Seen on Sunday morning: March 23rd

NEW YORK -----WHOLE FOODS EARTH DAY-----

The whole earth generation program, sponsored by "Whole Foods Market" encourages today's youth to get involved in eco- friendly initiatives.

The market on bowery just held a competition for children aged seven to 17 to showcase their environmental consciousness.... The winners will be hosts for eco- themed podcasts the whole month of April. With us this morning is one of the winners, 7-year-old India Gray-Farris from Brooklyn.

Why did you choose to participate in the Whole Earth Generation program?
It is really important to me to save the earth because it is all we've got. Also, I think it is really cool that the Whole Earth Generation is interested in getting kids involved in helping the environment.

What was your audition like and what did you talk about?
It was really fun! I got to talk about saving the earth on TV. I talked about cleaning up our gardens; specifically making more space for gardens in New York City and making a difference in this world.

When and why did you first become interested in helping the environment?
I attend the Earth School and it focuses a lot on the earth and what we can do to protect it.

Why is it important to recycle?
It is really important for our generation to try to protect the earth. Recycling gets more use out of our materials and way better than throwing away garbage.

How do you recycle?
I recycle glass, bottles, plastic, and paper. I also reuse stuff instead of throwing away.

Why do you want to turn junk yards into green spaces?
I think it's a really cool idea. It's a way to make something ugly, beautiful and help the environment at the same time. Plants and trees give us oxygen; more trees, more oxygen!

What would you do to turn junk yards into green spaces?
First, I would clear out and recycle the junk. Then, I would get the community to help me plant trees, flowers, and grass. I would also form a garden club and every Saturday we would go and weed and water the gardens.

For more information, click here!

-----DIET DEPLETION-----

If you're on a diet, you're likely experiencing diet depletion-- the result of cutting back on certain types of food. but, supplements can help. Joining us this morning is dr. Ronald Hoffman of the Hoffman center and author of "how to talk to your doctor about supplements."

We've heard that losing weight is good, now it's bad?
Maintaining a healthy weight is good - what happens when we go on a diet is we fail to realize is that as the numbers on the scale go down, so do vital nutrient and energy levels. You have significant vitamin and mineral imbalances brought on by the latest diet crazes.

What are some of the complications?
Obvious symptoms might include nausea, headaches, even nosebleeds. The side effects can range from issues as serious as depression and fatigue to a weakened immune system, digestive issues and the unintended effect of slowing down the metabolism. Ultimately, NOT losing weight, not taking care of your body and you're back on the fat wagon again!

How can dieters keep their weight loss going if they are following a specific trendy diet?
The best way is to each healthy and eat right and supplement your diet with the right amount of nutrients so that you get to your goal weight.

How many supplements should you take a day?
Every person is different. The best way to get your vitamins is from food. But when you are on a diet, or you just don't eat right, you are missing important nutrients.

The Atkins Diet:
Those following Atkins drastically reduce their carbohydrate intake while eating unlimited amounts of fat and protein. While on Atkins, it's essential to supplement essential nutrients like vitamin C, B-complex, folic acid, potassium and calcium.

The Zone:
Zone dieters adhere to a ratio of carbohydrate (40%) to protein (30%) to fat (30%). While this is one of the more balanced of the popular weight loss plans, Omega-3 supplementation is recommended to support optimal heart, brain, joint and immune function.

Weight Watchers:
As the most popular of the low fat, high carbohydrate diets, Weight Watchers restricts the intake of dietary fat, which all but eliminates the ability of the body to process vitamins A, D, E and K. Those following Watchers or any of the low fat diet plans should choose a multivitamin with higher levels of these nutrients.

Slim Fast:
Slim Fast has been a popular way to lose weight since if first came on the market in the early 80s. While these shakes are fortified with vitamins and minerals, they lack adequate amounts of fiber, which could lead to digestive problems. A fiber supplement will help keep the digestive system healthy while losing weight.

Alli:
Fat blockers are the newest trend in diet pills. Alli hit the market last year, making fat blockers available over-the-counter to the masses. However, because Alli stops the absorption of ¼ of the fat ingested, fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene should be supplemented.

For more information, visit www.drhoffman.com or www.vitaminshoppe.com

-----EASTER SUNDAY-----

It's Easter Sunday, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Christians believe occurred on the third day after his crucifixion around AD 33. Easter fell on the earliest date possible this year.... March 23rd.

Joining us this morning with the significance of Easter is Dr. Arthur Caliandro of the Marble Collegiate Church in midtown Manhattan.

Why is Easter so early this year and why is it so early this year?
Easter is on a lunar schedule. This came from the decision made by a special council in 325AD. Easter is scheduled the first Sunday after the full moon in March.

Why is Palm Sunday particularly poignant in times of war?
We just hit the fifth anniversary of the war in iraq. Palm Sunday introduces a week of pain and loss that demonstrates the tragic results of violence.

