Becoming aware of how to live a healthy life is one thing. Following through on what we know is another thing entirely.

A recent 2007 Food & Health Survey of 1,000 Americans, led by the International Food Information Council, revealed a serious disconnect between what we know about diet and what we actually do about it.

Ninety percent of those surveyed agreed that breakfast is an important part of a healthful diet. But only 49 percent said they actually eat breakfast every day. Eighty-four percent reported being physically active for health reasons at least one time per week, but 44 percent said they don't balance physical activity and diet to manage their weight. Sixty percent of survey participants who said they were trying to lose weight reported making an effort to cut calories. Yet only 11 percent knew the number of calories they should consume each day.

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Recently, I've been hearing from a lot of girls I know about the book French Women Don't Get Fat. I haven't read it yet, but from what I've been told, the book basically says that you can eat whatever you want -- cheese, chocolate, wine, crusty bread -- and not get fat as long as you watch your portion control and eat these foods in moderation.

This common sense attitude has kept French women svelte while the size of people in other populations balloons. According to this though, even the French are starting to become victims of the obesity-epidemic sweeping many nations. A recent study on that nation's weight found that nearly half of the population (42%) either had a weight problem, were overweight or obese.

The number of obese French is still much lower than in North America but still obesity is on the rise in France. The problem isn't a traditional 'eat what you please, just don't go overboard' attitude, but an increase of people switching to a North American lifestyle. So if you still want to eat what you want don't lose heart, because you can as long as you keep the portions reasonable.

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We always focus on making lists of things we need to do and inevitably end up feeling stressed out and overwhelmed by it all, when in reality a "not to do" list" may be much better for both our productivity and our health.

No, nobody is saying you should suddenly start shirking responsibilities. But by taking some time to realize what you waste time on every day you can make a list of things 'not to do' and you'll end up making room for all kinds of other things. By having more control over your time you'll naturally reduce stress and be productive. And that's good for all of us!

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If you own a BOSU or have been eying one up at the gym wondering what the heck to do with it, start simple. Pretend it's a step. You know, like the step, we've been using in group exercise classes for decades. Everything you can do on the step, you can do on the BOSU. The BOSU just adds the extra little element of instability, which in the long run will make you more stable.

Go slow at first, because standing on the dome of a BOSU is significantly different. Take a little time just standing on top to get comfortable, and then slowly add on motions you remember from that step class. Besides reaping the benefits of a great lower body workout the step was famous for, you'll engage your hips, abs, and back. Core training. Right?

Seven ideas for step training on the BOSU.

• March on and off.
• Step up lift one knee, step down.
• Jog up, jog down.
• Jump on and off the front and sides of it.
• Lunge on to it.
• Lunge backwards off it.
• Squat on and off.

  For more ideas on BOSU training or to grab one click here.

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