oz. frozen peas and carrots

1 tsp. turkey bouillon (or more to taste)

2 medium (12 oz. total) potatoes, peeled and cubed small

16 oz. cooked turkey breast, diced small or shredded

1. Create a roux by combining ½ cup of the cold broth with flour in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended. Set aside.
2. Pour remaining broth and milk into a large pot and slowly bring to a boil. Add celery, onion, mushrooms, parsley, fresh pepper, frozen vegetables, and salt and return to a boil.
3. Partially cover and simmer on low until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes.
4. Remove lid, add potatoes, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Add turkey, and slowly whisk in roux, stirring well as you add.
6. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes, until soup thickens.
7. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve.

(Recipe from www.skinnytaste.com.)

Sweet Potatoes:

• Rich in beta carotene and meet the daily requirement for Vitamin A.
• Provide one-third of your daily dose of Vitamin C.
• Packed with fiber to help keep you full.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Makes 12 servings

1 lb. cooked, mashed sweet potato

½ cup orange juice

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

2 egg whites

Topping:

½ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons butter

1. Mix orange juice, sugar, vanilla and egg whites. Add to sweet potato.
2. Place sweet potato mixture in a casserole dish.
3. Mix topping ingredients until mixture is mealy. Spread on top of potato mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans on top (optional).
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.

Pumpkin:

• A serving contains more than 200% of the RDA of Vitamin A, which helps with vision.
• Loaded with the antioxidant beta carotene, which is a cancer fighter.
• Plenty of potassium to aid in the body’s electrolyte balance.

Cinnamon:

• Has been found to help reduce blood sugar levels of individuals with diabetes.
• Can help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.
• May help against the destructive process of multiple sclerosis.

Pumpkin Pie Dip

Makes 12 servings

15 oz. canned pumpkin

8 oz. Cool-Whip

1 package sugar-free, fat-free vanilla pudding mix

½ TB. pumpkin pie seasoning

½ tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. nutmeg

Sliced apples for dipping

1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together except apples.
2. Chill in refrigerator until ready to eat.
3. Serve with sliced apples.

 Red Wine:

• Can have a significant positive effect on lowering cholesterol levels.
• Resveratrol, a compound in red wine, can help keep your brain sharp.
• Studies have shown it can prevent you from getting the common cold when drinking red wine in moderation (5 oz. per day for women and 10 oz. per day for men).

Pot Roast with Dried Fruit and Red Wine

Makes 6 servings

1 well-trimmed boneless beef rump roast (2 pounds), tied

¾ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup beef broth

1 cup dry red wine

½ cup orange juice

½ teaspoon ground allspice

2 large red onions, cut into wedges

2 cups pitted prunes

2 cups dried apricot halves

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Rub the roast with the salt and pepper.
3. In an ovenproof Dutch oven, bring the broth, wine, orange juice, and allspice to a boil over high heat.
4. Place the roast in the pot and return to a boil. Cover the pot and place in the oven.
5. Bake, turning the roast several times, for 2 hours. Add the onions, prunes, and apricots and cook for 1 hour, or until the roast is very tender.
6. Place on a cutting board, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes.
7. Remove the strings from the roast and cut into thin slices.
8. Arrange the meat on a platter and spoon the pan juices and fruit over top.

(Recipe from www.prevention.com.)

Happy Holidays, and make sure to incorporate some of these superfoods into your meals this season!

This blog was written by Angie Scheetz, RD, wellness coordinator at NIFS, She also organizes the Mini Marathon Training Program, Dealing with Diabetes, and Lite ‘N Up classes. To contact Angie about Personal Nutrtional Coaching sessions email her at ascheetz@nifs.org or call 317-274-3432.

With NIFS being located on the campus of IUPUI, it is hard not to notice the campus’s schedule and all of the students bustling between classes. Several students stop into our fitness center for advice so they can avoid the “freshman 15” or get their healthy habits back on track.

Now that school is in full swing and you have your classes and routine figured out, it is a good time to take a look at your healthy habits or areas that could use a little tweaking in the health department. I know how tough being in college can be, but it doesn’t mean that all healthy decisions have to fall to the wayside. This is a crucial time in your life when new routines are developed, so why not develop healthy habits that you will have for life?

College is a time when you go through many changes all at once, so it’s important to not only focus on putting healthy foods in your body, but also to be healthy physically, mentally, and socially, too! Not to worry; it may be challenging at times dealing with so many new things all at once, but I promise you will make it through.

You may be a new college student, in your third or fourth year of college, preparing to go to college, or helping a loved one get ready for his or her college experience. Whatever the case, these tips will help keep anyone college-bound healthy, balanced, and happy!

1. Create a Routine

Every person functions differently. Some people are planners and some people thrive on spontaneity. Whatever the case, your body needs a little bit of routine. Make sure that you are orderly with things you do each day. For example, keeping your keys, ID cards, and notebooks in the same place each day will save you the stress of searching and scrambling last minute to find these items before each class. This extra time will also allow for more “free time” when you can do spontaneous and fun things to keep your mental and social health balanced.

2. Begin with Breakfast

Breakfast is the meal that boosts your blood sugar and metabolism, and can set the tone for the entire day. Skipping breakfast can lead to moodiness, low blood sugar, and overeating later in the day. Remember that you don't have to eat "breakfast" for breakfast. If you want leftovers from the night before, go for it! The important thing is to include complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fat to increase your focus, metabolism, and energy. If you don’t want to eat in the dining hall, an easy dorm room breakfast is hot oats cooked in the community microwave topped with a dollop of nut butter and a side of fruit that you grabbed from the dining hall the night before.

3. Hydrate

Keep in mind that the calories in your drinks count toward your daily calories, too. If you are feeling thirsty, you are already dehydrated, and often thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Choose water when you can, and keep a fun water bottle or cup with you at all times to encourage drinking throughout the entire day.

4. Schedule Physical Activity and Make it FUN!

Don’t like going to the gym? You don’t have to! Since I work at NIFS you probably think I am crazy for saying that! The thing is, your body doesn’t know whether you are running inside on a treadmill or playing a game of soccer. What your body does know is it was meant to move, so schedule some fun active time in your day just like a class or appointment. Sign up for an intramural sport, try a group fitness class, join a running group, volunteer at the animal shelter to walk dogs, sign up for a dance class, and get creative! Find something you love and do it.

5. Be Prepared

Although it may be hard to pack an entire healthy meal when living in a dorm, packing a snack can be easy! Some fruits and vegetables require little to no preparation (such as apples, oranges, peaches, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas) and can be thrown into your school bag for an easy energy booster. This can lift your mood and sharpen your focus to help prevent the afternoon blues and help increase your productivity while studying. Having water and emergency snacks on hand will also make it less likely for you to reach for fast food as a regular option.

6. Indulge!

In moderation, it's okay to eat your favorite treat every once in a while. Things like ice cream, fast food, chocolate, or a special coffee drink are perfectly fine to enjoy...sometimes. It's not what you do every once in a while, it's what you do every day that makes a difference.

At NIFS we are here to help, and we couldn’t be more conveniently located for students in central Indianapolis.

We offer fun group fitness classes that are included in your membership. We have a Registered Dietitian on staff who can help you create a meal plan that will work with your campus lifestyle. And our Health and Fitness Specialists will create a workout plan for you for free.

If you have questions about student membership or any of the programs that we have available to help you live a healthy campus lifestyle please e-mail membership at membership@nifs.org.

This blog was written by Tara Deal Rochford, NIFS Membership Manager and a group fitness instructor. Author of Treble in the Kitchen.Meet our other NIFS bloggers.

If it is the most important meal of the day, why do about 31 million people (or 10 percent of the population) still skip breakfast? Here are the top three reasons people skip breakfast and how you can overcome those excuses to make eating breakfast a part of your daily routine.

I’m just not hungry in the morning.

You should wake up in the morning and be hungry. Your body has gone at least eight hours without food, so it should be ready for some fuel. If not, take a look at your before-bedtime habits and check to see whether you are constantly snacking on chips and ice cream late into the evening. If so, this can affect your hunger levels in the morning. Don’t go to bed hungry, but instead choose a reasonable snack around 100 to 150 calories like Greek yogurt or an apple with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.

I don’t have time for breakfast.

If you would rather hit the snooze button a few more times than prepare breakfast for yourself, you might find yourself without enough time to eat in the morning. The key is to aim for three food groups at a meal, so even if you grab a turkey sandwich and a banana as you run out the door, you are still starting your day right. The key is to combine some protein and whole grains to help give you energy and keep you full. Breakfast is also a great time to get in a dairy or fruit serving, too!

If time is an issue, use this recipe to prepare breakfast for the whole week. Add the egg to an English muffin and grab a glass of milk or piece of fruit to go with it and you are set!

I want to save my calories for later in the day.

Some people think that if they skip breakfast, it will help with their weight-loss efforts or give them more calories to consume at lunch and dinner. Unfortunately, this is not the case. A recent study compared two groups: one ate more for breakfast and the other ate more at dinner, with both consuming the same amount of calories. The breakfast group lost more weight and inches than the dinner group. Typically people who skip breakfast overcompensate the rest of the day by eating more calories than if they had started their day with a balanced meal.

Whatever your reason for skipping breakfast, try to break that habit and start eating something every day. Start small with a glass of 100 percent juice or a piece of fruit and then work up to a balanced meal between 400 and 500 calories and at least three food groups!

Angie Scheetz, RD, is the wellness coordinator at NIFS and organizes the Mini Marathon Training Program, Dealing with Diabetes, and Lite ‘N Up. Enrollment for Lite ‘N Up is open though September 17, 2013.

Whenever people find out I’m a dietitian, I get asked a lot of questions about what I eat. My typical response is “I eat normal.” However, I guess everyone has a different version of normal! For me that means following the recommendations in the USDA guidelines at ChooseMyPlate.gov. Half of my plate is filled with fruits and vegetables, a quarter of my plate grains, and a quarter of the plate protein. Then you can sprinkle in a little dairy with that. There is also room for some good, healthy fats and even the occasional dessert!

