Here in America, we have a serious problem.

It’s called obesity, and it’s killing millions of people every year.  The fact is, much of our own diet, the food we eat to keep ourselves alive, is slowly killing us at the same time.  Thanks to the consumption of excess meat, dairy and oils, we’re putting ourselves at greater risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

In his book, Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health, Gene Stone compiles statements from number of doctors, chefs and nutrition experts for  insight into the health benefits of a plant-based diet, which may reduce people’s risks of cancer and other diseases.  At the very least, it may help in dropping a few pounds.

The book also contains healthy recipes that won’t make you feel like you’re eating rabbit food.  I especially can’t wait to try the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (quinoa is especially filling!) or the MexiCali Burritos.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is looking to improve their health and their waistline.  However, as always, consult your doctor before starting any diets.

As an OBGYN, I get this question in my practice a lot: Dr. Manny, what should I eat during my pregnancy?

Well, I’m happy to say I’ve finally found a book I can solidly recommend to guide you through these next nine months.  It’s called Healthy Eating During Pregnancy by Erika Lenkert.

Lenkert’s pregnancy cookbook includes 100 delicious recipes that are packed with the nutrients pregnant women and their babies need.  Yes, ladies, this includes desserts – like ice cream!

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to pregnant families that want to stay healthy without falling into a meal rut.

It’s usually about this time when parents start to hear those dreaded words that inevitably come each summer. “I’m bored!” rings through houses across America and parents’ wells of ideas begin to run dry. The excitement of summer has started to wear off, play date pals are away on vacation, and our little swimmers are a bit water-logged. Though a loose daily schedule seems to provide endless opportunities for fun, parents everywhere are looking for quick and easy ways to break the monotony of summer. Here are a few “out of the box” ideas for keeping your children intrigued this summer.

*Call your local pet shelter and ask about volunteer opportunities. This may include a weekly trip to the shelter, handing out fliers for a pet rescue organization, or feeding the animals. Shelters likely have clear rules on who can volunteer and in what capacity, so check with them first before springing the idea on your children. If they don’t allow children to volunteer, bring your child to drop off bags of food or new toys for the animals. Seeing how much work it takes to care for a pet could also cure the constant requests for a puppy!

*Have a donation stand instead of a lemonade stand. Set up three jars for three different charities and generous neighbors can drop their donation in the jar of their choice. After your collection, have your children write a letter to accompany the donation when you send it off to the charity. They can also hang a “thank you” sign outside the house after the collections are completed.

*Have a family cook-off! Have each of your children choose a recipe to make. Invite family members or neighbors over for a taste and have them cast votes. Instead of first, second, and third place, which can surely hurt feelings, have categories such as most unique recipe, best presentation, and sweetest treat. Be sure to have a prize for each participant. Your local dollar store is a great place to pick up ribbons or small toys.

Remember, the key to keeping your children happily occupied is to provide a variety of activities. The activities don’t have to be grand trips or expensive outings. There are plenty of simple, cost-effective ways to spice up your routine summer days. Check back on Thursday for more ideas!