Superbowl Snacks on your Mind?

Well, Snowdown & the Superbowl fall on the very same week. Have you got party plans?

Found this very interesting chart with information on calories in alcohol. Going into these events with a realistic plan (what drinks, how many, etc) will help us to have our grown-up fun yet stay within reach of our goals.

If onion rings, bean dip and chocolaty treats are on your must-have list for the Superbowl, then throw a party! These recipes, from Eating Well, involve traditional foods just cooked a little bit healthier (calorie values per portion included).

Have a well week,

Time Management

The other day we posted a short quiz to rate your stress levels. What did you find?

Part 2 of dealing with stress in our lives explores ways to lower it. Here's a little number on tips for time management-chances are we could all use a little help with this one!

Time Management Tips

Have a well week,

Are the "Healthy" options actually Healthy?

We have all been there before: stuck in an environment that might not be our first choice, but needing to choose something to eat. These days most places offer some sort of option touted as "healthy".

This article illustrates how frequently these "healthy" choices AREN'T healthy. A great reminder! It also gives some hints and recipes on lower-calorie or healthier options.

Have a well week,

How Stressed are You?

With the holidays just around the corner, we may be trying to squeeze in as much as possible-which can lead to increased STRESS levels.

Managing stress is an important part of health maintenance, and too much of it can often lead to unhealthy patterns. Practicing relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, and time management are all skills that might help us to better handle stress.

But first, rate your stress levels. How stressed are you? Take this short quiz from the Mayo Clinic to find out, and make sure you read the management tips at the end.

Have a well week,

Obesity & Late Night Eating

A new study will soon be published that looks at the links between late night eating and obesity. In this study, two sets of mice were given the same amount of daily calories, yet one set was given the bulk of their calories WHEN THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE SLEEPING. The results? The mice given foods while they should have been sleeping had a 48% increase in body weight! Definite conclusions cannot be made, of course, until human studies have been tallied.

And yet, does it make you think about your eating routines? Sleep and weight have been linked to obesity in the past. We've been working on all of these issues in Practice and would love to have you join us!

Here is the article on the study in the New York Times.

Have a well week,

Just Around the Corner

As the Holiday Season is just around the corner, it's a good time to start thinking about baselines for healthy holiday planning.

Here's one little article that looks at alcohol's effect on overall health-the good and the bad for better or for worse.

Have a well week,

Fluids Are Still Important

Since the long, hot days of summer have dispersed, has your fluid consumption as well? We all know that drinking water is important for our health. But it can be confusing to know just how much we should be drinking.

Here's an article from the Mayo Clinic that gives some good information on the importance of water, and some guidelines to make sure that we're getting the proper amounts.

Have a well week,

Do you know where your food comes from?

It's always smart to have some idea where our food comes from. Click here for a very informative article that was printed several years ago but includes great history and processing information. The article is on one of the easiest and healthiest "fast foods" around: baby carrots. If you eat 'em, you should read this , it will just take a moment (and thankfully there isn't any bad news in this health story).

Have a well week,

Farmer's Market

Fall is in the air- crisp air, colorful leaves, and...squash at the Farmer's Market!

Have you "hung out with" a beautiful spaghetti squash in a while? It's not only delicious (and low-calorie), but also a great source of fiber, folic acid, potassium, and vitamin A! You can roast them in the oven, cut and microwave, or even boil your spaghetti squash. Top with tomato sauce, parsley, and Parmesan, or check out this delightful recipe!

Have a well week,

Sodium Intake

One of the overlooked but important facets of a healthy and balanced diet is sodium intake. With all the listings and labels, things can get pretty confusing.

Here's a very informative article from the Mayo Clinic that will help to set you straight on your sodium requirements, plus give you some tips on lowering your levels.

Have a well week,