Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Wendy's wins it!!!

You could eat 10 nuggets from Wendy's and still eat fewer calories and fat grams than five super-sized chicken strips from McDonald's. Wendy's 10-piece (without sauce) contains a reasonable 440 calories, but is fairly high in fat (29 grams), due to the crispy, fried outside. McDonald's chicken strips are larger. When you eat just five, you're taking in 630 calories, 51% of your daily value of fat (33 grams), and 65% of your daily allotment of sodium.

You could eat 10 McNuggets for still fewer calories than the Chicken Selects (420 calories and 24 grams of fat). Whichever you choose, limit calories by using less dipping sauce. At McDonald's, most sauces (besides the 200-calorie-per-pack Creamy Ranch) contain between 50 and 70 calories each. All of Wendy's sauces vary between 28 and 35 calories per pack.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Are "all-white meat" chicken nuggets all that healthy?


It's time to be on the road much and here's a healthier way to pull over and get those on the road meals.
McDonald's now proudly offers all-white meat chicken strips, while Wendy's has used all-white meat chicken for years. Is all that white meat much healthier? See if you can guess which selection will give you more for your calorie buck, five strips from the golden arches, or 10 whole nuggets from Wendy's...

Friday, May 22, 2009

And the Almonds have it!!!

Almonds contain about 182 calories and 19 grams of fat per 1/3-cup, making them a good option when trying to add nuts to your diet. At 261 calories and 26 grams of fat, the same serving of walnuts is a little harder to handle. Of course, moderation is important. About 1 to 1-1/2 ounces of nuts are recommended per day to fall into the healthy category. This is approximately one handful. If you eat much beyond that, you're eating a lot of calories!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Almonds vs. Walnuts - Choose!



Nuts have gotten a bad rap as high calorie, indulgent foods that we should decline whenever tempted. True, nuts get more than half of their calories from fat. But the fat in nuts is healthy for you, your heart, and your waistline. But how do different types of nuts compare to one another? Almonds are a healthy source of calcium and make a great snack alone or in your favorite salad. Walnuts are an excellent source of magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B6. If you want to get the health benefits of nuts without adding excessive calories to your diet, which of these two should you choose?

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

My favorite burger lost....the answer!


Oh my, the burger I eat on the road ALL the time! wow...
The Big Mac is, well, big--but it still has fewer calories than a Whopper. The Big Mac weighs in at 560 calories and 30 grams of fat (with 10 grams of artery-clogging saturated fat). Obviously, it's not a "diet" food. The Whopper, however, is even worse: 670 calories, 39 grams of fat, and 11 grams of saturated fat. Want to make either one healthier? Skip the cheese and special Big Mac sauce, and you'll take in only 420 calories and 17 grams of fat. When it comes to the Whopper, simply losing the mayo will save you 160 calories and 17 grams of fat (bringing it down to a healthier 510 calories and 22 grams of fat). Who says fast food has to be fat food?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Which whopper of a burger isn't "big" on calories?

McDonald's Big Mac -VS- Burger King Whopper (without cheese)

These two are the big kahunas of fast food burgers. Each comes fully loaded: special sauce or mayo, toppings galore, and BIG beef patties. One is far lower in calories--do you know which?
Tune in tomorrow and see.....

Monday, May 18, 2009

Post Office potential cut


Facing a growing deficit, declining mail volume and cash-flow problems, the U.S. Postal Service may drop one day of delivery, postal officials told Congress today.

Last year saw the largest drop in mail volume — 202 billion pieces, more than 9 billion fewer than 2007.

"If current trends continue, we could experience a net loss of $6 billion or more this fiscal year," Postmaster General John E. Potter said in testimony for a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee.

He said "we would do this by suspending delivery on the lightest volume days." That could be Saturdays or possibly Tuesdays.

The USPS is asking lawmakers to drop the six-day schedule, which Congress mandated in 1983.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

And the Answer is!!! Chick-fil-a


Fiber is a filling nutrient that's also good for your health. Chick-fil-A's Chicken Salad Sandwich boasts a surprising 5 grams of fiber (that's 20% of your daily value) and 20 grams of protein in a tasty 350-calorie package. While this option is higher in calories than the Nuggets (260 calories), it'll probably keep you fuller longer. The Nuggets have less than 1 gram of fiber and are about equal in protein grams. Another reason that the Sandwich makes a good choice is its lower sodium content--880 milligrams compared to the Nuggets' 1,090. If you want a smaller snack, Chick-fil-A also offers healthy options like Carrot & Raisin Salad (170 calories, 6 grams fat), a medium Fruit Cup (70 calories, zero grams fat), and Hearty Breast of Chicken Soup (140 calories, 3.5 grams fat).

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Which Chick-fil-A option will keep you full longer?


You've been driving all day and you're hungry. When you finally stop for gas, you know that you have limited healthy choices in the convenience shop. Luckily this gas station is also paired with a Chick-fil-A restaurant, which definitely gives you some hotter, fresher options than the who-knows-how-old-it-is chicken salad sandwich in the mini mart. Since you've been trying to limit your fast food intake lately, you want to grab something quick and relatively healthy. Chick-fil-A's Nuggets are quick and easy, plus you get 8 whole pieces, which are packed with filling protein. Or you can try their Chicken Salad Sandwich, which comes on wheat bread. Which "snack" from Chick-fil-A will give you the full tummy you need without filling out your waistline?
Come back tomorrow to see if you chose the right one!!!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Monica's Law against Domestic Violence


Monica M. Paul was born April 1, 1977 to Joanne and Lionel Paul. She was the eldest of five children. Monica was born and raised in Montclair and lived most of her life on Maple Ave.
Montclair resident Monica Paul, 31, was killed by multiple gunshots at approximately 6:30 p.m. tonight, June 26, in what is believed to be "a domestic related matter," according to Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow.
Women who have official documented evidence of domestic violence i.e. hospital or police reports; have the right to withhold visitation of their child for fear of their life and or the life of their children.
a) While Monica had a court ordered restraining order, Kenneth still had curbside visitation of the children which kept him in constant contact with Ms. Paul. This gave him total access to her personal life; home, work, and the school of the children. Kenneth knew her every move, thus enabling him to murder her where he did.
b) While the children show no evidence of physical abuse from Kenneth; the mental abuse that they have endured throughout their life is undeniable. The actions of Mr. Duckett demonstrate his toxicity not only to Ms. Paul but to his children; he showed no regard for their future, without not only their mother but, also their father.
Please visit http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Monica/ to sign a petition to stiffen this law so that other mothers don't leave their children behind.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The wrong way to lose weight


Don't skip meals! When you miss a meal, you end up with hunger pangs that drive you to overeat. Eating at regular intervals throughout the day also helps stabilize your blood sugar levels and keep your energy levels up. Try to stick to your meals and snacks throughout the day.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

For that quick find...


Would you like a website that allows you to find all your favorite websites in
ONE PLACE!
Check out http://www.allmyfaves.com/
The screen will fill with the logos of most every store or info site that you will probably ever use. When you click on a logo it takes you directly to the store or site you have selected. It's a great time saver and you don't have to hunt and type addresses on the Internet. Wow! What a Web Site!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

And the answer......


Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww,
Amy's Cheese Pizza in a Pocket Sandwich is the clear winner here. It packs all that cheesy, pizza taste into a handy 300-calorie pocket with 9 grams of fat and 3.5 grams of saturated fat. On top of that, it's trans-fat-free and boosts your fiber (4 grams) and protein (14 grams) intake. Hot Pockets 4 Cheese Pizza is the sore loser here. Not only is it higher in calories (390), but it contains more than twice the fat (20 grams or 31% of your daily value) and double the unhealthy saturated fat (7 grams or 37% of your daily value). It's also much higher in sodium, and while it lists zero trans fats on the label, it does contain partially hydrogenated oils (which means trans fats ARE present but add up to less than 0.5 grams). Amy's Organics can be found in the natural foods section of your supermarket. Try their Roasted Vegetables in a Pocket to save even more calories and fat and still get great taste!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Pick the frozen pizza pocket with half the fat


Almost everyone loves pizza, but not everyone can squeeze this usually high-fat dish into their diet without going overboard. Pizza pockets, available in your grocer's freezer, offer built-in portion control with all that pizza taste you crave. Amy's Cheese Pizza in a Pocket Sandwich is made with organic vegetables and flour. Its competitor, Hot Pockets 4 Cheese Pizza comes in a "crispy, cheesy crust." Both of these pockets are exactly the same size (128 grams), but only one has less than half the fat of the other. Make your pizza pick!
Answer tomorrow!!!

