Janice Taylor Living » Diet Tips

Feng Shui Thursday: Is Your Kitchen Making You Fat?

jtaylor — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:02:57 +0000

According to the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, your kitchen is the central part of your home that provides nourishment and sustains life. Therefore, it is the most important area in your home. In addition to having a profound effect on your health, the kitchen is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Given the importance of this room on our overall wellness, as well as our healthy weight, I thought I’d share a few Feng Shui facts that may motivate you to close your computer and head straight into your kitchen to clean it up and then stock it up with the right stuff!

Are you ready to get energized?

1. The Food: In order for the food to provide you with high energy, you need to choose healing foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, raw nuts, and organic meats. In other words, no ‘junk food’ or processed foods.

In theory, you may already know this, but do you live by it?

2. Well-Nourished People: Nutritionally friendly folk who have ingested foods that are high in nutrients, are not only going to have more and better energy, but they are more likely to excel in their careers and relationships. It makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

3. Prosperity: The more effective a person, the more likely they will achieve financial success.

4. Harmonious Space: In addition, the foods need to be prepared in a well-organized, harmonious space. Your kitchen needs to have a balanced flow of energy moving through it. Take that pile of trays and bowls off the top of the fridge and put them away! Declutter the countertops.

5. Happy Chef: If your kitchen is clean and organized, the chef is likely to be happy (or happier) and his or her cooking with be infused with happy, strong, good energy.

Review:
Stock up on the good stuff.
Declutter and clean your kitchen.
Smile while cooking!

And health, wealth and happiness will be yours!
Yes, it’s that simple!!!

Spread the word … NOT the icing!
Janice

11 Eating Styles: What does yours say about you?

jtaylor — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:54:51 +0000

According to Our Lady of Weight Loss, the patron saint of permanent fat removal, she who has devoted a great deal of time to examining the way in which people eat, there are 10 basic eating styles – from Gulp n’ Go to Totally Beige to the Food Architect.

What’s your eating style? What does your eating ’style’ say about you? Perhaps it’s time to take a look at our methodology and make some adjustments!!!

Our Lady of Weight Loss’s Top 11 Eating Styles – yes, I did say that there are 10, but here, today, Our Lady of Weight Loss, the patron saint of permanent fat removal is suggesting an 11th!

1. The Unconscious Eater: If you find yourself covered in cookie crumbs, and do not have any memory of eating cookies, you are an UNCONSCIOUS EATER. WAKE UP! Be in the here and now.

2. Gulp n’ Go: Are you always on the run, doing the ole’ GULP n’ GO? Sit down and take a moment. Please.

3. Food Architect: You are a FOOD ARCHITECT if you sculpt mountains of mashed potatoes, arrange broccoli in and around them like trees, and layer slices of meat until you’ve created a high-rise apartment building. While I admire your creativity, play with Legos instead!

4. Assembly-Line Eater: You are an ASSEMBLY-LINE EATER if you load-up another fork full while still chewing. Put the fork down in between bites.

5. Never Say, “No, Thank You.”: Do you have a NEVER SAY, “NO, THANK YOU” policy in place? Afraid you might offend someone? Time for a re-write.

6. If It’s FREE, It’s for ME: Do you exclaim, “IF IT’S FREE, IT’S FOR ME!” when you see free food tastings and samplings at the supermarket? Eat before food shopping and recommit to your goals before you head out.

7. Closet Eater: You are a CLOSET EATER if you keep a mini-fridge in your coat closet and visit it nightly. Come on out of the closet and join the rest of us. It’s safe out here.

8. Speed Eater: If your friends suggest that you challenge the Japanese world speed-eating champion who swallowed a total of 53 1/2 hot dogs, and their accompanying buns, in just 12 minutes, then you are a SPEED EATER. I’m gagging just thinking about it.

9. Beige-Eater: If potatoes, pasta and mac and cheese are your main stay, then you are a BEIGE-eater. Add red peppers, strawberries, green beans, and bright blueberries to your palate . . . NOW.

10. Fried: You are FRIED if you think ‘fried’ is a food group. Now you know better!

And now, on behalf of Our Lady of Weight Loss, I would like to introduce an 11th Style of Eating, coming to you at the 11th hour, so to speak.

11. Healthy, Plain n’ Simple: Just for a moment try on ‘Healthy’ as your eating style! How does it fit? Most people do not ingest enough vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals on a daily basis. Because our nutrient needs are not met, we lose control and cravings kick in.

