It’s no secret that there’s a weight problem in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity is at an all-time high of nearly 40%. Year after year, the top New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight. People start strong with the right intentions only to find their commitment dwindling before February even begins. Why is this?
Anthony and Tiffany Brigante, owners of Profile by Sanford in the Chimney Rock Commons, can answer this question with a simple sentence, “It’s because diets don’t work.”
New research shows that dieting makes the brain highly sensitive to stress and the reward of managing it through high-fat, high-calorie treats. These brain changes last long after the diet is over and prod otherwise healthy individuals to binge eat under pressure. Diets can also cause your metabolism to slow down. Yes, you need to be in a caloric deficit to lose weight, but eating too few calories can actually wreak havoc on your metabolism. Researchers found that people on severely low-calorie diets actually lose weight at a slower pace!
Stressing over your diet can also cause overeating. If you’ve ever been on a diet (who hasn’t been?), you know it’s not a super pleasant experience. Studies have found increases in the stress hormone is linked to overeating. Additionally, increased cortisol levels can also cause your insulin levels to rise and blood sugar to drop, making you crave sugary, fatty foods.
All of the above research on the inefficiency of dieting is what attracted Anthony and Tiffany to Profile by Sanford. As they are the first Profile to open in NJ, there’s a good chance you haven’t heard about them—yet!
So what exactly is Profile and what makes it different from the plethora of diet programs on the market? Profile is medically sound and backed by Sanford Health, one of the world’s largest and most innovative integrated health systems. A diversely experienced team of researchers, physicians, and geneticists came together to assemble a comprehensive, evidence-based program.
Profile uses genetic testing to teach their members how their metabolisms work. With this information, they create a truly customized weight loss plan that takes advantage of each person’s unique genetic makeup. No two plans are identical!
At Profile, members receive access to Profile Foods—healthy meals that are designed to give them the precise nutrition they need. They offer a variety of options to suit flavor preferences.
A key element of the Profile plan that really sets this lifestyle apart from other programs is the 1-on-1 coaching. Every member gets a weekly, private 30-minute coaching session with a Certified Profile Coach. The coaches come from a variety of wellness backgrounds and undergo extensive training to receive and maintain certification. Profile matches up members with the coach who has the skills that best meet their needs. They also keep personalities in mind. These sessions should be fun!
All members are provided with Profile’s Smart Tracking Technology and a Smart Body Scale that notifies their coach of their progress in real-time, which for many people is preferable to having to step on the scale in public.
Each program is tailored to the person’s individual needs: sex, fitness level, medical issues, and age. There’s even a MOM Protocol that’s designed for moms before, during and after pregnancy.
Profile isn’t just about weight loss though. Some members join to get stronger or healthier.
“To see individuals with Type II Diabetes able to go off their medication after just a few months on their plan is very gratifying,” says Anthony.
Each individual plan consists of three stages. In the initial Reboot/Reduce Stage 80% of your daily calories come from Profile foods. This stage results in the most rapid weight loss. When you get within 10% of your goal weight, you switch to the Reboot/Adapt Stage where more starches and carbs are worked into the plan. Once you hit your goal weight, you move to the Reboot/Sustain Stage to ensure the weight stays off. The end goal is to be eating mostly grocery store foods.
While Profile encourages higher protein and lower carbs, it is not a true keto diet. This is good news because the keto diet can be very difficult to follow long term. Profile puts members in a mild state of ketosis, where they reap the same benefits without an emphasis on fats. It is still low carb/high protein in the beginning, but as you get closer to your goal you gradually work toward a balanced eating plan.
One of the benefits of Profile, is you are still able to eat out and feed your family. Tiffany and Anthony have two teenagers at home.
“On Sunday night I like to cook a big pot of sauce. I’ll serve my kids white pasta, but then use Profile pasta or spaghetti squash as a substitute for me and Anthony,” says Tiffany.
Other nights she might cook a lean protein for the entire family, but then skip the starchy side and add extra vegetables to her plate.
Below is one of Tiffany’s favorite date night recipes. This delicious, yet healthy, Cauliflower Fried Rice, is on regular rotation in the Brigante household. Proving that you can follow Profile and still eat delicious food too.
Get your first coaching session free. profileplan.com/bridgewater-chimney-rock-commons
Cauliflower Fried Rice
4 cups cauliflower, riced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp basil and Italian parsley
1 tbsp pecorino cheese
1 cup protein of your choice
Toss cherry tomatoes in a little olive oil, salt and pepper.
Roast in oven at 350 degrees until softened.
Sauté riced cauliflower with minced garlic.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley, basil, pecorino cheese (optional), salt and pepper.
Stir in cooked protein of your choice.