Friday, May 8, 2009

The Tone-Knees - continued


Remember we need our knees for a lifetime...
Strengthen. Add lower body exercises on the weight machines. Start with light weights that allow you to complete 15 reps somewhat easily (1-2 sets at first, adding another later). Once you can perform that 3rd set easily, try adding additional weight.

Treat. If you feel occasional soreness, carefully try the exercises and strengthening moves above, but be mindful of whether you feel muscle work or joint pain. Challenge yourself slowly and if you continue to feel pain (especially sharp pain), see a physician to treat the problem.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

The Tone-Knees


Knees are one of those parts of the body that we'd really like to keep for life. Here are some facts that will assist in this endeavor.
A euphoric workout can make our heart flutter and our cheeks rosy, but it should never make us weak in the knees.

Carol Espel, MS, National Director of Group Fitness at Equinox, tells us how to avoid pain and strengthen our joints.

Prevent. Don't want to bust a cap? Make sure you're not doing anything to put yourself at risk. That includes wearing the wrong sneakers, overtraining, and doing the same exercise repeatedly (especially running). Try to include yoga for increased flexibility and cycling, which is easy on the knees.

Tune in tomorrow for some more facts.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Answer - Flatbread pizzas from Uno Chicago Grill


The Mediterranean diet sure is healthy, and compared with its competitor, so is this Mediterranean flatbread pizza. These portions are large, so you'd want to share with a friend. Here's the nutrient breakdown for HALF of this pizza pie: 420 calories, 15 grams of fat (23% daily value), 4 grams saturated fat (20% daily value), and 1,030 milligrams of sodium (43% of your upper limit). For half a pizza with so much great taste, these numbers sound pretty good. Uno's Roasted Eggplant, Spinach & Feta flatbread pizza weighs in much higher. For HALF of this pizza, you'd consume 565 calories, 23.5 grams of fat (36% of your daily value), 10.5 grams of saturated fat (over 50% of your daily limit), and slightly less sodium (1,060 mg). The only good thing about this option is that it also packs more fiber (8 grams per half pizza) and protein (more than 25 grams per half). You don't have to swear off pizza to lose weight--just watch those portions sizes and fatty toppings. Vegetable-based pizzas are always a healthier alternative to meats and still offer plenty of flavor and nutrition.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Flatbread pizzas from Uno Chicago Grill


Uno Chicago Grill offers a variety of pizzas, salads and entrees. When you're watching your weight, you'll probably stay away from their deep dish pizzas in favor of those made on flatbread, which are described as "a lighter alternative" to traditional pizza. This section of the menu has a handful of gourmet options. The Roasted Eggplant, Spinach & Feta pizza is topped with sun-dried and plum tomatoes, caramelized onions, basil pesto and mozzarella. With no meat in sight and healthy veggies galore, it sure sounds like a dieter's dream, right? Then there's Uno's Mediterranean pizza. The Mediterranean diet gets plenty of good press as a healthy way to eat and shed pounds. This pizza is very similar to the first (spinach, tomatoes, basil pesto, feta) but also has kalamata olives and Parmesan cheese. Between these two very similar pizzas with two very different nutrient breakdowns, which is lower in fat?
So which one do you choose? Follow and comment!!!

Monday, May 4, 2009

The Coolest Treats & Tips


Just because it's about to be summer doesn't mean you have to splurge in the freezer aisle! We've got healthy ideas to keep you cool off the eaten path.

Jazz up a cold drink: Give iced water new life with all-natural Celestial Seasonings Zingers, or try freezing ice cubes with berries or lemon floating inside.

Be your own barista: Why get a loaded drinkuccino when a healthy DIY smoothie can have the same effect? Try Lauren and Caren's Mindful Mocha smoothie with omega-3s and fiber to keep you cool and full!

Think inside the box: You'll be surprised how many of your healthy faves do well in the freezer. Frozen grapes and cherries make a refreshing snack, or drop some yogurt (like Siggi's) with a topping into popsicle molds.

Scream for (the right) ice cream: For the calorie-conscious, Lauren and Caren recommend Skinny Cow Skinny Dippers or Edy's No Sugar Fruit Pops. If you're a natural girl, VJD likes Green & Black's organic ice cream and Stonyfield Farm's organic low- and non-fat varieties. Make your own with this super-easy recipe for agave frozen yogurt.