I’ve come to accept that zucchini noodles will never really be pasta, and cauliflower “rice” will never really be rice. For me, it’s not about pretending that vegetables can completely replace carb-heavy favorites like pasta or rice. Instead, it’s about getting out of a food rut by trying new things and switching up your old standbys. If you’re looking for…
Author: Maggie Thorison
Tips to Get Moving
If you had told Patsy Casteen three years ago that she would be running countless races, line dancing on the TODAY Show, hula-hooping in Orlando and representing TOPS at a medical conference in Philadelphia, she would have laughed in disbelief. Since rejoining TOPS in 2014, Patsy (pictured left) has lost 100 pounds and feels healthier and more active than ever.…
When it’s Okay to be Good Enough
“Good enough” rarely cuts it. If you were having surgery or your car were being repaired, you likely would not settle for good enough and would want to be as close to perfect as possible. But there are other times when good enough is, well, good enough. Take your meal or exercise plan, for example. Have you ever beaten yourself up for…
Tips for a Lighter Cookout
Since I’ve started consistently tracking my food, I’m constantly amazed by how quickly calories can add up, particularly in social situations. Take your average cookout, for example. One 4-ounce cheeseburger with a bun can be around 500 calories. Add dessert, a beer or cocktail, and a few handfuls of chips while chatting with friends and you’re easily over 1,000 calories!…
“Avocado Hand” is a Real Thing
I love avocados. In addition to being a tasty and filling snack all on their own, they’re also a delicious alternative to mayo on sandwiches or butter on toast. Avocados even share the adoration of paleo diet followers, food exchange fans, vegetarians and vegans alike! But what happens when something you love turns against you? I’m talking about a new…
Learning to Love Vegetables
Monica Thomas has disliked vegetables all of her life … until now. When she decided to be healthier, she knew she needed to include them whether she liked it or not. She started buying frozen veggies and jazzing them up with a little bit of cheese or a small serving of a healthy salad dressing (she now makes her own).…
3 Ways to Add Protein to Your Meal Plan
Food trends come and go, but protein’s popularity doesn’t seem to be fading any time soon. Since I’ve been much better about tracking my food lately, I’ve noticed that I tend to eat a lot of fat and not as much protein as I thought. Keep in mind that the average American adult gets more than the recommended amount of…
The Magic Weight-Loss Number
I don’t think I’ve ever actually been at the weight listed on my driver’s license. I’m not sure if it’s more of a vanity thing, or if I think I will one day reach this weight. Many of us have that certain magic number in mind when it comes to our weight. Maybe you’ve said or thought, “If I could…
Tips for Healthy Eating on a Budget
A few friends and I were talking about food and cooking the other weekend when one friend mentioned that healthy eating is expensive. If you’ve ever tried to eat healthier, you may have heard or even said this before. This can certainly hold true if you’re stocking up on all organic items, specialty flours or exclusively shopping at health food…