Shara Rendell-Smock has written more than twenty computer software manuals, numerous newspaper articles, including a monthly health column for The Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

She's the author of two books of non-fiction: Getting Hooked: Fiction's Opening Sentences 1950's- 1990's
and
Living With Big Cats: The Story of Jungle Larry, Safari Jane, and David Tetzlaff
For ordering information, click here.

To read more about these books, participate in an ongoing joke contest, surf on over to
www.rendell-smock.com .
The author currently lives on Florida's Space Coast.

Shara signed with a New York Literary agency in December.

A Basic Way to Wellness - Nutrition

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans says 'Eat a variety of foods.' It's easy to get stuck in the mind-set of eating only specific foods. We need to widen our food -- and fiber -- choices. We may even need to get away from thinking of certain foods as forbidden. Just eat them in moderation (assuming you have no need to adjust for medical conditions, such as diabetes).

The American Heart Association recommends eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables (preferably raw), fiber (whole-grain breads, cereals), pasta, beans, lean meat, skinless poultry and fish.

A bonus for shifting a diet toward fruits, vegetables, and grains is that these choices are more economical than meats, cheeses, and fast foods. Some examples of good nutrition choices are English muffins, nonfat yogurt, granola, pita bread, bagels, oatmeal, rice, turkey breast sandwich, soups, and fresh and dried beans. Of course, keep fat and cholesterol low.

Herbs, Fiber, Fluids

When trying to cut down on salt intake, cooking with herbs can bring out the flavor of a dish without making it spicy. Examples of this are basil and tarragon in chicken dishes, dill, thyme, oregano, rosemary in vegetable dishes and soups, and lemon juice, garlic, and onion in general cooking.

Fiber is another advantage of less-refined flour, rice, and cereal grains. Fiber reduces the risk of heart disease, constipation, diverticulitis, and diabetes.

Never underestimate the importance of water. You may want to refill your drinking glass with water. It isn't exactly a nutrient, but it is essential to health. Aside from regulating body temperature, water carries nutrients to our cells and removes waste from our bodies.

Another liquid we can drink for improved health is juice. Many health conscious people believe "juicing" - especially making your own juice from raw vegetables -- is crucial to health. Carrot juice is the standby, followed by spinach, cabbage, parsley, beets, celery, cucumber, and bell pepper.

Want to feel better and possibly live longer? Strive for nutritional success: Give your body the fuel it needs so your body will give you its best.

Next Week:

Massage Therapy

Issue # 20
Tuesday, March 17, 1998