How to Make Lasting Changes for a Healthier Diet

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: January 4, 2016

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Forget the sweets and treats by finding healthy ways to liven up your menu

If you were to actually break down the average American diet, you may be surprised by how out-of-touch it is with any nutritional reality. For too many people, eating healthy means opting for a diet-soda instead of a full-calorie beverage.

Here are a few startling statistics that showcase how out of touch the daily American diet is with healthy eating strategies:

In the last 50 years, the number of meals prepared at home has declined by 20 percent.
More than a third of all meals are eaten on-the-go.
Approximately 15% of our meals annually are coming out of drive-thru windows.

This is a disturbing trend, and it speaks to the types of habits that we need to let go of if we are going to be successful during a medical weight loss program.

Healthy Changes for a Healthier You

During your medical weight loss program, you’ll be encouraged to make some big changes to your eating habits. Switching out sugary and fat-filled sweets for healthier meals is a must, not only for your weight loss program, but for long-term weight management. For too many people, making the healthy choice day after day is an ongoing struggle. But, it doesn’t have to be.

The goal of medical weight loss isn’t to create temporary changes in your diet and lifestyle so that you can lose weight. It is to create a permanent shift so that you can maintain that weight loss. This can’t be done if you replace every food you love with only things you hate. The truth is that by being a little open minded and exploring healthy foods, you can find new favorites that are actually good for you.

Here are a few tips for developing a healthy menu that meets your taste-buds expectations:

Start with the flavors you love and convert them into healthier alternatives. You can capture the flavors of pizza in a healthy herbed Italian dish, or the intensity of hot wings with the right spices.
Don’t leave your vegetables plain and raw if you don’t like them that way. There are plenty of ways to spice up a vegetable plate without detracting from the nutritional value. Ask your nutritionist for a few suggestions.
Mix up your vegetables day to day. No one enjoys a boring diet, but there are countless veggies out there that you can enjoy, from broccoli to Brussels sprouts, from carrots to cauliflower. Explore your local farmer’s market for inspiration.

No-one wants to eat broccoli every night of the week. The trick is to find vegetables that pack a lot of flavor, and to use them together to create tasty meals. Talk with your medical weight loss doctor about the most nutritious food choices for your diet, and then start exploring ways that you can turn those items into menu choices you’ll crave.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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   Andi K 
 3 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
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 37 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 44 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
   Robert D 
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 48 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is pretty amazing but Kim the NP is absolutely one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met !
     
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