100 calories:

Portion control is hard to manage when we don't know exactly how much constitutes a 'portion'. Companies everywhere are marketing 100-calorie "snack packs" so you can mind your munching. Here's my tip: don't spend extra $$ on these individually packaged treats. Realistically you probably eat 2 or 3 anyway because you feel as though you're exhibiting some sort of self control (hello marketing ploy).

Instead, educate yourself on the calorie counts in your favorite snacks - be aware of your consumption, don't just trust what the package tells you.

Here are some beautiful guides:
It amazes me how much more you can eat for 100 calories when you choose fruits & veggies, see for yourself...

Calories in raw veggies:
http://www.fitsugar.com/Calories-Raw-Veggies-8500455

Calories in fresh fruit:
http://www.fitsugar.com/Calories-Fresh-Fruit-8500460

Calories in nuts:
http://www.fitsugar.com/Calories-Nuts-9436487

Calories in whole grains:
http://www.fitsugar.com/Calories-Whole-Grains-8545710

Challenge: count out 100 calories worth of your favorite healthy snacks, put them in ziplock baggies and confidently munch on them throughout the week.

the cultural crisis that is, Obesity.

Disclaimer: the post you are about to read may contain some hard-lovin', truth-telling material. 


The Issue: OBESITY
In 1980 about 10% of us were obese, the figure is now at 50% or more in most countries!! The issue of obesity needs to be addressed. How? Let's start one meal at a time.
http://www.fitsugar.com/Fit-Fat-OECD-Report-Obesity-11186405


Defined: Obesity is, a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.


Side-effects of weight gain may include: decreased self-esteem, depression, fitting room frustration, feeling insecure at social gatherings, extreme dieting, binge eating, etc. 
While these things ARE terrible (naturally, every woman should get an adrenaline surge at the mere mention of the shopping mall), these effects are among the inconsequential when looking at the "big picture" - no pun intended.


Here are some scary statistics about obesity:

• An obese person incurs 25% higher health costs than a person of normal weight.
• Obesity is responsible for 5-10% of total health costs in the United States.
• Obesity increases the risk of early death by approximately 30%.
• Children who have at least one obese parent are three to four times more likely to be obese.
• Obese people earn up to 18% less than non-obese people.

Not to mention the increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. It's important to remember that "not fat" doesn't necessarily mean healthy. You can be unhealthy even if you're not tipping the scale. 

Health is a holistic concept: nutrients consumed, calories burned, muscle built, and fat lost. 

I recently heard it said that, "poverty can often disguise itself as obesity" as families try to stretch their dollar. Sadly, getting the most bang for your buck often forces families to resort to fast food. Let's do what we can to add some green to a families dinner table this week - donate canned veggies to a local food drive or offer to make a home-cooked meal for a family in need.

Challenge: make healthy food choices and exercise regularly (repeat, repeat, repeat!!) Fight the trend - make obesity un-cool.