Back From Jamaica Mon!

I’ve just returned from a 4-day trip to Jamaica and it was wonderful! The people there are so laidback about everything and they really just enjoy the little things in life. After a couple of hectic weeks at work, it was so nice to lie by the pool and do absolutely nothing. The motto in Jamaica is, “In life there is no such thing as problems, only situations.” I’m going to try and keep that with me when I get stressed about the little things that don’t really matter.

I was surprised how destitute the whole island is. I flew into Montego Bay, which is a large city and it was strange to see such a city where the majority of its population is incredibly poor. It made me realize how lucky I am to have the things that I have.

Anyways, I’ll post some diet soda news tomorrow. Today I’m enjoying my new laidback attitude mon!

Cutting Calories With Diet Soda and...Fast-Food?

I’m having serious weight issues this summer. No matter how hard I try to eat right and control my portions, I can’t seem to ignore the whisper of the McDonald’s and Wendy’s drive-thru windows calling my name. French fries are my weakness!

I’m pretty good about controlling my calories by drinking diet soda and using other light products such as light lemonades, light yogurts and low-calorie sweeteners. But…there’s always a but – but, I’m still frequenting fast-food restaurants a couple of times a week. In light of my fast-food issues, I’ve decided to post this article from MSNBC just in case anybody else was having the same problem I am. If anybody has any additional tips, I would love to here them.

*Also, sorry for the lack of commenting on my fellow bloggers’ blogs. I have been out of the office for work a lot lately and have been slacking severely. I promise I’ll make it up to you next week.

15 tips to stay on a diet at fast-food restaurants
You may need to grab a burger on the go, but you can still eat healthy. Nutritionist Madelyn Fernstrom shares tips on how to make better choices

Even if you’re on a diet, you don’t have to avoid your favorite fast-food restaurants. In the fourth part of our “Take It Off Today” series this month, Madelyn Fernstrom, a show contributor and the director of the Weight Management Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, tells you what to choose so your favorite fast food doesn’t turn into “fat food.”

Fast-food is cheap, convenient, and tasty. So it’s not surprising that it is growing in popularity. But many choices at fast-food restaurants won’t help you lose weight. Sure, many chains have made an effort to provide healthier food: cutting out trans fats, adding more green salads, and offering low-calorie dressings, grilled chicken sandwiches and low-fat ice milk. But many of us who go to fast-food restaurants want burgers and fries. If you love fast food, here are some tips to stay on your diet.

Tips for eating fast food — not fat food
· Avoid super-sized meals. Downsize your order to a “kids meal.”
· Avoid soda or juice drinks (like Hawaiian Punch). Choose diet soda or water.
· Avoid mayonnaise or “special sauce.” Stick with mustard, pickles, onions, and ketchup.
· Skip the cheese and bacon. Ask for some bacon bits on the side, if you must have the taste. Same for cheese. If you must have some cheese, get a tiny side cup of shredded cheese and use a pinch or two.
· Keep the salad dressing on the side. Dip your fork in before each bite, and scoop up some greens. That way you get great flavor with minimal amount of calories. You can double the calories in a main dish salad by smothering it with dressing.
· Share an order of regular fries, if you are not ordering the “kids meal.”
· Choose low-fat ice cream or ice milk for a tasty dessert. Or share a regular dessert. Avoid the pies and turnovers, and the cinnamon fried dough sticks at Taco Bell. (They’re delicious, but they’re also filled with fat and calories.)
· Choose a fruit salad as a side dish or dessert.
· Think small. You can always go back and order something else if you’re still hungry.
· Avoid ordering “combo meals.” They’re convenient, but they’re packed with extra calories because everything is large-sized. Order single items instead. The cost is not much different.
· Lose half the bun and save half the calories. Take the bottom half off, and cut the top part in half — this makes the beef or chicken patty seem twice as big as well.
· Go to a fast-food restaurant with a friend — that way it’s easier to share. On your own, you’ll always eat the whole portion.
· Limit your visits to fast-food restaurants to no more than twice a week. Or if you have to go more frequently, limit your fried choices to twice a week.
· Choose grilled chicken over fried.
· Avoid the fish sandwich. It’s always fried, and it has more calories than a burger. In this case, fish is not a healthy choice.

Great American Eat Right Challenge

Similar to the Great American Smokeout, which encourages Americans to quit smoking, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is doing its part to fight obesity with the Great American Eat Right Challenge. ACS has created a Web site, www.cancer.org/eatright, which offers tools, tips and tracking programs to help Americans cut calories, control portions and increase activity.

According to Cox News Service, the challenge was designed in response to a national survey conducted by the society last spring that revealed the following:

- Eating right was identified by almost half of those surveyed as the hardest part of living a healthy lifestyle.

- More than 90 percent of adults say they did not know there is a relationship between being overweight and increased cancer risk, yet more than 80 percent linked being overweight to heart disease.
- Only 17 percent knew their body mass index.

I checked the Web site out yesterday and I was pretty impressed. There are videos of a dietitian, physical trainer and a health professional explain things like making healthier meals, strength training and the consequences of obesity.

My only gripe is that the site takes eons to load! I literally waited about ten minutes for just the homepage to load. I’m not a computer expert but I suppose it’s because the site has a lot of video clips on it, which make time more time.

All in all, I think it’s a cool Web site. However, I’m not sure people are actually going to heed the advice of ACS. The obesity epidemic has gotten so extreme that it’s almost the norm in our society.

I'm Your Source for Random Information

The Shawshank Redemption recently surpassed The Wizard of Oz as the most-watched movie on TV. Rounding out the top five are A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, and The Magnificent Seven.

In the history of Nathan's Coney Island hot dog eating contest, only four people have burst their stomach during competition.

New York City has more abandoned subway stations than the number of active subway stations in Baltimore.

There's a one in nine chance that a bike stolen in Los Angeles has been stolen at least once before.

1.83 percent of Germans can "recall" seeing a unicorn in a zoo at some point in their life.

A person who brushes their teeth twice a day removes 14 grams of plaque every year.

Sales of Mentos candy have nearly tripled in the last year, after five years of steady decline. This surge is attributed to the popularity of the various soda / Mentos experiment videos on the Internet.

Each year on April Fool's Day, AltaVista's Babel Fish translation web site intentionally gives completely wrong, yet humorous, translations.

Ants do not perceive gravity.

One in eight Russians say they practice falling asleep.

Real Source: www.gullible.info

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

I’m of to the Big Apple for a couple of days for work. Not much time to see the sights but I will have the opportunity to do a little fine dining (great for my diet!). I’m headed there for a quick business trip and considering I’ve only been out of school for a couple of years, I’m very excited for this opportunity.

The only tiny dilemma I have when traveling is turbulence on planes. I took a trip a couple of years ago to Los Angeles and the plane dropped 50 feet due to turbulence, and I slammed my head on the ceiling. By the end of the trip, the guy next to me had claw marks all over his arm and was begging the flight attendant to allow him to switch seats. So, if you’re ever next to me on the plane, I would advise switching seats. I know that driving in a car is more dangerous than flying but I still feel much safer in a car. Of course with the way I drive I’m not sure why I feel safe. Apparently my driving makes some people nauseous.

If anybody has any ideas of where to eat, I would really appreciate the help!

For the Love of Food

Usually during the Summer I tend to lose weight and live a more active lifestyle. Spending time outdoors and munching on fruits and veggies is my typical routine and the weight seems to fall off. Not this summer.

While I have been spending more time outdoors, I haven’t been exactly active. Unless you burn calories while working on a suntan, I’m not really doing much for my physique. My “bikini body” is not in full force and I feel somewhat like a beached whale. Just like every Monday, I’ve decided that today will mark the dawning of a new day.

Elaine, get off your butt and get moving! I’m trying to find small ways at the office to incorporate some exercise. Sending emails? Nope, I’m gonna walk and give you the message. Elevators? I don’t think so, I’m taking the stairs. That’s about all I’ve come up with so far as for exercise.

In regard to food, I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that I’m an eater. Yes I know everybody eats but I’m an eater. I live to eat rather than eat to live. I’m trying to modify my usual breakfast of cheese & crackers and a diet soda to yogurt and a diet soda. I’ll let you know how it goes. Studies show that people who eat breakfast tend to eat less throughout the day but the studies don’t tell you what to eat. Apparently two pieces of cold pizza for breakfast (my favorite!) is not exactly good for the waistline.

Here we go again on yet another weight loss journey. Story of my life!

That Bear's Got Good Taste!

I’ve heard of a lot of weird things recently but I think this one might take the cake. A bear was found in a Lake Tahoe neighborhood in the back of a vintage red Buick convertible. Weird enough on its own but the bear was sitting in the car, munching on barbecue-chicken-and-jalapeño pizza. He finished up his meal and then proceeded to wash the pizza down with a couple of swigs of beer.

“The owner of the car, David Ziello of South Lake Tahoe, said the bear didn't cause any damage but slopped cheese and jalapenos on the seats and floor.”

I’m not quite sure about the combination of barbecue chicken and jalapeños on pizza but you’ve gotta admire the bear for choosing one of America’s finest delicacies. A meal of pizza and beer – this bear is genius!

Okay, random story for the day. My brain’s not working so I promise I’ll write something a little more sufficient tomorrow.