What SNAP recipients buy at one big retail grocery

Source http://www.foodpolitics.com/2017/01/what-snap-recipients-buy-at-one-big-retail-grocery/

Advocates have been pressing USDA for years to (1) get data on what SNAP recipients buy with their benefits, and (2) permit pilot studies of what happens to purchases of soft drinks if you exclude them from the benefit package.

In 2012, I did a post on the 2012 SNAP to Health report.  Its recommendations:

  1.  Protect SNAP benefits.
  2.  Collect data

Lots of people have been trying to get USDA to produce data.  Anahad O’Connor, the author of the New York Times account, filed a Freedom of Information request with USDA.  In response, USDA sent him a report it had commissioned from IMPAQ, a “beltway bandit” consulting firm.

Now we have a partial answer.  IMPAQ analyzed data from one large, unnamed retailer (could it be Walmart?).

Here’s USDA’s summary of the study (and here’s the complete study).

The USDA says the study shows that SNAP recipients buy pretty…

Source http://www.foodpolitics.com/2017/01/what-snap-recipients-buy-at-one-big-retail-grocery/

Advocates have been pressing USDA for years to (1) get data on what SNAP recipients buy with their benefits, and (2) permit pilot studies of what happens to purchases of soft drinks if you exclude them from the benefit package.

In 2012, I did a post on the 2012 SNAP to Health report.  Its recommendations:

  1.  Protect SNAP benefits.
  2.  Collect data

Lots of people have been trying to get USDA to produce data.  Anahad O’Connor, the author of the New York Times account, filed a Freedom of Information request with USDA.  In response, USDA sent him a report it had commissioned from IMPAQ, a “beltway bandit” consulting firm.

Now we have a partial answer.  IMPAQ analyzed data from one large, unnamed retailer (could it be Walmart?).

Here’s USDA’s summary of the study (and here’s the complete study).

The USDA says the study shows that SNAP recipients buy pretty…

I Live a Healthy Life. Why Am I Still So Consumed with Negativity?

Source http://www.sonima.com/meditation/mindful-living/negative-emotions/

Dear Dr. Rettger,

I’m a 65-year-old mother of two, grandmother of five, and wife of 44 years. I am very blessed and grateful for all that I’ve been given and had the opportunity to work for in life. And yet, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for as long as I care to remember. I’ve been in therapy to address the “issues that live in the tissues.” I am told that I am very self-aware, empathetic, authentic, good-natured and kind by my teachers and friends.

I do yoga, garden, cook, eat well, volunteer and also manage to have time for myself. I’ve been told time and time again that I look peaceful and serene and that I give off a calm, yet vibrant vibe. However, I experience my own energy differently. To me, I am in a constant state of unrest. I feel consumed, all too often, by negative self-talk, worries, fears and insecurities. Often, I feel as if I’m besieged and overwhelmed by too much input from the world around me. Anticipating all the possibilities of the “shoulds,” “woulds,” and “coulds” have left me feeling ill-equipped to engage in the present moment.

I find peace when I’m on my yoga mat. Through breath and movement, I am able to sense that my essential nature is good, pure and whole. And yet, when I’m off my mat, which is the better part of each day, I easily unravel and find myself tied up in the knots and “nots” …

Source http://www.sonima.com/meditation/mindful-living/negative-emotions/

Dear Dr. Rettger,

I’m a 65-year-old mother of two, grandmother of five, and wife of 44 years. I am very blessed and grateful for all that I’ve been given and had the opportunity to work for in life. And yet, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for as long as I care to remember. I’ve been in therapy to address the “issues that live in the tissues.” I am told that I am very self-aware, empathetic, authentic, good-natured and kind by my teachers and friends.

I do yoga, garden, cook, eat well, volunteer and also manage to have time for myself. I’ve been told time and time again that I look peaceful and serene and that I give off a calm, yet vibrant vibe. However, I experience my own energy differently. To me, I am in a constant state of unrest. I feel consumed, all too often, by negative self-talk, worries, fears and insecurities. Often, I feel as if I’m besieged and overwhelmed by too much input from the world around me. Anticipating all the possibilities of the “shoulds,” “woulds,” and “coulds” have left me feeling ill-equipped to engage in the present moment.

