AUBREEVISION - Observations from the far side of the dial

PS to entry below -- for those similarly interested in healthy eating/weight loss, one tip I've seen consistently is making the switch from white bread products/flours/pastas to whole wheat. I know the movement away from refined products isn't a new concept but it took me a while to commit to it, finally trading in my beloved white crusty rolls and French bread for whole wheat alternatives. I've also cut back substantially on sugar and use only the lowest-fat versions of dairy products. I'll let y'all know if it pays off in budging those extra 10 lbs!

Another tip I got at work but have yet to test out: drinking a glass of ice water prior to meals shrinks the stomach slightly so you eat less. I dunno if I quite believe it, and there's something almost obsessive about it -- I can picture people becoming dependent on the miraculous powers of ice water. "I can't eat without it or I'll lose all control!"