99.1 KXKC - Jen's Mommy Minute

If you want a happy marriage, you should treat your spouse like your dog! That’s the opinion of couples’ counselor Suzanne Phillips. She says that one of the most common complaints she hears from unhappy spouses is, “I only wish I got as much attention as our dogs.” So, here are the three top habits from dog lovers that can improve any relationship:

Be happy to see each other! No matter how hard their day was, dog lovers always give their furry friends a warm hello, a belly rub, and maybe a walk around the block. Think what it would do for your relationship if you always gave your partner a hug and a kiss, and spent a half-hour together after work.
Don’t hold a grudge! According to a study in the journal Personal Relationships, most people are overly-sensitive about their partner’s bad habits – and those habits tend to become even more irritating over time. But the same person who goes ballistic over a wet towel on the bed will forgive their dog for barfing on the rug.
Pet ownership really is “for better or worse.” Most owners will stick with their pet, no matter how sick or needy they are. Marriage Educator Cathy Meyer says that a lot of people see divorce as an easy way out when their spouse disappoints them. But it’s rare for a person to decide they’ve had enough of a beloved family pet, and dump them. So instead of looking for a way out of your relationship, you may want to look for a way through the bad times. Just like you would hire a trainer to solve your pet’s behavior problems, you may need to hire a therapist to help you overcome your own problems.

Why Meatless?

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Going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel.

Read about these benefits below. But keep in mind that just going meatless is not enough. That’s why we give you the information you need to add healthy, environmentally friendly meat-free alternatives to your diet each week. Further, if you do eat meat on other days, we strongly recommend grass-fed, hormone-free, locally-raised options whenever possible.

Health Benefits

LIMIT CANCER RISK: Hundreds of studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risk. Both red and processed meat consumption are associated with colon cancer.
REDUCE HEART DISEASE: Recent data from a Harvard University study found that replacing saturated fat-rich foods (for example, meat and full fat dairy) with foods that are rich in polyunsaturated fat (for example, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds) reduces the risk of heart disease by 19%
FIGHT DIABETES: Research suggests that higher consumption of red and processed meat increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
CURB OBESITY: People on low-meat or vegetarian diets have significantly lower body weights and body mass indices. A recent study from Imperial College London also found that reducing overall meat consumption can prevent long-term weight gain.
LIVE LONGER: Red and processed meat consumption is associated with increases in total mortality, cancer mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality.
IMPROVE YOUR DIET. Consuming beans or peas results in higher intakes of fiber, protein, folate, zinc, iron and magnesium with lower intakes of saturated fat and total fat.

Environmental Benefits

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions that are accelerating climate change worldwide . . . far more than transportation. And annual worldwide demand for meat continues to grow. Reining in meat consumption once a week can help slow this trend.
MINIMIZE WATER USAGE. The water needs of livestock are tremendous, far above those of vegetables or grains. An estimated 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef. Soy tofu produced in California requires 220 gallons of water per pound.
HELP REDUCE FOSSIL FUEL DEPENDENCE. On average, about 40 calories of fossil fuel energy go into every calorie of feed lot beef in the U.S. Compare this to the 2.2 calories of fossil fuel energy needed to produce one calorie of plant-based protein. Moderating meat consumption is a great way to cut fossil fuel demand.

The Right Way: Break In Your Shoes In Under Five Minutes

Put on a thick pair of socks and then put on your shoes. Aim a hairdryer at the shoes, concentrating on the tighter spots. Wiggle your toes and feet around. Keep them on while they cool.

Remove the socks and test out shoes. They should be stretched out, but if not, just repeat the process.