Weekly Wellness
Issue 305
Featured Article
The Simplest Weight Loss Tips No One Follows -- It's rarely one single thing a person does that is sabotaging their efforts to lose fat and or gain muscle, but a bunch of little things that have an accumulated effect.
Fitness Tip
Coffee Crazies?
If p.m. coffee leaves you too awake to sleep, try cutting it off earlier rather than cutting it out completely. Coffee's stimulatory effects usually take 6 to 8 hours to wear off, so consider your bedtime when you reach for an afternoon or evening cup. The effects of p.m. coffee can exacerbate insomnia, nervousness, anxiety and even panic attacks. But coffee has an up-side, too. Short-term studies have found that a cup's worth can increase self-confidence, energy and motivation to work.
Nutrition Tip
New Year Resolution to Stick to?
Three Quick, Helpful Exercise Tips for the New Year!
- Make exercise a habit. Choose a time every day -- even 30 minutes -- and stick to it.
- Vary your workout. Mix up your activities to avoid burn out.
- Recruit a friend! Working out as a team keeps you both motivated.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quote:
"Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections." -- Saint Francis de Sales
Quick Recipe
Cheddar Eggs
Spray small microwave-safe cup or bowl with cooking spray. Add one egg or egg substitute equal to one egg, and 1-tablespoon water; beat lightly with fork. Stir in one-quarter cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese. Microwave on high one minute to 90 seconds or until egg is completely cooked, stirring after one minute. Spoon onto toasted whole grain bread slice. Sprinkle with hot pepper sauce, if desired. Makes one serving.
Note: For a milder taste, prepare as directed, using shredded Swiss cheese and omitting hot pepper sauce.
Tidbit(s)
Traditional New Year Foods
Traditional New Year foods are thought to bring good luck. In many cultures, it is a predominant belief that anything in the shape of a ring brings luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. It is primarily for this reason that the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day brings good fortune. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Consuming cabbage is also considered a potential harbinger of good luck. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.
See also: New Year Recipes
Food Facts
Raw or cooked meatballs can be frozen on a cookie sheet then transferred to a container, sealed, and put back in the freezer. This way they stay separate, and you can use as many as you want at any one time.
Add nuts to your yogurt for some added crunch and protein.
Don't throw away those overripe bananas, even if you don't have enough for a great banana bread. You can freeze the overripe bananas in zipper-lock plastic bags. When you have enough bananas, simply thaw them until they are soft.
More Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips on the Web site!