Why Salad Costs More than a Big Mac

I saw this in the October 2010 Reader's Digest and was disgusted all over again. To quote the article:

"A new report shows that the great American waistline continues to expand. In 1991, not a single state had an obesity rate above 20 percent, but now the rate tops 30 percent in eight states."

This graphic explains, in part, why this is the case, and also why healthy foods tend to cost more than that Big Mac. (Yet another reason to grow your own healthy food, in my opinion.)

Budget Saver Tip #15: Pay Yourself First

Now that my husband is finally receiving a regular paycheck again that provides us enough to live on (and not just scrounge out an existence), we have re-instituted our 10% fund, our "paying ourselves first" fund. Even if you don't make a lot of money (which we don't), 10% of your income every month--or whatever percentage you can manage--adds up more quickly than you think. The trick is to do it as soon as you get your paycheck, then forget it's there. After a while it provides a nice cushion for emergencies or safe investments like CDs or money market accounts. If the term "pay yourself first" doesn't hook you, then think of it as insurance for a rainy day--and you get all of the money back.

Here are some great resources on the topic:

Suze Orman

About.Com- Investing for Beginners
"When you set down to pay your bills, the first check you write should be to yourself. Decide on an amount you can commit to for at least six months and immediately pay that 'bill.'"

MoneySmarts
"It’s important to understand that this money should be untouchable. It’s a good idea to make “the payment” part as painless as possible by automating your savings (talk to your banker) so that you never see a single peso. Try to set up two bank accounts – one for your expenses and one for long-term savings."

Pie On A Stick

I read about this last week in Family Fun magazine and thought it sounded like a great idea! We haven't tried it yet but hope to soon (though probably with raw sugar). The article can be found on p. 92 of the October 2010 issue.

Pie on a Stick

• Mix 1/2 c. sugar (or raw sugar) and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a wide-mouth container. (It seems to me that a wide-mouth glass jar would be perfect for this).
• By the campfire, skewer a tart, firm unpeeled apple on a sharpened stick.
  
• Slowly rotate the apples close to the hot embers until the skins blacken and begin to split. Remove the skins with a fork.
• Roll the still-skewered apples in the cinnamon sugar until well coated.
• Can either be slid onto a paper plate or eaten right off the stick!
  

It's much healthier than s'mores--and probably quite a bit less messy too.

Renaming It Won't Change What It Is

This isn't the first time a company has renamed something to try to remove the negative connotation associated with it. But this time they're trying to do it with corn syrup.

If the change goes through, I'm afraid it will be perceived as more healthful--which is why it is so important to educate people. "A rose by any other name..." and all that.

What do you think?

The Barefoot Controversy

"Scientists, professors and foot specialists are now all singing the praises of going barefoot." (see link)

Those of you who lead a very active lifestyle and/or play sports, are probably aware of the barefoot controversy. StrideRite, Nike, and other shoe companies are, I'm sure, hoping not too many of us buy into the idea that bare feet are better--although some of them are smart and are buying into the idea. But what I am learning makes so much sense!

During the summer, my children and I typically go barefoot at home full time. I also do my daily exercises (in my living room) with either bare feet or socked feet. In the winter, we vary that by wearing socks or, if it's really cold, soft house shoes. I worry about my kids stepping in broken glass or unsavory substances outside, so in the summer we live outside in our sandals. But what I am learning about the barefoot movement is making me want to even do more.

First of all, did you know this? (Check it out: I didn't know all the facts at this site!)

Also: "The rise in joint problems, bunions, hammertoe conditions, and painful feet can all be attributed to wearing inappropriate footwear in many cases, and if we were all going barefoot many health problems related to the feet would see their prevalence dramatically fall. Athlete’s foot and fungal infections would not have the moist environment to proliferate and the feet would be a lot better off. The change in gait which results from running barefoot sees the foot land flatter, which lessens the stress on the heel and prevents jarring of the foot, ankle, knees, hips and lower back. Barefoot is as nature intended..." (see link)

Interestingly, extensive research was done long ago about the differences between people who go barefoot and people who wear shoes. One article I read discussed the findings of a study done of people in India and China who had never worn shoes (118 of which were rickshaw pullers who ran on hard roads for several hours each day):

"People who have never worn shoes acquire very few foot defects, most of which are painless and non-debilitating. The range of their foot motions are remarkably great, allowing for full foot activity. Shoes are not necessary for healthy feet and are the cause of most foot troubles. Children should not be encouraged to walk prematurely and should not wear any footwear until absolutely necessary. Footgear is the greatest enemy of the human foot."