Healthy isn’t complicated. In fact, it’s simple. All you need to do is eat more – more fruits and vegetables – more colorful plants. Not only will you lose weight; your health will also dramatically improve.

Here’s some food for thought!

2/3 of Americans are overweight
1/3 of Americans are classified as morbidly obese
50 percent of Americans die of heart attacks and strokes
28 million Americans suffer from the crippling pain of osteoarthritis
35 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches (source: Joel Fuhrman, M.D., author of Eat for Health)

Take one step toward health. Try on ‘healthy’. Eat more! Fruits and vegetables.
Slim down while you live it up!

Spread the healthy word … NOT the icing!
Janice

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For the best Life, Wellness and Weight Loss information
visit: Our Lady of Weight Loss
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JigSaw Sunday: How to Lose It

jtaylor — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:27:29 +0000

Sometimes when in ‘bulk eating’ mode, a big salad does the trick.

This week’s GET JIGGY JigSaw Weight Loss Puzzle was inspired by a major-league, big-time, eat all you want salad that I whipped up and served up last night.

If you’re in need of a bulk meal, go crazy! Rip up an entire head of lettuce, slice up a few juicy tomatoes, get your cukes peeled and diced, as you pay homage to Our Lady of Green Leaves.

Eat green!

Spread the word … NOT the icing!

Janice

Diet Pitfall – How to end the Pity Party!

jtaylor — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:30:10 +0000

Often, people who are journeying toward “Beliefnet" type=""application/x-shockwave-flash"" href="Often, people who are journeying toward “Sveltesville,” focus on what they’re not eating anymore, instead of what they are eating. And in so doing they create feelings of deprivation, they suffer, and even worse, they are missing out on the adventure. Yes, you are on a healthy living Adventure (with a capital “A”). With a little willingness to experiment and a roll of duct-tape (huh? See video below) … you too can cook up the most amazing dishes that are more delish and satisfying than you ever imagined. So drop the negative ‘boo-hoo, poor-me, I can’t have this or that’ and get on the “whoopee, I can have” bandwagon! End the pity party, spit out that pit-fall and right now, write down10 things that you can have that you love! Here’s my list. 1. Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Galia Melon … any melon! 2. Vitalicious Chocolate Muffin Tops (all flavors are divine) 3. Mushroom Ragu on top of pasta 4. Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin Sprouted Grain Bread 5. Marinated Artichoke Hearts 6. Greek Yogurt w. Honey (OMG!) 7. Thin Crust Pizza 8. Roasted Organic Chicken 9. Sweet Potato Baked Chips (homemade) 10. Broccoli Rabe, heavy on the garlic! Nothing to pity here, hey? For your entertainment, here's the video! Sveltesville,” focus on what they’re not eating anymore, instead of what they are eating. And in so doing they create feelings of deprivation, they suffer, and even worse, they are missing out on the adventure.

Yes, you are on a healthy living Adventure (with a capital “A”). With a little willingness to experiment and a roll of duct-tape (huh? See video below) … you too can cook up the most amazing dishes that are more delish and satisfying than you ever imagined.

So drop the negative “boo-hoo, poor-me, I can’t have this or that” and get on the “whoopee, I can have” bandwagon!

End the pity party, spit out that pit-fall and right now, write down10 things that you can have that you love! Here’s my list.

1. Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Galia Melon … any melon!
2. Vitalicious Chocolate Muffin Tops (all flavors are divine)
3. Mushroom Ragu on top of pasta
4. Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin Sprouted Grain Bread
5. Marinated Artichoke Hearts
6. Greek Yogurt w. Honey (OMG!)
7. Thin Crust Pizza
8. Roasted Organic Chicken
9. Sweet Potato Baked Chips (homemade)
10. Broccoli Rabe, heavy on the garlic!

Nothing to pity here, hey?

For your entertainment, here’s the video! Dysfunctional Chef

Spread the word … NOT the icing!
Janice

Step-by-Step Guide: How to BEAT the NIGHTTIME EATS!

jtaylor — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:18:25 +0000

For many of us the biggest challenge in our day comes at night. We find it almost impossible to simply put down the fork, push away from the dinner table and move on into the night without finding our minds drifting towards food.

It would be lovely to be minus the obsessive food thoughts; to make space for a peaceful, calm and soulful evening. Wouldn’t it?

