October 19, 2009

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Bob Greene
From the Community

"I read Bob Greene's Get With the Program! Guide to Good Eating in one sitting. My favorite part of the book was when Bob said, 'consider your health and well-being sacred. Don't let your obligations to others interfere with your obligations to yourself.' I was very much a people-pleaser, and I still am. However, I have learned to place myself on the totem pole each day. I need to take at least one hour a day for myself. I deserve that!"

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Nestle Pure Life
A sweet and healthy halloween treat

By Beth Sumrell Ehrensberger

Halloween is practically synonymous with sugary treats, but there are healthy ways to satisfy a sweet tooth. Read on to learn about some of the different delicious (and nutritious!) types of winter squash.

Acorn Squash
Don't worry about peeling this variety—simply cut in half width-wise and remove the seeds and fibers to reveal a hollow waiting to be filled with your choice of ingredients. Try chunks of apple mixed with a few raisins, a little margarine (made without partially hydrogenated oil, like Smart Balance), and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Or, just keep it simple with a thin glaze of pure maple syrup and margarine. Whatever you use to fill or flavor, pop your squash into a 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes, or until it's tender.

Pumpkins
Buy the small two- to five-pound "pie" or "sugar" varieties intended for cooking. For a side, roast peeled chunks with a little olive oil, rosemary and salt. And for a crunchy, heart-healthy snack or salad topping, make roasted pumpkin seeds. Wash and dry seeds, shake in a zip-top bag with a bit of olive oil, salt and the spices of your choice, and roast until lightly browned.

Spaghetti Squash
This veggie is a great twist on pasta. To cook spaghetti squash, simply pierce with a fork and bake whole at 375 degrees for an hour. Let cool before cutting in half lengthwise. Use a fork to scrape away seeds to reveal the spaghetti-like strands. Top with your usual sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

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Family Fitness
Family friendly fitness
By Michelle Hering

Come autumn, the sky’s the limit for choosing a family-friendly fitness activity. Hey, it beats sweating away in a stuffy gym any day!

Spin your wheels. Hop on your bikes and take a long ride; either in your own neighborhood or on a local bike trail. Don’t forget your helmet!

Get back to basics. Make use of your own backyard. It's often overlooked, but just think of all the fun things you can do, including playing a game of catch, jumping rope and playing tag.

Head outdoors. Go to a local park or hiking trail and enjoy a nature walk.

Multitask. Get fit while doing chores: Wash the car or rake the leaves (and then jump in them!).

Try something new. Learn a new sport, such as volleyball, tennis or soccer, as a family.

Find a farm. Visit a local farm where you can pick your own pumpkins and apples.

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