1. Snack

To lose weight in a healthy way, you have to eat less. So does that mean no more between meal snacks? Actually, you should be enjoying healthy snacks between meals to keep your metabolism going, keep your hunger at bay, and to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Choose snacks that are a mix of protein and carbohydrates, and aren’t high in sugar. Use portion control. It can be easy to over eat if you aren’t paying close attention to portions. You can practice better portion control by buying single serving packages or creating your own portions and storing them in plastic containers or plastic bags in the cupboard or refrigerator. Don’t be fooled by a label that reads “reduced fat” and assume you can eat all you want! Reduced fat doesn’t translate into less calories, so read labels carefully. You’ll have an easier time moderating if you don’t eat directly from the package or box. By preparing portions in advance, you’ll have healthy choices ready at snack time, and you’ll be less likely to over eat.

2. Go With the Grain

You reap wonderful health benefit when you include grains, vegetables, and fruits into your weight loss plan. They provide nutrients that can help reduce disease, and they are high in fiber and low in calories. Fiber helps you to feel full for longer periods of time and can help with your portion control.

3. Eat When You’re Hungry

Sometimes we eat when we’re bored or anxious, or for reasons other than hunger. Are you listening to your body? Are you eating when you’re hungry, or is it to comfort yourself?

Water is essential for life. So it's a wonder that we often treat this important ingredient of health and sustainability so casually.

A journey starts with one step and relating a healthy life style begins a birth. I have never been competitive though I am athletic. So, when I haul my boys, 8 and 10, out for hikes, rowing, swimming, tennis and the play ground I am passing on my life long habits. All the things I enjoy are free and can be done for a life time. I leave the organized sports to my competive husband.

Ever since man discovered the luxurious taste of fermented fruit, wine has been a prized commodity. It has also proved to have many health benefits:

• Consumed in moderation, white wine can improve lung function.