The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

A Good Time Diet for 2004

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher

14 January 2004

If you are one of those rare individuals in perfect health, and at the perfect size and weight, this column is not for you.

But the majority of Americans are needing a healthy fun plan for 2004 and I think I have found it.

As I was forcing myself back on the treadmill this week, I watched with interest ABC's Good Morning America show with Diane Sawyer. A young lady came on who had lost 150 lbs. by eating every three hours.

Now that's the diet for me - I thought.

This young woman has gone from a size 18 to a size 6 and said it was really a key to eat on time, every 3 hours. She sets an alarm to assure that she doesn't miss a feast.

According to the trainer who had accompanied her, eating every three hours will help increase your metabolism to burn up calories while giving you more energy.

Healthy snacking keeps binges from happening and energy levels high. Some ideas the trainer said, was "Carry easy to carry and easy to eat foods such as cheese sticks, granola bars, almonds, apricots, apples, sliced veggies in a baggie and energy bars.

If you are without snacks, order half a chicken sandwich or a charbroiled salmon filet salad, a slice of plain cheese pizza or a cafˇ lattˇ, or a pretzel.

If you are hungry and are still a few hours from your next big meal, that is the ideal time that you should snack. Eat something that you have not already eaten that day. If you haven't had any dairy products, choose yogurt. If you are short on veggies, choose veggies with a dip. If you haven't had any carbohydrates, choose a granola bar. Other good choices include an apple, cheese, nuts, dried fruit or cottage cheese," the ABC special said.

For mid-night cravings, try cereal, apple, cheese, half of a turkey sandwich, yogurt and berries, fruit smoothie or a scoop of frozen yogurt.

Good "brain food" snacks are cheese, eggs, or lox. EXERCISE is key, so try to keep active regularly.

Mayo Clinic says stay with the pyramid diet and get something from each of the four food groups, Eat smaller portions and EXERCISE regularly. Make sure you stock your kitchen with the right kind of snacks.