The Cardiologist's Wife

Pimento Cheese, Not Your Grandma's Spread

Pimento cheese is one of those foods that has been so corrupted by the food industry that it has become synonymous with other crappy foods like Spam. I'm not even certain what store bought pimento cheese might contain, nor do I want to find out. It's a shame because pimento cheese can be a delightful treat, even if it does Read the full post…

Plum Good BBQ Sandwiches

In a few days it will officially be fall but the temperatures are still warm enough for me to continue swimming for a few more days. The breeze was a little cool but that didn't stop me from swimming several laps this morning and I felt great afterwards! Have you exercised lately? With fall's cooler temperatures and fewer insects, you Read the full post…

Shingles Vacine and Treatment

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with shingles so I felt I should discuss this nasty virus once again. If you ever had chicken pox, you are at risk for getting shingles and believe me, you don't want it. Shingles is a painful rash with blisters that scab over and may take 4 weeks or more to heal. The Read the full post…

Vegetarian Tacos are muy delicioso!

There are times when I think I could easily become a vegetarian, especially when I try a new dish that is as good as the vegetarian tacos I had at Local Lime restaurant in Little Rock and the tofu fried rice at Sai Tai here in Jonesboro. My husband and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary this past weekend by spending Read the full post…

Midyear Health Check

Summer is winding down , the year is more than half way over and our January resolutions are long forgotten. It's time for a health reality check. First of all, how is your health lately? If you have enjoyed good health, are you thankful? Take some time to appreciate how wonderful it feels to be healthy, for your family to Read the full post…

Vacation Lessons For A Healthier Life

I'm back from a lovely beach vacation and I wish I was still there with all my heart. Wouldn't it be nice if our every day life was as nice as a vacation? If we could relax, eat well, sleep and exercise just enough without having to worry about bills, work, illnesses and school, our lives would be perfect. But Read the full post…

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Eating Mindfully

[ Post by Lisa Tedder ][ Post on January 22, 2010 ][ In Diet Tips and Better Eating Ideas ]

I want to thank my readers for their kind comments. I started this blog with the aim of providing health information, exercise and food tips in a low key, supportive manner. I sincerely want to see people live better lives through better health habits.

Today I want to talk about eating mindfully. How many times do you rush through a meal, not really noticing what you are eating? Do you find yourself grabbing a snack and scarfing it down, then looking for something else to eat? We all are guilty of doing these things but these habits lead to overeating, plus not enjoying what we are eating in the first place. If you spend 30 minutes cooking a meal, wouldn’t it be nice if it took more than 5 minutes for your family to devour it?

This weekend, plan at least one meal where you take the time to sit down as a family and truly enjoy the food. When you eat more slowly, your body has more time to register fullness so you will eat less. If you are eating at home, make the meal special in some way such as eating by candlelight. As you eat, savor the texture and flavor of the food. Spend time talking with your loved ones. Throughout the rest of the week, try to remember to slow down and relish the food and drinks you consume. Let’s remember that food is for nourishment, not a cure all for boredom or anxiety.

Because some of you ask, I mention products sometimes I have tried and really like. My new favorite peanut butter is Natural Jiff. (I am addicted to peanuts and peanut butter.) When compared to the Reduced Fat Jiff I used to buy, it has 16 grams of fat as opposed to 12 but much less sodium at 75 mg. compared to 250 mg.! Natural Jiff also has one gram more of fiber and one less of sugar. The best part is the taste – rich, smooth and creamy.
I have searched for a healthier lunch meat and have finally found one without added nitrates or nitrites, no artificial ingredients and which is minimally processed - Oscar Mayer Natural lunch meats. The sodium content is lower than some and higher than others so it’s not perfect. The taste is very good.
My current bread of choice is Oroweat Soft Family breads, usually the honey wheat. It has no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It is not extremely high in fiber. My family usually doesn’t like whole wheat bread that is high in fiber as it is almost always dry and hard. Maybe someday………
When trying to choose between different brands, I try to go for something that has the least ”bad” ingredients but still delivers on taste, price and quality.

The February issue of Better Homes and Gardens has a big section on heart health. You should pick up a copy. Happy eating this weekend!

Upadated on January 22, 2010

2 Responses to “Eating Mindfully”

Anonymous says:

January 25, 2010 at 3:12 am

Will you please check out sara lee soft and smooth 100% whole wheat and let us know what you think of it? It is the only wheat bread my family will eat.

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Lisa Tedder says:

January 28, 2010 at 7:02 pm

I posted an answer under the Weight Watchers blog entry. Thanks. Lisa

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