The hardest part about losing weight is often the times when you’re eating out for dinner and you just don’t know how to make good food choices. Below are the best options for the most popular cuisines.  

Japanese

Japanese is an excellent option when dining out because they use such healthy cooking methods. Remember to be aware of hidden sugars and salts used in marinades, and avoid tempura foods, fried rice and noodles. Choose stir-fry dishes, steamed noodles, sushi with lean meats, fish, or avocado, or sashimi.

Italian

Although Italian tends to be less suitable for the dieter, there are still options available. Choose fresh salads with balsamic dressings, minestrone, tomato-based pastas (remember portion control), and thin-based pizzas with vegetable toppings. Avoid deli meats like salami and bacon, creamy sauces, cheesy dishes, and lasagnes. If you are tempted to indulge with dessert, avoid traditional rich Italian desserts, and go a small serve of gelati or sorbet instead.

Asian (Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian)

Believe it or not, you can still have a fairly guilt free experience when eating Asian cuisine, but it takes some will power. All fried foods must be avoided. This includes entrées such as spring rolls, dim dims, and prawn crackers, as well as deep fried mains and fried rice/noodles. If you aren’t sure whether a main is fried, don’t be afraid to ask. Mains based on satay style sauce or coconut creams should also be avoided.  Instead choose clear or noodle soups, braised, stir-fried, or steamed meals, and a wide variety of colourful vegetables.

Mexican

Mexican cuisine has a good variety of foods suitable for people who are watching their calorie intake, but you need to be aware of extras like cheese and sour cream which are commonly used in Mexican dishes. Good options include Gazpacho and salad, cerviche, chicken or beef fajitas, all grilled dishes, and salsa and picante sauces. Although guacamole is made from avocado, this should be limited due to it’s high fat and calorie content. Avoid chorizo, refried beans, quesadillas, chimichangas, and nachos.

Indian

Indian food is generally high in fat, and as such, should be eaten as a very occasional treat. As with other dining out options, always avoid fried or ‘crispy’ dishes and entrées. Steer clear of coconut creams, kormas, masalas, satays, naan bread, pappadums, and samosas. Instead choose healthier options such as Tandoori or Vindaloo dishes, yoghurt-based dishes, vegetable curries, steamed rice, or lentil soup. Always remember to be aware of portion control.

Check out ‘Betty’s Tips for Eating Out’ under Who is Betty? for more hints when eating out.

Our now very famous BB Superstar, Celise is married! After losing 22kg on the Betty Baxter program almost a year ago, Celise’s confidence improved dramatically and to top it all off her long term boyfriend proposed! She has since been madly preparing for the big day.

On the 20^th June, Celise married Tyson Cowie at the Glades Golf Club at Robina in Queensland.

‘The day was absolutely amazing – it rained on and off all morning, and then the clouds cleared and the sun came out so that we could have our ceremony outside as planned. We also managed to get all the family/friends shots outside before the rain came back – it then cleared again for us to be able to go out on the golf buggies and get some sunset shots. It was the best day ever!’

We think the permanent grin on Celise’s face tells it all!

Congratulations Celise! We wish you all the happiness in your newly married life.

So will we be hearing the pitter patter of little feet running around soon…..?

Each year Diabetes Australia celebrates National Diabetes Week. This is an initiative to raise awareness of the risk factors for diabetes type II and preventative measures that can be taken to avoid this condition. This year the event runs from the 12^th-18^th July 2009.

Did you know that the Betty Baxter program is appropriate for people with non medicated type II diabetes? The results of the program can even help patients gain better control of their condition (through effective weight management). Betty Baxter has seen many great success stories helping Diabetes patients gain better control of their condition. Check out Wendy’s story on the ‘BB Superstars’ page.

So how can Betty help non medicated diabetes type II patients?

-          BB recommends eating 5-6 times per day to stabilise blood sugar and stimulate metabolism.

