Winter Arc

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You may have heard the term ‘winter arc’ on social media. It’s a concept that encourages motivation to start new goals and activities aimed at self-improvement during the last months of the year, instead of waiting for the new year. This trend resonates with many as a proactive approach to personal growth.

These activities can range from mindful eating and incorporating strength training into your weekly routine, to exploring new hobbies like reading or dry clay art. Reflect on what you enjoy and what fits into your current schedule — maybe you can spare 30 minutes for exercise two days a week, or read two chapters of that intriguing book each day.

Setting realistic, attainable goals now can boost your motivation as you carry your progress into the new year. Consider asking yourself: What activities make me feel fulfilled? How can I integrate them into my daily routine?

Remember, it’s natural to face challenges along the way. If you hit a snag, reflect on what might be causing it and adjust your approach. Celebrating small victories is key to building confidence — whether it’s completing a workout or finishing a chapter.

Ultimately, this journey is about bettering ourselves before the new year begins. We encourage you to start this winter arc and continue your path to health and well-being. Share your goals with friends or on social media using #WinterArcChallenge to inspire and support each other!

Should I see a Registered Dietitian?

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should I see an RD

Are you pregnant, looking to become pregnant, or postpartum? Need to maintain health in your older years? Are you an athlete looking to increase performance? Do you want help managing your weight? 

When it really boils down to it, eating right can be a real challenge. From the messages we see on TV, read in magazines, and hear from peers, it sometimes feels like our food choices become more limited one day to the next. Many people become overwhelmed when they begin to overhaul their eating plan. 

It doesn’t have to be that way! Registered Dietitians are also known as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) are the food experts. 

Not only that, they have the knowledge to motivate and safely guide you to eat mindfully.

It’s the work schedule, accessibility, budget, tolerances, and so much more.

Registered Dietitians are credentialed providers who have completed education and training established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. All RDs or RDNs must:

  • Have at least a four-year degree which includes a specially designed, accredited nutrition curriculum.
  • Complete at least 1200 hours of supervised practice at a healthcare facility, foodservice organization and/or community agency.
  • Pass a board exam.

Many RDs and RDNs hold graduate degrees and many have certifications in specialized fields, such as eating disorders, sports, pediatric, renal, oncology or gerontological nutrition.

BNs Dietitians can help you discover strategies to make positive behavior change. Need to find a Registered Dietitian near you? Check out the link: https://www.eatright.org/find-an-expert

KD

Steps To A Healthy Weight Loss

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There are many steps you can take to lose weight without diets, and teach yourself how to eat healthy for the rest of your life. Here are just a few tips to get you started to a healthier weight loss! 
 
Be mindful of portions sizes: There is need to watch your portions during meals. Whether your meal is composed of complex or refined carbohydrates; the quantity also matters. Take moderate amounts and choose a dinner plate not larger than 9 inches.
Don’t skip your meals: Skipping meals may seem the easiest way to lose weight or to cut calories. However, it usually makes it worse. You are most likely to be very hungry back later in the day, often leading to overeating. Skipping meals also slows down your metabolism rate, which makes weight loss unlikely to occur.
Keep a food log:A daily food diary can make you more aware of exactly what and how much you are eating, and uncover particular times that are challenging to you and help you establish on areas to improve on. Indicate everything no matter how small or insignificant it seems.
Take your breakfast:Always eat your breakfast. Skipping or eating too little for breakfast is usually a huge obstacle in weight loss.  Skipping breakfast sends a message to your body that you’re starving and as a protective mechanism, your metabolism slows down. Individuals, who skip breakfast, struggle more with weight problems and low energy levels later in the day, than do people who take time to have their breakfast. Eating breakfast boosts your energy levels for the rest of the day and prevents fatigue.

Paula Deen Shares About Her Type 2 Diabetes on Rachel Ray

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Rachel Ray had Paula Deen and Bobby Deen on her show this morning.  As you all have probably heard- this famous southern belle announced early last year (2012) that she has Type 2 Diabetes.  What caught my ear this morning was her exclaiming that her A1c was now within normal range at 5.8. Rachel was asking her if that was ‘good’ and she said she had been working hard to get it under control. See a clip here:
Paula partnered with NovoNordisk, who makes a diabetes drug and her diagnosis has led her to a weight loss of more than 40 pounds. She discussed on the show today that starting in January, she started to really control her diet. Although she had been on the diabetes drug- she decided to ‘walk the walk’, rather than simply ‘talk the talk’, in her words. 
Paula’s success is shared with her family as her support system embarked on their own weight loss journey as well. Some sources report her son’s Jaime and Bobby have lost 45 and 33 pounds, respectively and her husband Michael has shed 77 pounds!
Bobby Deen is in the spotlight these days with a hit show on the Cooking Channel, ‘Not My Mama’s Meals’. He takes his mom’s delicious, yet heavy recipes and creates lighter versions. He showcases the differences in nutrient content between the recipes.  I have watched the show several times and think his approach is great- enjoying comfort-food classics with a healthy twist. Regardless of the inspiration for his lighter cooking- his efforts support his family’s health and the challenge Paula faces with her diabetes. With her son’s support and efforts to lead a healthier lifestyle- Paula is successfully controlling her diabetes and STILL cooking! This clip shares Paula’s advice for loved ones ‘sabotaging’ your weight loss efforts.
I wanted to share this story with you today because facing the challenges of controlling Type 2 Diabetes and/or weight loss requires more than knowledge. In addition, you need support and a determination to continue living your life with adjustments necessary for your health. As you can see, Paula is still cooking but she has made some major changes and has her family involved.  
Inspiring, if you ask me! sls