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Short on time? Looking for a way to pack more nutrients into your day? These healthy smoothie recipes are the perfect solution!

What Goes Into Healthy Smoothie Recipes?

Smoothies are such a great way to get a nutrient-dense meal! They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. But unfortunately, not all smoothies are created equal.

It can be really easy for the sugar content to climb up to 50 grams in just one smoothie. That sugar can come from whole foods like fruits or even added sugars. As a result, a blood sugar spike is caused, which will leave most of us feeling less than our best overall. Whether it causes a crash in energy or makes you feel hungry not long after drinking it.

Healthy smoothie recipes contain protein, starchy carbohydrates, non-starchy carbohydrates (like greens), and nourishing fats. To do this, you use what I call the Foundational Five.

A Foundational Five Nourish Meal is any meal that contains all 5 elements within the Foundational Five formula. This includes non-starchy carbohydrates, starchy and sugary carbohydrates, fat, protein, and the Flavor Factor. If you’re not familiar with my Foundational Five system yet, you can download my free guide where I share more about it!

By following this simple template it keeps food flexible, fun, and nourishing. Our Foundational Five Nourish Meals can be found as smoothies or smoothie bowls, yogurts, oatmeal bowls or breakfast bowls, nourish bowls, salads, soups, stews, and many more.

All of the healthy smoothie recipes below contain these components to make sure each one is packed with the nutrients you need to feel your best!

 

The Nutrition Stripped Community’s Favorite Healthy Smoothie Recipes

These recipes are the favorites from the Nutrition Stripped community! You can make them as smoothies or bowls. If you make them as a bowl, be sure to try my Smoothie Bowl Sprinkle for a crunch topper!

Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie

If you’re a fan of beets, you’ll love this different way of including them in your weekly meal plan. Beets are great to incorporate into our diets for anti-inflammatory and detoxification benefits. They have also been shown to lower high blood pressure and improve both digestive health and athletic performance.

 

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

I don’t know why this classic combination of bananas and strawberries is so great, but these two flavors pair so well together.

What makes this particular smoothie extra nutritious is all of the antioxidants! It’s packed with phytonutrients like anthocyanins, tannins, flavonols, resveratrol, ellagic acid, and catechins from the strawberries alone.

Warming Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Warming spices include anything from fresh ginger and ground cinnamon, to black pepper, cayenne, garlic, and horseradish. You can easily add these spices to any of your savory or sweet dishes such as soup, dips, stir-fry, frittata, or a smoothie like this one. The great thing about this smoothie recipe is that it’s also rich in fiber from the pumpkin! 

 

Strawberry Blueberry Kefir Smoothie for Gut Health

This smoothie contains all whole-food ingredients that support your digestive health! From kefir (which is a fermented probiotic beverage) and yogurt, to ground flax seeds, beans, and berries. You can thank these ingredients for this smoothie’s amazing fiber and antioxidant content!

Ginger Strawberry Smoothie

If you’re not a fan of super sweet smoothies, this one’s for you. The addition of ginger in this healthy smoothie recipe balances out the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s also a great way to give your regular strawberry smoothie a little change!

5-Minute Spinach Smoothie

Spinach is loaded with iron, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. It’s a great food item to be eating daily!

I’m sharing not only one of my favorite spinach smoothie recipes, but I’m also giving you a template for mixing and matching all of the ingredients. That way you can have slight variations of this smoothie all summer long!

The Stripped Green Smoothie

The Stripped Green Smoothie is simply a high-quality, nutrient-dense, easily-digestible green smoothie. It’s simply made of organic raw vegetables, greens, and fruits. You can get very creative with using whatever greens and fruits you have in season!

 

Blueberry Banana Crunch Smoothie Bowl

This Blueberry Banana Crunch Smoothie Bowl is packed with antioxidants! You have the blueberries and crunchy homemade granola to thank for that. You don’t see it and you won’t taste it, but this healthy smoothie recipe is packed with greens, too!

 

Matcha Mango Smoothie

Green tea, especially matcha, offers a smooth, subtle energy boost. It does contain caffeine, but not as much as coffee, making it a great alternative for people who are sensitive to caffeine. Just as you can enjoy matcha in a frothy morning latte, it can also be used in your morning smoothie.

This combines the best of both worlds for a quick and nourishing breakfast to take with you out the door!

 

Creamy Ginger Smoothie 

This is my go-to smoothie in the spring when I want something filling, but also “light” on my digestion. It also helps to keep my energy levels up when I’m out and about, writing or shooting content.

The squeeze of lemon juice and added ginger are great for digestion. Plus, all those healthy fats from the avocado will keep you feeling full, keep your hormones balanced, and keep your skin glowing.

Beauty Green Smoothie

This smoothie is loaded with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. More specifically, those I target for great skin, hair, and nail health in my daily routine. Not only are you nourishing your skin on a cellular level with this smoothie, but it’s also simple to make and tastes amazing!

