How To Raise A Fat Kid
Babies aren’t born fat. A lot of toddlers aren’t fat. Millions of teenagers are not fat either.
But……we can change that.
Here’s how:
1) Take children, of all ages, on a regular basis, to fast food restaurants and let them fill up on burgers, fries and colas.
2) When children become unruly, or you want a break from them, set them down in front of the TV, and let them watch their favorite shows, or play video games, for hours. You will get a great break, and they will put on pounds.
Don’t forget to give them a big bowl of chips or pretzels, and sugar ladened colas. They’ll love you for it.
3) When a child asks for a jump rope, bicycle, skateboard, or scooter, get them a laptop, video game, iPod, or MP3 player instead. After all, wouldn’t you rather know they are safe in their room, rather then having to worry about them playing outside?
4) When buying groceries, stock up on sugar ladened sodas. They are great. At 100 calories each, they will pack on pounds fast. Plus, they are prepackaged in disposable (recyclable) containers, and are portion controlled. But, the best thing, the kids won’t dirty a glass.
5) When you do take children to fast food restaurants, or out for that extra cheese pizza, do not ask them if they want “water or milk”. Let them make their own choice. I bet they’ll choose a soda, or milk shake.
6) Under no circumstance should you have fresh fruit or vegetables available to children. They might actually get to like them, and start losing those pounds. Yikes!!!
7) If you are going to visit Aunt Sue, who lives a block away, make sure you drive. It would be terrible to think of walking, and wearing out those new tennis shoes.
8.) If a child whines or cries, before using any other method, offer them a cookie, ice cream, or donut. All children need to grow up knowing about comfort foods. Right?
9) On the weekends, when you are catching up on the household chores, let the children sleep in. After all, it is so much easier to get things done when they are not under foot. All of the extra sleep will do them good. Plus, hopefully they’ll marry rich, and won’t have to know how to clean or do household chores.
10) If your child wants to enroll in sports, cheer leading, or dance, discourage it. All of the extra activity is bound to keep them in shape. Can’t have that.
If you have read to this point, you must know, raising a child to be fat, is dangerous.
Childhood obesity is on the rise. Obesity in all people. can lead to diabetes, heart disease, numerous other ailments, and even early death.
As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children better eating habits. We need to teach children how to get more exercise in their daily schedules.
We need to learn how to say “No”.
We must get junk food out of our homes.
We need to set a good example for our children.
Children learn what they live.
Let’s teach them how to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
We say we love our kids, but we may be killing them with food.
Let’s say “No” to raising fat kids.
For another article on teens who are overweight, read Overweight Teens – An Increasing Problem
Overweight Teens – An Increasing Problem
Currently the number of overweight teens is increasing.
Teens with weight problems, have often been overweight children.
As teens, the bad eating habits picked up as young children, in addition to making poor food choices, leads to excessive weight gain in teenagers.
Combine that, with lower activity levels, and an overweight teen, may become obese. This could inevitably, carry on into adulthood.
It is a proven fact that we “live what we learn”, therefore if parents have poor eating habits, children may also.
Teens are also notorious for becoming fast food junkies.
With burgers and fries containing hundreds (and even over a thousand) calories, making this type of choice for just one meal a day, can lead to an increased weight gain.
Now that the fast food restaurants offer lean choices, there are other options. However, some teens do not choose those items that are lower in calories and/or fat.
If you have an overweight teen, or are an overweight teen, it is difficult to make life style changes that will have a lasting result.
However, with statistics pointing to an increase in diabetes and heart disease in young adults, not making a change, could result in a major health problem, not to mention a shorter life span.
Starving yourself is not the answer.
Yo-Yo dieting (losing and gaining weight, over and over again), appears to mess up one’s metabolism over time, making it harder to lose weight.
Studies are now showing that 5 to 6 small meals a day may be the key. The meals give your body a continuous supply of food, which is used for lasting energy. Breakfast is proving to be the most important meal of the day.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential items to include in your daily meals. They are full of vitamins and nutrients, as well as fiber. Some suggest eating organic fruits and vegetables, but that is a choice only you can make.
Lean meats and fish/seafood are great sources of protein. Proteins can be found in red meat, chicken, turkey, seafood and dairy products, etc…. Avoid fatty cuts of meat.
Eliminating “white foods”, is another answer. White foods are items such as sugar, white bread and buns, pasta, and white rice.
Sodas are full of sugar. Diet sodas use artificial sweeteners, which gets a bad rap as well. The best choice for liquid, is water.
Better choices are breads made with whole wheat. The first ingredient should be “whole wheat”. Items made with whole wheat are also higher in fiber. Fiber also makes you feel full, faster. The benefits of a high fiber diet are numerous.
For rice and pasta dishes, substitute white rice or pasta, with brown rice, and/or whole wheat pasta. The taste difference is minimal. In fact, brown rice has a great nutty flavor.
For those who crave chocolate, dark chocolate is proving to be a better choice. Studies show that chocolate made with high cocoa content (70% +/-), is much better for us. By eating dark chocolate, you will find your craving may be satisfied by eating just a small portion.
And finally, we all know that increasing our activity level, will burn calories. Exercise and strength training adds muscle. Adding muscle, will aid in burning calories faster. Plus, muscle gives your body more definition.
Losing weight in the teen years can have many advantages. Here’s just a sampling of how a teenagers life may change, by dropping excess weight.
1) You will feel better
2) You will be healthier
3) You can wear more of the latest fashions
4) You can avoid derogatory comments from peers
5) You can go into adulthood with better health
6) You may become a role model, and motivate others to do eat healthier, as well Maybe even start a teen support group. 
7) You will have more energy
8.) You will spend less money if meals are prepared at home, instead of eating out. Also, filter your own water, instead of buying bottled water
9) You can learn how to cook healthy meals
10) Your may have less cavities
11) Acne problems may disappear
11) You can break the “bad eating habits” cycle, and may avoid passing it onto to your children
12) You may do better in school, as you are eating breakfast and nourishing your brain, prior to going to school.
13) You may become more popular in school
14) You may be able to sign up for sports, cheer leading, and/or dance, and have extra stamina
15) You may be happier
For those who are looking for more detailed information on teen weight loss, Dr. Phil’s son, Jay McGraw, has written a book that discusses teen weight issues in detail. It can be ordered online here:
Remember, prior to starting any weight loss program, consult a physician. Your family doctor may also have options for weight loss programs that are modeled for teens.
For more on children’s weight issues, read How To Raise A Fat Kid
Tags: taste difference, young adultsDo You Need Replacement Appliance Parts
Filed under: Archives, At Home, Home Improvement
If you are looking for replacement appliance parts, I have a great place to recommend.
Just recently, I needed to replace a tray on the door of my refrigerator.
I automatically turned to RepairClinic.com
I had used Repair Clinic.com. years ago when I needed to replace two drawers in my refrigerator. I remember being impressed with their service, so I turned to them again for my door tray.
I first did a search on their website for the part I needed, however, I got confused when I found two parts that looked very similar.
Since I didn’t want to risk ordering the incorrect part, I called their 800 number, and spoke with a gal by the name of Sharon.
She patiently took down my information, and in less than a minute, knew which part I needed.
I chose to have the door tray shipped via FedEx, and Sharon assured me that I would have it by the following Tuesday.
Sure enough, on Tuesday, FedEx delivered my door tray.
It was packaged in a large box, which was filled with air filled “pillows”. Inside of that box, was a second box. That box contained my door tray.
I took it out of the box, washed it with warm soapy water, dried it, and placed it onto the slots on the door of the refrigerator. A perfect fit.
Again, the Repair Clinic, delivered what they said they would.
I give them two thumbs up.
An added bonus to visiting their site…they also have a “repair help” section, for all of you, do-it-yourself, types of people.
No tags for this post.22 Cheap Holiday Gift Ideas
Filed under: Archives, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Projects, Saving Money
Cheap holiday gift ideas are sometimes hard to come by.
With gas prices being at an all time high, real estate in a slump, people losing their jobs, and the holidays just around the corner, it may be necessary to curb spending, and revert back to finding creative, cheap holiday gift ideas.
