Weighty Matters

Thanks for playing

2007-04-23T11:36:00.000-05:00

Well, with the Mayors' Challenge over it looks like this will be my last post, unless there's a huge public outcry for me to keep posting to the blog.

Thanks for all your comments, questions and support. They were very much appreciated and it was nice to know there were others out there who could relate.

I'll monitor the blog for commments and see if we get any conversations going in the next couple of weeks.

After that, you can hopefully find me at the salad bar or at the gym! Or you can send e-mail here: adominello@news-record.com

Thanks!

~ Amy

I Demand a Recount!

2007-04-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

Like I said last week, I've got a healthier attitude these days.

And that seems to have taken root. I just weighed myself and I've lost eight pounds.

But I still can't believe the mayors did better than me!

Final Mayors' Challenge Update

2007-04-23T10:53:00.000-05:00

From the organizers:

Congratulations to the Guilford County Mayors who lost a total of 100.2 pounds! Of the 751 on-line participants, 151 reported a total weight loss of 1454.8 pounds! If you forgot to report your total pounds lost, you can still do so. Send an email to mayorschallenge@ymcagreensboro.org and report your weight lost.

Please Take Our Survey!
In order to make the Mayors’ Challenge even better next year, we’ve put together a brief survey to see what you thought of this year’s Challenge! Please take a few moments to complete the survey by going to this link.

More About the Mayors
Every one of our mayors met the challenge and lost at least 10 pounds. Every mayor was a big winner!

Here are the final results:
Mayor Keith Holliday, Greensboro - LOST 10.25 pounds

Mayor Billy Ragsdale, Jamestown - LOST 10.4 pounds

Mayor Howard Morgan, Sedalia - LOST 10.6 pounds

Mayor Pro Tem John Faircloth - LOST 12.4 pounds

Mayor Mark Brown, Summerfield - LOST 13.4 pounds

Mayor Rick Wallace, Pleasant Garden - LOST 14.3 pounds

Mayor Bert Stone, Archdale - LOST 14.4 pounds

Mayor Lenny Williams, Gibsonville - LOST 14.45 pounds

TOTAL WEIGHT LOST: 100.2 pounds

What an excellent performance by each and every mayor. This is an average of 12.5 pounds per mayor!

Final Event and Press Conference
The mayors enjoyed a healthy lunch and press conference Friday at the Bryan Family YMCA in downtown Greensboro. The eight mayors each spoke and were recognized by Merle Green, director of Guilford County Department of Public Health; Dr. Tom Kelly, cardiologist with Southeastern Heart & Vascular Center; Bob Newton, president of Moses Cone~Wesley Long Community Health Foundation; and Greg Jones, president of YMCA of Greensboro. Media attending the event included WFMY News 2, WFDD public radio, News & Record, and Jamestown News.

News & Record reporter Amy Dominello and Jamestown News reporter Norma Dennis who covered the event also each lost 6 pounds in the Mayors' Challenge. The mayors were presented with a healthy fruit basket award courtesy of The Fresh Market and a healthy "Fresh Fit Lunch" from Subway downtown and Summit Avenue.

Highlights of the Mayors’ Challenge
“I was a little hesitant to join the challenge in the beginning because I had already lost 8 pounds. I knew that I needed to lose more, so I am happy that I did join the challenge. I am now at 178 pounds. I am still walking 2 miles a day and I am not drinking sodas or eating cake.” ~ Mayor Lenny Williams, Gibsonville

Here's what some citizens of Guilford County are saying about their experience with the Mayors’ Challenge:
"Since starting the challenge I have lost a total of 6 pounds. I am continuing the challenge by challenging myself to eat healthy and to exercise so I can continue to lose the weight. Thanks for the encouragement.

"I lost 6 lbs. It may not be 10, but it’s a good start. Thanks!!"

"I lost 4 – but I haven’t gained them back, so it was a success!"

"I have lost a total of 3.2 pounds. I am grateful for the emails because when I wasn't losing weight the emails still encouraged me that I can do it -- do not give up."

"I am happy to report that I lost 12 lbs during the Mayor's challenge. I'm not stopping now though. I still have some more weight to lose and plan to keep on going. Thanks for the challenge!!! It was great motivation."

Keep It Up
We hope that participating in the Mayors’ Challenge has been a great experience and has given you the courage to make some healthy changes in your life. Remember, good health isn’t something you can do for 10 weeks and stop; it has to be a lifelong journey. We encourage you to use the tips and strategies you learned throughout the past 10 weeks, and use them for the rest of your life.

Make it Enjoyable
In order to keep healthy diet and exercise as a lasting part of your life, the most important step you can take is to make it genuinely enjoyable. Eat foods that you think taste good - and happen to be healthy. Exercise by doing an activity you enjoy. The more you like these habits, the easier they will be to stick with.

Mayors’ Challenge 2008
We had so much fun during this year’s Mayors’ Challenge that we want to do it again next year! Don't forget to answer the survey so we can get your feedback.

We’ll see you next time!

Congratulations, Guilford County! May you be very healthy in the coming year.

The Mayors of Guilford County

The Mayors’ Challenge is brought to you by the YMCA, YWCA, Moses Cone ~ Wesley Long Community Health Foundation, and the Guilford County Department of Public Health.

Mayors' weight loss story

2007-04-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry, guys. The story on the mayors never made it to the News & Record site on Saturday.

But here are the mayors in all their svelte glory.

How the Mayors Did

2007-04-20T16:57:00.000-05:00

They did better then me!

All eight that participated lost 10 pounds or more.

Check out tomorrow's paper for all the details on how your mayor did.

Mayors' Challenge Update

2007-04-16T09:06:00.000-05:00

A Big Congratulations to Guilford County – We’ve Finished Week 10 of the Mayors’ Challenge!

Don’t Miss The Mayors This Week
On Friday the mayors of Guilford County will be holding a press conference to report the total weight lost and to discuss their experience with The Mayors’ Challenge. We need YOUR weight loss to make an impressive announcement!

Your Update
Here is what people are saying as they submit their total weight loss:
"Since starting the challenge I have lost a total of 10 lbs. I thank you for all of the helpful e-mails."
"My goal was to lose 20 and I have lost 22 so far."
"My ending weight is 156 down from 160.9!! Thanks. This was fun."
If you have not already sent us your total weight lost, please do so now! We are counting up how much the 700 participants lost and announcing it later this week! We need your report to be able to make a BIG and WEIGHTY announcement! E-mail your weight loss total to: mayorschallenge@ymcagreensboro.org
Please feel free to add additional comments that we might share next week in our final e-mail. Stay tuned for the final results!

Highlights of the Mayors’ Challenge
Here is what people are saying about their experience with the Mayors’ Challenge:
"I was a little hesitant to join the challenge in the beginning because I had already lost 8 pounds. I knew that I needed to lose more, so I am happy that I did join the challenge. I am now at 178 pounds. I am still walking 2 miles a day and I am not drinking sodas or eating cake.” - Mayor Lenny Williams, Gibsonville

"Greetings from south Greensboro. I had begun an exercise routine, as part of the federal government’s Presidential Fitness program, just prior to the beginning of the Mayors' Challenge. I am happy to report a total of 35 pounds of weight loss since participating in both programs. Being a Type II diabetic, I had reached the point of experiencing a “wake-up call” per say. I applaud the local government officials for sponsoring a program like the Mayor’s Challenge. It helps keep us all motivated. Keep me posted of any additional programs that may be developed." - Jim King

"I have been watching what I eat for almost a year now and all total have lost 68 pounds. I really enjoyed doing your challenge and hope to see you all next year. I have a long way to go to my goal weight,and this really helped me stay on track." -Stephanie Williams

Get Healthy Guilford Walk Results
Hundreds of people came out to enjoy “Center City Live!” and the “Get Healthy Guilford” walk. Greensboro Mayor Keith Holliday, Gibsonville Mayor Lenny Williams, Summerfield Mayor Mark Brown and Jamestown Mayor Billy Ragsdale welcomed everyone the YMCA and Fitness Today warmed up the walkers. The walkers enjoyed a 30-minute walk in perfect weather. Luckily the rain held off until after the event was over.
The Guilford County Department of Public Health did an excellent job of organizing a great event. Families enjoyed a variety of activities including health screenings courtesy of Moses Cone Hospital.

More Motivation
Good Morning Show - Click here to see six of our mayors on last Friday’s Good Morning Show talking about the Mayors’ Challenge!

Closing Tips
As we close out this year’s Mayors’ Challenge, there are a few more tips we’d like to share:

Keep it up
- Remember that healthy weight is a journey, not a destination. In order keep off the weight you’ve lost, you need to make these new, healthy habits a lasting part of your life.
-Eat foods and participate in exercises you find enjoyable

Be safe
- When exercising outdoors, do it in a well-lit, well-populated area.
- Wear reflective clothing or a flashing light if you choose to exercise at dusk or dawn.
- Carry a cell phone or some change in case you need to make a phone call.
- Bring water with you, especially if you plan to be exercising for an extended period.
- Take a buddy!

Don’t let weather discourage you. During rain, cold, heat, and allergy season you can try these indoor activities:
- Join a local gym
- Walk laps around an indoor mall or shopping area
- Take dance lessons alone or with a partner
- Check out fun and different exercise opportunities such as yoga, pilates, and spinning offered by health clubs, YMCAs and YWCAs, and recreation centers!

Mayors’ Challenge 2008:
We had so much fun during this year’s Mayors’ Challenge that we want to do it again next year! Next week’s final e-mail will include an evaluation and your thoughts for next year’s challenge. Congratulations, Guilford County! Stay healthy in the coming year.

How did you do?

2007-04-16T08:58:00.000-05:00

Well yesterday was the official end of the 10-week Guilford County Mayors' Challenge.

As you can see from the article below, I lost six pounds. Not ten pounds.

But you know what? I even worked out this morning. A full day after the end of the challenge. Now that's an accomplishment.

Any other participants in the Mayors' Challenge want to share their stories?

Final story

2007-04-16T08:54:00.000-05:00

Here's the final installment of the weight-loss chronicles:

Lost 6 pounds, gained healthy habits for life

Amy Dominello
Staff Writer

When I woke up early on my birthday to go to the gym, I knew a transformation had taken place.

In the past, I would have never worked out on my birthday. Ever.

But during the past 10 weeks I've been participating in the Guilford County Mayors' Challenge to lose 10 pounds. I did it to get a little healthier — and because I could easily spare 10 pounds.

I lost 6 pounds, not 10.

I thought it would be easier than it was. I slacked off at times. My diet wasn't always great.

But I gained a lot. I learned how to eat better. I became reacquainted with working out.

Most importantly, my mind-set has changed. Although the 10-week challenge is over, I still plan to keep it up.

Even on birthdays and holidays. At least most of them.

Best comment: "I thought you'd be fatter."

Newly discovered favorite form of torture: The elliptical machine

An epiphany: Getting up early to work out is not that difficult. I'm just lazy.

The bunny was looking at me funny: An after-Easter tangle with a chocolate bunny was my weakest moment.

Full list of snarky comments and story here.

Don't forget

2007-04-13T12:42:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a little exercise, don't forget the walk this weekend:

GREENSBORO — The Guilford County Department of Public Health is hosting “Get Healthy Guilford,” a walking event Saturday at Festival Park.
Registration and a short program will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a community walk at 2 p.m. The event is free and will be held rain or shine. Walkers may register on site at Festival Park or by logging in here before the event.
The first 100 walkers to arrive and sign in will receive a free pedometer. For information, call 641-7777 or go to www.guilfordhealth.org.

Rough week

2007-04-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

I've lost some momentum this week.

A trip to New York for Easter really started me on a downward spiral. Couple that with a busy week and it hasn't been pretty.

I started off with good intentions. Really, I did. But between traveling, Mom's cooking, Easter candy and pizza, temptation was hard to resist. (On the plus side, I did work out two of the three days I was in New York, even running along the beautiful Hudson River.)

But the downward spiral of eating poorly seems to have continued this week. And I haven't been to the gym that much this week. It feels like once I let myself eat bad food it's really hard to get back to being healthy.

