Diet

The Simplest Way to Make Over Your Diet

Want to drop a few pounds this year? Start brown-bagging your lunch. We talked to top docs and dietitians to get the healthiest meals you can put together -- fast

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Makeover No. 2: Kristal, Editorial Intern The meal: Frozen Healthy Choice Tuscan Style Chicken meal.

Kimberly Snyder's assessment: "I understand the intense temptation to buy those frozen meals at the supermarket. After all, all you have to do is microwave them and you're all set, right? But packaged foods are processed foods. And processed foods never, ever behave the same in the body as fresh, whole foods do.

"Another thing to point out is the 540 mg of sodium, which is more than likely coming from cheap, denatured table salt. Who wants to look overly bloated from cheap salts?"

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Older comments

This was insightful although I feel like the "tweak" for each person's lunch was to eat a salad. Although it is the best option, it is unrealistic to assume that someone eating a breakfast burrito is going to pack a salad. That is a a major change, not just a tweak. I do like the point though that we should stick to one type of protein and focus on foods that are easy to digest. This will not only help our skin, but will also make us less sluggish at work.

by HeathRene Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 01:19PM Report as inappropriate

tough changes to make.

by lazorc Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 10:58AM Report as inappropriate

I just can't keep junk food in the house. Fresh fruit is best for me to have around.

by beautybody Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 11:03AM Report as inappropriate

These suggestions may be nutritious, but it seems unlikely that someone who likes eating mac and cheese or burritos for lunch is going to drop them cold turkey in favor of a salad. Recommending smaller, easier-to-adopt nutrition changes like ADDING a side salad to any of theset and substituting 100% whole grain breads for the sandwiches) would be more helpful because they're easy changes that people are more likely to adopt on a long-term basis.

by Jewelrydesigner Monday, January 30, 2012 at 02:31PM Report as inappropriate

There's not much new here, but still good to be reminded.

by krycekov Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 08:31AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting changes. I guess its just all about avoidance, and knowing when to have things in small portions (like soda and processed foods). I've noticed that people who diet for a certain amount of time instead of changing their eating habits in general never lose weight or gain whatever they lost back. Maybe can help put them on the right track.

by msbrown822 Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 05:54AM Report as inappropriate

I really think I have the worst diet ever. But these are small, simple ways to work at eating healthier.

by MissXu Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 04:26PM Report as inappropriate

processed foods are every womans; enemy! they may LOOK easy but in the long run they are so bad for your body! really good advice, gave me some ideas! thanks for this!

by RaraGiggles89 Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

interesting

by Nicole2814 Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 09:49AM Report as inappropriate