Obesity in America Climbing

The price of health care is already at an all time high.  Yet experts are predicting an even larger jump in the cost of health care unless Americans can get a handle on the obesity problem.  Released this month, projections warn that the obesity rate of Americans could rise to 42% by the year 2030 unless we do something to change the way we live. That is moving up on nearly half of Americans!   In a time of ever changing and more efficient ways to accomplish tasks, we have been unknowingly sedentary, allowing the pounds to pack on, sending the obesity rate higher and higher.  Add to that the stress of the economy and the popularity of fast food and pretty soon before we know it, we have heart disease, high cholesterol and other obesity-related health problems.  So what are ways to prevent obesity?

Beyonce Baby Weight Loss

You know, it really makes a woman want to puke.  Having given birth just four months ago, Beyonce Knowles, named the "most beautiful woman in the world," is looking great!  We know, we know.  Celebrities may seem to have it easier than us.  For they can hire personal trainers, nutritionists and babysitters.  They can get a little "nip" and "tuck" without it even denting their pocketbooks.  On the flip side, they have to live with outside criticism about their weight.  They get to see themselves in an unflattering light all over the magazine covers.  It would be difficult not to have your feelings hurt with what is out there.  It is a trade off.  But Beyonce Knowles looks like she's doing it right.  Here is what sBeyonce Knowles did to lose the baby weight.

What to eat or what not to eat…that is the question! Are you an expert on nutrition or nutrition facts? Perhaps, but what if you can’t figure out what to eat or what not to eat? Don’t worry, that bikini body is closer than you may think. Healthy fats, nutrition facts, counting calories, low-fat, gluten free…the “get healthy” list goes on and on (intimidating!) but if you need some snack ideas to maintain that healthy body or your best bikini body, read on for some great low-fat healthy snack ideas!

Tips for Snacking on Healthy Foods

Those of us "health nuts" can never glean enough information on eating right.  In this segment, Andrea Metcalf gives good nutritional information on berries and nuts, dried fruit and regular fruit.  It's amazing how the volume of each varies for the same calories.  But we can never go wrong eating either, as Metcalf explains.

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Calories in Nuts and Dried Berries

Both berries and nuts are excellent snacking sources.  But the calories vary in whichever one you choose.  For example, 1/4 cup of dried blueberries is 160 calories.  Yet 12 almonds are also 160 calories.  Translate that calorie count to mandarin oranges and you will need to eat six to get to 160 calories!  Nuts sometimes get a bad reputation for being higher in fat. But the fat in nuts is what actually makes them healthy. The monounsaturated fats help keep us heart-healthy and free of diseases.

Healthy Benefits of Nuts

Healthy nuts are a wonderful source of protein, including minerals and nutrients that can only reinforce health.  Science has proven that nuts not only make our arteries healthier, but keep our cholesterol at acceptable leves and help in weight loss..

Tip for eating nuts: 

• When purchasing nuts, try buying organic or raw nuts that have not been enhanced in any way.

• A small amount of almonds provides you with a good dose of your daily needs for magnesium and calcium, even rivaling  milk.  Antioxidant- packed, almonds are also abundant in selenium and vitamin E.  In addition, the higher fiber content and heart health properties keeps our digestive systems working well, preventing colon cancer and lowering cholesterol.

• Walnuts are cited by many as being the best nut because they increase our thought processes. Walnut consumption can help strengthen our hearts, increase brain function, and keep the skin and bones healthy. They also help us fight disease.

As mothers, we can never learn enough when it comes to eating healthily.  I am always open to new ideas and ways to present foods to my children.  As challenging as it can be, we can get our kids started with good eating habits at an early age.  I can tell you when we were trying to help our daughter gain weight, a nutritionist once told me it takes 10 to 15 times putting food in front of them to get them to try it.  I have learned this is true.  However, I usually make them have a "no thank you" portion so they at least taste it.

Janet Jackson Emotional Eating

A new ad showing a significantly slimmer Janet Jackson has made its way about the Internet.  And Nutrisystem is being credited as the reason.  Janet Jackson, not immune to weight challenges, has been honest about her struggles and yo-yo dieting over the years.  Janet Jackson has been reported as declaring that she is an emotional eater.  Celebrities are not immune from the emotional eating that plagues some of us.  Yet, they are always forced into the spotlight whether too fat or too thin.  If you can get past the fact that they are millionaires, you can realize that emotional eating is not just for those of us "nobody's."  Emotional eating is real.  Emotional eating can be overcome.  And we can give you tips on how to conquer emotional eating.

How To Cut Calories and Lose Weight

As moms, learning to eat smart and live a healthy livestyle can be a challenge when we are in a hurry and taking care of our kids.  Andrea Metcalf shows us small adjustments to our food choices and how they can impact weight loss within a year.  Our metabolism begins slowing down when we reach our 30's, and unless we continue a weight training and cardio regime, the pounds will pack on, no doubt about it!  When we are raising children, it is pretty easy to put ourselves last, and the result is that we let our workouts lapse.  But these simple tips can give us the grace we need to lose weight when we cannot get to the gym.

Recent Pink Slime Discovery

Red meat has really gotten a bad rap lately regarding the recent study linking it to early death. And little did we know for the last 20 years or so we have been eating beef that contains what some are calling "pink slime." All our efforts to eat the 97% lean ground beef have now been called into question, because pink slime plays a part in getting it lean.  The controversy seems to lie in how pink slime is made.

Red Meat Causes Early Death

Red meat has always been an excellent source of protein, which experts tell us boosts our overall health.  The protein in red meat strengthens our immune systems and helps us heal.  Other praises of red meat is that it helps our blood function better, aids in tissue formation and assists in healthy metabolism, good skin health, good vision and stronger bones and teeth,  So after all the information out there on the benefits, have we been harming our families in serving it?  The latest studies show red meat may not be what it's cracked up to be.

How Much Difference Does Organic Make?       

If you're concerned about your family's health, it's likely that you've considered switching to organic produce. While hype would have you believe this is the right thing to do at any cost, that isn't necessarily so. Organic produce can be beneficial to your family, but non organic produce has its place too. Our guide to organic vs non organic produce will help you make important decisions about what fruits and vegetables to feed your family.

Committing to a Weight Loss Program 

If losing weight were easy, we'd all be wearing bikinis to the beach and showing off our trim bodies. Of course, losing weight is one of the most challenging things a person can do, especially when it involves some major lifestyle changes. If you've tried to lose weight before and failed, don't be discouraged. When it comes to diet, weight loss is achievable by anyone with the will power to take a slow and steady approach.