Embrace Ideal Protein!

I found that while on Ideal Protein the first week was difficult. Going through the initial process of taking out the carbohydrates and sugars from my diet was rough to say the least, but after going into ketosis I felt great and it was then a process of Ideal Protein becoming routine. Into my second week, I was okay, in fact I was better than okay. I felt great, I was organized and well prepared and had no issue continuing through all the phases. I learned a great deal about myself as a person during this program, but one thing I would like to share is FOOD!

While on Ideal Protein, I learned to cook. To further clarify, I could cook before, but with such limitations on this program IP forced me to become creative. I took a look at the approved seasoning and got very friendly with them, also Walden Farms saved me from boredom. These products allowed me to take my favorite meals and modify them to fit Ideal Protein. A client of Ideal Protein and BodyLanguaguage enthusiast told me just the other day of a wonderful recipe I would like to share and hopefully you can not only prepare this dish yourself, but become inspired to cook in new ways!

Green Chile Alfredo with Chicken and Pasta, Really??

- Spiral cut zucchini and cooked it like you would pasta, but only for a minute or two.

(run cold water over after cooking to ensure not to OVER cook the “noodles” and drain)

If you’re like me, I don’t have a pasta maker, so cut your zucchini in long flat strips...and voila you have fehttuchini!

- Bake Chicken till almost done, you can use a bit of your approved oil here.

- Saute green chile, it is after all, chile season, can you smell it in the air?

- Cut up 5 oz. of chicken into the skillet with the green chile.

- Pour some Walden Farms Alfredo Sauce into the skillet with the chicken and green chile to heat the sauce and finish cooking the chicken and chile.

- Once this is hot, pour over your zucchini pasta, sea salt and pepper to taste.

ENJOY and Ideal Protein approved Green Chile Chicken Alfredo Pasta dish!

Although I am in the maintenance phase of Ideal Protein, I still make many meals as though I am on phase 1 or 2. I don’t seem to miss the carbs. In fact, I am eating more than I have before. Each day I make sure to consume four to five servings of veggies, I have cut down on my fruit which has in turn cut down on my cellulite, and I eat my protein of course! Not to say I don’t eat bread, pasta or foods high in carbohydrates because we (humans) do need that, but I definitely find I eat other food groups first and then have a serving or two of carbohydrates daily. I feel great, look great and am so glad I went on Ideal Protein.

Ideal Protein allowed me to loose 12lbs fast and changed the way I think about food for life. This is a life-style change, it needs to be or you will find yourself gaining the weight back. So please embrace Ideal Protein, don’t just follow the plan, but learn how to prepare food in a better more health conscience way.

Body Language Team

Curb Your Cravings

Whether you are only beginning your Ideal Protein weight loss journey or if you are in your maintenance phase, one of the situations you may encounter is how to deal with cravings. Food cravings come in many forms and can strike at different times, but are usually not tied to actual, physical hunger. Here are suggestions given in Clean Eating Magazine, along with suggestions from The Body Language Team, to help you keep your cravings in check:

1. Stay well nourished: As your Ideal Protein protocol suggests, and as guided by your IP coach, have several smaller meals through the day in order to keep hunger at bay. By spacing your meals and snacks every 3 – 4 hours apart you’ll keep hunger under control, rev-up your metabolism, and keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day.
2. Be well rested: Adults need 7 – 8 hours of sleep per night. If you’re not getting sufficient sleep and rest then aspects of your brain chemistry are affected which could trigger cravings for carbohydrates. Rest and recovery are an essential part of success in weight-loss.
3. Exercise: Staying active can help curb your cravings by releasing “feel-good” hormones, plus it’s a great way to stay occupied until a craving passes.
4. Avoid food triggers and cues: If part of your daily routine sets you up for an urge that you can’t pass up, then it’s time to change your routine! If you’re in the habit of snacking while watching TV at the end of your day, then try reading a book or magazine in another room, going out for a brisk walk, or having a relaxing bath instead. You’ll keep yourself occupied and hopefully get past the cravings.
5. Let the craving pass: Stop, breathe, take a moment to relax, and then let the urge pass. You might feel stronger to acknowledge the craving and let it recede with each exhale.
6. Carry a “talisman:” Whether it’s reading a special note with your favorite quote, wearing your Live Strong bracelet, or looking at an old photo of yourself at your heaviest weight, use something that will be a strong reminder that making a healthy choice is part of your new, daily routine.
7. Figure out what you’re really hungry for: Is it really hunger or possibly thirst? Try having a glass of water first. Do you need that sweet pick-me-up, or would some fresh air help to revive your senses? Before you reach for that item you’re craving, stop and ask yourself – What am I really hungry for? Use your journal to keep a log of those answers to keep track of how your surroundings are impacting your food choices.

Follow this list of suggestions when faced with powerful cravings. If you find coping with cravings is tough when faced with certain situations, take time to discuss this with your IP coach so they can help you be prepared. Remember, having some Ideal Protein snack options on-hand while at home, in work, or while traveling can also help keep you on track and keep you from reaching for food choices that can sabotage your progress.

The Body Language Team

Enjoy Your Vegetables

Foreword

So, you are eager to embark on another week of Ideal Protein. You’ve chosen your IP packs, and now you are perusing the select produce at the local market; however, another week of chopped raw veggies and unlimited lettuce is starting to sound dull. This week, how about spicing things up a bit and experiment with a little cooking! For those of you that are racking your brain for some innovative IP vegetable ideas– don’t worry. The Body Language Team has come up with some easy ways to help you prepare fresh vegetables (in advance) without getting stressed or losing valuable sleep!

Simple ways to cook fresh vegetables

During all phases of Ideal Protein

- Body Language Team ABQ -

Steaming

Steaming is fast and preserves vital nutrients in fresh vegetables. During phases 1 & 2, one might consider steaming broccoli, spinach, zucchini, asparagus, turnips and/or mushrooms – the other ‘select’ vegetables might get a little soggy if steamed. The best way to steam is to use a steaming basket, but if you don’t have one of these, a simple saucepan or pot will do. Add sliced vegetables and then about 1 1/2 inches of water or non-fat chicken broth. Then season with sea salt, 1-2 tsp. olive or grapeseed oil, your choice of additional dry spices/spice mixture (remember MSG Free/No Carbs!) – cover and simmer on medium heat until the vegetables are ‘al dente’ – just before tender. If the water gets low while cooking, just add a little more.

Oven Roasting (and grilling)

Roasting and grilling are quick, simple and excellent ways for cooking vegetables. First, slice a variety of vegetables or pick one of your favorites to use (again, for phase 1 try: broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, green bell peppers, or mushrooms). Then, in a large bowl, drizzle the vegetables with 1-2 tsp. olive or grapeseed oil (remember: use sparingly when you cook – you don’t want to go overboard – these oils are compulsory, but not unlimited). Add garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt and cracked pepper (or any dry spice of your choice – MSG Free/No Carbs). Place the vegetables on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil and roast at 350 degrees until tender. For grilling: lay out a sheet of aluminum foil, mist with non-stick cooking spray, add sliced vegetables and wrap the vegetables loosely with the foil. Place vegetables on a pre-heated grill and close. Cook until tender.

Stir-Frying

Place 2 c. of sliced vegetables in frying pan covered at bottom with any liquid for cooking such as water, non-fat chicken broth or a broth made from stir-fry seasonings (make sure there is MSG Free/No Carbs). Constantly stir the vegetables until they are crispy and glossy. Hint: add 5 oz. of cubed chicken breast, beef or pork or 7 oz. shrimp and cook through for an easy Asian-style meal.

Panning (sauteing)

Vegetables can also be cooked by the steam produced by their own vegetable juices. In a frying pan, add a 1-2 tsp. olive or grapeseed oil, 2 c. sliced vegetables and your favorite seasonings (i.e. fresh crushed garlic). Cover the pan, put it on medium heat, and stir often. Within a few minutes you’ll have spicy and crispy vegetables ready to eat! Panning/sautéing works best for spinach, asparagus, zucchini and shredded cabbage.

Hints:

• Like fresh/raw vegetables, you can also prepare cooked veggies in advance (J); just choose acceptable IP vegetables, chop and cook away!
• Veggies can be steamed in broth and then pureed in a blender for a quick vegetable soup.
• Try not to use too much water or broth – this could make the steamed and stir-fry vegetables bland (the flavor will escape the vegetables and linger in the liquid instead).
• Be creative with your spices – dried herbs, spices and other spice concoctions are excellent ways to keep your vegetables interesting and delicious. Use as much sea salt as you like!
• Remember during phases 1 & 2 you are allowed to steam, roast, grill, stir-fry or pan sauté the vegetables on the ‘occasional’ list 1 or 2x/week.
• Ideal Protein cookbooks are available to help you prepare gourmet meals – ask your IP coach about the Volume II Recipe Book.

