Weight Loss Tips: We Posed 15 Questions to a Dietitian to Uncover the Real Truths

Dieting can be information overload. In fact, sometimes it can be downright confusing. But what if we could share with you real dietitian weight loss tips? 

We asked and the Mum Central community answered – with dozens of questions they wanted us to put to Jenny Craig’s Dietitian. So, here’s the inside ‘skinny’ you really wanted to know … real Dietitian weight loss tips.

So it’s time to put an end to the dieting myths, and get to the facts that matter. The answers will actually surprise you.

We’ve teamed up with Dietitian Laura Ford and asked her your most tricky questions, with a goal to debunk dieting myths and empower you with actual science-based facts. About what really works, not just what’s been handed down over time.

Read on and be the woman you want to be with clinical advice and genuine strategies that are achievable in real life. Even better, this is not doom and gloom stuff – her answers will actually surprise you.

There’s positive and practical tips about treats, booze and eating out.

Are you ready to make a change?

There’s nothing worse than looking in the mirror and not recognising the person looking back at you. Tired, worn out, dull-faced and feeling rounder-than-ever is all too common in #mumlife. Being busy, putting everyone first and grabbing whatever you eat on the run sees mums often looking (and feeling) physically and mentally … flat.

Sure your jeans might pull on with less of a struggle but with good nutrition, you can enjoy more energy, improved health, and maybe even better sleep.

So, stop lamenting your former glory days because there’s a whole new lifetime ahead. Do you want to spend it worrying your muffin top is showing? Sure you’re a mum but with some solid advice, practical tips and genuine strategies, if you want to, you can get back to feeling good about you.

Let’s start with talking carbs…

1.  Are all carbs bad for weight loss?

There are no good or bad foods when it comes to weight loss and healthy eating. Carbs are a key part of any healthy diet as they are the body’s preferred source of fuel and are an extremely useful source of energy. Carbs tend to have a bad reputation when it comes to weight loss, but they can most certainly be included in a weight loss program when eaten in the right portion. We don’t shy away from carbs on the Jenny Craig program as it’s important for our members to understand a balanced approach to eating and to learn that they can include carbs as part of a healthy diet.

2.  Low fat v low carb? Which is better for weight loss?

There is no single nutrient or food that causes weight gain or enhances weight loss on its own. Eating too much of any food, whether it’s high in carbohydrates, protein or fat can lead to weight gain. What does make a difference, however, is how sustainable the diet is over the long term. So, choose a meal plan that you can stick to, not just to lose weight, but also for the long term. Our menus provide a balanced approach with moderate carbohydrate, protein and fat in line with the Australian dietary guidelines.

Let’s talk hard truths about weight loss and dieting…

3.  I have yo-yo dieted for most of my life and struggle with my weight, what key advice would you give me?

For long term weight loss success, it is important to look for a program or meal plan that is sustainable so that you won’t simply lose weight but that you can keep it off by building new healthy habits. Watch out for unrealistic weight-loss claims and anything that cuts out whole food groups.  Our approach is to help build a healthy relationship with food with a meal plan that is realistic and enjoyable including all foods and balanced nutrition with the right portions. A diet that is too rigid often doesn’t last so we encourage a healthy approach to weight loss and eating six times a day. Also, finding the right support that will give you the tools to lose the weight but also the education you need to keep it off is equally as important as the foods you eat. It can also be helpful to learn more about your current diet mindset and your eating styles. Understanding your inner voice and motivations for eating can help identify possible solutions to whatever it might be that’s holding you back from a healthy lifestyle.

4.  My sister/girlfriends and I love to have a drink or three when we catch up on the weekend. How does alcohol affect weight loss? Is there a ‘skinny’ drink to have?

Drinking alcohol can make weight loss more difficult due to the high levels of kilojoules found in alcohol. When following the Jenny Craig program, we recommend avoiding alcohol for best results. However, we do understand that catching up with your loved ones is important. If you do like to enjoy a few drinks on occasion, while losing weight, your Consultant can help you with some strategies and recipe ideas for lower kilojoule, non-alcoholic drinks. A spirit with soda water and fresh lime is one good option if you’re choosing to drink but always try to alternate alcoholic drinks with water to help keep you hydrated.

Let’s talk diet nuts and bolts…

5. Whats better 3 meals a day, or smaller more regular meals?

This is a really common question and the answer lies in how you structure your day and the types of foods you choose. The best meal plan is the one that fits into your routine. By making a meal plan fit your lifestyle instead of trying to change your lifestyle to fit your plan, you’ll be able to maintain the plan in the long term. Our meal plans include 3 meals and 3 snacks and many of our members really enjoy being able to eat snacks while losing weight. Healthy snacks can help keep your energy levels high and stop you from getting too hungry between meals. However, some of our members choose to enjoy their snacks with their main meals. That’s the beauty of our meal plans, they are flexible and can be tailored to suit your lifestyle.

6. Does when you eat impact your weight? I get home from work late and sometimes don’t eat until after 8pm, could this affect my weight?