Listed below are 22 cheap holiday gift ideas.
1) Knit a scarf or hat, or make one out of fleece.
2) Bake a cake, cookies, bars, bread, or pie. Wrap it with cellophane and ribbon, for great presentation.
3) Make a “jar” gift. Stack the dry ingredients for a simple cookie or soup recipe, in a jar. Attach the recipe, and top the jar with a pretty piece of fabric
4) If a young child needs a specific article of clothing, check with your local fabric store for material and a pattern, and sew it yourself.
5) Make hand/machine sewn pillows. Attach pretty buttons, fringe, or other embellishments to customize it to the “recipient’s decor. Quilted pillows are also an option.
6) Create a photo collage in a pretty inexpensive collage frame
7) For bird lovers, make a pine cone bird feeder.
8.) For those who like to read, purchase a gift card, and attach a bookmark to the package
9) For the cook in your life, sew an apron, and even matching towels. Towels can be made out of cotton table cloths. One large table cloth will yield at least a dozen towels. As an added embellishment, sew ribbon on the towel. Potholders are inexpensive to make, as well.
10) For young children, fill a basket with coloring books, crayons, and other goodies, from your local dollar store. With toy recalls being a major concern, check the CPSC’s (Consumer Protection Safety Commission) website for the current list.
11) For that “someone special”, create a “coupon book”. Use your computer to create coupons for such things as a back rub, foot massage, pedicure, manicure, car wash and/or detailing, ….the possibilities are endless. Get creative! Use humor. Include drawings or photos.
12) Coupon books would also be great for children to give to their parents or grandparents. They could include coupons for chores they normally don’t do.
13) For a family member or friend, frame a favorite picture. Choose a frame that will match their decor. Try processing the photo in black and white, for something different. For free photo editing, try Picasa.
14) Instead of buying gifts for everyone in a large family, “pick names” and set a budget. Plan a fun filled evening, for your gift exchange.
15) At work, draw names for a “secret Santa”. Buy for one person, set a budget, and pick a day to exchange gifts and reveal who’s “Santa” you were.
16) Burn a CD with favorite photos or music. Wrap it in a plastic CD holder.
17) Give the gift of tea or coffee. In a napkin lined basket, place a box of tea or a bag of coffee, a cup, and a package of biscotti.
18) For those who still prefer to hand write letters, buy a pretty box of stationery, and include a pretty pen. Maybe even some stamps.
19) Shop discount stores for pretty baskets of lotions and soaps. Pick a scent that the recipient likes. If you’re real creative, make handmade soaps. Attach a tag and wrap with a pretty ribbon.
20) Candles are great inexpensive gifts. Buy a candle and matching candle holder.
21) Movie tickets are inexpensive. Give a friend or family member two tickets, and a coupon for “free babysitting”. That would make for a great “date night” for parents who don’t get out much.
22) There are many beautiful ornaments on the market. Buy a pretty ornament, and an ornament holder from your local craft store.
Any gift can be made even prettier, by using beautiful ribbon. Buy a big roll at a discount store, and use it for all of your packages. Just pick a color that will match an array of holiday papers.
Wrapping paper can get expensive, but by using an alternative, you can save even more money. For ideas on cheap wrapping paper, read a previous article of mine, titled: Cheap Wrapping Paper.
Take time to wrap your gifts with love and care.
Find a box your gift will fit into. Line it with pretty tissue.
Wrapped boxes create a beautiful present. Attach a hand written card, for greater impact.
A cheap holiday gift idea, that’s well thought out, and beautifully wrapped, can hold more meaning than an expensive store bought item.
Who can put a price on that?
For great themed gift ideas, see: Last Minute Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas
The Secret To Weight Loss
Losing weight is the goal for many.
With so many overweight adults, and childhood obesity on the rise, everyone wants to know if there is a secret to weight loss.
If you search “weight loss”, online, your search will reveal millions of “hits’.
Many websites claim, if you order their weight loss book, or “become a paid member”, you can lose a big chunk of weight, in a short period of time
Read the covers on popular magazines.
Some magazines sport stories of how you can lose up to 30 pounds in six weeks.
