As I've alluded to in a previous post, not only do we not have a sense of appropriate portions in America, but we also really don't understand how many calories and fat are in some of our favorite foods. And trust me, some nutrition facts can be really scary!!
A great tool I discovered a couple years ago from my mom is the Eat This, Not That book from the editors of Men’s Health magazine. The book has become so successful that they now have five different versions of the book focusing on areas, including navigating supermarkets and restaurants, healthy food options for kids, and also a book detailing the absolute worst food in America. If you really want to have a better understanding of the choices you’re making in the supermarket or at your favorite eatery, grab this book and keep it handy. It’s a great tool when you’re out and want to know the healthiest options available to you whether it's at the mall, McDonalds, or Outback Steakhouse. This book has information on many favorite chain restaurants and fast food eateries comparing some of their healthiest options next to some of their worst options (and a lot of times they will surprise you). Or, if you are craving something unhealthy, it'll tell you which option is the lesser of the two evils. It also compares the best and worst options available in the supermarket from yogurt to lunch meat to frozen TV dinners. Finally, the book helps you navigate holidays, mall food, alcoholic beverages, and more.
To learn more, click here: http://eatthis.menshealth.com/home. This website has lots of great information, so go check it out and educate yourself about what you're putting in your mouth!
Back in college, I took a women’s health class. One of our assignments was to find out our ‘Real Age’ based on our lifestyles and then from that determine how we think we’d most likely die (sounds morbid, I know, but it was eye opening actually). When I took the test, I was 21 years old, but the test assessed my 'Real Age' was truly 25 years old based on my lifestyle. This year, on my 26th birthday I decided to retake the test to see if my efforts over the last five years had impacted my 'Real Age.' When I retook the test, it assessed that my 'Real Age' on my 26th birthday was actually 21 years old! I shaved five years off my life in five years! It’s great to know that although I am 26, I have the body and health of a 21 year old still! So what changed for me? I exercise more than I did at 21, I eat healthier and more well rounded, I drive slower, and I talk less on my cell phone when I'm driving - those changes really added up for me!
I encourage you all to go to http://www.realage.com/reg/regvar/st1.aspx?mod=LONGFORM and take the Real Age Test. What I like most about this test is that it looks beyond your physical activity level and eating habits. This test explores your family medical history, driving habits, personal relationships, and more, which all contribute to leading a healthy life. It is a great way to see what you’re doing right and what you can improve on. It also goes to show you that making real and lasting change really does make a difference beyond what you can see on the outside.
