**HAVE A SAFE AND HEALTHY HALLOWEEN!**

Make sure your kids stay healthy and safe this season!

**ON MY SOAPBOX! My Rant on the Food Industry!**

Every once in awhile something I read or see on T.V. or hear on the radio gets my blood to come close to a full boil. When this happens, I need to get it out. Since I am not a violent man, the next best thing is to put a post together in my blog. Well, today is that day; at least for awhile until the next thing comes along. Today I read an article from Yahoo.com about what the Food Industry does NOT want us to know. It was a great article about how even the junk food companies are stating that they are starting to "steer kids away" from bad choices and more towards "healthier choices" when it comes to food. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? If anyone believes that they are trying to steer away kids from their junk food products; a population that these companies make their living off of; I have some swamp land i can sell you cheap! Childhood obesity rates are astronomically high; doctors, nurses, medical professionals, are seeing kids as young as 2-4years old with weight problems; and THESE companies are saying they are steering kids away?? Here is a quote from the article:

"Food giant PepsiCo, for example, points out on its website, that 'we can play an important role in helping kids lead healthier lives by offering healthy product choices in schools.' The company highlights what it considers its healthier products within various food categories through a 'Smart-Spot Campaign that features green symbols on packaging."


There is no arguing that we as a society need to eat healthier. There is no argument here. especially in our children, do we need to have them eating healthier foods, exercising more and getting off the proverbial "couch potato" lifestyle of watching too much television and playing WAY too many hours of video games! (Sidenote: video games are also on my "ranting radar" but will save that for another day). Healthier living is what we need to enphasize and it does NOT need to come from the hypocites that run the junk food companies! Check out this video below about what is going on.Click and Paste this in your browser:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=10249794&ch=4226723&src=news


We are a society that is literally "killing" our kids with bad eating habits and we need to stop it now. I am a parent and I try to instil in my son healthy eating habits and exercise almost on a daily basis because it was instilled in me from my mother. My sister and I grew up with a mother WAY ahead of her time when it came to healthy eating. She was always getting low to non fat foods; making sure we had fresh fruits and vegetables; low sugar intake; scraping fat off of foods that she prepared; etc. This back in the early 1970's! And exercise?? She always had us outside playing games and sports and riding bikes ALL THE TIME! Why should this be any different now?? There are so many kids as well as adults who need to lose weight. Not only for better health but, in some cases, to SAVE THEIR LIVES!

Being a healthy parent is crucial and to hear that junk food companies are trying to get away from marketing prooducts to kids; the very kids that keep these giants in business; is laughable! We need to get our kids eating healthier foods and getting our information from more credible sources rather than the very companies that sell junk food to anyone and everyone that they can.

Thanks for letting me rant and rave to get this out of my system. I feel much better and I think I can go on with the rest of my day in a calm and cool manner. At least until the next issue comes by to get me boiling again.

If you would like to read the article that has gotten me all up in arms; CLICK HERE NOW!



** WANT TO EAT HEALTHIER AND LOSE WEIGHT?** CLICK HERE TODAY!

**Check Out This Great Expo!**

Just a quick post today to let you in on a great Expo happening in Toronto, Canada October 24th-26th. If you can make it to Toronto or if you live there you should really check it out.

Click Here To Visit Their Site!

Its all about being a healthy parent to yourself and your kids.

**Hard Economic Times?Exercising on a Budget**

Many people are very scared about what is going on with the U.S. economy these days. The Stock Market under 9K; Foreclosures all over the place; etc. Its hard for anyone at all to find "extra" money that they can use for what they want to use it for; not what they have to use it for. This includes expensive Gym memberships. As with my last blog post, you do not have to skimp on exercising during these hard economic times. There are many exercises that can be done for no cost at all to well under $100. These include many exercises and equipment that have many different uses. From an exercise ball and bands to just plain walking; you do not have to spend your "extra" money on expensive Gym memberships, home gyms, treadmills, etc to get the needed exercise. You do not have to "lose your shirt" to lose the weight you need. Check out this GREAT article about what you can do to exercise on a budget:

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE NOW!