Read the reviews for different diet books, and each book will claim to have the secret to permanent weight loss.
Some books say eat what you want (in moderation), and lose weight.
Others say, restrict your calories, and only eat certain foods.
Some diets have you eating lots of protein, i.e. meats and cheeses,
Others say, avoid red meat and cheese, and eat lean meats and vegetables.
Several diets say it is okay to drink a glass of wine
Whereas others, will tell you to avoid alcohol completely.
Then, there are those “magic” pills.
Buy a bottle, take three pills with each meal, and watch the pounds melt off.
It gets confusing.
Who really has the secret to weight loss?
After doing tons of research on weight loss, the “secret” to weight loss, appears to be:
Those who “sell” a weight loss book or pill, gain.
What they have gained, is the money (not pounds), that you have lost in your pursuit of becoming thin.
In reality, the “secret” to weight loss, is found in many success stories.
Reduce your caloric intake, by making healthy food choices, and increase your activity level.
Diet information, plus many healthy recipes, can be found online, for free.
Just do a search for “free diet programs”, and find one that fits your needs.
If you feel you need a support group, find a local program that has a great track record for success.
Now…..you, too, have the secret to weight loss.
By taking responsibility for your own health, and making smart choices, you may not only become thinner, but richer.
Tags: moderationIs It A Scam Email, Or Not
Most of the emails we get, are legitimate. But, others aren’t.
Some emails are considered to be “urban legends”.
Have you gotten emails asking you to forward “important (?) emails to everyone in your mail box?
Here’s a list of some I have received:
The “life is beautiful” computer virus
“Invitation” virus
Ban of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
Free Applebee’s gift certificates
Free Blockbuster coupon
Registering your cell phone with the national “Do Not Call” directory
Missing children – names vary
Bill Gates/ Microsoft/ AOL Giveaway
Years ago, I thought this information might be true. So, I forwarded the emails to my friends.
However, what’s written in an email, may not be the truth.
Now, when I receive an email I’m not sure of, the first place I turn to, is Snopes.com
Snopes.com shows which “urban legends” emails are true, and which emails are false. Each urban legend is thoroughly researched.
Thanks to Barbara and David P. Mikkelson, you don’t have to wonder anymore.
No tags for this post.Review – Dr. Oz’s Green Drink – A Glass of Fresh
When Dr. Oz was on Oprah on November 5, 2007, discussing anti aging, he made his “green drink” for Oprah.
When Oprah tasted the green drink, she commented, that it tasted like a glass of “fresh”.
The drink intrigued me, so I decided to try it.
The recipe is as follows:
Dr. Oz’s Green Drink Recipe:
Two handfuls of fresh spinach
1 apple, remove stem, and core, do not peel
1/2 cup of fresh parsley
Fresh ginger, peeled, 2-3 slices
1 cucumber, do not peel
4 Stalks of celery
The juice of one fresh lemon
Wash the fruits and vegetables.
Place all ingredients in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Do not strain the drink. Many nutrients are in the fiber/pulp.
When adding the ingredients to your blender, cut them in chunks.
Do not place all ingredients in your blender at one time. “Puree” one or two ingredients, then add another. Continue pureeing, until all ingredients are added.
I had a problem with my blender pureeing the ingredients, so I added 1/2 cup of water. More or less water can be added, based on the desired thickness of the drink.
I did not have fresh ginger, so I used “pureed” ginger, which I buy in the supermarket. It comes is a tube, and I find it in the produce section. I used one tablespoon of the pureed ginger.
The drink made approximately two cups.
I drank one cup, and refrigerated the other, for later.
My review: The drink is very pleasant tasting. The apple adds enough sweetness, therefore, additional sugar isn’t required
None of the ingredients are overpowering.
If you are one who does not consume enough fruits and vegetables, this is a great way to add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Dr. Oz’s green drink is something I will definitely make often.
I like the fact that it is very healthy, and the ingredients are fairly inexpensive.
Cheers! 
