By JOAN ENDYKE HEALTHY EATING Portion sizes in restaurants remain unrealistically inflated, compared to what people ate 30 years ago - despite rising obesity rates warnings of ensuing health consequences for the American people.

By JOAN ENDYKE HEALTHY EATING I like to think of my mom as a "woman before her time" with "wisdom beyond her years." I regret my own selfish teenage years when I would sneer at her advice. Thankfully, I grew to appreciate her intellect and common sense, and now I cherish every moment with her.

By JOAN ENDYKE HEALTHY EATING Could excess calories be lurking in your wine glass or coffee cup? It seems just about everyone is looking to shed pounds these days. Cutting 300 to 500 calories from your daily diet will do the trick - melting off up to a pound of weight weekly.

By JOAN ENDYKE HEALTHY EATING Q. My husband was told his bad cholesterol is high. He is going to have his blood checked again by his doctor and wants to take Cholest Off to lower it. He does not want to take medication. What does this product do? Is it safe? Robin, Milton A.

By JOAN ENDYKE HEALTHY EATING Q. I'm now understanding the value of whole wheat products versus enriched. And I'm understanding fiber.