Coconut Berry Smoothie

This smoothie will make you feel like you’re at a tropical resort! Coconut is the star of this recipe, giving the smoothie plenty of healthy fat, fiber, and flavor.

 

Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie

This smoothie tastes so good that it could be a dessert! The healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants make it a nourishing choice for any time of the day.

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

This classic combination of flavors is super satisfying and beyond simple to whip together!

Odds are, you have all of these pantry staples on hand already, so you’re free to enjoy this easy peanut butter banana smoothie whenever the mood strikes.

Triple Berry Smoothie

This is one of my favorite tasting smoothies! It’s sweet from bananas, tangy from the raspberries, and the texture is thick and smooth! Not to mention, this smoothie is very kid-friendly! Anyone opposed to adding “greens” to their drinks will love it. You can’t even taste it here!

Which Healthy Smoothie Recipe Will You Try Next?

The fun part about healthy eating is finding new foods and recipes you love that make it easy and enjoyable for you to eat nutrient-dense meals. So, which one of these healthy smoothie recipes are you going to try next? Pick one to make this week and see if you find a new favorite!

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Whenever I see Hailey Bieber’s forever dewy complexion, my oily, acne-prone skin quakes with envy. I always wonder how the heck her face manages to look so clean, clear and radiant. But, truth be told, Hailey is just like the rest of us. Her skin gets stressed and irritated from time to time, resulting in blemishes, dry patches and a weakened skin barrier. Luckily, there are products that tackle these exact issues, and the model has let us in on her secret weapon. 

Alongside Tower 28 Beauty’s SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray and two Rhode Skin products, Mrs. Bieber swears by Avène’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. The ultra-rich, nourishing formula shields skin from external aggressors, heals, hydrates and keeps the skin’s natural barrier healthy.

It also happens to have a 25 percent discount right now with the code WINTER25. Through January 19, you can get this skin-saving cream for just $21 instead of $28.

@haileybieber

What i’ve been reaching for this week as my skin has been feeling irritated and inflamed 🤍 @Tower 28 Beauty @rhode @AveneUSA 🤍🤍

♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

In the model’s TikTok, she says her complexion acts up because of stress, travel, lack of sleep, PMS and testing out a new product, which are very common causes of irritated, inflamed skin. Hailey adds that she remedies all of this by applying calming, healing formulas that keep bacteria away. Doesn’t seem like too much to ask for, right?

Avène’s moisturizer fires on all cylinders thanks to its skin-loving ingredients. First off, it contains C+ – Restore, a proprietary postbiotic ingredient that is chock-full of proteins that aid in skin restoration. A copper-zinc sulfate complex maintains a healthy skin environment—which promotes faster recovery—and the brand’s signature thermal spring water soothes skin.

After learning of this stellar trio of ingredients, it makes total sense why Hailey reaches for this cream when her skin is rebelling. Whether you’re in the middle of a stressful work situation, have been on back-to-back flights or can’t seem to get the optimal eight hours of sleep each night, there’s no need to panic when you have Avène’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream in your corner.

RELATED: This Growth Serum Is Restoring People’s Thinning Strands to ‘The Best They’ve Ever Been’ & It’s Included in This Sale

The formula is free of fragrance, parabens and alcohol, making it ideal for those with sensitive and stressed-out skin. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Avéne has clearly done the most to make sure your irritated complexion can get back on track as fast as possible.

Hailey isn’t the only person who relies on this moisturizer. The product flaunts an impressive 4.9-star overall rating on Avène’s site.

“My favorite moisturizer ever. I’m not recovering from any procedures, I just love this stuff,” wrote one reviewer. “Combined with the Eau Thermale, it sinks in and doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily. The chronic dry patches and itchiness I used to feel are gone. My skin is clearer than ever before—I’ve never used any moisturizer that does such a great job!”

Another one wrote, “Cicalfate Restorative cream is the best cream I have ever used. I tried so many creams and I can tell everyone this cream heals your skin, calms red skin and is hydrating. I use it every day.”

Get your hands on the Hailey Bieber-approved Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream to leave your dry, irritated skin in the past.

Date Night | Galentine’s Day (And Palentine’s Day) | Self Care Treatments | An Esthetician’s Valentine’s Skin Care Routine

With Valentine’s Day around the corner (and celebrations for Galentine’s and Palentine’s too), it’s time to turn up the indulgence. We’ve gathered the best skin care gifts that are ideal for celebrating the most heartfelt day of the year. Whether you’re going on a date night or celebrating with friends, here’s how to make the occasion special. 

Fall In Love With These Date Night Gift Ideas

Our Product Support Representatives recommend prepping for the most romantic night of the year with the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, formulated with lactic acid to bring back that glow. A quick cleanse will refresh your skin, and the sweet scent of mangosteen will set the mood.

Next, spoil your sweetheart with the best-selling Apricot Body Oil, a gift that’s sure to heat up your date night. This aromatic oil can be used for body massage as well as all-over moisturization to deliver the skin a dose of hydration. A few drops will leave the skin feeling irresistibly soft and smooth. 