For more information and links to Oprah and Dr’ Oz’s real age website, check out previous articles titled:
Dr. Oz on Oprah – Anti Aging Tips and Green Drinks
Oprah and Dr. Oz Discuss The Effects Of Aging
Dr. Oz on Oprah
Going Green May Mean Big Bucks
Filed under: Archives, Business Opportunity, Going Green, Making Money, Recycling
Tonight (11/8/07), on CNBC’s “The Big Idea”, Donny Deustch interviewed individuals who are making millions by “going green”.
Going green, means making and selling products that are friendly to the environment. Some companies strive to recycle, while others are finding ways to eliminate the amount of garbage that goes into landfills.
The guests on tonight’s show, included the founders of:
gGDiapers This invention was developed to eliminate the amount of disposable diapers that end up in land fills. The gDiaper, uses plastics free, flushable liners. The outer layer of the diaper is washable, reusable, and available in a variety of colors. Very stylish!
Method - This is a line of biodegradable, non toxic, cleaning products. Not something new, however, the packaging of the product, makes this one stand out. What a great way to enjoy cleaning.
Josie Maran Cosmetics -This is a line of makeup, that is totally natural and/or organic. The packaging is glamorous, and even that is recyclable. Great job Josie!
Stonyfield Farms This company makes organic yogurts, smoothies, ice cream, and milk, for the whole family. They are against using products that contain rBST, and buy all of their milk products from local organic farmers. The circle is complete.
Recycline. Here’s a company that took recycling seriously. Their first product was a toothbrush make from recycled materials. They then added razors to the list, and now tableware. Happy brushing. 
EcoHangers Here’s a company whose goal is to divert wire hangers from ending up in landfills. They have created a recyclable hanger, that shows advertising on it. The dry cleaning companies get them free (saving money), and the companies that advertise on the hangers, get mass exposure. Brilliant!
360 Vodka. This company is making vodka with a twist. Their vodka is bottled in a bottle that has been made from 85% recycled glass, their label is 100 percent recyclable, and they provide a prepaid stamped envelope in which to return the closure (from the top of the bottle). They then sanitize and reuse the closure. Their website even includes ways to “go green” and assists you in finding a recycling center in your area. Cheers!
TerraCycle Inc.- Here’s an ingenious idea. This company started out by “bottling” worm poop, and packaged it in recycled plastic bottles. This is a natural fertilizer for plants, The company has since branched out, and now sells other organic gardening products, as well as products made from recycled packaging materials. Check out their website, as they also offer money for used yogurt containers, drink pouches, soda bottles. Worm poop, who knew?
Finding a way to create a green product, isn’t necessarily hard. The goal is to create a niche, and do it better than others.
If you look around, you could find many ideas.
In an earlier article, titled: “Recycling May Slow Down Global Warming, I listed 17 products that are recyclable. If you were to divide those into “subclasses, the possibilities are endless.
For six years, I was involved in a wood recycling business. For a tutorial on wood recycling, read: “Wood Recycling – A Green Opportunity” . We let nothing go to waste. Waste wood was ground up, used as compost, and used in blended topsoil. Wood chips were used for biofuel, animal bedding, and ground cover.
Going green can make you big bucks. It’s a business adventure that is good for the environment, and one that may stave off global warming.
Take time to look around. Is there something you can do to create a green product? Do you have a “big idea”?
Going green means you will leave this planet a little better than you found it. That’s great for the current generation, but more importantly, for those who follow.
How To Find Your Passion And Make Money
Filed under: Archives, Business Opportunity, Life, Making Money
It is written, that if you do what you love, in business, the money will follow. That’s passion.
But, how do you find what it is, that you truly love? Your passion?
Some people feel they need to leave their job, to follow their passion. Others, love their current jobs. Their “job”, is their passion.
However, there are others, who cannot find happiness in a full time job, or by being self employed. They search aimlessly, trying to find that “passion” in their life.
To find your passion, may take time, and work.
To get started, here’s a list of questions to ask yourself. Be honest with your answers.
Write the questions down, as well as your answers.
1) If money was not a worry, what could you see yourself doing? What would you do for free?
2) What do you do (hobbies or other), where you get lost in the “project” and time seems to “fly by”.
