The Wall Street Weight-Loss Strategy

Heather worked as a nutritionist on Wall Street in 2001 when she got started in her career. Her lifestyle was busy and Heather quickly learned that no one would follow a diet plan that forced them to change their lifestyle. She started her own practice a few years later with clients in high-pressure jobs. One thing she discovered was that these busy professionals had trouble figuring out how to lose weight, not for lack of intelligence or effort. “Some of them know nearly as much about weight loss as I do,” she says. Their work, however, dominated their lives so they never cooked, rarely shopped, and had little time to exercise. They wanted to continue to entertain business associates, work long hours, and still maintain their overall health. So Heather came up with a simple, effective weight loss plan that fit seamlessly into a busy, demanding, hard-charging lifestyle. The time-starved professionals didn’t have time to count calories but were able to shed weight using Heather’s strategies. “These exact strategies that work on Wall Street will work for anyone, regardless of what they do,” says Heather. “Everyone needs strategies. It doesn’t have to be hard.” Heather says there are two groupings she identified over time: the Clean Plate Club Eaters or the Controlled Eaters. The Clean Plate eaters will eat everything on the plate; a Controlled Eater will stop when full. She says it’s important to understand what kind of eater you are because it helps to deal with strengths and weaknesses when it comes to eating. Heather is a Clean Plate eater (she’s never been overweight but loves to eat). “It’s not about a hunger thing,” she confesses. “People say I’m thin, but I have my pitfalls.” Heather says it is important to plan your meals. For example: Breakfast: This could consist of plain packets of oatmeal with a piece of fruit (a portion that fits in your hand). Keep yogurt in the fridge along with mini cottage cheeses. She says to keep high fiber crackers within reach as long as they are high fiber (not Triscuits). And if you are not a Clean Plate clubber who will not eat the whole box, try Kashi cereal or peanut butter with high fiber crackers and a portion of fruit. Lunch: If you are unable to get out, some of the breakfast items can be used as a light lunch. Or if you head out of the office, Heather says the safest thing to order is a grilled chicken Caesar salad. “Everyone has a grilled chicken Caesar on their menu, just go easy on the croutons (or skip them all together) and have your dressing on the side or switch to a vinagerette,” says Heather. She reminds us that two tablespoons of dressing can be as many calories as a hamburger from McDonalds. Afternoon snack: Heather cautions that not everyone needs an afternoon snack, but if you do, be sure that the food that has a clear ending, in other words an individual snack that is finite, like a banana, an apple or peach, a piece of Laughing Cow cheese. Nutrition bars are good as long as they are 200 calories or less. Some people complain that they would rather consume a candy bar for the same calories, but Heather says it’s not the same. “The nutrition bar has less sugar,” she says. Dinner ideas: If you are too busy to fix dinner, try an organic frozen meal under 300 calories (Heather suggests Amy’s). Or have a snack late in the afternoon, then one hour before dinner, have an apple or two plain crackers, so you’re not starving. Keep frozen veggies in the freezer. Heather says busy people lose track of fresh veggies and end up throwing them away. If making food for your family like spaghetti and meatballs, skip the pasta and have two meatballs with veggies.