Posts filed under 'Making Choices'
Get out of debt, eat better, exercise more, quit smoking…and the list goes on. Many of us started the year with resolutions to turn 2008 into a year of self improvement, with vows to change our unhealthy ways and start new. Unfortunately for most, we get sidetracked and tend to give into our old habits.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, more than half of people who begin exercising at the start of the new year end up back on the couch within three to six months. So what’s the deal? Most likely they took the wrong approach, thinking of a quick fix or oversetting their goals, which ultimately sets you up for failure.
According to MSN.com, there are eight common mistakes people make when setting their New Year’s Resolutions (or any resolution, for that matter). Visit the whole article to see if any of these sound familiar to you!
January 7th, 2008
For many guests and alumni at the Health Institute, the phrase “Unwise, Better, Best” is engraved into their memory and even haunts them after they leave. When faced with the task of staying on track with our healthy habits, we sometimes have to repeat these three little words. It is OK to indulge every now and then, but are we making the best decision when choosing from the ‘worst’? Which would you choose: onion rings or fries? Big Mac or Pizza Hut? Reese’s Cups or M&M’s? Take this quiz to see if you know what choice is ‘Better or Best’.
Source: www.aol.com
January 4th, 2008
People are flying a lot around the holidays, and that means there’s a lot of stomach upset going around.
Flying across time zones is especially difficult for the internal body clock. When you feel ‘lagged’ from a long flight, understand that it’s more than your sleep cycle that’s upset. Your digestive tract also follows natural rhythms that get out of synch. Plus, we often gobble fatty or sugary foods, or grab a quick carbonated drink while flying, and these can make your poor stomach even more distressed.
In a HealthDay interview with Dr. Sandra Hoogerwerf of the University of Michigan Medical School, she recommends some simple common-sense ideas to keep gastrointestinal problems to a minimum:
- eat light
- avoid caffeine and alcohol
- take your time with what you do eat
December 31st, 2007
Don’t let the temptations of cookies, pies, and candies ruin your healthy habits! Here are the top holiday diet tips from WebMD:
Substitute: Cook up good taste with fewer calories this year with smart substitutions. Use fruit purees or yogurt instead of butter or other spreads. In place of one egg, use two egg whites. Cooking with cheese? Use a reduced-fat brand - you will cut the calories with the same great taste!
Eat! Skipping meals in preperation for holiday dining leaves you famished for all the wrong things. Try eating a little protein and fiber before the holiday parties. This can be as simple as an egg on toast or yogurt with a piece of fruit.
Enjoy it. Once all of the holiday festivities begin, be picky! Enjoy the foods you really crave - treats you only get to enjoy once or twice a year. If you can have it anytime - pass for those you can’t!
Balance your party plate. Don’t forget to slip protein and fiber rich foods like shrimp, whole-grain crackers, and fruit kabobs beside thin slices of your favorite desserts.
Walk away. Once you’ve served yourself party goodies, walk away from the buffet table and mingle with friends. You’ll not only catch up with friends, but you will also slow down your eating.
Drink up. Enjoy nonalcoholic drinks between those with alcohol. You’ll stay hydrated and will fend off the morning after misery!
Factor in fun. Celebrate with more than food during the holidays. Get everyone active with dancing or games. Or grab friends and family and take a walk–even if it is at the mall on sale day. Just get outside–and away from the TV!
Move. Your exercise routine isn’t on holiday - you are! Even if you can’t get to your usual workout, you can still make exercise a priority. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days by walking around the block, jogging up hotel stairs or visiting a local park. Burn those extra calories, don’t store them!
Try a few of these holiday diet tips and you can help keep that seasonal spread where it belongs — on the buffet table and off you!
Happy Holidays!!
Source: WebMD.com
December 21st, 2007
A new study shows hope for the future generation’s healthy habits, as well as a glimpse of change for everyone. The University of Minnesota has released a study which shows that children will continue to eat lunches offered in schools - whether healthy or not. Disproving a few common misconceptions, the school lunch sales didn’t decline when healthier meals were served, and more nutritious lunches aren’t neccesarily more expensive to produce.
The study, which is published in the December issue of the Review of Agricultural Economics, analyzed five years of data for 330 Minnesota public school districts. After looking into the numbers, they found that schools serving healthier lunches did not see a decrease in demand.
According to the study, while serving better meals does entail higher labor costs; these costs are offset by lower costs for more nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables compared with processed foods. However, many districts need to upgrad their kitchens and train their staff to prepare these foods.
While students are eating more fruits and vegetables, it doesn’t mean they don’t sneak in a hot dog every once in a while…a turkey low-fat dog of course! One of the researchers pointed out that she believes that “people underestimate the willingness of kids to eat healthier foods”. These new improvements have most likely been the result of federal policy changes set in place in 2004.
This study brings up an interesting argument between obesity rates in our population and the readiness of fast food and unhealthy options. Of course there are many different studies, opinions and arguments on this particular topic, but it is a good example of what could be done at a larger scale. If the option for healthy food was as the only available choice, what do you think would happen?
Source: CNN.com; Study: Schoolkids willing to eat healthy
December 18th, 2007
It is the dish you have all been waiting for…dessert! A Holiday dinner is not complete without the finishing course. Because we are trying to avoid the extra Holiday weight gain, it is nice to have healthy options for that special dessert treat! Enjoy!
Candy Cane Peppermint Mousse
Serves: 8 Serving Size: 1/4 cup Calories: 80 Fat: 1
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
4 Egg whites, large
3 cups Fat free Cool Whip, thawed
2 tsp Peppermint extract
Optional Red food coloring
8 Peppermint candies, crushed
Separate egg whites into a medium sized mixing bowl. Let eggs come to room temperature. (Discard egg yolks.)
Beat room temperature eggs on high, gradually adding sugar, until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold Cool Whip into beaten egg whites, along with peppermint extract.
For a candy cane appearance, swirl in red food coloring. Do not mix until all mousse is completely red.
Garnish with peppermint candies.
Refrigerate or freeze for about 2 hours before serving.
December 17th, 2007
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