Tricky snacks

Successful dieters say that the key to weight loss involves moderate indulgence, not depriving yourself of your favorite foods every now and then. I have normally agreed with this because I have been a victim of an occasional sweets binge after a withdrawal of a month or two, but I have also found it difficult to have just a taste of a dessert or "off-limits" food, which makes it even harder to avoid.

An article on MSNBC states that dieters see smaller portions as an excuse to go overboard because one little 100-calorie pack just doesn't satisfy a craving. I couldn't agree more. While some are able to tame their taste buds and only have a few Oreo crisps or chocolate wafers, others want more and feel allowed to have one or two more packs because of such a low calorie count. The small packaging works well when healthy eaters want to limit their sweets, but with six packages in a box, it can be easy to consume all six as it may equal a large slice of cake.

It seems like the only way to successfully keep eating habits healthy is will power and self control. Food does not have power over us: it tastes good and it fuels our bodies, but those are the only purposes it serves. Considering snack packs simply what they are (packs of snack) may allow temptation to subside and help eaters remember that it's all they need for the time being. In the mean time, keeping healthy food around may be the best option, as well as relying on nature's sources of sweet, like fruit.

No body's perfect

On Sundays that I actually have to myself, I enjoy strolling around the District, perusing closed stores and restaurant menus, and surveying Barnes & Noble or Borders for anything and everything that appears interesting to me on that particular day. As an avid Health, Fitness, Shape, Self, and Women's Health reader, I immediately gravitate toward the "Health/Fitness" section of the books and/or magazines. I picked up a supplement from a periodical that shall remain nameless because I was intrigued by a subhead on the cover: "Get a PERFECT body!" Well, if this little booklet can promise me that, I must investigate, I thought, so I headed upstairs with my stack of self-deprecating literature.

The Table of Contents listed many ways I could obtain this fabled "perfect" body, yet I hesitated to even flip through the pages. The idea of such a goal seemed impossible to me. Some women want bigger boobs, some want smallers waists; some may want the same things, but not all women would benefit from these portioned meal plans or tailored workouts. Some other publications I frequently read offer fitness plans for women of all shapes and sizes who have different goals. While this is much more realistic, it still seems wasteful. How can women believe that a single plan will help them lose their love handles or shape their stomachs? Hopefully the haze of this idea lifts from Americans' sight and we are able to see that our healthiest bodies allow us to live to the fullest potential and feel alive. Whether this results in our "perfect body" should be considered obselete.

5k to the White House

As a D.C. resident, I feel responsible for dedicating at least ONE entry to the Presidential race, but I promise that it will be relatable.

Obama and McCain couldn't be more incomparable in terms of age and physical fitness. But although their appearances differ, both candidates are trying to appeal to the same pool of American voters. An iVillage article recently covered a possibly hindering side effect of Obama's athleticism: less votes. The article notes that a voting population of which 66% is overweight and 32% is obese may not favor a fit and healthy candidate like Obama.

Voters like relatability; thus is the reason many feel black Americans will vote for Obama and white Americans will chose McCain, as well as similar beliefs regarding political and social issues. But when did physical appearance suddenly factor into the race? Instead of worrying about looks and build, voters should be able to take a cue from our leaders. Sure, most politicians may be too busy to work out and may only have time for a fast burger between meetings, but what American doesn't face these same dilemmas every day? Shunning Obama for keeping up with his physical health only moves our society backward in the fight against obesity.

If a Presidential candidate who is campaigning for the most important contest in the world (yes, even more important than an Olympic medal) can find time for three-mile runs most days of the week, shouldn't the average American be able to do the same? (Not to mention pass on fried chicken and blueberry pie at the Iowa state fair under the microscope of the entire country).

Former Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee commented that voters "probably want someone who takes care of his health...as an example of the kind of personal discipline necessary to do the job." But what kind of person has that become? It seems like most Americans view Hollywood as the "the job" for the svelte and body-conscious while politicians have become known for their lack of good health standards (or the American public in general). In fact, McCain released slandering campaign messages comparing Obama with celebrities who spend hours at the gym. When did workouts become a negative aspect of campaigns? What happened to capital punishment and foreign aid?

In my opinion (as a registered D.C. voter), America is becoming too wrapped up in physical appearance in relation to what is "real". The thin images of celebs is considered unrealistic or unattainable, and the hefty politicos represent the real person. In case you've been living under a rock, Obama supports "change", and perhaps that is what this society really needs on all levels, including health and fitness. I do not intend to coerce you into voting for either candidate, but I believe and hope that a strong, healthy President will translate his dedication from the treadmill to the Oval Office...and maybe I'll see him at the Marine Corps Marathon in October.

Healthy today, not so tomorrow

It's hard to keep track of what foods are healthy on which days of the week during what month. This article featured by MSN Health reviews five foods that appear harmless but are not, followed by five more that are overlooked as surprisingly healthy foods. In short...

Not so good...

1) Drinkers of diet soda know they are saving calories, but apparently, there is risk that drinkers of the calorie-free beverage tend to overdo sweets at other times of the day or compensate for avoided calories with extra foods. This is obviously drinker-dependent.

2) Pretzels are great for a quick snack or salt fix, but varieties made with white flour should be chosen only in a vending machine emergency. A few thick pretzel rods with a few dabs of peanut butter will up the ante for lasting power.

3) Green may equal good when it comes to leafy veggies and ripe fruit, but any other items that claim to be "veggie"-enriched may not be so. Spinach wraps, for example, are dyed green and are mostly made of refined white flour (see #2, Pretzels). Stuff the wrap with the vegetable plus more veggies to really get the vitamins.

4) Blueberry scones. Are these really on the list? Scone is another word for flaky, trans-fatty, buttery biscuit. No misleading here.

5) Vitamin water has vitamins, but it also has calories...nearly 200 per bottle. Pop a multi instead.

Good for you? Who would have guessed?

1) I love a handful of sweet dried pineapple or a few crunchy banana chips, so it made me very happy to see dried fruit on the list. Although they are loaded with all the vitamins and minerals of the fruits they used to be, some varieties may be sweetened. Opt for the unsweetened versions and munch mindfully; calories can climb.

2) Frozen veggies are basically what they sound like: frozen veggies. Studies show that the amount of some antioxidants and minerals in nature's wonders actually increased when the goods from the ground were frozen. Make sure you choose those with no added preservatives or sauces for the most natural benefit.

3) Bananas? Another shocker in my book. As a die-hard banana fan, I find almost nothing wrong with this fruit unless it's used in cream pies. This article notes that this fruit is higher in carbs and lower in water than other fruits, but I consider it the perfect pre-workout snack for that exact reason.

4) Po-tay-to, po-tah-to; turns out they're good for you whether they're red, white, or new. USDA scientists found more than 60 vitamins and antioxidants in spuds, and more potassium than number 3 (bananas)! I see a meal forming here...

5) Juice is last, and I think I know why: higher calorie content, higher sugar, and lower satiety compared with the fruit from which it is extracted. Some new juices, however, boast antioxidant boosters, and natural sugars from the fruits themselves come with nutrients not included with added sugars.

Stay tuned...a new list will be out tomorrow.

Diet review

I am completely against diets. As stated in previous posts, I believe (and support the fact that) weight management is about calorie intake as it relates to calorie output. However, I have found a quiz that asks decent questions pertaining to diet (the daily food intake, not the goal of losing weight) and I feel like it is a good way to evaluate what your body is processing on a steady basis. While I do not advocate any sort of diet, I do believe it is important to frequently monitor food intake to ensure that the body is receiving proper nutrition and calories for basic functioning.

So take a whack at the quiz, and see what you can do for a better you!

Fed like Phelps

While I have avoided being consumed by "Phelps Mania," I came across an article reporting that Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps takes in 5,000 to 10,000 calories a day. With 5- to 6-hour workouts, I would say that is substantial energy for a 23-year-old guy with unmatchable athletic ability. The article states, however, that if an average person ate that many calories, he or she would gain 15 pounds in one week.

This will probably be startling and eye-opening for some Americans who can't imagine exercising for that long every day. After all, who has that kind of time? It also may be a wake-up call for Americans who take a closer look at their daily calorie intake and realize that it nears that of a human dolphin who basically spends 75% of his day working out. In other words: this is not normal...or healthy. Normal may be a strong, scary word, but the body is not designed to process so many calories and just expend them with no effort. It takes an equal amount of reception and exertion that causes stability in weight and bodily function; it's a simple math equation. The more we eat, the more we gain...unless it is expended through physical activity (as little as breathing or as much as running). Therefore, to lose, eat less and expend more; to gain, eat more and expend less. It's not a diet, it's not a trick, it's not a secret club that requires any membership fee or scary initiation. It's science.