3) As a child, what did you enjoy doing? Do you still enjoy that “activity”, but in a more grown up sort of way?
4) What are your strengths? Are you organized? Are you a care giver? Are you creative? Are you social?
5) What do others say you are good at? If you’re not sure, ask your family and friends?
6) What don’t you like to do? Oftentimes, admitting what you don’t like to do, reveals more of what you like to do.
7) Do you feel passionate about something, but are too embarrassed to admit it to loved ones? Why?
8.) If you were to follow your passion, would others in your life “be left behind”? Do they have to be? Or is there a way of including them?
9) Are you making excuses for not following your passion, because you might actually succeed? Are you afraid of success? Why?
10) If you know what you are passionate about, can you find a way to begin that journey, plus do what you’re doing now? i.e. go to school part time? Follow your passion “after hours”….?
11) If you admitted you wanted to follow your passion, and others laughed at you, or were negative, how would you react? Do you feel strongly enough about your passion to defend yourself? Do you really care what others think? Remember, many great inventors and big businessman were scoffed at.
12) What “gets to you”? Do you hate waste? Do you hate seeing children becoming obese by unhealthy eating habits? Do you hate paying good money, for an inferior product? What “puts you on your soap box”?
13) Do you see something, and know you “have a better way”?
14) If you were on your death bed, would you have regrets because you did not follow “a dream”?
If you answered “yes” to #14,
15) What’s stopping you?
After you have taken time to write out questions and answers, step away from it. Wait for a few days or weeks, and review your answers. Have they changed? Do you need to elaborate on any of your answers?
As you look at what you have written, you may soon see a common “theme” emerging. Is this your passion?
You may realize you are a creative person, who could make a product in your own kitchen, and begin to sell your product to local boutiques or small shops. Maybe, you are a stay at home mom who loves being a care giver. A day care may be right for you. It’s something you could possibly start, in your own home. Or maybe as a kid, you used to love to build things. Would you like to be a carpenter or general contractor, who builds homes?
You may also have an idea for an invention. With some hard work, you could see it all materialize.
The possibilities are endless.
It is written, there is no such thing as a stupid question. I also believe, there is no such thing as a stupid idea. It may start out that way, but with a little bit of tweaking, it could be a multi – million dollar business.
For more ideas on how to get started, read a previous article of mine, titled: Take Your Idea – Make Millions.
Tags: inventionDr. Oz – Oprah – Anti Aging Tips and Green Drinks
Today, 11/5/07, Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen, made a repeat performance on Oprah to continue discussing their anti aging plan.
More techniques to get you feeling better, were highlighted, based on what’s written in their book You: Staying Young: The Owner’s Manual for Extending Your Warranty.
Among the ideas discussed on today’s show were:
Detoxing your home of unhealthy chemicals
Increasing your bone density by using weights, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco
Incorporating Dr. Oz’s “green drink” into your diet. The green drink, includes items such as spinach , apples, celery and cucumbers.
The recipe for the green drink, is as follows:
- Image via Wikipedia
Two handfuls of fresh spinach
1 apple
1/2 cup of fresh parsley
Fresh ginger, peeled, 2-3 slices
1 cucumber
4 Stalks of celery
The juice of one fresh lemon
Wash the fruits and vegetables.
Place all ingredients in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Do not strain the drink. Many nutrients are in the fiber/pulp.
Dr. Oz also stated to ensure you are getting all of the essential vitamins, including Vitamin D.
By linking to Oprah.com, and reading an overview of the show, more information is available, including a link to Dr. Oz’s 14 day plan to a better you.
Read earlier articles:
Oprah and Dr. Oz Discuss The Effects Of Stress This article gives you an overview of suggested methods for reducing negative stress, plus a link to the show on Oprah.com
Dr. Oz on Oprah Dr. Oz discusses diet and health. This article includes a link to the real age test.
For my review of the “green drink”, read: Review – Dr. Oz’s Green Drink – A Glass of Fresh
Update: Dr. Mehmet Oz now has his own TV show, named Dr. Oz
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9ba24332-a306-441d-ac0b-8dff94d802dd "photo")
Life Saving Tips
Free E-Book
Sponsors