When you eat, as well as what and how much you eat is important for weight loss. If you leave a large gap between lunch and dinner, you could be over hungry when you get home and may then overeat without realising it. Also, your metabolism isn’t a constant throughout the day and eating too late may be working against you. Research shows that your metabolism runs on a predictable curve, it ramps up in the morning ahead of your day when your body will be active. It then gently tapers off towards the evening in preparation for rest and sleep. Balancing the time you nourish your body and allowing it to rejuvenate overnight will leverage your natural circadian rhythm which may help with weight loss. It’s also helpful not to eat too late into the night as it can interrupt your sleep.

Let’s talk about challenges. You know, the diet versus real life…

7. I like to go out for dinner once a month. Is there a way I can still enjoy the occasional night out while still staying on track with my weight loss?

Absolutely! We take a holistic approach to weight loss and understand that life is for living and one of life’s greatest pleasures is dining out with family and friends. The good news is, you can enjoy eating out while staying on track with your weight loss and healthy eating goals. Our Consultants provide support to our members to help them with strategies to enjoy a night out successfully while on the program. While strategies will be tailored specifically for you, some general strategies may include food swaps, asking for slight changes to menu items and which types of cuisine to choose.

8. What are the best fats to use when cooking (for health and your weight)?

It’s important to include some mono and polyunsaturated fats in your diet for their health benefits and these include fats from nuts, seeds, olives, fatty fish and avocado. When it comes to cooking with oils, it’s important to find one that is stable at high temperatures. Oils that are high in antioxidants and mono-unsaturated fat are more stable when heated during cooking. This is why I prefer to cook with Australian extra virgin olive oil as it is a higher quality oil that contains antioxidants.

9. What do I eat when I’m not out? What’s a good option to pick up at the supermarket or food court?

It really depends on personal taste, but a basic framework would be to try to find options that are loaded with non-starchy veggies, some lean meat or protein (like chicken or tofu) and some carbs (preferably wholegrain). If you have time to pop into the supermarket, there are plenty of pre-marinated meats and pre-cut and washed salad mixes to make cooking and meal prep easier. A super simple idea that is often my fallback is barbecued chicken, steamed veggies and microwaved rice when I can’t be bothered cooking. In a food court, something like rice paper rolls can be a great filling option or even something as simple as a salad sandwich or wrap. Our members really enjoy the convenience of the Jenny Craig meals while losing weight. Just pop in the microwave, add some veggies for a quick and tasty meal that’s nutritious too.

Let’s specifically talk Jenny Craig… 

10.  I’m concerned about eating pre-prepared meals. I’ve tried supermarket, pre-packed low-calorie meals and don’t like the flavour or quality. How does Jenny Craig differ?

Our philosophy is to create your favourite foods, just in the right portions and full of nutrition. We work closely with our members to really understand their needs for great taste and convenience. Our meals are designed with chefs and our team of Dietitians working together to achieve a unique, high-quality range of products that rate very highly with our members.  We regularly introduce new menu items in response to our members feedback and have over 70 different meal options to choose from. This helps provide variety and our menus can be tailored to suit your individual tastes and your lifestyle.

11. I am vegan and allergic to dairy. Can I still use Jenny Craig?

For people with allergies, intolerance and dietary preferences, our Consultants will be able to walk you through the menu to see if it can be modified to meet your needs. However, we are unfortunately unable to offer a vegan or dairy-free menu at this point in time. If you need weight management advice and support, we recommend you reach out to an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

12. I’m a shift worker with a shift worker body clock, will Jenny Craig work for me? When do I eat?

Yes of course – Jenny Craig can work for you as a shift worker. It’s about finding the right balance that suits your working schedule to help you fit all your foods in. As shift work can vary, it’s hard to be specific around when you personally need to eat, but your Consultant will give you all the tools you need to follow the program to suit your schedule.

13. My hubby wants to lose a few pregnancy kgs too (too many late-night Mint Slice biscuits!) Can men do Jenny Craig?

So wonderful to hear that your hubby wants to support you during your weight loss journey (Mint Slice is also my personal fave). Men most certainly can do the Jenny Craig program! We often find that couples who join the program have a great success rate as they get so much motivation and support from each other. Our men on the program are also kept happy with plenty of hearty meals like the Beef Pie and Chicken Parmigiana – so he’ll be sure to love the program too.

14. I often forget to eat or are too busy to stop and eat and I think my metabolism is slower than my crawler, will I put on weight eating three Jenny Craig meals a day?

We often hear that mums are too busy to find time to eat so you’re not alone there! A lot of members come to us feeling like they’re undereating, but it’s important to know that undereating or not eating regularly are key reasons why the body’s metabolism can slow down. Your body is a very clever thing and the metabolism can naturally slow down if it isn’t getting the nutrients it needs. The good news though, is that eating regularly and eating enough will help to get your metabolism firing again. In fact, most of our members often comment that they’re surprised at how much food they can eat while losing weight.

15. Are there any treats on Jenny Craig?

Yes! We have plenty of treats on the Jenny Craig program and lots of yummy comfort foods too. My favourite treats are the Cheesy Popcorn and the Salted Caramel Nut Bar. All are perfectly portioned, and you can check out all our delicious treats here.

So what are you waiting for? Are you inspired by Jenny Craig’s Dietitian’s weight loss tips? We are!

And if you’re looking for a little more motivation to keep that good, new-you mojo flowing, check out the inspiring tale of Brooke who made it happen for herself with Jenny Craig.

This is a sponsored post for Jenny Craig