There’s nothing like gathering around the pool with friends and family on a hot summer day. The drinks are flowing, the grill is fired up, and the snacks are everywhere. Summer is all about having fun, but between sugary drinks and heavy foods, it can be hard to feel your best. If you’re feeling weighed down, the foods you’re eating may be a contributing factor. But … [Read more...]
Why You’re Still Bloated (Even When You’re Eating “Healthy”)
Have you ever eaten a meal that’s supposed to be “healthy” and thought, “Why am I bloated?” afterward? The truth is, even nutritious foods can leave you feeling uncomfortable, bloated, and yes, gassy too. That’s because not all healthy choices are easy for your body to digest. Even popular wellness staples can be the very things causing that post-meal discomfort, so let’s … [Read more...]
How To Stay On Track With Your Goals This Summer (Even When Life Gets Busy)
Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time for pool days, vacations, backyard BBQs, and weekend getaways. But with all the fun comes a packed calendar. Suddenly, your routine disappears, the kids are home, your schedule is all over the place, and your go-to meals aren’t cutting it anymore. Summer can make it hard to stay consistent, reach weight loss … [Read more...]
Is Healthy Eating Really That Expensive? Here’s What the Math Says
Let’s face it—eating healthy has a reputation for being expensive. Between rising grocery prices, trending diet fads, and elaborate meal plans, it’s easy to feel like fueling your body well is out of reach. But what if eating healthy could actually save you time, money, and stress? At Personal Trainer Food, we believe that eating nutritious, high-protein meals shouldn’t … [Read more...]
The Keto vs. Low-Carb Debate: Which One Is Right for You?
Alright, let’s clear something up: keto and low-carb are not the same thing. People toss the terms around like they’re interchangeable, but if you’ve ever Googled “keto vs low-carb” and ended up more confused than when you started, this one’s for you. Both are popular, both can torch fat, and both can help you feel amazing. But which one’s right for you? That depends on your … [Read more...]
Your Summer Body: Get in Shape in Just 28 Days
Let’s get real for a second: you don’t need six months, a fancy gym membership, or a personal chef to get in shape for summer. You need 28 days and Personal Trainer Food. Why 28 days? Because it’s long enough to make a real change, but short enough to stay laser-focused. It’s the perfect sweet spot between "I should probably do something," and "Wow, I actually did … [Read more...]
Are Protein Shakes Good for Weight Loss? (Hint: Yes, Here’s Why!)
High-protein diets have gained major popularity for a simple reason: they work. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain steady energy throughout the day, protein is a game-changer with the science to back it up. Research shows that protein helps control hunger by triggering fullness hormones like GLP-1 and PYY, which tell your brain that you’re … [Read more...]
The Truth About Carbs: How to Cut Carbs Without Feeling Deprived
Are carbs the key to energy and weight loss—or the biggest obstacle? If you’ve ever tried to lose weight or boost your energy, you’ve probably heard conflicting advice. Some say carbohydrates are essential, while others swear cutting them is the secret to success. So, what’s the truth? Low-carb eating isn’t just a trend. It’s popular because people feel the difference, and … [Read more...]
National Nutrition Month: 5 Common Nutrition Myths—Debunked!
March is National Nutrition Month, making it the perfect time to take a closer look at what’s on our plates—and the “food rules” we may be living by that don’t really fuel our bodies. With so much nutrition advice floating around, it’s easy to fall for myths that sound convincing but aren’t true. We’re clearing up the confusion by debunking five common nutrition myths that are … [Read more...]
The Carnivore Diet: How PTF Makes It Easy
We’ve all heard of the carnivore diet, right? While some think it’s just another fad, many healthy eaters find that the parameters of the meal plan fuel the human body in the way it was always meant to be—before frozen pizzas and drive-thru cheeseburgers. It’s all about going back to basics—meat, fish, and animal-based foods. It sounds simple, but is it actually healthy or … [Read more...]