I find peace when I’m on my yoga mat. Through breath and movement, I am able to sense that my essential nature is good, pure and whole. And yet, when I’m off my mat, which is the better part of each day, I easily unravel and find myself tied up in the knots and “nots” …

Five Sales Tools That Turn a Good January into a Great January for Health Clubs

Source http://clubindustry.com/step-step/five-sales-tools-turn-good-january-great-january-health-clubs

Consistency is the key to being the best salesperson possible. These five tools offer a way to be consistent and increase sales in January and throughout the rest of the year.

read more

Source http://clubindustry.com/step-step/five-sales-tools-turn-good-january-great-january-health-clubs

Consistency is the key to being the best salesperson possible. These five tools offer a way to be consistent and increase sales in January and throughout the rest of the year.

read more

13 Healthy On the Go Snack Recipes

Source http://www.fannetasticfood.com/13-healthy-on-the-go-snack-recipes/

I’m often asked what my #1 tip is for making healthy eating easier. Besides adding and not subtracting (<- check out that post for more details), my other best tip is this: never get too hungry. When we get over-hungry, not only is it stressful, but intuitive eating goes out the window, and we’re much more likely to overeat or grab something junky that we don’t even want just because it’s in front of our face. Being prepared with satisfying snacks that have a mix of carbs, protein and fat is the easiest way to avoid this situation whether you are at home or on the go. (See also: How to Get Rid of Sugar Cravings.) As such, I thought now would be a good time to round up some of my favorite healthy on the go snack recipes here on the blog from over the years.

Because snack ideas are something you can never be short on, am I right?! Especially if they’re super easy, portable, healthy, and delicious!

Source http://www.fannetasticfood.com/13-healthy-on-the-go-snack-recipes/

I’m often asked what my #1 tip is for making healthy eating easier. Besides adding and not subtracting (<- check out that post for more details), my other best tip is this: never get too hungry. When we get over-hungry, not only is it stressful, but intuitive eating goes out the window, and we’re much more likely to overeat or grab something junky that we don’t even want just because it’s in front of our face. Being prepared with satisfying snacks that have a mix of carbs, protein and fat is the easiest way to avoid this situation whether you are at home or on the go. (See also: How to Get Rid of Sugar Cravings.) As such, I thought now would be a good time to round up some of my favorite healthy on the go snack recipes here on the blog from over the years.

Because snack ideas are something you can never be short on, am I right?! Especially if they’re super easy, portable, healthy, and delicious!

Pre-Workout Snacks to Fuel Your Body

Source http://refineryfitnesspdx.com/pre-workout-snacks-to-fuel-your-body/

With many of us hitting the gym with renewed vigor in the New Year, finding that perfect pre-workout fuel becomes even more important.  You want something that will fuel your workout without making you feel sluggish or too full to move.  Chow on these simple suggestions for your best workout yet.

  • Whole wheat toast with nut butter and banana:  A combination of simple and complex carbs makes this combination a workout boosting all star.  Slow release complex carbs from the toast will keep your motor humming, while the fruit adds an extra spark of energy.  Protein from the nut butter delivers rebuilding tools for your muscles.
  • Greek Yogurt:  Greek yogurt offers a big  dose  of protein (twice as much as regular yogurt), is incredibly filling without being heavy, and it’s a highly portable snack.  Skip the fruit flavored yogurts to avoid added sugar.  Instead add your own fresh berries or other fruits for an added anti-oxidant boost.
  • Smoothies:  Smoothies are an easy, on the go pre-workout snack.  Craft your smoothie from unsweetened vanilla non-dairy milk (or your favorite light milk), unsweetened frozen fruit, Greek yogurt and/or protein powder. Aim for 150 calories or less and avoid added sugar.
  • Apple with a cheese stick:  Apples have just enough calories and complex carbs to keep your energy from flagging, and a cheese stick adds a bit of protein and extra flavor.
  • Oatmeal with nut butter and fresh …

Source http://refineryfitnesspdx.com/pre-workout-snacks-to-fuel-your-body/

With many of us hitting the gym with renewed vigor in the New Year, finding that perfect pre-workout fuel becomes even more important.  You want something that will fuel your workout without making you feel sluggish or too full to move.  Chow on these simple suggestions for your best workout yet.

