Let's Do it Healthy

April 22, 2005

Some frozen veggies may actually be a better bet than fresh. Produce headed for the freezer case usually goes directly from the field or orchard to the processing plant. It doesn't languish in railroad cars or tractor trailer trucks, waiting to be shipped cross-country to end up at your supermarket a week later. The nutrient levels in frozen fruits and vegetables are nearly as high as fresh-picked and are often better than in produce that has undergone temperature changes, exposure to light and other rigors of travel. Some favorites include baby peas, edamame, collard greens, mango pieces and blackberries.

The bread basket is filled with empty calories that could add up to 100 calories or more per typical roll. To avoid filling up on the bread in restaurants, ask the waiter for an appetizer right away when he/she comes for your drink order. Good choices include steamed shellfish, shrimp cocktail, salads (dressing on the side), crudite, and meaty portobello mushrooms.

Eating healthy is an adventure! Expand your horizons and try something new each week. This will bring variety to your plate. Try couscous or kasha in place of rice or pasta. Explore tropical fruits like mangos or papaya when in season. Go meatless with tofu or yummy hummus. There is a whole world of healthy foods out there that you've never tried. Give exotic foods a chance.

If you're running late on a business trip and can't get to the gym, "hallway laps" can fill the exercise gap. Lace up your sneakers and walk or jog in the halls at times when you won't disturb other guests. Or, take the stairs -- walk to a room on the 5th floor and you won't need to reserve a stair climber in the gym. Even if it's twice as difficult to squeeze in exercise as during a normal workday, on a business trip it's twice as important. A workout on the road boosts your energy, creativity and effectiveness. (This would be good for vacations too.)

~Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused.