Teen Health Problems not exclusive to US

I just read an interesting article on the health issues facing teens in the UK.

Here in the US, it would seem that we held the world title for poor eating habits, not enough exercise, drinking, drug use, and car accidents. But it seems the UK is right there with us.

Makes me wonder, are these problems more global than we thought?

I’d love to hear from parents around the world on this, wouldn’t you?

I’ve always written from a US perspective, because that’s what I know. I know the fast food empires are spreading worldwide, and the diseases that go with that diet are on the upswing everywhere. But do people around the world eat all these fake packaged foods too? I really don’t know.

I do know that if you’re eating fast foods and/or fake foods, or lab created foods, or franken foods, or whatever you’d like to call them - you are putting your health in grave danger. No halloween puns intended.

You can find out more about the dangers lurking in your food and what you can do about it >>>   Read it and take back your health!

Carole

.a.k.a. – ‘Mother’

What Time Is It Really?

Yesterday, I spent a very long focused day working on the computer. I set a goal and I’m busting my you know what  trying to reach it. Anyway…

 I thought I was doing really great. I had gotten so much done! Except when I went ot walk hyper-dog and looked at the clock on the wall, it was really an hour later than I thought.

 The computer clocks have automatically adjusted off of Daylight Savings Time, like they should have - any other year but this year. This year we get to enjoy a little more daylight for an extra week. Why didn’t they make it a month?

 So, you think I’d learn, right? Nope. I did the same thing today. I was feeling pretty good until I realized it was an hour later than I thought. sigh….

I’ll get used to it about the time real time catches up to my computer time.

I’m such a creature of habit. Which is good most of the time.

So that means, it really is time to get off the computer and go to bed.

Did you get caught by this little time glitch?

Kids, Candy, Health - what to do?

It’s the dreaded halloween question - how much candy should you let your kids eat?

This may be a bit controversial, but I say - let them eat all they want. One day, let them indulge. And you might be surpirsed - they just might eat less than you expect.

Teaching kids that they can’t eat what they like is not the right lesson. Teach them that it’s ok to have treats, in moderation.

I know, I just said to let them have all they want. This week, moderation will be one day. Tomorrow, it’s back to a couple of pieces while they do their homework.

See, that’s the problem with all these diets that don’t work. Extremism doesn’t work. I mean, have you ever asked yourself how a vegetarian could be fat? That doesn’t seem to make sense, does it?

The packaged foods you’re feeding them will kill them faster than the candy anyway. So lighten up. Go out with them and have some fun. At least you’ll all get some exercise!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, you’re going to be mad at me and leave nasty comments. Will you be mad enough to serve a healthy dinner? Go ahead - Show Me! (you know - “I’ll show her!”)

Just make sure to check the candy before you let them eat it - OK?

Seriously - have some fun. These years go by way too fast.

Happy Halloween!

Carole

a.k.a. – ‘Mother’

what to eat when you have to eat late

A friend of mine came to me with a problem. She is a long time student of High Energy Eating, but now she’s run up against a problem finding time to eat healthy.

She works 3 jobs. Yes, 3. She’s a teacher full time, and holds 2 part time jobs at the mall. So most nights, she’s not getting home until 10 P.M. and she’s hungry! She wanted ideas for what to eat so late at night.

So as I set out to make a plan for her, I figured it might help you too.

Here are some light dinner ideas that she can make quickly, eat comfortably and still maintain her weight loss.

>> Quesadillas, or are they tostadas? I get them mixed up – anyway, they’re so easy. Warm 2 flour tortillas on one side. Flip and place cheese on each. You can also put in leftover shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, salsa, and/or refried beans. Put the tortillas together, sandwich style. Cut into quarters. Have a salad or fresh fruit on the side.

You can also take the same basic ingredients and just make soft tacos.

BLTs. This time of year, Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwiches are a real treat with fresh tomatoes. With microwave bacon, these can be ready in just a few minutes. I wouldn’t eat it too often since the bacon part is not great for you, but it’s a good fast treat once in a while. I’ve ended up with BSTs once in a while too – Bacon, Spinach, and Tomato when I don’t have any lettuce in the house! Still good. Easy on the Mayo! Try the canola mayo for extra omega 3s.

Sandwiches are a great light dinner option too. Roast beef, or chicken, or turkey with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. That’s a meal right there. Yellow mustard has healing benefits, and you can eat as much of that as you want, or your stomach can handle
You can cook a chicken breast in about 10 minutes. Pair it up with a salad for a great light dinner. If you’re organized enough to plan ahead, you could have that chicken marinating all day. Yum.

A pork chop, or a steak can be made just as quickly.

Get creative with salad. You can throw in all kinds of good for you stuff.

Eggs are another great quick option. Omelets can be made quickly and filled with almost anything.

Tuna Salad.

Low sodium soups. Canned soups have a lot of salt, so go for the low sodium versions.

Fruit and yogurt and nuts

Fruit and cheese

Oatmeal

Just make sure to skip the starchy, high carb side dishes like potatoes or pasta - that will just turn to fat because you’re not going to do anything that late at night to burn it off.

Especially stay away from fries, chips and pop. But a glass of red wine is good for you!

Another friend piped in that she can just sit down with a bowl of my broccoli salad. Wow, I haven’t made that in a while – and I’m sure that was a hint!

We all know we shouldn’t eat a lot late at night. But sometimes, life doesn’t always allow us to be so perfect, does it? So, if you find yourself eating late, I hope these healthy eating tips help!

To your good health –

Carole

Dishwashing 101

My daughter has a complaint. And it’s a valid one. She says, “People don’t know how to wash dishes.”You see, at her father’s house, they just pile stuff in the sink without rinsing and leave it for her to clean up. I myself have seen people complain about how hard it is to keep up with dishes. Washing dishes should only take a few minutes, it you do a few things first -When you’re done eating, scrape the leftover food into the garbage or garbage disposal.

Thoroughly rinse the dishes.

If you’re using your dish washer, you will skip the next few steps. I don’t care if you have one of those dishwashers that can handle washing plates full of food, If you want cleaner dishes, and your dishwasher to last longer, rinse them off first.

Place silverware and plates in the sink first, they are flat and you can place bowls and glasses on top of them.

Run hot soapy water.

You can’t fit all of the dirty dishes in the sink at one time. Run some hot soapy water in the pans to be washed.

Let dishes soak for a little while. Go take a walk or something.

When you come back - washing the dishes will be a breeze.

Let them air dry.

Put them away.

After washing the dishes, wipe down the stove before everything gets too dry and caked on. Take a few seconds and wipe down counters, range-hood, fridge and stuff like that. If you do it all of the time, it only takes a few seconds. Get in the habit of taking just a few extra minutes and your kitchen will always be clean.

You don’t have to work hard to keep your house clean - Just work smart.

Click here to find out how to clean your house fast, and keep it that way!