EAT MORE SO YOU CAN EAT LESS

Eat more salad, at the start of the meal that is, and you will eat less of the main meal.

In a study reported in the American Dietetic Association, people who received three cups of salad (100 calories) at the start of a meal ate 12 percent fewer calories during the main meal than people who received no pre-dinner salad.

The result occurred only with low-calorie salad. People who received a 400-calorie high-fat salad actually consumed 17 percent more calories during the main meal than people who received no salad at all.

GRANDKID'S GAZETTE, DECEMBER 2008

The 2008 fall weather had been quite mild, mostly without frost at night and only a few skiffs of snow. A week before Christmas a heavy snowstorm zoomed in with a bang. Even Vancouver weather changed and almost forgot how to rain as heavy snow blocked many streets.

"We're going to Grandma Stewart's today," the grandchildren announced, "and our two uncles will be there too." The "two" was emphasized since one of the uncles had been living overseas and had now moved back to Vernon. It was always a delight when the uncles offered them a "donkey back ride," but that would happen after dinner. One of the uncles volunteered to be a kitchen helper as the biscuits were freshly baked and the feast spread. Daddy carved the turkey and Grandma had already set the table. A blessing was offered and the children picked up their plates and selected from the feast at the buffet table. When grandchild number 2 returned with her plate her older sister had usurped her place. "Now which one had selected that place first?" Daddy asked. That was the rule to quietly and gently bring differences to an end. Both wanted to sit between Mommie and one of the uncles. "But wait," Daddy said, "you can sit across the table between your other uncle and GiGi. The baby is sitting in her booster seat between grandma and Mommy". That all made sense, and the usual rule was honored. I've never heard any voices raised, having the rules in place seems to bring each difference to a close.

After dinner gifts were passed out, the most popular ones being the puppets who are soon talking to each other as well as with the girls. Grandma had even brought home a Tasmania devil puppet when she returned from her vacation in Australia. Being a puppet, it was mild and gentle without the sharp bite they are noted for. She tells us their teeth are so sharp they can gnaw the hoof off an animal. When the animal is sleeping they do not feel it. In the case of a horse the owner can have a smith install a horse shoe so they can walk without stumbling. GiGi always requests no gifts because she needs nothing new, but never refuses garden vegetables like beets when people have extra. Then one of the girls brought a gift over for me but that was okay because it was a calendar their grandmother purchases to help raise money for Grannies a Gogo who care for African children whose parents have died from Aids. It was a lovely Christmas celebration.

PREVENT A COLD THE EASY WAY

This is from a Victorian Order of Nurses

1. Drink plenty of water. (eight glasses a day) Keep the 'plumbing'
clean and flowing.

2. Eat raw fruits and vegetables every day. Keeps the bowels clean and
rolling on. Eat raw carrots, raw celery and lettuce daily, and support
the immune system, and it will support you. It's your best friend.
3. Avoid sugars and starches.

4. Get outside in fresh air (hopefully with sunshine). Skin and retina need
it to do their preventive jobs.
5. Laugh and smile often. A l0 minute belly laugh elevates T-cell (immune
system's fighter cells) for 72 hours.
6. Avoid cold drafts and stay dry.
7. Lovingly and sincerely pray for others.

GETTING RID OF A COLD:

l. No sugar.
2. Drink plenty of water (ten glasses a day).
3. No starches, None! (always consult your doctor to confirm).
4. No juices. Drink water instead.
5. Have a nice soak in a steamy tub with epsom salts and sea salt.
6. Sip a cup of red clover tea.
7. Put on a funny movie or read the comics and have lots of laughs!
(If you start this regime at the beginning of a cold, and have a day
of fresh fruits and vegetables with plenty of water (organic black
coffee is okay) the cold will not be supported and be gone in a day.

COMMUNING WITH A FRIEND

Sometimes all one needs to help another is a listening ear or an understanding heart even if it be in silence, a word, sentence or poem. We're so busy these days with distractions like i-pods or television entertainment that it is hard to find time to help unburden a needy soul who just needs someone to talk to. If you have an experience to share, a thought, or a question, enter a comment. We do not need real names or dates since names will be substituted.

This is my story and poem to a friend who needed an understanding heart.

Who thought before a new day dawned, My friendly shadow would be gone.
A decade she had been with me, A joy to all the family.
A spotted nose checked each new tot, From bassinet, to crib, to cot,
A prop when each one tried to stand, Small hands tugged before they'd land.

When tired from teaching school all day, A wagging tail said, "All's okay."
On weekend hikes through trails and bog, A treasure true, our faithful dog.
Her nose checked at my bed each night, Meant we were safe 'til morning light.
Next day, if I forgot my key, Her nose the doorlatch opened free.

Unsteady steps in her last years, Betrayed the aching joint we feared,
But still she felt she must keep on, "Who'd care for them if I were gone."
The night before she passed a way, She raised her paw as if to say,
"Good bye please let my spirit free," Her spotted nose pressed close to me.

Her eyes beseeched, we understood, Those treasured memories, all so good,
A faithful servant through each day, I gave her leave to slip away.
Why were our hearts so touched with pain? Perhaps because no selfish gain,
Mars this comradship that binds, A fellowship so pure and kind.

VEGETABLES, ARE WE REMEMBERING

By 20l0 U.S. health officials want 75 percent of Americans to eat two fruits a day and 50 percent to eat three vegetables a day. Since 1994 the percentage of Americans meeting this goal has held steady at about 27 percent. Caucasians, college graduates, older adults and people with higher incomes were more likely to meet the goals for fruit and vegetable consumption, according to an analysis of survey data that was published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

Given the increasing amount of publicity devoted to the importance of diet to health, it seems surprising that this information has had such little effect upon behaviour. Researchers at the Center for Disease Control speculate that we are bombarded with information, much of it conflicting. They also believe that our desire for convenience in food preparation is a contributing factor to our ignoring our veggies.

TEEN TALK

"Don't be a wimp, come have a drink," A friendly co-ed said,
One, two, then three - Could this take me, Down with the daring dead?
A silent whisper from within, Warned of a rocky road,
Where fearful gnomes in darkened tones, Demanded heavier loads.

"No thanks," I said, "I'll pass this one." Their words become a taunt.
"Be one of our crew, we've picked you, And naught for friends you'll want."
My frightened ego cried in pain, Can these my true friends be?
My own small war I fought within, To set my conscience free.

I chose a group of other friends, And noted later on,
Former friends slipped into drugs. Their power in life had gone.
Death's chilly hands continued on, As darker darker channels led,
Some struggled through its murky depths, Some were the living dead.

THE HELPER

Charming with her lovely smile, Letters ask to add a word,
Fragrant flowers share their scent, Dews sparkle to emerge.
I asked the dictionary, For words that speak of hearts,
"I'm here to help you anytime, I'd love to do my part."

Heart feelings, where its meaning found? Appreciation for
This kindly one with helpful deeds, Not understood before.
Hearts told about their arteries, and veins important part,
That helps all body systems work, Employed to feed each part.

But that's not what I really meant, It's words that inspire "change."
Its inner feelings - something else, "Your job is rearrange."
So I searched for words throughout the world, Looking for a tool,
Explaining who and what made change, Was it that Golden Rule?

"Where does it dwell, Within the heart, Its hidden desire found?"
What tool could open up its door, Where hidden hopes abound.
I opened up my Bible, Folks gave me long ago.
"To dwell in Unity," it said, "Works for both friend and foe."

"How sweet and pleasant it can be", Psalms sang forth with a smile,
It's called "The oil of gladness, It's been here all this while."
Two thousand years ago it told, That actions could bring change,
To live this joy and gladness, When acts are rearranged.

This wondrous thing required "Change" - Words with actions too.
Joy and gladness be for all, Change is the needed tool.
"Unity" that pleasant word, With it to bring this change,
It works so well, each does a part, It means, just rearrange.
Now I can better understand, How I might be like you.
With tiny steps to move ahead, This change brings life anew.