I have worked out an easy and yes, brilliant ‘evening’ strategy that you can follow!

Step by Step Guide: How to Beat the Nighttime Eats!

Step 1. Upon Entering (after a long day’s work or outing): Music activates the same feel good center of the brain that food does. Put on your favorite tunes or as my brilliant client, Susan T. does, program the radio to go on at a certain time, so that when you open the door, you are immediately infused by healing sounds.

Step 2. Get Comfy: Kick off your work shoes and put on a pair of fluffy slippers. Whatever your version of comfy is, go for it.

Step 3. Water Yourself: Pour yourself a glass of ‘exotic’ water. Cucumber water, watermelon water, lemon water, lime water. (Cut fresh slices of fruit and float in water. A beautiful touch.)

Step 4. Eat an Apple: According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, you can reduce your calorie intake by 15% by eating an apple 15 minutes before your meal! Apparently, the apple boosts your satiety levels, helping you to eat less! So … Mindfully cut an apple into slices. Arrange on a pretty plate. Squeeze a fresh lime onto it.

Step 5. No Seat/No Eat. Please be sure to drink your water and eat your apple while sitting, quietly. Do not do anything else but sit quietly, drink your water and slowly eat your apple.

Step 6. Cook It Up. Now that you have shifted your mindset from work to home and are calm, comfy, hydrated and sated, prepare dinner.

Step 7. Set the Table. While the food is cooking, set a beautiful table. Flowers are always a good idea, as are candles, beautiful plates and glasses. The works!

Step 8. Prepare Your Plate. Now that your dinner is ready, put your portion on your plate and place it on the table. (DO NOT SIT DOWN AND EAT … yet! This is CRUCIAL!)

Step 9. Put It All Away NOW. That’s right, put the leftovers away before you eat. I’ll say it again. This is CRUCIAL. As client Susan T. told me just this morning, “It’s best to put it all away before I sit down to eat, lest post-meal I am likely to continue tasting it.”

Step 10. Sit Down and Eat. No television, no magazines, no telephone. Just enjoy your meal. Yes, you may talk to another human being if they are sitting at the table with you. Savor the flavor. Enjoy the experience of good, healthy living.

Step 11. Brush Your Teeth. After you eat, brush your teeth. You are not only practicing good dental hygiene, but you are clearing the taste of food away. If left there, you might not consciously taste it, but your mind will continue to do so and the food chatter will ensue.

Step 12. Clear the Table/Kitchen. Unless your children are too small and physically unable to carry and scrap their plates, you clear and scrap only your own plate. It’s okay for them to help. And needless to say, it eliminates the opportunity for you to pick leftovers off other people’s plates.

Step 13. Nighttime Activity. Even if you are sitting and talking and/or watching television, keeping your hands busy is an integral part of permanent weight loss. Whether you knit, crochet, or enjoy a good paint-by-number kit, or a crossword puzzle, keep your hands busy!

Spread the word … NOT the icing!
Janice

Watermelon: Straight Up and SKINNY (Recipe Alert!)

jtaylor — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:25:20 +0000

Watermelon Straight Up: mouth-watering, nutritional thoughts and a recipe!

faToid ~ Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.

Dig it! Watermelon season is here.
From May through-out the summer, the best, sweetest and most delicious fruit ever is readily available. AND at 46 caloties per cup, you’re gettin’ a whole lotta bang for your calorie buck!

What is watermelon?
The watermelon is neither a fruit nor a melon. (I’m shocked. Next thing you know, they’ll be telling us that the world isn’t round.)

Watermelon’s official name is Citrullus lanatu, and it is a member of the botanical family Curcurbitacae; and it is a vegetable. (Go know!!!!) It is related to the cucumbers, pumpkins and squash families. Watermelons are native to the Kalahari desert of southern Africa and were introduced to America by Africans transported as slaves.

Fresh watermelons may be eaten just as they are, used to flavor summer drinks, or in a variety of recipes. (One of my favorite summer recipes is below.)

Is Watermelon a healthy choice? You bet!
Congrats to the Watermelon for receiving the “heart healthy” seal of approval from the American Heart Association and for being the leader in lycopene among fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Watermelon is also loaded with Vitamins A, B6 and C, is low in sodium, fat-free, low in calories and is 92% water! A 2-cup serving of watermelon is only 80 calories. That’s twice as much bang for your buck as most fruit!

