Could MealEnders Really be the solution to help over eating?

MealEnders Review

Disclosure: I was sent free product in return for my honest and professional opinion. In no way do I recommend this product for medical treatment. I highly recommend seeking out physician approval before trying any diet or supplement products. Then I recommend you seek out the professional guidance of a registered dietitian nutritionist. 

Could MealEnders Really be the solution to help over eating?

Short answer: No.

I do believe in vehicles to help transition into a healthy lifestyle. Behavior change is incredibly challenging because of the various levels of influence. There are many, many behavior theories. This product peeked my interest because of the psychological approach opposed to a diet plan, meal replacement, etc. So, I thought I'd try it out. When I work with the bariatric community I preached this message every single day: Your brain needs time to catch up and tell you you are full. 

Food is too often taken for granted-being devoured and digested before it’s even tasted. 

I put the product to the ultimate test and took the samples to be tried by my co-workers (dietitians). We are trained skeptics so I knew I'd get their honest opinion. We all agreed the flavors were enjoyable. The tingling was very noticeable. As a reminder, this is not an appetite stimulant. This product is designed to give YOU that extra time to really decide if you are hungry. Here is the real test: place Mealenders bag by cookies....which will you choose? Only in a dietitian's office. 

Mealenders have two layers: A sweet layer followed by a cool, gentle layer which activates a tingling sensation on your taste buds.  

How To use MealEnders:

1. Once you're in the moment and think that you are hungry, try a Mealender.
2. DO NOT CHEW NOR BITING. Let it dissolve completely!
3. Let the tingles in your mouth help your brain realize that you are not truly hungry. 
4. Mealenders work best when paired with proper diet and exercise (ENTER DIETITIAN).

So far it comes in four flavors, Mocha, Chocolate Mint, Citrus, and Cinnamon. The flavors are actually pretty tasty. I believe this is a start to addressing behavior but, there are many variables of behavior change still to be considered. 

 Questions:

Have any of you tried MealEnders?

Do you like them?

Have Mealenders helped you?

Photo Source: MealEnders

Everyone is a Winner with MealEnders

Exclusive MealEnders Discount!

MealEnders wants to put an end to overeating and believes the more people its 15-calorie signaling lozenges can help, the better! So for two weeks, all "runners up" for our recent giveaway will be able to buy MealEnders at 30% off. Just enter coupon code WINNER-TOO at checkout. To place your order and learn more about the product, visit www.mealenders.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Show Beans some Love Today

Happy National Bean Day

Beans are often overlooked as a healthy choice. Did you know that beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and folate? They are also cheap and can be added to many meals and snacks. Some of my favorite beans are garbanzo beans, soy beans, and black beans! All of which can be added to a simple salad to increase it's nutrient power.

Garbanzo Bean Salad 

Red Beans And Rice

Photo Source: Veggies By Candlelight 

Slow Cooked Bean Soup

Photo Source: Kalyn's Kitchen

White Bean Salad

Photo Sorce: Hurry Up The Food 

Green Bean Potato Salad

Photo Source: Emeals

Oh, and it's National Short Bread Day so have a look at these recipes!

Scottish Shortbread IV

Shortbread with Rice Flour

Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread Bars

Whipped Cream Day

National Whipped Cream Day:

Whipped cream deliriousness doesn't have to come from a can or plastic container full of additives and miscellaneous preservatives (cough, cough...trans fat). Combining simple ingredients can yield a yummy whipped cream to plop on your favorite fruit or dessert. Mind you, these may not be the "healthiest" recipes, they can be appreciated for the homemade feel and taste! Enjoy! What will you put your whipped cream on?

Classical Whipped Cream!!

Photo Source: My Recipes 

Homemade Whipped Cream

Photo Source: Simply Playful Fare

Dairy Free Coconut Whipped Cream

Photo Source: The Foodie Dietitian Blog

Coconut Whipped Cream

Photo Source: The Honour System

National Spaghetti Day

National Spaghetti Day: Recipes

Spaghetti And Meatballs!

