Cast out the Halloween demons

Do you still have Halloween Candy sitting around? Then get it out of the house! If throwing it away is too wasteful for you, do what any self-respecting woman would do. Send it to work with your husband. Note I said "Your Husband." Not your work! Because you work there, and taking it with you would be bad, very, very bad!

Send it with hubby, he'll think you're being generous, and the women in his office will all hate you.

Practicing what I preach

This morning, challenged everyone with a "So what are you doing today?" To show that I am trying to practice what I preach....

This was a Murphy's Law morning - whatever could go wrong, was going wrong. But I struggled through (to the point of tears welling up in my eyes) and got myself and the boys to the park for Stroller Aerobics with my FitMommas. I struggled through the workout, but in the back of my mind, I could tell ... my body was loving it. And now I feel Fantastic! I don't smell so good, but I feel great!

Eating? Well, I need to work on it. The dog ate my breakfast this morning when my 3yo had a "Mommy, I have to go peepee!" moment. So I've eaten half a piece of dry raisin bread today. Not too great.

Me time? HOping to make it to a free Piloga class that a local church offers tonight at 8pm. If that doesn't happen, then when the boys get to bed and my hubby and 10yo daughter are chillin' on the couch, I'll retreat to the bedroom for a few yoga breaths and stretches.

I can do it! And...so can you!

Just so you see that I try to practice what I preach! LOL!.... this morning, despite the "what can go wrong, will go wrong" theme of the day, I managed to get myself and the boys to stroller aerobics with my FitMommas, and got in a good workout. It was a struggle, but of course, I FEEL GREAT! I need to work ou

Monday - as good a day as any.

So, what are you doing today? When are you going to move your body? What are you going to fuel your body with? How are you going to take time for yourself?

Every single day...Move Your Body. Nourish Your Body. Take Time to Relax.

It should be easy, but it's not. We're trained as moms to take care of everyone else. But how can you possibly take care of others if you're barely hanging on by a string.

So figure it out...wake up earlier. Take time during their naps. Take a family walk. Keep driving past the fast food, and bring healthy snacks with you. Ask the hubby to take the kids for 15 minutes while you do some deep breathing and stretches in the bedroom.

You can do this. So can I. Today is as good a day as any to change the priorities in your life!

How to Raise a Healthy Eater

Keep healthy, fresh foods within easy reach of your young ones, keep the not-so-great stuff either out of the house, or out of hands reach!

My 9 month old, sneaking an apple from the fridge while I put groceries away.

Monday, Monday

Monday is always the day of beginnings. Who starts a diet/workout program/new job, etc. on a Saturday or Friday? No, Monday is the universal day to embark on new endeavors. So I began today like I do every Monday.

"This is it. I'm going to get up, work out, I'm going to eat healthy, here's my plan - OK, break!"

And, for the most part, the day has been going great. Until about an hour ago. I got up, had a piece of whole wheat toast, I worked out. After the chiropractor put my neck back on straight, I came home to another awesome multi-layered wrap that I am so in love with, drank lots of water, and some coffee to keep the caffeine demons at bay.

And then....a box of cheap-o mac-n-cheese was pulled out of the pantry, and I had three kids all begging me for some highly-processed cheesey pasta. And for reasons I cannot explain, I used all the butter the recipe called for, and then rather than using my skim milk, I used the baby's whole milk. Holy crap, that was the best mac-n-cheese I've ever had, but really - Why, Why, Why!?

I shall go drink a liter of water to cleanse my eating sins....

FOOD! Why must you taunt me?

It seems that while I am doing good on getting back to the workout groove, my eating habits are still sucking. Big time. I seem to have lost all self-control. Last week, I ate a box of Snickers ice cream bars all by myself. In two days. I should issue the disclaimer that I was pre-menstrual, but I think that's a pretty big cop-out - especially since I didn't stop there. I ate half a container of Bryer's Chocolate Chip ice cream as well. Plus half a bag of chocolate chips (just plain ol' semi-sweet chocolate chips.)

