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Dr Oksana Aron Medical Weight Loss Blog

Weight Loss Motivation. Weight Loss Results.

Dr. Aron brings you fun and important weight loss tips, exciting diet recipes, medical weight loss breakthroughs, and a steady source of weight loss motivation.

Her medical weight loss program provides real results for overweight and obese persons seeking non-surgical medical treatment, with lasting results.

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How Did I Gain Weight?

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Feb 8, 2024

6 Ways You Overeat (that you can easily overcome)

You know what’s good for you to eat and you know what’s bad. You may not be the strictest dieter, but you generally follow the rules. Why is it then that you still gain weight? Are you sabotaging yourself or is there something else going on that you aren't aware of? The answers to these questions are surprising facts you need to know to help you stop gaining extra pounds.

  1. Don’t Let Your Senses Fool You

    If you’ve ever told someone you can’t smell fast food without gaining weight, you know what this is all about — and there is some truth to that. The sight or smell of food can trigger your hunger and make you crave it and want more of it. Keeping bad foods out of sight, out of reach and far from your olfactory senses can prevent that desire to overeat.

  2. Pay Attention to What You Eat

    Watching what you eat takes on a whole new meaning when you learn that eating while distracted can cause you to overeat. If your mind is elsewhere, it may not register that you are filling your stomach. Be sure to drop the multitasking and turn off the TV while you eat so that your body knows when it is truly satisfied.

  3. Make It Exciting

    Variety in what you eat can lessen your chances of overstuffing yourself. It’s a fact that we make room for dessert, even after having a huge meal because we haven’t satisfied our sweet tooth yet. The solution? Include a bit of fruit in your meal (or try as a dessert alternative) to get that fix.

  4. Portion Control

    The larger your plate or take-out container, the more you could potentially eat. When eating out of a larger container, you could eat 25 to 50 percent more than someone else eating from a smaller one. The trick is to use smaller utensils, bowls, plates, etc. so it doesn’t appear that you are depriving yourself.

  5. Avoid Alcohol

    Not only can alcoholic beverages add unnecessary calories to your diet, it can stimulate your appetite. Too much of it can impair your judgement — and cause you to overeat. Limiting your intake or steering clear of it keeps those unwanted calories away.

  6. Keep warm

    Colder temperatures make you want to eat more and your metabolism drops (just think how cool restaurants are kept). Regulate your hunger by keeping the temps in your own home warm and not too cool.

Easy Way to Lose Weight Fast

Visit at WeightLossNYC.com and learn about our successful medical weight loss program. You can lose up to 20 pounds per month or more under the supervision and expert care of Dr Oksana Aron.

Call WeightLossNYC today 718-491-5525

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3 Great Tips to Fight Cravings, Lose Weight

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Nov 20, 2023

Avoid Unhealthy Habits

To lose weight, you already know what to do: eat right, diet, exercise, and the pounds will come off, right? It’s not always that simple.

Aside from making these healthy lifestyle choices, you need to address the psychological aspect of weight loss. It’s just as much a physical switch you have to make as a mental one.

Follow these 3 tips for your weight loss success:

fight food cravings
Beat Bad Food Cravings

Eliminate cravings

What’s your #1 weakness, the one treat that foils your dieting plans every time, guaranteed? Whatever it is, keep it out of your refrigerator or pantry to remove the temptation or craving.

Whenever you’re grocery shopping, skip the aisle if you can and certainly, don’t buy it! This is your first step in keeping the weight off and avoiding those vices that contribute to weight gain.

Avoid tantalizing images of bad food

Ever heard the term, “food porn?” Well, it’s called that for a reason. If you’ve ever salivated over a Pinterest board of ooey-gooey chocolate-chip cookies or drooled over a foodie blog’s Instagram of their latest dish while out on the town, you understand the danger!

Scientific research shows that viewing these images can actually make you feel hungrier—and overeat as a result. Instead, look at delicious images of healthy food to inspire your own homemade creations of health-promoting meals to make a healthier difference.

Swap bad cravings with good-for-you ones

It’s easy to say avoid unhealthy foods, but you may still crave them. Rather than deny yourself, satisfy those cravings in a healthier, savory way with alternatives.

If you realize the reason you crave a certain candy bar is because you want something salty or you crave the crunch of almonds, try a small handful of almonds or walnuts instead.