The Citrus Lip Balm is designed to give both you and your partner a perfect pout and irresistibly kissable lips. This miniature-sized lip balm also contains botanical peptides that give you plump-looking lips and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The lips are left feeling smooth and moisturized thanks to shea butter and sunflower seed oil, which is rich in Vitamins A, D and E.

For the ultimate in luxury gift-giving, surprise your beloved with our Facial Recovery Oil, also known as “liquid gold.” Made with Biodynamic® ingredients, this hydrating oil helps to make the skin appear smoother, softer and more even.

Galentine’s and Palentine’s Day: Gift Your Friends With Good Skin 

Sometimes Valentine’s Day just doesn’t cut it and we choose to celebrate our BFFs instead. Start off by spoiling your friends with the Firm Skin Acai Cleanser, a wash that reinvigorates the complexion thanks to the antioxidant-rich Biocomplex2™. This cream cleanser also consists of acai berry juice, blueberry juice and seabuckthorn to improve the look of elasticity and youthfulness in the skin. The Bamboo Firming Fluid is another option to gift your best pals. This formula contains a Natural Retinol Alternative that smooths the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 

If your friends tend to have dry skin, they may appreciate the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. This creamy moisturizer, enriched with coconut, grape seed oil and shea butter, leaves the skin hydrated and smooth. Its formula, which includes a Natural Retinol Alternative complex, helps to firm and plump the skin with each use. Plus, the light coconut scent transforms the skin care routine into a tropical experience.”

Finally, we recommend gifting a luminous, silky-looking complexion with the Turmeric Energizing Treatment. Formulated with turmeric, citrine gemstones and zeolite, this powder-to-mousse formula works as an exfoliant, a warming powder and a mask that awakens the skin and draws out impurities. 

One customer, Daisy D., had this to say about the Turmeric Energizing Treatment: “My treat every week! I absolutely love this treatment! It helps target all my problems while meeting my exfoliating needs … Obsessed!”

Indulge In Self Care Treatments For Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to be about spoiling somebody else. Why not pamper yourself and feel beautiful in your own skin this Valentine’s Day? Start your day with the fresh scent of the luxurious Stone Crop Gel Wash. This gentle cleanser washes away impurities and minimizes the appearance of breakouts while helping to improve the look of a dry complexion. Like other succulents, stone crop is a powerhouse in skin care. This classic ingredient brightens the look of the skin, replenishes moisture and minimizes redness due to dryness. You may also enjoy the refreshing Stone Crop Hydrating Mist. When your skin feels like it’s lacking moisture, a few sprays of this mist will help your skin look dewy and hydrated. 

A day of self pampering wouldn’t be complete without a mask. Our Product Support Representatives recommend the creamy-gel Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque. This antioxidant-rich mask contains leafy greens (kale, spinach and broccoli sprouts) to improve the look of skin elasticity. Avocado oil plus stabilized Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) both help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You will also love pampering yourself with the Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream For Face & Neck. This rich cream is particularly helpful if you have dry skin and require hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and argan oil. 

For soft, radiant skin this Valentine’s Day, try the Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil. This replenishing face oil melts into the skin to provide you with a rejuvenated and softened complexion. Camellia oil is a highly moisturizing ingredient while marula oil and hemp seed oil are particularly beneficial if your skin looks dull or fatigued. 

Once you’ve taken care of your skin, you can also add some wellness activities into the mix. Consider an aromatherapy shower by placing miniature washcloths in your shower and spraying them with your favorite essential oils. Make the room steamy by letting the water run for ten minutes or so and then you can enjoy your at-home aromatherapy “spa.” 

Alternatively, you can decrease stress through meditation. Meditation lowers cortisol levels, relieving stress, improving your mood and providing you with a greater sense of calm and tranquility. 

An Esthetician’s Valentine’s Skin Care Routine

Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar has come up with her own favorite Valentine’s Day skin care routine, which highlights the indulgent Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque and Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator.

“Though the classic combination of chocolates and strawberries is often thought of as a Valentine’s Day treat to eat, these ingredients can also work wonders for the skin when applied topically!” says Natalie. “The powerful antioxidants and vitamins found in Eminence’s Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque target and treat [visible] signs of aging … and dullness, while the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator rehydrates and plumps the skin to reveal a natural, radiant glow.”

Step 1: Cleanse with the Coconut Milk Cleanser or Firm Skin Acai Cleanser.

Step 2: Exfoliate by mixing in the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant with either cleanser. 

Step 3: Mix the Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque and Strawberry Rhubarb Masque together and apply. 

Step 4: After your masking step, follow up with a serum and hydrator. Natalie recommends the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator.

Bonus Step: For an extra luxurious step, follow up with Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil.

How do you plan to indulge for Valentine’s Day? Are any of these Valentine’s Day gifts on your wishlist? Tell us in the comments below or on social media.

