Ingredients:

1 Portobello Mushroom, stem removed

1-2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste

½ cup lowfat shredded mozzarella cheese

1-2 ounces turkey pepperoni (optional)

1 clove of garlic, chopped or smashed

Optional toppings: sliced onion, green or red pepper

Cooking Instructions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Wipe mushroom gently with clean towel

Spray both with olive oil placing on aluminum foil lined baking sheet

Bake 12-20 minutes, until fork tender, turning once half way during the cooking time

Increase heat to broil

Turn mushrooms to concave side add tomato paste, cheese, and other toppings

Place under broil for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Counts as 3-4 oz of Protein and 1-2 Servings of vegetables

1 head of Cauliflower

1-2 Tablespoons butter

¼ cup shredded cheese

¼ cup sour cream

1-2 green onions, chopped

1-2 cloves of garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Cook Cauliflower in water with a little salt and pepper in microwave or stove top.

Bring to boil and until cauliflower is soft but not mushy

Drain completely, placing a dish towel over Cauliflower so it remains warm

Using a hand smasher for rustic Cauliflower or a food processor for smooth Cauliflower, blend until preferred consistency.

Top with chopped onions

Serve warm

Measure cauliflower in scale for vegetable exchange

Since the 1950s,  the United States has been obsessed with finding the “ideal” non-caloric sweetener.  Call it capitalism or call it a bad habit… or call it a practical step toward a more healthful alternative to a long-time favorite of humans across the globe: sugar!

Aspartame is the most notorious artificial food additive, and its approval for use in food is the most contested in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) history. Aspartame was approved in 1980 not on scientific grounds, but rather on strong political and financial pressure –and it has been quietly wreaking havoc on our health ever since. Marketed and sold under NutraSweet, Canderel, Equal, Sugar Twin and now AminoSweet, Aspartame is 600 times sweeter than refined table sugar and is in more than 6,000 foods such as soft drinks, chewing gum, table-top sweeteners, diet or diabetic foods, breakfast cereals, jams, sweets, vitamins, prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. More reports have been made to the FDA regarding reactions to Aspartame than all other food additives combined. Symptoms fall into a wide variety and can mimic many neurological problems including: headaches, memory loss, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, lupus, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, depression, mood disorders and panic orders..

Sucralose, marketed as Splenda and approved in 1999 as a general-purpose sweetener,  is most known for its claim to be made from sugar. Also 600 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar),  Splenda is currently found in over 4, 500 products and foods. Because Splenda can be used for cooking and baking, it is one the most popular and highly consumed of the artificial sweeteners.  The most popular myth regarding sucralose is that it is like sugar. Regardless of deceptive marketing efforts, there is nothing natural about this product! According to the book Sweet Deception,  sucralose is made when sugar is treated with several different chlorine components — including methanol, 4 methlymorpholine (used to make materials such as cardboard) and numerous other unnatural elements. This makes it unlike anything found in nature. Chlorine is a known carcinogen and has been used in poisonous gas, disinfectants and pesticides. The limited number of studies and in particular, lack of long-term studies on sucralose means we are left to learn as we go along. Sucralose is also known to interact with other pharmaceutical agents such as Coumadin, cardiac medications, hormones, insulin and others.

In 2008, the most recent newcomer to the sweetener market is Truvia, the brand name of a product derived from the stevia plant. This plant-based sweetener is made from rebiana, a purified, isolated extract of the stevia leaf.  It comes from South America and is generally considered safe by the FDA. However, rebiana is produced by using stringent alcohols and chemicals, making it a chemically derived product. Less than 1% of rebiana is in Truvia. The other 99.1% is eyrthritol, which is really  sugar alcohol. Stevia has not been approved as a food ingredient by the United States. Although studies indicate that this substance is safely metabolized and excreted — and that it doesn’t raise blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes — the jury is still out. There are extremely limited studies completed with any duration, (outside the company who owns Truvia, the Cargill Corporation). We also don’t know how well this product will be tolerated by people with immune disorders and other medicinal treatments.

