This past week I have seen advertising for 2 new high calorie contenders in the dining out arena, and I feel compelled to share my findings with you.
Golden Corral has added a Chocolate Fountain to it's already beefy dessert lineup, and KFC (that's Kentucky Fried Chicken to non-locals) has now added BACON to it's already hefty mashed-potato-fried-chicken-strips-corn-gravy-cheese mess thrown into a bowl. To be fair, here is how KFC describes this concoction on it's website:
"We start with a generous serving of our creamy mashed potatoes, layered with sweet corn and loaded with bite-sized pieces of crispy chicken. Then we drizzle it all with our signature home-style gravy and top it off with a shredded three-cheese blend. It's all your favorite flavors coming together."
All I can say is ICK. And, as of this writing, their website is not yet updated to reflect the addition of BACON to this bowl in their nutrition facts. Hmmmmmm.
Golden Corral at least does have their nutrition facts listed for the glorious Chocolate Fountain. Are you ready for this?
Serving size is 2 Tablespoons. TWO TABLESPOONS. Did you get that? 2 Tablespoons, that's it folks.....not much.
Calories:210. Fat grams: 15 grams, 9 of which are saturated.
Now, you must take into consideration that for diners who happen to be supping at Golden Corral, these calories & fat grams are IN ADDITION to a meal that surely exceeds the recommended caloric intake for one day. Most of the folks who dine at Golden Corral are not filling up on salad, I can assure you -- and believe me when I say that from experience. I used to dine with the best of them, loading up on every fried fatty concoction I could get my hands upon. I felt ripped off if I didn't have at least 2 trips to the entree bar and then sample at least 3 desserts.....after all, it's all you can eat, right?? Get your money's worth, and if you don't roll out of there, well then you didn't stuff yourself quite enough.
I mean no disrespect to either KFC or Golden Corral -- they serve this type of food because we as consumers demand it. Remember the lower calorie hamburger "The McLean" McDonald's sold? It was a complete dud and pulled from the market. And now they are reporting that despite adding apple slices to their menu as an substitute for french fries in happy meals, the majority of parents are still ordering the fries for their children.
As long as we demand and consume unhealthy foods, restaurants will continue producing them. We have to make smarter choices when it comes to food, to be accountable for our own choices, and educate our children on ways to eat healthier.
If we don't do something now, our children are going to be the ones who suffer -- and future generations as well. Let's break the cycle while there is still time.
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Monday, October 24, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Importance of Positive Self Talk
Have you ever caught yourself saying things like "I'm not good enough" or "I'm too fat to wear that" or any other negative self talk? Our bodies really do physically hear those words, and in turn this has a huge impact on our self esteem.
We all have bad days where we doubt our abilities, talents, and even obsess about our bodies and everything wrong with them. "Why can't I lose 10 pounds and look like her? I don't have near the talents that she does....." etc. etc. etc.
When we find ourselves parroting these negative statements to ourselves, put on the brakes and STOP. Negative affirmations are just as powerful as positive ones, possibly even more so. If you say something to yourself enough times, sooner or later you are going to believe it.
My wish is that every single day everyone says at least one positive affirmation to themselves, and sincerely mean it. I've begun a journal just for affirmations of that sort, and when I am having a tough day, it really boosts my spirits to reflect on some of my positive attributes.
Give it a try! I promise you won't regret it. Believe in yourself, because you can do anything you set your mind to ~ don't forget to tell yourself that!
We all have bad days where we doubt our abilities, talents, and even obsess about our bodies and everything wrong with them. "Why can't I lose 10 pounds and look like her? I don't have near the talents that she does....." etc. etc. etc.
When we find ourselves parroting these negative statements to ourselves, put on the brakes and STOP. Negative affirmations are just as powerful as positive ones, possibly even more so. If you say something to yourself enough times, sooner or later you are going to believe it.
My wish is that every single day everyone says at least one positive affirmation to themselves, and sincerely mean it. I've begun a journal just for affirmations of that sort, and when I am having a tough day, it really boosts my spirits to reflect on some of my positive attributes.
