How To Keep The Weight Off As A Busy Mom With Joanna Wen
How many times have you heard that fresh food is better than frozen food? Today's guest, Joanna Wen, a weight loss coach specializing in helping busy moms achieve sustainable weight loss, challenges this common belief. Joanna shares her unique approach to loving food while shedding pounds without deprivation. In this episode, we delve into some key takeaways from Joanna's insights on sweet cravings, distinguishing emotional hunger from physical hunger, and the benefits of transitioning towards whole foods.
Quenching Sweet Cravings: Three Foods to the Rescue
1. Cinnamon: Cinnamon, a familiar spice in our kitchens, does more than add flavor. Joanna highlights its ability to control blood sugar levels, prevent insulin spikes, and induce a feeling of fullness. Beyond its role in satisfying sweet cravings, cinnamon has been known to treat anxiety and depression, providing an additional mood boost.
2. Peppermint: Research shows that peppermint can lower cortisol levels, acting as a natural stress reliever and appetite suppressant. Whether ingested, inhaled, or used in aromatherapy, peppermint can reduce sweet cravings and overall appetite.
3. Mix Bitter with Sweet: Joanna introduces the concept of pairing bitter foods with sweet snacks, a practice rooted in her Asian culture. Bitter foods, scientifically proven to regulate blood sugar levels and shut down sugar receptors in the brain, include citrus fruits, dark chocolate, and vegetables like broccoli and kale.
Understanding Hunger and Weight Loss
1. Emotional vs. Physical Hunger: Joanna discusses the key differences between emotional and physical hunger. Craving specific unhealthy foods, quick and strong hunger sensations, and feelings of guilt after eating are indicators of emotional hunger. In contrast, physical hunger is gradual, leaving one feeling satisfied, nourished, and energized.
2. Importance of Food over Exercise: Contrary to popular belief, Joanna emphasizes the significance of food over exercise in weight loss. The body's natural ability to heal and optimize functions is hindered by processed foods, disrupting hormonal signals. Prioritizing whole foods aids the body in restoring itself and shedding excess weight.
Transitioning to Whole Foods in a Busy Lifestyle
Joanna shares practical tips for incorporating whole foods into a hectic schedule:
1. Reduce Prep Time: Opt for frozen vegetables and pre-mixed spices to cut down on hands-on preparation time. The use of sauces and cooking everything in the oven or air fryer minimizes effort while maximizing flavor.
2. Plan Ahead: Efficiency is key. Plan meals in advance, batch cook, and freeze portions for future use. This not only streamlines the cooking process but also reduces waste.
3. Frozen Food: Joanna dispels the myth that frozen food is inferior. Frozen fruits and vegetables often retain more nutritional value, frozen at the peak of freshness.
Conclusion:
Joanna Wen's holistic approach to weight loss challenges conventional wisdom, offering practical insights for busy individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle. Anyone can achieve sustainable weight loss without sacrificing taste or time by embracing whole foods, understanding hunger signals, and efficient meal planning. It's time to reevaluate our beliefs about fresh and frozen foods and make informed choices for a healthier future.
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Connect with Joanna Wen
Website: https://www.spicesandgreens.com/
Instagram: spicesandgreens
Connect with Chelsey Newymyer
Website: https://chelseynewmyer.com/
Instagram: @chelseyncoaching