Six Simple Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Heart Health
Your heart is more than just a muscle—it’s the engine that keeps your entire body running—on the job 24/7. So, what are you doing to take care of it? Heart health isn’t just about avoiding serious problems down the road—it’s about feeling your best now. Whether you're 25 or 75, making small, heart-healthy choices can make a huge difference. Let’s talk about how to keep … [Read more...]
Sugar Detox: 6 Proven Steps to Kick Cravings
Ok, you did it. You ate some sweets and now you're feeling guilty, bloated, and like you've gained 10 pounds… and you're craving even more sweets. Here's what you can do to kick your cravings and detox from sugar. Understanding Why You Crave Sugar Sugar activates the reward center of your brain. Every time you eat sweets, your body releases serotonin and dopamine. These … [Read more...]
4 Remarkably Easy Ways to Lose Weight While You Sleep
Sleep: everyone wants more. Fat: everyone wants less. Wouldn't it be great if you could lose weight overnight while you catch up on some sleep? It turns out you can! Scientists are learning that anything less than seven hours of sleep puts you at risk of gaining weight. We won't judge, but chances are you are probably only getting about 6.8 hours of sleep a night, … [Read more...]
Which Vegetables Actually Burn Fat? You’ll be Surprised!
What makes non-starchy vegetables, well... non-starchy? And exactly which veggies are starchy vegetables? Knowing the answer can be a lifesaver to your weight loss program! Here's the most definitive list ever, with over 125 vegetables from A to Z to keep you on track. Let's Start With Non-Starchy Vegetables... The reason these are called non-starchy vegetables is because they … [Read more...]
13 Sneaky Health Foods that Actually Create Fat
Can Health Foods Make Fat? Everywhere you go, you see foods marketed as good for you. But are they also good at helping you to burn fat-- or will these health foods make fat? The answer will surprise you! Check out these 13 sneaky "health foods" --and learn what to eat instead. 1. Sushi Sushi rice tops the list of all the rices in its ability to put fat on your body because it … [Read more...]
50+ Super Easy Low Carb Snacks
Got a snack attack? Ditch the chips! Whether you want something gourmet or on the go, salty or sweet, we have over 50 healthy low carb snacks for you to obsess over! And the best part? You can make many of these faster than you can open that bag of chips... 50 Low Carb Snacks for Every Craving You Might Have... These are our favorite low carb snacks because they use simple … [Read more...]
Low Carb Restaurant Guide: Order from ANY Menu!
Whether you're headed out for burgers or Italian, dining out (and losing weight) can be a breeze with this low carb restaurant guide. (Yes, you can eat more than rabbit food!) We'll show you how... Low Carb Restaurant Tips From a Personal Trainer Have you ever wondered if Personal Trainers have a social life-- or do they just gnaw on plain chicken breasts all day? It turns … [Read more...]
The Secret to Unlocking Fat From Your Body
No doubt you've heard this fat loss calorie myth: "calories in, calories out." It's wrong. But you can’t fool the laws of thermodynamics, right? Well… actually, your body can. Your body fat plays by a different set of rules than what the calorie myth suggests. Once you learn how to work with these rules, you literally hold the key to trigger fat loss from your body. Just … [Read more...]
How to Have a Drink and Stay at Your Goal Weight
Are you interested in minimizing weight gain, but still enjoying an occasional drink? You'll definitely want to stick with low-carb alcohol. It can get a little confusing, especially because labels aren't required on many alcoholic drinks. We've listed out the best low-carb alcohol choices, including beers, wines, and mixed drinks to help you stay slim and healthy... First: … [Read more...]
Winter workout: how many calories can you burn?
There's no reason to hide indoors when the temperature drops. Outdoor winter workouts are a refreshing break from the summer heat and stuffy indoor gyms. In addition to halting winter weight gain, working out in the cold will also improve your mood,1 and ward off colds2. But do you burn more calories in cold weather? By itself, shivering is a pretty good workout; it'll burn 400 … [Read more...]
