The Birthday Celebration Has Started…

This year I really made it clear - no over doing it!  It started last night!  Bob and I went out for our special dinner!  Saturday is my day I am cooking a healthy dinner, Tuesday is Bob's day and he can have whatever he wants! The following Thursday is our special “at home” dinner when we open a special bottle of wine to celebrate!  This is the time I really need to choose my battles.  PLUS - today I am getting fitted for my wedding dress.  We are going to be celebrating 25 years of matrimony and I am determined to wear that dress again!!  It comes out of the box today and that will be eye opening!  More detail to follow!

Until Monday - Keep thinking veggies and protein!  

Sochi…

The Olympics have started and that should be enough inspiration to get me going for the next two weeks!

 

Biggest Loser…

WOW!  Inspirational!  I really got addicted to this show last year!  The stories and the motivation puts me in tears just about every episode!  Last night was the finale and GO RACHEL!  She looks amazing!  105 pounds!  I am going to go jump on my treadmill now!

Vinegar…

A Japanese study found that the substance that gives vinegar its sour taste and strong odor might fight fat.  The study found that in overweight individuals who consumed 1 or 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily for 12 weeks had significantly lower body weight, BMI, visceral (belly) fat, and waist circumference than the control group that didn't consume any vinegar!   Researchers feel this may be due to vinegar's acetic acid, which may switch on genes that pump out proteins that break down fat.  I use all different vinegars, red, white, rice, cider, sherry, and even plum!  They make great salad dressings, just add some lemon and mustard and any kind of herbs that you like!

Nutrition Facts Label Upgrade… 

What we know about nutrition has changed a lot since 1994, which is when the current nutrition facts panel went into effect. Yup, those labels are 20 years old! FDA has just sent guidelines for new labels to the White House. Here are a few buzzed-about possible changes we can definitely get behind!

Updated servings per container and serving sizes. You know those packages that are CLEARLY meant to be consumed in one sitting, but list 2 or 3 servings per container? No more of that. The recommended serving sizes may also change for certain foods in order to be more realistic. YAY!!!

Removing the "calories from fat" listing. When was the last time you checked that number? Seriously. We look at nutrition facts ALL DAY, and we don't even check that. The total fat, fat breakdown, and percentage of the daily value are all the fat stats we need.

More prominent calorie count. With all of the figures and percentages that make up the current labels (like, ahem, the above listing), it's easy to overlook this very important number! We love the idea of making it as easy as possible to read.

While there's no telling if and when these updates would be made, we'll be (impatiently) waiting!!