Some critics contend that most stevia crops are grown in China under non-organic or potentially unsafe conditions. At this time, stevia that is thought to be safe is the liquid extract form or by using the actual plant itself. Again, however, long term data regarding safety is not available.

Lurking in the background of all of this, we have been bombarded with the “super sugar”, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). For decades economic and governmental forces have strongly subsidized corn production, and recent attempts have been made to masquerade HFCS as “corn sugar”. While HFCS may be a natural sweetener, this potentially addictive substance bypasses the normal controls on appetite. It does not stimulate insulin and the subsequent secretion of additional hormones which conveys a sense of fullness; consequently, we are now eating more and more. It is no wonder that the obesity epidemic parallels the increased consumption of high fructose corn syrup over the past 20 years. Look at grocery store shelves and you will find an alarming number of products with HCFS such as yogurt, bread, granola bars, chocolate, most soft drinks and milk. HCFS is widely used in the fast food industry in everything from bread to all meat dishes.

What isn’t widely known about sugar substitutes is that most low-calorie foods and drinks can actually lead to weight gain. Researchers discovered drinking diet soda increases your risk of metabolic syndrome, possibly doubling your risk of obesity! The truth is diet food and drinks actually damage your body’s ability to count calories, and, in fact, stimulate your appetite and heighten your inclination to eat more! I have personally witnessed a patient who lost 6 pounds alone when he stopped drinking diet sodas.

For patients at Lifetime Weight Solutions, artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes are issues addressed in our program on an individual basis.  Currently, we recommend that patients simply drink flavored water instead of diet soda, or use naturally sweetened foods such as honey in your tea. Molasses, cinammon or blueberries in your oatmeal are also good ways to cut down on sugar and artificial sweeteners. Be certain to read labels carefully, as products giving the impression that they contain no sugar may actually contain artificial sweeteners. Being an educated weight loss and wellness-oriented patient today means enjoying the benefits of better decision making for a lifetime.

For more information on the Lifetime Weight Solution program, please call 407-297-3626 and ask for the Program Coordinator.

The path to weight loss and overall wellness is vastly misunderstood, and chronic inflammation is generally the culprit. Did you know that nearly every aspect of your health, whether mental and physical, is controlled by your hormones? Hormones and insulin impact almost every aspect of your life and have a direct relationship to inflammation. You will enjoy better health, greater longevity, reduced symptoms of chronic disease, improved emotional control and improved physical performance once this primary element of inflammation is minimized.

Everyone knows that a sore throat, rash, cut or sprained ankle means inflammation. Redness, swelling or pain is inflammation that can be considered “good” because they are part of your body’s defense to infections and trauma. The trouble occurs when your defense system is out of control and begins to wage war on your body. Inflammation can run rampant in your body and is at the root of chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, arthritis and cancer. You may feel healthy — but if the inflammation runs unchecked — you are at risk of developing a chronic condition. By the time you notice your symptoms, the cells have already been inflamed for quite some time.

When it comes to controlling and minimizing chronic inflammation, it’s critical to recognize that inflammation and diet go hand-in-hand. It’s usually not your diet that causes weight gain or inflammation, it’s the kind of foods you eat and what’s contained in those foods. A leading cause of inflammation occurs when there is a rapid rise in blood sugar, causing biochemical changes in your cells. Strictly limiting sugar, processed foods and simple carbs, which rapidly convert to sugar, is one of the quickest ways to decrease inflammation. Proper nutrition consisting of whole foods exceeds conventional medicine when it comes to preventing inflammation. As physicians, we can treat inflammation with aspirin, or non-steroidal medications; but patients need to consider their food as medicine! This is a truly revolutionary concept and one that goes above the way most people look at their food. Lifetime Weight Solutions offers individual instruction on just what foods are the best weapons in your personal arsenal to minimize inflammation and, in turn, lose weight.

At Lifetime Weight Solutions, the other more powerful, essential supplements we encourage all of our patients to use is high quality, fish oil. Most omega-6 oils (found in margarine and corn and safflower oils), are inflammation producing substances. In contrast, omega-3 fats (found in wild salmon, mackerel, and anchovies) have inflammation suppressing effects.

Of course, regular exercise, which can mean as little as 20 minutes a day, most days of the week, improves immune function and aids weight loss. However, this does not mean strenuous exercise; not all exercise is good for you.  The right exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, improves mood and can prevent insulin resistance.

How long can it take to begin a revolution to better health and substantial weight loss? In as little as thirty days or less.  By eating the proper foods and with the proper guidance, you can change your blood chemistry and fit better in your clothing. At Lifetime Weight Solutions, our staff provides the science and guidance to teach and empower you to achieve weight loss and improved health — not just today or tomorrow but for a lifetime.  For further information on Lifetime Weight Solutions, or to make an appointment please call 407-290-2727 or visit us at www.liftimeweightsolutions.com.

A weight loss journey

by Rob S.

Losing weight might be easy for some, but it wasn’t for me.  I had intermittent bouts where I became determined to lose weight and in some rare cases, would do it.  I would lose 20 or even 30 pounds, but there were two problems:  the weight loss wasn’t enough and I always seemed to gain it back.  I had reached a point in my life where I was starting to accept being overweight as a symptom of age.  It made for a major self disappointment.

In September of 2010, I was introduced to Dr. Meyers’ weight loss clinic.  For some reason, I knew their plan would work.  Perhaps it’s because I’ve always had a focus on being fit, the science behind the diet made perfect sense.  It helped me understand why, despite my best attempts, I could only lose a few pounds and always seem to gain them back.  With my new found knowledge, I went into the diet as a solider goes into war.

The diet lasted 5 months and because I started in September, I had to go through the Holidays in diet mode.  Because of Dr. Meyer’s staff, I never lost step in the program.  I eased through the Holidays without deviation.  The average weekly weight loss continued at 3-5 pounds per week.

By February 7, 2011, I had lost 80 pounds.  The decision to move from diet to lifestyle had been made.  I was quite nervous at this point; after all, this is the point where I always gained my weight back.  For the first time ever, I can happily share the weight has stayed off.

On June 14, I turn the big 4-0.  I’m proud to say that I have NEVER looked like this.  I look better now than when I was 25!  More importantly than my appearance is my health:  I came into the diet with blood pressure of 150/110.  Today it’s 115/75.  The heart palpitations I used to have are gone.  The asthma I supposedly had is gone.  Advair disks?  There a thing of the past.  The pain in my knees from walking is history.  Today, I run 3 miles a day with no pain, no heavy breathing and no discomfort.

In conclusion, this wasn’t a diet.  This was a path to saving my life.  I am very grateful to the staff at Dr. Meyer’s office.  It was, without question, the best decision I’ve ever made.

What has Lifetime Weight Solutions done for me?

by Leslie S.

I achieved my first big milestone with Lifetime Weight Solutions a few weeks ago -which was to be half way to my weight loss goal by my birthday! Lifetime Weight Solutions promotes the program as: Wellness Through Weight Loss and this is so true, so real and so much more. The program has become my way of life and is really very simple. Lean protein, fresh vegetables, fruit, water, water and yes, more water. That is why this it is such a unique and awesome program. Because it is easy to explain and it is even easier to do. For me, doing the Lifetime Weight Solutions program has meant getting my health back. I have more energy for my hectic days and nights as I am a busy girl bowling, playing volleyball and more! I have self confidence in my appearance and people do notice and let me know that they see the difference in my clothing and my attitude. I am now wearing clothes that have been forgotten in my closet for quite some time!

I made the wise decision to become engaged in improving my health several months ago when I joined the Lifetime Weight Solutions program ago and I have not looked back. Thank you Dr. Meyer, and Christy for all your support. Being involved with a caring and supportive medical staff who are also terrific and compassionate people, sharing their knowledge and their past experiences, goes way beyond what it has done for me personally, IN ANY OTHER PROGRAM!

by Mike N.

