By Erika Smith Weight Loss Coach, Personal Trainer Food In these current times, one way to help with stress and anxiety you may be experiencing is to focus any potential negative energy on something positive. With everything going on, it is especially important to spend some time each day focusing on yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Whether you are at your … [Read more...]
Healthy Living Diet Plan
April Fool’s! Did You Fall for These Pranks?
By Jessica Carlton Sales Director, Personal Trainer Food I remember being a kid, carefully and strategically planning out all the April Fool’s jokes I would play on my friends and family. This one vividly sticks out in my head: I would quietly wake up very early, sneak down the stairs, tip-toe into the kitchen, and tie a rubber band on the handle of the kitchen sink … [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...]
Eat These 2 Foods, Lose More Weight
Are you trying to eat healthy food, lose weight, have more energy, fit into your skinny jeans? Here are two food groups proven to help you lose weight, burn fat and reduce risks to your health. Sadly, most of us don’t eat enough of these foods. So add more of these to your plate and lose more weight. #1 – Eat more vegetables Just 1 in 10 adults meet the federal fruit or … [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 … [Read more...]
4 “Healthy” Holiday Foods That Cause Weight Gain (And Lower Calorie Swaps)
Want to avoid holiday weight gain? Avoid these 4 holiday favorites that look healthy but are surprisingly high in calories. We’ve got some lower calorie swaps to help you LOSE weight during the holiday season. Spinach-artichoke dip So, this dip has spinach and artichoke – two really healthy ingredients. So why is it so bad? Combining these veggies with mayonnaise, sour … [Read more...]
How NOT to Gain Weight at Holiday Parties
It’s the holiday season and that means you’re going to be surrounded by temptation. Friends, family and work may be throwing parties full of holiday cookies, treats, and fattening food. How can you avoid temptation and keep off unwanted pounds? Here are three tips to NOT gain weight at holiday parties. #1 – Bring a healthy dish to share Guarantee you’ll have something to … [Read more...]
Why Your Diet Fails
In almost every diet, there is a moment…a danger zone…where there’s a real chance your diet will fail. Knowing what that moment is, and what to do, can be the difference between being frustrated and stuck at your current weight, or finally losing the weight and having the body and life you deserve. The moment when most diets fail You’ve been working hard, doing your best to … [Read more...]
4 Habits of People Who Successfully Lose Weight
Why are some people able to lose weight while others are not? In many cases, it comes down to habits. Here are 4 habits that have helped people just like you lose weight (and keep it off). #1 - They exercise when they feel emotional Emotional eating is one of the main reason why people don’t lose weight. Many of us turn to food for comfort when under stress, loading up on … [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 … [Read more...]
Which food helps your body burn fat?
Is the food you are eating helping your body burn fat? Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. Certain foods can increase your metabolism. The higher your metabolism, the more calories you burn and the easier it is to lose weight and get rid of unwanted body fat. So which foods rev up your metabolism, helping you burn fat … [Read more...]
4 “Healthy” Foods that Make You Gain Weight… and What to Eat Instead
We all want to make healthy food choices, especially when we’re trying to lose weight. But some “healthy” food actually makes you gain weight. Here are 4 healthy foods that are full of hidden sugar, and alternatives that will help you reach your weight loss goals faster. #1 - Low–fat flavored yogurt Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein. But low-fat flavored … [Read more...]
Lose Weight Faster with PTF’s New Fasting Pack
"85% of people who incorporated fasting said it improved their PTF experience/results" Want to speed up your weight loss? Try a 24 to 48 hour fast. Fasting is a great way to jump start your weight loss, curb sugar and carb cravings, and kick your body into fat burning mode. Benefits of fasting Kick stars weight loss Reduces sugar and carb cravings Cleanses … [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 … [Read more...]
Mind Games: the Mental Part of Weight Loss
That little voice in your head sure has a lot to say. But is it helping or hurting your weight loss goals and live your life to the fullest? Find out which mind game from the 9 below might be holding you back. You'll be surprised! To learn how this works, let's get in the heads of six women who were participating in our Altered! Wedding Weight Loss Challenge to lose … [Read more...]
Belly Bloat? Get Your Waistline Back Fast!
Did you overdo it and now you're feeling uncomfortable? Need to get rid of bloat fast? Here are 5 easy steps to get rid of bloat, stop the cravings, and lose the excess weight within a few days. Step 1: Get Rid of The Gut Busters Tear a page out of Henry Ford's playbook 'You can have any color so long as it's black.' Only give yourself healthy choices. If you have any … [Read more...]
