Saturday, August 11, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
:) Smile (:
What's the longest word in the world? Give
up? Well I'll tell you at the end.
Smiling is universal and more
important an action than you may understand. There has been numerous studies done on the
benefits of smiling, who smiles, and when we start smiling. Besides some fun facts regarding the smile I
have included a video done by a Ted Talker Ron Gutman and his explanation of
the importance of smiles.
- Babies are born with the ability to smile: Babies learn a lot of behaviors and sounds from
watching those around them, but scientists believe that all babies are
born with the ability, since even blind babies smile and ultrasound
pictures have depicted fetuses smiling.
- Babies start smiling as newborns: Most doctors believe that real smiles occur when
babies are awake at the age of four-to-six weeks, but babies start smiling
in their sleep as soon as they’re born.
- It’s a universal sign of happiness: While handshakes, hugs, and bows all have varying
meanings across cultures, smiling is known around the world and in all
cultures as a sign of happiness and acceptance –even cannibals smile.
- Smiles are the most easily recognizable facial
expression: People can recognize smiles
from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial
expression.
- Smiles are contagious:
In a study conducted in Sweden, test subjects who looked at others
smiling, whether in photographs or in person, had difficulty frowning and
their muscles twitched into smiles all on their own. It’s not just a saying: smiling really
is contagious.
- Forcing yourself to smile can boost your mood: based off of Psychology research if you’re in a bad
mood, you can instantly lift your spirits by forcing yourself to smile.
- It boosts your immune system: Stressed? Try relaxing with a smile. Smiling causes your body to immediately
release endorphins; even when you force it. This sudden change in mood
will help you feel better, release stress, and can improve your physical health
by allowing your body to be more relaxed; when you smile this contributes
to good health and a stronger immune system.
- It’s easier to smile than to frown: Scientists have discovered that your body has to work
harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile.
- Smiles use from 5 to 53 facial muscles: Just smiling can require your body to use up to 53
muscles, but some smiles only use 5 muscle movements.
- There are 19 different types of smiles: UC-San Francisco researcher identified 19 types of
smiles and put them into two categories: polite “social” smiles which
engage fewer muscles, and sincere “felt” smiles that use more muscles on
both sides of the face.
- We still smile at work: While we smile less at work than we do at home, 30%
of subjects in a research study smiled five to 20 times a day, and 28%
smiled over 20 times per day at the office.
- Smiling helps you get promoted: Smiles make a person seem more attractive, sociable
and confident, and people who smile more are more likely to get a
promotion.
- Women smile more than men: Generally, women smile more than men, but when they
participate in similar work or social roles, they smile the same amount.
This finding leads scientists to believe that gender roles are quite flexible.
Boy babies, though, smile
less than girl babies, who also make more eye contact.
- Finally: Smiles are more attractive than makeup: A research study conducted by Orbit Complete
discovered that 69% of people find women more attractive when they smile
than when they are wearing makeup.
 |
| Even Animals Smile |
Now
that you know how important smiling is here is the answer to my first question:
the longest word in the world is SMILES –why? because there is a mile between
the S’s.
LAUGH! LOVE! SMILE!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Today's Scenic View
While we cheer on all those participating in the Olympics, let us not forget that our skills for such feats had been and continue to be inspired by nature -the first and true Olympians.
Image:
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
That Latin Beat!
Zumba! It was seen on the last season of "Biggest Loser," discussed on CNN as a way to get children motivated into being more active i.e. Exercise Can Be FUN!
So what is Zumba?
Well, it is a Latin inspired dance-fitness program. Unlike other group fitness or group dance-fitness crazes Zumba is a different kind of Hot Colombian import that combines the cha-cha with funky Latin beats created by the celebrity fitness trainer Alberto "Beto" Perez. The upbeat music keeps you on your feet and the dance moves get you grooving and sweating. The moves required to do the Latin dances such as the Cha-Cha or the Merengue make use of core and leg muscles adding strength and toning.
Where can you find Zumba?
There are programs that can be purchased for large amounts of money, there are classes offered at most health clubs, Video consoles such as the Wii have a "game" version, if you are curious and not ready to spend the money to try out this new fitness fad there are some good 9and some not so good) videos on YouTube. If you are unfamiliar with Latin dance moves a good fitness video and even the Wii game have tutorials on how to do the moves which can give you the practice to build up to actually being able to do the fitness routine if you feel you're just not there. The important thing: Have fun! Go at your pace not the pace of the instructor or others if you do partake of a group setting, and smile! Get out there and try something New!
