Global Seeker

Fat Can Be Healthy

2011-07-24T09:48:00.000-05:00

With all stories of the evils of tat, one might come to the conclusion that all fats will slowly but undeniably kill you. Now, the rest of the facts from my favorite publication Men's Health.

Here's a short list of healthy fats:

Does Your Heart Good

Olive Oil - great source of monounsaturated which manages cholesterol levels. Canola oil carries many of the same wonderful qualities but has an added benefit of enduring a high cooking temperature that makes frying with canola oil preferable.

Walnuts - Yes, the bag shouts loudly that every walnut morsel will carry significant fat content. But do not be mislead. Eat as many as you want. This fat has been rumored to reverse brain aging and certainly has many other beneficial qualities.

Sunflower seeds - Sprinkle a little salt on roasted seeds and you will never remember potato chips. Sprinkle on oatmeal for a healthy smoothie capable of providing a refreshing snack that is both tasty and full of healthy fats.

Avocados - rich in omega-3s, B vitamins and beta-sitasterol. As Men's Health says "It's that rare fruit that is heart-healthy and fends off prostate cancer.

Global Seeker Endorsement: Eat This Not This

2011-07-24T08:03:00.000-05:00

There's good food out there if you know where to look.

If you know young adults on their own for first time making food choices that will define their attitudes for years to come. If you know anyone becoming interested in food nutrition for the first time. The book Eat This Not That by David Zinczenko is a must read. It should be prominently placed where all can read and reference frequently. It's not a cook book. It a reference guide that helps you make good nutiritional choices when eating out. Overtime the reader begins to understand that chicken is better than pork (normally) and baked/grilled/boiled is much more preferable than fried or basted in a "creamy sauce". For example: They will better understand why Subway is preferable over Quinzos.

It's now in it's 11th edition. A must read for all who's not yet ready to cook at home on a regular basis but desire getting up from a meal and literally feel your arteries start to shut down..

Top 10 Reasons the Houston Astro Season is Too Long

2011-07-22T19:01:00.000-05:00

OK. It's been a nightmare. A train wreck in slow motion. To pull for a bad sports team is bad enough. But to pull for one who plays so often and plays for almost 9 months is simply cruel and unusual punishment. So while I and thousands .... hundreds .... a few Houston Astro fans are stuck in this purgatory, we contemplate why the Astro Season is too long.

10. It keeps preempting my favorite UIL replays of 7-man football championship.
9.    It's a bad reflection on the City of Houston and it's fine citizens.
8.    They cost us a space shuttle museum.
7.    It's depressing the Dow.
6.    They're distracting our public servants trying to debate the debt ceiling.
5.    It's killing downtown energy, vibe, hipness.
4.   With each new loss, the Rain Gods punish us more.
3.   It failed to make us forget about the NFL debacle.
2.   The memory of a hundred losses will last in infamy.
1.   It's forcing me outside to jog, walk .... EXERCISE!

And the Survey Says ....

2011-04-20T22:18:00.000-05:00

As businesses not only expand into global markets but more and more utilize a global workforce the strains on conventional communication tools and devices are obvious everywhere. All great international communications are considering how to effectively utilize the new array of digital media - facebook, You tube, tweeter, blogs, text messaging, apps for smartphones, etc. Just as the breath and depth of information itself is not lacking neither or the choices to deliver this data.

So in considering the array of communication devices/tools currently available at your workplace, is there a place for a blog as a means of communication for a global organization?

Please respond to the following three questions:

1. If a blog was developed with general information specific to this department how often would you access it? A. once a week B. once a month C. probably never

2. Given the confidentiality of business info would a blog still be worthwhile if the information was focused more on organizational changes, promotions, awards, community service events, etc.? A. Yes B. No C. Not sure
3. Would you prefer we considered facebook as our primary digital media? A Yes B. No C. Something else
For you to respond to the survey follow these easy steps:
A. At bottom of post there is a text box that's titled: "Post A Comment". This is where you provide your responses in the form: question# - Letter matching your response such as 1 - A, or 2 - C or 3 - B
B. At bottom of this text box select drop down menu options and select "anonymous". That way there is absolutely no way I will know the source of the comments.
C. Click on "Post Comment" and you're done.

Feel free to review the other post on this blog including those in the archives located on the right hand side.

2011-04-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

From the folks at one of my favorite and most trused websites, WebTV

Understanding Trans Fats

Trans fats seemed like such a good thing once, enhancing the flavor, texture, and shelf life of many processed foods -- from cookies to frozen pizza. Unfortunately, they come with a health risk.

Trans fatty foods tantalize your taste buds, then travel through your digestive system to your arteries, where they turn to sludge. Small amounts of trans fats occur naturally in beef, lamb, and full-fat dairy products. But most come from processing liquid vegetable oil to become solid fat.

Recommended Limits of Trans Fats

Like saturated fats, trans fats raise LDL "bad" cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. But unlike saturated fats, trans fats lower HDL "good" cholesterol and may do more damage, says the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA advises limiting saturated fat consumption to less than 7% of daily calories and trans fat consumption to less than 1%. Given that a gram of fat has 9 calories, the following are the recommended trans fat limits based on calorie intake:

Total calories 1% of total calories = Trans fat limit

2,000 20 About 2 grams
1,500 15 About 1.5 grams
1,200 12 Slightly more than 1 gram
Trans Fats and Foods to Watch Out For

The FDA label ruling and consumer awareness of the dangers of trans fats have led many food manufacturers to reformulate products to reduce or eliminate trans fats. Today you can buy cookies and soft-spread margarine with zero trans fats. But trans fats still exist in some products. Carefully read nutrition labels on foods in these categories. Chose brands that don't use trans fats and are low in saturated fat in these products:

cookies, crackers, cakes, muffins, pie crusts, pizza dough, and breads such as hamburger buns
some stick margarine and vegetable shortening
pre-mixed cake mixes, pancake mixes, and chocolate drink mixes
fried foods, including donuts, French fries, chicken nuggets, and hard taco shells
snack foods, including chips, candy, and packaged or microwave popcorn
frozen dinners

The Meaning of Zero Trans Fat

Reach for the product whose label shouts "0 Trans Fats!" and what do you get? Maybe some trans fats. That's because the FDA allows that label on anything with 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.

As a result, keep in mind this advice:

1. Even if you're a conscientious shopper, it's easy to ingest a significant amount of trans fats without knowing it. A bowl of "trans-fat-free" cereal (that actually contains half a gram) plus a slice of birthday cake at the office and some microwave popcorn in the evening add up quickly.

2. Get in the habit of reading nutrition labels, the ones headed "Nutrition Facts." Look at all the fats listed there. Keep in mind that saturated fat is also unhealthy. If the label lists Trans Fat as 0 g, look at the Ingredients List for the words "partially hydrogenated." Any oil that is partially hydrogenated is a trans fat. So a single serving of cookies could have as much as a half gram of trans fat and be labeled "0 TransFats." Be aware, too, that often a "single serving" is often less than an average person would eat.

Bottom line: When choosing foods with "0 grams trans fats," evaluate the total fat content including the amount of saturated fat. Choose foods that have the least amount of saturated fat and that use healthy fats such as canola oil in the product.

Here are some examples from the Nutrition Facts on food labels:

Food Trans fats in a single serving

Cake mix 0.5 g

Frozen chicken and noodles 0.5 g

Blueberry muffin mix 1.5 g

Refrigerated crescent rolls 1.5 g

Stick margarine (1T) 1.5 g

Frozen beef pot pie 2 g

Microwave popcorn 6 g

The following are some examples of foods that list 0 g trans fats but contain partially hydrogenated oils, such as soybean or cottonseed oil:

Corn muffin mix

Pizza

Stoned wheat thin crackers

Cookies, including some cartoon-licensed brands

The Costs of Trans Fat-Free Products

Budget-conscious shoppers might be tempted to buy the cheapest brand of pastry, pot pie, or microwave popcorn. But don't make that decision at the expense of nutrition. Reformulating foods to reduce or eliminate trans fats costs manufacturers money. Some "0 trans fats" foods may cost more, although not all do. Again, be sure to read the nutrition label carefully so you know if you're buying a healthier version of the snack, cookie, cracker, or cake.

There's also concern that some food processors will remove trans fats only to substitute low-cost saturated fats -- another contributor to heart disease. But a 2006 marketplace survey published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that had not occurred except in one category: microwave popcorn.

What is a Normal Pulse?

2011-04-03T20:52:00.000-05:00

Question: What's a normal resting heart rate?
Answer: Mayo Clinic/ Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

For an adult, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats a minute. For a well-trained athlete, a normal resting heart rate may be closer to 40 beats a minute. For healthy adults, a lower heart rate at rest generally implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness.

To measure your heart rate, simply check your pulse. With your palm facing upward, place two fingers on the thumb side of your wrist — or place your index and third fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe. When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 10 seconds. Time yourself with a timer or the second hand on a clock or watch. Multiply this number by 6 to determine how many times your heart beats in one minute.

Keep in mind that many factors can influence heart rate, including:
■Activity level
■Fitness level
■Air temperature
■Body position (standing up or lying down, for example)
■Emotions
■Body size
■Medication use

Although there's a wide range of normal, an unusually high or low heart rate may indicate an underlying problem. Consult your doctor if your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 beats a minute (tachycardia) or below 60 beats a minute (bradycardia) — especially if you have other signs or symptoms, such as fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath.

Best Public Golf Courses in Houston, Texas

2011-04-03T20:46:00.000-05:00

Spring is here and you're ready to hit some balls. The driving range is boring so the call of championship golf is primed and ready. Houston is a big place with many golf course choices. Of course, for a $35,000 initiation fee and a few hundred bucks a month you can play those wonderful private courses. But for the rest of us, our adjunct advisory panel at 1stopforgolf http://www.1stopforgolf.com/ and http://www.visithouston.com/ amongh others provides the following recommendations.

Redstone Golf Club (Humble, Texas) The Tournament Course at Redstone, designed by Rees Jones and David Toms is currently one of only 11 public courses across the country that hosts a PGA TOUR event... The Shell Houston Open is currently being played their right now. 18-hole public, 18-hole private. Green Fees: $125-$175

Black Horse Golf Club (Cypress, NE Houston) offers golfers 36 holes and has been ranked in the top ten of America's top 100 courses for under $100. Green Fees: $40-$120

Wildcat Golf Club (South of Houston, Hwys 90 and 288) Home to two championship courses, Wildcat Golf Club is something of an oasis with its rolling fairways and terrific views of the Houston skyline and Reliant Park in the distance. Green Fees: $40-$75

Memorial Park Golf Course (Galleria/West Houston) 6001 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007 - 713-862-4033 Through the years, Memorial Park Golf Course has hosted many famous golfers such as Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. It was also the home of the Houston Open from 1951 to 1963... The design is fairly straight-forward, while the course uses the ancient trees and its length as defensesMemorial Park Golf Course is known as one of the best municipal courses in the nation and is visited by more than 60,000 patrons each year. 18-hole (Public) Green Fees: $25-$50

The Woodlands Resort (The Woodland, N of Houston)The Woodlands resort offers up two very good golf courses, Panther Trail and The Oaks both characterized by tree lined fairways and subtle elevation changes.Green Fees: $70-$130

Cypresswood Golf Club (Spring, NE Houston) 21602 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, Texas 77373 - 281-821-6300 http://www.cypresswood.com/ Situated on over 800 acres of rolling, heavily wooded terrain along the confluence of Spring and Cypress creeks, this 54-hole golf facility offers three unique golf experiences... Cypresswood Golf Club's Cypress, Creek, and Tradition courses were voted "Best Places to Play" by Golf Digest 2002-2005. 54-hole (Public/Private) Green Fees: $35-$70

Houston National Golf Club (Northwest Houston) No matter what your level of play, the Houston National Golf Club will seek to enhance your enjoyment of the game..Houston National boasts the highest U.S.G.A. course rating in the greater Houston area. 27-hole (Public) Green Fees: $59-$69

Timber Creek Golf Club (Friendswood, SE Houston) is a 27-hole golf facility that was literally carved out of Oak and Pine trees. One million cubic yards of dirt were moved in to create the rolling look found in South Carolina.

Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club (Katy, Texas) - off Fry Rd., Katy, Texas 281-693-4653 - A very good links course that has plenty of character. Some holes are distinctively links, while others meander through heavy brush...Locally considered the top golf course in the Houston area, Meadowbrook Farms was designed by the legendary Australian Greg Norman and opened in 1999. 18-hole (Public/Private) This masterfully designed Greg Norman golf course is characterized by it's sod-wall bunkers with white sand that surround greens that are generous, subtle and approachable. Advance reservations of 30 days required: Green Fees: $60-$80

Old Orchard Golf Club - 13134 FM 1464, Richmond, Texas 77469 - 281-277-3300 - http://www.oldorchardgolf.com/ - Old Orchard is truly a treat to play. You feel like you are actually playing in a pecan orchard. It is built on the former site of the Lazy C Ranch, which was at one time one of the finest quarter horse ranches in the world. The layout is superb, and the three nines have distinctly different feels. The course also changes with the seasons, since the pecan trees lose their leaves in the winter. Green Fees: $40-$60

Senna Plantation - A player's course. The layout is superb and requires plenty of shotmaking. The greens are undulated and tiered, and the course can play very difficult depending on the pin placements. The course is unusually picturesque for the Houston area, as it winds through trees and marshland. For the price, Sienna Plantation is the best public course in Houston. Green Fees: $55-$75

Some other notables for their novelty and/or costs:

Tour 18 (Humble, Texas) 3102 FM 1960 East, Humble, Texas 77338 - 281-540-1818 replicates famous holes. No, the condition of the course isn't the plushest in the area -- and suburban Humble hasn't come up with the crashing ocean waves over rocky coastline of Pebble Beach. But there's ample accuracy of design, whether it's the Blue Monster of Doral, or the challenges of Shinnecock Hills, Oakmont, Harbour Town (the course lost its signature lighthouse replica in litigation) or even Colonial. Augusta's Amen Corner is the most exquisite offering -- the ghost of Arnie can almost be detected, advising through the hush of the lush pine roughs. Green Fees: $60-$110

Augusta Pines, Spring, NE Houston) characterized by small, undulating greens and plenty of water, offers a solid test on heaving land framed by tall pines.

Woodforest - Carved through the majestic pines and towering oaks of Northwest Houston. Strategically placed bunkers and trickling Fish Creek meander through the course making shot selection essential. Experience the course designed by the PGA’s own Steve Elkington.

Wortham Park (East of Houston) 7000 Capitol, Houston, Texas 77281 - 713-921-3227 - Gus Wortham provides challenges not regularly found in Houston. Elevated tees and uphill carries to greens make you use all your clubs. 18-hole (Public)

Hermann Park - (South of Houston, Near Rice) 713-526-0077 The Hermann Park Golf Course is located on 407 acres of Houston's loveliest gardens, parks, and public spaces. 18-hole (Public) Green Fees: $20-$30

Brock Park - (NE of Houston) 8201 John Ralston Rd., Houston, Texas 77044 - 281-456-1350 Although this inexpensive city course is seldom in good shape, it does have more hills and undulations than most Houston courses, so it provides a different sort of challengeThe tree-lined course plays to 6427 yards, and the elevation changes are unlike most courses in the area. Brock Park is quietly tucked into the northeast area of Houston, far from the noise, but less than 20 minutes from downtown. 18-hole (Public) Green Fees: $10-$15

Improve Your Diet

2011-04-03T17:56:00.000-05:00

The folks at Mens Health Magazine have great tips on improving the effectiveness of what you eat if the intent is to loose weight the lasting and healthy way:

Upgrade Your Diet

Your food choices should consist of lean protein, whole grains and good fat. Too vague, need more specifics? Ok, print this out for future reference:

1. Don't skip breakfast! Studies have shown that this habit tends to lead to weight GAIN. Those who eat eggs for breakfast lose 65 pct more weight than those who don't according to the International Journal of Obesity. Organic omega-3 eggs preferred.

2. Peanuts reduce glycemic response to a meal giving you a feeling of fullness according to a study by the American College of Nutrition. Try organic if possible due to the high levels of pesticide found in the product.

3. Eat low fat yogurt. In a study by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association helps you eat less and stay full longer.

4. Eat whole grains like oats. Oatmeal is 100% oats and tasty mighty fine. Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats is a good choice. Sourdough causes the least blood spike than all other breads. Baker's Bread seven-grain is a wise choice.

5. Enjoy your fruits. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. Dried plums (prunes) help fight hardening of the arteries. Oranges provide 130 percent of your daily vitamin C requirements. Bananas are packed with potassium which helps reduce high blood pressure and stroke.

6. Eat your veggies. So the food pyramid is right. Spinach does help build Popeye muscles. An added bonus is that its high in fiber and protects against heart disease. Asparagus has been found to destroy cancer cells.

7. Some fats are good. Olive and canola oils are high in fat. But it's monounsaturated and that the "good" fat. Walnuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds is high in fiber, good fat and besides they make a delicious snake.

8. Drinking heavily might not be bad. Green tea is considered the first choice of nutritionist. It's considered good for your heart, brain functions and fights cancer. Add a squeeze of lemon and table spoon of honey and you might actually drink all of it. Finally, surprise, surprise. Coffee might be a good choice in an adult's selection of beverages. For all the beneficial antioxidants you should use whole beans grinding just before brewing. My personal choice is Starbucks.

Warning: Weightlifting Can Be Dangerous

2011-04-03T17:12:00.000-05:00

An Ohio State University report of weightlifting injuries by those age 25 to 34 during the period 1990 to 2207, found the most common cause of injuries were dropped weights (66%). No other cause was even close. The most common body parts injuried were torso (28%) and hips (24%). Now armed with the reality that the very place you choose to improve your health can harm it, one must ask what to do about it?

A few precautionary tips from the folks at realweightlifting.com:

Warm Up - A simple way to maximise weight lifting safety is to warm-up before your session. It’s a good idea to get the heart pumping and blood flowing before you begin your weight lifting. Five minutes on the exercise bike at a moderate pace is sufficient. The goal is to get your muscles and joints warm and pliable to reduce the chance of tearing anything as you lift.

Stretch - Unless you’re a competitive lifter or strength athlete, it’s a good idea to do some light stretching before lifting weights. Stretch the relevant muscles before your session begins, holding the static stretches for 8-10 seconds each.

Avoid Failure - “Muscular failure” is defined as the point in a set where you have reached your physical limit, and have to exert all your strength and will to complete the last rep. Training to failure means you do repetitions up to the point where you couldn’t even begin to lift the bar for one more. Aside from it's negative effect on your gains, muscular failure is simply unsafe. Pushing yourself that far can be very dangerous – a lot can go wrong (think ligaments, tendons, blood vessels) when you’re that close to your physical limit. Training to failure is a surefire way to compromise your weight lifting safety.

Always use locks - Sounds simple, but sometimes, people get lazy. If the locks are on, weight doesn’t go flying everywhere should you drop a barbell or accidentally overload one side. Toes don’t like 45lb plates!

Train with ample space around you - Should something go wrong, especially with standing barbell movements like the military press, squat or snatch, you want ample space around you to offload the barbell.

Use proper form - The importance of proper form really can not be stressed too heavily. Poor form is probably the number one cause of injuries in the weights room. If you train in the gym, have a trainer watch your form and give you feedback. Only increase the weight on a lift if you can maintain perfect form. For the majority of lifts, good form includes lifting the weight smoothly and under control - that means no extra jerking or swinging motions to get the weight up.

BBQ in America - The Rest for Houston, Texas

2011-04-03T14:10:00.001-05:00

Bronze Medal Winners

My previous posts in the now famous BBQ in America series (posted in August 2010 and April 2011) have identified the Top 10 BBQ joints in the Houston area. (Rumored being considered for a Nobel, Pulitzer and Jeffersonian Award) However, from a population of hundreds, if not, thousands of choices many, many more could have been named. Here's SOME of the rest:

Baker's Ribs 2223 S Voss Rd. Houston 713-977-8725 http://www.bakersribs.com/

Bow to the Rib

BBQ Inn 116 W Crostimbers 713-695-8112

Otto's BBQ 5502 Memorial Drive, Houston 713-864-2573 http://ottoscatering.com/

Thelma's BBQ 3755 Southmore Blvd, Houston 713-228-2528

Guy's Meat Market 3106 Old Spainish Trail, Houston 713-747-6800 guysseasoning.com

Harlon's BBQ Original Location 6930 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, (713) 733-5687 http://harlonsbbq.com/mlk.html Also located in Galeria Area and George Bush Airport.

Harlon's also has a small Soul Food menu - all things pork, turkey and meatloaf)

Virgie's BBQ 5535 North Gessner, Houston 713-466-6525 (In March a fire has temporarily shut them down) http://www.virgiesbbq.com/default.html

Smokey's BBQ 734 Greens Rd # B, Houston 281-447-8780

Pierson and Co. BBQ 5110 TC Jester Blvd, Houston 713-683-6997 piersonandcompanybbq.com

Beaver's 2310 Decatur St, Houston 713-864-2328 http://www.beavershouston.com/

Hopefully, you have found this series helpful and informative. The crack evaluation team will now move to other matters of fun, fitness and travel. TELL THE WORLD!

BBQ in America - The Almost Best in Houston, Texas

2011-04-03T11:55:00.000-05:00

As a follow up to the ground breaking post entitled "BBQ in America - The Best of Houston, Texas" posted on this site August, 2010 (see archives for these recommendation) we now present selections 6 through 10. Just to recap the original Gold Medal Winners for the Houston, Texas area were:
1. Goode Country BBQ
2. Burn's BBQ
3. Hickory Hollow BBQ
4. Pappa's BBQ
5. Swinging Door BBQ
5. Luling City Market

Now it's time the recognize the best of the rest:

Family Owned

6. Demetris BBQ - 2911 South Shepard, Houston - 713-529-7326 (Other locations near Northwest Mall and Sharpstown). http://www.demeris.com/ This family owned business has been providing this delicious goodness since 1964. All great restaurants tend to have a specialty or favorite. What that favorite happens to be is in part driven by what you like. Consequently, I highly recommend you and a fried order the Three Meat BBQ dinner (about $11) and try all of the major food groups: ribs, chicken, brisket and ham or sausage. Of course you can order less including sandwiches, tacos, etc. Try it, you'll like it.

Love The Name

7. Big Daddy's BBQ - 14097 Westheimer, Houston - 281-589-7199 (Near George Bush park). http://bigdaddybarbeque.com/ They have several other locations but their quality can not be confirmed at this time. This small little restaurant in the West Oaks part of Houston simply does BBQ right. Long slow cooking produces predictably tender and flavorful brisket and ribs. I'm talking fall off the bones ribs. Dinners in the $6.99 range but my favorite is the all you can ear at less than $12. Wow. If you do this too many times please refer to my posts "Starting A Fitness Program for First Time" posted in January, 2011.

8. Tin Roof BBQ - 18918 Town Center Blvd, Atascocita (Humble) 281-852-5577 http://www.tinroofbbqandsteaks.com/. Not much has changed since I first recommended this little gem on my post "BBQ - Humble, Texas" in December, 2009. Well they did relocate about 2 miles. They are now open on Sundays. Oh yes, you can order their 3-meat dinner the Tin Roof with double ribs anymore. Regardless, if you're in the area drop by. Covered outside seating available, live music and great atmosphere.

9. The Swinging Door (REVIEW UPDATE)-3818 FM 359 Road, Richmond 281-342-4758 http://www.swingingdoor.com/ . These folks have been selling their pecan smoked BBQ since 1973. A little more pricey than most with the 3-meat combo going for $15.95 and their all-you-can- eat going for a whopping $21.00. Note: Kobe beef is NOT on the menu. Please be aware that these hard working folks are closed Monday AND Tuesday.

Not Just BBQ

10. Spring Creek BBQ (9 locations in Houston area including Atascocita - 5613 East FM 1960, Champions - 4220 West FM 1960, Cypress - 25831 Northwest Freeway, Katy - 21000 Katy Freeway .http://springcreekbarbeque.com/index.html This is a controversial selection to be sure. When it comes to BBQ in Texas any recommended restaurant better be award-winning Memphis in May competing meats. Unfortunately, Spring Creek is NOT in that category. Yes they smoke their meats. Yes the ribs, sausage, chicken and brisket are all pretty good. But definitely not slap-your-momma, look-for-your-grandma type of BBQ. What allows them come in back door is all-you-can-eat veggies like green beans, potato salad, pinto beans and mac & cheese. It's their wonderfully fluffy and hot out of the oven rolls that available at your table by the wait staff. It's also that incredibly hot, delicious peach cobbler and blue bell ice cream offered at a separate station. You can decide after you've eaten all of the above if you still have room for this great ending to the meal. So no, the BBQ is not world class. But the dining experience is extremely satisfying.

The Best Exercise Equipment

2011-04-03T09:12:00.001-05:00

Seeking knowledge and understanding

I need a shirt

The question has plagued man since the beginning the of time. Caveman woke up one morning and found he had been eating a few too many brontosaurus burgers. He was wondering "Should I lift more rocks, chase pigs or climb trees?" The question, you know it: What exercise equipment burns the most calories? Yes, we want to know what can we do the least and get similar results. (Not to be confused with my January post that explored how the burn the most calories focusing on technique not equipment.)

We sent our crack advisory panel to the four corners of the globe. They asked that question in 137 languages and dialect. After what seemed like many, many long months they returned to the mother ship and compared notes.

Much to our astonishment the overwhelming consensus of these global leaders and visionaries converged on a single response: Go to exercise-equipment-review.org and review a study by American Medical Association. Yep. That's what they all said. Trust me.

So we did.

The results of that study conducted several years ago was based on a fairly rigorous level of effort. The results are as follows:

1. Treadmill - 700 calories per hour

2. Stair machine - 625 calories per hour

3. Rowing - 600 calories per hour

4. Skiing - 600 calories per hour

5. Stationary bike - 500 calories per hour

As noted in the article "All pieces of equipment burn zero calories per hour if you don't use them." Darn, there's that fine print again!

Please Leave Your Comments

2011-04-03T08:25:00.000-05:00

A MOMENT OF YOUR TIME PLEASE

Thanks for accessing my blog. I hope you find the information helpful and informative if not entertaining. Obviously, it takes time and effort to produce this blog at absolutely no cost to you. All that I ask is that you share your anonymous thoughts and comments about any post you happen to read. It doesn't have to be long or complementary. Just acknowledge another human being was here. Don't forget to browse the post archives. Most of these posts are not time dependent and provides a more comprehensive source of information

It's like walking in someones home when the door was left open and a sign said "Come In". Let's say you spent time noting the decor or some other observation that you think you could use later. Once you finished you failed to sign the Guess Log at the front door as you exited.

Again, it takes a few seconds and you don't have to identify yourself.

Yes, Chicken Noodle Soup is a Cold Remedy

2011-01-30T11:55:00.000-06:00

Bowl of Love

We've heard it, seen it and experienced it for years. Growing up feeling yucky with a cold or flu, your mom or grandmother always produced a hot, steaming bowl of love called chicken noodle soup. Yes, the attention and pampering help too. However, it was the soup that was the foundation of a healthy recovery plan.

So years later the scientist confirmed what we already knew.

A report from CNN states: "Chicken soup -- as made by grandma -- contains several ingredients that affect the body's immune system, a team at the University of Nebraska Medical Center found. Specifically, it has anti-inflammatory properties that could explain why it soothes sore throats and eases the misery of colds and flu, Dr. Stephen Rennard and colleagues said Monday. "Chicken soup may contain a number of substances with beneficial medicinal activity," the researchers wrote in their report, published in the journal Chest. "

They found that chicken soup and many of its ingredients helped stop the movement of neutrophils -- white blood cells that eat up bacteria and cellular debris and which are released in great numbers by viral infections like colds. Neutrophil activity can stimulate the release of mucous, which may be the cause of the coughs and stuffy nose caused by upper respiratory infections such as colds.

Just to be clear, we're not really talking about that canned stuff by the same name with the red and white label. The sodium content of that stuff would override all the great healing affects of chicken noodle soup.

So the folks at Livestrong http://www.livestrong.com/article/170799-healthy-homemade-chicken-noodle-soup/ really hit the mark when they focused on the ingredients of a good bowl of soup.

Ingredients

I love this medicine

The most healthy soup starts with 100 percent organic USDA certified chicken, meaning the chicken was raised in a humane environment, fed an appropriate organic diet, received no hormones or antibiotics and is preservative free.

Load your soup up with organic vegetables like carrots, onions, celery and leeks and simmer them in water or a low-sodium chicken broth.

Experiment with adding fresh or dried herbs based on your individual tastes.

I also suggest using "No Yolk" noodles or whole wheat noodles.

Ok, you have your chicken, veggies, herbs and you're ready to go.

Stove Top vs. Crock Pot? I recommend stove top on medium heat. Crock pot can reduce everything to a mushy consistency. Needless to say do not use pressure cooking. It's super fast but fails to produce adequate broth and will reduce any pasta to paste. The cooking time on the stove can be reduced on the stove by cutting the chicken into small parts, adding pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store (or your cutting board), putting them in a pan with cooked chicken in water or broth and simmering for an hour or so until the vegetables are the desired texture, adding noodles for the last 15 minutes. But slowly cooking a whole chicken using fragrant herbs and fresh vegetables allows the essence of each food to be released and merge, resulting in a rich, satisfying flavor.

Tips from Livestrong:
"If you have the flu, adding fresh or ground ginger to your soup can help settle your stomach and relieve nausea. Serving your soup with a few healthy crackers can also calm your stomach. To remove excess fat from your soup, chill it overnight in the refrigerator and all the fat will congeal at the top so you can scoop it out."

How to Exercise to Burn the Most Calories

2011-01-18T20:24:00.000-06:00

Interesting article from one of my common sources of insight: eHow

How to Exercise to Burn the Most Calories
By Art Vandelay, eHow Member

Getting the most out of your workout can make or break a weight loss plan. Exercises that burn the most calories are generally going to share two characteristics: they will be highly active and they use just about the whole body. So what exercises burn the most calories? Among the best calorie killers are running, competitive sports, and swimming.
Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions.
1 First, there are a few factors to consider which will affect the value of these exercises. The intensity of your workout is the most important predictor of how many calories you burn. If you dog it, you will not be satisfied with the results. There are also a few personal factors including your weight, metabolism, and your endurance which can affect how many calories you burn and how long you can effectively exercise.

2 Running:
Occam's Razor states that the simplest solution is often the right one; in this case, running is both one of the simplest exercises and one of the best at burning calories. Intensity plays a major part here. Running at eight or nine miles per hour burns significantly more calories than running at five or six miles per hour. If you want to measure the speed at which run, simply time your run, measure the distance between your start point and end point, and convert your units to miles and hours. Speed equals distance divided by time. Running at eight miles per hour for a half hour can burn 500 or more calories.

3 Competitive sports:
Some of the best workouts can be competitive sports: full court basketball, flag football, soccer, ice hockey or field hockey, lacrosse, or any other competitive sport that generally involves constant motion and high speeds. All of these sports typically involve the frequent use of several muscle groups in an intense atmosphere. In addition to their surface value, the competitive spirit can often be the factor that gives a workout the extra boost it needs to become a good calorie burner.

4 Along the same idea, martial arts, wrestling, boxing, and even fencing are all excellent exercises that burn calories at a high rate. These are great calorie-burning exercises because they require a combination of frequent quick motions, endurance, and strength.

5 Swimming:
Once again, intensity plays a major part in your calorie usage. Spending a lot of time wading isn't going to do much for you, but swimming laps and keeping active will yield good results. In his Olympic swimming training, Michael Phelps didn't consume 10,000 calories per day because of the munchies - it was because intense swimming is one of the best exercises that burn a lot of calories. An hour of active swimming can burn between 500 and 1,000 calories.

6 Human-powered vehicles:
Biking, elliptical training, skiing, and canoeing can all burn well over 500 calories an hour if performed at a moderate or high level. Stationary bikes, elliptical machines, and skiing simulators are all roughly as effective as the real thing, so you can still burn a high number of calories while literally going nowhere fast.

.

Benefits of Physical Fitness

2011-01-09T14:35:00.000-06:00

Ever ask yourself why? Why get off the coach? Who sweat? Why run? Why exercise at all? Well this is why --- in short: Quality of Life!

