SIMPLE DIET FIXES FOR 2008
"Losing weight" is probably the #1 New Year's resolution for most people out there, especially after a holiday season filled with all kinds of good food, creamy eggnog and plenty of rich desserts. But you don't have make major diet changes in order to eat healthier, lose some of that excess holiday weight and feel better about yourself.
MSNBC.com offers up a few simple diet fixes for 2008:
1. Bulk up.Most of us fall short of the 21-38 grams of fiber recommended each day. Pairing foods that are high in protein and fiber fills you up and curbs your appetite. Up your fiber with whole-grain bread, cereal & pasta, brown rice, and fresh fruit and veggies.
2. Go green! Dark green, leafy veggies are loaded with beta-carotene (which helps fight cancer) and a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins A and C, folate and potassium.
3. Boost your beans. Beans are rich in both protein and carbs and have loads of fiber. They're also filled with other vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Drop some in your salads, use them to make quesadillas or add them to pasta sauces or soups.
4. Eat more fish. Fish is high in proten, vitamins and minerals, plus it's low in saturated fat and has fewer calories than beef or chicken. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and possibly Alzheimer's.
5. Pump up potassium. Potassium maintains water balance and helps keep blood pressure down. It's found in tons of whole foods, like leafy green veggies, most fruits and root veggies, sweet potatoes, soybeans, peanuts, milk, cereal and some types of fish.
6. Watch your portions. Eat foods you enjoy, but be careful not to overdo it! Put less on your plate or use smaller plates. Eat slowly and wait at least 5 minutes after you're done before you go for seconds. Most of the time you'll be satisfied and won't need more.
7. Think marathon, not sprint. If you try to change too many diet habits at once, you'll be overwhelmed. Set one small, realistic goal at a time and pace yourself. Over time, each small change will become a lifelong habit. Make every calorie count and enjoy each bite!
8. Drink water! It's really the best thing you can drink over diet sodas, sports drinks, etc.
LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB?
According to an online recruiting company called Jobsite, today is THE biggest job hunting day of the year.
40% of adult workers say they're planning on looking for a new job this month... and the majority of them are going to start today.
Keith Potts, who's the head of Jobsite, says, quote, "With time off over Christmas to reflect on your current job situation, it's not surprising that the first Monday back in the office sends people looking for something more fulfilling."
The most common reasons that people gave for looking for a new job are less stress, more satisfaction and a higher salary.
One more Interesting Fact they found: The average worker spends nine years at one job.
HOW TO GET OUT OF AWKWARD SITUATIONS
Every once in a while, we run into one of those really bad social situations where we're either too polite... or too uncomfortable... to ditch out of. Here's how to handle these situations...
1) AN AWKWARD PARTY CONVERSATION. You know when you start talking with someone at a party, and it's so bad that you're stretching for ANY lame topic to discuss? Try using the excuse that you need to get another drink or make a phone call.
2) A RELATIONSHIP FIGHT. Regardless of WHO started the fight, you're both probably so mad at each other that you can't seem to agree on anything. Just stop the fight altogether. It's better for both of you to talk it out when you're calm.
3) A TELEMARKETER. If you want to be nice, straight up tell the telemarketer that you're not interested. If you want to be like most people, HANG UP. Before you hang up, tell them you want to be put on their "Do Not Call" list.
4) A BORING STORY. You're at a family party, and the token old person is telling you about the days when they used to take the trolley around town for a shiny nickel. Wait for them to change the subject, then leave.
5) A CO-WORKER EMBARASSING THEMSELVES OUT OF THE OFFICE. Use any excuse you've got to call it a night. They'll probably feel embarrassed the next time you see them at work, so don't bring up what happened. Just let it go.
