A Snackers Guide to Losing Weight and Keeping it off for Good.

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Greg Ladas continues to write articles for the Providence Journal

 

The Providence Journal recently changed the newspaper website.  You can subscribe to the print or eEdition for all my Monday Thrive! articles.  Please click on the Adobe logo for a complete listing of all my articles

 

 

 

 


Sep 21, 2011- Great review of the Couch Potato Diet Book
 
Beverly Bird provides an excellent review of the Couch Potato Diet.  Find lots of other useful calorie information by clicking the LIVESTRONG logo.
 

Aug 8, 2011 Greg Ladas: Better Coffee Drinks

 

It's well into summertime now. Are you enjoying a few cold beers on the warm weekend evenings or while on vacation? I've written about reducing calorie consumption by drinking the light version of your favorite beer. On paper, it seems like a no-brainer. A Budweiser Select 55 is only 55 calories per bottle. That's 90 fewer calories than regular Bud (and 8 fewer carbs).  Even Bud Light saves 35 calories and 4 carbs per bottle. So, why not change? Many beer enthusiasts won't switch to light due to taste preferences or brand loyalty. In order to entice these folks to reconsider, I've conducted my own unofficial contest. Read more by clicking projo.com.


Aug 1, 2011 Greg Ladas: Climb that mountain or avoid the calories

 

I spent the 4th of July on top of the world, literally. Mount Monadnock, in Jaffrey NH, is less than two hours from Providence. It is the 2nd most hiked mountain in the world due to its pleasant trails and breathtaking views. On a clear day from the summit, you can even see the Boston skyline many miles away. I've climbed Monadnock frequently through the years.  It is always an adventure. My recent hike was as thrilling as ever, especially when rushing down the trail as thunderstorms rolled in. Read more by clicking projo.com.


July 25, 2011 Greg Ladas: Better Breakfast Treats

 

Stacey Miller has a great book for making cakes in a mug.  Now even a couch potato like me can bake! Check out www.microwavemugcakes.com.  The following two MMC’s provide healthy breakfast alternatives to doughnuts and muffins. Read more by clicking projo.com.


July 4, 2011 Greg Ladas: Tips for seniors from my Dad

 

My parents recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  At their party, friends were asked to say a few words about my folks. It is clear that my father (Angelus) is well loved. One friend after another gushed about him. Each guy appreciated how my dad went out of his way to fix his car.  They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Evidently, it's also through fixing his broken-down automobile. "Angie" clearly likes to help others. He's even preachier than me though.  Long before I touted the benefits of a low-sugar, low-fat diet, my dad was telling everyone with ears to eat "fat-free." My dad's fat-free campaign all began about 25 years ago (he's 78 now). He went for his annual physical and was 20 pounds overweight. His cholesterol was also high. It's hard to remember him heavy. However, he is remarkably thinner in the 50th anniversary photos than the 25th. Read more by clicking projo.com.


June 27, 2011 Greg Ladas: Better Coffee Drinks

 

Know how many calories are in that cappuccino you’re drinking?

A friend mentioned that her colleague recently brought a new fancy coffee drink to work. Just for giggles, the woman in the office Googled the calorie information. Wow, her coffee contained more than 400 calories. The ladies were amazed. Read more by clicking projo.com.

 


June 20, 2011 Greg Ladas: Dieters Tea Unclogs Me

 

My grandfather told me when I was younger that constipation is a Kenyon family trait. Gramps loved to talk and tell stories. So, I thought he was joking. Unfortunately, as I grew older, I realized that he was not. Read more by clicking projo.com. 
 

 


June 6, 2011 Greg Ladas: Sometimes the bare minimum is ok

 

In our pursuit of perfection, we sometimes miss an important point. If I’ve learned anything in life, it’s that nothing is flawless. To not take action until everything is perfect is fruitless in the end.

So, why not make a list of what is really important and strive for the top items first? Read more by clicking projo.com.


 


May 23, 2011 Greg Ladas: Make no color added freezer pops


Heard the latest about the possible link between color additives in food and ADHD?

The FDA Food Advisory Committee met on March 30 and determined the relevant scientific data did not support a causal link between consumption of certified color additives in food and hyperactivity. However, the committee suggested that additional safety studies be conducted.

If you’re still concerned about color additives in packaged snacks consumed by your children, make your own all natural goodies at home. Read more by clicking picture of pops.

 

 


May 9, 2011 "Back pain hindered quality of life." by Greg Ladas

 

I was diagnosed with arthritis in a lower disc in my early 30s. One day I just could not get out of bed. You don’t realize how humbling it is until it happens to you. Read more by clicking projo.com.  

 

 



May 2, 2011 "My favorite wellness tools." by Greg Ladas

 

Information and communication are the keys to better health. Need a new direction or to tweak your existing plan? Here are some of my favorite wellness tools to assist. Information tools

• "Eat This, Not That!" This self-help book series provides simple pictorial examples for making the right food choices. My books follow similar principles. Read more by clicking projo.com.  

 

 


April 25, 2011 "Track wellness plan as a family. Have a daily Powwow." by Greg Ladas

 

At work, I help empower clients to achieve their collective goals. We use clear-cut rules/documentation and hold daily, interactive team meetings to track our progress. Families, like businesses, can be slow to change. Family wellness should also focus on basic fundamentals for success. So, how can you become more agile at home to help keep your family healthy? Establish simple family rules, prioritize healthy activities, meet daily, track your progress, and remove obstacles. 

 

Click on the Powwow board graphic for my recent projo article. Detailed instructions are also available on this website. 