Rather than grabbing a fast-food burger, make turkey burgers with extra-lean meat ahead of time, topping it with fresh veggies in a variety of colors (how about leafy romaine lettuce, white onion, tomato, sprouts, and a little bit of avocado and mustard?) When you get home from work, it will be an easy leftover dinner night. Now that’s fast food, and you don’t have to wait in line for it, either!

Dr. Oksana Aron can Help, call 718-491-5525

Need help figuring out what’s healthy and what’s not? Get started on a weight loss plan that gets results, personally designed for you by Dr. Oksana Aron, by calling us at 718-491-5525 or book online via WeightLossNYC.com

Sources: her fitness hut; womens health mag

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A Healthier Chip? A Weight Loss Tip

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC

Slip away from the chips…

fatty snack chips
Healthier Diet Plan

Even healthy dieters need to snack throughout the day. But what should you do when you suddenly crave something that’s oh so bad for your weight loss goals? Don’t reach for your salty, greasy standby, the potato chip. Instead, grab something else that not only satisfies that same craving but is much healthier—and tastier.

Life has its ups, life has its dips…

A recent Harvard study found that potato chips are one of the top contributors to weight gain, and it’s no surprise, considering that they are fried and covered in grease. The snack options below, however, have fewer calories and fat.

Healthier Alternatives to Potato Chips

  • Baked or sweet potato chips
  • Apple chips
  • Taro chips
  • Kale chips (easy to make at home!)
  • Plantain chips
  • Soy crisps
  • Lightly salted dried Fruit or Veggie
  • Try this: Dehydrated Green beans

Step up to the plate

If you still need help in developing healthy eating habits, schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Oksana Aron to work on a weight loss plan and fast weight loss diet plan.

Schedule Appointment today, 718-491-5525

Dr Aron Medical Weight Loss Center is here for you. Visit us at WeightLossNYC.com

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How to Squash those Holiday Cravings

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Nov 25, 2019

Butternut Squash Healthy meals are easy

eat healthy vegetables

Filling up on veggies is a top rule for anyone wanting to eat healthier, yet that doesn't have to sound boring. Check your favorite produce store for winter squashes, including the amusing shaped butternut squash. Like its cousin the sweet potato, it's often overlooked as a starch, yet the orange interior reflects it is rich in beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A in your body.

One cup of Butternut Squash (cubed and cooked) yields 127% of the US RDA for Vitamin A, with 80 calories, 4g sugar, 21g of carbs. Far more favorable than mashed potatoes with (or without) gravy! Factor in the 7g of fiber and you're on your way to RDA daily mark of 25-30g fiber per day.

Beta carotene, as one of the team members of antioxidants, on its own offers many nutritional benefits. Butternut Squash also has ample potassium (more than the benchmark banana) plus 30% of your daily RDA of Calcium. Other minerals at hand include Iron and Niacin, along with Vitamin E.

Winter Wondering

Other winter squashes you can try - (measuring nutrients to the one cubed cooked cup)

  • Acorn Squash has more fiber and potassium, though less vitamin A than Butternut. 9 grams fiber per cubed cooked cup, potassium (896 mg).
  • Pumpkin Squash has both alpha and beta carotene. Alpha carotene also converts vitamin A in the body; Pumpkin Squash has twice as much of alpha than Butternut.
  • Spaghetti Squash is yellow and can even be used as an alternative to spaghetti. Lower in calories and carbohydrates than the other squashes mentioned here, but also lower in fiber. As a pasta substitute though, you'll consumer only 42 healhty veggie calories not pasta carb 200 calories.
Feeling Preppy

Summing it up with preparation, all of these can simply be sliced and roasted, with familiar spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, or clove or allspice. For easier prep you can often buy these pre-cut in stores, though caution on canned variants due to added sugars. You can even puree squashes to make satisfying soups and sauces too. Some folks even suggest smoothies, accompaniments such as apple, nut butter and soy or almond milk.

