's motd Thursday Aug 12, 2010

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SWAP MEET!

Thursday, 12 August 2010

Did you ever go to a swap meet? Here in Los Angeles, they have one once a month billed as the largest in the country...and I believe 'em! It's held once at the Rose Bowl football stadium in Pasadena. So you know it's gotta be big!

There's one booth after another where you can buy just about anything you want. The Rose Bowl is packed from the time it opens in the morning to closing time in the late afternoon. Thousands of people show up from all over Southern California and, let me tell you, it's really one big event!It's simply amazing, all of the things you can buy at the Rose Bowl Flea Market & Swap Meet. You'll find everything from clothing to antiques to artwork to...well, just name something. You'll probably find it there.Now today, I'm going to ask you to join me at a different kind of swap meet. You don't have to fly out to the Rose Bowl for this one. Oh, no. This swap meet's gonna take place right in your own neighborhood supermarket.

You see, there're lots of hidden calories and fat to be found in many of the foods we put into our grocery carts. Many of these items are processed foods with little or no nutritional value. And we've formed the habit of buying these foods for so many years. In fact, we buy many of them without even thinking about the ingredients they contain. Well, it's time to swap some of those foods you've been buying on reflex...with healthier choices. Time to head for the swap meet!I was once a big cracker eater. Those little crispy treats are often filled with sugar, salt, margarine or butter. (That's why they melt in your mouth!) Swap those calorie and fat rich crackers for whole grain crackers instead.I used to big a fruit juice drinker, too. But a glass of fruit juice really doesn't last very long. Before you know it, the glass is empty and...you want more. But now, instead of reaching for a glass of fruit juice, I'll have a piece of whole fruit. I'll have a small banana, a slice of cantaloupe or a cup of fresh blueberries...(they make your tongue so blue)! But the bottom line is that piece of whole fruit lasts longer, is more filling and adds much needed fiber to your diet.

What kind of milk do you buy? Is it whole milk, reduced fat or fat-free? Remember, fat-free milk has fewer calories and, no surprise here...no fat. So, if you haven't already, make the swap!Do you like sour cream...I know I do. But swap your regular sour cream for the fat-free version. Or swap it for a low-fat yogurt. (It works great as a topping.) Just like with the milk, making this swap saves you calories and fat.Do some of the foods you eat taste really salty? Well, that's because they're loaded with salt. You need to swap out those foods filled with sodium. Look for products that are salt-free or at least low sodium. Truth is, I like the low sodium & salt-free products better because you actually get to taste the flavor of the food rather than all of that salt!You've got to open your eyes, pay closer attention and swap those high-calorie, high-fat and high sodium foods for ones that are healthier for you and your body! Ready? Okay, SWAP those foods and you'll...MEET your goal!Love,