Over the last four years in the Conservation Corner you`ve read about all the things that you can do to become more eco-friendly. You`re read about all the "R`s" you ever wanted to know about - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink, Refuse, Restore, etc, etc... all to help our planet... well how `bout this... Going Green can even help you lose weight and be healthier! * Say "goodbye" to individual use drink containers and the sugar that`s in them. It`s not just high calorie soft drinks in plastic bottles and cans that are a problem, but also juices, sports drinks and even sweetened tea. Nutritionist call these "empty calories" and a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that eliminating sugar sweetened drinks can double your chance of losing 5% of your body weight compared to only cutting food calories. * Make Meat at Special Treat. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 20% of greenhouse gas is generated by the meat industry and there is substantial medical evidence to suggest the diets high in animal protein and fat are bad for our health. You don`t have to go "all the way" and become a vegetarian to make a difference for yourself and our planet - try reducing portion size or commit to "Meatless Mondays" - both are good ways to work toward a healthier you. * Walk, Peddle or Paddle (why not in Cedar Key). When you can, walk or bike to where you need to go. If it`s too far without your car, consider driving part way and walking the rest. The calories you burn will help you lose weight and the oil you don`t will save you money and help our planet. * Avoid prepackaged "convenience foods." It might be easier to "nuke" a packaged meal, but, not only are these foods more expensive and more costly to the environment, highly processed foods are more likely to be high in sugar, salt, and bad fats, and the chemicals they contain may be bad for your health. The alternative - shop local, eat fresh foods that are in season, choose whole foods and cook them yourself. Better for you, better for _______ (you guessed it!) * Plant a Garden. Think of the work as a way to work off calories (cheaper than the gym) and there`s no doubt your fresh veggies will add to your healthier lifestyle. * Turn off the TV (and computer and other electronic devices) and Get Out and Go. Even if you can`t do this all week, make it a weekend goal. There is a direct correlation between couch potato time and obesity. But don`t forget to turn the TV off when you leave the house! * Finally, as counterintuitive as it might sound, getting a good night`s sleep can also help you keep the weight off. Not only do you avoid that "4th meal" or "midnight snack" but you also turn off you lights and electronics (again the environment). This column is a project of CK`s Energy Advisory Panel, which welcomes first-person accounts of how individuals are conserving (or, even, aspiring to conserve) our community`s natural resources. Your submission may be made via email (eileenlbowers@yahoo.com). Please include your full name and your phone number. | 
