Escape the Monday MadnessSeptember 27, 2010 
in this issue
:: EAT OUT: Would You Let 'Em Know?
:: UNDERCOVER: Muffin Mania
:: Come Hear Me Speak!
 

Quick tips to keep YOU healthy, sane, and productive all week long.

 
Greetings!
 
Do you remember me telling you about Paddleboarding a few months ago? Well, turns out Orlando has a Paddleboarding MeetUp, so we got a chance to try it out last weekend on a set of lakes (connected by canals). And, it was a blast!

What's Paddleboarding? Instead of paddling on a lake, river or ocean in a kayak or canoe, paddleboarding involves standing on a board a bit bigger than a surfboard - and more stable. Because you're standing up, you get a much better perspective of what's around you - and under you (including the fish swimming under you). The balancing involved isn't enough to make you feel (too) unstable - but enough to work your "core."

What's a MeetUp? If you haven't already, go to www.meetup.com and find out. There you'll find groups of people who enjoy doing what you love to do...whether it's running, biking, paddleboarding, or playing cards. There are hundreds of groups in Orlando and I bet your community has a lot, too! MeetUps are a great way to meet new friends, try new activities (without having to do it alone), or find a group of people who enjoy participating in an activity that you love on a regular basis.

Let me know if you've tried paddleboarding - and what you think. BTW it's not just a southern activity. I've seem people paddleboarding in New England and on Lake Michigan.
Keep your stories coming! Drop me a line at contact@drjo.com.

Have a fabulous week!

Dr. Jo (www.drjo.com)
Eat Out:
Would You Let 'Em Know?
 

John and I were in the Chicago area last week conducting continuing education programs for health professionals. While there, we ate out at Jamerson's Char House, a local restaurant chain.

 

We were delighted when the server explained that all meals come with "complimentary" soup and salad. John and I typically share a meal, so we investigated our options. The fish was a good size portion, and the sweet potato was plenty to share. But, he explained that the veggies were just a few fresh green beans (typical American fare...lots of protein, little veggies...ugh).

 

When the server said the soup of the day was lentil, John was excited and suggested that I take the salad. I love a salad made with "weeds" so I was disappointed to find out the house salad was a nearly nutritionally-void iceberg lettuce salad covered with calorie-rich dressing. But, that's not why I don't eat these types of salads - I don't think they taste good. So, I asked, "Can I have a double portion of green beans instead of the salad?" Seemed like a normal inquiry to me but the server was adamant that no special requests were permitted.

 

I couldn't help challenging his response with, "Well, you already explained that I could have mixed veggies or green beans. And, that I have the option of mashed potatoes, rice, or sweet potato...so if I'm allowed all those options, how come I can't have extra green beans instead of the salad?"

 

The server again stated, "no substitutions." So, I asked for the manager...and over the next 5 minutes, I wore him down until he gave in and I got the extra green beans. Turns out the "manager" was really the owner of the family chain restaurant. He explained that they never get any requests like mine.

 

So, would you do me a favor? When, you find a restaurant who doesn't permit a healthy option...would you push the envelope a bit by asking to speak to the manager? I'm really sick and tired of hearing from restaurant managers/cooks, etc that "NO ONE coming to their restaurant wants to eat healthy." They will never know unless we tell 'em! Let me know your restaurant stories at contact@drjo.com.

Undercover: 
Muffin Mania

On another trip, we ate out at Mimi's Cafe. I love their reasonably sized "Fresh & Fit" meals offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
But, on this particular occasion I chose their new seared steak salad (about 1000 calories... though I didn't eat it all - but substituting the flavorful low-fat citrus vinaigrette (at 25 calories a tablespoon). Mmmm.

I was surprised when I found out the entree salads come with a muffin. And, not just any muffin...this HUGE muffin (bigger than a softball)! I took it home and found out (check out the picture) that it weighed 7.5 oz.

The nutritional information provided to me by Mimi's noted that this muffin contained 
170g (6oz) = 464 cals, 15g fat, 76g carbs

But, since the muffin weighed 7.5 oz...more than the 6oz noted in the nutritional information, my guess is that the muffin is more like 580 calories. Yikes!

Don't be fooled into thinking of muffins as "healthy". Think of them as big slices of unfrosted cake.
Come Here Me Speak!
 
I speak all over the US. Many are private events that aren't open to the public. But, here are some you may be interested in coming to:
  • Oct. 5th WOAMTEC quarterly meeting (Orlando) - "Reboot: how to stay focused, energized, and more productive."
  • Oct. 30th - Speaking of Women's Health in Tampa on "What Every Woman Wants: great legs, more energy, and peace of mind" 

Let me know if you want more details about any of these events at contact@drjo.com.  
Each of the above articles are designed to educate you about research or what I or others do to stay healthy, sane, and productive. Always check with your medical doctor and other health professionals (including a registered dietitian) before starting any new diet or exercise program.

Thanks for inviting me into your life this Monday morning. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it onto a friend.

 
Sincerely,
 
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