diet

Lee Kern, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., Clinical Director for Structure House

Ol' catfish in the lake we called him Big Jim
When I was a kid my only wish was to get my line in him
Skipped church one Sunday rowed out and throw'd in my line
Jim took that hook, pole and me right over the side
Went driftin' down past old tires and rusty cans of beer
The angel of the lake whispered in my ear
"Before you choose your wish son you better think first
With every wish there comes a curse"

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for weight control. Recent studies are beginning to identify eating patterns that are associated with healthy body weights. But none of these findings are of much value unless they are personalized for you. So get ready to look inward and reflect. You too can be successful if you take the time to get to know yourself.

An average of one out of five meals Americans eat is consumed outside the home and as restaurant portions become even larger, diners need to be cautious about what they order in restaurants. Following are some ideas to help you navigate your next trip out to eat. These tips are based on what I have learned from guiding Structure House participants on weekly restaurant outings.

As children, my siblings and I grew up in the city. Our parents bought all our food from the supermarket. But for two weeks every summer for a number of years, they took us to visit good friends of theirs who had a farm on 20 acres in Vermont. We fed the pigs, cows, goats, sheep, and chickens. We gardened, learning to tell the delicate green fronds of baby carrot tops from the equally delicate baby weeds. We picked blackberries, ate them until we were covered with purple stains, and gave the remainder over to be made into pies.