Tips from the ADA (American Dietetic Association)

Much of the last meeting of the ADA focused on obesity and its epidemic proportions. With the serious increase of obesity among kids, baby boomers could be the first generation to outlive their children. Following are some tips from the ADA that will, hopefully, inspire you and your family toward a healthier lifestyle – or to complement your current attempts and achievements at living healthier.

• Kids need to spend more time on the playground and less on PlayStation. Fifteen percent of our children and teenagers are overweight. The average American child spends more than four hours a day watching television, playing video games or surfing the Web.



• Trans fats are far worse for your health than saturated fats. Both increase cholesterol, but unlike saturated fats, trans fats increase the small-density molecules that clump together to form arterial plaque.



• Each year as many women die from complications of osteoporosis of the hip as from breast cancer. Men also need to be aware of the dangers of osteoporosis.



• For heart health, focus on vegetable and olive oils, vegetables, fruit, whole grains and fish. Avoid trans fats, which are found in hydrogenated oils, processed foods, fried foods, most commercial baked goods and most margarines.



• Get your calcium. Start with a glass or two of milk, some cheese or yogurt and if you are still coming up short, pop a Tums or two – they’re loaded with calcium. This will help keep osteoporosis at bay. Calcium also plays a role in metabolism and aids weight loss.



• Exercise regularly, preferably with your kids. It’s good for the body – particularly for weight control and strong bones – and relieves stress.



• Do not be conned into buying super-sized foods. What you’re really buying are cheap extra pounds. Buy what you can and should eat: Moderate servings.