Spring is here, but you wouldn’t know it by the snow I see when I look out my front door this morning!

The arrival of spring triggers a very common fear for many people:

The re-emergence of T-shirts, shorts, tank tops and the most dreaded item of clothing known to mankind—bathing suits!

This is especially challenging because many people pack on extra pounds over the winter, so the first time in those more “unforgiving” clothes isn’t necessarily a fun experience. 

If I’ve even remotely described you, then it’s time to take the bull by the horns and blast that winter blubber away now.

Here’s how:

Eight Ways to Blast Winter Blubber

1- Location, location, location

When you’re eating somewhere other than a dining table and your mind is distracted, it’s very easy to eat way too much and not realize it until you see the empty Doritos bag or you’ve polished off enough pasta for four people.

Avoid eating in places where your mind is occupied, such as in front of the TV, when you’re driving, when you’re working, when you’re studying, etc.  Make the time to eat meals at the table with your loved ones.

2- Slow down

It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realize that you’ve had enough food.

So if you resemble a Hoover vacuum cleaner when you sit down to eat, chances are excellent that you are eating far more food than you actually need.

Slow down and chew each bite thoroughly, and put your fork down after every couple of bites.

3- Get your protein

Protein helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied longer than starchy carbohydrates, thereby helping to reduce your likelihood of overeating.

If you don’t believe me, try this little experiment:

One morning have two or three eggs fried in butter for breakfast, and the next day have a bagel.  Compare your level of hunger mid-morning between the two days—I think you’ll see a difference. 

4- Don’t allow the exercise excuses to pop up

I’ll stop you now before you even start: You have the time, it’s not hard, and if you ever want to attain a normal bodyweight, it’s not optional. 

Even taking a brisk walk helps, and just about everybody can do that.  Just be sure get your doctor’s OK especially if you and the couch have been BFFs for a while. 

5- Face the music

It’s easy for extra pounds to come creeping on when you’re avoiding the scale like the plague. 

Face the music once a week and step on the scale to see where you stand.  

6- Choose smart comfort foods

Comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, meatloaf and gravy or spaghetti are OK once in a while, but when you’re craving comfort food, make up a soothing batch of soup instead.

Here’s a delicious new soup recipe I developed for my upcoming weight loss book:  Want to lose weight? Stop dieting!  I think you’ll enjoy it.

Vegetable Beef Soup

Serves: 6

2 lbs. beef stew meat
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
8 cups beef broth or stock, divided
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon organic Better Than Bouillon beef base or 1 beef bouillon cube
1 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, or 1 tablespoon dried
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1” pieces
1 cup fresh or frozen peas

Sprinkle stew meat with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium high heat. Add the meat in a single layer and cook until brown on all sides. Work in several batches if you must, so you don’t overcrowd the pot.

Once the meat has been browned, lower the heat to medium and add a little more olive oil to the pot if necessary, then add the onion stirring often until the onion is fragrant and becomes translucent about 5-7 minutes.  Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add 2 cups broth or stock, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, tomatoes, beef base or bouillon and spices and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat down, cover and simmer slowly for 2 1/2 hours until meat is very tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Add remaining broth or stock, carrots, celery, beans and fresh peas (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered until the vegetables are tender about 35-45 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the frozen peas (if using) and stir gently. Allow the soup to sit about 5 minutes and serve.

7- Keep your gut healthy

Probiotics like Super Shield help support a healthy intestinal environment which in turn encourages more regular bowel movements and better nutrient absorption, both of which are vital to successful weight loss.

In addition, studies have shown that slender people have a higher concentration of friendly bacteria in their intestinal tracts as compared to overweight people, and probiotics can help enhance your population of these helpful intestinal microbes.

8- Make lower calorie substitutions

Instead of a mug of hot cocoa or cappuccino in front of the fire, substitute herbal tea now and then.

At parties and get-togethers, substitute club soda with lemon or lime for that extra cocktail.

Gravitate toward crudité platters and go easy on the dip, or choose shrimp with cocktail sauce over the taco dip with tortilla chips.

A little effort on your part can go a long way in taking those pounds off!

Happy spring!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia