Weekly Wellness
Issue 369
Featured Article
The Religion of Pre and Post Workout Nutrition -- Pre and post-workout nutrition is all the rage these days, and for good reason.
Fitness Tip
Cola, but not coffee, raises blood pressure
Boston researchers have found no connection between long-term coffee consumption (caffeinated and decaf) and the development of high blood pressure among almost 30,000 middle-aged people. These results were even after accounting for other factors like sodium, potassium and calcium intakes and weight. Caffeine intake ranged from 20 to 600 milligrams a day. While coffee was not a risk factor, cola consumption (regular and diet) was associated with a significantly increased risk. The researchers suggest that the caffeine in cola may not be the culprit. Rather, it may be some as yet unidentified component. If caffeine is responsible, the lack of an effect in coffee may be because coffee contains antioxidants that overcome caffeine's effects. The study still leaves open the possibility that coffee drinking might agravate high blood pressure in people already diagnosed with the condition.
Nutrition Tip
Good News for Midnight Snackers
If you treat yourself to an occasional late-night snack, don't be too hard on yourself. Night time eating is no more likely to make you gain weight than daytime munching, say researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Portland, Oregon. After years of studying primates, which metabolize food the same way we do, scientists found how much you eat is more important than when you eat. So, instead of watching the clock, watch your portion sizes.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quip
The digestive time for a medium potato is approximately two hours.
Quick Recipe
Microwave Roasted Peanuts
...low in fat and calories compared to regular fudge!
Place 2 cups of raw shelled peanuts in a 10x6-inch glass or similar microwave container. Dot with butter or margarine. Microwave on high for two minutes. Stop. Stir peanuts. Continue to microwave two minutes at a time, followed by stirring until peanuts have been microwaved 10 minutes for light roast; 12 minutes for regular roast. Remove from microwave. Season to taste. Caution: Peanuts continue to cook as they cool. Cooking time may vary with oven.
Tidbit(s)
Chocolate Bubble Bath Anyone?
Milk hydrates skin, while cocoa oxygenates, leaving your skin glowing -- and you'll smell good, too. Downright edible!
Melted Chocolate Bubble Bath
1 cup powdered milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 capfuls unscented bubble bath
Mix milk and cocoa together. Pour half of mixture under running bathwater. Follow with one capful of bubble bath. Repeat and get ready to relax in chocolate heaven!
Food Fixes
Trail Mix: Dried fruits are full of antioxidants. And nuts offer Vitamin E, protein, and healthy fats. Trail mix is often called "Gorp". For many variations on Gorp, visit the Gorp Recipes.
To keep your cutting board from slipping: Place a thin layer of damp paper towels underneath to anchor the board to the work surface.
Tasty Tidbit...
Add cashew or almonds butter to your peanut butter routine for a tasty change. They're full of healthy unsaturated oils and protein.
More Cooking Tips and Quick Cooking Tips on the Web site!