Dear Alice,
I am almost perfect on the plan but I haven’t lost weight in a month. I do sometimes nibble on my kids’ dinner, have a few extra nuts, and I have a bit extra challah every Shabbos, but other than that I am nearly perfect. Can these small extras really halt my weight loss? I am back to my pre-corona routine so I don’t believe that this plateau is due to sleep, stress, or schedule changes.
Signed,
Feeling Stuck
Dear Stuck,
Let’s talk science for a moment. It takes a cut of 3500 calories to lose a pound. Therefore, if one cuts 500 calories per day, they will lose a pound a week. The reverse is also true. Let’s discuss the little extras that you’re having every day and attach some approximate calorie counts to those extras:
½ cup of pasta with cheese (a few large spoonfuls) - 200 calories
¼ cup farfel with 1 tablespoon of oil - 225 calories
15 glazed almonds - 175 calories
1 slice extra challah – 150-200 calories per slice
1 tablespoon extra dip - 100 calories
As you see, it is extremely easy to eat an extra 500 calories a day mindlessly while still feeling “on track”! So be careful with those little nibbles and extras and see if your weight loss continues. If, after making sure not to add in small extras here and there, you are still not losing weight, it may be time to readjust your plan.
Best,
Alice
Alice Harrosh is a Nutrition Counselor and Manager at Nutrition by Tanya, with 14 locations, including one on Main street in Queens! Alice knows that making healthy choices is not always easy, as she has been through the struggle herself. As an optimistic person, Alice’s favorite quote is: “It’s never too late to start eating better. If you have a bad morning, make it a better afternoon.” For more information on Nutrition by Tanya or the TAP (Tanya approved products) food line, please visit www.nutritionbytanya.com or call 844-Tanya-Diet (844-826-9234). For daily tips and inspiration, you may follow @nutritionbytanya on Instagram. Our beautiful and healthy new cookbook, Cooking with Tanya, is now available in Judaica stores or through the Menucha Publishing website.