What You CAN Do When The Scale Won’t Budge
Uh-oh, scale won't budge? Let's get it moving again! First, Tell Us-- What's Your Perfect Number? You know, it's the one on the scale that will make you feel sexier, more confident, and happier. The one you fantasize about when you first start out on your weight loss journey. So what is it for you? 125? 140? 175? Whatever your number is, that's great! You CAN get … [Read more...]
Want to Lose Weight? Stop Dieting!
You had your fun over the holidays — eating and drinking much more than you usually do. And now it’s time to “pay the piper.” But if you really want to lose weight, you have to stop dieting. Yes, you have to somehow shed those extra pounds you gained. So, like millions of other Americans who are in the same boat, you make a New Year’s Resolution and start a diet. But there’s … [Read more...]
Have a Busy Life? Eat Healthier– Without Cooking!
The best way to lose fat and keep it off is to eat real, whole food. And if you want to ensure that you’re getting the freshest, most nourishing ingredients—without hidden sugars, excess salt, or bad fats—you have to cook it yourself. But you're too busy for that! You simply can’t rely on restaurants, because you don’t know what else they add to their … [Read more...]
What is the BEST Day to Start a Diet?
Hi There! Have you ever said these things to yourself for diet motivation? This Monday I am starting my diet,” "After New Year’s, it will begin,” "I am not eating any more red meat,” "I'm going to run a marathon to finally lose this weight." "I bought a membership to a gym to force myself to go." In saying these things, we believe that we will miraculously change at … [Read more...]
Eating right to prevent the afternoon binge
Have you had more than 'just one' Christmas cookie or candy today? It might be time to make over your morning meal, finds a recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Here's how you can prevent mindless snacking and weight gain. How High In Protein is Your Breakfast? Researchers from the University of Missouri tested the breakfast habits of 20 … [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...]
15 Holiday Fixes: How to Survive This Time of Year
Chances are, you'll be tempted to make at least one of these common blunders this holiday season. In fact, you might even be making one right now. Here's what to watch out for... #1 Running on coffee so you can eat at the holiday party later. Coffee is awesome, but chain-drinking it so you can "save calories" for later... ...drops your blood sugars too low, setting … [Read more...]
The 4 Tricks to LOSE Weight Over the Holidays
The holidays are right around the corner. All that hard work to lose or maintain your weight over the summer tends to go by the wayside during fall and winter. But I have four easy-to-do secrets for how to actually lose weight despite those gut-busting holiday meals. 1. Avoid anything with the word “casserole” Americans will consume around 3,000 calories at the … [Read more...]
Ketosis Guide: Everything you need to know!
If you are like most people, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words 'ketosis' or 'keto-diet,' is ZERO carbs. It might make you want to cry on the inside; life without carbs just sounds so intimidating. But the truth is, keto-happiness can be had at about 30-50 grams of carbs a day-- enough for a wide variety of tasty and healthy foods without going cuckoo … [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 a 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 … [Read more...]
Sweet Sugar-Free Treats
Cinnamon Cocoa Almonds These sweet sugar-free gems will help you kick chocolate cravings in the rear! Ingredients: 1 egg white 1 tsp cold water 2 cups whole almonds 3 tbsp artificial sweetener 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp cocoa powder 1/4 tsp salt Instructions: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Beat the egg white and water until frothy with a whisk in a … [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 … [Read more...]
A Foodie’s Guide to a Fat-Burning Super Bowl
Are you getting ready for the Super Bowl? We are too! We've got some great recipes below that will keep you in the fat-burning zone for the Super Bowl --or any party! But first, you just have to meet Victoria! She is a freelance sportscaster (and a foodie). And that means she spends her days surrounded by stadium foods and tail-gate temptations. To her dismay, all … [Read more...]
Get Back In Your Skinny Jeans After You’ve Gone Off-Plan: 3 Fast and Easy Steps
You've been off-plan... and now your favorite skinny jeans are too tight. We know what you're thinking-- it's going to be hard to lose some weight. But the truth is, you can get back in your jeans by following these 3 easy steps. How to Get Back In Your Jeans Here’s how to jump-start weight loss. Skinny Jeans Step One: Detox Reset your system: Intermittent … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]
Eggs for Breakfast? What You Need to Know
If you are trying to lose weight, does it really matter what you eat for breakfast? Which will help you burn more fat in the morning: cereal, toast, eggs, or yogurt? Let's put it to the test! Here's your menu, pick one... Breakfast A: two eggs, and some toast with jelly (339 calories). Breakfast B: a bagel with cream cheese along with some yogurt (340 … [Read more...]
