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Susie’s Tips for the week ahead

A brief visit to a shopping centre in the suburbs this week reminded me just how toxic shopping centre environments can be. Just one of the levels had a McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, Oporto, Gloria Jeans, Starbucks, Muffin Break, Sumo Salad, Pretzel World, Chinese, Kebabs, fish and chips and New Zealand frozen yoghurt. That is a lot of mostly high fat food to pick from.

Do yourself a favour this Christmas period and spend as little time as possible as you can at the local shopping centre. Never go there hungry as you are sure to be tempted by all the sweet smelling, high carbohydrate and high calorie food choices. Take your own water bottle so you are not forced to line up and spend $3 on one. Plan ahead and avoid taking the children there at all costs, as if you do you will be sure to give in to their food and treat demands just to keep them quiet. Don't subject yourself to the car parking stress and either try and get dropped off close by or park a block or two away and walk in. Finally, make the most of the extended shopping hours and spend as little time there as you can, instead choosing to shop when it is quiet. Your sanity come Christmas will be the reward.

Product of the week:

John West Tuna to Go - http://www.johnwest.com.au/Tuna/Tuna-to-Go-Plain-Single-61g.aspx

This "Tuna to Go" is enormously popular and is a great mid morning or mid afternoon snack. While a small tin of tuna teamed with wholegrain crackers would be slightly better nutritionally, sometimes convenience tends to reign supreme.

Food Tip of the Week:

Who doesn't love potato chips? So, which are a better choice when you do want to enjoy a bowl with a glass or two of wine over the weekend?

Per 100g serve (average)

kJ
Fat (g)
Sat Fat (g)
Carbs (g)
Red Rock
2050
23
4
62
Vege Chips
2000
20
2
67
Smiths Original
2100
30
11
53
Pita Chips
1500
6
<1
62
Kettle Chips
2250
35
3
50
Dortitos
2100
27
13
60
Freedom Baked Corn Chips
1700
3
<1
80

So, as you can see, generally the more fat the chips have, the less carbs and vice versa. Overall, in terms of fat type and quantity the Vege or Red Rock varieties fare best.

Your Body:

Walking for mums

http://www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/active/tips_pram.asp
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1process_content.cfm?section=131&page=16
http://www.walk.org.au/?page=site/successful

While some of us may be keen to walk, going with other people can be a slightly more attractive option. Check out these great sites which can direct you to a number of great walking groups in your state.

Recipe of the Week:

  • Freedom Foods Multigrain Wraps

    • Fillet steak, sliced thin
    • Sliced beetroot
    • 2 tomatoes
    • Rocket
    • 2 brown onions, caramelised with brown sugar


    1) Sear fillet steak with olive oil in hot pan.
    2) Serve on multigrain wraps with salad, caramelised onions and salad for a low carb, tasty dinner.

Your Life:
Teenage Revival - http://www.michaelcarr-gregg.com.au/

Five years working with adolescents has shown me that things are now very different to the way they used to be for teenagers. Today's teenagers tend to do what they want when they want, they do not have a lot expected of them and they tend to be a little more in charge of their parents than their parents are of them. Today's teenagers rarely have expectations put on them at home; they do not help with chores or pack their own lunches. Overall, today's teenagers tend to live pretty nice lives. What is important to remember is that teenagers, like children, actually respond very well to rules and limits. Teenagers should be helping out at home and they should be helping with meal preparation. Teenagers who have jobs do tend to be better organised and more responsible than teenagers who spend their spare time in front of the computer or TV. Teenagers who participate in activates and sports are generally fitter and leaner than those who do not and teens are far less likely to get into trouble with friends and socially if they are kept busy. So, if you have a teenager, it may be time to make a few changes at home, changes which may ultimately help your teen become a well-functioning adult and to do their employers of the future a huge favour-

For more ideas on teenage management, check out guru psychologist, Michael Carr-Gregg's fantastic books featured on his website.

Enjoy the warm evenings

If it is dead, don't go digging every 5 minutes to see if it has a pulse. If it is dead, walk away.

Susie Burrell
Susie@susieburrell.com.au
www.susieburrell.com.au


This page was last modified on Thursday, 29 November 2007.