LiveStrong.com (2012). The History of Zumba. Found on 8/1/12 @ http://www.livestrong.com/article/337316-the-history-of-zumba-exercise/#ixzz22LYyYgGZ
Zumba.com (2012). About Zumba Fitness. Found 5/13/2012 @ http://www.zumba.com/en-US/
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Chia Seeds: Power packed in a little Package
As this image below shows, this is one of the reasons I eat Chia seeds. They have a slight nutty flavor, but otherwise like rice or couscous they tend to take on the flavor of whatever they are mixed with. This is the base of my Chia pudding. To make Chia Pudding take an amount of Chia seeds and soak in double that amount of water. Let soak for 10 minutes, stir to break up any clumps and let sit for another 10 or until all the water is gone -this is called Chia gel and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. All that's left is to mix in whatever you want, berries, almond milk, regular milk, some seasonings like cinnamon and or vanilla. All that's left is to enjoy!
Reference:
YummyMummyKitchen (2012). Chia Seeds. [Image] found on 12 July 2012 @
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Juice of the Month -or- July is Berry Month
Here
in the upper Midwest, July is berry month. While some berries start
to ripen mid June their bountiful harvest continues through July. There's
nothing you cannot do with a berry. From a breakfast addition to salads,
berries are probably one of the most versatile fruits -coming in
second after apples. While the three traditional "summer"
berries are all low in calories and high in fiber they each have their own
health benefits.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain the
minerals potassium, manganese, copper, iron
and zinc; and the vitamins A, C, and E. Their dark pigment
imbues them with an anti-oxidant value largely derived from poly-phenolic anthocyanidin compounds
such as chlorogenic acid,
tannins, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol; additional flavonoid anti-oxidants such as carotene β, lutien and zeaxanthin
contribute immensely making the tiny blueberry one compact powerhouse for
delivering optimum health and wellness.
Raspberries
 |
| Black Raspberries (Black Caps) native to the Upper Midwest |
Raspberries are excellent
source of vitamin-C and
also contain vitamins A, the B-complex group, E, and vitamin K. Minerals include potassium, manganese,
copper, iron and magnesium. Recently
Raspberries have been considered a super fruit in that they have significantly high levels of phenolic flavonoid
phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid (tannin),
quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid along with the health
promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein,
zeaxanthin,and beta carotene (in small amounts). Combined
with an ORAC value of about 4900 per 100 grams they are thought of as one of
the top-ranked healthiest fruits. Scientific
studies show that the antioxidant compounds in these berries have the potential
health benefits to fight against cancer, aging, inflammation, and
neuro-degenerative diseases.
Xylitol is a low-calorie sugar substitute extracted from raspberries. A
teaspoonful of xylitol contains just 9.6 calories as compared to an equivalent
of sugar, which has 15 calories. Xylitol absorbs more slowly in the intestines
than sugar and does not contribute to a high glycemic index, and thus, can be
helpful in diabetics.
Strawberries
A rich source of many
health promoting phyto-nutrients such as phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals
called anthocyanins and ellagic acid, health promoting
flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene (in
small amounts); the minerals potassium, manganese, fluorine, copper, iron and
iodine; and vitamins A, the B-complex group, and vitamin E all essential for
optimum health.
All Together Now
Fresh berries are an
excellent source of vitamin-C (about 98% of RDI), which is also a
powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C allows
the body to develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation,
and scavenge harmful free radicals. The
phyto-chemical compounds found in all of these berries aid in removal of
harmful oxygen-derived free radicals from within the body, and thereby, help protect
against cancers, aging, degenerative diseases, and infections. Remember the dark the pigment found in the
berry the larger the benefits you will receive.
Locally grown or berries allowed to ripen on the plant before picked
will not only have excellent flavor but will have had more time to produce the
compounds listed above –bringing you healthy and wholesome fruits.
Strawberry
Pineapple Juice
Consisting of a tropical nectar-like flavor this is a summer time
treat that everyone should love:
1 inch slice of pineapple
round (remove outer skin if not organic)
8 strawberries
This juice could be done with a juicer or as a wonderful smoothie
in a blender. Also makes a great summer
time punch –just increase the amounts equally and add your favorite sorbet or
vanilla ice-cream with a bit of sparkling mineral water.
ENJOY!
Note:
Strawberries can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. Know where your berries come from and if they
were allowed to fully ripen. Some
reactions are due to pesticides and herbicides used on the plants while others
are due to unripe berries. There are
also several different varieties of berries some which may have a higher
incidence of causing an allergic reaction.
Resources:
Juice recipes courtesy of Kordich, Jay (1993). The Juiceman’s Power of
Juicing. New York, NY: Warner Books.
Nutrition And You.com (2009-2012). Blueberries. Viewed on
7/2/2012.
Nutrition And You.com (2009-2012). Raspberries. Viewed on
7/2/2012.
Nutrition And You.com (2009-2012). Strawberries. Viewed on 7/2/2012.
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