Spring Break

Do you ever have a week where no matter how hard you try, it seems like you will never be able to check everything off your “to-do” list? I am having one of those weeks… In fact, I’ve had several of those weeks – all in a row! Between work craziness and too many personal obligations, I feel as though I am not doing anything well. Don’t you just hate that feeling?

While lately it feels as though I am barely keeping my head above water, I am grateful to have a good job and to have extra-curricular activities that bring so much joy to my life.  And hey, that includes writing this blog!

Sugar is STILL the Devil!

Anyone else out there break into the Easter basket this weekend? Perhaps, like me, you had a few too many treats and not enough greens. Given all the chocolate bunnies, eggs, jellybeans and peeps still hanging around this day after Easter, I thought I would explain again why I like to say that sugar is the devil!

Last week, in case you missed it, 60 Minutes aired a report entitled “Is Sugar Toxic?” I highly recommend you watch the brief 14 minute video if you haven’t done so already.

Not So Thin Mints?

I have a bit of a bone to pick with the Girl Scouts of America. I know they are well meaning. In fact I admire what they stand for and I support many of their activities. This time of year, however, I always get a little irritated with them, because I’ve had just about enough with their annual cookie sales. Do Americans really need another avenue to pump more processed sugar into their already sugar-stuffed diets? 

If Americans only ate a couple of Girl Scout cookies each year – assuming they also ate plenty of fruits and veggies of course - it probably wouldn’t be the end of the world. Sadly, that is not the case. Most of us eat Girl Scout cookies by the boxful and we rarely eat enough of those other nutrient-rich foods like vegetables and fruit.  When was the last time you heard of someone saying, “I’m going to put down this box of Samoas so I save enough room for some steamed broccoli?”  

Hungry For Change

I don't know about you but I have had a hard time "eating right" lately. I keep finding excuses to eat things that I know are not good for me... but for some reason I do it anyway! Does that ever happen to you? Fortunately, I received a little bit of inspiration today in the form of this 90 minute film called "Hungry for Change." This film is really great and explains exactly why we do things that we know can harm us, among other things. I knew immediately upon watching it that I had to share!

Heart & Wheat

Since I started this blog last year, many friends have been sending me articles they know I might be interested in. Two of the best that I have read in recent weeks were sent to me by followers of this blog (thanks and keep them coming). Since they were so informative and I am such a “giving” person, I thought I would share them with you!

Death By Beef?

I know that after a weekend of St. Patty’s Day, March Madness and Girl Scout cookies, I am probably the last person you want to hear from this early on Monday morning. You think that I am going to rant about the evils of beer, corned beef, green food coloring, and generally just rain on your fun. You would be correct about this most days – but not today.

I am here to deliver some good news for all of you omnivores out there -- red meat is actually really good for you.

The Real (Bad) Thing

I would like to dedicate the following post to my father.  My dad is one of my favorite people. Of course I love the old guy, but I also really like him and enjoy his company.  I have many traits that I am proud to say “I get from my dad” including my love of music, my enthusiasm/obsession for exercise, my obnoxious laugh and the fact that I always have to be right!

There are a couple of my dad’s traits, however, that I am happy to report I did not retain for the long haul. They include mysteriously “disappearing” from family functions when there is work to be done, and a love of donuts and soda.  But I am not writing today to lecture you about loving donuts