What is up with me? What's my deal? Why can't I enjoy the goodness of healthy food, and chill out on the forever-on-the-hips snackies? Because, trust me, I appreciate the yummies of healthy foods. The only bright spot in my diet these past few weeks has been my new-found love of the wrap. Whole wheat wraps, seasoned hummus spreads, lean deli meats, lots of veggies - like carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, avocados - topped with sunflower seeds and/or wheat germ. Incredibly good for you and yummy. And then I stuff my face on fat and sugar.

So this is my challenge right now. All the workouts in the world can't counter the high-calories I've been consuming. Will keep you all updated on this latest turn of events!

Where do FitBabies come from?

First off, let's just get it out there that I'm STILL struggling. Very much, every single day. While I continue to drop a pound or two, I have not been this chubby-wubby since the summer after my first son was born. I only have about 12 pounds to go, but I am all flab. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck.

I do get lots of movement from gardening and cleaning, but my second son is now seven months old, so at this point, it's time for me to get my groove back. Seven months is when I hit the "I don't want to be fat anymore!" wall with my first son, a few of my Playgroup mommas got together and started walking the mall three days a week - hence the start of FitMommas of St. Peters. Granted, two is totally different than one, Piglet has a different nap schedule than Lil' Boo had - actually, Lil' Boo was just a bit more pliable! LOL! Piglet likes his routine.

However, while I struggle with getting back into my FitMomma glory, I am embracing Fitness where I can. So let's turn to my babies! Where to FitBabies come from? Why, FitMommas, of course. To help get my kiddos off to a good eating start, I make my own baby food. Let's be clear, I always have a stash of store-bought food, because life with two kids is crazy. But making your own baby food is not only easy, it's super-duper cheap, AND you can tailor your babies diet to his or her exact needs. This morning, I made some apples and pears - and then some Pear-Applesauce. No added sugars, no preservatives. Just peel & slice; steam (my preferred choice is in the microwave, puree with water, and you have tons of healthy food for baby.

And storage is easy-peasy, too. One reason I like to buy store-bought food is for the containers - I keep them, and them fill them up with my homemade goodies. Another great trick is to fill ice cube trays with your concoctions, freeze, and then you have ready-to-go, single servings of goodies at your disposal. And, if you're thinking that apples and pears can get old, check out my favorite site for making your own baby food - Wholesome Baby Food. It is The go-to site for all things healthy for baby.

Once you get a feel for this site, you'll realize that what you can make for your baby is limited only by your imagination. So get creative, and let's make some FitBabies!

Chew On This!

Happy Monday, everyone!  Hope you've had a few good weeks, been crazy as usual around here.

Let's get honest, I have not worked out.  The only movement I've been getting are my fake-out workouts, but right now....that seems to be all I got.  It seem that the crankiness that is my 6 month old can be attributed to a series of ear infections.  That does actually make me feel incredibly happy, because now I know there is a source to the nighttime wake-ups, difficulty to get to sleep, cranky playtimes.  Certainly better than the knowledge that your kid is just a first class crabass!

Given all that, sleep has been a bit on the low side lately, and my eating habits are in the toilet.  Carb central, little fruits or veggies, and these past two weeks we had my stepdaughter staying with us the whole time - Sugar Monster!  But one good health thing that came out of her visit was the reinstitution of...gum.

Yes, Gum!

I had forgotten how glorious gum can be to cut out a nasty sweet tooth or chocolate craving.  In fact, gum should be your new best friend, I don't care how much you love your Bunco group. Every time the urge to binge hits, wait as long as you can, and if it's still there...pop in a stick o' gum!  Personally, I'm Big Red or Juicy Fruit kind of gal, which isn't the best for the teeth, but this is not a discussion on dental hygiene just yet!  Trident or Extra would be a GREAT choice, tons of flavors to choose from.  Gum does have calories, but not near the extent of an entire chocolate bar, bag of chips or pint of ice cream.  It's all about checks and balances here, ladies!

So my dear Izzy B has headed back to her mom's for a few weeks, and I can try to get my "good food" brain working again, but in the meantime, I am strategically placing packs of gum in the house and car!

