Out-of-Pocket Breakfasts

Starting the Day Off Right with Cereal

Once you learn how to control your portion size by using the amount of food that fits into a pita pocket, you can start introducing other (non-pita) meals into your diet. We call these “Out of Pocket” meals. Eating a healthy breakfast can help you control your hunger later in the day. Here is what you need to know about how to pick a breakfast cereal to start your day off right.

The healthiest breakfast is whole grain cereal. If you're trying to lose weight, control cholesterol or diabetes, or just need a lot of energy, one great option is a hot cooked cereal of whole grains, such as oatmeal - perhaps with cinnamon or raisins.

If you prefer cold cereal, you need to check the list of ingredients carefully. The FIRST ingredient should be a whole grain. Then scan through the entire list and if you see the words "partially hydrogenated," put the box back on the shelf. You should avoid foods with partially hydrogenated oils (or "trans fats"), and they show up in an alarming number of cereal brands...

To view recommended cereal brands....

Fiber Power

Many health experts advise people of all ages to consume more dietary fiber. There is considerable research suggesting that a diet with 25-35 grams of daily fiber may reduce the incidence of diabetes, heart disease, colon cancer and obesity. It also helps you feel full without adding extra calories.

This week's poll results reveals more insight into our Pocket Diet community when we asked the following questions:

• How often do you weigh yourself every week?

• What is your best source of diet information?

BBQ Chicken Pocket

by The Pocket Chef Jenna

The key to sticking with a diet is to make sure the food tastes great and this BBQ Chicken Pocket recipe sure fits the bill...

Why you Need to Start a Fitness Program

By Jessica Storm – Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

To be successful with keeping weight off and seeing results, it takes 30-60 minutes of cardio/strength training a day in order to build muscle and boost cardiovascular health.

Along with following the nutrition program, it is also an important ingredient for achieving optimum results with the Pocket Diet Program.

Exercise has a host of health benefits: It helps convert fat to muscle, enhances your energy level, cuts stroke and heart attack risk, boosts immunity, lowers cholesterol and even promotes a positive mental outlook--by encouraging the brain to produce endorphins, nature's "feel good" brain chemicals.

Still, many of us resist the idea of taking on a formal workout regimen: The thoughts are often “I just don’t have them time to fit one more strenuous addition into an already hectic schedule” How am I supposed to make this work?

Kelly's Story

After 15 years of battling eating disorders and yo-yo dieting I have found the program for me. I honestly have never had healthy eating habits.

For the first time in 15 years I am eating healthy! I am not starving and depriving myself. I am not hiding my food and binging when nobody is looking. I am not going to a couple different drive-thru's so that they don’t see how much I am ordering. I am eating healthy!

I began the Pocket Diet at 284 pounds and I am proud to say that 2 weeks later I am 8 pounds lighter...

Kangaroo Recipe Contest

Win $500!!! Submit your favorite sandwich recipes (using pita pockets) and win. Contest ends November 15th, 2005

Always keep your pita pockets frozen unless you plan to use the bread with in 1-2 days. Alternatively, you can always keep a few pitas on shelf and store the rest in the freezer.