Why Counting Calories Doesn’t Work (And What Does)
The key to your weight loss success with Personal Trainer Food lies in one powerful concept about calories…not all calories are created equal. If two people were given 1,600 calories per day and one chose to eat vegetables, nuts, eggs and lean proteins while the other person ate foods full of refined sugar, fried meat, pastas and potatoes and processed snacks, would you … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Make Your New Year’s Diet Stick
Many New Year’s resolutions don’t work, especially weight loss resolutions. Here are 3 reasons why most New Year’s diets don’t work, and 3 proven strategies that DO work to lose weight and keep it off for good. #1 – Short-term diets don’t work What does? Changing your eating habits A short-term diet change won't be effective in the long run. You may lose some weight, but … [Read more...]
4 Low-Carb Stuffing Recipes for Your Turkey!
Turkey dinner. While the bird takes center stage, for some of us it's all about the stuffing or dressing. But the traditional bread-laden dressing is a recipe for gaining unwanted holiday pounds. Here are four healthier low-carb stuffing variations. Whether you are low-carb, paleo, gluten-free, or vegan, you'll find something to celebrate with these low-carb turkey dressing … [Read more...]
4 Social Weight Loss Dilemmas– and How to Win At Them
Trying to lose weight and be social can be difficult. You might have it all under control, but it can seem like your friends and family will do anything to undermine your resolve. Here are four winning strategies you can use to gracefully take charge of your goals and enjoy any social situation. How to Handle Food Pushers What they say: Why don't you have some of my … [Read more...]
Visceral Fat & Diabetes: Reducing Belly Fat
Noticing a little extra fat around your waist? That's a clear warning sign -- belly fat, or visceral fat means that your body is sounding an alarm you shouldn't ignore. Doing so will increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even more weight gain. Arm yourself with the knowledge to understand the problem with belly fat, and what you can do to get rid of it as quickly … [Read more...]
Healthy Halloween Treats for You and the Kids!
Here are some super cute and healthy Halloween treats to make with the kids. PLUS some low-carb Halloween ideas that will help you stay on track too! Be sure to make these early in the day so you and the kids can fill up on healthy treats before trick-or-treating. Healthy Halloween Treats for the Kids Your kids will love these healthy Halloween treats made from apples, … [Read more...]
Get Rid of Belly Fat At Any Age– Without Sit Ups!
You've been told that the only way to lose belly fat is to count every calorie and do a million crunches. But you tried all that, and the fat won't budge. It's a frustrating situation. Think belly fat is something that just happens as you get older, and that you're stuck with it? Think again. Check this out-- At age 46, Chrumaine was not happy with her tummy. Personal … [Read more...]
121 Ways to Tell If You Are Losing Weight — that don’t include a scale!
When you're doing everything right but the scale won't budge, how else can you tell you are losing weight? That's where tracking non-scale victories can help. To illustrate what non-scale victories look like, we asked people like you how they knew they were losing weight. Their responses are inspiring, funny, and fantastically motivating-- and they'll help you to stay on … [Read more...]
Low-Carb Pumpkin Spice Latte
Cozy up to this low-carb pumpkin spice latte for the fall/winter season! Low-Carb Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients: 1 Mug of cup of hot coffee 2-4 Tablespoons unsalted butter Pumpkin pie spice Non-caloric sweetener Instructions: Brew your coffee, pour it into your favorite mug or cup to measure the quantity you'll need. Pour the hot coffee into a blender. Add the butter … [Read more...]
Reboot Your Diet: Overcoming Food Temptations
Changing bad habits, especially when it comes to eating unhealthy foods, can be challenging. However, some strategies can help you successfully overcome bad habits and develop healthier eating patterns. Here are some practical tips to help you make positive changes. Identify triggers Pay attention to the situations, emotions, or environments that often lead you to indulge in … [Read more...]