And here's to a great week to everyone!

Operation Candy Removal

Hey, everyone!  Hope that you had a fabulous Easter weekend, and no doubt you are sitting in your house/office right now, reading this, in somewhat of a sugar coma.  Just how many peanut M&M's, chocolate eggs and rabbit ears did you eat this weekend?

Well, no worries, don't fret.  What happened, happened, and dwelling on it won't help.  Because it is certainly no reason to fall completely off the wagon and give up!  

So right now, collect all the remaining candy in your house.  Bag it up, and decide where it's going:  your husband's work (not your own, that defeats the purpose!); your Nana's nursing home; your child's school; your church's office; your doctor's office; your neighbor who couldn't visit with family this past weekend.  Heck, even your local shelter and food pantry would gladly accept your donation!  The point is to remove it from your surroundings, and use the opportunity to also share some Easter love with your community.

If you have kids who will be devastated if all the candy disappears today, pull a select few of their favorites our for them to enjoy throughout this week.  But by this weekend, really, Easter candy should be a distant memory!

And then go enjoy a nice salad today, be grateful for your health and enjoy your day!

From the Kitchen: Shrimp & Basil Pasta

Here is one of my favorite recipes - it is not only quick and easy, it's also healthy and yummy in the tummy!  You really can't ask for anything better, can you?  I got the original recipe from AllRecipes.com, which is one of my favorite sources for recipes.  I cannot recommend them enough!

So here's what the fam had for dinner at our place tonight!

Shrimp & Basil Pasta

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time:  20 min

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

1 (8oz) package whole wheat angel hair or thin spaghetti

1 large clove garlic

1lb large peeled & deveined shrimp (I buy a bag of frozen shrimp & then thaw - perfect!)

2 (14.5oz) cans Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1.  Bring large pot of water to boil, adding 1 T olive oil.  Cook pasta according to package, until al dente.  

2. Heat remaining oil in 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring constantly, until garlic is tender, about 1 minute.  Do not let garlic burn! Add shrimp, and cook 3 to 5 minutes.  Remove shrimp from skillet, and set aside.

3. Stir tomatoes, wine, parsley and basil into skillet.  Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half, about 8 to 12 minutes.  Add shrimp, and continue cooking until the shrimp are heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.  Serve shrimp mixture over pasta, sprinkling with Parmesan cheese.

ENJOY!

Multi-Task This!

I am apparently known for my ability to do multiple things at the same time.  Others seem to think this is a positive thing.  I know better.

Throughout the day, I'll stop and realize that I'm starving.  I am waiting too long to eat between meals, starving by the time I get around to eating, and then stuffing my face way past the point of full.  I know this is not good.  I don't need anyone to tell me this.  I am well aware that the best way to lose weight and maintain weight is to eat consistently throughout the day, five to six meals.  This keeps your metabolism cranking, your blood sugar levels even.  I know this!

So what's my problem?  My main problem is...multitasking!  When you're always doing more than one thing, no one thing is getting my full attention.  And that includes eating.  

Oh, I'll start getting breakfast together first thing in the morning, but it may be a few hours before the entire meal makes it in my tummy.  The baby wakes up, the dog needs let out.  The next thing I know, I forgot that I was fixing breakfast, I start folding laundry, then I have to feed a kid, then I remember the bill I forgot to pay online, then I remember the blog I wanted to post a week ago, and so on.

The French don't have this problem, in fact, a woman wrote a book about it.  Us Americans try to cram too much stuff into one day, and even eating becomes a task to accomplish.  We don't sit and savor our food.  We eat standing up, on the run, in the car, or, if you're like me, while surfing the net looking for ideas, answering emails, reading about how to be fit and health.  Oh, the friggin' irony!

OK.  So here's my self-imposed goal for the next week - sit down and eat.  Don't read, don't surf, don't clean the kitchen.  Fix my meal, sit down at the dining room table and enjoy my food.  I may even find I get more done with a fully nourished body!

My Tongue is Burning!

