Writing out a weekly meal plan can help you make sure you're consuming a well-balanced diet.  Plan meals and snacks to have throughout the day so that you'll be eating each food group everyday.    Take an hour or two of your free time and write up your ideas for all meals and snacks. Try tallying up all the food groups for each daily meal plan.  Did you include dairy each day?  How about enough fruits or vegetables? If you're busy or on the go, plan for meals that are quick, require little cooking or recipes that you can freeze for easy-to-prepare meals. Search online for sample meal plans and inspiration. Stocking your kitchen with healthy foods from each food group will help make preparing balanced meals and maintaining a balanced diet easy.  After you write up your meal plan, make time to go grocery shopping to stock up on a variety of your favorite healthy items.   A well-stocked pantry can be a great tool for maintaining a balanced diet.  Stock up on shelf-stable foods for quick and easy balanced meals:  canned beans, no-salt-added canned vegetables, canned tuna or chicken, 100% whole grains (like quinoa, 100% whole wheat pasta or brown rice) and nut butters. Stock up on frozen items like:  frozen vegetables (without sauces or seasonings), frozen fruit, frozen pre-cooked grains (like brown rice or quinoa), low-calorie frozen dinners (for busy nights) and frozen proteins (fish or chicken). Keep a supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy (like low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese and lean proteins (chicken, fish, pork or lean beef). Keeping a food journal can help you maintain a balanced diet in two ways.  First, it can help you review your current diet and allow you see what areas your diet is lacking.  And second, it's a great method to keep you on track long-term.  Purchase a journal or download a journaling app on your smartphone.  Track as many days as you can.  Pay attention to the 5 food groups - are you consuming all of them each day? We are often unaware if we are eating too much or too little of something. A food journal can bring this information to light. When first starting, note where you think you can make improvements or better choices.  For example, you're not a big vegetable fan and you typically skimp on this group, or you eat a lot of the same foods each week without much variety. Speaking to a doctor or registered dietitian can help you tailor your balanced diet to your personal health and medical history.  They may be able to provide you with additional guidance or recommendations to improve or maintain your current health.    Speak with your primary care doctor.  Your doctor is most likely aware of your health and medical conditions and may be able to give you general recommendations for certain foods or a diet pattern that can help you achieve not only a balanced diet, but one that may improve your overall health.  They may also be able to refer you to a local dietitian for additional help. A registered dietitian is a nutrition expert that may give you a ton of guidance on balanced diets and healthy eating.  They will be able to educate you on the benefits of a balanced diet, show you where your diet is lacking and be able to give you a meal plan and tips to help you reach a more balanced diet.  Visit the EatRight website and click on the orange "Find an Expert" button on the top right to search for a dietitian in your area.

Summary: Write a meal plan. Go grocery shopping. Start a food journal. Talk to your doctor or registered dietitian.


In fact, some will take up bow hunting without ever doing actual hunting. Bow hunting takes concentration and just being good at hunting. It is not a surprise that bow-hunters are more likely to subscribe to the rules of fair chase and more likely to hunt for food. Compound bows have a string that wraps around with the aid of cams.  Compound bows are best for hunting because the arrow flies faster/farther and is more accurate.  Compound bows often have sights that are used to visually assist the archer aiming the arrow at the target. Compound bow hunters use arm and chest protectors, since a compound bow string has a lot of torque and can cause injury if you don't have protection.  Larger breasted women often will use a shotgun instead for this reason. Hunting can also use a recurve bow or a longbow, but that is less common for reasons mentioned above. Some enjoy using a crossbow. Hunting groups are pretty common in the USA.  You can simply go to a hunting store near you and ask if they have a club. Bow hunters will show you where they shoot.  Shooting in the woods is different from being on a range, and takes getting used to. It doesn't matter if you are shooting deer, elk, pigs/javelina or more exotic game.

Summary: Know that bow hunting uses some special equipment. Know that many hunters believe that bow hunting is much more sporting than using a gun to hunt. Know that hunting generally involves compound bows. Join a bow hunting club. Know that bringing down game with a bow and arrow is a challenge.


If you find yourself being irritable on a regular basis, you need to determine the reason. Irritability can be a symptom of underlying health issues such as anxiety and depression. In women, hormonal imbalance can lead to irritability.  Irritability can also be a symptom of serious illness such as cardiovascular disease or lung disease. Certain medications can also cause irritability. Ask your doctor to help you find the cause of your problem. Consult your doctor on the best way to treat your irritability. If it is a symptom of a physical ailment, such as chronic pain, it is time to be more aggressive in treating your illness. Ask your doctor to suggest changes in your medication or lifestyle. If your doctor concludes that your irritability is the result of a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression, ask him to refer a counselor. Talk therapy can be very effective in helping you deal with these issues. If your irritability is not the result of a physical problem, it is likely situational. That means it is caused by something going on in your life: stress at work, or problems in a relationship. Spend some time trying to pinpoint what it is that is making you unhappy. Then take steps to try to make positive changes in that area.  If you find that work is one of the major causes of your bad mood, consider making a career change. Make a list of the things you consider most important in a job: pay, creative challenges, security, a positive work environment. Then spend some time brainstorming what sort of career would best suit you. If you are having a problem with a personal relationship, try to communicate your thoughts to the other person. For example, if you find yourself constantly frustrated with your partner, ask to have a conversation about your feelings. Clearing the air can make you feel emotionally better, and can result in positive changes.
Summary: Learn the cause. Consider treatment. Make a lifestyle change.