It seems fairly obvious that people need to drink enough water, right? Well, it may be, but at the same time it’s no secret that many of us in America tend to fall short on some of the basics when it comes to healthy living – even if we don't always realize it. Only a few years ago in fact, NPR posted a survey on diet that revealed that 75% of Americans label their own habits … [Read more...]
Healthy Living Diet Plan
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...]
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...]
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...]
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 … [Read more...]
Time To Teach Healthy Habits
The month of September is known for many things. There's International Country Music Day, Butterscotch Pudding day, Punctuation Day, Happy Cat Month, National Honey Month, and National Shake Month just to name a few. But did you also know that September is also officially National Childhood Obesity Month? Childhood obesity is a serious topic. So serious that it … [Read more...]
6 Steps to Supercharge Your Weight Loss & Drop a Pant Size (or two)!
By Jan Hauser Weight Loss Coach, Personal Trainer Food “In order to lose weight, you must count calories and do more exercise.” Wrong! If you have tried doing this, you know it takes forever just to lose a little weight, and the minute you stop starving or exercising yourself to death, the fat comes back with a vengeance. It isn’t in your head! The advice you were … [Read more...]
Should You Track Your Calorie Counts?
How can you eat fat, ignore calorie counts and still lose weight? Easy! You just have to understand one thing: a calorie is not a calorie. Everyone is crazy about calorie counts and fat and food manufacturers have responded by creating low-fat, low-calorie foods. Does It Really Help to Count? When you go to the grocery store, fat-free foods are everywhere-- even … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Hack to Kill Cravings
Why is it when you start a program, you crave things like cookies, bread, candy, and chocolate --but not broccoli? Believe it or not, your body IS telling you to eat broccoli. You've just got your wires crossed! Let's get this all straightened out so you can kill cravings for good. Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories. -- Sun … [Read more...]
5 Super Easy Steps to Losing Weight
Exercise more, eat less, count calories, avoid fat, eat whole grains, eat this or that packaged food. That's what conventional diet wisdom has told us in recent years. Who can blame us for being confused, not to mention overweight? So what's the SECRET to LOSING WEIGHT? (Hint: it does not involve a diet). Obesity in our country is reaching epidemic proportions, … [Read more...]
How Many Calories Should You Eat to Lose Fat?
How many calories are in our programs? Good question! It's great that we now have access to information about the foods we eat, like calories, nutrients, and whether it is GMO-free. But has that information really done anything to solve our expanding waistline? FACT: Americans are the most nutritionally educated consumer in the world, and yet we are the most obese … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
47 Things You Can Feel Happy About Right Now
Need a break from stress? We feel you. Take a moment to welcome feelings of gratitude-- for the little things. It'll give you a whole new perspective. Go on. Take 5 to remind yourself of the good things in life. Here are 47 of them to get you started... Let's start with our favorite song about rainbows. The smell of a box of crayons. Your favorite '80s song. Summer … [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...]
7 Ways to Turn Cheating Into Success
Just one bite... …oops, now the bag is empty! How did THAT happen? You have been so good and making great progress up until now. What do you do next? Is it possible to turn your setback into success? Or have you completely ruined your program and doomed yourself to a life of failure? Eating like this is what was once normal for you. It is what put on the fat in the first … [Read more...]
3 Must-Read Tips to Keep You On Track– the Last One is Powerful!
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...]
What You Should Snack On to Crush Cravings and Lose Weight
French fries, pizza, chocolate, chips, bread, donuts… You may crave any or all of these regularly. And you know how hard it can be to refuse your cravings. If you decide to have just one (or indulge just this one time) is it actually a choice? Science says NO. In fact, according to The Power of Habit, 40% of our daily decisions are not choices but habits! How … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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 … [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...]
Be in the Super Bowl Fat-Burning Zone
Super Bowl LV, the 55th Super Bowl championship game, will be held on Sunday, February 7th, 2021 and will decide the league champion. We know this year may look a bit different than normal, but how are you getting ready for the game? Planning a fun day at home with your family? Maybe going to visit a couple of close friends or family members? No matter how you’re choosing to … [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...]
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...]
New Year, New You! Resolutions that Work!
It's time for a New Year! Out with the old! In with the new! Let's make that list. Maybe your are the person who likes to take their time to sit down and truly reflect on life with a hand written the list. Or maybe you prefer to make a mental check-off list. Either way, we all want to start the New Year with that clean slate. Making a list can help us to make changes … [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
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...]
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...]
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...]
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 “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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Can’t Lose Weight? It’s Not Your Fault!
How many times have you started a diet and found out that you just can't lose weight? It’s not your fault. The truth is… You can't lose weight because diets simply don’t work Whenever you restrict calorie intake, your body thinks it’s starving — and fights tooth and nail to hold onto fat. You can't lose weight because your body doesn't want to. Plus, dieting triggers … [Read more...]
Weight Loss Meals: How to Avoid Hidden Sugars so You Can Lose Weight
What if just ONE month from now, you step on the scale to check your weight… …and you’re 20 pounds lighter? What if you’re also experiencing deeper, more restful sleep… abundant energy… and fewer chronic health problems? Yeah, I know. It sounds impossible. After all, you’ve already been trying to eat healthier. You’ve even been exercising. But the weight is not coming … [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! The Results From Our Men's Weight Loss … [Read more...]
How Some Weight Loss Plans are Sabotaging Your Diet
Can I be honest with you? If you use one of those celebrity-endorsed weight loss plans you see advertised on TV, you’re going to be disappointed. Oh, you will shed some pounds. But, the moment you go off the plan, you’ll gain ALL that weight back again — and then some. So you end up joining again. But each time you stop eating the plan’s food, you just gain more and … [Read more...]
President Trump, About Your Diet– We’d Like to Help
President Donald Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump, We heard you’re not doing so well with your diet. We get it; you love your fast food staples like Domino’s, McDonald’s and KFC. Who doesn’t love a good chicken tender and burger patty every now and then? It IS America, right? And exercise? Psh. The average American … [Read more...]