Is it really any wonder that diets don’t usually work? Don’t eat this, eat more of this, don’t eat at this time, always eat at this time, write down what you eat, count your carbs, keep track of your calories…honestly, what person could or would want to keep up a system like that forever?
That’s why I was intrigued when I heard about the Swap & Drop Diet from Best Health magazine. Created to give Canadians a sensible plan for living better and feeling great, it sounded like a diet that could actually be maintained. I received a copy of the book so that I could see for myself what it was like.
The Swap & Drop Diet approaches healthy eating with a great week-by-week plan that lets women ease into a healthier lifestyle. I really appreciated the way that the diet introduced a new challenge to focus on each week. From eating breakfast every day to mastering some simple stress relief techniques, the goals were simple and effective tools to overall better health.
I also loved the portion check section of the book. Canadians tend to consume huge portions at meals and having a visual guide right in the book to show me what a proper portion of meat, fruit, vegetables and grain products really was helped me understand proper portions much better. Did you know one serving of spaghettini should have the diameter of a dime when uncooked and held in a bunch?
The book is packed with fun and interesting facts as well. I learned that a diet with moderate fat is more effective than a low-fat diet and that dairy products help promote weight loss. I also liked the quizzes that covered topics including how diet-friendly my kitchen was and what triggered my desire to eat.
I must say that there were some suggestions for meals and substitutes that I didn’t agree with. I am a big believer in real food and so substituting non-hydrogenated margarine for butter or artificial sweetener for sugar is not something that I’ll personally ever do. But the book itself points out that even fad diets usually have some great fact-based information or tips to help you reach optimal health and overall, the Swap & Drop Diet is the most sensible and well-balanced diet plan I’ve ever come across. Since it offers so many alternatives and choices at every stage, picking and choosing to make it work for you is simple.
The book is rounded out with a 12-week walking plan to ensure maximum fat burning and adequate exercise and an incredibly handy Dining Out section that provides appropriate meal choices for Canada’s most popular restaurants including Boston Pizza, The Keg and even McDonald’s! I try to make most of my family’s meals whenever possible but I was excited to learn about which options were the healthiest choices for my family on those occasions when we do eat out!
Overall, the Swap & Drop Diet isn’t really a diet at all. It’s a gradual adjustment to your way of life that will let you continue to enjoy all the foods you love in moderation as you add other healthy foods and habits to your day. No food is off-limits and the included recipes are absolutely scrumptious! Who wouldn’t want to be able to have pancakes for breakfast, crab cakes for lunch, a steak for dinner and still lose weight?
The good people at Best Health want you to have the chance to start your new healthy lifestyle, so they are very generously offering one lucky reader their own copy of the Swap & Drop Diet book, a $30 value! To enter to win, just leave a blog comment with an easy tip for living a healthier life.
If you’ve been trying to live a healthier lifestyle or if you’ve been disappointed by the results of a fad diet, why not give the Swap & Drop Diet a try? The book retails for $29.95 and includes four issues of Best Health magazine, a $19.95 value! Check it out for yourself and learn how you can lose weight, gain energy and improve your overall wellness with small lifestyle switches that make a big difference over time!
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eating fresh fruit & veggies, lots of water and staying active., doing anything,,
Go for a walk everyday – simple to do, free and will make you feel great
Write down what you eat. It keeps you accountable.
Sounds like a great book. I never heard of this one before. Thanks for the chance to enter
quit smoking – my newest conquest (so proud of myself)
ontariohappychick at gmail dot com
Good for you, Denise! I quit three years ago and it was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. Celebrate being a non-smoker every day; you deserve to be proud every time you think of it!
Swap your sugary beverages for water
Always carry your water bottle and keep your gym bag in your car.
drink lots of water,
Drink losts of water
I try to drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruit and veggies
I (try to) always have washer and chopped veg and fruit available in the fridge. I’m usually feeling lazy when I go for the fridge so having them already prepared helps me reach for them. Plus I usually don’t buy cookies, pop or chips when I’m grocery shopping so that I don’t have that temptation.
Eat lots of lemons. It prevents cancer.
Be active everyday. eat more fruits and veggies and drinks lots of water.
Drink more water instead of juices
Lots of water and lots of healthy veggies
I’m all about real food too and avoiding wheat as much as possible. Would love to try this book!
walk whenever possible
Drink more water!
Go outside with your kids and play as much as you can!
plan your meals in advance
drink plent of water
Do some form of exercise everyday. And eat fruits and vegetables.
Healthy choices, moderation, and exercise! No need to do anything in excess….smart choices that’s what I always tell my kids
Looking at the nutritional information will help you keep and make healthy choices.
Watch your portion sizes!
I try and eat breakfast every morning. Usually plain/organic yoghurt with fresh berries and bran buds.
water—drink it,
walk in it (saves joints),
play and exercise in it (lots of resistance)
do your groceries on a full stomach and stick to the outside edges of the store to avoid buying junk food. try to get out for a walk each day even if it is just around the block. Once you start into this routine you couldn’t imagine not going each day.
drink plenty of water
grab an apple when you get hungry. It usually takes the edge off your hunger and it’s got fibre and water and crunch so it helps you feel fuller.
i play soccer twice a week
Drink lots of water, exercise daily, eat smaller meals more frequently
August 7-If you can eat lots of green and yellow vegetables every day, you will probably lose weight and be healthier too. They may be cooked or raw, without fatty dressings.-el03ro
drink plenty of water Get a good night’s sleep.
Also, do not eat anything for two hours before bed.
Helps you sleep better. Eat fruit and raw vegs.
Play badminton every week and sleep early every day.
Don’t buy crap + keep it in your house thinking you won’t eat it, if your a junkfood craver, lol
looks good
Get enough sleep!
Cheers.
Portion control. You can eat everything you want but in moderation.
I never eat a sweet treat unless I’ve recently finished a meal.
Start with drinking more water.
Enjoy every moment and remember to take care of yourself as well. De-stress.
Get a pet … they’re great for company, excellent therapy for depression, reduce your blood pressure, boost your immune system, and that’s even before the benefits of active play or, as in the case of dogs, taking them for walks.
Eliminate pop, including diet.
if you have a sweet tooth ..*like me* then instead of grabbing a chocolate bar or a bag of candy grab some strawberries or a banana cause the natural sugars will quench your sweet tooth! and its soo much healthier!