Some Tips

As we head into Week 2, we have a few tips to pique your interest and keep you thinking creatively about your eating and workout plans:

* SPICE UP YOUR DINNER
Use ginger, cinnamon, cumin, chili, cayenne pepper, hot mustard or garlic. These spices will heat you up, raising your metabolism - in turn, helping you to burn more calories.

Erin has been making Mexican Hot Chocolate lately. In the microwave, heat Skim or 1 percent milk, chocolate syrup, cayenne pepper and cinnamon.


* AVOID PROCESSED FOODS
A diet that avoids processed foods and white sugar is one of the best ways to maintain consistent energy and avoid fatiugue, says Cheryl Forberg, RD, nurtitionist for The Biggest Loser. "White foods metabolise very quickly, kicking up your blood sugar and then dropping it down," she says.

Clean eating - or smaller, more frequent meals (like we promote at RFC) that are high in lean protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats - acts as a detox, helping your system function more efficiently. "Once you start to experience those even blood sugar levels, you'll notice that you sleep better at night, have more energy and can better focus," Forberg says.

As we progress with RFC, take note of your sleep patterns and your energy levels. As you eat better and workout more often, you should notice positive changes!


-- Some information supplied by Oxygen Magazine