There has been much concern lately about the health of truck drivers, so much so that the government is considering creating a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners that will determine whether drivers can keep driving. Below are some guidelines to tell you how to eat so you don’t gain weight while driving.

Take it slow. If you’re already overweight, don’t try to lose it too quickly. You didn’t gain the weight overnight, and you won’t lose it overnight either. While it would be great to completely change your eating habits, trying to change too much at a time will lead to failure.

Small changes in your eating habits can result in major changes in your health. Here are some things you can do:

1. Don’t wait, get started now! You have to want to lose weight and be healthier so you’ll do your best to eat better. If becoming healthier for your loved ones isn’t a good enough reason, think of the prospects of losing your job because of your weight. It is a distinct possibility if you can’t get your weight under control.

2. Eat fresh. The closer you can eat foods to their natural state, the better off you will be. That means eating fresh fruits and vegetables, as many as possible with the skins still on. Eat a variety of these energy-packed foods to keep you from becoming bored with what you eat.

3. Drink water. Instead of drinking soft drinks, drink. Not only is water better for your body, it is 100% natural, doesn’t have the extra sugar that adds on pounds. Read the rest of this entry…

Do you find yourself feeling a bit bewildered when you are looking for the best and healthiest choices for kids in terms of their daily diets? A number of parents who are rather worried because their children seem to subsist and supposedly thrive on junk food and fast food do not know that healthy food choices do not come in the “boring” category. The idea that a healthy diet is going to be made up of bland, tasteless food is definitely outdated. Some of the tastiest food recipes are made of a mixture of fresh fruit and vegetables, along with some nuts and seeds, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Eating healthy does not mean that you have to stuff yourself with food that has not been prepared in an imaginative and creative fashion. Why do we instinctively go for junk food? Our society is based around the unhealthy foods because they taste so good… these foods are filled with unnatural ingredients that cause addictions and cravings, such as sugars, sodium, MSG, etc. But, if you are careful about your eating you can avoid these types of ingredients. You should not be surprised to know that a large number of recipes out there can be easily modified and adapted into really healthy and delicious food items, using fresh ingredients like red, green and orange fruits and vegetables – grown organically – whole grain breads, lentils, beans, nuts and seeds, and low-fat oils like olive oil.

Why are the people in the Mediterranean so healthy with such glowing skins? This is because they use plenty of olive oil in their diets. They also make sure that their daily diets are made up of plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole-grain breads. Not only are you going to get a tasty meal, but you are also going to get all the proteins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats required for your body to grow in a really healthy manner. Read the rest of this entry…

Whole grains are finally starting to get the attention they deserve as a healthy choice for both flavor and good nutrition. In addition to fiber, whole grains are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and proteins such as iron and it may be easier than you think to incorporate them into your diet.

Some of the most popular whole grains include barley, which is mild in flavor and ideal for thickening soups and stews, and there are two types that are most often eaten; pearled and hulled. Bulgur wheat is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian soups and chili as it offers a similar texture but with a lot more fiber and a mere fraction of the fat.

Whole grains can be used to create so many different and delicious foods for every meal of the day including things like soups, salads, casseroles, and baked goods. In addition, did you know you can even make tasty treats like pizzas from whole grains?

Whole wheat flour is coarse in texture and is rich in proteins and vitamins. Whole wheat flour also contains more dietary fiber than its white counterpart making it the best choice for a filling, nutritious dish.

Greek Pizza Muffins Recipe

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2/3 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup low fat milk
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Kalamata olives, chopped

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat before adding the onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and tender while stirring often. Transfer the onions and peppers to a large bowl and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.

Coat the inside of a miniature muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine that whole wheat flour with the all purpose flour and add in the baking powder, chopped oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the salt and pepper.

Stir the milk, crumbled feta cheese, the beaten egg, tomato, and the chopped onions into the bowl with the onion and pepper mixture.

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients then add in the wet ingredients. Stir everything until just combined.

Pour the mixture into the mini muffin tin until they are about two thirds of the way full.

Bake the muffins for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow the Greek pizza muffins to cool for about 5 minutes before turning upside down onto a wire rack where they should cool for another 2 to 3 minutes before being served.

Makes 24 for serving 6 to 8 Read the rest of this entry…