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity

By Mayo Clinic staff

1. Exercise improves your mood.

Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down.

Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression.

2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.

Regular physical activity can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries. And there's more. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.

This one's a no-brainer. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but physical activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.

4. Exercise boosts your energy level.
Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep.
A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And you guessed it — physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. There's a caveat, however. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may be too energized to fall asleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to exercise earlier in the day.

6. Exercise can put the spark back into your sex life.
Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women, and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise — especially as they get older.

7. Exercise can be — gasp — fun!
Physical activity doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!

Now you know once and for all. So follow those 5 steps to starting a fitness program (previous posts). Congratulations for taking giant steps toward a better and perhaps longer quality of life! Of course, if you have any doubts about your current level of physical condition to start, consult with your doctor who might modify your program.

Starting a Fitness Program for the First Time (steps 3 -5 of 5)

2011-01-09T14:18:00.000-06:00

Now that you've read steps 1 and 2 of the 5 steps, ready for more. Trust me: Reading the steps is a LOT easier than doing the steps. So take your time and control the eagerness to begin. Have a plan.

Fitness programs: 5 steps to getting started
By Mayo Clinic staff

Step 3: Assemble your equipment
You'll probably start with athletic shoes. Be sure to pick shoes designed for the activity you have in mind.

If you're planning to invest in exercise equipment, choose something that's practical, enjoyable and easy to use. You may want to try out certain types of equipment at a fitness center before investing in your own equipment. To stretch your exercise dollars, consider buying used equipment. Or get creative. Make your own weights by filling old socks with beans or pennies, or by partially filling a half-gallon milk jug with water or sand and securing the tops with duct tape.

Step 4: Get started

Now you're ready for action. As you begin your fitness program, keep these tips in mind:
■Start slowly and build up gradually. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and cool down with easy walking or gentle stretching. Then speed up to a pace you can continue for five to 10 minutes without getting overly tired. As your stamina improves, gradually increase the amount of time you exercise. Work your way up to 30 to 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
■Break things up if you have to. You don't have to do all your exercise at one time. Shorter but more-frequent sessions have aerobic benefits, too. Fifteen minutes of exercise a couple of times a day may fit into your schedule better than a single 30-minute session.
■Be creative. Maybe your workout routine includes various activities, such as walking, bicycling or rowing. But don't stop there. Take a weekend hike with your family or spend an evening ballroom dancing.
■Listen to your body. If you feel pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or nausea, take a break. You may be pushing yourself too hard.
■Be flexible. If you're not feeling good, give yourself permission to take a day or two off.

Step 5: Monitor your progress
Retake your personal fitness assessment six weeks after you start your program and then again every three to six months. You may notice that you need to increase the amount of time you exercise in order to continue improving. Or you may be pleasantly surprised to find that you're exercising just the right amount to meet your fitness goals.

If you lose motivation, set new goals or try a new activity. Exercising with a friend or taking a class at a fitness center may help, too.

Starting an exercise program is an important decision. But it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one. By planning carefully and pacing yourself, you can establish a healthy habit that lasts a lifetime.

Starting a Fitness Program for First Time (1&2 of 5 Steps)

2011-01-09T14:01:00.000-06:00

Okay it's the first of the year and one of your New Year's resolution is to get off the coach and get into shape. The benefits are undeniable (more on that in future posts). However, the wise person knows you can't reverse perhaps years of inactivity overnight. Those who try will fail due to injury, fatigue or disappointment. So if you want to do this, let's do it right.

The folks at the Mayo Clinic (who knows a thing or two about medicine and health) offers the following:

Fitness programs: 5 steps to getting started
By Mayo Clinic staff

Starting a fitness program may be one of the best things you can do for your health. Physical activity can reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve your balance and coordination, help you lose weight — even improve your sleep habits and self-esteem. And there's more good news. You can do it in just five steps.

Step 1: Assess your fitness level
You probably have some idea of how fit you are. But assessing and recording baseline fitness scores can give you benchmarks against which to measure your progress. To assess your aerobic and muscular fitness, flexibility and body composition, consider recording:
■Your pulse rate before and after you walk 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)
■How long it takes you to walk 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)
■How many push-ups you can do at a time
■How far you can reach forward while seated on the floor with your legs in front of you
■Your waist circumference as measured around your bare abdomen just above your hipbone
Your body mass index

Step 2: Design your fitness program
It's easy to say that you'll exercise every day. But you'll need a plan. As you design your fitness program, keep these points in mind:

■Consider your fitness goals. Are you starting a fitness program to help lose weight? Or do you have another motivation, such as preparing for a marathon? Having clear goals can help you gauge your progress.
■Create a balanced routine. Most adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity — or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity — a week. Adults also need two or more days of strength training a week.
■Go at your own pace. If you're just beginning to exercise, start cautiously and progress slowly. If you have an injury or a medical condition, consult your doctor or a physical therapist for help designing a fitness program that gradually improves your range of motion, strength and endurance.
■Build activity into your daily routine. Finding time to exercise can be a challenge. To make it easier, schedule time to exercise as you would any other appointment. Plan to watch your favorite show while walking on the treadmill, or read while riding a stationary bike.
■Plan to include different activities. Different activities (cross-training) can keep exercise boredom at bay. Cross-training also reduces your chances of injuring or overusing one specific muscle or joint. Plan to alternate among activities that emphasize different parts of your body, such as walking, swimming and strength training.
■Allow time for recovery. Many people start exercising with frenzied zeal — working out too long or too intensely — and give up when their muscles and joints become sore or injured. Plan time between sessions for your body to rest and recover.
■Put it on paper. A written plan may encourage you to stay on track.

Steps 3 through 5 Coming Soon

Aerobic Training During the Winter

2011-01-08T22:00:00.000-06:00

Winter Training
How to Train During the Cold Months of the Year

Training becomes difficult for runners during the winter. Our trails through the woods become covered with snow. Ice and snow also make running on the roads tricky. Cold weather forces us to bundle up, slowing our stride. Add to that, the narrow window of daylight that forces many runners to train, at least during the week, in darkness. For that reason alone, winter is no fun even for those who live in warmer climates.

But winter also can be an advantage, since it forces us to change training patterns. If we can't do fartlek in the woods or repeat 200s on the track, we can at least run long and build our base mileage and aerobic fitness. The mere difficulty of running when the temperature dips below freezing makes us tougher.

Don't pamper yourself.
Keep running this winter Here is a Winter Training Program to motivate yourself to not only stay fit, but to improve your fitness. It lasts 13 weeks and features five running workouts a week with one day of rest and one day of cross-training. Most significantly, It is a time-based training program, meaning that workouts are prescribed in minutes rather than miles. That recognizes the variability of running conditions due to weather. When it's cold and slippery, it's hard to maintain the same fast pace you might in the spring or fall with equal effort.

