Gold's Gym Saipan

   

GGX Schedule for Wednesday, Feb.17
AM: Pilates (Valerie) -8:30am-9:30am
Zumba (Nats)-9:30am-10:30am
PM:TRX (Aaron)-5:00pm-5:30pm;5:30pm-6:00pm
Spin Bike (Beth)- 5:15pm-6:15pm
Tone and Sculpt (Bel)-5:30pm-6:30pm
Boxing Circuit (Jasper) - 7:30pm-8:30pm

6 Simple Swaps for Effortless Weight Loss

Cutting calories may seem like the simplest way to shed pounds, but sustainable weight control is far more complicated than simple subtractions. According to recent reports, only 19% of those who are trying to lose weight even keep track of calories, and just 9% say it would be the easiest thing for them to do […]

Cutting calories may seem like the simplest way to shed pounds, but sustainable weight control is far more complicated than simple subtractions. According to recent reports, only 19% of those who are trying to lose weight even keep track of calories, and just 9% say it would be the easiest thing for them to do on a regular basis The truth is, the quality of what you eat, your overall nutrient intake, and choosing foods that help you shrink, while still feeling energized, nourished, and satisfied, are the keys to long-term success. The six swaps below fit the bill. Each allows you to instantly slash calories, while upping your intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and filling fiber. And, in some cases, you can even eat the same quantity of food.

SPREAD AVOCADO ON YOUR WHOLE GRAIN TOAST IN PLACE OF BUTTER

1 tablespoon butter = 102 calories

1 tablespoon ripe mashed avocado = 24 calories

Savings: 78 calories

Nutrition bonus: In addition to health-protective antioxidants not found in butter, avocado contains fiber, nearly 20 different vitamins and minerals – including blood pressure controlling potassium – and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs for short), a type of good fat linked to weight loss, belly fat control, heart health, and anti-inflammation.

SWAP BURGER BUNS FOR LETTUCE WRAPPERS

1 hamburger bun = 160 calories

4 large outer romaine leaves = 20 calories

Savings: 140 calories

Nutrition bonus: Whether your burgers are made with meat, salmon or black beans and veggies, this strategy allows you to up your veggie intake, forgo the bun – without having to eat your burger with a fork and spoon – and make room for a side of unrefined healthful starch, such as a handful of baked sweet potato fries or a cob of roasted or grilled organic corn.

TRADE SPAGHETTI FOR SPAGHETTI SQUASH

1 cup cooked spaghetti = 221 calories

1 cup cooked spaghetti squash = 42 calories

Savings: 179 calories

Nutrition bonus: Even whole wheat spaghetti contains nearly 40 grams of carbohydrate per cup, far more than your body needs if you’re relatively inactive between dinner and bedtime. Spaghetti squash, which contains three quarters fewer carbs, along with potassium and immune-supporting vitamin A, makes the perfect replacement for some or all of your pasta.

REPLACE MEAT WITH MUSHROOMS

3 ounces 85% lean ground beef, pan browned = 218 calories

1 cup chopped white button mushrooms = 21 calories

Savings: 197 calories

Nutrition bonus: A Johns Hopkins’ study found that replacing ground beef with mushrooms in meals significantly slashed calories and fat without affecting volunteers’ fullness or satiety ratings. This switch can also up your intake of vitamin D, an essential nutrient most of us are seriously missing out on, as mushrooms are the only plant-based source.

SUBSTITUTE RICE WITH CHOPPED OR SHREDDED VEGGIES

1 cup cooked rice = 242 calories

1 cup chopped zucchini = 21 calories

Savings: 221 calories

Nutrition bonus: Like pasta, rice is easy to overdo, leading to a carb surplus that feeds fat cells, or keeps them plump. Stick with whole grain brown, red, black or wild rice, and add chopped or shredded veggies to stretch a smaller scoop. Great options include zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, mushrooms and spinach.

REMOVE YOUR BURRITO’S TORTILLA AND USE A BED OF LETTUCE INSTEAD

1 burrito sized flour tortilla = 290 calories

1 cup shredded romaine = 8 calories

Savings: 282 calories

Nutrition bonus: In addition to ditching 44 carb grams and nearly 700 mg of bloat-inducing sodium, ordering your burrito naked kicks up your intake of key nutrients. Romaine is loaded with vitamins A and K, along with generous doses of folate, vitamin C and minerals like manganese, which helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, supports thyroid function and keeps bones strong.