Hungry for More

Learn more healthy dieting and meal structures from Dr Oksana Aron at WeightLossNYC.com

Sources: Consumer Reports, Pexels

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Dining Out Doesn't Have to Be Dangerous

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Jun 19, 2015

Weight Loss Tips for Dining Out

Nationwide statistics show Americans dining out for almost 1/3 of their meals, with almost 1/2 of their food budget spent at these establishments.[1]

Given our tendency to dine out, it is worthwhile to consider ways you can manage and maintain your weight loss dieting program on the go. Some simple guidelines follow, as well as some links to some of our more popular posts past:

healthy dining out

Simple Tips for Planning Ahead

  • Avoid unlimited buffets and junk food franchises. Salad bars are good if you choose the healthy staple items not the dangerous ones.
  • Cater to places with extended menus to help you find healthy choices you will like. Favor seafood and salad places for healthier fare. Soups can be good, but know what you are choosing. Ask.
  • Best to plan ahead to dine out instead of splurging on surprise outings. Consider reviewing online menu before going so you will know what you will have.
  • Focus on eating for nutrition, not as a social activity. Make reservations to manage your cravings and limit the temptations to drink and snack while waiting. You can even have some small healthy crudite before leaving home to settle your stomach.
  • Stay away from large portions and fried food places. Know what is reasonable for you to eat and enjoy with your diet.
  • Consider sharing entrees with friends to manage your portions. Don’s be shy about tossing aside bread and extra carbs. Send away any extra munchies the waiter puts on your table. Only eat what you intend to eat.
  • As always, start to drink water as soon as you arrive and while waiting for meal.
  • Ask your server about options — extra salad instead of a heavier side dish. Bring your own dressing if you want to be sure of low calories. Add veggies to your entree to fill you up and slow you down.

Power Tips — Know your Menu Vocabulary

  • Bad: Buttery, Breaded, Buttered, Fried, Pan-Fried, Creamed, Scalloped, Au Gratin.
  • Better: Grilled, Baked, Steamed, Broiled, Poached, Stir-Fried, Roasted, Blackened.
  • Avoid: Cream sauces, made with milk, mayonnaise, cheese or oil.
  • Look for tomato based sauces instead. Order all sauces on the side and use sparingly.

Follow Your Diet Plan

As always, follow the diet guidelines presented to you by Dr. Aron. She will have told you your calorie limits and suggested foods for you to enjoy and avoid. Fill up on water, salad and vegetables first. Focus on your friends more than the food. Slow down and pace yourself so you can enjoy your meal and not be left hungry and crave more. Your body also needs time to recognize the food in your system to trigger satisfaction. It is also more than OK to leave the table a little hungry. You never need to stuff yourself, be gentle to your body.

Looking for More Motivation to Lose Weight?

Align with Dr. Aron at WeightLossNYC™ and start losing weight today. Call 718-491-5525 or visit WeightLossNYC.com

Sources: [1] USDA, National Restaurant Association. Adapted from Sparkpeople

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Contrave and Saxenda, two latest Weight Loss medications receive FDA credentials

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Sep 12, 2014

New Weight Loss Medication Contrave® approved for treatment of Obesity and Overweight conditions

“Several safe and effective prescription medicines can be used to overcome the hurdle of weight loss, the latest of these to receive FDA approval is a combination of two other medications, naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets. Additionally, liraglutide has received favorable recognition from the FDA.” –, WeightLossNYC®

“Contrave is a combination of two FDA-approved drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, in an extended-release formulation. Naltrexone is approved to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. Bupropion is approved to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder and as an aid to smoking cessation treatment.

“The effectiveness of Contrave was evaluated in multiple clinical trials that included approximately 4,500 obese and overweight patients with and without significant weight-related conditions treated for one year. All patients received lifestyle modification that consisted of a reduced- calorie diet and regular physical activity.” – FDA statement, Sept.2014
contrave and saxenda, medical weight loss pills

Safe and Effective Weight Regimen

Like similar treatments, medical supervision is highly advised, as part of a . The unique combination of this new medication also underscores compatibility with the current state of health and fitness for any individual. Similarly, an FDA panel greenlighted Saxena® (liraglutide) as another effective candidate for medical weight loss treatment. Whereas most weight loss medications address hunger mechanisms, each approach offers a different biological or neurological pathway, providing alternative options for practitioners and patients to optimize for individual results. Ask Dr. Aron which is the best treatment option for you.


FDA Approved Weight Loss Pills

[ Table of FDA Approved Medical Weight Loss Medications ]

  • Orlistat (Xenical)
  • Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate dospan)
  • Phendimetrazine (Bontril)
  • Phentermine (Apidex-P, Fastin, Ionamin)
  • Phentermine and Topiramate (Qsymia)
  • Naltrexone HCl/Bupropion HCl (Contrave)
  • Source: WeightLossNYC.com

See also Questions about Weight Loss Medications?


