Ladies Who Launch

Healthy Holiday Tips From Aja T. Marsh

From Austin Incubator Aja Marsh is a natural foods chef:

With the holidays in full swing, we might find ourselves struggling to keep our hands out of the cookie jar, pie plates, and cake stands. Or we might just be too busy to bother to eat well! Hey, I'm guilty of this as much as anyone! I think it's great to treat yourself to some 'naughty' foods and enjoy all kinds of tasty treats-- sweet and savory-- this time of year, but it can quickly out of hand—leading to guilt induced new year's resolutions that don't stick. When you find yourself at holiday parties, dinners, and other events, there are a few easy tips you can employ to help stay healthy during the times of temptation.

• Eat very small portions, or just take one or two bites, if you are interested in trying several different items. Take the time to savor those small bits, and you will feel just as satisfied.
• Resist the urge to eat until you're about to burst. This will only make you feel bloated, fatigued, and make your body work harder than necessary to process it all.
• Even on days where you know a big meal is imminent, plan to eat a regular breakfast, lunch, and snack, so that you don't over-do it come dinner time.
• If possible, encourage your hosts to include healthy offerings such as fresh fruits and vegetables, or, even better, bring a healthy dish to contribute to the feast!
• Keep to your normal routine as much as you can-- take time to workout several times a week, eat healthy home-cooked meals, and be sure to take time for yourself to rest.

In other news, just a couple of weeks ago, Aja did an interview with Sam Armstrong, Food Editor of the Austinist.com. Keep checking out her website and Stem+Leaf for new recipes, guest entries, and other news.

Interview With Stephanie Richardson, Dietician

New Incubator graduate Stephanie Richardson is registered dietitian and holistic health counselor. She sent us this interview of her from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Stephanie Richards, 49, of Pepper Pike, has the body of a teenager, a fit teenager. So when this registered dietitian talks about healthy eating, people can she see follows her own advice.  No matter the audience- a lunchtime group of professionals or a class of eight graders- the message from this mother of four is consistent: Drink lots of water, avoid artificial sweeteners and trans fats, and be vigilant about portion sizes.  Richards, who delivers her tips with the timing of a stand-up comedian, talked to Plain Dealer reporter, Evelyn Theiss about why she loves her work. This article appeared  Sunday, September 23, 2007.

What exactly is a registered dietitian and how does it differ from being a nutritionist?
A registered dietitian is like a registered pharmacist- you can’t just call yourself that. There are strict educational requirements, and you have to maintain them with continuing education.  Whereas anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.

What do you like about talking to kids?
Kids don’t let anything get past them.  They see inconsistencies. Like the middle-school student who asked me, “How come companies are allowed to use trans fats in their foods if they’re bad for people?”

What did you say?
I said, “Do you think these companies are more interested in your health or their pocketbook?”  I’ll tell people, “Take a look at the company making the food.”  The mission of Newman’s Own, for example, is to feed people healthy food.  This is not the mission of say, Kraft Foods.