Lisa DeFazio
What’s Your Freshology?
Sometimes you have to be selfish. I am now a mom. The responsibilities of being a wife and mother can easily take over your life leaving no time, or energy, for eating right, exercising, relaxing, and pampering yourself. In order to keep it all together, you have to keep yourself together! That means, being selfish at times. No one will offer to give you a break, you have to delegate responsibilities, and tell the family that you are taking a break.Take a walk, go to the gym, get a massage, and do whatever you need to stay sane and fit. Take control of your life, do not let your life control you! In the end your kids and husband will respect you more-trust me. We have to be role models for our kids, and when they see us eating right and taking care of ourselves they will do it as well, and everyone wins.
90 percent of the time I eat right and exercise, 10 percent of the time I splurge without feeling guilty! When I am exercising regularly and eating healthy, I feel my best. When I take control of my health, I am more in control of my life. However, even a Dietitian gets cravings! Staying in shape and being disciplined is not easy, and I do not give in to cravings every time. I feel that enjoying delicious food is one of life’s pleasures. When I do indulge in some of my favorite foods like Mexican food or chocolate chip cookies, I enjoy them without the guilt, and I get back on track the next day.
I just turned 40 and I do not wish that I was in my 20’s again. I embrace the wisdom that comes with age. I don’t sweat the small stuff now, like I used to when I was younger. I set boundaries, I do not let people walk all over me, and I only have people in my life that want the best for me. That was not the case at 25! I now count my blessings, focus on what I have instead of what I don’t have, and each day I do something to move my life in the direction of achieving my goals.
I am proud and honored to be a Nutrition Expert for Freshology. There are so many books, diets and gimmicks out there to lose weight and get fit. I have been Registered Dietitian for about 15 years, and I have seen it all. There are very few programs that I would be associated with; however, I was so impressed with Freshology’s menus and meal plans that I approached them to be their diet expert! No gimmicks, no starvation, no crazy cleanses, just real food.
My life motto is “Claim the Life You Want.” My father’s best advice to me is ”Success happens when opportunity meets preparation and the will to act.” That advice keeps me motivated to chase my dreams each day.
Lisa De Fazio,
Registered Dietitian
Summer is here!
Staying hydrated should be at the top of your list for losing weight and maintaining your weight loss, and staying healthy. Water is critical for so many functions including moving nutrients between cells, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints and maintaining tissue health.Caffeine, sodas, and alcohol contribute to dehydration causing increased water loss. In addition, drinking beverages that are high in sugar can actually prevent the body from absorbing water.
Proper hydration helps to maintain a healthy weight and increases weight loss for the following reasons:
- Energy levels are affected by water intake. More water, equals more energy, which equals more activity, which equals weight loss.
- Muscle tissue contains about 75% water; therefore water helps to maintain muscle. The more lean muscle you have, the more calories you burn.
- Water decreases the appetite and helps metabolize stored fat.
- Sometimes we confuse hunger and thirst. You may think you are hungry, when your body is really signaling thirst and it is dehydrated. Therefore, drink water before reaching for food!
Water is the best beverage choice for staying hydrated, but if you are bored with water, here are some alternatives:
- Coconut water-High in potassium, tasty, fresh and natural. It will have about 50 calories for 8 ounces.
- Make flavored water- Fill a pitcher with water, and add cucumber slices, lemon slices and orange slices. Keep in the refrigerator! This adds flavor without adding calories.
- Flavored sparkling water-Lemon, orange, berry flavors, with zero calories
- Sports drinks – These have added sugar and sodium which you need during strenuous exercise to replace electrolytes. Sports drinks are higher in calories, and should mainly be used during exercise.
- DRINKUP by Freshology-DRINKUP by Freshology is a single serving all natural energy drink powder that provides you with a smooth and sustained energy lift, while helping you nourish and hydrate your body. Just add one DRINKUP Stick to 12 to 16 oz of hot or cold water. DRINKUP is sweetened with Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar and a tiny bit of Stevia and has just 36 calories. Flavors include Berrylicious & Calypso. DRINKUP is currently available to Freshology customers. If you are a customer and are interested in DRINKUP, call your customer representative and ask to have it included in your next shipment. You may set up a plan so that DRINKUP is included every shipment, or you may order only one just to give it a taste! Choose your flavor, choose your quantity, & boost your energy!
Check out Lisa’s website www.lisadefazio.com for more diet tips and videos!
Drinking Alcohol on a Diet: How to Choose Your Booze
If you enjoy a drink occasionally, there are a few things to consider.Your body processes alcohol first, before fat, protein, or carbs. Thus, drinking slows down your body’s fat burning process. In addition, alcohol has calories, no nutritional benefits, andincreases sugar and fat cravings.Of course, the best thing to do is avoid alcohol, but if you want a cocktail, these tips will help you make better choices for your body!The bottom line is to choose your booze wisely. Always choose zero calorie mixers such as diet soda or club soda.
Lisa’s top picks:
- Red or White Wine (5 ounce glass):120calories. Red wine is a better choice than white wine because it contains resveratrol, a heart healthy antioxidant found in red grapes.
- Wine spritzer (5 oz): 100 calories
- Light beer (12 oz bottle): 110 calories
- Champagne (5 oz glass): 110 calories
- Jack Daniels (single shot):55calories (mix with diet Coke)
- Vodka (single shot):55 calories (mix with cranberry juice)
You may be surprised by the calories in the following. Lisa’s advice is to avoid them!
- Long Island iced tea (8 oz): 780calories
- White Russian: 425 calories
- Mai Tai (6 oz): 350 calories
- Pina Colada (6 oz): 378 calories
- Mojito (8 oz): 214 calories
- Cosmopolitan (4 oz): 200 calories
- Margarita (8 oz): 280 calories
- Green apple martini: 148 calories
- Martini (2.5 oz): 160 calories
- Coffee liqueur (3 oz): 348 calories
- Godiva chocolate liqueur (3 oz): 310 calories
- Eggnog with rum (8 oz): 370 calories
- Screwdriver (8 oz): 190 calories
- Rum and Coke (8 oz): 185 calories
Check out Lisa’s website www.lisadefazio.com for more diet tips and videos!
