Archive for January, 2011

Popcorn Anyone?

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Did you know that January 19th every year is National Popcorn Day? Last week, I was reminded about National Popcorn Day. For me, sometimes just the thought of popcorn gets me in the mood to eat it. Anyway, last Wednesday on National Popcorn Day I learned a lesson about popcorn that I thought I should share…
Have you ever noticed that there are expiration dates on microwave popcorn bags? I just happened to notice that as I was opening up a bag to pop. I thought to myself, who knew popcorn would expire? But then, what could go wrong…
Three minutes later I checked the microwave. Funny I didn’t recall hearing any popping sounds. Well the room smelled like burned popcorn and smoke was coming from the microwave. I opened the door and the bag started smoking even stronger. I thought the bag would catch on fire!

So here we are several days later and the building still smells like burnt popcorn. I’m not very popular with my co-workers since we spent two days with 30 degree weather with open windows. (Which helped a little but it still smells!) However, I think I did help teach everyone a valuable lesson. Do heed the expiration dates for microwave popcorn. The kernels will dry out and thus sit and burn, not pop.
One more thing I’ve learned after considering the events of Wednesday… I’ve never actually been a big fan of microwave popcorn. Typically they have hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and are high in sodium. I would prefer to make my own using a hot air microwave popper and adding my own toppings. So from now on I will only make popcorn from “scratch”. I will be shopping this week-end for a second microwave air popcorn popper for my office. That is if anyone will let me use the microwave again…

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Diets Don’t Work – Try Healthy Balance Instead!

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

I found this great blog post written by a Registered Dietitian and I wanted to share it with you all. She discusses 10 reasons not to go on a diet. I agree with her completely and urge all our readers to say no to dieting and yes to something that works!

What does work? Incorporating healthy habits for life does! This means making some changes around the current behaviors you practice related to your eating, activity, and stress management. If you need help with making these changes, look no further than The Rite Bite’s Healthy Balance Program. As an instructor for this program, I can tell you it is not a diet-minded approach. We focus on three main areas – eating, activity, and emotions. We call our three core elements “Hunger for Health”, “Moving for Success”, and “Dealing with Feeling”. Our program encourages you to focus on practicing essentials for health every day within these three core elements. Strategies like eating 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day, starting your day with a healthy breakfast, making half your grain choices whole rather than refined, and getting 30 minutes of activity a day, will help you to form new healthy habits you can maintain for life.

If you live or work in the Columbus, Ohio area, we are offering a group session of Healthy Balance at The Rite Bite. The session will be on Tuesday nights (6:15pm-7:00pm) starting on January 18th and meeting once a week thru April 5th. The cost of the program is $250 ($200 if you are a gym member). That price includes the 12 group sessions which are led by a Registered Dietitian and pre and post health screenings (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, weight, body fat percent, waist circumference,and blood pressure). If you think you would be interested in joining this group, please call us to reserve your spot at 614-985-6569.

Make this year, the year that you quit dieting and get into a Healthy Balance!

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Be Active With Your Best Friend

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

Looking for something to do outside in this beautiful winter weather?  How about taking your dog for a nice walk or run at the park.  Many of the parks in Columbus have dog friendly trails that allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery.  This is also a way for you to get in the minimum 30 minutes of cardio recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

If you do decide to take your dog along with you for a run/walk there are a few things you may want to keep in mind.  A dog’s body burns calories just like our bodies do.  So, if you are running a lot with your dog make sure that you watch their weight.  Since dogs can’t just jump on a scale, you can watch their waistline to see if they are losing too much weight.

Everyone has the surface that they like to run on. It might be grass, concrete, or a dirt path.  This does not matter as much to us because we have shoes with special support to help us with different terrains.  Dogs, however, only have the pads on their feet for protection.  It is important to check out the conditions of the grass or path.  At this time of year it is important to look for broken branches or loose nuts on the ground.  During the winter months you will want to check the paths for snow and ice which are extremely dangerous for dogs.  The pads on the paws can get frostbite just like our fingers and toes.  So before and after a run or walk take a look at the pads, make sure they have good color and no cuts or scrapes.

While running with your pooch you may also want to consider the pace you plan on running and make sure your dog can keep up with you.  Find a pace that is comfortable for both of you.  It is also important that you do not let your dog pull you for your whole run either.   It is not always easy to get into the same stride.   You may need to work  up to the pace you are trying to run at if it is faster than what your dog is used to running. Dogs do not have sweat glands like we do, instead they pant to cool down.  If you notice your dog panting more than normal you may want to cool them down.  Hydration is very important, so try giving your dog a bowl of water with ice cubes.  The ice is crunchy and cool, and dogs love them!   Exercising with your dog offers many benefits to you and your best friend.  Remember to watch their weight, keep their pads healthy, stay hydrated and find a pace that works well for both of you.

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