Healthy Hollywood: Wellness Wednesday – Lose Weight Safely In The New Year!

Happy New Year! Did you make your list of healthy resolutions? If so, chances are weight loss is on the list.

So, now that we’ve entered into the New Year, it’s time to start taking off those excess pounds. Need some inspiration? Just look at Hollywood’s crew of recently slimmed down stars from Sandra Bullock’s newly sculpted shape to Kelly Preston’s 39-pound weight loss to Ricki Lake’s major body transformation. Looking good, ladies!

While, a speedy “lose 10 pounds in a week” program sounds like a good way to kick off the New Year – chances are any pounds shed won’t be sustainable.

“Quick fixes never work because you lose on a quick fix diet, but it becomes too difficult to really follow long term. Making good food choices are better to make and making a new lifestyle change of following an exercise program and a sensible diet,” advises nutrition expert Rich Gaspari.

The former bodybuilding champ developed his own line of supplements, Gaspari Nutrition, to help folks obtain their weight loss goals.

“Again, staying lean is staying on a healthy eating and exercise program. Not restricting foods or following fad diets,” adds Rich.

Folks on a healthy weight loss program can expect to lose about 1 to 2 pounds of fat per week – anymore is likely to be water weight and if you lose too fast you regain the weight back. Rich shares his regimen for a healthy day of eating, “I eat 6 meals a day with 3 of the meals using a protein powder supplement. I also eat a diet of 40 percent protein, 45 percent carbohydrates and 15 percent fats. My diet consists of whole grains, sweet potatoes, fruits and vegetables with lean meats like chicken breast, lean red meat, fish, and egg whites.” Yes, folks there are no miracle solutions – it’s all about eating wholesome and nutritious foods.

So, if you want to start thinking “Healthy Eating 2012” – Rich shares 5 simple tips with Healthy Hollywood.

1. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeps you hydrated and metabolism humming.
2. Eat a healthy breakfast. People who skip breakfast tend to weigh more.
3. Eat 6 smaller meals as opposed to 2 – 3 big meals. This speeds up the metabolism.
4. Stay clear of white flour and white sugar. They are empty calories.
5. Eat foods more in its natural states, like fresh fruits and vegetables, as opposed to deep fried foods or baked foods with butter.

For more healthy tips, head to www.gasparinutrition.com.