Remember that exercising and healthy eating does not have to go "out the window" in these hard economic times.


For More Information and Tips, CLICK HERE TODAY!

**Hard Economic Times? Don't Skimp On Healthy Foods! **

The video above is an exaggeration of course but even with these hard economic times you do not have to eliminate healthy foods because of the costs. Don't you think there is a reason that the classic "junk food" is priced so much lower than the "healthy food"? Here are some tips for keeping "healthy food" in your house DESPITE the hard economic times:


1. Do You Shopping Without The Kids. If you can shop without your kids' influence, you can make sure that you get the healthy foods into your home. Your kids would love the "junk" food like the chips, cookies, etc. If you shop alone, you won't have to worry about them "nagging" you to get the "junk".

2. Replace the Soft Drinks with Milk or Water. Soft drinks should be eliminated altogether because of their high sugar and chemical content but if you cannot eliminate them totally; try just at home with milk or water. We all know milk is better for you and your kids' growth and calcium intake. Make drinking soft drinks a "special time" when you are out of the house at an event. Stick with the good stuff at home.


3. Buy the "Healthy Foods" in Quantity. Foods such as fruits and vegetables can be bought in bulk and stored in your freezer in freezer bags so they do not spoil. You can then unfreeze them for use in the future days, weeks or even months.

4. Use Great Protein Sources Like Meats and Beans. These can also be bought in bulk for a better price than if you bought it retail.They also can be prepared in soups and stews using a crock pot and storing them in the freezer for future uses.

5. Try the Local Fish Market. If you live near the coast, going to your local fish market can save time as well as money buying the fish directly from the fishermen. If it is legal, you can even try to catch your own fish as well.

6. Go With the Great Kids Staple: PEANUT BUTTER! Peanut Butter is a favorite of most kids and is a great food on a budget. Natural peanut butter tastes great and can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks.

7. Use High-Water Filled Foods! Using foods like these are not only a great snack for you and your kids but it will "fill them up" better than junk food like chips and cookies. Water-filled fruits such as Watermelon, salads, etc. can do a much "healthier" job of providing a snack that can "fill-up" your kids.

Yes; these are hard economic times. But you do not have to lose the healthy foods because you are on a tight budget. Stick with the healthy foods and you and your family will benefit in more ways than one.



For More Information Please Click Here!

**STARVE A COLD! FEED A FEVER!**

I have heard this saying for most of my life as you probably have. I think it is being passed down generations at a time. But what can we do, as health parents, to prevent ourselves and our kids from getting to the point where we have to say, "starve a cold, feed a fever"?? The BEST thing that we can do is a daily routine of healthy eating and exercise. Many children who are overweight or obese suffer greatly with illnesses that we take for granted. Many obese children have struggles with their blood sugar levels as well as with breathing problems and a lower immune system. Eating healthy foods and regular exercise is the key to help with it all. Will it prevent from ALL sicknesses that come around? Of course not. But it will give them a better chance to fight any and all sicknesses that DO come around.





Now, your kids are not the only ones that can use a healthy diet and regular exercise to help fight colds and illnesses. YOU are also exposed to germs everyday and need to also eat healthy and exercise. If you are overweight yourself, you have a lower immune system and are susceptible to illnesses as well. If you want to not have to remember the saying, "starve a cold, feed a fever", then you need to lose the pounds by eating healthier and exercising. Do it TODAY as "cold and flu" season is just starting and you need to prepare yourself and your kids for all the germs that will be thrown at you.



CLICK HERE NOW TO START TODAY!

**Lose The Weight! Prevent The Sickness!**

Now is the time of the year when illness seems to start its yearly mass progression throughout the U.S. The seasons changing; kids going back to school all exposed to each other's germs; etc. There are many ways to prevent getting sick; from vitamins and extra supplements. But what really needs to be discussed is losing that weight. Having significant weight to lose puts a real strain on your whole body and contribute greatly to a lower immune system. The time to get you healthy eating habits in order as well as an exercise program together is NOW! With the holidays fast approaching and cold and flu season in its beginning stages; now more than ever is the best time to start to lose that weight. You will not only feel better but your body will also be able to sufficiently fight any of the vast illnesses that will be coming around you very soon. Take Action TODAY!