Give it a try! I promise you won't regret it. Believe in yourself, because you can do anything you set your mind to ~ don't forget to tell yourself that!
Friday, September 23, 2011
The childhood obesity epidemic
Did you know that September is Childhood Obesity month?
I have to be completely honest, the climbing numbers of our youth that are obese TERRIFIES me. It really does. The future of our children's health is very grim according to the latest news reports. Did you know that childhood obesity has more than tripled over the last 30 years?
If this trend continues, today's youth will be battling a host of preventable diseases, and have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, as well as type 2 diabetes.
Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
This is not a matter to be taken lightly; we as parents, grandparents, teachers, doctors, and role models need to take action now. I'm not talking about lip service either -- we must emulate positive role models for our kids by our own lifestyle choices. Set a positive example for the youth in your life, and it's likely they will take notice and follow your lead. Incorporate healthy eating into family meals, and make exercise a priority.
It's a matter of life or death for our future generations. What can you do to make a difference today?
I have to be completely honest, the climbing numbers of our youth that are obese TERRIFIES me. It really does. The future of our children's health is very grim according to the latest news reports. Did you know that childhood obesity has more than tripled over the last 30 years?
If this trend continues, today's youth will be battling a host of preventable diseases, and have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, as well as type 2 diabetes.
Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
This is not a matter to be taken lightly; we as parents, grandparents, teachers, doctors, and role models need to take action now. I'm not talking about lip service either -- we must emulate positive role models for our kids by our own lifestyle choices. Set a positive example for the youth in your life, and it's likely they will take notice and follow your lead. Incorporate healthy eating into family meals, and make exercise a priority.
It's a matter of life or death for our future generations. What can you do to make a difference today?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Put some muscle into it!
Yesterday I raged war -- war against soap scum that had decided to cake itself within my bath tub. I sprayed several different hard-core-not environmentally-friendly cleaners with limited success. The crud still remained.
So, I jumped in there with a nylon pan scrubber and decided to give it a whirl. WOW! It worked like a charm, without any harsh chemicals or fumes.
As I was scrubbing, I had an epiphany; you can find opportunities to incorporate a workout session in the least likely of places, such as the bath tub. My biceps got a killer workout scrubbing the soap scum and I now have a crystal clean tub to boot!
Little changes in your routine have a cumulative affect, and can offer huge benefits to your fitness level.
Strive to find a way to give your muscles some exercise every day -- in no time you will notice increased strength and stamina, and some nice muscle tone too!
So, I jumped in there with a nylon pan scrubber and decided to give it a whirl. WOW! It worked like a charm, without any harsh chemicals or fumes.
As I was scrubbing, I had an epiphany; you can find opportunities to incorporate a workout session in the least likely of places, such as the bath tub. My biceps got a killer workout scrubbing the soap scum and I now have a crystal clean tub to boot!
Little changes in your routine have a cumulative affect, and can offer huge benefits to your fitness level.
Strive to find a way to give your muscles some exercise every day -- in no time you will notice increased strength and stamina, and some nice muscle tone too!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Migraines & Exercise
Just last week I was discussing the benefits of exercise with one of my clients who happens to suffer from migraine headaches. While many believe exercise is a trigger for migraines, that is not always the case.
There are many potential triggers for a migraine:
Not eating properly before exercising and causing a dramatic drop in blood sugar to occur
Not taking in enough fluid and becoming dehydrated while exercising
Starting a new eating plan and a new exercise plan at the same time
Attempting strenuous exercise without warming up properly
To pinpoint exertion-related migraine triggers, clients should keep an exercise log, which should include specific information:
Time of day when exercising
Last meal prior to workout
Fluid intake
Medication details
By keeping a detailed log of when and where the migraines attack, you will be much better equipped to pinpoint the trigger for your migraines.
The best type of exercise for those suffering from migraines is regular, moderate aerobic exercise, at least 30 minutes three times a week.