Just this last week, presidential candidate Barack Obama was forced to respond to controversial comments made by his life-long preacher. What are your thoughts on it?
The obvious benefit would be for churches in terms of planning. This year was particularly challenging- we had the Christmas celebration and five weeks later, we were in lent. Having Easter, say, the first Sunday in April, would make more sense in terms of timing and in the harmony between the Christian faiths.

-----TRAVEL GADGETS-----

Making your vacation worry- free, joining us this morning with some travel gadgets is 70 park avenue hotel general manager Ericka Nelson.

Multi-purpose collapsible sneakers

These fold-up workout sneakers by Puma line have a slot in the sole for a hotel key, credit card and ID. They come in a wide variety of colors so you could sweat in style.

TIP: Have the concierge or front desk map out the best local running routes, or use a local travel website to find the closest scenic park for a quick jog.

Fold-up Yoga Mat/Yoga Paws

This lightweight, easy-travel fold-up yoga mat has a cheeky picture of a muffin to motivate during the workout. If your bag is already packed to the brim, opt for Yoga Paws, little breathable mitts that slip onto hands and the balls of your feet for travel-friendly exercise.

TIP: Many hotels provide yoga, pilates or meditation videos free of charge, you just have to know to ask. Additionally, before your trip you could go to www.yogasite.com and print out some easy-to-follow, classic poses and breathing techniques. Just 15 minutes of yoga and meditative breathing a day reduces your heart rate and decreases the production of cortisone, the chemical linked to stress in the body.

Stylish laptop protector

Mady by Built NY, this lightweight laptop bag with cushioned protective walls, comes in a fun and funky array of colors and patterns. The handles have "shark grill" grips for slip free handling if you're on the run.

MIZPEE - Nearby Bathrooms texted right to your cellphone

If you're used to hearing "I have to go NOW" on your trip, MizPee will lead you to a clean location. Simply text a message from your cell phone with your city and state location to their phone number, and they'll send you their list of "5 roll awarded" local toilets. Included in the info provided is whether the establishment has wheelchair access and if there is a diaper changing station. Additionally, you could visit the website www.mizpee.com before sightseeing/traveling and print out the best local bathrooms.

  • Hideo Wakamatsu Leopard Trolley
  • Dreamerz Chocolate Pillows

    -----RUNNERS FOOD-----

    Makeover your breakfast, lunch and dinner by adding more nutrients and you're sure to get an energy boost through the day. Joining us this morning with tips is runner's world executive editor, Tish Hamilton..

    Notes for Michelle--- go through the meals and then ask about snacks--- are protein bars as healthy as everyone says? Are they work the calories?

    1) LET'S START WITH A PRE WORKOUT BREAKFASTS:

    MEAL: Oatmeal with milk and a sprinkle of brown sugar
    MAKEOVER: Oatmeal with almonds, strawberries and low fat yogurt
    NUTRITION BOOST:
    - Oatmeal is a good option because its whole grain carbs and provide lasting energy.
    - Substitute yogurt for milk since cup for cup, yogurt delivers more protein and calcium.
    - Sweeten oatmeal with fresh/frozen strawberries, which provide sweetness and nutrients.
    - Add crunch with almonds-a good source healthy fats.

    2) NEXT UP-POST WORKOUT LUNCHES

    MEAL: Turkey sandwich on a baguette with lettuce and light mayo.
    MAKEOVER: Whole grain wrap with turkey, spinach, tomato and pesto.
    NUTRITION BOOST:
    - Whole grain breads contain more fiber and B vitamins than their white counterparts.
    - Instead of sliced bread, choose a whole wheat wrap, which has more fiber and can hold more vegetables, so you get more nutrients.
    - Pesto, made with olive oil and pine nuts, adds a healthy serving of monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
    - Recent studies show that when eaten with vegetables, these fats improve absorption of vitamins.

    3) CARBO-LOADING DINNER

    MEAL: Whole-wheat pasta with marinara sauce.
    MAKEOVER: Whole-wheat pasta with marinara sauce, whole beans, broccoli, and grilled chicken.
    NUTRITION BOOST:
    - Pasta and beans is a traditional Italian pairing that delivers far more protein, iron and calcium than noodles alone.
    - Anywhere you can add beans because they are low in calories and pack a big nutritional punch.
    - Chicken offers additional protein.
    - Broccoli adds lots of calcium and vitamins, which have cancer fighting and anti-inflammatory properties.
    - That's important for anyone who exercises.

    4) HEALTHY SNACKS:

    - Almonds
    - Apple with string cheese
    - Plain yogurt with fresh fruit
    - Whole wheat crackers with peanut butter

    Are energy bars good snacks?
    - Only if you are running between 5 and 6 miles a day. Otherwise, stick to lower fat and calorie snacks like the ones we have here.

    PLUS NUTRITION RESEARCH THAT KEEPS YOU UP TO SPEED

    - Did you know that Popeye was right? Spinach really does build strong legs and lungs.
    - Boost your fat intake. Runners on low fat diets risk injury.
    - An orange a day keeps the knee pain away.
    - Streamed broccoli packs more nutrients than its raw counterpart.
    - Adding lemon to your green tea can help limit cancer-cell activity.

    For more information, go to www.runnersworld.com

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