B6

B6 is more than just a vitamin. It is a rallying cry I am using to try to quit taking in empty or unnecessary calories. Lately, I've been drinking too much sugar beer, which like sugar pop contains a lot of empty calories. One or two drinks a day is OK. More than that can be a problem, especially as the calories add up into pounds over time. The incremental effect is what hurts the most.

I also need to cut out seconds and snacks. Of course, eating five meals a day helps. I try to eat a balanced meal or snack at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The meal is about 60 percent complex carbohydrates, 20 percent proteins and 20 percent good fats. I also aim for 75 percent plant products and 25 percent animal products.

And lately I've been following the Indian proverb, "Drink your food, eat your drink." That goes hand in hand with the rules of two: eat twice as often, eat half as much and chew twice as long.

B6 refers to finding something to do for six minutes when a craving arises. Usually, by the end of the six minutes, the craving will be gone. Wish me luck!