On days featuring bad weather, simply run at a comfortable pace without glancing at your watch to check pace. Let your instincts tell you how slow or fast to run. On days when the weather improves and the weather has warmed and the roads are clear, pick up the pace.

The Winter Training Program consists of the following workouts on various days of the week:

Monday: Run Easy. In my Winter Training Program, Mondays are easy days with short runs alternating between 15, 20 and 25 minutes at a pace between 65 and 75 percent of your maximum heart rate. If you have access to a fitness center, you might want to do this workout on a treadmill, then do some strength training afterwards.

Tuesday: Run Long. If you have used one of my 18-week marathon training programs, you know that I usually prescribe what I call "sorta-long" runs for the middle of the week. About the best way to describe them is that they are runs not as long as the long runs on the weekends. Tuesdays in this program are set aside for sorta-long runs between 45 and 60 minutes. Run between 65 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate.

Wednesday: Run Easy. Similar to Monday, do a short and easy run today, coupling this run (outdoors or indoors) with some stretching and strength training. Stay in the 65 to 75 percent comfort zone.

Thursday: Run Fast. Weather permitting, do a Tempo Run. I define a Tempo Run as one where you start easy at a jogging warm-up pace (60 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate), then after a mile or two, begin to gradually accelerate to just slower than your 10-K pace (between 80 and 90 percent of your maximum heart rate). Then, after holding that fast pace for 3 to 5 minutes, gradually decelerate and finish the run at the same jogging pace at which you started. While I suggest Thursdays for Tempo Runs, be aware of weather conditions. Feel free to shift your Tempo Run--or any other prescribed workout--to the day of the week most convenient for you.

Friday: Rest. Fridays are rest days in all my programs. You need to be well rested to obtain maximum benefit from the tougher workouts on the weekends.

Saturday: Run Long. In this program, you will alternate runs of 60, 75 or 90 minutes, the time difference mainly to provide a bit of variety from week to week. I don't care how far or fast you run in your allotted time; I simply want you out running. Even runners with access to a treadmill in a gym probably need to get outdoors at least once a week to run long. Stay in the 65 to 75 percent comfort zone. Please note that, unlike my marathon programs, the mileage (or time) does not build over the length of the program. I'm not training you for a marathon or any other race. My interest is in having you maintain a high level of fitness during the winter, so that you can move into a race-focused training program once the weather warms. If you are training for a spring marathon at the end of this Winter Training Program, feel free to modify upward the length of time or distance for these long runs.

Sunday: Cross Train. An hour's walk between 50 and 60 percent of your maximum heart rate would be one winter cross-training option for Sundays, or if you have access to a fitness center you could move your cross-training indoors.

Selecting a Heart Rate Monitor

2011-01-08T21:49:00.000-06:00

For the millions of my blog readers who have dutifully absorbed these posts you know that I'm a huge advocate of treadmills for general aerobic fitness. You also know that to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts you should monitor adjustable parameters like degrees incline and speed. Since most of us aren't 35 year old, 150-pound people you should also enter your age and weight. However, as you now know from my award winning posts that the resulting calories burned is a rough estimate only. Depending on your diligence the error rate could exceed 40 percent. So if you're serious about health and fitness perhaps it's time to invest in a more accurate means of determing the intensity of your aerobic workout. I came across this article as a nice introduction to the subject.

Before You Buy a Heart Rate Monitor
By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com Guide
Updated December 25, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

A heart rate monitor senses and displays your heart rate. Walkers can use heart rate to adjust the intensity of their walk -- speeding up or slowing down to stay in their chosen heart rate zone. Two walkers going the same speed may be in different zones -- one barely working at all, the other near maximum and straining. As your fitness improves, you can walk faster at the same heart rate.

ECG-Accurate Monitors with Chest Strap

The most accurate heart rate monitors use a chest strap which fits snugly around your chest just below the breast. The transmitter detects the electrical activity of your heart just like an ECG. It relays this to a display, usually worn like a wristwatch, although some use earphones instead. It is important for the strap to maintain contact or you get wild readings.

Heart Monitor Features

Basic models display only your heart rate, and perhaps elapsed exercise time. With increasing price you get a variety of useful features such as: Heart rate zone alarm: Set the zone and it alerts you when you are high or low. Timers: Countdown timer, stopwatch, interval timers, clock, alarm. Calories burned. Time in zone, splits. Fitness test. Computer link. Pre-programmed workouts.

Display and Ease of Use
Besides features, shop for how easy it is to use. Can you read the numbers easily? Does it have a backlight for use in low light? Are there so many features that you will have to carry the manual to figure out how to use it each time? Are the buttons well labeled and easy to find and push?

Price
Once you have chosen which features you want, it comes down to price. Sales are common and you can find a wide variation in the price of the same model. Shop around and you may be pleased to find your dream monitor for much less than suggested retail price.

These monitors work by detecting your pulse -- usually by placing one or two fingers on sensor buttons. They cannot give you a constant reading of your heart rate, you have to take it on demand instead. They are also trickier to use than the chest strap monitors -- cold fingers, etc. can give you no reading or wild readings.

Super Foods - Part II

2011-01-08T21:33:00.000-06:00

The folks at Center of Science in the Public Interest have identified five more super foods. See previous post "Super Foods - Part I" for the first five. Now the last 5 Super Foods:

6. Crisbreads - whole grain rye crackers have high fiber and usually low or no fat. Great alternative to saltines or potato chips. Even if you're using them for dip at least they're not contributing to your premature health issues.

7. Garbanzo Beans - I know .... what? Yes black beans, pinto beans, etc. are good alternatives. Rich in protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Yes all of that in a little old bean that can be purchased for little of nothing. So continue to enjoy those other beans if that's your strong preference. However, if you want to walk on the wild side of beanery try these. Their versatility alone should make them a staple in every kitchen. They can be eaten as a vegetable, in a salad, part of a soup or stew. Try them ... you might like them.

8. Watermelon - Full of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. They are wonderfully sweet, juicy and refreshing on a warm summer evening.

9. Butternut Squash - Lots of vitamin A and C and fiber. Butternut Squash can be steamed, baked or put in stews. It has wonderful color and a unique flavor.

10. Leafy greens - This is the foundation. Every kid growing up knows he or she should have something green on their plate. I might add that should not be last week's mac and cheese. They're all good: kale, collards, spinach, turnip, mustard or chard. They can be a bit bitter unless cooked properly. There's a number of great southern recipes to turn these vitamin A, C and K powerhouses into a great meal. Forget the folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lutein and fiber. They're so good you forget they're nature's chemistry set.

