By LLeslie eslie Bur Burman, man, R.D. L.D. A Registered Dietitian and a Licensed Nutritionist working in the South Florida area for the past 10 plus years. My objective is to assist you in fulfilling your personal health and nutrition goals. I am truly passionate with what I do and take much pleasure in assisting those with individualized wellness needs. For info: please call 561-789-7000. or visit www.leslieburman.com.

As we break out the mandatory ammunition necessary for a successful 4th of July, bathing suits quickly come to mind. How is it that your bathing suit can magically shrink while lying dormant for 8 month?If this happens to you, too, you are not alone.

Approximately 64% of adults today are overweight and/or obese. Approximately 10.4% of children ages 2-3 and 15.3% of 6-11 year olds are overweight.

You Know what to do. Eat fewer portions, exercise more and don’t eat out as often. Statistically we are eating out less with annually reducing 93 times in 1985 to 80 times today. W e are , however, eating more meals in our car, eating more ready to eat foods, using more microwave cooking and getting more take out. We all have gym memberships but we manage to park our car in the closest possible spot in the parking lot. We use remotes for our garage instead of lifting the door. We have portable phones instead of getting up to answer every call.Rarely do we see homeowners with a rake or shovel.

Who needs to visit an office co-worker or mail out a letter with emails and we even think Blockbuster is a bit inconvenient with movies at our disposal.Our children are also, unfortunately, benefiting our new high tech discoveries.

Children are 6 times more likely to play video games then ride bikes. The amount of snacks and soft drinks have increased dramatically.

There is a silver lining to these very depressing statistics, however. Just 5-10% reduction of initial body weight will decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glycemic control. This 4th, enjoy lighting a ‘healthy’ grill, along with your fireworks!