We deviated from the normal menu this evening, and ate a ham steak that my MIL brought to us this weekend.  I LOVE ham, though rarely eat it, given it's high fat, sodium, processed-ness.  But I made a veggie medley to go with it, and thought "Yeah, treat time!"  I also stupidly opted to cook an Uncle Ben's Country Inn Broccoli Rice Au Gratin rice mix.  I apparently had a lobotomy for an afternoon snack.  

So I proceeded to devour half the ham steak, plus a serving of the rice.  My tongue is actually burning a bit right now.  That can't be good.  I have naturally low blood pressure, but I'm starting to think I probably shouldn't have gone willy nilly on an overly-salted slab o' pig.  

Just out of curiosity, I decided to check out the Nutrition Facts label (it's your best friend, ya know!).  Holy Crap in handbasket.  A 3oz serving has 950mg of salt.  That's 40% of your total daily value.  In three ounces.  I would say I easily had 8oz, so two and a half times that.  Is A Lot Of Sodium.

The Rice?  One serving (which is about what I had) has 850mg of Sodium.  

I easily just consumed well over 3000mg of salt.  In about 20 minutes or so.  No wonder my tongue is burning.  I better go drink about a gallon of water to try to thin my blood of its sodium content.  

Oh, and in worse news?  There was 14 grams of fat (4.5 grams of Saturated Fat!), per 3 oz serving, in that ham steak.  That's just the ham steak.  So not only is my blood screaming, my ass ain't far behind it.  I hang my head in shame!

Who needs two guys and a truck?

Thanks to having kids and a dog, our carpet is awful.  Really, any health buff knows that the best way to do flooring in your home is to go bare - hardwood, laminate, tile, anything but carpet!  Carpet harbors the dirt, dust, mites, bacteria, etc. that can bring on a multitude of sickies for the family.  However, we're in the midst of a basement finishing project, so redoing our upstairs flooring will just have to wait.  Next year maybe?

However, we still have that dog and three kids.  So today, the carpet is getting cleaned!  I'm getting ready to put my favorite "Don't F*** With Mr. Zero" shirt on, and get moving on some furniture (anyone get that pop culture reference?  Anyone??).  So this is my workout of the day.  Hauling crap in and out of rooms.  Should be a good time.  I can hear my dad - Life with your legs!

To get ready, I'm now sitting down to my favorite breakfast - 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 5-6 sliced strawberries, and a ginormous cup of coffee.  Them's good stuff!

Chili Dogs without the Heart Attack

(It has taken two days worth of attempts to get this online!  And it hasn't been computer problems, but life problems, like a terrible two year old, and a "honey, I need" husband!)

One of the many struggles to life fit and healthy is giving up all your old favorite standards.  Most of us grew up on a typical American diet, which back in the day wasn't as terrible because we moved more and didn't consume quite so much.  But today, we're fairly sedentary and have grown accustomed to super-sized portions.  And we think we can't eat foods that are traditionally bad for us.  So here's a new column feature of how to enjoy old favorites, but a bit healthier than we're used to.  By no means am I saying these are healthy meals you should eat everyday!  But there are ways to incorporate the tastes of your youth without killing your waistline (or, yourself!)

This week, I was really wanting a chili dog!  Talk about a heart attack on a plate!  Hot dogs are a hot bed of who-knows-what - anyone remember the Dan Ackroyd/John Candy classic "The Great Outdoors?"  I love that movie, and one of my favorite lines is Dan Ackroyd's character's description of what a hot dog is made of.  Unfortunately, it's not fit for family reading, but it's not pleasant!  And Chili!  The only thing that keeps chili from killing you on the spot is that it's loaded with fiber if you're smart enough to eat it with beans.  

So how can you enjoy a chili dog without the heart attack?  First off, replace your regular funky dogs with turkey dogs.  Yes, turkey is now the Great Imitator, being manufactured into some of your favorite foods to offer up a healthier alternative.  Now, the quality of turkey dogs varies, and unfortunately, you definitely get what you pay for.  No off brands here, buy the good stuff, and you'll be justly rewarded.