Click Here To Take Action Now!

**Get Going With Your Kids!**

One of the biggest issues that face parents today is getting your kids to exercise. But "telling" your kids to "go outside and get some exercise" is NOT the answer. It is your job as a healthy parent to "show" your kids how getting exercise is not only good for improving their health but can also improve YOUR health as well as a great family bonding activity. Check out this quick video below about whats going on and DON"T FORGET to click the link below the video to see what other ideas you can get to be a health parent to your kids!






Click Here To Get More Information!

CIO Foundation: My Opinion

"The Most Common Health Problem Facing U.S. Children Today---CHILDHOOD OBESITY---A Condition Robbing Kids Of Both Their Quality And Quantity Of Life."


"Overweight And Obesity Are Destroying Our Children's Lives!"


"ONE In THREE Kids Born In 2000 Is Expected To Develop Type 2 Diabetes, With The Risk Of Blindness, Loss Of Kidney Function, And Early Death Associated With It."


"The Stigmatization Directed At Obese Children By Their Peers, Parents, Educators and Others Is Pervasive And Often Unrelenting."



Do those statements seem familiar to you? Have you ever seen or heard these statements made? They are on the website of the "CHILDREN'S INTERNATIONAL OBESITY FOUNDATION.

This is a FANTASTIC website and organization that can truly help Parents that have kids with weight issues. This is just a sample of what they provide:

1. The Facts, Effects, Causes, Costs Associated with Childhood Obesity
2. Programs and Support
3. News and Events
4. Emergency Intervention and Advocacy
5. Kids Only Section

Their MISSION:


"The Children’s International Obesity Foundation is dedicated to predicting, preventing, treating, and ultimately eliminating childhood overweight and obesity. This increasingly costly and painful health epidemic is affecting the world’s population of babies, youngsters, adolescents and young adults. We believe our goal is within reach — but we need your support."


PLEASE! If you have any questions or concerns about your Child's weight issues; have any questions about his or her healthy eating and diet or lack there of; any questions at all please visit their website.


CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR SITE NOW!

Talking To Your Kids About Their Weight? This Can Backfire!

Talking with your kids about "weight issues" can be a very touchy subject. You do not want to come across as a "nag" or even worse, possibly degrading your kids. If you want to take on any weight issues with your kids, make sue that you do it in a positive way! Do not single them out; make your conversations be a "whole-family" issue that you all need to work on getting healthier. Being a healthy parent needs to be an on-going process. If you talk to your kids in a negative way about any weight issues that they might be having; like saying: "Your getting too fat" or "Do you have to eat all that?"; this will backfire on you and you will have many difficulties with your relationship with your kids. They could rebel against you. They could defy anything you say. They could also have major psychological issues as they grow to adulthood. If you are having problems with talking with your kids about weight issues and eating healthy, check out the video below. Make sure you then click on the link below the video to get information on what you can do TODAY to get the help you need with Healthy Eating and Weight Loss.







Click Here To Get The Information To Help With Your Healthy Eating!

Nutrition And Childhood Obesity

Being a Healthy Parent is what this blog is all about. Whether it is for yourself getting and being healthy; or for your kids. I cannot emphasize the point enough that we, as a society are "killing our kids" with what we give them for nutrition. Childhood Obesity is a problem; that's obvious. But it is a problem in society that CAN and SHOULD be preventable. Our children need to be given the proper tools to make the correct choices on what foods they put into their bodies. We, as parents, need to help them with those choices when they are young; and as they grow, give them the tools to make the choices on their own. Watch this video on "Overweight Kids in America" and then click on the link below to see what you can do. Watch it now:






Click Here To See What You Can Do To help Your Kids!

