Good Mood Diet Blog

This is the first in a series of Physical Activity Scheduling Solutions from exercise guru, Alice Lockridge.

Are you looking for ways to squeeze an exercise program into your busy day? Well, consider starting at the beginning of the day.

Maybe you could workout first thing in the morning before anything or anyone else gets your attention. Other people are finding this works for them. Statistics from the US Census Bureau indicate that more people are rising early and, in many cases, hitting the gym to get their daily dose of exercise and avoid rush-hour traffic. Nearly 18% of American workers now leave their homes between 5am and 6:30 am -- three million more than in 2000, and 6 million more than in 1990.

So give this a chance; maybe it will work for you too. Early Bird Activity could be the answer you are looking for.

Alice Lockridge,
MS Phys Ed - Exercise Physiologist for Every Body!
PRO♥FIT

If you watch my speaking schedule, you might have noticed that on March 22nd I was on the UCLA campus presenting The Good Mood Diet. The focus of the day-long conference was how food affects mood and brain health, and two esteemed speakers joined me in presenting for the day.

Monika Woolsey is President and Founder of After The Diet Network. Monika spoke about how food impacts brain health from the perspective of degenerative diseases of the brain, eating disorders and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Monika has been working in this area for 25 years, and is a friend and colleague.

Laurel Mellin, MS, RD, is an associate clinical professor of family and community medicine and pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco's School of Medicine and directs The Institute for Health Solutions. Through her earlier work with childhood obesity, (SHAPEDOWN), Laurel and her colleagues at UCSF began studying how stress effects the brain, our bodies and behavior. This research led to an evidence-based program for adults to learn how to effectively manage stress and become healthier. The Solution Method is a learning system to "block stress and boost joy".

This was the first time in many years that I had the opportunity to hear Ms. Mellin speak, and the first time I heard her lecture about The Solution Method. No matter where you are in your life, and no matter how stressed you feel, this program is worth investigating. Ninety percent of the chronic diseases that we suffer from in this country are stress-related, including overeating and obesity, with all their related syndromes and diseases.

Please take the time to investigate both websites. It will be a worthwhile investment.

Yours in a Good Mood,
Dr. Susan Kleiner

If you're like me, you end up in the kitchen at the end of your workday and say, "Now, what am I going to make for dinner?" One of the most frequent questions that I am asked as I speak to groups of people is whether The Good Mood Diet works for kids. This month, our culinary expert Karen Friedman-Kester has helped us with both questions.

Karen has created recipes that the whole family will enjoy, and that are perfectly geared for Good Mood eating and the Good Mood lifestyle. They are easy (a high priority in my house), taste great (also high on the priority list) and are full of feel great foods. We've been making turkey panini in my house for over a year. Start with this classic recipe, and then get creative. Let your kids see how many great combinations of ingredients they can find to make delicious, custom-made panini.

Have you ever read the ingredients label on a box of bread crumbs? If you haven't, then you might wonder why Karen suggests that you make your own. First, it's pretty hard to find real whole wheat bread crumbs. But even if you do, you'll be shocked at the long list of chemical ingredients added to the crumbs that are far beyond those that belong in bread. So take Karen's advice and make your own.

The bruschetta are great for adults and kids. In fact, let your kids be the chefs and prepare the bruschetta for your next gathering with guests. It's a great way to get kids involved in the cooking, and out of trouble. The energy bars fall into the same category: great adult or kid food that can be made by the kids.

And if you've never been a turnip fan, the Spring Vegetables will turn you into one.

Enjoy!

Yours in a Good Mood,
Dr. Susan Kleiner

While trying to work more produce into your daily menu, it might be helpful to know which fresh vegetables are available each month. This will vary by region, of course, and may often be greenhouse-grown rather than field-grown.

There are vegetables that are available almost all year (though prices vary with season) are:

Beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, endive, escarole, garlic, green onions, greens, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peppers and spinach.

Here’s the month-by-month for getting fresh vegetables: