Watch what you eat, exercise more. It sounds simple, but weight management is about more than just willpower and going to the gym. It’s about learning to interpret your body’s cues and enjoying good food in smaller portions. Instead of fad diets, excessive exercise and strict food rules, try moderation and balance to manage your weight.

Studies show that dieting is actually a predictor for weight gain-- sounds counter-intuitive, right? So, how do we stop the dieting cycle and make peace with food? Start managing your weight through healthy lifestyle changes that you can maintain. Establishing healthful habits will lead to weight management now AND huge health rewards in the future.

Start by befriending your measuring cups for a few weeks to learn what accurate portion sizes look like, and concentrate on your satiety after you finish. Are you hungry, satisfied or stuffed? Often if we slow down and take a break, we are satisfied after smaller portions. However, make sure you are still choosing food that you enjoy! Try Johnsonville’s® Italian Sausage and Pepper Skillet made with Johnsonville® Italian Mild sausage for a satisfying dinner for less than 400 calories. Serve over Barilla® whole grain penne pasta to feed your family for less than $2 per serving!

When planning your “calorie budget” for the day, make sure to figure in three meals and at least two snacks to keep your metabolism revved up throughout the day and ward off feelings of deprivation. Think of your snacks as balanced mini-meals that provide nutrients and variety. Munch on snacks that provide 100-200 calories, with a mix of carbohydrates, protein and fat.

Quick Snack Ideas:

• 1 Tablespoon peanut butter on one medium apple
• 1 cup tomato soup with five whole-grain crackers
• ¼ cup Pretzel M&M’s® and three cheese cubes
• One container low-fat or fat-free yogurt with 14 almonds
• Mixed veggies with ¼ cup hummus
• Ants on a log – celery covered with peanut butter and raisins
• 3 cups air-popped popcorn sprinkled with 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Trail mix made with 2 Tbsp raisins, 14 almonds and 1 Tbsp dark chocolate M&M’s®

Remember to make your calories count. Managing your weight doesn’t mean forgoing your favorite foods – it means eating your favorite foods in moderation. For more information or questions on weight management, please email Whitney at centsablehealth@farewaystores.com