Looking for a Great Way to Watch Your Weight? Starting With A Bowl Of Cereal Can Get You There
(NAPSA)A growing number of studies are showing that breakfastespecially a cereal breakfastis associated with slimmer bodies and better weight control. Some of the best arguments for the breakfast-and-weight link come from the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR)an ongoing study of people who have lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off. Eighty percent of the registrys 3,000 members eat breakfast. These people, on average, have lost at least 30 pounds and maintained that loss for more than a year. Whats the link with breakfast? Often dieters skip breakfast hoping to trim a few calories first thing in the morning. But, researchers believe eating in the morning may reduce hunger later in the dayhunger which might otherwise lead to overeating. Janet Wilson, a self-proclaimed yo-yo dieter fully understands that concept. When I skip breakfast, I get so hungry that by lunchtime Ive either eaten junk food to tide me over or I eat more than I should at lunch. Scientists also think breakfast eaters may be better able than breakfast skippers to resist fatty and high calorie foods throughout the day. Bonnie Chapman and Jani Bielenberg, both members of the NWCR and have lost more than 50 pounds and have kept it off for more than five years, agree with that theory. Eating breakfast, specifically a cereal breakfast, keeps us full and helps stop our food cravings, Chapman said. The cravings tended to be for pretty rich, high calorie foods. Cereal benefits A bowl of cereal, especially whole-grain cereals such as Cheerios, Wheaties, Total and Wheat Chex, in particular has surfaced as an influential part of a weightreducing plan. Sixty percent of the NWCR members say they always or usually eat a bowl of cereal as part of their meal.
Note to Editors: This is series IV6 of 26.
Eat Healthy During the Holiday Celebrations
(NAPSA)Are you anxious about maintaining a healthy diet during the upcoming holiday festivities? The Cancer Research Foundation of America (CRFA) offers a few healthy eating tips for all those special occasions. A wellbalanced diet and exercise can reduce your risk of cancer and other health problems!
Data from the Nielsens National Eating Trends Survey shows that women who are frequent cereal eaters (eating cereal more than seven times in a twoweek period) weigh, on average, about nine pounds less than women who eat cereal less frequently or not at all. For men the difference was six pounds. Data from the survey also shows that those who do not eat cereal or eat cereal infrequently are more likely to be overweight or obese. A study of weight trends in multiethnic women found cereal to be an indicator of successful weight control as well. Eating ready-to-eat cereal was inversely related to body mass index (BMI), a general measurement of what proportion of your body weight is fat. Women who ate cereal tended to have a lower BMI. What to do Based on the experience of many and the studies done to date, it appears that Moms are right (arent we always!) and that Americans should heed the timeless advice to eat breakfast every day. Dr. Jim Hill, co-director of the NWCR and the registrys lead researcher has seen its value firsthand. Its striking, not just that breakfast eating is a frequent behavior among our members, but that such a high proportion of them report eating it every day of the week. A Great Start Toward Total NutritionAn early breakfast may not be for everyone. Some people have a hard time eating right after they get up. The key is to eat by mid-morning before uncontrollable hunger takes over.

How to Have a Good Christmas Today
Val J. Peter, JCD, STD (NAPSA)Do you remember the warm, wonderful feelings Christmas brought to you as a child? While we cant go back to our childhoods, we can take steps to make this Christmas as warm and memorable as those of our childhood. When I think back, the thing I remember most is that deep down in my heart I felt we were a family. The closeness I felt with my family, Val J. Peter combined with my own willingness to sacrifice for my parents, brothers and sister, allowed me to share with them and be grateful for the gifts they gave me. It was the Depression. I remember saving my pennies so we could go together to buy mom a nice present. My dad helped, explaining to us that mom liked little bottles of perfume rather than big ones. I didnt understand the logic, but I trusted him. Our family traditions were simple, thoughtful and fun. We did our best to prepare for Jesus coming. We each had our own crib set, inexpensive, but our own. Every day, we tried to do a good deed for someone, and gained a piece of straw in our cribs for the effort. Christmas Day was focused on a simple and festive meal. Mom made it with great care. Anything made with love and great care is worthy of honor. I felt privileged to sit at our familys table. I always felt we were famous in Gods eyes for our love and affection for each other. I believe that every family is famous in Gods eyes for doing the same. So how do we have a good Christmas in modern times? First, we need to get in touch with those same feelings of family and friendship and make them come alive. Then, make a list of simple, thoughtful things to involve your family in this holiday. Dont forget to check it twice. Here are some suggestions for your list: Saving for presents means saving to give something special to the poor. Put something away to help a needy family enjoy the holiday. Sharing with brothers and sisters means volunteering. Help someone as a family. For example, ring the bell for the Salvation Army or join a Christmas choir. Help each of your children get their own Christmas crib. Use it as an opportunity to share with them your faith and the importance of the holiday. Plan a special activity that shares the warmth of the holiday with your family. As a child in 1939, I remember hearing my mom and dad two days after Christmas saying they really wanted to do something nice for us before the season was over. They told us at supper that we would drive around together and look at Christmas tree lights. That might not seem like much to you, but I knew why they were doing itthey wanted to share their joy with us. That is how you can make your Christmas joyful, too.
Quick, Portable Breakfasts
Ready-to-eat, whole-grain cereal mixed with nuts and dried fruit Favorite low-fat yogurt topped with berries and whole-grain cereal Peanut butter-banana sandwich Shake (made from milk, yogurt and fruit) Wraptortilla, ham, cheese, shredded carrots and lettuce

Meat: Choose leaner cuts of meat and trim the extra fat. Generally, the white meat on turkey is leaner than dark meat. Take the skin off before you eat. Stuffing: Substitute cranberries, raisins or apricots for half of the meat for your stuffing. Gravy: Reduce fat in your gravy by making it from low-fat broth rather than meat drippings. Pour the fat off the drippings if you choose to use them for your gravy. Vegetables: Help yourself to two or three servings of steamed or baked vegetables, and avoid heavy sauces or butter. Use spices to enhance the flavor. Add a salad as a side dish. Dessert: Serve yourself a smaller portion of dessert, and choose those lower in fat. Beverages: Choose mulled wine or cider in place of eggnog. For more healthy living information, visit CRFAs Web site at www.preventcancer.org.
Video Games Win Over Kids Of All Ages
(NAPSA)From home computers to video game consoles to the advent of online gaming, interactive entertainment continues to dominate consumer electronics purchases. Experts who follow the industry credit advances in technology and the variety of creative games. Video game companies are pouring more and more artistic wizardry into a broader range of gamesfrom sports to action to education, said Sean McGowan, co-founder of PlayDate Inc., which polls retailers to predict what will be the best-selling games each holiday season. Video game consumers are no longer just teenage boys. Its everyone. Some of the latest and most popular games include: SEGA Sports NBA 2K3 (PlayStation2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube)Basketball has never been so exciting. Enhanced animation gives ultrarealistic movement and control to the most highly anticipated basketball video game of the season. Check out the fast breaks, dynamic dribbling, high-impact dunks, realistic shot blocking, dramatic rebounding in the low post, and jump shots so real, players can actually adjust their movement in midair. The new ESPN telecast system presents player intros, game highlights, replays and scores in a true TV-style presentation. Arenas are packed for fun with fans, celebrities and mascots. Build and manage your own team with the enhanced Franchise Mode or take your team to the playground in the popular Street Mode. NBA 2K3 is also playable online on PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Super MONKEY BALL 2 (Nintendo GameCube)The ultimate party game returns, jampacked with 12 full-featured party games and delivering multiplayer fun for up to four players. In Super Monkey Ball 2, everyones favorite simians are on a mission to retrieve the worlds banana supply, stolen by the evil Dr. Badboon. Players maneuver a cute monkey inside a transparent ball through a series of 150 increasingly complex mazes, collecting bananas as they go. In addition, the game offers six all-new party games, including the addictive Monkey Tennis, and six revamped classics, including favorites like Monkey Target and Monkey Billiards. For more information on either of these titles, visit www.sega.com. To learn more about Playdate Inc., visit www.playdateinc.com.

*** In any contest between power and patience, bet on patience. W.B. Prescott *** *** You can have such an open mind that it is too porous to hold a conviction. George Crane ***
*** It is not the length of life, but the depth of life. Ralph Waldo Emerson ***
*** Dont abuse your friends and expect them to consider it criticism. Edgar Watson Howe *** *** Never give way to melancholy; resist it steadily, for the habit will encroach. Sydney Smith *** *** The years teach much which the days never knew. Ralph Waldo Emerson ***