Another article relates a study done not nearly so many years ago on the occurrence of flat feet in Europe and America, in contrast to the occurrence in India. The contrast is considerable, since:

"In India children are seldom brought for treatment for flat foot. The few children who do attend with this complaint are from affluent urban families and they all wear shoes. In our clinic we have never seen a child from the farming community or from the family of a manual labourer who complained of flat foot.

"The high concentration of flat foot among six-year-old children who wore shoes as compared with those who did not, implies that the critical age for development of the arch is before six years.

"Our cross-sectional study suggests that shoe-wearing in early childhood is detrimental to the development of a normal or a high medial longitudinal arch. The susceptibility for flat foot among children who wear shoes is most evident if there is associated ligament laxity. We suggest that children should be encouraged to play unshod and that slippers and sandals are less harmful than closed-toe shoes."

Another site states:

"Various myths persist about foot behavior due to poor understanding of its biology.

"The modern running shoe and footwear in general have successfully diminished sensory feedback without diminishing the injury inducing impact, a dangerous situation.

The solution to the problem of running-related injuries could be as simple as promoting barefoot activity..."

But what if you're like me and don't really want to have skin contact with everything in your environment? Or your feet aren't quite callused enough to enjoy a hike in the mountains without shoes? Well, that's where those weird-looking, but cool, Vibram fivefinger shoes come in. Seriously, after all I have learned, I want some of these. (But they're out of my budget for now.) Here is what their website has to say on the topic:

"The typical human foot is an anatomical marvel of evolution with 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons and ligaments. Like the rest of the body, to keep our feet healthy, they need to be stimulated and exercised." (Contrast that with proponents of the supportive shoe who lead you to believe that the foot is just a delicate appendage to be protected at all costs.)

"Stimulating the muscles in your feet and lower legs will not only make you stronger and healthier, it improves your balance, agility and proprioception."

And for my last interesting tidbit from the latest research:

"Researchers reporting in the Jan. 28 issue of the journal Nature show that runners who run without shoes usually land on the balls of their feet, or sometimes flat-footed, compared to runners in shoes, who tend to land on their heels first.

"Most people today think barefoot running is dangerous and hurts, but actually you can run barefoot on the world's hardest surfaces without the slightest discomfort and pain."

"...A few calluses can help runners avoid injuries.

"Modern people have grown up wearing shoes, so running barefoot is something to be eased into... Modern running shoes are designed to make heel-striking easy and comfortable. He suggests runners who want to shed their shoes do so slowly, to build strength in the calf and foot muscles."

Anyone else want to go barefoot now?

Another Benefit for Breastfeeding Mom

There are so many reasons to breastfeed that when I read in TIME magazine's September 13, 2010 issue that "only 14% of mothers in the U.S. do so" (p. 20), I was incredulous! Yes, it is a learned art, but it very worth it for the the health and bonding of mother and baby (not to mention finances) that it's a shame so few women do it.

But what was most interesting in this TIME article was the the latest research: "Scientists report that among a group of 2,233 women ages 40 to 78, those who breast-fed their newborns were half as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes 30 years later as were mothers who used formula" (p. 20, emphasis added). That's a pretty significant health finding for women, I'd say!

Why you SHOULDN'T do Kegels!

This is truly revolutionary, folks! And it's important for both men and women. So check out the link and make a change for the better.

Deviled Eggs

There are a lot of deviled egg recipes out there and everyone probably has their favorite. I have tried a few different ones but always come back to this very simple one from my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. (The vinegar is the "secret" ingredient, I've decided.)

Deviled Eggs

6 hard-cooked eggs
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 tsp. vinegar
paprika or parsley springs (optional)

• Carefully halve hard-cooked eggs lengthwise and remove yolks. Set whites aside.
  
• Place yolks in bowl; mash with fork.
  
• Add mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar; mix well.
  
• Stuff egg white halves with yolk mixture. If desired, garnish with paprika or parsley.
  

Budget Saver Tip #14: Get Out (or Stay Out) of Debt

Unless you live under a rock, you know our country has gotten into a lot of trouble because of the "D" word. Most of us can't do a whole lot about America's debt, per se, but we can do something about our own debt.

Joseph B. Wirthlin said: “All too often a family's spending is governed more by their yearning than by their earning. They somehow believe that their life will be better if they surround themselves with an abundance of things. All too often all they are left with is avoidable anxiety and distress” (providentliving.org).

The average American has $8,000 of credit card debt and 3/4 of American households carry multiple credit cards. Unfortunately, it seems that most credit card holders don't understand (or practice) how to make credit work for them, instead of letting credit enslave them. And so, as a result, our country--collectively and individually--is a slave to debt. Which means a major lack of freedom.

Of course, there are specific things--namely shelter, education, and (sometimes) a vehicle--that are important enough in the long-term, or increase in enough value over time, that going into moderate debt for them may be a wise thing. But such decisions are not ones to jump into spontaneously or without educating yourself first.

This clever illustration shows just how ridiculously shocking the situation has gotten for the average person. (For example, did you know that the average American will pay $600,000 in interest over a lifetime?! No wonder creditors want you leashed to them for a very long time!)

"We must learn to distinguish between wants and needs. We should be modest in our wants. It takes self-discipline to avoid the 'buy now, pay later' philosophy and to adopt the 'save now and buy later' practice" (providentliving.org).

My husband and I are naturally frugal people and we both grew up without a lot of money, but we were rich in wise teachings, such as the statement above. So we worked to develop our talents and get good grades in high school, then worked for and were blessed with various scholarships to pay for our college degrees (including my husband's recent Master's degree). This resulted in zero education debt for me and a small student loan for my husband, which we payed off as quickly as we could after his undergraduate degree. While it may not be possible for everyone to pull this off, particularly those who obtain very advanced degrees that take many years to complete, the statistic that the average student getting his/her first degree accrues $20,000 in debt seems painfully unnecessary from our perspective. After all, once you finish that degree, you still have to find a job--which is taking longer than it used to in this economy and may not at first pay you what you're worth. You also have to pay your other bills, of course, and--if you're like us--provide the necessities for your family. Paying off a large student loan on top of all that can really put a damper on everything, to say the least.

"We should avoid debt. There is nothing that will cause greater tensions in life than grinding debt, which will make the debtor a slave to creditors. A specific goal, careful planning, and determined self-discipline are required to accomplish this" (providentliving.org).

Getting out of debt can be a painfully slow and difficult process, but it is so worth it! Of course, staying out of debt is preferable. And where there's a will, there's a way. For example, my husband and I are now on our third vehicle since we met, but we have never bought one on credit (except to my parents for a few months). If we had had a monthly payment to make on a vehicle, it probably would have broken us. Another example from our lives is recently "buying" a home for the second time. (I put buying in quotations because, of course, we won't have actually bought it for many years.) I can't tell you how gratifying it was to hear our loan officer's incredulity and congratulations when he realized that, while my husband was a recent graduate and we didn't have much, we didn't have any debt. Right before my eyes, his respect for us, strangers, rose in a giant leap, which told me more than anything just how rare this debt-less condition is. And this simple yet profound fact increased our home-buying possibilities. In our house search, we had figured out a conservative amount we weren't comfortable going above, and stuck to it. And largely, I think, due to our determination in this financial goal that would affect the next many years of our lives (and our prayers that God would help us do it), we found the right house (albeit a work in progress) within our price range that is worth a lot more than we "got it" for. So I repeat: Where there's a will, there's a way!

Educating yourself about finances, budgeting, building a reserve, and the truth about credit, etc, also goes a long way in you make wise financial decisions and living within--or below--your means.

N. Eldon Tanner said: "Those who structure their standard of living to allow a little surplus, control their circumstances. Those who spend a little more than they earn are controlled by their circumstances. They are in bondage” (providentliving.org).