 

 

 


April 11, 2011 "Constantly eating out? Try these diet tips." by Greg Ladas

 

Don’t have the time or means to prepare meals at home? If you are always on the go for work or school, here are some tips for healthy eating.  Request calorie information: At Cosi in Boston (getcosi.com), the Cobb salad was my choice before reading the menu calories. The Bombay chicken with fat-free vinaigrette was as tasty with 331 fewer calories.  Read more by clicking projo.com.   


April 4, 2011 "Better Easter Baskets for Kids" by Greg Ladas

 

Why are we inclined to load the Easter baskets with candy? Excess candy remains in the house for weeks. This encourages unhealthy snacking for the whole family.

Why not transform the tradition and add more healthful items? It’s easy to do. Here are some preparation tips;  Read more by clicking projo.com.  

 


March 28, 2011 "Weight-loss Tips for Meat and Potatoes Lovers" by Greg Ladas

Need to lose a few pounds for an upcoming April family vacation but love meat and potatoes for dinner? I’m a firm believer that excess carbohydrates lead to weight gain. For typical folks with no unique medical conditions, reduce carbs in your diet and quickly lose weight. It may be easier said than done for many meat-and-potatoes-loving Rhode Islanders? The typical meat based family menus include heaps of potatoes and other high carb sides such as rice or pasta. So, how do you reduce carbs without a radical change in diet? Read more by clicking projo.com.  


March 21, 2011 "Family Harmony Keeps You on a Healthy Path" by Greg Ladas

 

They say opposites attract. It is somewhat true. Is personality diversity in a marriage beneficial for all aspects of home life though? Family wellness is one subject where cooperation is essential.

Read more by clicking projo.com. 

 

 


February 28, 2011 "Use Better Crutches for Those Tough Moments in Life" by Greg Ladas

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” Did you receive the recent chain e-mail with this quote attributed to author Maya Angelou? It was a popular tweet and “what’s on your mind?” news feed on the social network sites. Does this quote inspire you to change or stop complaining? I wonder. If the quote helped change your attitude and brought happiness, that’s fantastic. Some of the online comments I read mirrored reality though, “Sometimes easier said than done.” Read more by clicking projo.com.


February 7, 2011 "Create a personal fuel gauge to maintain a healthy weight" by Greg Ladas

Wonder why most people gain weight? Some simple math might provide the answer.

Folks have a basic caloric need to function. In most cases with no unique medical conditions, consume less calories than required, and a body will burn stored fat. Consume more, and fat deposits begin to expand. Let’s review a simple example. Read more by clicking projo.com.  

 


January 31, 2011 "Bring lunch on-the-go for successful weight management" by Greg Ladas

 

A healthy lunch contains small portions of fiber rich breads, lean meats (or soy), vegetables, and fruits. Lunch is essential for a successful weight management plan. So how do you consistently eat well in the middle of the day? Bring your lunch on-the-go. You’ll feel great and save money, too. Read more by clicking projo.com.

 


January 24, 2011 "Welless incentives are smart business" by Greg Ladas
 

I recently shared a seat on the commuter rail with a good friend. He’d just changed jobs. After 20 years with goliath financial companies, he now works for a small business. What a change inculture he said, “Offices have no walls. We’re treated to frequent pizza parties. I wear jeans twice a week. It’s groovy.” I was impressed by the progressive atmosphere. I then asked about his health-club membership. “I frequented the gym at lunch with my old boss. My new job is fast paced and exciting, but does not promote exercise.” He feels he cannot stray from his desk for an hour each day. Unlike his old job, the new social norms seem to impede his wellness plans. If you are a small business owner, I applaud your open style. You foster creativity and help drive our economy. However, an employee wellness plan should also be a core principle of your company. Why? It’s a smart business practice. Read more by clicking projo.com.


January 17, 2011 "Agave syrup- a sweet option for margaritas and kettle corn" by Greg Ladas
 

Agave syrup (or nectar) is a natural alternative to sugar. It is produced from the agave plant in a similar way to tequila. Juice is extracted from the core of the plant, called the piña. However it is heated and concentrated until it becomes a syrupy liquid. It is not fermented as it is with tequila.

Try making your cocktails with agave syrup. Here is my recipe for margaritas: Read more by clicking projo.com.

 


 January 3, 2011 "Bald is beautiful if you groom" by Greg Ladas

 

Hair-challenged men have it easy these days.

I began losing my hair in my early twenties. Wow, was that a traumatic experience. I was way too young to go bald. My roommates hated it, too. The shower drain was always getting clogged. I tried all the remedies of the day — shampoos, lotions, sprays — but nothing worked. I even went to Dr. Robert Leonard for some Rogaine. And then it got worse. The hair I lost on my head began growing on my back. Thanks, Dad. Read more by clicking projo.com.


December 27, 2010 "5 tips for successful weight loss in 2011" by Greg Ladas
 

Making yet another New Year’s resolution to lose weight in 2011? You are not alone. USA.gov lists “get fit” and “lose weight” as popular New Year’s resolutions year after year. So what will make 2011 different from the years past? Focus on five key factors for success. Read more by clicking projo.com.

 

 


December 20, 2010 "Does exercise advice sound like blah, blah, blah to you?" by Greg Ladas
 
How many folks in your life hate to exercise? Well, please share this article with them, because I feel their pain.  Read more by clicking projo.com.
 
 

December 13, 2010 "Want to stay enternally young?" by Greg Ladas 
Want to stay eternally young? My 5th grade teacher Erin Rath can school you! I was just a child when I was in her class, but today, she looks years younger than me. Walking is a big part of her wellness plan that gives her abundant energy and has kept her looking so young for all these years. “Exercise is a crucial part of my daily routine. It revives me after a long day, and gives me a burst of needed energy.”  Click projo.com logo for more.  Please note that Mrs. Rath is seated in the back row of the sleigh.