Be creative! No need to miss out on every new food trend when eating healthy

Ali Vander Kolk understands that Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients are seeking ways to incorporate healthy new habits into their lives – without feeling like they are missing out on anything.

At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, Ali Vander Kolk has some creative ideas to help keep you on a healthy path.

Ali joined the team as a consultant at Medical Weight Loss Clinic in June 2022 and currently serves as clinic manager in Grandville, Michigan. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Physiology and Preventative Medicine from Taylor University. Ali had a strong focus on nutrition, exercise and mental health studies. She knows when patients make healthier choices, they not only lose extra weight but can reverse chronic illnesses. Seeing that positive progress is among her favorite aspects of this job.

“The thing I love most is celebrating patients as they hit big and little milestones,” Ali says. “When they step on the scale and see that they’ve hit the 10, 20, 50 pounds off mark, it’s a moment worth celebrating!

But reaching milestone moments takes dedication. And sometimes patients reach for foods or make choices that aren’t in line with their healthy goals. The latest food trends aren’t usually on the program. So, Ali suggested some healthy versions of current trends – and they’re all safe for patients working hard toward their health goals. Give these a try:

Skip the Butter and go for a Greek Yogurt Board

Butter Boards might be a new trend on TikTok but they aren’t a healthy one. A similar idea looks just as impressive at parties. Ali says spread plain Greek yogurt on a board and sprinkle some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice  on it. Then, place an array of apples, strawberries, blueberries or other fruits to dip in it. Want a fiber and protein boost? Create a Veggie Platter complete with Medical Weight Loss Clinic dip. 

Just add Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been designated the ingredient of the year for 2022 and – yes - they’re on the program. Try air fried oyster mushrooms or cook up shiitake  tacos.

For the oyster mushrooms, Ali suggests spritzing them with unflavored pam cooking spray, seasoning them with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika and just air fry! It’s also possible to blending up one slice of bread with the same seasonings and dip the oyster mushroom in water or milk before coating in the bread/seasoning mix and air frying! Serve with any of the condiment options on plan.

For shiitake tacos, cut up the mushrooms very thinly and cook them with your choice of protein. Then, add the mix on top of a low carb tortilla with fresh lettuce, homemade salsa and other veggies of your choice.

Skip the Mezcal and make a Mocktail

Mezcal is a popular drink trend in 2022 and while it’s not on the plan, there are some great alternatives.

“While we avoid alcohol on the plan, a couple of our supplements - when mixed with a diet soda and extracts - can make great alternative cocktails!” Ali says. “Try our Lemon Razzy, Cranberry Grape, or Wild Berry Fruit Drink supplements mixed with diet 7Up or Sprite! Patients can also add flavored extracts like coconut or run to achieve different flavor profiles.”

It just takes a little creativity to keep your meals delicious, healthy and exciting. And staff members like Ali are there to support and inspire our patients, helping them through challenging times and celebrating their progress.

“I love creating relationships with patients and my coworkers, she says. “I feel like, when I go into work, I get to spend the day with people I genuinely enjoy being around.”

And that shows when you visit the Grandville clinic. Reach out to Medical Weight Loss Clinic for more information on how to reach your own goals. Sign up for a free consultation today at mwlc.com.

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When you enroll in a Medical Weight Loss Clinic program, the length of your program will be determined by you and the staff based on the amount of weight you want to lose and how quickly you want to lose it. Your actual weight loss will be determined by many factors, including, but not limited to: your medical circumstances, the plan you choose, adherence to the meal plan and use of nutritional supplements. Your goal and program duration information will be given to you in writing at the time of enrollment. As your program progresses, the rate you lose weight may change and you will have the opportunity to discuss this at every daily visit with your weight loss consultant, where changes to your meal plan and/or program can be made.