Hey, Joe, you don't have to lose any 30 lbs--unless you've really been packing them on since the Getaway.    I don't think you're typecast as Santa.

One thing you really need to do--as do we all, probably:   get more sleep.

Among other things, I've read it's important to have no TV--or computer--less than an hour before trying to get to sleep. Otherwise it's hard to do it.

Sleep, as we're told constantly, is the foundation of good health. Supposedly adults need about 8 hours.

Listen to gnu on red meat.    I've just about given it up in favor of salmon and chicken (chicken I cook or microwave and put the spices I want on it, especially lemon juice and Indian curries).      You can really jazz chicken up to be at least as flavorful as red meat.

Exercise:    how about swimming?    Supposed to be the best exercise there is.

Back to food: I'd say that eating baked potatoes, for instance, should be fine. It's what we put on them that is questionable.

As you know, the less prepared and packaged food you eat, the less sugar and salt--which is all to the good. You can always put it on if you really need it.    The only thing I ever put salt on is corn on the cob.

And for salads, if you use vinegar (maybe balsamic vinegar, for the spice), rather than anything with mayonnaise,that's good.

When, as well as what you eat, is also important.   They say the best thing is to eat a big breakfast and taper off from there.    I'm a rotten role model on this--often skip breakfast entirely.    But next best thing is to eat your big meal at midday.   That's what I try to do.   Above all don't eat the big meal at night--you probably don't get enough chance to work it off.   And particularly don't eat a lot of sugary snacks at night.   If I'm hungry at night I eat a yogurt and put some clementines or grapes in it.

Hey Joe, we want to keep you around here forever--somebody has to ride herd on all us cats (but please don't let Mudcat keep you from good health).   Seriously, don't let Mudcat stand in the way of sleep (if at all possible).

My Jan seems to internalize all the problems of the world. This is not a good idea for anybody--as I keep telling her (to amazingly little effect). I think this is another thing some of us have to avoid.    She does all she can do--then berates herself for not doing more.   We have to be realistic--for health's sake if nothing else.