How About a “Natural High” Instead Of Those Mood Altering Drugs?

A few years ago I retired from a very active management position and suddenly found myself spending most of my time at home. I sat at the computer, read my email, played ten different kinds of solitaire, read food recipes which made me hungry and I ate a lot. I read, I watched TV and did all the crossword puzzles I could get my hands on. Not only was I bored; I had become boring. I was terribly depressed and was given Paxil, a mood altering drug. I hated the way it made me feel so I stopped taking it.

A lifesaving friend called one day and said “Let’s visit the senior community center and see what classes they offer.” My response was, “Hang out with old people, are you nuts?” You have to realize what a ridiculous response this was since I was in my 70’s. I did remember receiving some mail recently from my HMO. They had a program called “Fit for Life” that would pay for any kind of exercise class so I gave in and visited the center.

It turned out that most of the seniors were younger than I. The age was 50+ and everyone seemed lively, friendly and in great shape. They had low impact aerobic classes at low-cost; it included light weight training and a cool down with lots of stretching. I must admit I had a wonderful time. They talked me into joining the line dance class too. I had forgotten how much I loved to dance; there’s something about moving to music that makes you feel so good. The best part is you don’t need a partner!

Here comes the moral to this story. I had a doctor’s appointment about 6 weeks later. I stepped on the scale and had lost quite a few pounds. He took my blood pressure which was now normal. My cholesterol dropped below 200, triglycerides dropped 70 points and best of all he noticed the difference in my demeanor. He sat back in his chair, looked at me with a big smile and said, “What’s going on?” My chart now says ‘exercising 3 times a week’.

It’s three years later, I’m 75 years old, still taking exercise classes twice a week and teaching line dancing to all age groups (not just seniors) three times a week. I get so motivated because there’s so much energy out there. I need the group setting; I know I would never exercise on my own

My doctor laughs when I tell him I want to form a task force to pull people out of their beds and bring them to these centers. So please, don’t give up. Do it for your depression, your boredom, your anxiety and your whole sense of being. It’s invigorating!

Family Meals - Better For Children, Easier For You

Another day, another dinner to prepare. Are you having a difficult time finding easy to prepare meals that can satisfy your growing family?

You want to give your family the best, but time is in short supply and preparing a healthy meal has become a chore. Too often take out or frozen dinners have to do. Is there a way to combine healthy eating with convenience?

Yes! New methods of cooking and easy to prepare staples can change your eating habits and lead to a better eating style for your family. According to the 'Kid's Health' Program created by the Nemours Foundation, family meals are an important part of developing healthy habits in your kids. Eating as a family will encourage your kids to eat healthy foods like whole grains and vegetables. It will discourage unhealthy snacking and even make them less likely to try smoking, alcohol or marijuana.

But how do you plan healthy family meals on a tight schedule? Here are some ideas to start:

Does your family love lasagna? Maybe you thought that it was a labor intensive dish that just doesn't fit your lifestyle. Cheesy and full of fat, perhaps it's not even a wise choice. However, lasagna is actually one of the most versatile meals to prepare - and with instant (no boil) noodles, it doesn't even have to be a big job.

There are lasagna recipes for vegetarians, low-carb, low-fat and even diabetic diets. Lasagna noodles now come in instant, no-cook preparations that cut time and energy when making this hearty dish.

For lasagna or other pasta dishes, try using whole wheat pasta and shredding carrots or zucchini into the meat sauce for an easy way to up the nutritional value. Using lean ground beef or even substituting with ground turkey or chicken can make for a surprising, yet nourishing result. Buy bottled pasta sauces for even faster preparation - many grocers carry a wide assortment that will add variety to your dishes.

Looking for an elegant chicken dinner? Don't forget about frozen skinless chicken breasts. Baked in the oven with a dollop of salsa and shredded cheddar on top makes for a healthy alternative to frying or heavy sauces.

Need ideas for a side dish? Why are you wasting time cutting and washing lettuce when you can pick up a prepackaged bag at the grocers? Not to say it's the cheapest method, but it definitely helps busy families put nutrition ahead of convenience when planning a meal.

Have you ever tried steaming vegetables in the microwave? Fresh or frozen veggies make for another easy side dish when they're popped into the microwave for a few minutes. Add a couple tablespoons of water and cover with a paper towel, an easy AND healthy alternative to frying or boiling.

We're all concerned about our children eating healthier foods. Regular family meals will encourage kids to develop healthy eating habits - an important key to good health later in life. By making meal time less stressful you can focus on the joys of spending time together instead of the hassles of preparing meals.