 

If brown spots and discoloration are bothering you, now is the time to act. Throughout summer, we can be so good about applying sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing, and staying in the shade only to see unwanted discoloration appear on our skin anyway. It’s nearly impossible to avoid sun damage altogether, partly because it’s the heat given off by the sun (in addition to UV rays) that activates pigment cells.

If your sun spots have already appeared, and you’re looking for a way to minimize their appearance, I have good news—it’s completely possible! You just have to know which products and techniques can help. Keep scrolling to learn seven ways to get rid of sun spots after summer.

How to Get Rid of Sun Spots in 7 Steps

The goal is to get pigment cells to settle down so that sun spots will fade away and the skin can return to being bright and even-toned once again. While it can eventually lighten up over time, discoloration needs to be addressed with high-powered active ingredients and professional treatments to get it to go away quickly.

1. Choose Your Timing Wisely

Prevention is a year-round job if you’re serious about minimizing brown spots. You know the drill: sunscreen, hats, and keeping the skin cool when possible (remember, heat triggers pigmentation just as much as UV light). But when it comes to actually reversing the effects of sun damage, it pays to be strategic about your timing. I always tell people that late fall and winter are the best times of year for getting rid of sun spots. The reason for this is that your pigment cells aren’t constantly being triggered by heat, sun, or a combination of the two. Once temperatures start to drop, you can get to work visibly fading brown spots without constantly having pigment cells reactivated. Trust me, your efforts will take you much further!

2. Discontinue Micro-Needling and the Use of Sonic Cleansing Brushes

This may come as a surprise but consistent, aggressive friction from needles and bristles may keep melanin cells active. It’s best to put sonic cleansing brushes and at-home micro-needling on hold to avoid an unnecessary inflammatory response. (On that note, read my review of home care devices).

3. Avoid Overheating Your Skin

Since heat can cause melanin cells to produce more pigment, doing anything that can raise the internal temperature of the skin is not a good idea right now. Avoid outdoor exercise, hot yoga, steam rooms, and saunas. Keep a gel-based mask in the refrigerator to apply to your skin if you find it getting red and overheated. Leaving it on for 20 minutes should cool the skin and provide relief. I like the Bio Calm Repair Masque. It infuses cooling hydration deep within the skin.

4. Use Skincare Products With Pigment-Reducing Ingredients

If you’re wondering how to get rid of sun spots at home, here’s what I suggest: use three specific active ingredients in your skincare routine. First, I recommend using vitamin C. It’s a brightening ingredient and melanin disruptor that can improve skin tone. Second, I recommend using retinol. It encourages cellular turnover to bring new, evenly pigmented cells to the surface. Finally, I recommend using exfoliating acids, like glycolic, lactic, malic, and salicylic acids. They help fade pigmentation to reveal a more even-toned complexion.

The Best Morning Skincare Routine to Get Rid of Sun Spots:

Start with a mild, sulfate-free gel cleanser, like the Renée Rouleau Mint Renewal Cleanser. Massage it over your skin and rinse well. Pat your skin dry with a towel.Immediately follow up with an alcohol-free toner. Wipe it over your entire face, leaving it damp.Immediately follow up with a vitamin C serum (this step is important because vitamin C is excellent for inhibiting melanin cells to encourage the fading of discoloration. For the best results, use a vitamin C serum with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which is a stable form of vitamin C that’s known to fade brown spots without causing excess irritation).Wait 60 seconds before applying a generous layer of sunscreen to block out damaging UV rays and prevent new sun spots from forming.

The Best Evening Skincare Routine to Get Rid of Sun Spots:

Start with a lotion-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and debris that has collected on your skin throughout the day. Personally, I like the Renée Rouleau Vitamin-Infused Cleansing Emulsion for this purpose. It easily washes stubborn dirt, makeup, and sunscreen off the skin.Immediately follow up with an alcohol-free toner. Wipe it over your entire face, leaving it damp.Next, apply a serum. I recommend using a gentle exfoliating acid serum two nights in a row. Look for one that contains glycolic, lactic, or malic acid, which will help dissolve pigmented cells. After two nights (night three), swap the exfoliating acid serum for one with retinol. On the next two nights (nights four and five) use the same vitamin C serum you use as part of your morning routine. This rotation will give your skin a variety of different ingredients that work together to eliminate unwanted discoloration.Wait 60 seconds before applying a moisturizer that’s formulated for your skin type.

5. Consult a Dermatologist for a Depigmenting Agent, if Necessary

In some cases, a prescription depigmenting agent may be necessary to remove severe pigmentation. I usually suggest trying my at-home skincare routine for a few weeks before doing this, as the combination of an exfoliating acid serum, vitamin C serum, and retinol serum could work just fine. However, if you do need something more, consult a dermatologist.

These agents are prescription only and usually contain up to 4% hydroquinone. Your dermatologist can prescribe custom blends from a compound pharmacy. A great example of one from a compound pharmacy is one that uses 8% hydroquinone, 1% kojic acid, and 1% vitamin E. There are ready-made prescriptions available, but because compounds are custom, they can really cater to each person’s individual skin type and severity of pigmentation. (Note: hydroquinone shouldn’t be used for long periods of time. Be sure to follow the instructions for usage as recommended by your doctor).

