Nutrition on a budget; sparkpeople article

I've done my fair share of preaching on making healthy choices on a tight budget, but that doesn't necessarily make putting it into practice any easier.

A poor college student, I'm always excited to hear new perspectives on the topic. Thankfully my lovely mother sent me a great link to a SparkPeople article; Eating healthy on a budget, saving money without sacrificing quality.

My current favorite tips? Frozen veggies. I've got a Costco bag of frozen broccoli florets and always keep a bag of peas and other assorted vegetables. It's a quick side or fast addition into soups, pasta or stir-fry. What's your favorite cheep and easy go to meal?

Body shaping undergarments make me look like what?

On my normal morning cruise around the web, I found something that stopped me in my tracks. I came a across body shaping undergarments site, (a la Spanx) Yummy Tummie. Who wouldn't want everything quickly tightened, tucked and smoothed into place, right?

While I've never personally tried out either product, I have doubts over the pictures that accompany the products on both websites. I just can't grasp the idea that a body slimming product could make the average American woman (size 14) look like this:

left: Spanx site picture

right: size 14 woman









I'd love to think that if I purchased these products, I too could be long lean and appear a size 2; but I'm not. Seeing a thin woman modeling tummy sucking garments doesn't sell me. I've heard great stories from products like these; so why can't we see them in action on a curvy, average sized woman? I'm a little discouraged to see products that aim for a nonsurgical, healthy approach to enhance what you already have, use such unrealistic displays.

What do you think? When you're shopping for clothes, would you rather see a thin model or a figure closer to your size? What do you think about advertising body concious shaping undergarments with thin women?

Men fight food cravings better than women

Surprise surprise! Monday, science confirmed what women have known for years; men's brains fight food urges better.

Twenty-three participants picked their favorite food and were tempted with smell, sight and eventually taste. The study found that brain waves in the male participants was less active than in women.

Suggestions? Food scientist Marci Pelchat said "If women have difficulty ignoring food cues, maybe a key to dieting for them is to minimize those cues or to minimize the association between those cues and eating. Don't leave food out on the counter, don't go by the Dunkin' Donuts."

Taking a different route home to avoid all your favorite fast food stops may be difficult (or impossible) but there are some steps you can take to take to combat the genetic sabotage. Plan meals ahead of time, shop smart and exercise often!

What foods can you not resist?

Belated New Year resolutions

It's been awhile, readers! I've been spending lots of time reading, eating, exercising, cooking and maybe not so much writing; but I'm back and have lots in of good ideas for the future of ASA!

Happy 20 days into your New Year's resolution! How are you doing with your goals? I posted at MLive about my thoughts on resolutions and tips to making the best out of 2009.

If you're still searching for that perfect plan, check out the Never Say Diet 2009 Challenge. Three great coaches give you guidance towards body image acceptance and lifestyle changes.

What health resolutions have you made? Looking to drop a dress size or all around feel better; share your goals with me!

New sugar alternative

Are you a Splenda fan? When introduced to the U.S. in 199, those little white granules caused a big stir. Although widely used (sales topped Equal), the safety of Splenda is still questioned. Your thoughts on Splenda aside, a new sweetner is coming!

Just in time for holiday baking is Stevia. The low-calorie, natural sweetner from South America is not yet approved by the FDA, but can be found in the U.S. at some specialty stores. Are you on board?

The sugar replacement trend got me thinking. Are you an early adopter to promises of low calorie and less fattening goods? Or would you rather be behind the curve a bit and like to wait for testing approval?

Women's Health Mag slashes calories again

Whew! We survived Thanksgiving! Time to finally button up those pants for the first day back to work, school and routine. Now that national binge day is over, it's time to get back to business. Women's Health Magazine posted a great article on how to cut calories in your own cooking.

It's a common misconception to believe home cooking is better for you than running to a restaurant, but that might not be the case. Some of the tips are old yeah I know types, but they all could bare repeating. Check out the calorie cuts in some simple ways to alter your already favorites.