Simply put: eat breakfast!

I consider breakfast the most important meal of the day. It helps you lose weight, gives you energy, revs your metabolism and can prevent you from overeating later on. So even though we all don't have time for a relaxing breakfast in the morning (I get it, I'm a New Yorker) we can all simply enjoy some cereal. In a bowl or in a baggie (if you are short on time), it's an easy way to start your day and if you select the right brand (high in fiber, low in sugar) you'll be doing your heart, your waist and your overall health a favor!

My favorite picks include:
Kashi Go Lean or Heart to Heart
Barbara's Puffins (original or cinnamon flavors) or Ultima High Fiber
Fiber One (original)
Nature's Path Smart Bran or Flax Plus Multibran

Before you dig in make sure you 1) read the nutrition label for the serving size since all cereals are not created equal, and 2) break out your measuring cups, act responsibly and actually measure out one (or one and a half) servings.

Then, add some skim milk, a few nuts or 2 TBSP ground flax seed and maybe 1/2 cup of berries and in minutes you'll have a perfect (and balanced) morning meal. No time to sit down? Add a measured out portion of dry cereal to a Ziploc, throw in a few almonds or walnuts and a tablespoon of raisins and you're off to the races. Really short on time? Prepare 7 baggies on Sunday and grab one on your way out the door each morning. No more excuses. (Hint: bagged cereal with nuts makes a delicious snack on the go too).

What to look out for:
< 5 grams of fiber per serving
> 5 grams of sugar per serving
> 190 calories per serving

Now you are armed and ready! So forget that granola or bowl of Raisin Bran and start your morning off right (and light)!

The truth about holiday weight gain

Happy Holidays everyone!

A quick point to ponder this holiday season with hopes of saving you some sanity in the weight department:

The average individual only gains 1 lb between Thanksgiving and New Years! Now that's reason to celebrate!!! DO, let this news prevent you from feeling super guilty about yesterday's cocktails or last week's cake but DON'T let it be an excuse for you to overindulge!!!

So, what's the big deal about a 1 lb weight gain anyway? Problems set in when that pound isn't lost and then 1 lb turns in to 2 lbs and eventually 10 lbs over time. (Note: this 1 lb we are talking about here is only from the holidays. It doesn't include vacations, birthday parties, anniversaries, or serious PMS binges! We'll discuss that another time.)

Want to beat the bulge? Why wait till Jan 1 to amp up your exercise routine and clean up your diet? Start now and nip that weight gain in the bud. In between parties, feasts and cocktails, drink water, walk a few blocks or actually hit the gym for 30 minutes 3x/week and eat low calorie veggie filled meals when you can. It's easier than you think, your hangovers will be less severe (your food comas too) and this way your new years resolutions won't be such a shock to your system.

So for the rest of 2009 remember: Everything in moderation (yes that means cookies too). We'll get down and dirty with nutrition tips and tricks in 2010! See you on the other side!

Welcome to the AWS Nutrition Blog

It is official, the AWS Nutrition blog is up and running! A great resource to help you stay motivated, fit and healthy! Check back frequently to read up on the latest and greatest weight loss and healthy lifestyle tips, tools and treats, tasted and tested by yours truly.

Also, check out my new website: http://www.awsnutrition.com/ Here you can find out all about my services, what I'm up to and where I'm going. Special packages and partnerships will be available throughout the year so don't miss a chance at a great deal or a great event!

Have a question you want answered or a topic discussed, click on the "contact" link of my website and send me a message. I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Looking forward to seeing you all back here soon.

In good health,

Amy