Majority of Americans fail at keeping their New Years resolutions to lose weight and get in shape

Dec 30 2009

Nutritionist Judy Pentra, of Patients Medical, a multi-specialty wellness center in New York, warns that the New Year can be a vulnerable time for people trying to lose weight and get in shape. The average person can gain 2-5 pounds during the holidays and many resolve to lose the weight in January, however, 70 percent of Americans fail at keeping their New Years resolutions.

"One of the biggest problems for busy executives trying to get in shape in the New Year is eating the majority of their meals outside of the home," warns Pentra. "You can easily consume more than 3,000 calories per day as a result of eating meals away from home without realizing you are making unhealthy choices."

The traditional "Manhattan Diet" consists of food that is mostly purchased on the go, which are packed with hidden calories. Even an egg white omelet, sushi and a protein bar, which most people consider healthy options, can cause weight gain rather than weight loss.

"Think foods like soft boiled eggs, sprouted grain bread and almond butter for breakfast, steamed veggies with a lean protein and miso soup for lunch, grilled fish and veggies for dinner and fruit, nuts, Greek yogurt and hummus for snacks," Pentra added.

At Patients Medical, Judy Pentra is nutritionist and a board certified holistic health counselor by the AADP (American Association of Drugless Practitioners) and Columbia University Teachers College. She has an MBA, a BS in Nutrition, and is a Certified Personal Trainer by the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). Judy Pentra specializes in wellness, nutrition and fitness coaching. Her mission is to provide customized, comprehensive programs, focusing on healthy eating and lifestyle changes, supporting long term health and disease prevention. She believes in leveraging the synergy of good, fitness and lifestyle choices to promote sustainable compelling results. She believes this integration is the key catalyst in promoting balance in all aspects of life and improving over all wellness.