Weekly Wellness
Issue 249
Featured Article
The Ancient Pancake -- Pancakes truly are an ancient food and can be very healthy, wholesome and delicious! Recipes included.
Fitness Tip
Don't be a night owl.
Exercising just before bedtime may be asking for trouble. Aerobic exercise -- and exercise in general -- helps you fall asleep more quickly and sleep longer, but generally not if you if you work out just before turning in. Don't be tempted by your gym's late hours if you have to get up early the next morning; most of us need a few hours to relax and decompress after a workout before going to sleep, so you might pay a price the next day.
Nutrition Tip
Some like it hot
With good reason -- chiles' heat may bring you significant health protection. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chile peppers their firey heat, contains an anticoagulant that might help prevent heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots. Chile peppers also contain a mixture of cancer-fighting antioxidants. Remember, don't touch your eyes as you're working with chile peppers, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. As a general rule, the larger the pepper, the milder it is. To reduce a pepper's intensity, remove the core and seeds.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quote:
Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world's perfect food.
--Michael Levine
Quick Recipe
Quip:
Mix 2-cups milk, drained juice from one can (14-ounce) fruit cocktail, one package (6-serving size) vanilla flavor cooked pudding and pie filling, 1-teaspoon ground ginger and 1-cup instant rice in saucepan. Bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Remove from heat, add drained fruit and let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Tidbit
Find a Partner
Sticking with any sort of a plan is easier when you have a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Find a friend to join you on morning or evening walks -- or ask an office worker to join you on a daily walk during lunch hour. Even a brief, brisk walk during a break will add up. You're more likely to meet your goals if you have a teammate or two cheering you on.
Food Fixes
Decorating the perfect holiday cookies:
Don't have icing handy? Melt chocolate or white chocolate chips in a small microwave dish and presto...instant icing!
Raisins, bits of licorice, shredded coconut, small candies and dried fruits all make for fun, colorful, and delicious cookie decorating.
To give your cookies that professional bakery look, wrap them in colored cellophane and secure them with a holiday bow or garland.
Enjoy cooking tips? Check out the Quick Cooking Tips section! They're quick, easy and helpful!