6. Get a Professional Chemical Peel or an IPL Treatment

In some cases, at-home creams and serums will only do so much. Sometimes, a professional procedure is needed. My favorite is Bio-Brasion (the next generation of microdermabrasion) combined with a chemical peel. Chemical peels are powerful and can remove deep pigment, but of course, the type of peel that’s needed for each skin type may vary. (Find out the best chemical peel for you, according to your skin type.)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is also very popular for targeting sun and heat-induced discoloration, and it can lift the pigment from cells. If you do decide to seek the help of a professional, be sure to get a good referral and seek out someone with a lot of experience performing these types of procedures.

Again, procedures like these are best performed during colder months since they often make your skin more sensitive to sun.

7. Prevent Sun Spots From Returning

Once your skin is back to being more even-toned, don’t slack off with your routine. After all, if you have a tendency for sun spots, they can come back. The best way to prevent discoloration from returning is to limit your time in the heat and sun, wear sunscreen faithfully, wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors, and continue to use a skincare routine full of vitamin C, exfoliating acids, and retinol (and a prescription skin bleach if necessary).

I also recommend wearing makeup every day. Yes, really! Wearing either foundation or mineral powder makeup offers a barrier of protection against harmful UV rays. Most types of makeup contain sunscreen. Even if they don’t indicate an SPF number, they have UV-protecting ingredients like titanium dioxide. Because of this, I never leave my skin bare and never suggest that my clients do either (especially those who struggle with hyperpigmentation).

I also suggest getting a skin-brightening facial every six weeks. An esthetician will use professional-strength exfoliating acids as well as vitamin C to ensure the skin stays smooth, glowing, and even-toned. You can also do an at-home chemical peel. I suggest using the Dual Enzyme Softening Peel. It uses papaya and pineapple enzymes to help fade discoloration and brighten the skin. In addition, you can also give your skin a stronger form of exfoliation with this DIY chemical peel using a prescription retinoid.

In conclusion, developing hyperpigmentation during the summer months is common. With the right products and techniques (along with patience), you can get your skin back to its original state in no time. You simply need to put in the time and effort.

Next, learn how to fade post-breakout dark marks!

by Caitlin H,

Jan 9, 2023

Name: Lorrie Mills
Age: 57
Occupation: Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance at a pharmaceutical company
Meal Plan: Balance-Diabetes
Favorite Meal: Turkey Sandwich with Fruit Cocktail
Start Date: May 2022
Starting Weight: 197
Height: 5’10”
Pounds Lost: 15 pounds
Activity Level: Walk 2-5 miles, four days a week
When I get a craving, my go-to trick is: Everything sweet I eat is sugar-free.
My favorite app for tracking weight loss is: Fitbit.

Lorrie Mills is a giving person. During the holiday season, he sponsors families in need by fulfilling their wishlists and providing food.

“[It’s] one of my greatest joys in life,” Lorrie said. “I sponsored two families in 2021, including a single mom. I was able to get them everything they wanted this past year. I even got the single mom a laptop.”

When his nephew graduated high school in June 2022, he committed to paying for his college tuition to help him avoid costly loans.

“I spoil them and take them under my wing as my own children,” Lorrie said of his many nieces and nephews. “I didn’t want him to have to pay.”

But in April 2022, Lorrie learned some troubling news that meant it was time to give something to himself, too.

“My last physical was in April, and my doctor was not happy with my blood work results,” Lorrie said. “My A1-C level was 8.4, my glucose was elevated, and my cholesterol level was elevated.”

Lorrie’s physician started plugging his numbers into laptop software.

“I said, ‘Doctor, what are you doing?’, and he said, ‘I’m putting these numbers in my laptop because two years from now, you may have a stroke or heart attack or be deceased,’” Lorrie said. “He put the fear of God in me. That’s when I took him seriously.”

Lorrie said he went home and found Diet-to-Go on the internet, ordered his first week of meals, and found a nutritionist, who he now meets with monthly.

“When I shared with my nutritionist I was using [Diet-to-Go] … she was very impressed with the meals and the amount of protein with each meal,” Lorrie said. “She said, ‘Lorrie this is great, you made a great selection here.’”

Lorrie’s commitment to the Diet-to-Go program paid off in spades. He shed 15 pounds in three months, and his A1-C levels dropped from 8.4 to 6.6.

“When I went to [my doctor’s] office in August, he didn’t even recognize me,” Lorrie said. “He said he noticed my weight loss in my face.”

Lorrie said his favorite thing about the Diet-to-Go program is its convenience and that the meals leave him satisfied but not uncomfortably full.

“You feel like you’ve had enough to eat, but it doesn’t weigh you down,” Lorrie said. “Not to mention the convenience…you just pull off the plastic and stick it in the microwave.”