-          BB limits fat to approximately 25-30% of your daily calorie intake, with the emphasis on good dietary fats including poly and monounsaturated fats, ensuring adequate essential fatty acid intake. Reducing total fat intake can aid weight management, which in turn helps you to manage blood glucose levels.

-          The BB program provides (on average) between 25-30g fibre per day. Adequate fibre can reduce the risk of developing diabetes due to it’s stabilising effect on blood sugar levels. It also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and digestion.

-          BB promotes regular exercise. Exercise not only aids weight management and reduces stress, but also improves insulin effectiveness in the body.

According to Diabetes Australia, type II diabetes can be prevented in up to 60% of people by maintaining a normal weight. 

For more information on Diabetes and Diabetes Week visit www.diabetesaustralia.com.au.

What is emotional eating?

Also known as comfort eating, it is a coping mechanism adopted by many people during times of emotional upheaval. When people experience emotions such as confusion, anxiety, sadness, or need to avoid thinking about a certain situation, they often turn to high calorie ‘comfort foods’. Eating these foods can boost your mood temporarily and distracts you from what’s really going on. Sounds good right?

The truth is, these foods leave you feeling more depleted in the long run and worsen the comfort eating cycle by leaving you wanting more when you become upset again. This cycle is a major cause of weight gain.

How can Betty Help?

Glucozone is a natural way to curb those cravings associated with emotional eating, and is now available on the Betty Baxter Online store or in selected pharmacies. Glucozone not only supports the nervous system during times of stress, but also aids blood sugar regulation. This comprehensive nutritional and herbal formula, is also a great way to improve cardiovascular health by balancing cholesterol levels.

The Goodhealth Glucozone capsules, available on the Betty Baxter online store, are low dose (only two capsules needed per day) and in blister packs for your convenience.

So next time you think about reaching for your comfort food, hop on the Betty Baxter online store to get your Glucozone capsules today.

One of our original BB Superstars turned BB Consultant in the small town of Tully, Clare Stone (otherwise known as Stoney), has become her own superstar over the last year. It’s been a year since she lost 36kg on Betty and her determined nature carries on. With even more weight still coming off today, below is her inspiring story of what she’s been up to since losing the weight.

Family Betty…

‘My son was asked to be a Page Boy at the local Debutante Ball and wow didn’t I jump at the chance to go. After losing 36kg, I finally had the chance to show off the new me. So many people didn’t even recognise me and it felt amazing. For the first time I wasn’t the one hiding in the corner and too ashamed to be noticed. I was the one shaking that booty on the dance floor!

Party Betty…
‘Then we had the Pharmacy Ball in October and the theme was red, white and black racing. Well again, the new me couldn’t resist the thought of just being the plain one there. So with the help of a great friend/dressmaker I wore the most amazing dress and won best dressed female!

Sports Betty…
‘Then there is swimming that I fit in my spare time…. what spare time! I’m aiming to swim at the World Masters Games later this year. Training five times a week in the pool and I also manage to fit in two bike sessions and also four weights sessions. It’s all about organisation… and a great family and coach. I’m aiming to swim 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley and the 400m individual medley. So I have my work cut out for me. But hey, I’ve already done the hardest work and that was loosing the weight that has haunted me for years.’

Clare, you are an inspiration to us all! Keep us updated on how you go in the Master Games!

On Tuesday 20^th January our amazing BB consultants from Rozanna’s Pharmacy in Mudgee organised a walk-through in their local Woolworths supermarket for 16 dedicated Betty Baxter members.

The world of nutrition can be confusing and often contradictory, so our Mudgee consultants decided to make it easier by teaching their members how to read a nutritional panel on various common food items as they perused the aisles.

Marie, Julie, and Leanne (our Mudgee rockstars) sweetened the deal even more for their customers by organising a lucky door prize for one fortunate participant. The winner (pictured) took home a Woolworth’s voucher and two weeks supply of BB sachets.

It’s great to see our consultants becoming so active in their local community and supporting their members. This small town pharmacy has created a storm.