Second, (you should know what's coming here), give turkey chili a try!  My favorite no-brainer choice here is Chili Man's Turkey Chili with Beans.  Found at every major grocery store, and is a significantly healthier choice than most commercially made chilis.  And opting for chili with beans gives you more fiber than you'll know what to do with at one time (that's actually a bit of a warning!  Drink Up!)

You can forgo the extra carbs by opting to go bunless, but if that's just not cutting it for you, pick up some 100% whole wheat hot dog buns.  They make whole wheat hot dog buns, hamburger buns, tortillas, english muffins - at this point, there's no excuse for any refined white flours in your life!  Top off your chili dog with some shredded 2% Fat cheddar cheese, and you've got yourself an American classic that won't give you a coronary!  Add some baked potato fries and some fruit-flavored water, and you have a satisfying new take on an old classic!

Now, let's be clear - this is not a health-food meal.  Hot dogs and chili have various chemicals and fillers, not to mention the sodium.  However, this is about reinventing old favorites, so that when you are feeling like you just can't take another grilled chicken salad, you don't find yourself at Sonic, ordering not only their chili dog, but also a batch of chili-cheese fries and a mega-soda!  

Healthy Snack of the Week

I'm still struggling with tiredness, but at least my nausea is coming to an end.  And I'm trying to develop some regular Blog features, making it easier for me to think of stuff to write about everyday.  And my eating habits for the past week inspired my first column feature!

Healthy snacks can be tough, because most marketed snacks come in small bags or packages, and contain more calories, fat and sodium than most of us need in one short sitting!  So I'm going to feature easy to make snacks that are healthy for you!  Keep them around the house or in the fridge at work and hit them up first before heading to a vending machine!

This week's snack is something I ate almost every day last week - Apples and Peanut Butter!  Apples are so good for you - loaded with soluble and insoluble fiber and vitamin C.  Research shows that apples lend to a healthy heart, lungs and, ahem, colon.  I tend to like crunchy, sweet varieties, like Pink Lady, Gala or Fuji.  My hubby and stepdaughter will only eat tart Granny Smith.  Try a few different varieties out to find your favorite - they are definitely not all the same!  

As for peanut butter, I can only advocate a natural, organic peanut butter, not the good, old fashioned Jiff or Skippy we all grew up on.  That stuff is loaded with trans fats and "stabilizers."  Natural peanut butter should only have two or three ingredients on its label - peanuts, oil and salt.  When you open up your first jar, do not be alarmed.  Natural PB separates, and it needs to be stirred up at first, then stored in the fridge to stay firm.  But the taste is all there!  And despite the high fat, peanut butter is good for you!  The fat is Good Fat, and will help reduce your risk of heart disease.  And it's loaded with protein.  Just keep your servings to no more than two tablespoons, as fat is fat, and PB is high in overall calories.  

So slice up an apple this afternoon, and take them for a dip in some peanut butter.  Yummy!

The Hunger Solution

Apparently, the way to keep from waking up at 3am in the morning from hunger if you're pregnant is to eat something right before you go to bed!  Isn't that was health and fitness professionals are always saying, eat right at bedtime?  (*snark*)

No wonder us preggos gain so much weight, we're stuffing our faces as we lay down to rest!  However, it does keep me from being awake in the middle of the night and sleep is so precious in these few months before a new little one makes it's presence known.  So my strategy will be to eat something light, but worthy (like an english muffin with a bit of peanut butter) along with a glass of milk before bed.  Let's hope I get my energy back to restart my daily walks!

I'm Just So Hungry!

What is it about pregnancy that brings on ravenous hunger?  I distinctly remember this with my first pregnancy, casually telling my husband that I was hungry, and within minutes ripping his head off because I was so hungry I wanted to eat his arm.  I can't remember if this was just a certain trimester or the whole pregnancy, but I remember it!

