November 28th, 2009 jeniii
Being a native from Southern California, I drove everywhere! It’s just the thing to do. After being diagnosed with DCM (Dialated Cardiomyopathy) almost 2 years ago, I was told to get up and start walking more. Ever since then I’ve been on this crazy hunt for the perfect walking shoes because I swear they’ll help me get motivated and maybe tone up my caboose. Well, 7 purchases later (in my defense they were on sale!), I’m still not convinced . Doing a little research I came across these [new] Reebok EasyTone’s. I’m not a huge fan of commercials and usually change the channel when one comes on, but apparently they’ve been around since the beginning of the year.
Designed by a former NASA engineer, Reeboks EasyTone running shoes were created to tone your butt, thighs and hamstrings by 28 percent. Unlike the MBT’s (the original ‘rocker style’ shoes) and Sketchers Shape-ups, the EasyTone’s are more streetwear ready and definitely don’t look like weird alien shoes. The soles of the shoes are basically two pod-like pads, one is on the heel, the other is on the ball. Having only two pads requires much stability and balance (two qualities that I have yet to master).
One of my favorite fashion blogs, Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle, did a three part review of the EasyTone’s:
“I’ve been wearing Reebok EasyTone sneakers for the past couple of weeks now– mainly on my weekend walks around the neighborhood and when I run errands, such as trips to the grocery store or Target. While I initially felt that my legs were a little more tired after walking in EasyTone sneakers than normal athletic sneakers, I can now confirm that the feeling intensified with more wear. There is definitely something going on with these new Reeboks!”
I think I know what I’m asking Santa for this year!
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October 15th, 2009 jeniii
Seriously, Sun Gold tomatoes are freaking delish! Each individual tomato has its own beautiful and vibrant orangey-yellowish-greenish color that just screams, “EAT ME!” The first time I tried Sun Gold tomatoes was about two weeks ago and I fell in love. There were so many of these sweet delicious goodies in the backyard; I decided to make my own spaghetti sauce with all of them. I googled many different recipes and just combined a few. It’s a simple recipe, not much thrill because I wanted to keep the natural sweetness of the Sun Golds.
2-3 – 32oz. of fresh Sun Gold Tomatoes (or you can use my measurements, 2 large bowls HA!)
1 large white onion, chopped
2 sprigs of fresh oregano, de-spriged and chopped
5 or 6 or 7 or 8! cloves of fresh garlic, sliced or chopped (I LOVE garlic!)
a pinch of salt and pepper
2 tbsp. of EVOO
fresh parmigiano reggiano
4 qt. of water
2 qt. of ice cold water
your choice of pasta
Cook pasta according to the directions on the package, then drain. Bring 4 qt of water to a boil, add all tomatoes to the boiling water for a only couple minutes. Drain and immediately give them an ice cold water bath, then peel. The ice water helps the skins to peel off easier. Next, sauté the chopped onions in the EVOO. Cook until they are translucent and have a hint of brown. Combine the peeled tomatoes, garlic, onions, oregano, salt and pepper to the cooked onions and let simmer for 25-35 mins. During this time the Sun Golds will start to break down to a saucier consistancy. Serve hot with freshly grated parmigiano reggiano or any of your favorite type of cheese. Enjoy!
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August 3rd, 2009 cate
From American Most Trusted Pharmacist:
“…Artificial sweeteners like saccharin (Sweet’N Low), sucralose (Splenda) or aspartame (NutraSweet) are lab-created chemicals that are food-additives; they should not be considered “food.”
Some experts think that artificial sweeteners belong to a class of harmful chemicals called “excitotoxins” which can make brain cells fire like crazy, damaging or killing them. They can cause free radical damage in nerve cells. I wonder – if in time- we will find a connection between people who use excessive amounts of the pretty packets with those who experience conditions stemming from their head, for example, depression, panic attacks, seizures, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease and even manic depression.
I am particularly annoyed that many diabetes educators promote artificial sweeteners to people with diabetes, Why? Because some preliminary studies point to their detrimental effect on blood sugar and pancreatic function. Even more disturbing, a Duke University study has concluded these compounds may actually contribute to obesity, not weight loss!
The artificial sweetener story gets confusing because a few studies insist that human consumption is safe. So here is some research which explains why I shy away from non-natural sweeteners:
–A 2008 study published in Preventative Medicine concluded that, “Regular use of artificial sweeteners for 10 years or more was positively associated with urinary tract tumors.”
–In January 2009, the trial began for McNeil-PPC, Inc. versus the sugar industry. Makers of Splenda have to defend themselves against claims that they used false advertising or deceptive marketing campaigns in order to convince Americans that Splenda is natural and safe because it comes from sugar. (It may start out that way, but the end product does not occur in nature, hence the trouble.)
–A 2008 Duke University study published in The Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health concluded that sucralose contributes to obesity, destroys your healthy camp of intestinal bacteria and may interfere with absorption of prescription drugs.
–A study by researchers at the University of Florida found that aspartame may increase the frequency of migraines by up to 50 percent.
–At higher temperatures, a compound in aspartame converts to formaldehyde and then to another chemical which could spark neurological symptoms that could be mistaken for multiple sclerosis. “
Source
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August 1st, 2009 cate
You probably already know this but I thought I’d post this list of the 10 Unhealthiest Restaurants in America. Sadly, I’m sure this is just the tip of the iceberg…
1. Denny’s
2. Chili’s
3. Baskin-Robbins
4. Carl’s Jr.
5. Continue Reading
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July 29th, 2009 cate
From treehugger:
“The final implementation earlier this month of Turkey’s ban on smoking was hailed as a huge victory for public health. On billboards all around Istanbul, smiley-faced bubbles floated across clear blue skies alongside messages such as “Hello to a smoke-free Turkey.” But one environmental engineer says it will take more than banning cigarettes in enclosed spaces to truly clear the air.
While some have portrayed the ban as part of a broader anti-vice campaign by the Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, Eylem Tuncaelli sees it more as a way for political leaders to avoid dealing with the country’s real air-pollution problems.
Industrial pollution causes cancer too
“Unfortunately, it is impossible to speak of smoke-free air space in Turkey,” Tuncaelli, the president of the Istanbul branch of the Environmental Engineers’ Chamber (ÇMO), told the media-advocacy group Bianet. “People are facing the risk of cancer even without being exposed to cigarette smoke.”
In Dilovası, an industrial city in the Marmara region, levels of air-borne toxins are 30 times higher than European Union standards, Tuncaelli said, adding that 32 percent of deaths in the area in recent years have been attributed to cancer.
300,000 tons of sulfur oxide
In the southwest city of Yatağan, a coal-fired power plant has spewed more than 300,000 tons of sulfur dioxide into the air since it opened in 1982. Environmentalists have called for the facility to be shut down.
Tuncaelli says environmental laws are often not enforced, allowing factories to get away with not controlling or filtering their emissions. Adds the engineer: “If the ’smoke-free air space’ slogan is meant to be supported, it is much more important to reduce air pollution caused by the industry before banning cigarettes.” Via: “Smoke-free Air Space? What About Dilovası and Yatağan?”
source
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