Lose Weight Fast

Oksana Aron M.D. is an internist and bariatric physician in New York City. Her medical weight loss center, WeightLossNYC®, helps you develop and maintain healthy habits and proper structures to build a sustainable, lifelong reduction of weight and weight-related health conditions. Her philosophy is the sum of your actions is the yield of your results. Call for an appointment today at 718-491-5525 or visit her WeightLossNYC practice website at http://WeightLossNYC.com




Sources: ASBP.org, FDA.gov, Takeda/Orexigen, Novo Nordisk, WeightLossNYC.com

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Thanksgiving Survival Guide, from Oksana Aron, M.D.

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Nov 19, 2012

How to Have a Happy Thanksgiving without Really Trying

thanksgiving is about the people you spend it with.

We’ve prepared this Thanksgiving Survival Guide* to give you ideas on how to best avoid overeating this Thursday, and keep yourself together on your weight loss program.

Abate Your Appetite; Trounce Temptation

The best way to battle any festival meal, where eating is the presumed focus, is to reduce your appetite thus obviously significantly lowering your temptation. You can follow these steps as guidelines to keep you on track with your diet plan.

Before You Go

  • As always, eat an appropriate breakfast as Dr. Aron has provided for your plan.
  • Be sure to include a real protein source to invoke satiety.
  • Keep up on your hydration. Drinking water will also help keep you feeling full.
  • Likewise, throughout the day, avoid alcoholic beverages for their dehydrating effects and of course insane caloric values.

Boots on the Ground

Once you’re there, keep it simple and safe:

  • Salad is always your friend. Enjoy the simple greens, not salads overladen with extras you know aren’t helpful to your diet.
  • Veggies, again mostly green, also round out your plate nicely and fill you up before looking further.
  • 4 ounce skinless white meat turkey as your meal protein. Keeping to the lower fat cut is the obvious choice.
  • Small samples of gravy or sauces for flavor are ok yet at a minimum. Avoid alcohol drinks entirely.
  • Small portion of potatoes or stuffing are better than breads and rolls.
  • Dessert? Only if you must, enjoy a small one. Better to enjoy a little more turkey, or better yet veggies/salad, we suggest.
“When facing the challenges of dieting during the holidays, remember to keep your focus on what’s really important — the people you’re spending the holidays with."

Remember Why You Came

Truly, the holidays are about getting together with friends and loved ones. Open your mouth more for the laughs and conversation, and keep the focus on the fun not the food. Think ahead when you get back home how much happier you'll be knowing you spent the day in conversation not in consuming unneeded calories.

Leftovers are Left for Others

You’re on a diet plan. You can leave them for others and keep the holiday meal behind as you walk out the door. Weather-permitting, keep on walking … and enjoy more conversation and fresh air as you move your body after a festival meal. When you get home, get back on your regular plan and keep the fond memories of the friends you enjoyed your holiday with.

Happy Thanksgiving, from Dr. Aron and Staff of WeightLossNYC

For more information on safe and healthy weight loss diet plans, visit our website WeightLossNYC.com and start losing weight, today.

*Thanksgiving Survival Guide, from Oksana Aron, M.D. is a copyrighted work by Weight Loss NYC® adapted from HRI Thanksgiving Success Plan. Image adapted from morgueFile.

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10 Important Reasons to Cut Sugar

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Apr 10, 2012


Sugar's toll on your health


The bitter news that the average American eats 130 pounds of sugar a year explains why obesity and other weight-related health problems are on the rise. Sugar causes weight gain and can also affect your health in the following negative ways, which is more than enough convincing evidence to show that sugar has no place in your diet.

What the research says about sugar

  1. Sugar is believed to be the main cause of childhood and obesity
  2. Sugar is believed to be the main cause of childhood sickness
  3. Sugar is believed to be the main cause of Type 2 diabetes
  4. Sugar is believed to be the main cause of hypertension
  5. Sugar is believed to be the main cause of heart disease
  6. Sugar is blamed as a culprit of rising rates of number one killers such as heart disease
  7. Sugar increases blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol
  8. Sugar increases risk factors for cardiovascular disease
  9. Sugar helps cancer cells grow
  10. Sugar is addicting and has a drug-like effect on the brain

The sugar solution

Your solution to avoiding the above health problems is to cut sugar from your diet. As the evidence shows, sugar is toxic and has no health benefits. It's not only harmful to your health, but it can also be addicting, so even a small amount could potentially lead you to wanting more, which can make you gain weight and also put you at risk for serious health conditions.