So far, this has only hit a few times, and not quite as intense as I remember with the first pregnancy.  But last night was a new experience.  After our long weekend out of town, we treated my mom and stepdad to a big dinner of grilled steak, roasted potatoes and roasted asparagus - Major Yum! - for taking care of our dog for us.  I definitely ate until full, though I didn't overstuff myself.  By bedtime, I was telling my husband how I already felt hungry again, but I went to bed.  By 4am, I was up and out of bed, rummaging in the kitchen, looking for something light enough to satisfy the hunger, but let me go back to bed.  Two hours, two whole wheat english muffins and a cup of lo-fat yogurt later, I was finally satisfied enough to be able to go back to bed!  

I really wanted some fruit and cottage cheese, but we didn't have anything that fresh since we've been out of town.  I know that protein would have helped satisfy me, but didn't even think to put peanut butter on those english muffins until I was already done.  Another reason to keep a well-stocked house of lots of low-fat proteins and low-glycemic carbs - which, of course, would be easier to do if I was ever in town to keep a well-stocked house without it all going bad!

20 Worst Foods in America

Yesterday, I revealed pretty much the only thing you need to know about losing weight - well, OK, I might have oversimplified, but I postulated that simply eating less food and learning correct portion sizes is key to overall weight loss.  It must be on the minds of many, as I found an interesting link on the Yahoo page to the 20 Worst Foods in America, written by one of the authors of "Eat This, Not That."  (Anyone read this book yet?  May be an interesting read...)

Take the time to read through each of the 20 foods and you quickly see that I wasn't just whistling Dixie about the ginorous portions that we've become accustomed to in restaurants.  I love those quick, fresh-Mex places for a good burrito, and always thought that the grilled chicken burrito was a good way to go - who knew that Chipotle's version packs in just under 1200 calories!  YIKES!

So even when you think you're choosing something somewhat healthy for you, remember to stop when you're full, and don't feel compelled to finish every bite.  And if you suspect that something's atrociously unhealthy, rest assured that you're 100% correct, and opt for something a little less detrimental to your health!

FitMommas Big Weight Loss Secret - Eat Less Food!

Okay, this could be a career ender for me right here, but I'm going to give you the big, weight loss secret that trumps all others - eat less food, exercise more.  Alrighty, my work here is done, we can all go home now.

(crickets chirping)

Oh, you're still here?  This "eat less, move more" theory isn't as easy as it seems?  Well, all joking aside, it obviously isn't, because look at us.  We, as a nation, are huge!  And it may just have something to do with the fact that we eat constantly!  Have you noticed this?  I referenced in my post yesterday about our extreme overconsumption, and in no area is that more prevalent than in the area of food.  We eat from sun up to sun down, we eat when we are not hungry, we eat when we're bored, tired, upset, happy, sad, up and down.  And we're teaching our kids to do the same.  My just-about two year old son eats all day, and I'm to blame!  I can't leave the house without half our pantry in small ziploc bags in case he has a Goldfish freakout in the middle of Costco.  

So what to do?  Nine times out of ten, it's all about portions.  That's right, folks, good ol' Portion Control will save you inches off your waist.  You can eat the exact same foods, just eat less of them, and you will lose weight.  Now, if you want to do an Ali-like transformation, yes, you will need to address what you're eating as well, but good health can be attained by simply eating less.  Here's some ideas to help.

1.  Only Eat When You're Hungry - I'm going to go out on a limb here with this crazy suggestion.  Don't eat if you're not hungry!  Hunger is a physical feeling in your tummy, not a mindless reach for the chips because it's 3pm and you're bored.  If you're bored, take a walk, call a friend, check your email, read a book to your kid.  If you're sad or angry, call a friend or write in your journal.  If you can't resist when someone else opens up a bag of chips, carry some sugar free gum with you, and pop it in your mouth.  No explanation needed, just say "No Thanks!"

2.  Learn What a Portion Is - Restaurants have seriously distorted our view of what portions are, and we are partly to blame for this.  We feel like we're getting a better deal when they bring out a bowl of spaghetti the size of the Colosseum.  But spend a few days in your pantry.  Read those labels, and find out that a portion of chips is not half a bag.  Dole out those portions, and learn what a 1/2 cup of rice actually looks like.  Also, use some handy non-food references.  Body For Life taught me to use the palm guide (not palm reader...).  When filling up your plate, only give yourself about a palm-sized portion of each item you're eating.  

