Long daylight hours for walking

Now that the days are long, we've been doing a lot more late day family walks. Actually, we've kind of been forced out of our house each evening. You see we're trying to sell our house and realtors keep calling to show the place after 5 PM. With lack of a better idea, we've been sticking the kids in a stroller and going for long walks to the playground. And you know what? My husband and I are getting a ton more exercise. Pushing two kids, plus a stroller up the hills in our development is quite a workout. We come home drenched in sweat. Maybe once the place sells, we'll keep up the walks (at least that's the hope).

New Report by the USDA: Creative Solutions for Controlling the Purchase of Unhealthy Foods

I just came across an interesting report (click here to access a more in-depth review of the report) by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with proposed methods of helping consumers choose healthier foods -- I must admit, it is one of the more creative (government) solutions to the obesity epidemic yet. It mainly has to do with helping adjust behavior vs. more education. It may work for those who struggle with the temptation to purchase unhealthy foods (which is pretty much everyone).
Here are some of their suggestions --
*using a prepaid "healthy card" in grocery stores and schools - an example would be limiting the purchase of treats and sodas or at least keeping them to a minimum. Also, the report states that in schools it could be pre-determined what portion of the card had to be spent on fruits and vegetables.
*portion sizes - we get it.
*on-line grocery shopping -- this could help avoid the temptation of buying less healthful foods at the store, you would simply drive up and pick up your order.

Moms need a good laugh

The other day my one-year old son took a yogurt and dumped the whole thing on his head, then proceeded to rub it in. My natural reaction was to clench my teeth and scream. But as I heard my 4 year old just laugh at the baby like it was the most hilarious thing he'd ever seen, I let go of the anger and joined in. You know what...as the three of us were laughing, I felt calm and more relaxed. In the often stressful life of a mom, you need a hearty laugh on a daily basis - it really makes things better. I guess that's why studies show that laughter is good for your health and can even make you live longer. (Bonus: less stress can help with weight loss, too.) Here's a great site, made especially for moms, for one of "those days," when a good laugh is what you need.