Weekly Wellness
Issue 344
Featured Article
The Importance of Cutting Trans Fats Why it is so important to cut trans fats from your diet.
Fitness Tip
TLC for Your Skin
German researchers gave 24 women a half-cup of special extra-flavonoid-enriched cocoa every day. After three months, the women's skin was moister, smoother, and less scaly and red when exposed to ultraviolet light. The researchers think he flavonoids, which absorb UV light, help protect and increase blood flow to the skin, improving its appearance. Men, this can work for you, too!
Nutrition Tip
Portion Size Counts
Even if it's healthy food, too much can mean weight gain. Tip the scale in your favor by eating what you need, then stopping when you're satisfied. Make a habit of mentally splitting your portion in two. Eat one half, then wait a few minutes. You may find you're satisfied with less. Save the other half for a snack. See also:
Portion Sizes
Portion Problems
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quote:
Look, there's no metaphysics on earth like chocolates. --Fernando Pessoa
Quick Recipe
Jazzed Up Rice Cake
Spread 1 ounce ricotta cheese over a brown rice cake. Layer with fresh strawberries or a tablespoon of sugar-free spreadable fruit. Or try using a spread of herbed goat cheese and sliced olives.
Tidbit(s)
Having a friend who gains may bulk you up
Research in the New England Journal of Medicine says that obesity can spread socially, like a virus or a fashion trend. The study tracked 12,000 people for 32 years and found that social networks played a big role in whether people gained weight. For example, if one spouse became obese, the other was 37 percent more likely to become obese in the next two to four years. A man whose brother was obese was 40 percent more likely to gain weight. Having a friend become obese raised a person’s likelihood of gaining weight between 57 and 171 percent, depending on the closeness of the relationship. Researchers say people gain weight when others around them do because it’s more socially acceptable.
Food Fixes
There is as much calcium in an ounce of almonds as in a quarter cup of milk.
When cooking pasta, use lots of water. The ideal amount is 4 to 6 quarts per pound of pasta. This allows the pasta room to cook without sticking together.
Tasty Tidbit: Season to taste -- if your dish is too spicy, add sugar and salt. If it's too salty, add vinegar. You can accomplish anything with a little creativity.
More Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips on the Web site!