He Lost 35.4 Pounds, but Gained Something Unexpected…
We could all use more time in our day. Find out how you can gain 40 hours a month and save money on your grocery bill, too! Stop Spending 40 Hours a Month Slaving In the Kitchen Did you know that with a family of four, you have the job of providing 336 nutritious meals a month? To do that, you will spend 70 hours shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleaning up. For a … [Read more...]
5 Ways You Can Get Ridiculous Energy Levels
Do you feel like taking a nap right now? Are you dreaming about your next cup of coffee? What if you could boost your energy for the long-term without relying on quick fixes? Let's talk about 5 straightforward ways to ditch the coffee and energy drinks and get the energy jump-start you've been waiting for. One: Do this Step by Step Are you reaching for another cup … [Read more...]
11 Absolutely Fun (and FREE) Exercise Apps You Need to Know About
Let's face it, there are times when it gets hard to stay on track. That's why we've rounded up and tested 11 different walking apps that will rock your exercise routine. And the best part is you won't need an expensive wearable fitness device. Grab your phone and get these apps now! Here's how to track your steps, find fresh workout music, discover new things, and … [Read more...]
Transformation: We Can’t Show You On Facebook
After just 8 weeks of Personal Trainer Food, Avelino made an amazing weight loss transformation. He lost a shocking amount-- over 50 pounds. That's more than 20% of his starting body weight. But something happened when we tried to share his weight loss transformation on Facebook: we were blocked! You be the judge. Is Avelino's transformation story too much for social … [Read more...]
15 Foods that Have WAY MORE Sugar than You Think!
Think you're an ace at finding hidden sugar in foods? Ok then-- you over there! Yes you! COME ON DOWNNNNN! You're the next contestant on Personal Trainer Food! Let's put your skill at finding hidden sugar to the test with our fabulous Hi Lo Sugar game! To play, take a look at the foods below and choose the one that has more hidden sugar in it. Ready? … [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...]
Guilt-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
During weight loss mode, we encourage you to keep it simple and just stick to meats and vegetables. But if you've reached your goal, we thought you'd enjoy this recipe our CEO Mike makes for our PTF celebrations. You better watch out-- they aren't weighed down with a ton of carbs and sugars so they disappear fast! Personal Trainer Food Ingredients: 12 Personal Trainer … [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...]
Can Red Wine and Alcohol Help You Lose Fat?
Maybe you've heard that drinking red wine is good for you because it has resveratol in it. And some people are saying that a few glasses of red wine before bedtime will suppress your appetite and help you to lose weight. Now THAT sounds like a dream come true. But should you do it? In this article, we'll talk about alcohol and weight loss! 1. Alcohol is a … [Read more...]
4 Shocking Frozen Food Facts
Is frozen food actually healthy or are all the nutrients destroyed when it gets frozen? Is it even worth the cost? Here are 4 frozen food facts that will probably surprise you... Fact #1: Your fresh apple might be 7 in dog years. In nature, apples are only ripe once a year. But you can find them available year-round in nearly any store. That year-round … [Read more...]
17 Calcium-Rich Foods Better At Burning Fat Than Milk!
Some people are surprised that our Weight Loss Guidelines recommend avoiding milk and most other dairy. That surprise immediately turns into a concern that without milk, they may not be getting enough calcium. This is completely understandable since milk and dairy advertisements leave us with the impression that dairy is the only calcium-rich food out there. But this … [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 … [Read more...]
Lose Weight Fast: How to Accelerate Weight Loss
Are you resolved to lose weight fast? Maybe you have a special event to go to-- or you just really want to be able to get your skinny jeans back on easily. I hear you! I've helped thousands of people get terrific results, just like the ones you desire. I'm going to tell you what you need to know to lose weight fast --really fast. I want to be very clear: you cannot … [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 … [Read more...]
The Honest Truth About Rapid Weight Loss
Can I be brutally honest with you about rapid weight loss? Killer workouts and diet fads are NOT going to give you the long-term results you desire. Not by a long shot. My name is Mike Starks, CEO of Personal Trainer Food. And, I know firsthand how frustrating it is when you try EVERYTHING — and can’t lose weight. When I was young, I was a gym rat. Yeah, I was in … [Read more...]
Calories: are you counting? You need to read this.
The key to your weight loss success with Personal Trainer Food lies in one powerful concept about calories. All calories are NOT created equal. If you drink 1,000 calories of soda, for example, you would spike your blood sugar and skyrocket insulin production — triggering your body to store fat and making you feel even hungrier than before. On the other hand… if you … [Read more...]