McDonald's As a Snack?
I have had a number of questions over the past few weeks about the newly released range of menu items from McDonalds, products that have been launched just in time for the school holidays.

The first point to make in relation to the idea of fast food as "snack food" is that very few of us need to snack, let alone on high fat, highly processed foods. The second point to make is that unfortunately these new products are relatively high in fat, not complimenting the low fat "Deli" choice range that the company giant focused on earlier in the year. And finally, the frozen cola which is also currently being marketed consists primarily of sugar so is not such a good choice either. The take home message; while a frozen cola and fried chicken may be your kid's ideal choice of snack, nutritionally it is hard to find anything that could be worse. C'mon Macca's you can do better than that.

And finally, at the time when many parents are looking for the newest and coolest pressies to stuff their children's Christmas stockings with, make sure that you include some activity generating options rather than just the traditional phones, play station and computer games. Great ideas including surf equipment, scooters, active computer simulations and bikes.

Streets Mini Milks
A great way to enjoy a sweet treat with minimal calories. The kids will love them.

Tummy trouble
While much talk in recent weeks has been about the importance of including whole grains in your diet, there are a number of people out there, particularly those with a Northern European background who simply cannot tolerate heavy grain foods, experiencing a number of undesirable symptoms after eating heavy grains, bran, beans, fibrous vegetables and fruits. For those of you who do experience "tummy trouble", look after your belly while still getting your daily dose of fibre by using fibre increased white breads, Sourdough or flat wholemeal varieties, stick to plainer vegetables such as carrots and pumpkin and try eating your fruit without skin. Always eat carbohydrate rich foods including breads and cereals with lean protein such as dairy, meat or fish and small volumes of food at each meal tend to be better tolerated. Peppermint tea has also been linked to symptom relief. And finally, irritable bowel symptoms tend to be exacerbated with stress and anxiety so try your best to minimise these variables in your life where possible.

http://www.walkingwithattitude.com.au/
I stumbled across this great website recently and it is a great option for those of you who enjoy walking but are no longer finding it challenging. Log on to online programs, motivational information and case studies.

Beef, Feta and Pear Salad
500g lean beef fillet
Rocket
Red calcium, finely sliced
Sliced pear
1/3 cup pine nuts
Persian feta
Italian dressing or Olive oil and balsamic

1. Lightly sear beef in hot pan.
2. Serve with salad, crumbled Persian feta and a light dressing

"Find something you like doing and do more of it"
This was a quote from a close psychologist friend of mine as a technique that can be used to improve mood and well being. All you need to do is to make a list of 50 things that you like to do, things you would do if you could release more time in your day for you and very simply, factor more of these into your life. The more pleasure you gain from your day to day activities, the more pleasurable your life will be in general and the more your relationships will benefit.

"Homemade food is best because you know what is in it"

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