We often hear term, "Growing free." These two words evoke a tranquil scene: a youngster skipping through meadows, wondering at beauty of a wild flower and laughing at wind and clouds. The child is never threatened by exterior forces; he lives safe and protected within his childhood. Wishing only to be happy and free, child is permitted to pick and choose his activities.

Most often, child, because he is a child, wants only privileges -- making noise, scattering toys, demanding unequal time. He cares little for responsibility of growing -- making loud noises only out-of-doors, picking up scattered toys, sharing space and time around him. Surely, children must learn that responsibility is twin of privilege. Without first, second expands to undesired proportions; thus, if left untempered, we see irresponsible adolescents and adults.

Today, many adolescents, soon after onset of puberty, find themselves searching for a meaningful relationship with a member of opposite sex. Some take seriously their responsibility to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancy, while others become unwed parents or victims of teenage marriage. Both groups, responsibly sexually active young people and "it won't happen to me just this once" adolescent are often irresponsible to their duties in home -- unkempt bedrooms, refusal to help gladly or altogether with family chores. In short, seeing job but not doing it. Again, we hear their demand for mature privileges and their blindness to everyday responsibilities.

The low-fat craze has gone too far. I talk to clients all time who are upset and confused about low fat.

"Cyndi, I've cut out most of fat. I only eat low-fat, fat-free products. Why aren't I losing? I'm actually gaining weight!"

We need to clear up something right now. just because it says "low-fat", doesn't mean you can eat as much as you want and still lose weight. Sorry. sad but true.

We seemed to have forgotten all about calories. And contrary to popular belief, calories do count. And eating only low-fat foods will certainly cause you to eat more.

Diets with less than 20 percent fat leave you hungry, unsatisfied, and more likely to overeat.

If you keep chowing down on just carrot and celery sticks all day, you will be much more likely to snap. "I want some ice-cream and I want it NOW!"

Fat increases your sense of satiety, so you'll eat less. Fat will also give you a fuller feeling for a longer period of time.

When my kids want an afternoon snack, I can give them some raw carrot sticks and they will be back in about 20 min. wanting more. If I give them some raw carrot sticks and whole grain crackers with some almond butter on them. It will more than keep them out of my kitchen till dinner.

A diet rich in essential fats and oils works to increase metabolic rate and improve entire system of energy production. With this increase in metabolism, weight loss is not only possible but also inevitable. Blood sugar levels are balanced and food cravings become a thing of past.

Besides hindering weight loss, dramatically reducing your fat intake can bring on additional health problems. Low fat diets can increase your risk of heart disease by decreasing HDL's (the good cholesterol) and boosting triglycerides. It can also raise your risk for gout and gallstones.

For women, cutting back on fats will wreck havoc with your hormones. A healthy hormonal system relies on "fats". When you are experiencing things like, missed or irregular periods, menopausal symptoms, pre-menstrual syndrome, dry skin, and oily skin. your hormones are not functioning as they should. You need fat.

However, (this is really important, so listen up) all fats are not created equal.

Saturated fats should be avoided. They create all problems we just discussed. These would include fatty meats, whole milk, cheese, ice cream, and chocolate (that one hurt). saturated fats tend to be solid at room temperature. Some of fats that should be included are: