Page 37 - MAYO CLINIC Head to Toe e-magazine 293700

• Weigh wisely

Daily weighing can be a helpful tool for some people who are trying 40
to lose weight or prevent weight gain But daily shifts in body water
can show up as pounds on your scale So keep this in mind and pay
greater attention to trends in your weight
• Reduce stress

Stress can trigger overeating Instead of turning to comfort foods,
try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
39 Handling food safely

Keep food safety in mind from the time you shop to the time you eat
•
When shopping
Don’t buy food that’s in dented or bulging cans, or in jars with
bulging lids Refrigerate perishable items as soon as possible —
within two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90 F)
Put fresh fruits and vegetables in bags rather than directly in the
shopping cart to prevent contact with additional germs or with
drippings from other foods
• When preparing food
Wash your hands with soap and water Rinse produce thoroughly
before and after peeling Wash knives and cutting surfaces after
handling raw meat and before preparing other foods to be eaten
raw Launder dishcloths and kitchen towels frequently
• When cooking
Cook all ground meat, hamburger or roast beef thoroughly Meat,
especially if grilled, is likely to brown before it’s completely cooked,
so use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat is heated to at least
160 F at its thickest point Avoid undercooked eggs
• When storing food

Always check expiration dates Use or freeze fresh meats within
three to five days after purchase Use or freeze fresh poultry, fish
and ground meat within one to two days after purchase Refrigerate
or freeze leftovers within two hours of serving
• When eating out

Order red meat prepared medium or well done Ask that seafood be
thoroughly cooked

36 Mayo Clinic