Foods with hidden sugar

In addition to avoiding processed and packaged foods that are high in sugar, look out for foods with hidden sugar in them. You'd be surprised which ones do contain sugar: bread, yogurt, sauces and peanut butter.

Are you frustrated with fad diets or dieting with no direction? Learn how to lose weight the fast and healthy way with WeightLossNYC! Call 718-491-5525 for your first appointment.

Source: cbsnews.com

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Why Fat-Free Isn't the Way to Be

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Nov 29, 2011
"Fat-free" products aren't what they're cracked up to be. They can actually cause more harm than good, and knowing the difference between low-fat and fat-free is essential if you want to lose weight.

"Fat-free foods" have to contain less than 0.5 grams of fat, while low-fat foods must contain 3 grams or less, "reduced-fat" products must have at least 25 percent less fat and "light" foods must have either 1/3 fewer calories or 50 percent lessfat, per the USDA.

With fat-free foods, manufacturers often have to add extra sugar, flour, salt and thickeners to give them more flavor, which also adds more calories and can make you gain weight.

What matters, however, is whether you are ingesting good fat vs. bad fat, and that the amount of fat in your overall diet is less than 30 percent. "Good" fat is heart healthy and includes monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and can keep you at a healthier weight. So can eating less saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.

Start losing weight today. Call now for your first appointment.

Source: WebMD.com

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Skip These Foods at Thanksgiving

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Nov 22, 2011
Thanksgiving could be a minefield for anyone trying to maintain a healthy diet, but a few helpful tips can hold you back from a dieting mistake. These are some of the foods you should skip in lieu of healthier Thanksgiving offerings.

Stuffing
They call it stuffing for a reason. This is one of the fattiest items on the Thanksgiving spread, so be sure to steer clear of this one.

Dark Meat
If you dine on turkey, opt for the white meat, which can save you 50 calories and 4 grams of fat.

Canned Cranberry Sauce
Although cranberries are natural, the added sugars can throw your healthy meal offtrack. Surprisingly, turkey gravy is a slightly healthier choice at 30 calories and 1.5 grams of fat per 1/4-cup serving.

Dinner Rolls
These are easy to keep eating and never stop, and pile on the calories and carbs. If you must, try one roll and go very easy on the butter (like a thin spread, not a pat) or try a dab of olive oil instead.

Pumpkin Pie
Just say no! A slice of pumpkin pie can add as much as 316 calories and 14 grams of fat to your meal.

A good rule of thumb: make choices at Thanksgiving based on what foods are closest to their natural state.

Source: EatingWell.com

Read more weight loss tips here or call to make an appointment with Dr. Aron for your first appointment.

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How often do you eat when not hungry?

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Jul 11, 2011

Are You Eating to Satisfy Non-Hunger Needs?

Dr. Aron admonishes snacking, favoring proper nutritional meals as the signpost to health and happy weight loss. Her prescription for traditional meals favors real table time with place settings and people.
“Building and keeping a structure to your meals maintains a signal to yourself to relax and eat normally, rather than snatch and grab snacking when under duress. [Furthermore] providing a healthy outlet for socialization helps you manage daily stress and foster stronger relationship and communication bonds.”
Dr. Aron, Weight Loss Expert

Honest Food Needs and Fumbles

Many of the reasons people eat do not relate to true physical hunger. Being aware of physical and emotional needs and eating triggers is a step towards addressing them constructively. Dr. Aron can provide support in learning to address physical and emotional needs in non-food ways.

lose weight for your wedding

Address Your Physical Needs

  • Tend to your health needs. Discuss with Dr. Aron if you have a pain or problem. Follow your treatment plan. Take your medication(s).
  • Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day. You may need more on hot days, after exercise or eating salty foods, or based on medications you may be taking. Often people confuse hunger with thirst.
  • Get enough sleep. It has been documented that lack of sleep makes some people eat more.
  • Move your body. Human bodies are designed to move. After years of cutting back on requirements for physical exercise, the current recommendation is to exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes/day.
  • Make exercise fun. If exercise isn't your thing, combine it with meeting other needs such as:
    • Socialization. Bike or walk with a friend. Take a class with a partner. Join a softball league. Learn a new dance.
    • Spiritual. Yoga or walking at the beach can feel spiritually satisfying.
    • Fresh air. Take a 20-30 minute walk—even in winter. Choose a sunny or less cold day, bundle up and walk. It clears your head, leaving you energized.
    • Care-taking. Take your children on a hike. Walk or run with your dog.
    • Personal Growth. Try a new sport. Take swimming or tennis lessons.

Satisfy Your Emotional Needs

healthy eating habits
Listen to your inner voice and work on giving yourself what you need. Everyone needs the following to varying degrees:
  • Companionship/socialization. Spend time with people you love and enjoy; connect with them often. Eliminate (or minimize if that's not possible) contact with people you feel bad or stressed around.
  • Time to be alone. This may include sitting in silence for ten minutes per day.
  • Spend time doing what you love. If you can't do this every day, make some time every week.
  • Find constructive ways of dealing with interpersonal conflict. Take a class or read a book on what ails you. See a therapist or other healer if you need support.
  • Identify your stresses and find coping mechanisms. Try new ways of coping if you still feel overwhelmed.
  • Pay attention to and work on eliminating negative thought patterns. Re-program negative thoughts such as
    "I'm never as good as X"
    into
    "I'm learning _____."

Healthy Lifestyle is Your Choice

Healthy eating is a lifestyle choice. A physically and emotionally tuned in you will create more positive outlets and feel less need to overeat.

Start Losing Weight Today

You can lose 10-20 lbs per month safely and easily under Dr. Aron's care and supervision. Her medical weight loss plan is fast and effective, and backed by FDA clinical approval.

Call for your first appointment, 718-491-5525

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Dieting Bites

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC May 20, 2011

You Are What You Eat…

dieting sucks

Extreme Eating: Do you want some lard with that burger?
In some Chinese-American restaurants customers can choose a dish from column A and one from column B. These meals typically come with soup and an egg roll. The menu items below may lead customers to choose the road to heart attack, diabetes, stroke and/or obesity. They come with the proverbial over-sized salt shaker and a superabundance of fat.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet set a date for implementation of a new law which will require restaurant chains with 20 or more outlets to disclose calorie counts to customers, many chains’ websites already contain jaw-dropping nutritional facts.

Applebee’s New England fish and chips, as an example, packs almost an entire day’s calories in one fatty over-salted meal:
Calories: 1910
Fat: 137 grams, 12 grams saturated
Sodium: 1350
In addition to the high caloric content, this meal contains the fat equivalent of ¾ cup of mayonnaise and more than half a day’s sodium requirement.

Calorie Guidelines

Federal nutrition guidelines readily available on most packaged foods consider a typical daily diet to contain 2000 or 2500 calories, the lower figure usually for women and children and the higher for men.
Federal guidelines also recommend that those on a 2000 calorie diet, consume:
  • less than 65 grams of fat a day and less than 20 grams of saturated fat
  • less than 2400 milligrams of sodium
Those typically needing 2500 calories a day need consume:
  • less than 80 grams of fat and less than 25 grams saturated fat
  • less than 2400 milligrams of sodium

Do you consider a tuna fish sandwich a typical light lunch? Think again when it comes to Quizno’s tuna melt sub. It weighs in with:
Calories: 1520
Saturated fat: 21 grams
Sodium: 2020 milligrams
A healthier option would be to share it with a friend (or two) and have an apple for dessert if half a sub isn’t satisfying. Ordering a plain tuna sandwich on sliced bread without the cheese would also greatly reduce calorie, fat and sodium content.

Another head spinner is Outback Steakhouse’s full rack of baby back ribs served with Aussie fries:
Calories: 1956
Fat: 133 grams, 56 grams saturated
Sodium: 2741 milligrams

The total fat is comparable to eating nearly a stick and a half of butter!

Sadly these examples are not isolated instances. Restaurants have found salt and fat to be inexpensive ways to make food tastier. Diners keep returning for more.

In the search for new and different enticements, the food industry seems to make many dishes and foods more fattening over time. Fried chicken morphs into KFC’s Double Down sandwich by adding two slices of bacon and two slices of cheese. Creative chefs roll chocolate covered pretzels in M&M’s, nuts and toffee chips, adding calories and fat. Cheesecake becomes gluttonous with the addition of Reese’s peanut butter cups, fudge cake and caramel as in the Cheesecake Factory’s Reese’s peanut butter cheese cake.

Start Losing Weight, Today

woman at self looking in mirror
Choose your indulgences carefully and sparingly. Check restaurants’ websites ahead of time to select healthier options. Limit portions consumed. And find yourself en route to a healthier, slimmer you.

Sources:
Nutrition Chart, What's Cooking America
"Restaurants put obesity on the menu," Washington Post, 10.21.10, p.E1.