Important Reminders:

• For phases 1-2 you MUST adhere to the select/occasional/restricted vegetable lists:

Select: Algae, Alfalfa, Asparagus, Arugula, Broccoli, Bean Sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage (red, pak choi, bok choy), Celery, Celeriac, Chicory, Collards, Cress, Cucumbers, Dill Pickles, Endive, Fennel, Field Salad, Green Onions, Green Bell Peppers (cooked) , Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Mushrooms, Okra, Onions (raw only), Hot Peppers, Radicchio, Radish, Rhubarb, Sauerkraut, Soya, Sorrel, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Turnip, Watercress, Zucchini

Occasional: (for phases 1-2 you may choose two items only per week from this list): Brussels Sprouts, Beans (Green & Wax), Eggplant, Hearts of Palm, Peppers (all colors other then green - cooked) Rutabaga, Snow Peas, Swede, Tomato

Not permitted: Artichoke, Avocado, Beets, Carrots, Chick Peas, Corn, Parsnips, Peas, (all) Potatoes, Pumpkin, Sweet Corn, Squash, Yams

Seasonings: Apple Cider Vinegar, Fine Herbs, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Lemon Grass, Hot Mustard, Hot Sauce, Soya Sauce, Spices (MSG Free/No Carbs), Tamari Sauce, White Vinegar- NO BALSAMIC or REDWINE VINEGAR!

Remember: serving sizes must be respected with no more/no less then indicated for each phase.

Ideal Protein Supplements

What is the big deal about taking the IP supplements?

Firstly, we want to ensure you are getting all of the essential nutrients. The supplements are designed to supplement your nutrition on this diet, however if you plan to exercise at more than a very moderate level, your body will require even more. For instance, your body will require more cal/potassium per day as well as anti oxidants and omega 3’s. We will discuss the importance of and need for anti-oxidants below. First, the calcium supplements...

The use of different forms of calcium is common in pharmacy and is indicative of a higher quality supplement. Calcium citrate in the cal/pot is more absorbable than calcium carbonate but is taken in smaller quantities. Calcium carbonate in cal/mag is less absorbable than citrate but is more alkaline than citrate and will support the body’s acid/balance. This diet essentially puts your body in an alkaline state which creates a great reduction of inflammation for the PH and thus is much healthier for the body as well as allows more fat to be burned as fuel..

So what about the Anti-oxidant supplements?

Anti-oxidants fight off free-radicals which are particles that wander through the bloodstream and promote degenerative diseases, cancers ect. Stress, excessive exercise, pollutants, refined foods, pesticides, medication, radiation, UV rays, and tobacco use all contribute or create free radicals. Anit-oxidants, "the good guys," are found in fruits, vegetables and grains. If you are on phase 1 and 2 it would benefit you to get some pharmaceutical grade anti-oxy from your coach which contain green tea, alpha lipoic acid, turmeric, bilberry, and resveratol since you still are not able to eat fruit and grains.

So who needs to take the anti-oxidants?

- People who are in high-stress jobs

- Smokers

- Athletes

- People who have a low intake of veggies

- People who are dealing with sickness or infection (either viral or microbial)

Next time, we will discuss the Enzymes!

Stay mostly alkaline everyone!

The Body Language Team

Food

Losing weight is not easy. It is not only a physical task to be completed, and when it's done, it's done. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight is something each person should do during the course of their life.

However, it's become increasing difficult because food has become much more than fuel to sustain our bodies. Food has become an integral part of society in ways nature did not intend it to. As living creatures we must eat, but it is our job to feed our bodies with the best fuel possible so we are able to perform to our greatest potential.

Ideal Protein not only allows you to lose weight faster than traditional weight loss methods, but also teaches you about food. Before learning about Ideal Protein I always thought I ate fairly healthy. However, I never realized how many grams of carbohydrates and sugars I ate on a daily basis; yogurt, bread, fruit, higher carb veggies!

The knowledge Ideal Protein has taught me and my clients about foods has changed the way I eat and everyone one of my clients. I think about food much differently now, but I do also believe food is a gift and it is meant to be enjoyed. But don’t overdo it, everything in life with moderation!

Weight-loss help: Gain control of emotional eating

Find out how emotional eating can sabotage your weight-loss efforts and get tips to regain control of your eating habits.

By Mayo Clinic staff with additions from the Body Language Team

Sometimes the strongest cravings for food happen when you're at your weakest point emotionally. You may turn to food for comfort — consciously or unconsciously — when you're facing a difficult problem, stress or just looking to keep yourself occupied.

But emotional eating can sabotage your weight-loss efforts. Emotional eating often leads to eating too much, especially too much of high-calorie, sweet, fatty foods. But the good news is that if you're prone to emotional eating, you can take steps to regain control of your eating habits and get back on track with your weight-loss goals.

