Medical Weight Loss Clinic pros say if you’re working to get fit, go camping

You might not think of camping as a useful tool in your fitness arsenal – but perhaps you should, says Tabitha Panetta, training director for Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

“This is a great time of year to get out and get active,” she notes. “The weather is beautiful and not-too hot, which make it much more enjoyable to be outside.” 

Get outdoors this summer and you’ll only enhance your health journey. | Photo by Scott Goodwill via Unsplash.

That’s one reason you’ll find her setting up camp with her family anytime she can from March until October. Michigan’s changing seasons make for a new experience at different times of year and different locations. She believes camping can encourage Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients to visit beautiful new locations and challenge themselves physically while they’re there. 

“Outdoor activity always seems to feel less like exercise,” says Tabitha. “Even if you do not enjoy your treadmill, there is little to dislike about a hike through the woods on a beautiful day. I also think it is a great way to clear your mind and get some fresh air.”

All of this truly contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Not only can a walk on the beach or hike in the woods burn extra calories, but it’s a great way to maintain a healthy mindset.

“Michigan has so many beautiful destinations and has some of the best beaches, hiking, boating and fishing anywhere,” Tabitha adds. “It is mini vacation every weekend and a great way to decompress from the week.”

In order to stay on track with any healthy program, she notes, planning is everything. Tabitha suggests pre-planning what you’ll eat for every meal while you’re camping. It helps avoid surprises or pitfalls – and means you won’t have to worry about it at all while you’re away from home.

She often prepares large trays of fruits or vegetables that she brings out with each meal. And to make sure she’s getting enough protein, she’ll marinate lean meats so they’re ready to pop onto the grill.

And then there are the camping snacks.

“I make sure I have cottage cheese, cheese sticks, yogurt and fresh fruit to serve as snacks between meals,” says Tabitha. “There are many portable nutrients that are perfect camping snacks our patients can try. The physical activity and heat require the body to recharge - and sugary, high carb snacks do not cut it.”

Eating healthy when you’re far from your kitchen doesn’t have to be difficult if you’re prepared.  

What’s more? Camping provides a perfect respite from the stresses of daily life. It’s possible to steer clear of our computer screens and spend time with family enjoying activities we might not otherwise get to do – like hiking, kayaking and swimming. It’s certainly got Tabitha’s seal of approval. Why not try it?

Have you set healthy goals for this summer? Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s personalized programs can help you meet them. Find out how today. 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.

Tips for Healthy Eating While Camping

Do you have a camping or hiking trip planned this Summer? You can eat healthy while camping and hiking with a little pre-planning and preparation.  Follow these tips to make sure you have a healthy and safe outdoor adventure.

Make a Plan and Stay Hydrated

During physical outdoor activities, your body typically needs more food and water. Pack plenty of fluids for hot weather excursions. Make sure to stay hydrated, drink water before you start your hike or bike trip and make sure you pack extra to keep hydrated throughout your trip.  Eat a well balanced meal before you start off on your adventure and make sure to pack plenty of snacks to help keep your energy levels up while on your excursions. Pack light weight foods and snacks. You can pack perishable foods, such as sandwiches and wraps, just be sure you have a small portable insulated cooler with ice packs to keep foods chilled properly Here are some snack ideas for an outdoor day trip:

• Fresh fruits - cut up melons, berries, and pineapple stored in baggies. Also you can freeze grapes, cherries and blueberries beforehand to help them stay cold.

• Cut up fresh vegetables such as cauliflower, celery, carrots, broccoli and peppers. Store in baggies to save space in your backpack or cooler.

• Pre-make sandwiches or wraps with tuna fish or grilled chicken.

• Take rice cakes or diet snack crackers for a quick easy snack.

Camping for Several Days

Packing food to last for several days at a time can be challenging. With a little pre-planning and meal prep, you can prepare healthy foods at home before you leave. Map out the meals you want to eat each day. This will also cut down on your meal prep while camping, giving you more time to relax or enjoy your time with family and friends. Here's some quick tips for healthy eating when camping:

• Prepare and cook your meats at home, grilled chicken, shrimp, hamburger patties, a roast in the crockpot, boil eggs for hard boiled eggs and tuna packed in water.

• Wrap cooked meats in foil and store in gallon sized baggies - store in a cooler and just warm over the campfire or portable grill before each meal.

• Cut up vegetables for sautéing with protein options, making fajitas, or stir fy over the campfire or just snacking on them raw throughout the day.

• You can also cut up fresh fruits and store in stackable containers or baggies. Take apples and oranges for a quick, on the go fruit.

• Take easy starches like tortillas for wraps, rice cakes, diet snack crackers and english muffins.

• If you have a way to boil water you can take couscous, long grain rice, quinoa and sweet potatoes.

Cooking Safely While Camping

It is always important to follow good food safety practices. Perishable food cannot be kept out in hot weather (90°F or higher) for more than one hour, and in mild weather for more than two hours. Having the proper safety essentials are a must - make sure to bring the following items:

• Disposable wipes, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap

• Bowls and plates

• Kettle or cooking pot

• Eating and cooking utensils

• Ice packs

• Compostable trash bags

• Portable water filters or water purification tablets

• Gallons of fresh water for cooking with

• Thermometers for cooler and cooked meat

• Well insulated coolers. 2 or 3 coolers work best if you have the room. One to keep raw meats separate from cooked foods. One for the cooked foods and the other for your beverages.

Have a healthy Summer!

Original Article Here:  http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/planning-and-prep/snack-and-meal-ideas/food-tips-for-camping-and-hiking