Regular exercise, coupled with a healthy diet, can hopefully reduce the number of migraines as well as the intensity.
So don't be so quick to dismiss exercise as your migraine trigger - our bodies were made to move!
Be well!
There are many potential triggers for a migraine:
Not eating properly before exercising and causing a dramatic drop in blood sugar to occur
Not taking in enough fluid and becoming dehydrated while exercising
Starting a new eating plan and a new exercise plan at the same time
Attempting strenuous exercise without warming up properly
To pinpoint exertion-related migraine triggers, clients should keep an exercise log, which should include specific information:
Time of day when exercising
Last meal prior to workout
Fluid intake
Medication details
By keeping a detailed log of when and where the migraines attack, you will be much better equipped to pinpoint the trigger for your migraines.
The best type of exercise for those suffering from migraines is regular, moderate aerobic exercise, at least 30 minutes three times a week.
Regular exercise, coupled with a healthy diet, can hopefully reduce the number of migraines as well as the intensity.
So don't be so quick to dismiss exercise as your migraine trigger - our bodies were made to move!
Be well!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The importance of YOU time
With the hectic pace of life as we know it today, days are ridiculously jam-packed with little to no breathing room left. Many of us are finding ourselves short on time -- mostly time that should be devoted exclusively as OUR time.
I'm not referring to time spent watching our children's sports, or even a solo trip to the grocery store sans children and/or husbands. No, I am referring to time devoted exclusively to you -- time needed to recharge your batteries and nourish your soul. It's a tragedy that there are so many things/events/responsibilities that all take precedence over ourselves and time just for us.
As adults, and maybe even more so as women, we are conditioned to believe that we are the caretakers, we can only devote a precious amount of time to ourselves after everyone else's needs are fully met. Do you realize how improbable that is? Just like waiting for the perfect time to have a baby, or the exact moment to sell your house when all the planets are in perfect alignment, there is no perfect time. Someone will ALWAYS need you in some fashion.
When you neglect yourself, you may find yourself exhausted, barely able to make it thru the motions of the day. Your self esteem is affected because you are not placing a high priority on yourself, thereby sending your brain signals that you aren't worthy of needing care or attention. Negative self-talk has a very strong impact upon our self esteem! Your body hears those negative words and they manifest into unpleasant physical reactions.
It's VITAL that you put your needs at the top of your list, and make time for yourself every single day. This is NOT selfish behavior, I assure you! When you neglect your needs, everyone and everything around you suffers (not to mention your sanity and well being!)
When you eat right, exercise, and take better care of yourself, a snowball effect takes place. Your family and friends in turn feel better, because you are optimizing all of your positive traits and are truly being the best YOU possible.
I've had this exact dialogue with clients many times, and expect it will always be a subject of conversation. No matter how pressed for time, no matter how stressful your life may be, you simply cannot eliminate time devoted to your personal well-being and happiness.
Set aside little blocks of time every day exclusively reserved for you. If you are new to exercise, start with some gentle walking around your neighborhood; if you have a gym membership, go there for an hour where the telephone can't disturb you and hit the weights. Spend some time re-evaluating your meals, planning healthy choices in advance, so when everyone is famished you don't head for your local fast food restaurant. These small changes will have a huge impact in a short period of time, I promise you!
Please don't deprive yourself of the bliss that accompanies good health and well being.
You are your very best investment, and you are SO worth it!
I'm not referring to time spent watching our children's sports, or even a solo trip to the grocery store sans children and/or husbands. No, I am referring to time devoted exclusively to you -- time needed to recharge your batteries and nourish your soul. It's a tragedy that there are so many things/events/responsibilities that all take precedence over ourselves and time just for us.
As adults, and maybe even more so as women, we are conditioned to believe that we are the caretakers, we can only devote a precious amount of time to ourselves after everyone else's needs are fully met. Do you realize how improbable that is? Just like waiting for the perfect time to have a baby, or the exact moment to sell your house when all the planets are in perfect alignment, there is no perfect time. Someone will ALWAYS need you in some fashion.
