Have a festive holiday with Medical Weight Loss Clinic healthy food swaps

The holidays are here and with them comes the temptation of sugary-sweet treats, warm-baked desserts and the very real risk of over-indulging.

Find some holiday food swaps and healthy ingredients to make this the best season ever.

Abby Pignatelli, a consultant at the Saginaw location of Medical Weight Loss Clinic, encourages patients to stay on their healthy program. The holidays are no exception.

“People walk into Medical Weight Loss Clinic for a reason,” she says. “Especially during the holidays when there’s a ton of food and desserts around, giving our patients options is important. No one should miss out on holiday fun, or food!”

Abby often suggests patients check out the Medical Weight Loss Clinic website for food inspiration. Holiday recipes can also be found there.

“They can be a huge help,” she says.

This season, the Medical Weight Loss Clinic Holiday Cookbook is back. It is a special collection of recipes that anyone can access and try this season. There’s another good reason to do so. For each download, Medical Weight Loss Clinic will donate $1 to Gleaners Community Food Bank.

Whether you’re looking for recipes or adapting traditional holiday foods at home, what you make these dishes with makes a difference. When it comes to some of the best ingredients to keep around, Abby says low sodium seasonings top her list. Look for brands like McCormick, Kinders and Tony Chachere’s – to add a kick to your holiday meal without adding too much salt.

She’s also a fan of adding in 1 percent cottage cheese to recipes that call for a creamy flavor or thicker consistency. This has an added bonus of protein, too.

“I always recommend mixing 1 percent cottage cheese with the Medical Weight Loss Clinic Cheesecake supplement for some extra protein,” Abby says. “It makes a great dessert option. There’s no missing out on the dessert fun.”

Headed to a party – or planning one at home?

Abby has a recipe for that. She makes a festive Apple Cinnamon Dip. It’s simply a blend of one Medical Weight Loss Clinic Cheesecake Nutritional Supplement with one Cinnamon Swirl Pudding Shake Nutritional Supplement and a dash of cinnamon. Mix it all together and dip in slices from one small apple to enjoy. 

“It’s important to stay on program, even more so during the holidays,” Abby says. “We are here to help hold you accountable.”

Who is ready to lose, rather than gain weight this season? Sign up for a free consultation today at mwlc.com.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic pros treat all patients like they are family

Whenever a new patient walks through our doors at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, the staff is warm, welcoming and ready be supportive. But when the patient also happens to be an actual  relative of a staff member, well that’s another great reason to celebrate successes.

The Medical Weight Loss Clinic team is here to support your goals – just like you’re a member of the family. And sometimes, our patients are actually family members, too.

“It’s always rewarding to hear good feedback from patients, even better when it’s your family member,” says Krysta Sauvie, regional manager at Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

She has had a few family members join the program over the years. Currently her step mother Pat has joined and visits the Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Saginaw. She’s already lost 24 pounds toward her goal of about 50 pounds.

“Pat found out about the program from me,” Krysta says. “We talked about it on a couple of different occasions prior to her joining. I also had an aunt who did the program a few years ago who did very well. She lost 80 pounds. That was a nice motivator for Pat too!”

Pat lives in Saginaw Township and works a swing shift so her hours change each week and she’s often working 5 nights in a row. She’ll come home at midnight and gets just a few hours of sleep. But she said the program works for her.

“It’s easy to do – except for the prep,” she says. “I would recommend it to people.”

Pat had to get used to preparing foods to make sure she had healthy options to eat each day. On Mondays or Tuesdays she cooks the meat she needs to make meals for the week. And she now drinks her coffee black rather than adding vanilla creamer. Since she’s been eating so healthy she notices she has more energy and if she strays from the program – she can tell she doesn’t feel as good.

“I can really feel the difference,” Pat says. “I think I can stick to this.”

She’s got the support of the staff on her side – and if she has a question on the weekends she asks Krysta.

“I love that she is feeling better and has more energy,” says Krysta. “I think many of us are aware of family members who are struggling to lose weight for a number of reasons and I’m proud that she has taken this step and it’s paying off for her!”

Krysta says she understands it can sometimes be difficult for a friend or family member of a Medical Weight Loss Clinic employee to join in on the program. But there’s no judgement to be found.

“I’d urge anyone who has family members or friends that might be interested in the program to keep discussing the topic,” Krysta says. “Make them feel comfortable about the process and be patient.”

Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. Medical Weight Loss Clinic is here to help. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic shares 5 ways to get and stay healthier this year

The world we’re living in currently has changed so much this year. But it doesn’t mean that a dedication to our health and well-being should be put on the back-burner. Quite the opposite is true, according to Kaylee C., medical professional at Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Saginaw. 

Get outside! It’s not just a great way to get in some physical activity, you’ll feel happier too.

“I believe there is no time like the present - and presently the world we live in puts a danger on individuals who may not be in the best of health,” she says. “Eating healthy and managing a healthier lifestyle not only makes an individual feel good mentally, it shows physically, too!”

For Kaylee, drinking enough water each day is a game-changer when it comes to getting and staying healthy. She says she’s experienced the benefits of consuming the right amount of water needed throughout the day, first-hand.

“Not only has this helped me stay focused throughout the day, it helps give me the energy I need to enjoy my entire day without feeling lethargic!”

Staying hydrated is just one piece of the weight loss puzzle. Kaylee works with patients to help control high blood sugar, hypertension, migraines and even depression – all by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Often the answers to these challenging health concerns can’t be found alone. And she wants to be sure that anyone who could use some support knows it is available. It is always possible to make a healthy change and to maintain it, too.

“When a patient comes into my office feeling discouraged, I review that patient’s long-term goals and help them remember why they started this program in the first place,” Kaylee says.

She often shows patients just how much progress they have made so far. She reminds them that no matter what, it takes a lot of hard work to accomplish even the smallest of triumphs – and that it’s all worth the effort. 

That’s why we asked Kaylee to share her top 5 tips for getting started on a weight loss journey. And she delivered. Here’s what to know before you begin:

1.     The slow turtle wins the race

Keep your eye on the goal. And take it slow.

“Weight loss goals can get overwhelming at times,” says Kaylee. “Understand that this isn’t a sprint to the finish line, but a journey to living a healthier, better life.

2.     Don’t lose faith

Weight loss and lifestyle changes take time. And that takes faith and dedication.

“There might be ups and downs but remember that anyone is capable of doing anything they set their mind to,” says Kaylee.

3.     Stay open to new ideas

The routines and habits you’re used to trying aren’t working. But a new program will. It just requires the effort and ability to try something you have not tried in the past.

“As humans, we are creatures of habit,” she says. “Sometimes all it takes is to break away from those old habits, so we can move forward with our long-term goals.”

4.     Enjoy the outdoors

Don’t forget to get outside, get fresh air. Take a walk or try a new sport.

“Including outdoor activity not only helps promote weight loss but it helps produce happy chemicals in your brain!” Kaylee says.

5.     Seek out good support

Remember, you’re not alone.

“Changing your diet can be challenging if you are surrounded by temptation,” she says. “Instead, surround yourself with healthy and positive support. It will play a major role in your success!”

 Armed with these tips, if you’re ready to get started on a journey toward a healthier life, we’re here to help. Learn more about Medical Weight Loss Clinic or book your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.