Photo Source: My Recipes

Chicken Spaghetti!

Photo Source: My Recipes

 Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive oil

Photo Source:  catz in the kitchen

Spaghetti with Beef Marinara

Photo Source: Honest and Tasty 

Chicken Carbonara

Photo Source: Yummy Addiction 

Kids Eat Right Tips!

August is Kids Eat Right Month. 

Below, are some great tips for parents and kids. 

Grilling Fruits and Vegetables

Eating in the Fast-Food Lane

Likes Fruit, No Veggies?

Getting Enough Fiber?

What Are Chia Seeds?

Reading Meat Labels

What is a Plantain?

A to Avocados

Photo Source

Eat Right!!

Power-up pita pizza

National Kids Eat Right Month is being celebrated throughout the month of August.

Get the kids in the kitchen and let them help prepare some meals. I do believe every kids loves pizza. This pita pizza recipe can be adjusted to meet the needs of the family taste buds. Just remember, let's keep it healthy! I have actually made a similar pita pizza. I used two mini whole wheat pita loafs, a couple of tablespoons of reduced sodium marinara sauce,a handful of chopped veggies, a sprinkle of low-fat mozzarella, and I topped it with a few basil leaves. Stick it up under the broiler for a minute or two and a quick and tasty meal is served. What's cooking in your kitchen?

National Kids Eat Right Month-I need your help!!

Hello and Happy Friday! Can you believe it is already August? The school bell will be ringing in no time. Time incessantly moves faster and faster the...older...I get. I hate using that word. One thing that is going to make me feel a little younger is going back to school. That's right. This girl has been blessed beyond all measures. I have been taking graduate classes by distance since summer of 2013. Here is a tip for those of you considering working a full-time job and taking graduate classes. 

Don't take over 3 hours per semester. 

Unless you have absolutely no life outside of work. Unfortunately, to be granted financial aid, I had to take over 4 hours. Really??!! I thought to myself, no big deal. One morning around 4:00 a.m. I realized I had been in the library for literally 10 hours and had to be at work by 8:00 a.m. This is when I saw the light and knew the job + school wasn't working out. Thankfully, my boss understood and allowed me the day off. 

Long story short, I was honored with a graduate assistantship, which provides tuition assistance and a part-time job. So, I have quit my job and returning to school full-time. I'll also be teaching a nutrition lab! Geek Out! This is going to be so much fun. (I'll update that comment throughout the semester). 

But, this post isn't about me, it's about the kids!! Today is a very special day because it kicks off National Kids Eat Right Month!! ::And the crowd goes wild:: All of August is dedicated to promoting healthy eating and active lifestyle of children and their parents. What's this have to do with you? 

I need your help!

It is up to us as a society to change our lifestyle and it starts with what we are feeding and teaching our kids. You do not have to be a parent to participate. Tackle the kids and their parents in your family. Teachers, use MyPlate lesson plans to educate kids about healthy eating. Have them take the pledge to choose healthy foods!

Get your youth group involved and have them prepare a more nutrient-rich meal for fellowship dinners. Plan a Sunday school or bible study on the importance of nourishing our bodies. Be creative! 

1 Corinthians 10:31New International Version (NIV)

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Take the opportunity to celebrate KER Month in your home and community using some of these tips from The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

• Move every day! Kids need 60 minutes daily of moderate to vigorous active play.
• Enjoy family meals together, an important step to improving family health and bonding.
• Get active as a family. Take a walk together after dinner, and plan fun activities every week such as a family bike ride, swimming, tennis, softball, basketball or a dance party.
• Get children involved in planning and cooking healthy meals together. When kids are involved in planning and preparing healthy meals (with age-appropriate tasks), they are more likely to try new foods, and will also have a greater understanding of nutritious, healthy foods that will benefit them for a lifetime. Try out healthy recipes from Kids Eat Right.
• To build an eating plan tailored to your family’s unique needs and lifestyle, consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area.
• Follow Kids Eat Right on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Google+.
• Blog about Kids Eat Right Month, post the Kids Eat Right Month badge to your blog and request to be added to our blog roll.
• See more at: Kids Eat Right

Check back each day in August for tips and recipes from myself and the Kids Eat Right Crew! Tweet me or post your pictures to my Facebook page. Follow me on Instagram to see what I'm eating with my family. And lastly, follow my Pinterest page for tips and recipes. I'd LOVE to see what you guys are doing. 

