A healthy perspective

At least once a year, I get on some kind of “Get Healthy” kick. I watch what I eat – smaller portions; less sodas and more water; extra veggies and fruit – and I add in more exercise to my daily routine (2-4 miles) along with my weekly photo hikes

This year is no different. Since Valentine’s Day I’ve recorded more than 210,000 steps and walked nearly 90 miles. (No, I’m not that far away from home, silly widgets…)

The most difficult change has been cutting back on snacks. I do love me some chips and salsa, crackers and cheese, Ruffles and onion dip… I’m a salt-aholic. To satisfy my need for crunchy goodies, I’ve been noshing on trail mix. A few peanuts, some pumpkin or sunflower seeds, blanched almonds, pecans pieces, a hazelnut or two, whole cashews, and if I’m feeling adventurous, a Brazil nut.

Only problem is that nuts, while a better type of fatty goodness, have more calories for a smaller portion than potato chips. I’d have to hike at least two more miles to balance the difference.

To counter this inequity, I go on the photo hike, and leave the trail mix for the birds.