A HAPPY NEW YOU

Recipes, tips can help with weight-loss resolutions

Family Features

As the pumpkin pie, holiday cock tail and sugar cookie memories begin to fade, we’re reminded that the time has come to set or “re-set” our goals. Popular New Year’s resolutions — to lose weight and/or stay fit — resurface with a bang year after year.

You’ve probably heard people say, “Those who lose weight eventually gain it back.” Don’t give up hope! Many people who successfully maintained a substantial weight loss for more than a year have done it on their own.

Registered dietitian Tara Gidus, also known as the Diet Diva, knows it can be a struggle to set goals and stick to them. “Prime weight-loss season is upon us, and the need for realistic, achievable and tasty ways to make healthy lifestyle changes is as important as ever,” said Gidus. “An exercise and healthy eating focus, along with a positive attitude and the right tools, can lead to a happier and healthier you — a new you.”

Help yourself to successfully achieve your weight-loss resolution with Gidus’ tips.

Think of you. Take “me” time to rest, relax, shop or exercise for stress relief. Stress hormones have been tied to weight gain.

Break it down. Have an ultimate goal, and then break it into minigoals that are easily achiev- able. This makes the road to success seem easier and allows you to celebrate along the way.

Flavor it. Calorie moderation doesn’t have to mean boring. Use Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix to add a punch of flavor without compromis ing calories. It’s especially great to use in dips and other game-day snacks.

Keep track. People who keep track of what they eat can lose up to twice as much weight as people who don’t. Jotting down how much you ate and how you were feel ing can also help you con nect food to energy and mood.

Get your zzz. Snooze your way to weight loss. Getting enough sleep is critical to keep the hormones that control your appe tite in check.

Flex your muscles. The more muscle mass you have the more calories you burn while you are sleeping. Stay fit by doing strength training twice a week.

Don’t multitask. Turn off distractions such as the TV and computer while eating or you could lose track of how much has gone in. Tune in to your body’s hunger and full ness cues to know when to eat and when to stop.

For great eating ideas using Hidden Valley products, check out these recipes, or go to www.hiddenvalley.com.

Weight-Loss Profile

People who have success fully achieved long-term weight loss tend to have common characteristics:

Eat break fast every day

Monitor their weight weekly

Watch less TV (i.e. less than 10 hours/week)

Daily exercise (i.e. 30 to 60 minutes/day)

Introducing Hidden Valley Salad Kits

Just add lettuce! The makers of Hidden Valley introduce Salad Kits — four prepack aged kits containing tasty ingre dients sure to liven up everyday salads.

To learn more about new Hidden Valley products, visit www.hiddenvalley.com.