3.  Eat Slower - One reason we eat so much food is that we've swallowed half a plate of food before it even hits our stomach.  We're a society on the go, and eat half our meals in the car or at the counter in about five minutes.  Be like the French, and sit back and relax - savor each bite!  Make eating an event, and slow down.  When you allow the food to reach your stomach after each bite, you'll find that feel fuller after eating less food! 

4.  Use Smaller Plates - When we registered for our wedding, I insisted on these awesome 12 inch white porcelain plates from Pier One.  I love them.  They also look really, really empty when I put normal portions sizes on them.  Surely that's not enough food, look at all that white space!  In turn, I've taken to eating more meals on our lovely salad plates.  It gives the illusion that I'm eating a full plate of food, and amazingly, it works!  

5.  Stop Cleaning Your Plate - Oh, your mom is so mad at me for this!  But seriously, stuffing your face will not help the starving kids in China, or anywhere else for that matter.  If you can't control the portions that are given to you, do not feel the compulsion to eat every last morsel.  If at a restaurant, ask for the lunch size portion, and if that's not an option, ask for the to-go box up front, and put half your food in it right away.  If you're with friends or family, Just Say No to more food when they start pushing.  Sing praises of the chef, but politely suggest that you simply can not eat another bite, you're full!  (Yes, they'll talk, but they're talking if you're overweight, too, so don't worry about it!)

6.  Ban the Buffet - Let's face it, we love to get a good deal.  And if I'm paying $9.95 for an all-you-can-eat, you bet I'm going to eat all I can!  So just don't do it.  HomeTown Buffet is now angry with me, but those just aren't good places to go if you're trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight.  This also goes for big family gatherings, you know the ones where every bit of counter space is covered with some dish, and you just keep going back in for one more bite.   Stop lurking over the counters, and go sit in the living room and strike up a conversation with your Aunt Myrtle instead.

7.  No More Family Style - Along the same lines as Ban the Buffet, let's change what eating Family Style means.  Take the pot of mashed potatoes off the dining room table and keep it in the kitchen.  Make it harder to go back in for seconds.  If you really want more, you have time to think about it while getting up and walking into the other room - you may decide that you aren't still hungry after all.  If you really want to go gangbusters here, dish out everyone's plate, and immediately put all the food into tupperware.  Then you'll definitely have room for dessert!

And speaking of dessert, you'll find that if you aren't constantly eating all day long, you actually have a few calories to spare for a nice, small treat!  Rather than the extra large Blizzard, opt for a small cup of ice cream with nuts on top.  And sit back and enjoy!

Sign 'O The Season - Fresh Produce!

Spring is here!  Well, at least that's what I'm told, because it's just rainy and blah here in the Midwest.  Still waiting for gloriously sunny days and blooming flowers and trees!

Either way, now is the time to acquaint yourself with a local produce stand.  Having fresh fruit and veggies in the house is the number one way to make sure that you eat fresh fruit and veggies everyday!  Plus, produce typically needs to be bought more often than your other grocery items, so finding a quick-stop stand close by will help keep your produce bins stocked.  

With the start of spring, the local produce stands are beginning to fill their shelves with some of our favorites.  Now's a good time to find a few in your area to check out and figure out which one your most likely to shop on a regular basis.  Local produce stands will typically sell more-locally grown foods than the typical supermarket, and are usually cheaper to boot!  Not to mention the satisfaction of keeping your money in your community and supporting your mom & pop shops!  Since it might mean an extra shop in your weekly grocery route, I find the most convenient location wins over almost anything else for this busy mom!

Not sure where to start in your search?

On YellowPages.com, search for Fruit & Vegetable Markets in your area code.

On Yahoo Yellowpages, I found it a bit harder, but searching for "Food and dining produce" got the best results.  

On MSN Yellowpages, I got great results with a simple "produce" search in my zip code.  

(Why they have to be unique and difficult is beyond me!)

And don't forget for old fashioned word of mouth - ask neighbors, friends, family where they like to shop locally.