In January of 2011 I started the Lifetime Weight Solutions program. Within 3 months I reached my targeted weight loss of fifty (50) pounds. But my story starts here!

Prior to my weight loss, I struggled with sleep apnea for a number of years, wearing the uncomfortable mask at night. Traveling frequently for business, I had to drag another piece of equipment with me. After dropping the initial fifty pounds I tried sleeping without my apnea equipment. To date, haven’t used it since!  More positive changes in my life as a result of the program and learning to eat healthy was realizing I could take advantage of a simple exercise program and lose yet another twenty (20) pounds! Feeling better, being healthier and doing more physical activities, really changed my self esteem more than I could have ever imagined!

The Lifetime Weight Solutions staff and the program itself helped me to medically address my climbing cholesterol levels as well as my potential of becoming diabetic. I truly thank Dr. Meyer in this testimonial for all the one to one care I received continually. And the Lifetime Weight Loss Staff for their care at virtually every visit I had! I hope more people recognize when it is time to do something about their weight and choose Lifetime Weight Solutions for a better quality of life.

For countless people, losing weight (and keeping the weight off), is a lifetime struggle. I firmly believe that the inability for most people to maintain their weight loss is because they do not have the facts. Moreover, most patients have little to no understanding of the role chronic inflammation plays in their bodies as it pertains to their weight loss, diet and overall wellness.

For over 35 years, Americans have come to believe that cutting fat is the path to weight loss. However, over these years two-thirds have become overweight, half of whom are obese. Obesity rates have skyrocketed to 33% in a recent national survey.  Clearly, there is a large opportunity for education! We have been told to stop eating foods like steak, eggs, cheeses and butter — and instead to eat more things like fat-free yogurt and the easily digested (as well as accessible) simple carbohydrates such as potatoes, pasta and most people’s favorite: grains and bread.

The long-held idea of calories in, calories out hasn’t worked — especially when considering that years of clinical data shows you can’t get significant results from cutting calories. Obese people have spent their lives trying to eat less. I believe it is safe to say that eating less, whether you are overweight or you are obese, does not work! The healthcare community has also focused on inspiring people to lose weight by exercising.  Unfortunately, they too have forgotten the sheer fact that the more energy you burn through exercise, the hungrier you will get! And, the scientific community has known since the 1960s that insulin is the primary hormone which regulates and influences fat tissue. Even our grandmothers knew that pasta, corn, potatoes, rice and in particular sweets are fattening! Our modern day waistlines confirm that.

You may ask, “What’s the most effective weight loss plan and how do I achieve overall wellness as a result?” The answer is truly not controversial.  First, people who really want to lose weight (and keep it off) absolutely must be aware of the hormonal disorder their current diet most likely represents to them. Far too often patients do not understand about how insulin, LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff), HDL cholesterol and insulin resistance pertains to their weight gain. Next, a more concerning and less discussed topic in weight loss and overall wellness is chronic systemic inflammation. An ample supply of high quality “good” fatty acids (or omega-3s) is crucial to preventing chronic inflammation, the root cause of all chronic degenerative diseases such a arthritis,  heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes and more. Chronic inflammation truly begins at the end of your fork. Foods we eat signal chemicals (arachidonic acid) in our bodies which then produce 2 things: pain and an inflammatory response. Excess inflammation from our food choices during our lifetime can be and is fast becoming detrimental to our health.

Losing weight, obtaining a true state of wellness and improving your quality of life is not about a diet! Losing weight is about making mindful food ,wellness and lifestyle choices that can improve your health, for a lifetime.  For further information regarding our program contact Heather at 407-297-3626 ext. 206 and visit our website at www.lifetimeweightsolutions.com.

In his private practice of nearly 25 years, internal medicine physician Robert M. Meyer, M.D. has built his reputation on treating patients with a preventative approach to illness. For Dr. Meyer, practicing comprehensive, preventative care to avoid illness has always been the cornerstone of his practice.