How to Do a Clear Liquid Fast to Jump Start Weight Loss
You've probably heard about doing a liquid fast for weight loss. It can really help if need to drop a few pounds for a weekend getaway or to get unstuck from a frustrating weight loss plateau. Let's go over exactly how to do a clear liquid fast safely and effectively. We'll also show you how to maintain your weight loss so you don't gain it all back again. First: How do You … [Read more...]
The Relationship Between Obesity, Diabetes, Sugar, and Carbohydrates
Developing Effective Strategies The prevalence of obesity and diabetes has been increasing worldwide, prompting researchers and health professionals to investigate the causes and potential preventive measures. Among the factors receiving attention are the roles of sugar and carbohydrates in contributing to obesity and diabetes. Understanding the relationship between these … [Read more...]
Healthy Memorial Day: Low-Carb BBQ Guide
Memorial Day signals that summer is finally here! Here's what to eat and what not to eat so you can enjoy yourself, rock the latest swimsuit trends, and have a healthy Memorial day with a low-carb BBQ celebration... Healthy Memorial Day Main Courses: The easy part! Of all the holidays, having a healthy Memorial day BBQ is the easiest because... well... BBQ!!! You can … [Read more...]
Swimsuit Trends Every Body Can Wear
New swimsuit trends are coming out that are awesome for every body. Yes, really! It's so empowering to know that swim suit designers are finally getting it. And better yet, even everyday stores like Target are offering these fun, wearable suits. Check out all these swimsuit trends that look and fit better, so you're free to do all your favorite summer activities. High Waist … [Read more...]
17 Mouthwatering Food Swaps to Kill Cravings and Shed Pounds
Are you missing some of your favorite foods like noodles, pizza, and chips? Here are 17 low carb food swaps to help you get your fix, satisfy your cravings, and still lose weight. (And surprise... these low carb food swaps taste as good or BETTER!) We've included plenty of easy recipes that you can make in just minutes, too. Instead of Noshing on Nachos Dive Into a Plate of … [Read more...]
Walking Challenge: 28 Days to See a New You!
A 28-day walking challenge will increase your fitness and sculpt your body-- without all the wear and tear you get from other high-impact sports. The first key to lose pounds with walking is consistency-- you must walk every day. Next, you'll want to make sure that you are working at a level that gets your heart rate up where it should be. The walking challenge below will do … [Read more...]
17 Healthy Habits Skinny, Slim People Do Every Day
We all have one of those friends-- the kind who stays slim, and seems to eat anything they want. It makes you wonder how they do it. So we took a survey of skinny people who had lost weight, asking them to share their best tips to burn fat day in and out. Here's what these skinny people had to say— check out their surprisingly simple habits that keep them slim every day … [Read more...]
How to Lose Belly Fat: Real-Time Study Results
Are you frustrated by belly fat? Imagine being able to lose fat and cinch up your belt by 6 to 7 inches in just a few weeks. How many notches would that be? 3, 5, 6? Think you can't? Think again. We have conducted many fat-loss studies over the years, on groups of teachers, nurses, men, beauty queens, and even on ourselves! Men's Weight Loss Results from RECON are in. 10 … [Read more...]
217+ Low-Carb Sauces, Condiments, Herbs, and Flavors to Spice Up Your Meals!
Who said you couldn't have variety on a low-carb diet? Mix up your meals and lose weight with these incredibly tasty low-carb sauces and dressings for any flavor you might be craving. You will never run out of options with this extensive list— grab it to check your pantry, or use it as a low-carb shopping list to make sure you're not missing anything! Tip: Use the check … [Read more...]
Supercharging Your Weight Loss
You have committed to changing your eating habits to lose weight and become a healthier version of you. How can you make the most of the next 28 days? At the start of your program, we recommend a 24-48 hour clear liquid fast. This will set you up for success as you embark on your weight loss journey. But is fasting safe? Won't it kill your metabolism? Many people believe … [Read more...]