  • Whole wheat toast with nut butter and banana:  A combination of simple and complex carbs makes this combination a workout boosting all star.  Slow release complex carbs from the toast will keep your motor humming, while the fruit adds an extra spark of energy.  Protein from the nut butter delivers rebuilding tools for your muscles.
  • Greek Yogurt:  Greek yogurt offers a big  dose  of protein (twice as much as regular yogurt), is incredibly filling without being heavy, and it’s a highly portable snack.  Skip the fruit flavored yogurts to avoid added sugar.  Instead add your own fresh berries or other fruits for an added anti-oxidant boost.
  • Smoothies:  Smoothies are an easy, on the go pre-workout snack.  Craft your smoothie from unsweetened vanilla non-dairy milk (or your favorite light milk), unsweetened frozen fruit, Greek yogurt and/or protein powder. Aim for 150 calories or less and avoid added sugar.
  • Apple with a cheese stick:  Apples have just enough calories and complex carbs to keep your energy from flagging, and a cheese stick adds a bit of protein and extra flavor.
  • Oatmeal with nut butter and fresh …

The Truth Behind Judging Others and What It Says About Us

Source http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tinybuddha/~3/pgc5X8yneGs/

Angry girl

“Judging is preventing us from understanding a new truth. Free yourself from the rules of old judgments and create the space for new understanding.” ~Steve Maraboli

For a long time, I was a judgmental person. I would look at other people walking along the street—who had no idea I was even paying them any attention—and make all kinds of comments based on their appearance, their dress sense, the way they talk, walk, their weight—anything that took my fancy.

“She shouldn’t be wearing that skirt—it’s too short.”

“She should focus on losing weight, not scoffing down that bar of chocolate.”

“Her hair’s such a mess. Why doesn’t she comb it or something?”

The list of secret and harsh criticism was endless, but I didn’t think I was doing any harm. They didn’t know what I was saying about them, and I’m sure some of them would have had a few choice words to say about me, had they found out.

That may have been true, but what was the reason behind my unnecessary tearing down of these other people? It’s not as if they had done anything to me. They were simply going about their own business.

I didn’t think about why I was doing it. If you asked me at the time, I would have answered something …

Source http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tinybuddha/~3/pgc5X8yneGs/

Angry girl

“Judging is preventing us from understanding a new truth. Free yourself from the rules of old judgments and create the space for new understanding.” ~Steve Maraboli

For a long time, I was a judgmental person. I would look at other people walking along the street—who had no idea I was even paying them any attention—and make all kinds of comments based on their appearance, their dress sense, the way they talk, walk, their weight—anything that took my fancy.

“She shouldn’t be wearing that skirt—it’s too short.”

“She should focus on losing weight, not scoffing down that bar of chocolate.”

“Her hair’s such a mess. Why doesn’t she comb it or something?”

The list of secret and harsh criticism was endless, but I didn’t think I was doing any harm. They didn’t know what I was saying about them, and I’m sure some of them would have had a few choice words to say about me, had they found out.

That may have been true, but what was the reason behind my unnecessary tearing down of these other people? It’s not as if they had done anything to me. They were simply going about their own business.

I didn’t think about why I was doing it. If you asked me at the time, I would have answered something …

How to Make Peace with Your Faults (and Those Who Point Them Out)

Source http://www.sonima.com/meditation/make-peace-with-your-faults/

Nobody’s perfect. We all have our faults, and most of us have gotten really good at hiding them where no one can see them. Yet when someone becomes even a little bit intimate with us, they might reveal these faults and make light of them in a skillful (or not so skillful) way. How can we possibly be okay with that? And better yet, is there a way we could view this public humiliation as a teaching we can grow from?

There is a beautiful Buddhist text dating back to the 14th century known as the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Bodhi can be translated from Sanskrit as “open” or “awake,” while sattva means “being,” so a bodhisattva is an open-hearted being. A meditation master known as Ngulchu Thogme composed these verses to teach us how to live a full life with open hearts, to be helpful to those around us, and to show up more for our day-to-day lives. One verse offers advice on how we can make peace with the people who might point out our flaws in a public way:

If in the middle of a crowd of people

Someone reveals your hidden faults and abuses you for them,

To see him as a spiritual friend and to bow with respect

Is the practice of a Bodhisattva.

