Craving Control

Three magic words: ask yourself, "Am I hungry?" before eating anything. It is a quick way to be more connected to what is causing you to reach mindlessly for food.

~ Dawn Jackson Blatner, The Flexitarian Diet, p. 82

Sensible Diet Tip

Choose high-fiber, low-fat, and low-sugar foods: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Health Tip - Fact Stack

"Downsize your dinnerware. We rely on visual cues such as bowl, plate, and utensil size to help gauge portions. We eat 31 percent more food when using a large bowl instead of a smaller one and 14.5 percent more when using a large spoon rather than a smaller one."

~ Dawn Jackson Blatner, The Flexitarian Diet page 72

Eat This Not That! For Kids by David Zinczenko

I found this great book for parents at my library by David Zinczenko with Matt Goulding. This book is full of common sense eating advice and many surprises. I was shocked to learn that some things I considered good for me are not the best choices. The authors list good and bad or okay and better choices for many restaurants that kids frequent. They also give lots of helpful advice for parental nutrition as well. There also tips on grocery shopping and surviving the school cafeteria. The last chapter lists activities the whole family can do to shed unwanted weight and develop a healthy lifestyle.

Find a copy of this book and help your kids on their way to becoming fit for life.

Health Tip - Fact Stack

"Use the power of one. You don't need to become a completely different person overnight and make multiple changes all at once. List all of the healthy changes you want to make and then pick just one. One single change has the momentum for making other healthy changes."

~ quoted from the Flexitarian Diet by Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, LDN p. 17

Special Olympics

February 6-13 is the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Go here for more information, to donate or volunteer.

Stay Strong at Heart

The following is taken from my 2008 Women's Monthly Planner for February 2008. It's from last year, but still good info. The planner is published by The Positive Line.

Lower your risk for heart disease by taking a few heart-smart measures. For starters, choose a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Strengthen your heart with 30-60 minutes of moderate level activity, such as brisk walking, at least five days a week. Managing stress, losing weight if needed, and avoiding tobacco and secondhand smoke also play important roles in heart health.