Recently, Dr. Meyer and his nurse practitioner Barbara Cappabianco, ARNP, began offering a weight loss program that would not only help patients lose weight but would also address other health issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and high cholesterol. This program allows patients to shed unwanted pounds in a healthy and quick results-oriented manner – with a long term goal of maintaining that weight loss. Unlike other more commercial weight loss plans, Lifetime Weight Solutions, features a unique lifestyle approach by concentrating on individual goals, limitations, and medical concerns.

All patients initially consult with Dr. Meyer to determine goals and to ensure that the lifetime program is right for them. A comprehensive physical examination, weight loss history, body mass evaluation, full blood work and an electrocardiogram are completed. What makes Lifetime Weight Solutions more successful is regular monitoring and accountability. Each week, patients report to the office for a progressive medical check inclusive of weigh-in, and our staff will give advice, encouragement and guidance. For those patients experiencing any difficulties or challenges, adjustments can be discussed and recommendations made at that time. And, as always, Dr. Meyer is available to personally speak to patients regarding any concerns.

“I got involved in this program after several patients told me ‘Doc, I’m working out like crazy! I’m exercising and cutting calories but I can’t lose weight.’ Many patients could drop a few pounds on a traditional low calorie diet, then yo-yo right back up the scale. They felt like diet school drop-outs!” The problem is not the patients. The problem is that “healthy eating” will automatically lead to weight loss. Another key component to the lifetime program is re-learning how to eat. “patients have to claim their responsibility for their food choices. This program teaches the patient the physiology of proper food choices to lose weight, and more importantly, to feel better,” says Dr. Meyer. “To achieve successful weight loss and more importantly, long-term success (a term not usually associated with diets), the key is not only carbohydrate consumption but the type and quantity of carbohydrates being consumed. We also address the element and process of inflammation in our bodies and what that means in weight loss and wellness.”

Once entering the Lifetime Weight Solutions program, patients are charged for the initial exam, evaluation, tests, the first supply of supplements and anything else needed to get started. Patients are not bound by any contracts, and after this initial consultative appointment a weekly visit fee is applied. Our prices are competitive considering the standard of care we deliver.

“Up until recently, I believed that all calories were equal. So, in order to lose weight, like many others, I believed you needed to eat fewer calories than your body used – or burn those calories by increasing how much you exercised. However, low-calorie diets have a really poor track record” noted Dr. Meyer. With today’s epidemic of obesity, a new generation of clinicians is questioning traditional theories on weight loss. Our office is one of those “new generation” pioneers and we are here to guide you, accompany you and inspire you throughout your experience at Lifetime Weight Solutions. Our intent is to focus on weight loss discussions which cover lifestyle choices. And our program centers around more than weight loss being just numbers on a scale; it means focusing on behavior that will help you make wiser choices.

Ultimately, losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight will improve wellness and changes lives for the better … not just for now, but for a lifetime.

Lifetime Weight Solutions is located at 1781 Park Center Drive, Suite 120, Orlando, 32835. For an appointment or more information, please call us at 407-297-3626.

8 large eggs, hard boiled (see technique below) and finely chopped

1 cup finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, tarragon, chives or what you like the most in fresh herbs

2 celery stalks

1 small red onion, finely chopped which can be soaked and drained to reduce strong after flavor

Salt and pepper, which is freshly ground to taste

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/3 cup plain low fat yogurt, Greek yogurt for a “tangy” taste

1 tablespoon Real Mayonaise

1 clove of garlic, minced or mushed to paste

1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, good quality

1 6-ounce bag of Arugula

Cover eggs in cold water and bring to a boil. Cover the pan tightly, and turn off the heat once rapid boil is reached. Let sit for 10-12 minutes. Fill a bowl with ice water and drain the eggs and chill in ice water.

Combine the chopped eggs, herbs, celery and red onion in a large bowl and season to taste with the salt and pepper

Wisk the vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard and olive oil together thoroughly. Season to tasted once again with salt and pepper. Toss together with the egg mixture.

Put the Arugula on the plate as a lining and top with the egg salad. Serve slightly chilled.