Childhood Obesity: Video Investigation

This video, as you will see, was done in 2003! Childhood Obesity is an even greater problem now than ever before. After you watch the video, ask yourself the questions you know you need answers to for your kids. Also, check out the link below the video to see what you can do to help your kids and, quite possibly, even yourself if need be. Watch the video now.





Click Here For More Information on What You Can Do!

LOSE THE WEIGHT? LOSE THE BAD HABITS!

Face it! We are ALL not perfect! I know that may sound obvious but there are too many people in this world who think "perfection" IS attainable.When it comes to our health, many of us have gotten into "bad habits" with what we are eating as well as the effects that are being thrust upon our bodies. We all have heard that the "bad habits" like smoking, drinking too much, drug use, etc. are looked upon with disdain all over the world. But it seems that when it comes to the "bad habits" of poor nutrition choices and overeating, we don't look at this as we do to the other habits. Poor nutrition and overeating can damage your health just as much as our classic "bad habits of Smoking, drinking, and drugs.

Here are the "bad habits" and some consequences if they are continued:


1. OVEREATING. Besides the obvious result of becoming obese, which has become an absolute crisis here in America; overeating can lead to many medical difficulties such as Heart Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, and many other physical difficulties. We are now seeing many of these medical issues in our children that are overweight; even children as young as pre-school aged!


2. POOR NUTRITION CHOICES. I say "choices' because, for the most part, we CHOOSE what we put into our bodies when it comes to food. It is your "choice" whether you eat that "greasy cheeseburger" or that healthy salad. Choosing foods with high fats and sugars can make you feel fatigued as well as they can literally "make you sick".


3. LACK OF EXERCISE. Making the correct choice with your nutrition is only part of the solution. If you live a sedentary life filled with hours of "couch potato" activities like TV watching, video game playing, computer "surfing", etc.; then you are not going to lose weight; have many medical difficulties, and will not have the proper energy levels to live a fulfilling life.


4. THOSE "OTHER" BAD HABITS. If you have those other habits like smoking, drinking too much, drug use, etc.; they need to be "kicked to the curb"! Its all about the healthy lifestyle and if you are eating healthy and exercising but still smoking for example; are you REALLY being healthy?? Lung cancer, liver cancer, brain damage, etc. are those popular consequences of these "other" bad habits. Difficult to stop? OF COURSE! if it wasn't would there be so many things in this world to "help" us overcome these habits?


Your family cares about you so YOU NEED TO CARE ABOUT YOU! Eating Badly? Eating Too Much? Not Exercising? Participating In Those "Other Bad Habits?

Make The Change NOW!!

START TODAY so you will be around to SEE TOMORROW!!


Take A Sneak Peak Here to Get Started TODAY!

Don't Go "ON A DIET"! Good Nutrition is the Key!

So many people say "Oh I need to lose weight", "Oh I need to go on a diet", "Oh I need to work-out", etc, etc. If you want to get healthy; if you want to lose weight; going on a "diet" is not the correct thing to do. Healthy eating and exercise must be a daily part of your life. Period! Check out this video below as well as the information below the video to see how you can get the "healthy" facts:






Click Here For More Information On Nutrition And Weight Loss!

The Vital Connection Between Healthy Eating and Weight Loss

With all the "bad influences" out there; is it any wonder that weight loss as well as maintaining a healthy diet is so difficult. We see it everywhere from on TV to the Internet to magazines; everywhere we look there are people pushing what "ideal" people look like while at the same time advertising that we must eat at our favorite fast food places. Choosing the "right" diet for YOUR needs is so vitally important for your overall health. With Childhood Obesity in America at all time growth rates and with our lives being so hectic; now more than ever we need to get healthy when it comes to our diets and weight loss.

Here are some suggestions of what YOU can do right now:


1. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Period!

Find any and all fruits and vegetables that you enjoy eating and make sure that they become the essential core of your healthy eating habits. look for recipes that give you a variety of ways to cook or prepare your choices as to lower the chance of becoming "bored" with eating them. Prepare your fruits ahead of time so if you need to grab a "quick" snack, you can "grab" some cut up slices of apples or oranges instead of sneaking your hand into the cookie jar for that snack

2. Do Not Skip Meals! Especially Breakfast!

Eating breakfast is so important because it gets your body "going"; fueling your mind and body and making you more alert and active throughout the day.

