Imagine That!

Did You Know....

Researches found that people consume less of a food if they first imagine themselves eating it. Study participants were instructed to picture themselves either eating M&M's or popping quarters into a washing machine. Then they were offered M&M's. People were had imagined eating the candy at fewer M&M's than those whose minds were on laundry. The authors say thinking about a food's taste, smell or appearance can increase appetite, but that visualizing actually consuming the food can, in effect, help you fill up.

(Source: Science, Dec. 10, 2010)

**side note-before me and my husband starting going off sugar for the dreaded 12 months, to prepare ourselves we read in a book that in able to resist the desserts that you know you're about to face, go through each dessert in your mind and imagine saying "no" to them. Surprisingly, that's been the one thing that has got us through resisting sugar. So if you know what desserts are being made or eaten that night, go through and say "no" to yourself before you arrive....it will help, I promise!

Natural Remedies for the Cold and Flu

I'm so sorry I haven't been the best blogger lately. I've been out sick with..well, I don't know exactly what it was that I had, but it was bad.

I wanted to do a blog post on natural cures for the cold or flu because when you're sick, you're ready to try anything to feel better! Who on earth likes to be sick?!

I did some research on what's the best for your body and came across some fantastic information from WebMD. Thank goodness for good old WebMD. I took a lot of these things and I can honestly say they did help. I'm so grateful I came across this info, and wanted everyone in on the goodness to help with their sicknesses.

Echinacea
Echinacea is an herbal supplement that can boost immune system activity. But it’s unclear whether this boost helps fight off colds or flu. Some researchers have reported no benefits, but at least one recent study paints a more positive picture. Participants who took echinacea shortened their colds by an average of 1.4 days. Still, experts remain skeptical, and it’s best to check with a doctor before trying this or other herbal remedies.

Zinc
Some studies show that Zinc appears to have antiviral properties. There is some evidence the mineral may prevent the formation of certain proteins that cold viruses use to reproduce themselves. While zinc does not appear to help prevent colds, some research suggests it may help shorten cold symptom duration. The FDA recommends against using zinc nasal products for colds because of reports of permanent loss of smell.

Vitamin C
The cold-fighting prowess of vitamin C remains uncertain. While vitamin C doesn't seem to prevent colds, some studies suggest it can help shorten the duration of the common cold slightly. In one large study, people recovered from colds more quickly after taking a megadose (8,000 milligrams) on the first day of the cold. But taking more than 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day may cause kidney stones and diarrhea.

Chicken Soup
Grandma was onto something. Chicken soup may help cold symptoms in more than one way. Inhaling the steam can ease nasal congestion. Sipping spoonfuls of fluid can help avoid dehydration. And some advocates say the soup may soothe inflammation. Researchers have found chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties in the lab, though it’s unclear whether this effect translates to real-world colds.

Hot Tea-for us Mormons, Herbal is a perfect substitute.
Drinking hot tea offers some of the same benefits as chicken soup. Inhaling the steam relieves congestion, while swallowing the fluid soothes the throat and keeps you hydrated. Black and green teas have the added bonus of being loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants.

Garlic
Garlic has long been touted for legendary germ-fighting abilities. While there is not enough research to recommend it as a cold remedy, garlic is very nutritious. In addition, it can help spice up your meals when a stuffy nose makes everything taste bland.

Steam/Humidifier
For a heavy dose of steam, use a room humidifier – or simply sit in the bathroom with the door shut and a hot shower running. Breathing in steam can break up congestion in the nasal passages, offering relief from a stuffy or runny nose.

Saline Drops
Dripping saltwater into the nose can remove virus and bacteria particles, while reducing congestion. Try over-the-counter saline drops, or make your own by mixing 8 ounces of warm water with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Use a bulb syringe to squirt the mixture into one nostril while holding the other one closed. Repeat 2-3 times and then do the other side.

Neti Pot
For a more systematic nasal rinse, the neti pot is an option. This small ceramic pot is used to flush out the nasal passages with a saltwater solution – a process known as nasal irrigation. The result is thinner mucus that drains more easily. Research suggests neti pots are useful in relieving sinus symptoms, such as congestion, pressure, and facial pain, particularly in patients with chronic sinus troubles.

Menthol Ointment
Days of wiping and blowing your nose can leave the skin around your nostrils sore and irritated. A simple remedy is to dab a menthol-infused ointment under, but not in, the nose. Menthol has mild numbing agents that can relieve the pain of raw skin. As an added benefit, breathing in the medicated vapors that contain menthol or camphor can help open clogged passages and relieve cough due to colds. Use only in children over 2 years of age.

Saltwater Gargle
For a sore throat, the traditional saltwater gargle has merit. Gargling warm water with a teaspoon of salt four times daily can help keep a scratchy throat moist.

Nasal Strips
Another strategy for relieving nighttime congestion is to try over-the-counter nasal strips. These are strips of tape worn on the bridge of the nose to open the nasal passages. While they can’t unclog the nose, they do create more space for airflow.


Let Your Fever Work
A fever is the original natural remedy. The rise in temperature actively fights colds and flu by making your body inhospitable for germs. Endure a moderate fever for a couple of days to get better faster. Just be sure to stay well hydrated. Call your doctor right away if the fever is over 105, unless it comes down quickly with treatment. In infants 3 months or younger call your doctor for any fever greater than 100.4. Children with a fever of less than 102 usually don’t require treatment unless they’re uncomfortable.

Bed Rest
With our busy lives, most of us loathe to spend a day or two under the covers. But getting plenty of rest lets your body direct more energy to fighting off germs. Staying warm is also important, so tuck yourself in and give your immune cells a leg up in their noble battle.

(Source: Webmd, Brunilda Nazario MD)

Please Pass the Potassium

Did you Know that eating a diet high in potassium may help stave off type 2 diabetes, according to a large study. Potassium is an essential mineral (found in foods like bananas and prunes) that is believed to stimulate the production of insulin, the blood glucose-lowering hormone that is deficient in people with diabetes.

Participants with the highest potassium levels at the start of the study were 64 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the following 17 years than those with the lowest levels. Take note-people with kidney problems or who take certain medications may need to limit their potassium intake and should check with a doctor before changing their diet.

(Source: Diabetic Forecast)

Perfect Oven Roasted Fries

I came across this recipe while trying to find that Tomatillo Soup on the Zupas Blog that my sister made and immediately tried/made them. I fell head over hills. Instantly.

I'd recommend these to anyone! Especially someone that's trying to rid fast food. They literally taste better than fast food fries in my opinion. But I would recommend Sea Salt, for some reason it makes a big difference.

Enjoy!


"This is more of a method than a recipe, because times will all depend on how thick and big you cut your potato slices. But the secret? Boiling the fries before they go into the oven. Believe me - it makes the inside nice and soft while the outside gets crispy from a high oven temperature. And it speeds up the process as well!"



1st - set a pot of water over high heat to get it boiling. Also preheat your oven to the highest temperature it will go to.


2nd - cut your potatoes. I like mine thinner, but you can definitley do big wedges or small stick - however you prefer your fries. Leave the peel on or take them off -it’s all up to you!


3rd - drop the potatoes into the boiling water. Cook until just barely tender - make sure you don’t cook them so much that they fall apart!


4th - drain potatoes and transfer to a baking sheet. Cover with olive oil and any seasoning you want. Put into the preheated oven.


5th - Cook until crispy on the edges. I like to turn mine once or twice during this time so that they get evenly browned.


6th - remove from oven and enjoy - I like mine with some fry sauce!!

(Thanks Deborah from Zupas.com)

Fat-Burning Foods

I came across a wonderful little slide-show that I thought you would enjoy.

It has some wonderful information about certain foods and why we should be eating them on a regular basis!

Click here to get the slide-show.

(thanks webmd.com)

Tomatillo Chicken Soup

I've tried a lot of soups in my day. I love soup.

Who doesn't on a cold, winter day?

I've found the one that has topped them all! My sister Stacie is always coming up with these outstanding recipes, and this soup might have changed my life for the better. Very healthy, and out of this world good!!

It's not even a question, you HAVE to try it.

