Holiday Diet Tips

During the holidays we all worry about packing on the pounds. With so many holiday parties, family events and other gatherings that are all full of delicious, fattening foods, how do you maintain your weight? Dr. Wayne Andersen, the creator of Take Shape for Life, shares with us his tips on how to avoid overeating during the holidays.

1) Don't go hungry. Try eating a Medifast meal prior to arriving at the party. This will help curb your appetite.

2) If you are invited to a party, which happens to be a potluck, this is a great opportunity to bring a healthy meal.

3)When you arrive at the party-and you want to partake or try food, use the smallest plate with healthy choices.

4) Be mindful of your healthy choices, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and salads.

5) Limit or skip foods that are high in calories and low in nutritional value.

6) Take time for yourself! This is a very busy time of the year. Take time to exercise and keep your body moving. Just taking a walk can give you that alone time you need to regroup and get your body moving.

7) Ask your friends and family in advance to forgo food gifts.

*More about Dr. Wayne Anderson: Dr. Wayne Anderson is the Medical Director for Take Shape for Life Wellness program. He is board certified in internal medicine and specializes in weight management. Dr. Anderson graduated from the University of Florida. Involved with Johns Hopkins in collaborating studies to show the efficacy of meal replacements, Dr. Andersen's goal is to provide simple, convenient means for people to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As the chief architect of Take Shape for Life, Dr. Andersen has built an integral support system that helps people make the necessary changes in their lifestyle to create optimal health. Using a team approach of health professionals working with Certified Health Advisors, Dr. Andersen says we can provide leading edge solutions, medical support and the support of caring individuals to provide the necessary one-on-one interaction so vital in changing people's lives. For more information: http://www.tsfl.com/, http://www.medifast1.com/.

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Anti-Aging Diet: 3 Foods That Smooth Skin

Colorful berries. The antioxidant anthocyanin is what gives berries their blue, red, and purple colors. To get a healthy dose of this potent antioxidant, eat plenty of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, pomegranate, cherries, acai berries, and blood oranges, to name a few of the best choices. Each of these foods has a variety of other powerful antioxidants that repair and protect your skin’s cells.

Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Quercetin is another powerful antioxidant that is found in broccoli, along with other foods including cranberries, onions, and apples. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent as well, fighting the No. 2 cause of aging. Broccoli sprouts have 30 times more isothiocyanates (yet another antioxidant) regular broccoli.

Yellow and orange root vegetables. Put plenty of beta-carotene on your plate. These super-antioxidants are good for your skin and eyes. Good choices include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squash.