3. If you have a very busy schedule, prepare lunches and snacks the night before.

That way you have what you need already prepared and ready for you to eat when you need it. This "brown bagging it" of meals and snacks will also keep you from making those "I'm hungry NOW" bad choices for meals and snacks.

4. Exercise!

Even if its only a brisk morning or evening walk. Make sure that you can do some kind of exercise for at least 30-45 minutes a day. Whether its walking or strength training with weights or dumbbells, exercise is a vital part of your weight loss.


5. Get your WHOLE family involved!

Your kids can be a great motivation for you getting healthy and losing weight. Plus, they can also be involved in a healthy lifestyle and you may even see that they enjoy it with you!


Follow these simple tips and you will see how easy it really is to make eating healthy along with regular exercise a daily part of your overall health.


STILL STUCK IN A RUT?

AT A LOSS FOR OTHER IDEAS?


Click Here and See What Else You Can Do To Lose Weight!

Healthy Eating And Exercise Go Together

So now you are eating healthy but you need to lose weight. Eating is only half of the equation. The other half? You need to exercise to burn off the fat pounds.This does not mean that you also stop eating properly when it comes to what you actually do for your exercise activities. "Food Fuels The Body" mantra is very important when it comes to your exercise activities. What you eat before as well as after your workout is vital for you to get and maintain your desired results.

Balanced eating is not for just for your "classic mealtimes" i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. You also need to have a balanced mix of meals before AND after your workout. Many people do not consume a meal, either pre-workout or post-workout or even both.

A pre-workout meal is very important to give your body the fuel to sustain your workout at an optimal fat-burning level and to give you sustainability to your workout regime; whether you are doing cardio work or resistance training.

A post-workout meal is as important as your pre-workout meal. After you exercise, your energy is depleted and your body will use the energy in your muscle tissue to help your brain function if you do not replace the "fuel" with a balanced post-workout meal of protein and carbohydrates.


Are You Still Frustrated With Your Weight Issues?

Need Help Finding What Can Work For You?


Click Here To See What This Can Do For You!

How You Can Become A Healthier Eater

How you become a healthier eater starts in one place and one place only: You must become more educated about the foods you consume and what healthy eating actually is. The term "being food smart" is the beginning step to becoming a healthier eater. Here are some steps you can use to become a healthier eater. This will get you to be "food smart"!:


1. Being a healthy eater it is all about balance and moderation. Eat healthy meals on a consistent basis and do not limit yourself to one type of food or only stay in one food group.

2. Make sure that you consume healthy meals: DO NOT DEPRIVE! Missing meals whether it is on purpose or because of a busy schedule is no excuse. You need to fuel your body and keep your brain alert so you can function throughout the day. Skipping these meals will lead to bad eating habits and choices as well as contribute to gains in weight and possible obesity issues if it is continued over a period of time.

3. If you get in the "good" habit of eating healthy, you will be able to make sound judgements on your food choices as a part of your daily routine. You will know what are the foods that are best for you and what effect they have on your body.

4. If you get in the "bad" habit of not eating healthy, this will take a toll on other aspects of your life such as your sleep patterns, snack habits, irritability issues, weight gains and losses that are not healthy, etc.

5. Be a role model for your kids. Healthy eating and diets for kids starts with you. They see what you eat and will mimic what you are doing. If you are eating unhealthy foods, your kids will be eating unhealthy as well. We all know that here in the U.S., Childhood Obesity is a MAJOR problem with our kids today. If you "show" your kids that eating healthy is what they need to be doing, your kids will get into good eating habits and be a low-risk of obesity risks as they grow.

6. NEVER restrict food! Whether it is you for yourself or with your kids as a punishment. Healthy eating habits must be a part of your life and lifestyle. Restricting food is always a bad thing to do. There is not one good thing that can come from restricting food.