The connection between mood, food and weight loss

Emotional eating is eating as a way to suppress or soothe negative emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness and loneliness. Both major life events and the hassles of daily life can trigger negative emotions that lead to emotional eating and disrupt your weight-loss efforts. These triggers may include:

• Unemployment
• Financial pressure
• Health problems
• Relationship conflicts
• Work stress
• Bad weather
• Fatigue

Although some people actually eat less in the face of strong emotions, if you're in emotional distress you may turn to impulsive or binge eating — you may rapidly eat whatever's convenient, without even enjoying it. In fact, your emotions may become so tied to your eating habits that you automatically reach for a sweet treat whenever you're angry or stressed without stopping to think about what you're doing.

Food also serves as a distraction. If you're worried about an upcoming event or stewing over a conflict, for instance, you may focus on eating comfort food instead of dealing with the painful situation.

Whatever emotions drive you to overeat, the end result is often the same. The emotions return, and you may also now bear the additional burden of guilt about setting back your weight-loss goal. This can also lead to an unhealthy cycle — your emotions trigger you to overeat, you beat yourself up for getting off your weight-loss track, you feel badly, and you overeat again.

Tips to get your weight-loss efforts back on track

Although negative emotions can trigger emotional eating, you can take steps to control cravings and renew your effort at weight loss. To help stop emotional eating, try these tips:

• Tame your stress. If stress contributes to your emotional eating, try a stress management technique, such as yoga, meditation or relaxation. Attending weekly BarreFusion classes or SPIN classes at Body Language are a great way to relieve stress and accelerate your weight loss.
  
• Have a hunger reality check. Is your hunger physical or emotional? If you ate just a few hours ago and don't have a rumbling stomach, you're probably not really hungry. Give the craving a little time to pass.
• Keep a food diary. This is a KEY component to the Ideal Protein program. Write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you're feeling when you eat and how hungry you are. Over time, you may see patterns emerge that reveal the connection between mood and food.
• Get support. You're more likely to give in to emotional eating if you lack a good support network. Lean on family and friends or consider joining a support group.
• Fight boredom. Instead of snacking when you're not truly hungry, distract yourself. Take a walk, watch a movie, play with your pets or kids, listen to music, read, surf the Internet or call a friend.
• Take away temptation. Don't keep supplies of comfort foods in your home if they're hard for you to resist. And if you feel angry or blue, postpone your trip to the grocery store until you're sure that you have your emotions in check.
• Don't deprive yourself. When you're trying to achieve a weight-loss goal, you may eat the same foods frequently and banish the treats you enjoy. This may just serve to increase your food cravings, especially in response to emotions. Using the Walden Farms products to add additional flavor to your Ideal Protein foods without calories will help you stay on track without feeling deprived. Get plenty of variety to help curb cravings by eating the Select Vegetables that are in season, and use creative cooking methods.
• Snack healthy. If you feel the urge to eat between meals, choose vegetables with Waldens Farms dip and make sure to drink at least 64 oz of water per day.
  
• Get enough sleep. If you're constantly tired, you might snack to try to give yourself an energy boost. Take a nap or go to bed earlier instead. Ideal Protein snacks should be eaten before 8 pm.
  
• Seek therapy. If you've tried self-help options but you still can't get control of your emotional eating, consider therapy with a professional mental health provider. Therapy can help you understand the motivations behind your emotional eating and help you learn new coping skills. Therapy can also help you discover whether you may have an eating disorder, which is sometimes connected to emotional eating. Talk to your Ideal Protein Coach if you need a recommendation for a therapist that specializes in emotional eating.
  

If you have an episode of emotional eating, forgive yourself and start fresh the next day. Try to learn from the experience and make a plan for how you can prevent it in the future. Focus on the positive changes you're making in your eating habits and give yourself credit for making changes that'll lead to better health.

We're behind you all the way!

The Body Language Team

Ideal Protein Conference

Recently, two of our Ideal Protein coaches, Valerie Compton & Cathy Carrillo, traveled to California to attend Ideal Protein's Level III Training Course where they had the priviledge of meeting the team behind the development of the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method.

Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, Medical Consultant & Co-Founder of Ideal Protein

Mr. Olivier Benloulou, President & CEO of Ideal Protein








Mr. Michael P. Ciell, R. Ph., Chief Science Officer & VP of Clinical Operations

The knowledge regarding the benefits of Ideal Protein, as well as the passion and experience shared by this panel of experts further emphasized the importance of improving your health by making changes in how you fuel your body. One of the issues discussed by the panel and the number of clinic representatives included the increase in the number of individuals in the United States with health problems brought on due to poor dietary choices. The amazing thing is that some of these health issues are often preventable, and quite often can be corrected, when the diet is improved. Many clinics happily reported they were seeing very positive changes in client's health, as well as dramatic weight loss, when they made changes in their diet while on the Ideal Protein protocol.

In addition to weight loss, what changes have you seen in your overall health since beginning the Ideal Protein program?