Weekly Wellness
Issue 406
Featured Article
REMOVED
Fitness Tip
Caffeine Workout Boost
That double latte might just help you burn fat when it's hot outside. Researchers found that cyclists who downed caffeine with their water and carbs could pedal harder for a longer time in hot conditions. Caffeine has been shown to improve exercise endurance, but this was the first study to simulate summer temperatures. The scientists think caffeine stimulates muscles, which helps offset heat-related fatigue. Two cups of your favorite morning joe before you start exercising may do the trick.
Nutrition Tip
Pick a Potato!
Potatoes contain a type of starch known as natural resistant starch that acts a lot like fiber once it's in your digestive system. That means they make you feel full longer, keep your blood sugar level after a meal, and may even reduce body fat. But there's a trick to maximizing this benefit: Chilling cooked potatoes nearly doubles the amount of natural resistant starch in a serving. Try an Italian-style potato salad. Boil peeled, sliced potatoes until they're fork-tender; drain and toss them with salt and black pepper, and your favorite red wine vinaigrette. Cool the salad in the refrigerator and garnish it with chopped parsley before serving. Not a potato fan? Try your favorite beans, or split peas, warm or cold, for the same benefit.
Quip or Quote of the Week
Quip
Olive oil can help prevent belly fat accumulation, according to researchers at the Reina Sofia University Hospital in Spain. Add more heart-healthy olive oil to your diet by substituting it for butter in recipes and on bread, and by switching from your usual dressing to a mixture of olive oil and vinegar.
Quick Recipe
Peppermint Mocha Caffe Mocha
If you're suffering the bitter cold snap and you enjoy mint, this is a GREAT warming beverage. I could not find peppermint mocha creamer in my area but I did find chocolate so I just added a few drops of peppermint extract - worked beautifully.
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 1/3 cup hot water
2 teaspoons chocolate flavor syrup
1/4 cup low fat milk
1/4 cup peppermint mocha flavored coffee creamer
Combine prepared coffee and chocolate syrup in coffee mug. Steam milk and creamer together using espresso machine or microwave on high power for 1 minute or until very hot. Pour over coffee.
Recipe makes 1 serving.
Tidbit(s)
Digestive Health
Great for a snack at home or on the go, LiveActive Natural Cheese snacks combine the great taste of Kraft cheese with probiotics -- live natural cultures that help regulate your digestive health in two weeks. Try a serving of LiveActive Cheddar Sticks and Colby Jack Cubes every day to help you feel your best.
Food Fixes
Try eating at least 2 vegetables with dinner to meet your daily requirements.
Being deficient in vitamin D is linked to a 60 percent increased risk of heart attack or stroke, according to a Framingham Study.
Tasty Tidbit...
A slice of Cranberry Raisin Bread with a cup of hot teais a tasty indulgence to enjoy during the cold winter months.
More Quick Cooking Tips Online!