2007 Ezines...

Fitness Tip

Emotional Health
Treating depression and curbing anger may be nearly as important for preventing heart attack and stroke as diet and exercise. And it can be as simple as laughing. Why? Laughter relaxes the blood vessels. Researchers showed two different movies to 20 volunteers -- one humorous, one stressful -- and tested their circulation. Average blood flow increased a healthy 22 percent during laughter and decreased 35 percent during stress. In theory, any heart-warming emotion may be heart shielding, too. See also: Coping with Stress.

Nutrition Tip

Dress Salads with Vinaigrette
By lowering the sugar concentration of foods, this helps to control blood sugar levels, which can help to prevent problems like insulin resistance syndrome. Insulin resistance syndrome plagues up to 40 million Americans and is a precursor to diabetes.

Quip or Quote of the Week

Quip:
The average American consumes 59 pounds of popcorn per year. Love popcorn? Check out the Popcorn Recipes!

Quick Recipe

Popcorn with a Twist
Low-fat microwave popcorn has few calories and, often, little flavor to show for it. Kick things up a notch with butter-flavored spray and savory herb seasonings. Or add extra crunch and a little heart-healthy fat by tossing in some shelled sunflower seeds.
One Mini bag of low-fat popcorn
Sprayed with Butter spray; sprinkle with your favorite seasoning
Calories: 150

Tidbit(s)

Nutrition at Disney World
Going to Disneyland or Disney World this summer? Now you won't have any excuses to sacrifice nutrition! The company is in the middle of a nutritional makeover to reduce fat, calories and sugar in food it sells and licenses. Look for Dole stands with pineapple spears as well as farm-produce stands at Disney's California Adventure. Children's meals come with sides such as grapes or baby carrots, and drinks include juice, water, or milk. Burgers with less fat, as well as pizza with whole-grain crust and low fat cheese are still in the works. Nothing is being taken off the menu, so you will still have your favorite temptations.

Food Fixes

Repair dented and pitted wood furniture by rubbing a little olive oil over the damaged surface. The dent will blend in with the rest of the furniture.

Applesauce can add moisture and sweetness in many baked goods, allowing you to reduce the oil and sugar.

When selecting cantaloupe, do not knock on the melon to check its ripeness. Instead, slap it, and then listen for a hollow ring, not a dull thud.