Call Weight Loss NYC now @ 718-491-5525

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New Protein Bars with Satisfying Flavor

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Oct 4, 2010

Protein + Great Taste = Less Hungry

weight loss protein bars

Strawberry Cheesecake protein bar only 140 calories?

It's great to know you have a new choice with new flavors - ask the front desk on your next visit for a variety box (shown) or buy any single flavor seven-pack for the same great tasty price.

New protein bars with satisfying flavor

Remember that proper nutrition and balance are crucial for your weight loss diet success.

Exclusively available at WeightLossNYC

Ask Dr. Aron if you have any questions about inclusion of any meal substitution supplements or to give us feedback on the items you like best.

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Dieting, Minus the Crankiness

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Aug 14, 2010

When you're dieting, it's easy to feel deprived and cranky. After all, you feel like you're missing out on all the foods and treats you love -- all for the sake of losing a few pounds. The danger in all that sacrifice is that it's easy to slip and make a dieting mistake that results in weight gain.

Dieting doesn't have to be so difficult. In fact, your diet can be full of healthy and delicious choices. Sometimes, you just need some tantalizing ideas to get started.

Healthy Diet Tips to Keep in Mind

Protein Packs a Mean Punch

You need protein in your diet because it not only does it make you feel full for a long time, it suppresses your hunger. It's also necessary for building muscle when you are working out. Be sure not to just picky any ol' protein source; lean protein is what you need, such as peanuts (or peanut butter), non-fat or low-fat yogurt, eggs and lean meats.

Make Room for Snacks

It's easy to skip snacks, thinking it will help you lose more weight, but you actually need them! Healthy snacking can keep your blood sugar in control, curb binging and prevent overeating at meal time. Not eating or snacking enough can cause blood sugar to crash and make you irritable.

Get Your H2O

Drink water to keep your body running efficiently, but also to stay fuller between meals.

Be Fab with Fiber

This cannot be harped upon enough: you need fiber in your diet to be healthy and lose weight. Get it via whole grains, oatmeal, beans, brown rice, fruits and veggies as well as fiber supplements. These foods are nutritious and keep you feeling more satisfied, preventing you from unhealthy cravings.

Fight Those Cravings with These Tips

Craving: Ice cream sundae
Healthy option: Fat-free yogurt, sprinkled with granola, blueberries and strawberry and banana slices

Craving: Cheeseburger
Healthy option: Veggie burger on a whole wheat bun with two slivers of avocado, onion slices, alfalfa sprouts and a dab of mustard

Craving: Alcoholic beverage or cocktail
Healthy option: Fruit smoothie made with fresh berries and vanilla soy milk or skim milk

Source: HealthyWomen.org

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Would you like to appear on the Rachael Ray show?

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Aug 10, 2010

Call WeightLossNYC Today

rachael ray weight loss

Popular media mogul Rachael Ray contacted us to help them find guests for an upcoming show about weight loss. We respect your privacy and offer you the opportunity to request your possible inclusion in the show by calling WeightLossNYC today for details on what is happening with weight loss in the media today.

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Healthy Foods that Fill You Up

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Jul 29, 2010
legumes and fresh produce

Get a Leg Up on Legumes

Foods that are high in fiber and protein will keep you full longer because they take longer to digest. The meat and bean group has the most protein; it includes meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, and legumes. Beans and legumes are high in fiber as well, as are whole grains, and fruit and vegetables eaten with their seeds and peels. Vegetables are very filling and very low in calories too.[1]

Dieting Tip: Make a Sensible Start

Planning your daily caloric intake to achieve your target goal takes skill and practice; Making your menu of favorites and alternates for each meal is a helpful diet practice too. You can always switch things around to keep it fresh not boring, but ultimately your motivation is to find healthy nutritious meals you enjoy to eat, not to deprive or punish yourself daily!

Process This: Eat Fresh or Frozen

Americans eat 31% more packaged food than fresh food ... A sizeable portion is … read-to-eat-meals like frozen pizzas and microwave dinners, and salty or sweet snack foods.[2]

Choosy Dieters, Choose This..

Choosing foods with least amount of processing and processed ingredients gives you far more control over the quality as well as the quantity of food. Remember you never need to eat any portion of ANY meal that's before you. Knowing the right amount to eat is as much as having the right foods in front of you to enjoy.