Let’s say you’re out to dinner with your partner and a group of friends. You start talking about Brett, your annoying co-worker who always talks about people behind the…

Source http://www.sonima.com/meditation/make-peace-with-your-faults/

Nobody’s perfect. We all have our faults, and most of us have gotten really good at hiding them where no one can see them. Yet when someone becomes even a little bit intimate with us, they might reveal these faults and make light of them in a skillful (or not so skillful) way. How can we possibly be okay with that? And better yet, is there a way we could view this public humiliation as a teaching we can grow from?

There is a beautiful Buddhist text dating back to the 14th century known as the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Bodhi can be translated from Sanskrit as “open” or “awake,” while sattva means “being,” so a bodhisattva is an open-hearted being. A meditation master known as Ngulchu Thogme composed these verses to teach us how to live a full life with open hearts, to be helpful to those around us, and to show up more for our day-to-day lives. One verse offers advice on how we can make peace with the people who might point out our flaws in a public way:

If in the middle of a crowd of people

Someone reveals your hidden faults and abuses you for them,

To see him as a spiritual friend and to bow with respect

Is the practice of a Bodhisattva.

Let’s say you’re out to dinner with your partner and a group of friends. You start talking about Brett, your annoying co-worker who always talks about people behind the…

POPSUGAR December Must Have Box

Source http://www.livelifeactive.com/2017/01/05/popsugar-december-must-box/

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate / referral links.
One of my favorite things is coming home from work and seeing a bright pink box on my doorsteps.  Once again, the POPSUGAR December Must Have Box was full of some awesome goodies this month.  Mark it down for another awesome month for what’s in these cute little boxes.  This subscription box never disappoints. My absolute favorite part of this month’s box was the adorable “catch-all” tray and matching ring dish by Odeme.  I put them both on my dresser in my bedroom and filled the big one with all my bracelets I wear on a regular basis and then the smaller dish is filled with my rings.  They are simply adorable and elegant.  Perfect addition to my bedroom.

<a style="color: #000;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;fon…

Source http://www.livelifeactive.com/2017/01/05/popsugar-december-must-box/

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate / referral links.
One of my favorite things is coming home from work and seeing a bright pink box on my doorsteps.  Once again, the POPSUGAR December Must Have Box was full of some awesome goodies this month.  Mark it down for another awesome month for what’s in these cute little boxes.  This subscription box never disappoints. My absolute favorite part of this month’s box was the adorable “catch-all” tray and matching ring dish by Odeme.  I put them both on my dresser in my bedroom and filled the big one with all my bracelets I wear on a regular basis and then the smaller dish is filled with my rings.  They are simply adorable and elegant.  Perfect addition to my bedroom.

<a style="color: #000;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;fon…

He said, she said: Brighton marathon training

Source http://www.thefitbits.com/2016/12/he-said-she-said-brighton-marathon.html

FitBits | Brighton Marathon training week 1 - Tess Agnew fitness blogger


I’ve been so gagging for this Christmas break. 


Some much-needed time to rest, reflect and recharge from a busy and funny old year (more on that later this week). Sat here full of the Christmas binge, I’m happy to have finall…

Source http://www.thefitbits.com/2016/12/he-said-she-said-brighton-marathon.html

FitBits | Brighton Marathon training week 1 - Tess Agnew fitness blogger


I’ve been so gagging for this Christmas break. 


Some much-needed time to rest, reflect and recharge from a busy and funny old year (more on that later this week). Sat here full of the Christmas binge, I’m happy to have finall…

Brighton marathon training week 2: He Said, She Said

Source http://www.thefitbits.com/2017/01/brighton-marathon-training-week-2-he.html

FitBits | Brighton Marathon Training week 2 - RunBrighton - Tess Agnew fitness blogger


Time for the second instalment of He Said, She Said* – training for Brighton Marathon from two very different perspectives – me… a third-time ‘intermediate’ marathoner, and the hubs, Chris… a first-time speed demon about to discover the true potential I’ve been telling him he has for years. 

<s…

Source http://www.thefitbits.com/2017/01/brighton-marathon-training-week-2-he.html

FitBits | Brighton Marathon Training week 2 - RunBrighton - Tess Agnew fitness blogger


Time for the second instalment of He Said, She Said* – training for Brighton Marathon from two very different perspectives – me… a third-time ‘intermediate’ marathoner, and the hubs, Chris… a first-time speed demon about to discover the true potential I’ve been telling him he has for years. 

<s…

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