Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving Day Nutrition

When I think about Thanksgiving Day, I can't help but worry a little about the family get together for food, conversation, more food, laughter and still... More food!

Many who celebrate Thanksgiving will forgo their normal diet to enjoy the many many tasty dishes & treats.  I myself can remember many Thanksgiving days that meant picking at food all day and feeling so full it hurt. Good times!  Those days are behind me as I try to set an example for my daughter who has Prader-Willi Syndrome.  For her, food is public enemy #1. Because of her limited metabolism and low muscle tone, any weight gain is extremely difficult to lose.  Also, because of her low sensitivity and high threshold for pain, she could easily overeat without any signs or indications and risk stomach rupture.

You might think that the holidays, and especially Thanksgiving, are a time of stress for my family and me.  We have our moments, but we not only have some good routines in place, even at seven years old my daughter has some understanding of the importance of moderation. In as much as my daughter enjoys food, she enjoys just as much, making mom & dad proud through her accomplishments (weight management) and good choices.

Speaking of good choices... Some may not think about it, but for many, Thanksgiving day will be a day that most eat healthier than any other day.  We may overeat... But even if we don't overeat, with the larger selection of REAL food, we are getting more of the daily nutrients that we need and quite possibly less of the processed junk that is weakening our systems.

Be very thankful for that Thanksgiving day feast and consider the difference between what you eat on Thanksgiving and what you eat any other day.  You may overeat on Thanksgiving day, but consider the quality of that wonderful food and... Enjoy!

If you are concerned about your health and the future, check out the many products that Shaklee has available.  Shaklee products always work, are always safe, and are always green.  As a Shaklee Independent Distributor, I can help.  For more information about natural nutritional, weight management, beauty and healthy home products from the #1 natural nutrition company in the U.S., please vistit my website at www.ahealthieryoutoo.com

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thank You & God Bless America!

To all who serve, to all who have served and to all their wonderful families who have also sacrificed so much.... Thank You and God Bless You.

Today I will spare you of my ramblings on a healthier lifestyle and the issues we face in achieving that lifestyle, because today we recognize those that have served and fought for the freedoms we enjoy that give us the right to live any way we choose.

Veterans Day is a day to remember and recognize all who have proudly served their country, past and present.  Our men and women from all branches of service who have, are and will, fight to defend our freedom.  Freedom that has already cost many lives, with many more willing to give their lives in the fight for America.

Of course in a perfect world, there would be no need for soldiers and peacetime would be... All the time. But we don't live in a perfect world do we. There are those that would bring the fight to America if we didn't help bring peace abroad.  There are those that would flex their muscle in intimidation, if we didn't step in to provide strength to the weak.  No, the world is far from perfect. Even here at home there are those that would dishonor the very soldiers who died to give them the freedom to cause pain, to the families mourning the loss of those soldiers, through disrespectful words and protests at military funerals.

The world may not be perfect, but even as many are struggling to make ends meet, faced with foreclosure, unemployment or the loss of health insurance, there is still a strong sense of pride among Americans for our fighting men & women. Quite possibly, stronger than ever before.  Before social media, we had only the newspapers, radio and TV to rely on, with only the negative side of any story.  Today more than ever, we are seeing a strong movement to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of our soldiers.  Whether you believe in the military actions or not, things are now more personalized.  You can now see real soldiers and real families affected.  You can now hear real stories. You can now show your pride in more ways than ever before and share with more people than ever before.  Today, more than ever before, America is reaching out to our military.

And today, more than ever before, for me Veterans Day is extra special.  For I get the honor of speaking to a large group of Veterans at a Veterans Home in LaSalle Illinois. I get to share the amazing story of how social media has reached people around the world who are reaching out to offer thanks for their service.

To all who read this, whether it is Veterans Day or any other day, please:

  • Take time to thank a soldier. They are all around us and most have been through quite a lot.  
  • Take the time to explain to your children the true meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.  With the constant struggle over the words "under God", the real message in the pledge can be lost and the pledge itself, routine without meaning. A great description of the pledge for children was done by Red Skelton in 1969.  To see it, click here Pledge of Allegiance.
  • Also, if you are like me and are moved by music, crank up the sound and click here "God Bless the USA".  Don't forget to share.
To all who serve, to all who have served and to all their wonderful families who have also sacrificed so much.... Thank You and God Bless You. 

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Do You Want Fries With That?

You can only do so much... It has happened again!  I found information I wasn't looking for and as a result, I am starting a new experiment.

There are many things that knowledge and common sense will help me in, in saving time on research.  But then there is the unknown!  Knowledge of policy and common sense tells me that the government would not allow anything unsafe to be sold for consumption.  Ok, read on as soon as you stop laughing.

I can wait...

As I wrote in my last Blog, I was considering and am now conducting an experiment with hamburgers.  Four hamburgers to be exact.  A McDonalds, Wendy's, Burger King and home cooked hamburger.  There are many stories of old McDonalds hamburgers, but I wanted to conduct an experiment to compare many burgers to insure fairness to McDonalds.  This includes a hamburger of my own that should provide a good control specimen.  The experiment can be followed at this link "Terry's Notebook" .

This has been a very interesting experiment for me, but my kids lost interest quickly because of the absence of excitement.  Its kind of like watching grass grow, you have to have a lot of patience.

In my research to find verifiable facts about the ingredients or processing of these burgers, I have discovered many probable myths, exaggerations and all out lies about these hamburgers.  Anything from cows eyes to human flesh to being "from" 100% Beef (the Company), not the cow.   

The search for answers has been a tough road and the journey continues, but I have come across an interesting video that has me curious about the french fries that we order with our burgers.  Check it out at this link FRENCH FRIES???

The potential of my findings, with hamburgers and especially with fries, is that we really really have no idea what we are eating. It is no wonder that so many are suffering from health issues and nutritional deficiencies. Get yourself back on track with some healthy choices.  Broccoli is a good place to start.

If you would like more information about natural nutritional, weight management, beauty and healthy home products from the #1 natural nutrition company in the U.S., please vistit my website at www.ahealthieryoutoo.com