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Archive for February, 2010

No Matter How Often You Tried Or Failed…

You may say: “I have been here before.” In fact, many of my clients express skepticism when I ask them to enter one of my weight loss programs. Why would it work this time when they have tried and failed – often more than once?

In truth, keeping to a healthy and weight-conscious lifestyle does not have to be complicated. There are, however, a few fundamental principles you must understand: Read more »

Start With Your Personal Health Assessment…

Whether you are dealing with weight issues or just don’t feel on top of your game, an evaluation of your health status is a good start. It goes without saying that a personal self-assessment is no substitute for your annual physical for which you must consult with your doctor. However, with the help of the following assessment tools, you can determine your ideal body height/weight range, your calorie needs and how you can balance your food intake for optimal nutritional benefits. Read more »

No Healthy Lifestyle Can Do Without…

Regular physical activity is an essential part of every healthy lifestyle. How much and how often you exercise depends on your goals and your needs. The kind of exercising you do is less important than that you do it with regularity. If you are too busy to go to a gym for a workout, you can find other opportunities throughout the day to work your muscles here and there – e.g. by taking the stairs, instead of the elevator, or by parking your car a little further away from your office.  If you have had little or no exercise in a while, start slowly and consult your physician before you get started. Read more »

Kids’ Health

The nutritional needs of children differ greatly from those of adult. Moreover, they change from one age group to the next. Infants and toddlers have completely different dietary requirements than older children and teenagers, especially during phases of growth spurts. The nutritional quality of the food that children receive plays a decisive role in their development.

From early on, kids begin to develop their own preferences for certain foods. Those are usually influenced by other children, like older siblings, playmates and friends at school. TV commercials and advertisements geared towards children also play a major role. For parents, it is important to understand their kids’ nutritional needs and direct them accordingly.  Read more »

Taking Care of Your Health Needs When You Are Away From Home

In my many years of traveling around the world, I have learned that it is far more important how you travel than where you travel. Whether you are an explorer of uncharted territories or just in need of a good vacation, the exposure to new experiences will benefit you greatly. However, you can only enjoy the fun when you feel good and, most importantly, when you are healthy. Falling sick while traveling in foreign countries and unfamiliar surroundings is unpleasant at best and can be downright dangerous. So when it comes to travel, smart and precautionary planning is key – especially with regards to your health. Read more »

Overweight But Otherwise Healthy – Still At Risk?

Dear Timi,
Although I’m probably thirty to forty pounds over my ideal weight, I’m healthy and feel fine about being a little chunky. I eat well and exercise regularly. Should I still be concerned about being overweight?

Dear Reader,
Yes, you should, and here’s why: Being thirty or more pounds overweight puts you clearly at risk for heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and also cancer. You may not suffer from any weight-related effects on your health right now, but the risks will increase over time. You say that you generally adhere to a health-conscious lifestyle. So, my guess is that your portion sizes are probably too generous, and you may want to start cutting back your servings and see what happens. Read more »

“Dear Reader”

Timi Gustafson, R.D. Every writer lives (or perishes) by the willingness of her readers to follow the journeys of her mind. Most, if not all of my inspirations come from personal exchanges with you, your e-mails, your letters and your phone calls. When I finally sit down and write my monthly newspaper columns, answer specific questions on “Glad You Asked” or add new postings on this blog and on twitter, it is you, my dear reader, who moves me and makes my work all worthwhile.  Each time, I renew my promise to keep our conversations going about the things that matter most in life: Good health, a boundlessly curious mind and hunger for learning and a deep appreciation for all things worth living for. I thank you for being my companions on this path. Read more »