A not-so-slim future

According to a study conducted by Obesity (a medical journal), nearly all adult Americans will be overweight by 2048, if the lifestyle trends of the past 30 years continue.

In my opinion, this seems a bit extreme. Although this blog is based on the demise of American health standards, I am optimistic that this country/society can turn around...if it wants to.

I also consider this article to be meant as a wake-up call for those Americans who lack the motivation to make a lifestyle change. Either they have no family history of heart disease, diabetes, etc., and do not feel at risk for such conditions, or they simply have lost hope that they their healthy will become a priority. Regardless, this is a scary stat, but it's one (like global warming) that can be averted by making small changes for a greater impact.

The diamond can be rough

Baseball games are a summer staple, but the long innings can cause hunger to strike. Sporting events in general are not known for the healthiest concessions, but that fact is changing at parks all over the country. At Nationals Park here in D.C., I was able to buy a diet lemonade and a grilled chicken sandwich to get me through the 4-hour game.

I used to think baseball was the ultimate American sport: a game of people standing around and moving occasionally, but only when they have to. They exert the most energy to get from base to base JUST before being tagged by a baseman. Only three short outs later, they head to the bench for a "breather" break while their onlooking fans continue to devour diamond delights. Similarly, some people in this country are active for the minimum amount that they feel is necessary and take breaks too often. This can change, however, by placing concessions further apart, forcing people to walk, and by offering healthier options at ballpark stands.

Hungry Girl offers some tips for the next ballgame:

Before the game...

• Research the facility to scope out the selection
• Snack to avoid being seduced by the aroma of nachos and hot dogs

At the game...

• Drink water! Sneak in a bottle or fill up for free at water fountains
• Bring your own snacks (if you have a big bag)
• Go light on the condiments and bread (mustard over mayo, bunless burgers)

Play ball!

All-natural numbness?

I'm training for a marathon, so I have been adjusting my eating habits accordingly: more energizing carbs on Friday nights for the long weekend training runs, more protein on Saturday afterward to rebuild my muscles. After our 14-miler this past Saturday morning, I overheard a convo between two runners regarding organic food.

"I tried to start eating all organic, but I got really sick. It was like my body was rejecting pure, natural food!" The pair laughed, but I wondered whether our bodies have gotten so used to the chemicals and pesticides in certain foods that we can't even process food in its natural state.

Not only did this concern me, but it made me start to think about my own eating. I buy a LOT of fruit and vegetables from the supermarket, but who knows what goes into making the products plump, colorful, and (in my opinion) delicious? This weekend, I plan to scope out one of my many local farmers' markets in search of all-natural, fresh produce, and I will try to detect the differences not only in taste but also in the way my body feels after a few days.

French women DO get fat

Among the delicacies and famous cuisine the French boast, they never seem to gain weight...or do they? Although the French may seem to have their handle on love handles, their typical fare doesn't qualify them for the Healthiest Nation award. La solution? Raising taxes on fatty, salty, and sugary ingredients.

Another step toward more healthy citizens in the battle to prevent obesity involves posters displayed at Metro stations encouraging riders to the take stairs, and junk food ads covered with reminders to eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day.

They may not be as healthy as they seem, but the French are tackling the problem before their country becomes more gros (French for "fat").

My goal...

I am a 23-year old American female living in the nation's capital. I am so blessed to be born in America; however, sometimes I feel like I don't quite fit into the culture, which has become classified as incresingly lazy, ungrateful, and careless. The American dream was once to live a life of freedom of choice, and that has surely been demonstrated as citizens choose to consume more than necessary (both at mealtime and as economic pundits) and watch highly-addictive television rather than exploring the outside world with their own eyes.

I strive to maintain the original American dream, and what I hope to express as a global dream: to take advantage of the wonderful experience called life and to nurture my body so as to live long and productively. I use this space to express my insight on what our culture has become and to, hopefully, provide solutions to reverse our plunging image as a disrespectful and greedy society. Go USA!