Weekly Wellness
Issue 336
Featured Article
Essentials of Health and Well Being Twenty-four essential tips for your overall health and well being.
Fitness Tip
Activity in Small Bursts
A study from the University of Pittsburgh found that all types of physical activity, of moderate intensity or greater, can translate into weight loss as long as you hit that magic number and eat sensibly. Over the course of seven days, that is not difficult. Little bursts of activity such as taking the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator, walking a couple blocks at lunch, etc., can add up to a significant calorie burn each day. Jot your micro-workouts into your daily workout diary or log (you are keeping one, aren't you?). It will just take you a second or two and it will help you feel motivated to do more!
Nutrition Tip
Get Rid of the Gas
Do you love your Brussels sprouts and beans -- but not their, shall we say, consequences? There is now an antibiotic called Xifaxan that may help curb the gas and discomfort you get when bacteria in your belly combines with fiber-rich foods. Xifaxan (generic name is rifaximin) reduced gas pain and frequency by 40 percent in a recent study at the American University of Beirut. People with problem gas could get lasting relief with 10-day doses several times a year. Rifaximin may also help if you have occasional gas, researchers say, adding that OTC remedies like Bean-O do not seem to work. Side effects are rare. Ask your doctor if this is a good choice for you.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quip:
It takes up to 75000 handpicked blossoms of saffron to make just one pound. (See also: Saffron Substitutes)
Quick Recipe
Mashed Banana Bagel
Mash half a banana into 2 teaspoons peanut butter and spread onto a whole grain bagel. Large bagels contain up to 400 calories, so choose a smaller 2-ounce bagel.
Tidbit(s)
Mandatory Nutrition Labels on Alcohol?
A proposed federal regulation would make nutrition labels mandatory on all beer, wine and other alcohol sold in the United States. The labels would list calories, total fat, protein, carbohydrates and percent of alcohol by volume, McClatchy Newspapers said Wednesday. There are two sides to this issue: 1. Reading nutrition labels can help us watch our caloric intake, but nutrition information products for items such as these are readily available online, by telephoning the company's involved or by looking them up in a calorie listing publication. 2. When companies are forced to do something like this it adds to their cost of production, which they in turn, pass on to us with increased prices.
Food Fixes
Rubbing with a raw potato and then washing may remove many fruit and some vegetable stains.
Look for firm, crisp carrots with a smooth, blemish-free exterior. Be wary of deep green "shoulders" just below the top which may indicate bitterness. Oversized carrots may have tough centers.
Tasty Tip: Toasting nuts before adding to a recipe intensifies their flavor and may allow you to use less. Toast nuts in an ungreased skillet over medium heat (3 to 4 minutes), stirring frequently, until golden brown. To oven-toast, place in a baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until golden brown.