Sugar cravings can be caused by the high rises and rapid drops in your blood sugar which occur when you eat any refined carbohydrates, not just sugar. If this is a problem for you, try cuttig back flour products (bread, pasta, bakery products) and other refined grains (white rice, tortillas or other refined corn products) and cereals made with refined grains. Instead, eat whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. Whole grains provide the nutrients you need and keep you full and satisfied for a long time, without sharp rises and drops in blood sugar.  

Why do my muscles shake sometimes when I lift weights?

Shaking is triggered by an increase in lactic acid and it your body's way of preventing you from injuring yourself. There is a certain amount of microtrauma that naturally occurs when you strength-train. If your muscles are exhausted, they might twitch or shake. You'll notice it even more if your electrolyte levels are depleted, so stay hydrated before, during and after exercise.

12 ounce package turkey bacon

1 tablespoon olive oil

6 cups fresh spinach leaves, cleaned

½ cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ small onion, chopped

½ cup red wine vinegar

½ cup skim milk

2 tablespoons sugar substitute

2 teaspoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon light salt

Black pepper, to taste

Brown the bacon in olive oil until crisp; set aside and cut up when cooled. Place the spinach leaves, mushrooms, and onion slices in large bowl and keep cool. Heat the oil in a small pan on medium to medium-high heat, and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the vinegar, milk, and sugar, bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Add the cornstarch, stirring as mixture thickens. Add the bacon pieces. Let cool slightly and season with salt and pepper. Pour the warm dressing over salad greens.

Serves:  6                                              Fat grams:  2.7

Phase:  2, 3, 4                                       Protein:  2.9

Bonus Recipe--Curry Dressing 

Here's a protein packed salad dressing to kick up your next plate of greens!

Curry Dressing

1 cup plain non-fat yogurt

3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 teaspoons curry powder

1 tablespoons non-fat mayonnaise

2 tablespoons shallot, minced

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Put all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to blend.

Serving suggestions: Serve with grilled chicken over a bed of lettuce, spinach, romaine lettuce or endive with a combination of fresh vegetables.

Serves: 2                                                         Fat grams: 1.1

Phase: 1, 2, 3, 4                                               Protein: 6.7

 Women especially tend to gain more weight around their mid-section due to a stress hormone called "cortisol." Relora™(a stimulant free natural herb) helps to fight this stubborn belly fat and it helps to de-stress you. If you're feeling stressed (man or woman) and your belly bulge is bothering you TotalLife Relora™ can really help .

300 mg (other brands are only 250 mg), vegetarian based and available in 120 count and 60 count bottles.