What are the benefits of Vitamins A, B6 and C?
The vitamin A found in watermelon can help to prevent night blindness and it gives a boost to the infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes.

The vitamin B6 that used by the body to produce neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, which we all know by know make us feel good, help to alleviate anxiety and panic.

And the Vitamin C can boost the immune system’s resistance against infections and viruses. Once again, those free radicals chances of aging us or creating cataracts are diminished.

Tasty Tidbit ~ How to Pick A Watermelon:
* Your watermelon should be firm, symmetrical and free of bruises, cuts and dents.
* Pick it up and make sure it’s heavy. Yeah baby, since watermelon is 92% water, it should be heavy for its size.
* Take a look at its underside. A creamy yellow spot marks where it sat on the ground naturally ripened in the sun!

Watermelon Gazpacho
Serves: 4 to 6

Ingredients:
8 cups cubed seeded watermelon (make sure it’s sweet – the sweeter the better tasting the gazpacho)
1 green apple, diced
1/2 cup finely chopped onion, Vidalia (sweet onion)
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
2 teaspoons fresh (if at all possible) basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cider vinegar

Instructions:
In blender, puree watermelon with 1/4 cup of onion, pepper and 1/2 apple; pour into large mixing bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients (the other 1/4 cup of onion, pepper and apple). Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour to blend flavors.

Spread the word (NOT the icing!),

Janice

The Green Tea Diet: Melts Fat

jtaylor — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:09:02 +0000

“Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.” ~ Ancient Chinese Proverb

Last week, while getting my hair ‘done,’ a lovely young woman whose hair was dyed black with a few blue highlights (absolutely fabulous, didn’t have the nerve to do it myself) made me a cup of green tea! The tea was soothing, delicious and while drinking it, I remembered that green tea has been reported to help one lose weight. So, when I got home, I did a bit of digging and reading and here’s what I learned!

Green tea, used for thousands of years in Asia, as both beverage and herbal medicine is now the subject of numerous scientific studies in the U.S. and abroad.

Research shows that green tea helps to prevent cancer and heart disease. Green tea slows the aging process and may even reduce harmful blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It has been known to prevent and reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.

Miraculous health benefits, indeed! Scientists in the United States and Switzerland published a study in the December 1999 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showing that green tea extract contained a substance that may help burn fat.

The Linus Pauling Institute explains that the weight loss is “apparently due to increased fat oxidation and thermogenesis.”

Put that in your teapot and drink it! (Green Tea contains caffeine).

A recap or recup, if you will!
Green Tea …

1. helps to prevent certain types of cancer
2. helps to prevent heart disease
3. slows the aging process
4. reduces harmful blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels
5. prevents and reduces the pain of rheumatoid arthritis
6. helps burn fat

More of your favorite fat-burning links!
How do you stop yourself?
Eat Carbs. Lose Weight.
8 Ways to Burn 100 Calories

Spread the word … not the icing!
Janice

Thanksgiving Survival KIT: Pills, booze or meditation music?

jtaylor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:49:29 +0000

In preparation for the Big Day – Thanksgiving – Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Artist, Author, Health & Wellness Coach and Our Lady of Weight Loss, the patron saint of permanent fat removal have together created:

21 Tips: The Thanksgiving Survival Guide
The Thanksgiving Calorie Guide
The Thanksgiving Prayer

And today, an extra added bonus!!!!

They bring you The Thanksgiving Survival Kit!
Janice shares, “It is our intent to prepare our fans to get through Thanksgiving, the big food day, the big family day, the big ‘mom’s gonna’ push my buttons’ day,’ fully prepared and armed!”

What will you bring to Thanksgiving that can help you navigate the screaming children? What will you bring that will keep you strong and able to say ‘no thank you’ to the heavily spiked Egg Nog when the slings and arrows of miss-communication are being sent your way? Seriously?!

If you think that I’m kidding, I am NOT! I have spend an entire week on the telephone talking to Weight Loss Coaching clients who are telling it like it is. The TRUTH! Concerned that they will go on a ‘food’ bender or worse! Some are unnerved by their controlling mother-in-laws (not my daughter-in-law – by the way), some by the screaming 4 and 5 year olds; some worried that comments will be made about the way they look – good or bad – IT IS charged! The anxiety is mounting and I say get ‘thy holiday survival kit’ together!

THE THANKSGIVING SURVIVAL KIT!