Protein bars

2007-04-09T12:17:00.000-05:00

This question comes from a reader who is looking for the names of some good, high protein bars.

"I need help from you. I, too, need to lose 10 pounds. Please share you honest tips, and particularly the name of the higher protein bars. Every time I look at them sugar is high and so is the fat."

Clearly, I'm no expert. I'm reluctant to name the brands that I've been eating because I'm probably wrong.

Anyone want to offer their advice?

Advice from Jeannie Sykes

2007-04-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

Here is more advice from my interview with Jeannie Sykes, a clinical nutritionist from Moses Cone Family Practice. (Related to today's story on willpower and diet.)

On cultural norms:
"I think that plays a big part of what we're drawn to and avoid. Taste preferences are mostly learned. What you like is what you're exposed to."

Facing the buffet:
"Did you really get more of your money's worth when you eat more than you want and ruin your weight loss effort?"

On overeating:
Listen to whether or not you're hungry and get joy from your food.
"When we live in the area of all or none that's when we're in a dangerous place."

Eating at events:
Eat something before you go.
"While you're at home you have control. Take the control you have while you have it."

Peer pressure:
We've all been there when someone tries to push another serving or dessert on your plate. You don't want to look like a jerk.
Try asking for a piece to go, recommends Sykes. And usually people want you to eat more to justify their own desire for that extra serving or piece of cake.
Or you can take just one bite of dessert and that usually gets a food pusher to leave you alone. But Sykes added, if you know that one bite will lead to a downward spiral, avoid it at all costs.

Changing others:
You can set a good example and help reshape cultural norms, Sykes said.

Mayors' Challenge Update

2007-04-09T09:19:00.000-05:00

The e-mail update from the Mayors' Challenge:

We're Almost There – The Mayors’ Challenge is in WEEK 10 - Our FINAL WEEK!

Tell Us Your NEWS!!
The mayors have lost more than 50 pounds, but how much weight have YOU lost in the Mayors' Challenge since February 1? Please remember to send us the number of pounds you have lost by April 15! We will tally up the pounds and make an announcement next week. Wouldn't it be great to be able to say that Guilford County has lost a ton or more through the Mayors' Challenge? We won't be able to say it if you don't report YOUR weight loss. E-mail us at: mayorschallenge@ymcagreensboro.org with your weight loss by April 15!

Or go to the website www.gcmayorschallenge.org and click on "report your results" and enter your name and the number of pounds you lost.

Don’t Miss the Mayors This Week
Our Guilford County mayors will make a special appearance on WFMY News 2’s Good Morning Show Friday as we help promote the downtown Greensboro Center City Park Celebration and Get Healthy Guilford walk to take place Saturday. Be sure to tune in Friday morning to to hear more about Saturday's events.

Choosing Your Drinks Wisely
Many Americans aren’t aware of the number of calories they get from soft drinks such as soda, sports drinks, and fruit-flavored drinks. A 20-ounce bottle of soda has approximately 250 calories, a significant portion of a person’s recommended daily intake! To reduce calories and cut back on all that sugar, drink more water, or nutrient-rich milk. If you don’t like the taste of water alone, consider these tasty beverage tips:
- Add a slice of lemon, lime, watermelon, or cucumber to your glass of water for some added flavor with few calories.
- Drink carbonated water with a splash of 100% fruit juice to sweeten it up a little

Mark Your Calendar
The Get Healthy Guilford walk is happening Saturday! The event will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Festival Park in downtown Greensboro. Come out and enjoy a 30-minute walk on one of eight beautiful downtown Greensboro trails.

Holiday Blunders?
You may have found yourself tempted by all the sweets and chocolate treats available during this time of year. If you ate a few too many, don’t worry! A few candies here and there won’t break your healthy lifestyle. Just be sure to stay on track with your exercise routine and continue eating healthy meals.

