HEALTHY EATING HABITS FOR CHILDREN

I have done a great deal of research on childhood obesity and wrote an easy A-Z guide on the many issues involved. The guide was nearly published and distributed by the Victorian Government last year but the costs involved were too great for them.
I will from time to time discuss in my blog some of the secrets from the guide.
SECRET:
It is very important to instill healthy eating habits in our children from the very beginning. Our preferences for food are largely formed in the early years. Of course, we are born to some degree with our preferences as well; food preferences are largely influenced by our exposure (or lack there of) to a variety of food choices. Keep this in mind when you are choosing which foods to feed your young ones. Also remember that children may not fully accept a food after the first, second, or even third exposure -- just don't give up! Always watch for signs of potential allergies when introducing any new food (ask your Doctor if you have any questions or concerns). Variety is the spice of life, and sets up a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

Sleep and stay slim?

Here's a little secret that may surprise you...
Sleep and Stay Slim
Research of almost 70,000 women over 16 years has shown that having ample amounts of sleep is a key to avoiding weight gain.
They found women who slept five or fewer hours a night were a third more likely to put on at least 33lbs (15kg) than sound sleepers during that time. (BBC)
The logical conclusion would be - less sleep - means you eat more. However - this is not the case. Those who sleep less actually eat less than those who get adequate sleep! The researchers felt that one reason for the weight gain was "...a natural hormonal response to the stress of insufficient sleep leading to changes in metabolic rate or even eating behaviours."
Such large studies show, more than ever, that weight management is so much more than just diet - or even exercise.
One could say that the secret to losing weight is: nutrition, physical exercise, and adequate sleep.
The one time in your life when this can be exceedingly difficult is when parenting very young children. It's no surprise new mothers get annoyed at "instant-thin" celebrity moms.

Focus on what it is you WANT rather than what you don't want!

Here is just a little something for you to think about over the next few days.


What’s the most important factor in making your dream as come true….. FOCUS! Being focused on your dreams is critical to making it become a reality.
How many areas of your life are you currently focusing on? When you have too many things on the go at any one time, this often results in being scattered and you end up dabbling in things – then you realize you are not getting the results you want.
When you choose to be focused, you’ll experience a sense of excitement, achievement and then success. Focus builds momentum for faster results.

It is a fact that whatever you focus on manifests itself as reality in your life. We are always focusing on something, often unconsciously. The results you get in life are always the result of your focus.

Focusing on what you do not want, ironically, makes it happen too. Focusing on not being depressed, makes you more depressed, focusing on not eating chocolate often results in us wanting it more, focusing on not having a bad relationship, creates a bad relationship, focusing on not bingeing often causes a binge, etc etc (you get the picture!).

Our mind cannot distinguish between something you do want and something you do not want! When we focus, our mind says “we can do that’ and then goes about working on how to get it. The more often and intense our focus, the faster the results, positive or negative. To be effective, we need to learn how to direct our focus at the outcomes we want. So don’t forget morning and night to focus on the goals that you want. They can be your long term goals or even your goals for that particular day.
TIP OF THE DAY – Focus on what you do well, brilliantly, your natural talents. Say NO to what does not work for you and set (and stick with) boundaries

EASY COMPETITION: WIN ONE OF TWO IPOD NANO'S

SLIM SECRETS COMPETITION
Win one of two iPod Nano's
Do you want to snack the smart way AND be rewarded with the opportunity to win 1 of 2 iPod Nanos valued at approximately $230 each for either yourself or as a fantastic gift?
Slim Secrets is giving you this great opportunity.
You are able to win this competition 1 of 2 ways. You can enter both ways to double your chances.

Competition 1:
Please send in 2 bar codes from any of the Slim Secrets products to:PO BOX 392 Toorak, Vic 3142 and include your name, address, contact email and phone number and 25 words or less on what it is you like about Slim Secrets. The most creative response will win the iPod. You can send in as many different responses you like as long as they include 2 Slim Secrets bar codes.

Competition 2:
If you are a member of an online forum, chat room or blog you firstly are required to post why Slim Secrets is a smart snack of your choice and include a mention of the website www.slimsecrets.com.au in that information. Once you have done that let us know where you wrote your appraisal of Slim Secrets together with all your contact details (address, email and phone number) by filling out the form on the website.

Competition closes at 5.00pm Friday 2nd June 2006The decision as to the 2 winners by Slim Secrets is final.The winners will be notified on Monday 5th June 2006 by phone or email and followed up with a letter in writing.The iPod prizes are brand new and come with warranties which will be the responsibility of the winners after the competition.

The Beaconsfield heroes

What a miracle of courage and survival we have experienced since Anzac day whilst watching the freeing of Todd Russell and Brant Webb. This courage not only came from the 2 men trapped but also from the many rescuers who tirelessly worked together to help free them.
They put their lives at risk to help 2 mates and it was never a question of whether to help, just SHOW ME THE WAY. The families of the men were also extremely brave and strong and I don't know if given the same circumstances how I would've coped for that length of time.
What I do know is that we don't always know how we are going to react in any given situation and sometimes we may even surprise ourselves. So much of our attitude depends on our choices.
As an Australian I am very proud of how so many people rallied together in a show of strength!