So What Else can You Do To Become A Healthier Eater and Also for Your Kids?

Take A Peek Here And See!

Childhood Obesity: The "Fast Food" Effect!

We all know that childhood obesity in America is growing at an alarming rate. Between 10-15% of children in American today ARE considered obese. This statistic does not include any children that may be at-risk for becoming obese.

Many factors for this include improper nutrition, lack of proper daily exercise, Low to no exercise activities such as watching television, playing video games, etc.

All of these factors contribute to these high rates of obesity in kids but what I think is THE factor is what I call "THE FAST FOOD EFFECT". I am not saying that consuming fast food occasionally will make you fat but kids who eat fast food regularly are at high risk.

With today's economy the way it is and with many families leading such hectic lives both with work and school as well as with activities after school and work, many times instead of families eating healthy nutritionally balanced meals; they are turning to the Fast Food for the quick meal. This quickly becomes a habit in the lives of many people and some children end up eating fast food meals almost every day.

Eating like this on a regular basis will add up over time to your kids overall growth to an almost detrimental level. Even if your child eats fast food 2-3 times a week, they can add an additional six pounds to their weight every year. Think of what it maybe if they ate fast food everyday??

So, what can you do?

Be Informed! Know what is in the foods your kids are eating. What are the calories and fat grams in the foods. How much sugar is in their diet. Find healthier alternatives to eat when you are out and about. Show your kids by example and eat foods, yourself, that are healthy.

Saying "never again" to fast food is not the answer. But, by cutting down the amount of fast food that they consume a week, a month, a year will eliminate the risks of what fast food can do on childhood obesity.


Take a Sneak Peak At How to Improve Your Child's Healthy Eating!

Healthy Eating For Kids: Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity has been a problem for many years now but with the rapid increase of children with this chronic condition on the rise in recent years, it has finally gained national recognition. Children between the ages of two years old and five years old right now are on their way to becoming the next generation of adults with obesity. Obesity has become one of the biggest public problems since tobacco use and exposure. However, bad eating habits are not to be blamed solely on this condition.There are also genetic diseases that can predispose children to become overweight cannot be forgotten.


Healthy eating and diets for kids along with an active lifestyle can help at-risk kids have the longevity and energy throughout their lives. Some of the best examples of this is:


1. Do not get into power struggles with your child over food.

2. Never use food as a behavior modification tool.

3. Set a good example by eating healthy yourself.


Always keep in mind the health of yourself and your children. Healthy eating and diets for kids is such a big factor in helping with our staggering childhood obesity rates. If you lead by example and keep yourself in shape with a good diet and regular exercise, you can impress upon your kids the importance of being a health-oriented individual. These habits will stay with them for all of their lives.


Click Here For More Information On Childhood Obesity!

How To Get Your Kids To Eat Healthy!

Kids these days seem to be more and more interested in food that "tastes great" but is so NOT good for their overall health. Chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese seem to be the mainstream diet for many children. We , as parents, have such a difficult struggle to get our children to eat healthy foods. Getting children to eat healthy needs to be a "whole-family affair". Your children need to see you eat healthy! The motto: "Do as I say AND Do as I do!"
Here are some suggestions to help you make the transition to healthy eating in your home:


1. Keep track of what and how many snacks your children eat in a day. If they want something healthy like an apple, a bagel, or some fruit, they can have it without asking. Keeping track of how many snacks is also important because even "too much of a good thing" is bad for your kids health.

2. Make sure there are more vegetables on the dinner table. Make sure that you have a variety of vegetables available and when you find ones that they like, keep them always available. Try to serve the vegetables in many forms; i.e. smashed, baked, with other ingredients, etc.

3. Show your kids that food can be fun! Serving dinner in many different forms and using recipes that your kids can adapt to their own tastes makes dinner more fun, and gets them to eat better.


Healthy eating takes time but is worth it in the end. Your kids will adjust and eventually won`t miss the candy and chips that they used to munch on. Everyone will benefit from the change.



Take a Sneak Peak at How You Can Get Your Kids To Eat Healthy!