“You want to eat healthier but your family wants their old favorites. Here's how to comfort them.”

Comfort foods don't have to be banished from your menu - at least not completely. You may not eat them quite as often, however, when the family is clamoring for their old favorites, you can take it on as a challenge. Be creative by making swaps they may not even notice. Try low-fat cheeses in lasagna, reduce the amount of butter in mac-n-cheese, replace some of the fat in cakes with applesauce, and use olive oil instead of butter for hash browns. Even eliminating a few calories, saturated fat, or excess carbs can make a difference in your waistline without altering the taste of family faves.

“You've been making small but steady strides with your program but your friend is losing weight faster. Here's how to run your own race.”

Before you change your health and fitness plan for one that promises faster or easier results there are few things you need to evaluate. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wise and realistic. Research the truth, not just what those trying to sell it are saying. If a friend is on a new diet and seems to be succeeding, find out the whole story. Make sure the program is one YOU can stick with. If your friend is okay drinking meal replacement shakes for lunch but you typically eat out with colleagues, that's probably not going to work for you. Pick a plan that fits YOUR needs.

Dr. Huynh's phone number is 416-782-2616 he is very pleasant, speaks English fluently so don't let his name fool you. I had surgery August 3, 2012 after being on liquid diet for five weeks. Since June 30 2012 I've lost 191 pounds so far. I now weigh 268.6 and I'm feeling a lot lighter. More aches and pains now than before weight loss but that's normal because of the rapid weight loss.

“You feel really motivated and you're excited about all the possibilities. Here's how to cash in before you cash out.”

We all know that, like money, motivation comes and motivation goes. Embarking on something new, learning about something exciting, and realizing that things are possible for you is exciting. While all that excitement is empowering, unless you take the reigns and giddy-up your motivation could be all for nothing. Take motivation as a kick in the pants and "do" instead of simply dream, plan, or reflect. Once you get some work under your belt, you're far more likely to continue as results of motivation breed future motivation.

I am over an a year out after my Mini.  About 2-3 months after I began having problems getting nauseous after drinking milk, eating yogurt and eating a protein bar. So I thought I would try Soy Milk and Almond Milk, same thing. Now I can eat cottage cheese and other cheeses just fine. Oh, and no cream cheese based recipes! I really like protein smoothies but I can't. Is there a certain protein that I am having a problem digesting? Any ideas?