 I hope you all have a wonderful Friday.

Remember, this is the day the the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it!

Pin It Party! + #FurloughFriday!

Hello Friday! Or as I call it #FurloughFriday! It has been a challenging last few months. And to top it off, my work hours have been reduced. My spirits are not too down because I know God has something better for me out there and that excites me! Something else that excites me is teaming up with The Lean Green Bean for a #PinitParty! 

Follow Me On Pinterest ----> HERE! 

Please, and thank you!

And I guess while we're at it

Connect with me on

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

#DietitianCindy

Wedding season is here! I just love working with brides and helping them feel beautiful and healthy inside and out. Check out my tips for dropping unwanted weight for the big day!

Working towards my first half marathon! SO many great feelings of accomplishment. Check out my journey recap and some food and hydration tips for adequate energy on race day.

My biggest fear is failure. These past few months I have faced my fears straight on. Good to know that the best of us are failures! 

Road tripping it this summer? Check out some of the healthier options while traveling.

These are some oldies,but goodies that I have updated!

 Crank up your metabolism with eating!! You must EAT to lose weight, people!!

Crank up your metabolism with weight lifting! Who knew packing on some muscle could aid in long term term weight loss. Ladies, don't be afraid of the weights.

Now, I'm off to celebrate #FurloughFriday with a run. Have a great and SAFE Memorial Day weekend. God Bless you.

Continue reading as I continue my mission: Healthy Huggins!

@DietitianCindy

Total diet approach to healthy eating

How do you measure up? Would you say you fall into any of those percentages? I have to say I'm in there with the 82%. There's food that I just won't give up. Examples? OK!
1. Cereal
2. Hamburgers made with real beef
3. French Fries! FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD I could never give up french fries
4. Pizza
5. Cheese-I love cheese!
And I could go on and on. However, let me throw in my disclosure: I eat it all in moderation, combined with regular physical activity and I DO eat my vegetables!

Perhaps you are wondering about The Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The DGA are established every five years. You see, all of these smart people set around a table reviewing research and arguing about what is the healthiest diet Americans should be consuming. Well, at least this is what I picture in my head.

Formally speaking: "The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 are the current Federal policy. They provide evidence-based nutrition information and advice for people age 2 and older. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans serve as the basis for Federal food and nutrition education programs."

It you are curious about the meetings check out this video! Let me know what you think.

Moving on....

To break down the dietary guidelines the USDA came up with selected messages for Americans.

1. Balancing Calories
.....Enjoy your food, but eat less.
.....Avoid over sized portions.

2. Foods to Increase
.....Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
.....Make at least half your grains whole grains.
.....Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

3. Foods to Reduce
.....Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals and choose the foods with lower numbers.
.....Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Doesn't seem too complicated. What changes can you make to get you and your family healthier?
The Huggins household has compromised over the past few years.

• Whole Milk to Low-Fat Milk
• White Bread to Wheat Bread
• White Pasta to Whole Grain Pasta
• Coke to Coke Zero
• Buying packaged and canned foods with reduced sodium
• Avoiding Trans Fat (partially hydrogenated oils)
• Red meat to Lean meat like turkey and chicken
• Adding non-starchy vegetables to our plates instead of overloading with starches
• Keep fresh produce available for snacking and cooking

We still have some things to work on, but hey we are working!

Continue reading as I continue my mission: Healthy Huggins!