To address obesity, one of the primary guidelines is simply to consume fewer calories.  From there, the research points us to what kind of calories we should consume.  For the immediate future, there will be added emphasis on consumption of plant foods and fish (www.eatingwell.com).  Some simple fish suggestions include wild-caught shrimp and salmon, farm-raised mussels and oysters, albacore tuna and wild sardines.  As far as plants go, look for brilliant color and dirt.  Produce with soil clinging to it probably hasn't travelled very far which ensures freshness.  Brightly colored foods, such as eggplant, kale, beets, blueberries, and tomatoes, yield tremendous nutritional payoffs.
 
The rise in obesity has also spiked an increase in diabetes.  Health.com reports that choosing brown rice rather than white rice may lower the risk of diabetes by as much as 16%.  White rice is produced by forcing grains of brown rice through a refining process that strips them of valuable nutrients and fiber.  It is those very nutrients and fiber that slow absorption and regulate blood sugar.

Beyond food choices, the revised guidelines, which will be officially released later in 2010, recommend all adults engage in at least two hours of strength training as well as 2 ½ hours of moderate intensity aerobic exercise weekly.  The summer months in Florida make it nearly impossible to exercise outside but even if you stay indoors, it is critical to stay hydrated.
 
Academics at UC-Berkeley demonstrated that thirst typically only kicks in after there is a 2% depletion of internal fluid, which is why it is so important to drink before and during exercise rather than waiting until after. 
 
Even sedentary or indoor folks may suffer from dehydration as it is often a result of psychological and sociological stressors and those are EVERYWHERE!  Do you have a job, a mortgage, rent, a family...are you unemployed, homeless, lonely, or bored?   All of these are examples of regular, everyday stressors that may lead to dehydration and ultimately illness.
 
Water is a simple, free solution to dehydration; however, electrolyte replacement drinks are absorbed 98% faster than water (www.ars.usda.gov).  That is why we believe an electrolyte replacement drink should be a staple in every household.  There are several on the market but our current favorite is the G2  (http://www.gatorade.com/default.aspx#product?s=g2 )series manufactured by Gatorade.    There is even an all-natural, low calorie option.  So hoist a glass and toast your healthy living!