Workout Buddies: Are They Worth the Trouble?
Getting a workout routine down and sticking to it day in and out is challenging for most of us. Despite our good intentions, we end up abandoning our routines within a few weeks. Is it worth the trouble to find workout buddies? ...or will they just drag you down? Some stats on workout buddies Training just two times a week with a partner had a 78% increase on exercise level … [Read more...]
Get More of Everything You Want: Lose Weight, Get Stronger, Be Happier and Healthier
Need some inspiration for your goals? We've rounded up these great motivational tips to help you finally achieve the success you deserve. 1. Experience your honest beauty Appreciate your scars, stretch marks, freckles, and crooked nose. And maybe even your little jelly roll or muffin top, too. These prove that you are alive. You are beautiful because of them. 2. Lovingly … [Read more...]
10 Health Benefits of Including Greens in Your Diet
Small changes can have a ripple effect and this applies to your health as well. But what positive changes are worth implementing in your diet? Many experts will agree that increasing the amount of greens in your diet will put you well on your way to living healthier. To be clear, non-starchy vegetables such as kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, and Swiss chard fall into this … [Read more...]
PTF Results: Mary Lost 27 Pounds in 3 Weeks
Mary had been trying to lose weight for years. But nothing she tried was working. Then she switched up her breakfast routine... Let's talk about Mary's Personal Trainer Food results, and some concrete steps you can take to lose weight, too. When we first met Mary, it wasn't like she was eating a ton of junk food or calories. She's a registered nurse, so she knows better! The … [Read more...]
4 Tips to Avoid Tempting Holiday Sweets
Does it sometimes feel like people are purposefully trying to make you gain weight? They bring you gifts of cookies and cakes and chocolates. Your co-workers bring in festive trays full of sweets. You can’t go shopping without running into displays or ads for yummy holiday treats. (NOTE: We chose a cookie-less image for this article…we don’t want to add to the problem!). So how … [Read more...]
4 Things You Do Before Noon that Sabotage Weight Loss
Having trouble shedding unwanted pounds? How you start your day – specifically what you do before noon – has the biggest effect on your weight loss or gain. Here are 4 things you may be doing that are sabotaging your weight loss goals. We’ll show you what to do instead in the morning to jump start your weight loss results each day. Mistake #1 – Not eating a breakfast … [Read more...]
How to Lose Stubborn Belly Fat
You’ve tried everything. You’ve lost weight in other areas, but that belly fat will…not…go…away. There are actually scientific reasons why belly fat is harder to lose, especially for women. When you lose weight, you’re likely to see changes in your legs, face and arms before your belly. So what can you do? Here are three things you can do to finally lose stubborn belly fat, … [Read more...]
Niki’s Success Story: 300 to 150 pounds!
My name is Niki and I'm a Texas girl. So you know what that means? I love food! I was always kind of a chunky kid. I was the cute chunky though. No one would have looked at me and said “she has a weight problem.” But as I grew up, I just started gaining a lot more weight. My friends continued to play soccer and I just sat on the sidelines and kind of watched them. I love … [Read more...]
Success Story: Michelle Loses the Baby Weight
I remember when my Mom and sister would ominously tell me to just wait. What they meant was that once I had kiddos of my own, that losing weight would feel impossible. Well, they were right! Over the past year, I’ve lost over 20 pounds of baby weight. But it’s been slow progress-- with a lot of setbacks. Two steps forward, one step back the whole way since having my baby. … [Read more...]
Savory Summers
Quick and Easy PTF Microwave to Eat in Minutes Who can think of summer without thinking about swimming, picnics, and celebrating? Have you been to any graduations lately? I have attended three already. Anniversaries are all over my calendar this month. The best part of the summer is relaxation, outdoor living, and relationships. This time of year, my family and … [Read more...]