Many people underestimate the power of body language. When speaking to a friend or colleague, the words that come out of your mouth tell only half of the story. If your friend can barely listen to the story as he tries to decipher other messages you may be sending with your rolled eyes, crossed arms and wild gestures, you may have a body language barrier.

Using Body Language
Communication experts believe that 90% of our communication is nonverbal. If you don’t believe nonverbal cues can be that important consider your next job interview. Would you be daring enough to walk into an interview slouched over, offer a wimpy handshake and then refuse to make eye contact as you shuffle your feet though your standard interview responses? Only a fool would act this way and expect to land a powerful position, but it happens in all other aspects of your life as well.

There are endless conversations your body can be having without you, but even the simplest tasks throughout the day are telling. For example, your handshake can immediately identify you as a wimp or a jerk. (more…)

It’s ironic really that New Years and subsequent resolutions fall during the time when people struggle most with weight. Heavy winter clothes, lack of sunshine and warmth and hot comfort foods make it challenging to lose weight. Those same foods can actually bulk on a few pounds that are easily lost under layers of sweaters only to be found again when you remove layers for spring. This year, skip the extra five pounds by avoiding some of the fattiest winter comfort foods.

The average adult needs only 2000 calories or less to maintain their weight. It’s no wonder that Americans have trouble controlling their weight as many of their favorite foods supply all the calories they need in a single meal plus a few extra to store on the stomach, hips or thighs.

Creamy Soups and Chowders
There is nothing warmer than a thick bowl of soup or chowder on a snowy day, but that warm soup may be thickening your waistline despite your intentions of eating light. Chili’s clam chowder, for example, has over 900 calories. And that’s before you add the crackers.

Macaroni and Cheese
The absolute pinnacle of comfort foods, macaroni and cheese is loaded with delicious flavors, warm comfort and fattening calories. A single serving of mac & cheese can have well over 500 calories. Considering it is often a side dish as part of a full meal, those calories can add up very quickly indeed. (more…)