He said that is especially helpful when it comes to his work.

“Sometimes I work a long day, sometimes a normal 8 hours, sometimes 10-11 hours,” he said. “It’s convenient knowing I can go home and settle down for a bit, and 5 minutes later, dinner is on the table. I don’t have to worry about cooking a meal for 45 minutes.”

Lorrie added that sticking with the program has never been a challenge for him.

“People say, ‘Well you’re eating all this diet food; don’t you crave a bacon cheeseburger?’,” he said. “I say, ‘Of course I do.” And I do that every once in a while. But I take my Diet-to-Go meals with me. Everyone knows how serious I am.

He also said the cost is comparable to how much he used to spend on takeout and restaurant meals each week.

“I used to spend the same amount of money eating out,” he said. “I pay $150 a week, I get 10 meals. That’s about $15 a meal. You’ll spend more than that eating out four or five times a week. The price isn’t a factor for me. I know it’s what I need to do to stay healthy and stay fit.”

Lorrie also started exercising, taking long walks at least four times a week.

“I used to use the excuse, ‘I don’t have time,’ but it only takes 20 minutes a day,” Lorrie said. “I think most people can sacrifice 20 minutes a day if it means being healthy.”

Lorrie believes sharing his story and spreading the message of how easy it is to get healthy to friends, family and his community is critical.

“It’s just important to share the message with one another to stay as healthy and fit as we can,” he said. “We have to continue to encourage one another [and] partner with one another when it comes to these things.”

Lorrie’s success also propelled his giving spirit. He champions Diet-to-Go by sharing it with friends facing medical issues.

“One friend struggles with her A1-C levels too,” Lorrie said. “I said, ‘You can’t put a price on being healthy.’ I told her to get started today. I planted that seed because I’m just floored by how this turned out for me. I’m just happy.”

Do you have a success story to share? Email us at support@diettogo.com with “Success Story” in the subject line. We’ll give you free meals in return for sharing your photos and story! 

————————————————————————————

Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

If you’re tired of setting health or weight loss resolutions each year that don’t work for you, I’m sharing three tips for changing your goal setting strategy so that you actually can sustain your intentions this year.

Are you tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that you can’t keep?

Does it feel like the same old song and dance every January? You are super motivated starting January 1 and by the end of the month you’ve lost steam?

Do your resolutions sound something like:

“I’m going to lose 15 lbs by March.”

“I will workout at the gym every day for a month.”

“I’m going to cut out carbs.”

If so, you’re not alone! Our culture has completely normalized setting new year’s resolutions all around weight loss and extreme, unsustainable diet and exercise regimes.

Why don’t these types of resolutions work?

They’re rooted in all-or-nothing mentality. For example, working out every single day is the “all” in all-or-nothing mentality. Then what typically happens is you get so burnt out from going to the gym every single day that you stop and then you don’t go at all (switched to “nothing”).
They’re based in scarcity mindset. Cutting out all carbohydrates creates a scarcity mindset, which can actually backfire and make you feel out of control around carbs and result in you eating an amount that makes you feel uncomfortable or even sick.
They’re centered around trying to micromanage your body size. Weight is a complex science and is influenced by so much beyond just diet and exercise. When people set goals to lose weight, they typically have to resort to unhealthy or extreme behaviors that aren’t sustainable to see results. And then once they lose the weight, they start to go back to some of their old behaviors and patterns, and the weight comes back on. Enter the vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting and weight cycling.

How do we set health goals for the new year that are actually sustainable?

(this assumes you value health and want to set health goals but health is not a moral issue and you don’t have to value health to be worthy).

1. Change the language. Set intentions, not resolutions.

This may seem trivial but I believe that the language we use shapes how we feel and act. The definition of resolution is “a firm decision to do or not do something.” It feels more rigid and black-and-white to me – like if you set a resolution you either succeed or you fail and there’s no space in-between. How does that word feel to you? Does it bring up fear or pressure or does it make you feel excited and expansive?

The word intention feels much more flexible and fluid. An intention is an aim or a plan. You can set an intention or aim to do something and then change course if your circumstances change or you realizing something isn’t working for you. I believe in coming back to our intentions or goals every few months and checking-in with yourself. Is this intention still serving me? Is it still realistic and doable? If not, how could you tweak it to be more achievable or to serve you better?

I personally have enjoyed setting a word for the year to guide my choices and decisions rather than setting concrete goals. I view it as a theme or a larger intention.

When you change the language, you change your mindset, and when you change your mindset, you approach change with more flexibility and grace.

Resolutions set you up for shame. Intentions set you up for self-compassion. The latter is a motivating force; the former stalls progress.