[1]Source Hartley
[2]New York Times

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5 Cool Summer Snacks

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Jul 10, 2010

Eating healthy has a learning curve, and finding the right snacks to munch on throughout the day can be a challenge. Don't reach for those pre-packaged goodies -- even if they claim to not have many calories. Instead, snack on something that comes from Mother Nature. Not only are fruits and vegetables satisfying and low in calories, they are more budget-friendly, too.

Watermelon
Why it's good It quenches your thirst on a hot day and also reduces inflammation that causes disease while neutralizing free radicals with antioxidants.
Try it as a homemade juice or frozen popsicle (no sugar required!)

Avocado
Why it's good It's rich in vitamins K and B6, oleic acid, fiber and has more potassium than a banana. It's also high in healthy monounsaturated fat and protects against some cancers.
Try it on a burger or make your own guacamole

Cucumber
Why it's good A great source of vitamin C, potassium and magnesium, it can reduce inflammation, keep your skin radiant, lower blood pressure and even keep you cool during a heat wave.
Try it dipped in hummus, on a sandwich or in a salad

Carrots
Why it's good Their antioxidant compounds prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease -- and of course, help your vision.
Try it plain when you crave something crunchy or toss some into your juicer with fruit.

Celery
Why it's good Its vitamin C content helps boost the immune system and it also can reduce blood pressure.
Try it with peanut butter or in a low-fat chicken salad

Source: WHFoods.com

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Live a Healthy, Happy Life

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Jun 26, 2010

Lose Weight for a Lifetime of Life!

joyful health and fitness

Having a thinner body is possible. Just follow these steps below if you want to ditch those extra pounds. These ideas aren't short-term quick fixes — they're lifestyle changes that will leave you healthier and happier for years to come.

Eat healthy

This one's obvious, but be sure that you are eating whole, real foods — not processed junk. Get those whole grains, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, fiber, vitamins and minerals in your diet to maintain a lean physique and avoid serious health problems.

Go ahead and snack

Believe it or not, frequent snacking throughout the day helps you stay thin by increasing your metabolism. Eat healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables and low-calorie or low-carb snacks between meals to curb your hunger — and prevent eating too many calories at meal time (or any other time).

Be active

You can't lose weight by cutting calories alone. You will also need to do vigorous exercise a few times a week and physical activity every day. Exercise keeps weight down, metabolism high and your heart happy.

Rest up!

Get enough sleep each night to stay healthy. For adults, this means 7-8 hours. Not getting enough rest on the other hand can impair your memory, raise blood pressure and even cause weight gain.

Relieve stress

Manage your stress by engaging in relaxing activities. Why? Lower stress levels can help regulate insulin and keep your immune system in top condition.

Read More Weight Loss Tips & Start Losing Weight Today

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Sugar, Not Caffeine Raises Blood Pressure

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Jun 7, 2010

If you’ve experienced elevated blood pressure and have no clue what caused it, you may have to take a look at your daily soda intake.

New research now shows that the sugar in soda – and not caffeine – may be the cause of increased blood pressure. In a dietary and blood pressure study of 810 adults, it was found that reducing intake of sugar-spiked soda to one serving per day led to a significant blood pressure drop in 18 months. Overall, those in the study who drank less soda had lower blood pressure levels.

High blood pressure typically has few symptoms and is a risk factor for stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and shortened life expectancy. Limiting sugary drinks to one per day is recommended until further research can effectively pinpoint the causal link of raised blood pressure.

—BeverageDaily

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Ice Cold Latte Calories

Author: Oksana Aron, MD Source: Weight Loss NYC Apr 23, 2010

An ice cold chai latte sounds refreshing on a warm day, but a seemingly innocent treat could also add some serious calories to your daily intake.

Coffee drinks are notorious for being loaded with lots of hidden calories that will derail you from your goal of slimming down for the summer. An untouched cup of black coffee contains a mere 5 calories and can boost metabolism, but your average mocha from a fast-food chain -- drowning in sugar, coffee syrup and whipped cream -- can contain as much as 1,000 calories and way more grams of sugar and fat than you will want in one week.

These diet-busters in a cup come from your local coffee shop or fast-food restaurant. The 23 oz. Double Oh! Arctic Mocha from Cosi has 1,210 calories, 19 g fat (10 g saturated) and 240 g sugars. You don't have to forgo coffee drinks completely. Check out the nutrition facts first and go for options such as skim milk and no sugar, whipped cream or chocolate syrup. Make your own drinks at home so you know exactly how much of each ingredient goes into it for better portion control.

--Men's Health

Also check out our other post on coffee drinks.

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