When you neglect yourself, you may find yourself exhausted, barely able to make it thru the motions of the day. Your self esteem is affected because you are not placing a high priority on yourself, thereby sending your brain signals that you aren't worthy of needing care or attention. Negative self-talk has a very strong impact upon our self esteem! Your body hears those negative words and they manifest into unpleasant physical reactions.
It's VITAL that you put your needs at the top of your list, and make time for yourself every single day. This is NOT selfish behavior, I assure you! When you neglect your needs, everyone and everything around you suffers (not to mention your sanity and well being!)
When you eat right, exercise, and take better care of yourself, a snowball effect takes place. Your family and friends in turn feel better, because you are optimizing all of your positive traits and are truly being the best YOU possible.
I've had this exact dialogue with clients many times, and expect it will always be a subject of conversation. No matter how pressed for time, no matter how stressful your life may be, you simply cannot eliminate time devoted to your personal well-being and happiness.
Set aside little blocks of time every day exclusively reserved for you. If you are new to exercise, start with some gentle walking around your neighborhood; if you have a gym membership, go there for an hour where the telephone can't disturb you and hit the weights. Spend some time re-evaluating your meals, planning healthy choices in advance, so when everyone is famished you don't head for your local fast food restaurant. These small changes will have a huge impact in a short period of time, I promise you!
Please don't deprive yourself of the bliss that accompanies good health and well being.
You are your very best investment, and you are SO worth it!
Monday, August 8, 2011
"Healthy" Fast-Food Options? Right!
I am dumfounded at what I came across on the Internet today.........
"Fresh" lemonade from Wendy's - love the commercial that says it is made from lemons and real cane sugar. 1 serving = 570 calories and 78 grams of sugar. This is 2-1/2 days worth of sugar in one serving.
McDonald's Frozen Strawberry lemonade has these shocking numbers:
16 oz. 270 calories - sounds good, right? One serving is 67 grams of sugar. Daily suggested is 32 grams.
Diabetes, anyone?
Last but not least, read this: New M&M Shake from Steak n Shake: Small 670 calories, 93 grams of sugar. Large 1170 calories, 168 grams of sugar. Daily recommended sugar intake - 32 grams. So the large shake is over 5 days worth of sugar.
UNBELIEVABLE. Bear in mind that these are merely beverages, and are consumed with a meal, a hefty one if it's ordered at Wendy's, McDonalds, or Steak N Shake.
As consumers, we HAVE to educate ourselves and know just what we are putting into our bodies, even when we order a lemonade that is marketed to be "fresh and healthy".
Maybe someday the fast food giants will mend their ways and offer an abundance of healthier foods, but I'm not predicting it will happen anytime soon. As long as we eat the junk they create, they'll keep plugging away at our waistlines as well as our health.
Serious stuff.
"Fresh" lemonade from Wendy's - love the commercial that says it is made from lemons and real cane sugar. 1 serving = 570 calories and 78 grams of sugar. This is 2-1/2 days worth of sugar in one serving.
McDonald's Frozen Strawberry lemonade has these shocking numbers:
16 oz. 270 calories - sounds good, right? One serving is 67 grams of sugar. Daily suggested is 32 grams.
Diabetes, anyone?
Last but not least, read this: New M&M Shake from Steak n Shake: Small 670 calories, 93 grams of sugar. Large 1170 calories, 168 grams of sugar. Daily recommended sugar intake - 32 grams. So the large shake is over 5 days worth of sugar.
UNBELIEVABLE. Bear in mind that these are merely beverages, and are consumed with a meal, a hefty one if it's ordered at Wendy's, McDonalds, or Steak N Shake.
As consumers, we HAVE to educate ourselves and know just what we are putting into our bodies, even when we order a lemonade that is marketed to be "fresh and healthy".
Maybe someday the fast food giants will mend their ways and offer an abundance of healthier foods, but I'm not predicting it will happen anytime soon. As long as we eat the junk they create, they'll keep plugging away at our waistlines as well as our health.
Serious stuff.
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