Weekly Wellness
Issue 354
Featured Article
100 Small Steps to Wellness 100 different ways you can take small steps on your way to overall health, wellness and fitness.
Fitness Tip
Lift Your Spirits with Chocolate
If you've always wanted a good excuse to eat rich chocolate, now it's just what the doctor ordered. Chocolate is a wonderful mood booster, according to an assistant professor in the science department at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, CT. In fact, lost of delicious foods, including chocolate, confer this fabulous benefit -- they give your brain the nutrients it needs to feel happy. Deny yourself these essential nutrients, and you could well be bringing on the blues. See also: The Nutrients in Chocolate
Nutrition Tip
Juice or Milk for Water
You can substitute juice or milk instead of water in cakes. However, follow these precautionary measures: For juice, you may only use fresh. Canned juices contain methyl silicone that can prevent cakes from rising to their full potential. Fresh juice should be used in ratio with water to avoid a dry, coarse texture. For milk, use the exact amount specified by the recipe.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quip:
Don't let your breath embarass you this holiday. To find out if you have bad breath, try the following: Lick the inside of your wrist, wait four seconds, then smell.
Quick Recipe
Two Minute Pimiento Cheese Spread
8 ounces shredded reduced fat Cheddar cheese
1/3 cup light mayonnaise or fat free Miracle Whip Dressing
4 ounce jar diced pimientos, drained
Dash worcestershire sauce (optional)
Mix all ingredients, refrigerate until ready to use.
Note: Add a little milk to the pimiento cheese spread recipe to create an exceptional dip for crackers, vegetables and more.
Tidbit(s)
Deep Breathing
Hostility increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other adverse health events, a recent study revealed. Breathe deeply when your blood starts to boil to help blow off steam. Also, try hashing out your feelings with a trusted friend or taking a brisk walk around the block to diffuse hostile feelings before they take a toll on your health.
Food Fixes
Studies have demonstrated that almonds, which contain no cholesterol, may actually be as effective in managing cholesterol, in combination with other heart-healthy foods.
Add Creaminess to cocoa by using evaporated milk instead of regular milk.
Make a graham cracker crust without extra calories: Combine 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar and the regular amount of low-fat graham cracker crumbs, then press the mixture into a pie plate.
More Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips on the Web site!