Defragged

Keeping the weight off for life is the number one concern of many people after they lose weight. Thankfully the Medifast program has a transition plan and maintenance plan that is just as easy to follow as the weight loss phase. But I began to realize that my past practices and thoughts about food preparation and cooking had to change too.

A few months ago, I began watching (and recording on my DVR) cooking shows from the Food Network and other TV channels. I screened the shows that followed a plan for healthy meal preparation. Unfortunately, I didn't find many but those I did find and continue to watch (and record) five months later are cooking show gems in my opinion.

The first cooking show I'd like to mention is called Good Eats by Alton Brown. Now keep in mind that not all of Alton's shows are entirely healthy, but by the time you reach the mid-way point of the weight loss phase of the Medifast program you'll quickly and easily be able to ignore the shows with topics that are not related to healthy meal planning. This is because the Medifast program teaches you how to make healthier food choices, portion control and other necessary information to keep you at a healthy weight for the rest of your life.

I like Alton Brown's cooking show because it contains loads of scientific information as to "why" you use certain ingredients and when, kitchen gear, and other cooking tips that you can apply to other meals you prepare. It also contains historical information about foods and utensils that are presented in a way that is entertaining and fun. Alton himself is a little kooky but that is what makes his show entertaining and fun to watch. You never know what he'll say or do next. And even though it's fun to watch, you are still learning cooking tips you can use in the future with other type foods - not just the ones shown on the show. I've always felt that the best TV shows are those that entertain you and teach you something at the same time.

In the past few weeks I've watched 11 episodes of Good Eats that contained valuable, entertaining information about foods I've either never tried before or can see a new way to use them in the future. Among the topics that easily apply to healthy eating were: scallops, everything you've ever wanted to know about spices, preparing tenderloin, leafy green vegetables, omelets, herbal preparations, flounder, avocadoes, kabobs, salad basics and the versatility of vinegar.

Now some of these might not sound interesting but I can assure you that unless you are a chef or cooking extraordinaire, you'll learn something you didn't know and can apply to your meal preparation as you progress through the Medifast weight loss, transition and maintenance phases. I usually tape all of Alton Brown's Good Eats shows, watch most of them, and then delete those that don't apply to the Medifast program. At first I tried to write down each recipe but then soon discovered all of his recipes are on the Food Network website, so I could sit back and enjoy the show without having to write anything down while I was watching it.

When I started watching cooking shows, I also began to realize that my kitchen wasn't really geared toward a healthy eating lifestyle. I also didn't have the right tools to prepare my meals. So I purchased Alton Brown's book, "Gear for Your Kitchen". I'm currently half way through the book and I cannot begin to explain how much I've learned from it.

In order for me to be successful in eating healthier for the rest of my life, I needed to reorganize my entire life including my kitchen, kitchen utensils, meal preparation area, etc. The Medifast program is a lifetime commitment and learning more about food including how to cook it properly and what gear I need only seems natural.

According to folks who reviewed the book on Amazon, I'm not alone when I say that this book is a must-have if you want to change your eating habits and the way you think about food for the rest of your life. Give it a try. I can't wait to finish it. It's one of the those books that is hard to put down once you start reading it.

> Alton Brown's Gear for Your Kitchen book

> Alton Brown's Good Eats TV shown on the Food Network

> Alton Brown's Website

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