For Allergy Sufferers
Does all the pollen in the air have you sneezing? If you’re prone to allergies this time of year, you probably find it hard to exercise outdoors. This doesn’t mean you have to wait until the end of allergy season to get in shape – plenty of places offer indoor fitness opportunities. Check out your local fitness center, recreation center, and YMCAs and YWCAs. You'll find indoor tracks, treadmills, and a variety of great machines and exercise classes to keep you on track. The staff and friends you meet can help you stick with your program.

On the Web
We love to hear your success stories. Please share your experience bt e-mailing mayorschallenge@ymcagreensboro.org.

The Mayors’ Update:
Our mayors have been averaging a pound a week during the weight loss challenge, and we are anxious to hear their final results next week! It's been hard with one holiday after the other, and all the meal activities our mayors must attend. Our busy lives make it a challenge to eat right and make time for physical activity. Our mayors have done a great job of leading the challenge to maintain our balance of healthy habits with our busy schedules.

Remember to report your weight loss by April 15 so we can make a WEIGHTY announcement!

The Mayors of Guilford County
www.gcmayorschallenge.org

Today's article

2007-04-09T09:15:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: And I wonder where I get it from! My family spent about 30 minutes over the weekend dissecting what makes a good sandwich and where to get the best in the New York area.

Mind over mouthful

Amy Dominello
Staff Writer

Editor's note: Buff — or buffet. That's staffer Amy Dominello's dilemma. She likes food too much to ever starve herself. But she's been trying to lose some weight and get healthy as part of the Guilford County Mayor's Challenge, which ends Sunday.

I had a moment the other night.

Eating dinner at a friend's house, I took my first bite of homemade lemon chess pie. I actually closed my eyes and made a noise that sounded close to what Homer Simpson does when he looks at a doughnut.

I didn't even realize I did it until he called me out on it.

Relationships are complicated. As I try to watch my weight, I'm finding my relationship with food is a little twisted, even obsessive.

I love food.

I like talking about it.

I like planning and thinking about it: New York-style pizza. Girl Scout cookies. Wine. Bagels. Those little pieces of chocolate that sit out on everyone's desk. The twisted chicken burrito at Fishbones.

Buffets and potlucks are like winning the lottery.

And like every junkie, I don't go very long without a fix.

Full article here.

Check out Gibsonville's mayor

2007-04-04T10:49:00.000-05:00

Also from the folks at the Mayors' Challenge:

Gibsonville Mayor Lenny Williams and his daughter and grandson were on WFMY's Good Morning Show today at 6:45 a.m.

Click here for their inspirational story. All three generations will motivate you and your family!

Their story will also air tonight at 5 p.m.

Mayors' Challenge: Eight weeks down, two to go

2007-04-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

From the Mayors’ Challenge e-mail update:

Mark Your Calendar: With just two weeks left in the Mayors’ Challenge, remember to send us the number of total pounds you have lost by April 15! Wouldn’t it be impressive to be able to announce that the 700+ people in the Mayors’ Challenge have lost a combined “X number of tons?” Visit the Web site and send us your total pounds lost between Feb. 1 and April 15. So as you are calculating your taxes, calculate your weight loss.

Balancing Your Energy: Remember that eating healthy foods is extremely important, even when you’re getting regular physical activity. In order to maintain a healthy weight, you want the calories you get from food and the calories you burn while exercising to balance each other out. This doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a dessert once in awhile. When you do indulge, extend the length of your workout or exercise a little more intensely. If you don’t have time for exercise one day, eat lighter, healthy meals and get back to your routine as soon as you can.

Cooking Tip: When baking, substitute applesauce for half or all of the vegetable oil. This great tip cuts back on fat while saving the flavor of your favorite cakes and other baked goods!

Get Healthy Guilford Walk: Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to finish off the Mayors’ Challenge with the Get Healthy Guilford walk on April 14. The event will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Festival Park in downtown Greensboro. Come out and enjoy a 30-minute walk on one of eight beautiful downtown Greensboro trails.

Success Stories: “I’ve been so good - gave up sweets for Lent, even joined Curves. I’ve lost seven so far. Even if I don’t lose, I’m happy eating better and clothes fit again. Thanks for the support.” - Barbara Frye
We’d love to hear your experience! Please email us: www.gcmayorschallenge.org

The Mayors’ Update: Our eight mayors have lost more than 50 pounds in the first eight weeks of the challenge! Stay tuned for the final total the week of April 15! We are all doing a great job. Let’s stick with our great new habits all year long!