1. Meditation Music. Should you feel unnerved by anyone or anything, simply slip away, iPod in hand, to the bathroom. Lock yourself in and tune in to some meditation music! Take in a few deep breaths. Return to room when you are fully charged and returned to center!

2. Lights, Action, Camera. Taking photos will not only serve to record the day for future generations, but the camera acts as a butter – oops, Freudian slip … I mean BUFFER!!! It literally puts you in a place of observation. Note all with humor! Snap away happily.

3. Recorder. Last year, my 93 year-old mother, after 3 sips of Manichewitz, revealed some very hot details from her youth. Had I only had a recorder! A golden opportunity missed to record her in all her glory and in her voice!

4. Jigsaw Puzzle. Bring a puzzle and dump it on a table in the corner of the room. You have now created the official ‘drop in’ center. Drop in and play … drop out and return to bigger group.

5. Games n’ Puzzles for the Kids. Needless to say, if you’ve got a puzzle you’re working on, the little ones are going to want to play, too. So bring games n’ puzzles up the gazoo for the kids! Keep ‘em busy and happy.

6. Hand Project. Crochet, knit, needlepoint, pen and pad … whatever! Hand projects not only keep your hands and mind away from food, but they are calming. Best anti-anxiety medicine ever!!!

7. Walking Shoes. Not only is it okay to head out for a spell and take a walk, it’s a good idea. If you need some alone time, be sure to head out alone!!! (I am giving you permission to take care of yourself!) And if you want to take the lead and invite others for a bit of fresh air, do so!

Think outside of the stuffed turkey!
What are you going to put into your Thanksgiving Survival Kit?! Pack NOW!

Spread the word … NOT the icing!
Janice

If YOU Want to WAKE UP THINNER? then go to THE HOLIDAY DIET for details on the e-book, community and more!
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Does your weight loss chart look like an EKG?
In need of a coach? Write Janice!

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Visit: www.OurLadyofWeightLoss.com
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Thanksgiving Calorie Guide (printable, pocket-size!)

jtaylor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:59:58 +0000

Hey everyone! Here is a Thanksgiving Calorie Guide.pdf. Something fun and colorful that you can print and take with you on Thanksgiving.

Now you can remember not only the calorie count of the various yummy Thanksgiving offerings, but you can also use this printout as an anchor to your healthy living goals! Plus, it’s a good conversation piece.

Print out a bunch for your health-conscious friends and family!

More from Our Lady of Weight Loss:
Thanksgiving Prayer … Dear Our Lady of Thanksgiving (downloadable)
Best Stocking Stuffers! The Ten Commandments of Permanent Fat Removal
All Is Forgiven, Move On wristbands!

Spread the word … NOT the icing!
Janice

If YOU Want to WAKE UP THINNER? then go to THE HOLIDAY DIET for details on the e-book, community and more!

The Holiday Diet: How to Be a Happy Idiot!

jtaylor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:51:49 +0000

Woo Hoo, I am so excited to be alive!!! Well – the truth of the matter is this…

This morning, just as my eyes were fluttering their way to open, in that moment between sleep and wake, I tuned into my thoughts and heard myself say “Crap, it’s time to get up.”

I know from experience (as I’m sure we all do) that when we start the day on a ‘crappy’ note, it makes it that much more difficult to muster up enough energy to make the best choices, food or otherwise!

So … in that moment of hearing myself ‘crap out,’ I turned it around.
I remembered that – for starters – I am alive! Blessed with yet another beautiful fall day in NYC. Happy to write you! I made a mental note of 5 things that I am genuinely grateful for, and my energy began to bubble up happy.

And then … I tuned into the most delightful video: “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” from Ren & Stimpy, featuring the best ever Monty Python song.

Joyously, can I now report to you that I am officially a happy idiot! I invite you to join with me!

Three Easy Steps: How to Be a Happy Idiot!
1. Think a happy thought.
2. Look at the bright side of life.
3. Watch this video. Again!

Seriously, it’s relatively easy to change your mind, your point of view, your thoughts, your feelings. The more difficult part is to remember to do so!

How will you remember to wake up happy?
Weigh-in below!

More Happy News:
10 Tips: Happier and Thinner
20 Quick and Simple Weight Loss Tips
Unexplained Phenomenon: YOUR Appetite

Spread the word … NOT the icing!
Janice

If YOU Want to WAKE UP THINNER? then go to THE HOLIDAY DIET for details on the e-book, community and more!