2. Focus on health-promoting behaviors, not weight loss.

Weight is largely outside of our control. Sure, extreme behaviors can result in weight loss but those behaviors are not sustainable and it’s nearly impossible to maintain the weight loss. When you’re pursuing intentional weight loss, you’re working against your body’s natural set point (a range of 5-20 lbs. that your body is comfortable in and doesn’t fight against any subtle fluctuations in weight). When you work against your body’s set point or genetic blueprint, the weight it feels most comfortable at, you’re working against your own physiology, which is why it’s not sustainable, and you wind up putting the weight back on. Body diversity is real and we are not all meant to be the same size. Just as we’re not all meant to be the same height or shoe size, we’re not all meant to be the same weight. If you truly value health, consider that research shows it’s healthier to stay at a higher weight than it is to weight cycle (i.e. lose weight and put it back on, repeat).

Instead of focusing on weight which we can’t control, set intentions based on health-promoting behaviors that are actually within your control. You might not be able to control the number on the scale, but you can control adding a piece of fruit with your breakfast. Studies show that health markers improve with health-promoting behaviors even if there’s no change in weight.

What are some examples other health-promoting behaviors?

Getting an extra hour of sleep.
Walking to the store instead of taking the car.
Adding a vegetable to dinner.
Eating every few hours.
Wearing your seatbelt.
Drinking more water.
Setting aside 5 minutes most days to meditate.
Scheduling an appointment with a therapist.

These are all intentions and goals that are within your control (assuming you have access and financial privilege to do so). Instead of using the number on the scale as a metric for success, take note of your energy levels, your mood, how you feel physically, your sleep, stress levels, and your health markers (like blood pressure, cholesterol, A1C, etc.).

3. Focus on setting intentions with an abundance mindset.

Focusing on what we can’t do or what we can’t have puts us into a scarcity or deprivation mindset. Have you ever been in the room with a toddler and you tell them they can play with any toy in the room except that one thing that’s off-limits? Guess what they’re going to want to play with? The forbidden fruit! We’re wired the same way as adults.

If you tell yourself you can’t have bread or ice cream or pasta, guess what you’re going to be thinking about all. the. time? Rather than setting goals with a deprivation mindset, set intentions centered around abundance. What do you want to invite more of into your life?

This might look like adding more fruits and vegetables to your day vs. avoiding carbs. It might look like adding more whole grains to your week instead of cutting out white rice.

Also, ask yourself, what actually lights you up? What feels good to you physically, mentally, and spiritually? If you’re setting intentions around doing things you don’t really want to do but think that you should, it won’t be sustainable.

Let’s say you hate the gym but you feel like you have to get on the treadmill, you’re probably going to leave the gym not feeling that energized or inspired. What if you set an intention around a form of movement you actually enjoy, even if you don’t think it “counts,” like yoga or barre. If you pursue things you actually enjoy, you’re more likely to do them!

For More Tips on a Non-Diet New Year, check out my posts below:

10 Non-Diet New Year’s Resolutions

Are you on the hunger fullness diet?

The Last Supper Syndrome

The Beginner’s Guide to Intuitive Eating

How will you set goals or intentions this year? Tell me in the comments below! We’ll continue the conversation over on Instagram so be sure to follow me there if you’re not already! And if you want more support, make sure you’re subscribed to my email list so you never miss a newsletter!

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Do you feel like you have a challenging and frustrating relationship with food?

Well, Ann, one of our Mindful Nutrition Method™ students, found that she was feeling this exact way. She was very frustrated with food and had a bad relationship with food. She realized that she had issues with binge eating and overeating, which was really starting to impact her life.

She experienced issues of self-confidence, low self-worth, and stress that really took a toll on her emotions, which then impacted her eating habits.

The good news is she’s now aware, empowered, and present around food fully to where she is more conscious of her eating habits which he’s her from overeating or binging. The level of awareness she built using tools inside the Mindful Nutrition Method, gave her clarity to connect emotions and her food habits so she could take the actions she wanted — to stop overeating or emotional eating.

You’re not alone if you’re feeling this way about food too.

Watch this video to hear from Ann all about her full journey to cultivating a more present and positive relationship with food!

The Challenge: Disconnected & Emotional Eating

Ann shared that it was frustrating to have a bad relationship with food where overeating, binge eating, and emotional eating were present in her experience.

She realized that her emotions were guiding a lot of her food choices in addition to feeling low confidence and self-worth.

“Before joining the method, I was frustrated with food and I had a very bad relationship with food. 

I had issues with binge eating, so one thing the method has helped me with is understanding my personal and specific reasons why I would overeat and the connection between emotion and food.”

And Ann is not alone. Our food habits, such as binge eating and emotional eating, can come from so many other factors in our lives from the way we grew up, mindsets we’ve adopted over the years, diet culture, and just feeling disconnected from ourselves.

What Supported Ann To Stop Overeating

In order to get out of the diet cycle where emotional eating and overeating are present, you need to tap into your mindful muscle to start to be present around food. This then helps you discover a new relationship with food where you’re more connected to why certain actions take place.

This level of awareness and building the mindfulness muscle support all the choices you’re making around food. A balanced relationship like this allows you to tune into your body, feel confident in your own choices, and feel free from the stress of the scale. 