Things that make sense

2007-04-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

I know these thoughts I'm about to put down aren't exactly rocket science.

But I had a really bad workout today. I didn't eat so great yesterday. I went to bed late and didn't sleep that well.

And I think that really messed me up today. It's just further proof that you've got to take good care of yourself to really function well.

Today's story - Carb Queen

2007-04-02T12:29:00.000-05:00

Today's story on my addiction to carbs:

When I decided to track what I eat for a week with a food diary, it was only natural for my good friend Andrea Mitola to look at it and offer suggestions.

Not only have we known each other since our days as college roommates, but she's also completing her doctorate in nutrition at Johns Hopkins University.

She knows what she's talking about. More important, she held me accountable:

I have decided you are the carb queen! Carbs are not all bad, so this is not a complete diss, BUT you do need to discriminate.

Full story here.

Update

2007-03-29T10:23:00.000-05:00

I'm down six pounds with a little more than two more weeks to go.

I probably won't be able to hit the goal of losing 10 pounds in 10 weeks, but I'll be close.

As my editors can confirm, I usually push my deadlines as far as I can. So maybe I'll be more like 10 pounds in 12 weeks.

Capoeira

2007-03-28T12:39:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to a class on capoeira, a Brazilian martial art.

I initially told a friend who has become a self-described "capoeira addict" that I would go to watch. And yet somehow last night I was attempting cartwheels. Not quite sure how that happened.

The class was a little out of my comfort zone. Grace and coordination are not exactly my strengths.

But I enjoyed myself. And I obviously worked some different muscles, because I am sore today.

Here's a cool multimedia package of what capoeira is supposed to look like, although you can trust me on the fact that I looked nothing like these people.

THURSDAY UPDATE: I take it back. I am REALLY sore today. The back of my calves feel as if someone has repeatedly kicked me.

Week 7 update

2007-03-26T14:51:00.000-05:00

Yikes, only three more weeks to go in the Mayors' Challenge. Good luck everyone!

An update from the folks coordinating the challenge:

Getting Outside: Now that the weather is beautiful again, take advantage by getting your exercise outdoors! Enjoy a walk in the neighborhood, invite friends over for a game of volleyball, shoot some hoops with the kids or kick a soccer ball around the yard. You can work in some extra steps and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Walk for Your Heart: Research shows that 30 minutes of walking per day can bring down your blood pressure. This small amount of physical activity can also regulate your blood sugar, help control your cholesterol and make you healthier in general.

Health on the Web: Find healthy recipes and other tips here.

Mark Your Calendar: Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to finish off the Mayors’ Challenge with the Get Healthy Guilford walk on Saturday, April 14. The event will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Festival Park in downtown Greensboro. Come out and enjoy a 30-minute walk on one of eight beautiful downtown Greensboro trails.

Success Stories: "Happy to tell you that I lost 21 pounds… I am so glad to be a part of the challenge ... I look forward to meeting all April 14." -- Lori Collins
Do you have an experience from the Mayors’ Challenge you’d like to share? If so, simply email your story to us at: www.gcmayorschallenge.org

The Mayors’ Update: Our mayors have lost more than 50 pounds so far with just three weeks to go!

Chinese food

2007-03-26T14:01:00.000-05:00

Seriously, I might not ever go out to eat again.

Well, that's a lie. But this was in the news last week if you didn't see it:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The typical Chinese restaurant menu is a sea of nutritional no-nos, a consumer group has found.

A plate of General Tso's chicken, for example, is loaded with about 40 percent more sodium and more than half the calories an average adult needs for an entire day.

The battered, fried chicken dish with vegetables has 1,300 calories, 3,200 milligrams of sodium and 11 grams of saturated fat.

That's before the rice (200 calories a cup). And after the egg rolls (200 calories and 400 milligrams of sodium).

"I don't want to put all the blame on Chinese food," said Bonnie Liebman, nutrition director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which did a report released Tuesday.

