by Dr Peggy on January 10, 2012
I know all of you are thinking about the latest and greatest new digital devices when you hear that question. And then you let your mind wander to thoughts of what else might be coming in the year ahead. Will the iPad have a version 3? Will the iPhone change? Will XBox beat out Nintendo – or maybe it already has.
The new in the New Year referred to in that question is more what will be new for you personally? Will you make new friends? Will you have new ideas? Will you learn new things (not digitally related)?
No, it’s not your parents talking, but I am making a request here. Not everything that matters in your life is something you hold in your hand. Much of what matters in making your life good is what you hold in your heart.
So do yourself a favor. Take a few minutes each day to look at what you say, think and feel and make sure it’s something that will make your life better. You may even enjoy it.
by Dr Peggy on November 18, 2011
Here are Underdue Social Services, lots of emails come around during the holidays with great information. Here is one to share with all of you. It’s a bit of really good advice for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Apr 26, 2011 | By B. Lynn
Ms. Lynn is an educator and freelance writer living in Pennsylvania. She has been writing professionally for three years and is a graduate of the Institute for Children’s Literature. She writes for many niches including education, health, and beauty. You can contact her at b.lynn10@hotmail.com.
Thanksgiving is all about giving gratitude for everything you have and appreciating the people in your life. Families come together to celebrate each other, give thanks and have a big feast together. Traditional Thanksgiving meal favorites are turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, rolls and alcohol. Thanksgiving dinner can easily spoil a diet or just leave you feeling stuffed, bloated and unable to partake in the merriment of the holidays. Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the holiday season, so overeating on this day can set you on course to gain excess weight throughout the next month or two.
Step 1
Eat a healthy, sensible breakfast and lunch. Many people choose to starve themselves through the day so they can have more room for the scrumptious meal. This will lead to binge eating. Instead, have a small, healthy breakfast and lunch. Drink water throughout the day to keep you from overeating or consuming empty calories from soda or alcohol. This will help you feel more satisfied so you won’t overeat at dinner.
Step 2
Chew your meal slowly. Thanksgiving is the ideal time to sit down, eat your meal slowly and relish every bite. You will feel fuller faster, which will help you avoid overeating. Food is a wonderful part of Thanksgiving, but so is spending time with family and friends. Put down the fork for a few minutes, join the conversation, and you will eat less without noticing it.
Step 3
Use smaller plates. Depending on where you go for Thanksgiving it may be impossible, but if you are the host or your family doesn’t mind, consider grabbing a smaller plate for your meal. You will feel like you are eating more than your actually are and will be less likely to overeat.
Step 4
Create a tiny, portioned smorgasbord. Between all of the delectable food, your great aunt asking if you tried her pie yet, and all of the goodies being passed your way, it is easy to be tempted to eat everything. Instead of having a big meal of turkey and potatoes and then trying everything else on top of it, have a little bit of everything. On most days, you should try to eat more vegetables and fruits than anything else, but on Thanksgiving, make your goal to avoid overeating. Allow yourself a spoonful or two of everything you love, pass over what you don’t. You will end up feeling satisfied and will get to try everything you want without stuffing yourself silly.
Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Apr 26, 2011