So enjoy. Live Long. Spend a little time at your local grocery and get to know that long forgotten room in your house called the kitchen.

Super Foods - Part I

2011-01-08T21:06:00.000-06:00

Super Food

In this day and age of rampart obesity, super size fast foods, overly processed food in the US; there are simple, healthy and readily available foods that are packed full of goodness and nutrition. No wheat germ and egg whites on this list. Also notice three common traits about the so called "Super Foods":

1) Minimal processing, 2) Available in most full service grocery stores and 3) Not that expensive.

This particular list was published by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (cspinet.org).

1. Sweet potatoes - plenty of carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. A southern staple for years and most commonly baked with a little cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar.

2. Mangoes - loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and full of fiber. It is a delicious fruit. It's beautiful color can make a common salad look gourmet.

3. Unsweetened Yogurt - plain yogurt retains all the great protein, potassium, calcium, zinc and vitamin B that it's sweetened version lost when interacting with all that sugar. Also, use it as a healthy alternative to sour cream or add fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries or peaches just before consuming.

4. Broccoli - another nutritional powerhouse with lots of vitamin C, carotenoids and folic acid. Steam it or better yet eat it raw. Great natural flavor. Avoid the ranch dressing or onion dip.

5. Wild Salmon - Just in case you aren't a vegetarian there is a little protein in the offering. It full of omega-3 fats which is a great defense against heart attacks and really helps enhance the good cholesterol. Avoid farm raised fish and seafood if the wild version if available. That includes catfish, oysters and shrimp. The waters of their wild habitats or less contaminated and the flavor is more intense. Besides support the fine folks of the US Gulf.

Part II - Coming soon.

Ming, Conigliaro, Koufax - What might have been

2010-12-28T08:44:00.000-06:00

You ever wonder what might have happened? What could have been?

Yao Ming, incredibly talented 7'-6" center for the Houston Rockets. 7-time all-star. People don't remember that Yao routinely outplayed Shaquille O'Neal with Lakers and Dwight Howard with the Magic. He was that good. Now after yet another injury, it appears that his career, if not over, will never be what it could have been.

Tony Conigliaro - one time phenom with Boston Red Soxs. At 20 he lead the American League in Home Runs. At 22 he was hit by a pitch in the head and essentially ended his stellar career. At 37 he lapsed into a coma in which he never recovered. At 45 he was dead.

Sandy Koufax - the outstanding left-handed pitcher with the Los Angeles/Brooklyn Dodgers. He was a 3-time Cy Young award winner as the leagues best pitcher, threw 4 no-hitters, selected to 7 consecutive All-Star Games and on and on until arthritis forced his retirement at 29.

You never know.

Lessons Learned in Sports and Entertainment

2010-12-28T08:30:00.000-06:00

Too many parents assume that educational TV is limited to PBS and stuffy documentaries. In fact, lessons - valuable life long lessons - can be learned anywhere at any time. Take these three recent cases:

1. Cam Newton, the highly talented Auburn quarterback, is accused of serious NCAA violations. There's multiple witnesses that say his father asked for payment in order for his son to attend their university. Cam, himself, says that he and his father are close. Yet the NCAA determined (in record time so as to not impact the Heisman voting) that Cam was clean. In fact, they said an 18 year old boy living wth his father and enjoying a close relationship with same father knew NOTHING of the request for money. Lesson Learned: If you are really, really good. Others will give you every benefit of the doubt.

2. Five Ohio State players admit to selling University given gear, trophies, rings, jock straps, everything thing. They actually admit it. What does the NCAA do about this violation of a long standing rule. Before we answer, understand this: Ohio State is scheduled to play in a major, ie. sponsors have paid millions for their appearance, bowl (the Sugar Bowl). Ah, there's more: The players who admitted guilt include Heisman trophy candidate Terrelle Pryor their quarterback, their leading rusher, their second leading receiver and their first team all-conference offensive lineman. So the NCAA decides to suspend them NEXT YEAR. Which means the precious Sugar Bowl will not be negatively impacted. Which means some of these guys probably will be playing in NFL while they serve their 5-game suspension (anybody remember Reggie Bush?). Lesson Learned: If you are really, really good. Others will give you every benefit of the doubt.

3. Former Denver Bronco wide receiver Brandon Marshal was arrested 5 times in his 5 years with Denver. In the end, they had enough and traded him to Miami Dolphins. The consequence of his bad behavior? Miami signed him to a 4-year, $48 million contract and then he proceeded to get arrested again. Lesson Learned: If you are really, really good. Others will give you every benefit of the doubt.

4. Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Keifer Sutherland, Lil Wayne and on and on. In and out of trouble. Battery, assault, drug possion, DUI, property distruction, weapons, etc. The consequence of their action: Probation and in the extreme case a few days in jail where the jailers slip them whatever they want. Lesson Learned: If you are really, really good (or famous). Others will give you every benefit of the doubt.

Food Myth No.3 - If It's Deep Fried, It Can Still Be Nutritious

2010-11-13T22:55:00.000-06:00

fresh

We all know the evils of french fries - with or without trans fat. We all know the transformation a common vegetable like the potato goes through once it's subjected to 350 degree oil. Of couse, we know fries are not really vegetables. It would not surprise folks to see a small potato go from 57 calories and 0g fat to 230 calories and 11 grams of fat when McDonald's sell them as a small fry. But the myth is that the common potato is not that much of a vegetable anyway. It's nutritional value is pretty unimpressive even when eaten boiled or baked. Let' face it, the potato owes much of its popularity to it's wonderful ability to fill you up and act as an perfect placeholder for your cheese, bacon, sour creme, pulled pork and yes butter.

deep fried

The myth is that other more robust nutritious vegetables can still be deep fried and serve as a healthy alternative to steaming, baking or boiling. Let's look at the facts shall we (numbers from CalorieKing Food Database and LiveStrong.com):

Okra goes from 18 calories and 0 fat to 300 calories and 16g fat when served as a small order at Church's Chicken.

Onion goes from 32 calories and 0 fat to 180 calories and 9g fat when served as a small order at BurgerKing.

Zucchini goes from 14 calories, 0 fat to 620 calories and 40g fat when served by more gourmet eateries.

This same frightening transformation could be demonstrated for mushrooms, sweet potatoes, broccoli and any other previously fat free source of vitamins, nutrients and fiber.

So don't fall for the myth. If it's deep fried, it really doesn't matter what comes out of the oil drenched waiting to be salted and served. They should be eaten in limited quantities.