My rule of thumb is 80/20. 80 percent of my diet is filled with fresh, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and nonfat dairy; and 20 percent includes foods such as cheese, chocolate, and alcohol. On most days I try to make sure I get the 80 percent met first before even thinking about the 20 percent!

What Angie Eats for Lunch

So, what do I eat for lunch? Well, I tend to switch up the main part of my meal each week, but the rest stays pretty constant. I always have a Greek yogurt, some baby carrots, and a Clementine. Every Monday I bring to work four yogurts, four Cuties, and a bag of baby carrots. That way I don’t have to worry about it the rest of the week. Then, I make a homemade chicken salad, tuna salad, or egg salad mixed with nonfat Greek yogurt instead of mayo and put it on whole-wheat bread or whole-wheat crackers. Other weeks I choose an old standby: peanut butter and jelly on whole-wheat bread. Sometimes it is turkey sandwiches or even leftovers from dinner the night before. There are even a few days here and there that I grab a frozen meal because they are quick and convenient.

If I want a sweet ending to my lunch, I typically stop by my co-worker’s office for a few of the M&Ms she keeps on her desk. This is much better than buying the whole package from the vending machine!

One day a week I go out to lunch with some friends, and it can be challenging to choose the healthiest options. However, the main thing I always try to do is to balance my plate! So, if I really want a slice of pizza one day, then I opt for a side salad instead of a breadstick to go with it. Or if it is a sandwich place, I will bring my own sides such as the Clementine and carrots to go with the sandwich instead of the chips. The key is to picture the plate and then fill in the holes!

Need Advice on Healthy Lunches? Ask the Dietitian!

Packing your lunch can sometimes be a pain, but it is definitely worth it in the end! Figure out what works for you so that you can make it part of your weekly routine. If you need assistance planning your meals, please contact Lindsey Recker for a personal nutrition consultation at lrecker@nifs.org or 317.274.3432, ext. 239.

Diabetes is a disease that affects 8.3% of the population, or 26 million individuals. When it comes to diabetes, nutrition is key. The goal is to be able to choose foods that help to keep blood sugar levels under control and in the recommended range.

The best way to eat to guarantee optimum blood sugar levels is to always combine carbohydrate foods with a protein to help prevent levels from spiking too high. Foods that are carbohydrates are grains such as rice, cereal, and pasta; dairy foods such as milk and yogurt; and fruits and vegetables. Foods that have protein include meat, eggs, soy, beans, nuts, and dairy foods (which also contain protein in addition to carbohydrates).

Here are some diabetic-friendly recipes that follow this suggestion.

Mini BBQ Chicken-Topped Potato Halves

Ingredients:

• —2 (1/4 lb total) new potatoes, scrubbed and pierced with a fork in several areas
• —2 cups prepared shredded barbeque chicken
• —1/3 cup fat-free Greek yogurt or fat-free sour cream
• —1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook five minutes, turn, and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until fork tender.
2. Meanwhile, place the barbecue chicken in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, about 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir frequently. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
3. Place potatoes on cutting board, cut in half lengthwise, top with equal amounts of chicken, and then top with the sour cream and green onions.

*Serving size is half a potato; makes 4 servings.

Calories: 83; Total Fat: 1g; Total Carbohydrate: 24g; Protein: 10g

Grilled Asparagus

Ingredients:

• —1 pound/bundle of fresh asparagus
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• —Pinch of pepper
• —¼ tsp Mrs. Dash salt-free seasoning
• —1 ounce Fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Heat grill to high heat.
2. Lightly coat the asparagus with olive oil, squeezed lemon juice, pepper, and Mrs. Dash.
3. Grill 2 to 3 minutes.

*Makes 4 servings.  **Pair this with your favorite grilled lean meat

Calories: 116; Total Fat: 10g; Total Carbohydrate: 6g; Protein: 3g

Strawberry Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

• —1 cup Chocolate Cheerios®
• —2 containers (6 oz. each) Yoplait Greek Strawberry Yogurt (1 1/3 cups)
• —2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions:

1. Save two teaspoons of Chocolate Cheerios for toppings.
2. Take each of the serving glasses and layer 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of Chocolate Cheerios, and 1/4 cup of sliced strawberries, and repeat layers.
3. Top with the remaining Cheerios and a whole strawberry.

*Makes 4 servings.

Calories: 136; Total Fat: 1g; Total Carbohydrate: 25g; Protein: 8g

Getting the Balance Right and Learning More About Diabetes

Most individuals need between 45 and 60 grams of carbohydrate per meal. Combine this with 15 to 25 grams of protein and blood sugar levels will remain stable and in the healthy range. By incorporating dietary changes, diabetics will be able to improve their health and manage their diabetes.

This blog was written by Angie Scheetz, RD. For more information contact her at ascheetz@nifs.org or 317-274-3432, ext 239.