Eat This, Not That

Do you really know what’s in the food you’re ordering at the local diner, fast food restaurant, or high-end bistro? Several recent studies have linked obesity to eating out at restaurants – yet Americans continue to spend billions on fast food and convenience dining despite the growing problem of obesity.

If you have ever stopped at McDonald’s, Burger King, or your local eatery for a meal and think you are making the right choice – think again! A Big Mac comes with a whooping 540 calories and 29 grams of fat while a whopper with cheese weighs in at 760 calories and 47 grams of fat. Over time, these extra calories and fat are enough to pile on 10, 20, 30 or more pounds of weight per year. Not to mention the sodium content or carbohydrate load that come with these meals, you might be increasing your risk for developing diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and more.

Having a basic understanding of what goes into our bodies is essential to breaking the cycle of unhealthy food consumption. In this fast-paced world where food is readily available, how do you navigate through all the nutrition data and nuances? As a personal nutrition coach, I see clients who find themselves in this same predicament and this is what I tell them: Eat This, Not That! by David Zinczenko Editor-in-Chief of Men’s Health. Simple and illustrative, this book is a primer to making smart choices about food every time, whether you are grocery shopping, eating at a fast food chain, or dining at Macaroni Grill. It’s like having a nutrition coach right in your pocket. It’s a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to lose weight the smart way and feel healthy while doing it.

Our philosophy on weight control is based on the balance approach that promotes small dietary and lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain healthy weight. Our Balance Program is a great place to start. It’s a convenient at-home weight loss program featuring eight e-coaching sessions with your own personal nutrition coach. To learn more about our programs, visit us at http://www.mntworks.com/.

About the Author: Phara Jourdan Taylor is a registered dietitian and personal nutrition coach in Wilmington, MA. She can be reached at 617-461-8503 or via email at phara@mntworks.com.