Tips for a Healthy Halloween

It’s that time of the year again. Not only are the stores packed with Halloween costumes, the aisles are filled with candy. Most of the candy passed out to trick-or-treaters comes in “fun size” or “mini” portions, however looks can be deceiving! People often think that since they are in smaller size, more can be consumed. Calories from Halloween candy can quickly add up. For example 3 mini snickers packs on 300 calories!

Thankfully Halloween doesn’t have to mean an automatic weight gain. Try waiting until the day before to buy treats to pass out. You will feel less likely to nibble when it’s not sitting around as long. Also, keep it out of sight, such as a closet or cupboard you rarely use. The biggest challenge is the leftover candy after Halloween is over. Try buying candy that you don’t like as it’s easier to get rid of, or purchase healthy options.

Halloween treats to try: sugar free bum, boxes of raisins, animal crackers, pretzles, trail mix, fruit snacks, lollipops, or non candy choices such as stickers, erasers, etc.

Halloween treats to avoid: candy bars, caramels, fudge, skittles, and m&ms.

Happy Halloween!

-Kelsey

4th of July Parade

Here is our float from the 4th of July parade.  Brown Clinic, the Bedrock of Healthcare, with the Flinstones theme.  It was a great day for being outside and enjoying the weather.  Our cast of characters from the Flinstones was a big hit at the parade.  Our float took 2nd overall for float design.

Here is our cast of characters.  I am Fred Flinstone, with Wilma (Sarah) next to me.  We also had Barney, Betty, Pebbles, Bam Bam, Dino, Cave man, and another dinosaur.  Lots of fun!  The parade route covers about 2 miles, so great walking activity as well.  Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1381

Recovering

After a fun filled holiday weekend, many (myself included) are recovering from a weekend full of fun times with family and friends and of course good food!  The STRIVE 2 Survive team encourages you all to take advantage of these fun times but to get back on track with your nutrition and exercise goals right away! You may have heard someone say…”well I’ll start again on Monday”. We encourage you not to wait until Monday…why not today!?! Try to get out for a walk or bike ride and get back on track with several small meals and snacks a day with balanced portions. I am looking forward to grilling up some lean beef tonight with lots of fresh fruits and veggies.  I love grill season!

-Kelsey

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July everybody!  Be safe, stay active.  Getting ready for the parade this afternoon.  Our theme will be the “Flinstones”, and we will all be dressed in characters.  This is a fun way of showing how the Brown Clinic has been the “Bedrock of the community for years!”

I will post pictures later this week of us at the parade.  Have a great day.  Enjoy the weather.  Enjoy our freedom, and realize who had to sacrifice in order for us to keep it all of these years, both in the past, and our current military people.  Thank you!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1378

Moderation!

As the holiday weekend approaches, I want to remind all of you of a very important word in weight management….”MODERATION”! I want to invite everyone to take time to really enjoy the importance of the 4th of July Holiday…our freedom and independence! Of course food, family, and festivities are involved in this celebration, thus I encourage you all to be mindful of your holiday eating. Enjoy those holiday treats, however practice moderation! Enjoy a smaller amount, share with your friend or family member, and make sure you get your exercise in! I included the “MyPlate” icon as a reminder of what our plate should look like. I wish you all a wonderful holiday weekend and Happy 4th of July!

-Kelsey

Cooking Seasonings

As I was looking through my snack recipes to make up for the 4th celebrations I noticed many of them call for seasonings such as garlic salt, onion salt, etc. A quick tip for you when grocery shopping and preparing your foods that call for seasonings, the “powder” versions are going to have less sodium than the “salt” versions so if your recipe calls for garlic salt, you can easily substitute garlic powder and have less sodium added to your tasty foods! Even though I do not have high blood pressure, I still try to watch the salt in my diet as I am sure I am getting plenty as many foods are already packed full of it! The new dietary guidelines tightened up the recommendations for sodium and are now recommending those with heart disease or high blood pressure consume 1500-2400 mg of sodium a day. To put this in perspective, the average American consumes anywhere from 4000-5000 mg/day!

-Kelsey