"Across the board, American restaurants need to cut back on calories and salt, and in the meantime, people should think of each meal as not one, but two, and bring home half for tomorrow," Liebman said.

The average adult needs around 2,000 calories a day and 2,300 milligrams of salt, which is about one teaspoon of salt, according to government guidelines.

In some ways, Liebman said, Italian and Mexican restaurants are worse for your health, because their food is higher in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

While Chinese restaurant food is bad for your waistline and blood pressure — sodium contributes to hypertension — it does offer vegetable-rich dishes and the kind of fat that's not bad for the heart.

However — and this is a big however — the veggies aren't off the hook. A plate of stir-fried greens has 900 calories and 2,200 milligrams of sodium. And eggplant in garlic sauce has 1,000 calories and 2,000 milligrams of sodium.

"We were shocked. We assumed the vegetables were all low in calories," Liebman said.

Also surprising were some appetizers: An order of six steamed pork dumplings has 500 calories, and there's not much difference, about 10 calories per dumpling, if they're pan-fried.

The group found that not much has changed since it examined Chinese food 15 years ago. That's not all bad, Liebman said.

"We were glad not to find anything different," she said. "Some restaurant food has gotten a lot worse. Companies seem to pile on. Instead of just cheesecake, you get coconut chocolate chip cheesecake with a layer of chocolate cake, and lasagna with meatballs."

The group says there is no safe harbor from sodium on the Chinese restaurant menu, but it offers several tips for making a meal healthier:

—Look for dishes that feature vegetables instead of meat or noodles. Ask for extra broccoli, snow peas or other veggies.

—Steer clear of deep-fried meat, seafood or tofu. Order it stir-fried or braised.

—Hold the sauce, and eat with a fork or chopsticks to leave more sauce behind.

—Avoid salt, which means steering clear of the duck sauce, hot mustard, hoisin sauce and soy sauce.

—Share your meal or take half home for later.

—Ask for brown rice instead of white rice.

Greensboro's biggest loser

2007-03-25T22:17:00.000-05:00

Tina Firesheets had great stories yesterday and today about the Greensboro man, Ken Canion, who was on the NBC reality show "The Biggest Loser" and how his life has changed.

He's now helping others in Greensboro, including his wife, to lose weight.

TGIF

2007-03-23T16:56:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the weekend, a co-worker sends me this article on counting the calories in your cocktails.

I know we've talked about this before, so this is just a few more details.

Thanks to everyone's comments I'm generally drinking red wine when and if I imbibe. (Hey, they say it helps your heart!) But it's also something I tend to drink slower, which also means less calories.

Update on the Mayors' Challenge

2007-03-23T10:34:00.000-05:00

Here's an update that was sent on Monday (it's been that kind of week) from the folks with the Mayors' Challenge:

Benefits of Dairy
You probably know that dairy foods are good for you because of the calcium they offer, but did you know that dairy foods can help you keep weight off? Low fat dairy foods have been shown to keep you full longer which can reduce your daily caloric intake and help you slim down. Choose low fat milk, cheeses, and yogurt for optimal benefits.

Exercise Myths
There is a lot of information (and misinformation) about exercise in the news and on the Internet. How do you decide what to believe? According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, these are some common exercise myths that need to be debunked:

- Women shouldn’t strength train: many women believe that strength training (weight lifting) will make them too look like bodybuilders. The truth is, women don’t have nearly enough testosterone to create muscles that big. Strength training is an important exercise, and provides both women and men tremendous physical benefit by strengthening the body and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

- Light weights on your arms or legs can boost your exercise benefit: According to exercise experts, carrying light weights during a walk or run will make your aerobic exercise less effective, and won’t give you any strength training benefit.

- Weight gain is inevitable as you age: Not true! As you age, your body naturally loses muscle mass, which causes weight gain. Regular exercise and strength training can offset this tendency and help you maintain your weight.

Mark Your Calendar
Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to finish off the Mayors’ Challenge with the Get Healthy Guilford walk from 1-3 p.m. April 14. Information here.

Mayors' Update
Our eight mayors are sticking with their program and have lost more than 40 pounds so far! Please share your success story here.