{tomatillo chicken soup}
serves 6-8 people

saute in big stock pot approx 10-15 min:
1/2 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb tomatillos, diced (about 5 medium size, don’t forget to remove the husk and wash)
1 tablespoon cumin

add the rest & simmer approximately 15-25 minutes:
3 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded
1 49 1/2oz chicken broth can
1 16oz fresh salsa from the grocery store deli
1 15.5 oz cans yellow hominy (drained)
1 15.5 oz cans white hominy (drained)

**serve with:blue or white tortilla chips
avocado chunks
white rice
shredded cheese
sour cream
fresh lime juice

**these add-ons are a must! [they make the soup!]
i like to add white rice to the soup, then lime juice, sour cream, shredded cheese, and avacado slices. then, i eat it with tortilla chips.

(found at Zupas.com at the Cafe Zupas Blog)

Calorie-Torching Workout

Some of us like the calm Pilates and the low pace Yoga. That being said, some of us like the high intensity, sweat dripping, all-out workouts. I'm one of those people that like to push myself to the limits. Not all the time, please don't get me wrong. But those days I want to feel the burn, I would prefer the "I feel like I'm going to die", rather than, "I feel like I'm ready for bed".

For those of you who enjoy the high intensity, I have the calorie-burning work out for you.

"It’s got to be high intensity, whatever the workout is, if you’re going to torch calories -not just burn them,” says Bret Emery, a behavioral psychologist and weight loss specialist based in Weston, Fla. “Heart rate is key. That’s the speedometer of the body. If we speed the body up, it will burn more calories, just as a car will burn more fuel if it speeds up.”

From studying more than I would prefer about exercise, what I've learned is it comes down to interval training. I see the fastest results and get the most out of my workouts when I stick to interval. Always switching up the body is key!

This workout you either need a race track (nearest high school-and don't worry, it will only be cold for the first couple of minutes), or a treadmill.

Thanks to Michael Banks, owner of Body by Banks corporation in Salt Lake City, for putting together this doozy of a workout. Believe me, it will get the sweat going-and you'll be addicted to feeling stronger and firmer with every workout. I even take this workout with me to the gym.

The goal here is to push your body past your comfort zone. Once you've passed that zone, the calories literally start burning off.

Treadmill Torch
You'll need a set of dumbbells, I recommend either 5 lbs. or 7 lb.s

1. Warm Up: On the treadmill, with the incline set at a challenging angle, power walk at a speed of 3-3.5 for 7 minutes. Keep your elbows up above your heart. Stop, get off the treadmill, and stretch.

2. Sprint: Drop the incline to 0, increase the treadmill speed, and sprint hard for 30 seconds. Aim for 90% of your maximum heart rate. To recover, bring your speed down to 3.0 and walk for one minute.

3. Squats: Get off the treadmill and squat, with your bottom out to the rear and your legs slightly apart. Then jump from the squatting position into the air, landing in the same squat position as before (aka Thrusts). Do this for one set of 15 or 20, working your quadriceps. If you’re already in good shape, hold dumbbells by your sides.

4. Overhead Presses: Do 15 or 20 overhead presses with the weights, pushing them straight up and directly over your shoulders.

5. Sprint: Get back on the treadmill and sprint for 30 seconds (no incline). The goal is to be at 80% of your maximum heart rate. To recover, decrease your speed to 3.0 and walk for one minute.

6. Tricep Extensions: Using dumbbells, do one set of 15 or 20 overhead tricep extensions. Your elbows should point toward the ceiling, with the weights behind your head. Lift the weights directly above your head and back down again.

7. Pushups. Do one set of 15 push-ups, with your elbows at a 90-degree angle from the body. Modification: Do the push-ups with your knees on the ground, but do 25 instead of 15.

8. Sprint: Back to the treadmill. Sprint for 1 minute, aiming for 70% of your maximum heart rate. To recover, jog for 90 seconds.

9. Jumping Jacks. Do one set of 15 or 20 jumping jacks. If you're strong enough, add two 10- or 15-pound dumbbells -- lift up the weights when you jump out, in an overhead press position, pulling them back down to shoulder height as your legs go back together.

10. Finale: Incline your treadmill to an angle that really challenges you -but don't hang onto the treadmill's rails. Walk at a 2.0-3.5 speed for 30 seconds, aiming for 60% of your maximum heart rate. To recover, bring the treadmill down to a 1.0 incline and drop your speed to 1.9 or 2.0 for a 1-minute walk. Finish by stretching.