Here are a few tools Ann used to help her cultivate a more present and positive relationship with food!

1. Becoming More Mindful and Present with Her Emotions

One of the primary concepts we focus on the inside of the Mindful Nutrition Method™ is listening to our body and being present around food, this includes the thoughts and emotions we have around food. Students learn to tune into their bodies and trust the messages it’s sending so they can feel confident about the choices they make for themselves.

This helps eliminate that feeling of constantly being stressed about food or letting emotions lead the way.

Learning this skill allowed Ann to look at her emotions in a different way. She began checking in and reflecting on her emotions — when she felt stressed what food did she eat? Angry? etc.

She worked with her emotions instead of working against them.

“But to break it down into what happened this week and how did that affect your eating, my eating, I think, has been really helpful…I could really tune into those moments when I was highly stressed about that, and frustrated, and angry, and how that translated into what I was eating, or in some cases, very happily, I could say, “Okay.” I know that these feelings are here and that’s not… I don’t have to connect that to eating…”

The check-in practices we teach inside of MNM guide you to tune into your body and understand why you choose to make certain food decisions over others. They allow you to bring awareness to the patterns you have with your eating habits. You then learn how to best align your actions with what works best for you.

This inner knowing makes it much easier to make changes. You’re no longer following what someone else is telling you to do. Instead, you’re using your own self-awareness to feel confident in what allows you to feel your best.

2. Shifting Her Focus to Self-Compassion & Flexibility

Another shift Ann experienced while using the Mindfuul Nutrition Method, was releasing the negative self-talk or critical talk to herself when she made a food choice that she didn’t intend to.

“…I’ve learned a lot about not beating myself up about it. If I am stressed or angry and I do eat something that I didn’t intend to or was not as healthy as I would have liked, it’s okay. Just let it go, it happened and move on. And the next thing I eat can be healthier or I can re-evaluate that emotion.”

This took away the pressure and frustration around the food she was previously feeling.

This self-compassion showed up in her food choices too by freeing herself from the good vs. bad food mentality.

“…You can have a milkshake sometimes. That’s not a bad thing.” And even you can have a milkshake sometimes if you’re having a bad day, and that’s going to make you feel better. But I think being conscious of that. Maybe that’s really it, the mindset… I think, what’s really shifted is that I’m just more conscious of what I’m doing and more present when I’m cooking.”

“What’s really shifted is that I’m more conscious of what I’m doing and more present and that’s had such a positive impact to stop overeating.”

Learn The Practices Ann Used To Stop Being So Stressed About Food

This is such a beautiful transformation from Ann. We’re so grateful to have been a part of her journey in making all of this possible for her!

Now you can learn exactly how Ann, along with so many other students, experienced that transformation with their eating habits using our Mindful Nutrition Method™ by watching our free masterclass. 

You’ll learn about the #1 Habit That Keeps You Struggling With Your Weight and your Relationship With Food — And How To Break Free From The Diet And Food Obsession Starting Now. 

You don’t need to stress and obsess about food. There is a better way and yes it’s possible to cultivate a positive relationship with food! Join this free balanced eating masterclass to learn how.

Watch The Free Masterclass

Your favorite NuFace just got a major upgrade. Those looking for a lifted, snatched jawline, smooth under-eye area and contoured cheeks have a new device to try. The NuFace Trinity+ Smart Advanced Facial Toning Device System is an upgraded version of the original Trinity (which celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and Bella Hadid use), with even more power and an app to ensure you’re using it to its best ability. In fact, the new Trinity+ has 25 percent more thanks to a new “boost” button.

NuFace is FDA-cleared to target your skin and muscles, help blur fine lines and wrinkles and give your face a more lifted, contoured look over time. The Trinity+ has interchangeable microcurrent and LED Red Light attachments so you’re getting multiple treatments in one. The included Facial Trainer Attachment stimulates the larger areas of the face and neck, including those lines that are often called “tech neck.”

Add the Effective Lip & Eye Attachment to get the most precise microcurrent for the nasolabial folds and those “11s” in between brows. The Wrinkle Reducer Attachment is larger to fit the curves of the face and reduce overall wrinkles and boost circulation.

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It takes time to see results, which is why NuFace users sculpt their face every single day. It only takes a few minutes. Here’s how I use it: First, I wash my face with an oil-free cleanser. Then I apply a face serum or “activator,” like the Hydrating Aqua Gel Activator, which comes in this value set. I apply it with the included brush area by area as I treat my face. When done, I apply eye cream, moisturizer (like Firming + Brightening Silk Creme Activator included here!) and SPF.

You’re not going to see drastic changes right away. This isn’t plastic surgery. But it really works if you keep it up. The treatment also feels really, really nice. It’s like a much-needed spa day at home, a few minutes to yourself morning and night. You’ll start to notice an overall more lifted look and smoothed lines, especially on the neck and chin area. And be sure to use the complementary app to track your changes with selfies and get professional step-by-step tutorials tailored just for you.