The World's Killer Diet

If you haven't yet seen this short talk by Dean Ornish about how diet directly and drastically affects health, check it out!

Of course I knew that a healthy diet prevents many diseases, but I was amazed to learn that changing to a healthy diet can actually reverse many of these diseases, particularly the "lifestyle diseases." If that's not exciting and crucial information to take to heart (pun intended), I don't know what is!

Taco Seasoning Mix from Scratch

Wanting an option other than a pre-made taco seasoning mix with tons of sodium and all sorts of additives, I remembered the Italian Dressing recipe I found a while back that we have enjoyed so much. So I went looking and found this recipe the other day on diylife.com and tried it out. It's excellent, so I thought I'd pass it on. In this case I didn't actually use much meat, but needed the seasoning for a slightly different version of my tortilla soup recipe, to make it more taco-y.

Taco Seasoning
(for 1 lb. of meat)

2 tsp. chili powder
1.5 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano
dash of ground cayenne pepper
freshly ground black pepper to taste
(If you like it spicy, add more cayenne)

The Death of Home Cooking

In this entertaining 20-minute talk, Mark Bittman gives an informative look at the history, politics, science, and industrialization that led to (and continue) the death of home cooking--and how it's killing the nation. (I don't agree with everything he says, but he makes many very valid and chilling points.)

Creamy, Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

I refer to this as my dad's recipe, since the first time I ever tried it he had made it. This soup is amazingly delicious and can be made with either cauliflower or broccoli (or both, as shown here).

Creamy, Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

2 Tb. butter
1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. milk
2 c. chicken broth
1 onion
1 head cauliflower or broccoli
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
8 oz. (2 c.) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• Place cut-up veggies in large pot with chicken broth and cook, covered.
• While veggies are boiling, melt butter in small saucepan.
• Add flour, salt, and mustard, and cook a couple minutes while stirring constantly.
• Add milk and stir until smooth (can also blend in blender, if preferred).
• Once veggies are tender, add white sauce to the pot and gently boil a few more minutes.
• Add shredded cheese.

Serving suggestion: Sprinkle with real bacon pieces and serve with my whole wheat dinner rolls.

My Exercise Program

-Part II of Exercise Videos-

How I got started:

This is the first exercise video I ever bought--and I found it at a yard sale for cheap. For at least a year, pilates was all I did, besides walks around town and house and yard work, but it was a great move in the right direction. These pilates workouts don't get the heart rate up, but they definitely build endurance and flexibility. However, the most life-changing thing for me was that my back problems almost completely disappeared, giving me wonderful relief from the pain and discomfort I had dealt with since becoming pregnant with my first child. That, in itself, motivated me to stick to my program, in addition to my added flexibility and strength.

Walk Your Way Slim was my favorite cardio workout for a long time and I still like it. I purchased it, brand new, for $1 at a sale. It is the longest of my videos, so I generally only do half of it at a time. It gets my heart rate up quickly and keeps it up. Unlike many of the exercise videos I've tried, the music on this one doesn't annoy me, and I would compare the choreography more to dancing than aerobics. It's enjoyable and has 3 levels, which you can mix and match depending on how you feel that day and what you're physically capable of (for example, things like low squats aren't good for my bad knees, so I do level 1 on those, and higher levels for most everything else).

This last video is another yard sale special. On the cover it claims to work better and faster for toning buttocks and thighs than anything else, so I figured it was worth a try. Well, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that claim true! I have tried many other things over many years, and the exercises in this video worked faster and better on cellulite and general girth than anything else I have ever tried. Feel the burn...

I have many other exercise videos/DVDs I've picked up over the years that target different areas and focus on different aspects of exercise, so I can choose whatever I feel like I need any given day. But my current favorite is Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds with weight balls (yet another fabulous yard sale special!). I love walking and though I love to do so outside, that isn't always possible for me, so this is a good alternative.

So, if you have that guilt complex that I had for years and years about not carving out that personal daily exercise time, just focus on 20 minutes to start with. Everyone can spare 20 minutes a day. It's all about developing the habit. And it's an investment that will bless your life (and your family's) in many ways.