Diet: Portion Control
Are you not maintaining your best weight . You think you are not eating all that much, really? It is always the proverbial fifteen to twenty pounds?
Why don't we automatically stop eating when the body is satiated? This question prompted me to go on an investigative journey to look for the root cause of obesity in America.
This issue with over eating has its roots in portion control. You must establish a personal portion control. For example, eat open face sandwiches and a cup of soup instead of a bowl. Eat smaller portions similar to the Europeans.
Eat only small portions and do not go back for seconds. The no seconds rule is now in place. How do youknow what portion is the right portion for you ?
Must you perpetually measure every morsel? Work on you portion intelligence (PI) which is a part of food intelligence (FI) in America.
Typically we just eat the portions we are given without any consideration for PI. In our culture all you can eat is the norm. We stop eating only when time is up not when we are filled up.
Culturally to give someone a little bitty amount of food is insulting. We have Thanksgiving every day. Correction, I mean every meal
You can eat all the fruit you want. There is no fat in fruit which makes it an all you can eat food. It would be helpful if there were all you can eat fruit buffet restaurants on every corner, or there was nothing in convenience stores but fruit and gas.
Now, you can fill up your tank and nibble on an apple at the same time. Vegetables fall into the same all you can eat category, particularly the green and leafy kind.
The diet pundits also encourage you to eat as little meat as possible – three to nine grams a day or better still three grams a week.
Let’s stop for a minute right here. What is a gram and what does it look like? A little research shows a gram is the size of a dime.
Now, I can have three dimes of meat along with my big piles of fruits and vegetables. Why is much of the packaged food in America with the exception of meat and a few other products in grams?
In order to diet properly learn to control your portions start simply.
eat slowly
eat open faced sandwiches
use a cup instead of a bowl
use an eight inch plate instead of a 12 inch plate
use 4oz to 8oz beverage glasses
avoid second helpings and all you can eat buffets
eat a salad, hot or cold, everyday
Master the metric system. It could help you to know when you are over eating.
http://education.wichita.edu/caduceus/examples/servings/what_is_a_gram.htm
Spice Review: Cardamon
Curries East and West Indian are wildly popular. Recently in the grocery store I reached for the spice cardamom. I quickly jerked my hand back. The spice was fifteen dollars. While I knew saffron and vanilla bean are the most expensive. Why is cardamom so expensive?
Cardamon, the world’s third most expensive spice falls into the aromatic category. It tastes like a blend of ginger and cinnamon. You will need very little of this spice to give your dish a rich favor.
The largest producer of Cardamon is Guatemala followed by India. It is used in primarily in Indian cooking and surprising shows up in Nordic cooking. History indicates that the Vikings bought the spice back to Nordic countries.
Not only is Cardamon used as a spice it is also purported to have medicinal qualities. A review in WebMD states the spice has the potential to alleviate digestion problems such as intestinal spasms and it is purported to prevent infections. It is heavily used in traditional Chinese medicines in China as well as Pakistan, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
If you want to use it as a spice. Cardamom can be green, black or white pods. Green cardamom has the strongest flavor, white cardamom is the less flavorful version of green cardamom and does not impart any color to the dish and black cardamom evokes a smoky taste.
Fortunately, you will be able to find Cardamom on Amazon for four to seven dollars. After ordering and receiving the spice you can begin making the following dishes.
Sugar
Sugar is lurking everywhere in the form of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). This synthetic man-made sugar is manufactured from corn whose glucose is mixed with enzymes and bacteria to make fructose. The corn part does not bother me and not so much the bacteria which exists in many foods including cheese and tomatoes. It’s the enzymes which concerns me.
Enzymes are biological molecules which are necessary to sustain life. From the digestion of food to the synthesis of DNA, enzymes play a major role. According to a Yale University School of Medicine study high fructose causes reactions in the human brain increasing the appetite compelling the body to eat more food than it should.
To avoid HFCS, remove ketchup, salad dressing, pickles, grape jelly and ham glaze from your refrigerator. A look in your cabinet will reveal most items do not have HFCS, but most will contain an ingredient called sugars.
Now, you have the beginnings of a weight management plan. Any and all foods with HFCS are to be eliminated as much as possible. HFCS, according to the US department of agriculture, consumption has grown from 26.6 lbs per year to 60 lbs per year per person.
To keep up with all the chemicals in food today is a daunting task. This is very hard to do and is another contributing factor to the growth of the girth. More than ever it is important you read the level and look for High Fructose Corn Syrup, or sometimes called corn syrup. Decrease your appetite and cravings by gradually eliminating foods contain synthetic sugars.
Here is a link to a list of foods which do not contain HFCS http://www.stophfcs.com/list.html
Are You Productive?
Your desk is piled up with you don’t know what, or you are the only one who knows what is on your desk. Your laptop screen is loaded down with files and folders. You have multiple projects going at work and at home and you do not know when you will be finish or you often miss deadlines. Professionally and personally you are falling behind on getting the things done that can enable you to achieve your goals, lower your stress and relax.
The current definition of productivity is the quality, state, or fact of being able to generate, create, enhance, or bring forth goods and services. The rate at which goods or services are produced are especially output per unit of labor.
Often in the workplace we are just working and working and yet we are not sure we are being effective. So let’s bring a little more clarity to the definition of productivity. Today’s definition should say the following.
Productivity is the process of the intent to solve a problem within a specific time frame with a specified result.
One of my favorite productivity gurus is Aristotle Onassas. This man had a fascinating brain. It was reported that he would sit and think for hours. And that is a major element in the productivity process- think!
Thinking will help you to find the root cause of your problem. Whether it is business or personal if you know what the problem is then you can formulate a remediation plan. Aristotle’s grandmother according to a biography entitled Aristotle the Man the Myth & the Legend, gave him this advice “men must construct their destiny. The second element of productivity is sequence the steps to your intended results which will help you construct a plan! Write down all the steps. This is your checklist
The third element is set deadlines. This will help you with time management. And it will force you to solve any problems that arise which may keep you from meeting your goals. Leave contingency time of about twenty per cent to address any unexpected issues. For example, you would like to finish your project within a certain period of time - three months. That’s 12 weeks plus twenty percent adding approximately three more weeks to the project.
However, constantly think of ways to complete ahead of schedule. Each sequence should have milestones indicating you have made significant progress and are staying on track. The fourth element of course is implement your sequence checklist. At the end of the day before you call it a day write a brief report to yourself or cross item(s) off your checklist.
So you reached your goal. Now is time for the fourth element which is assessment. Did you solve the problem? Is the quality and quantity what you and your customers expected?
Remember, think + solutions + sequence + milestone deadlines + implementation + daily reporting + assessments=goal attainment.
My work history includes a one year part-time job as an editorial assistant at the Sunpapers in Baltimore, MD. and as a reporter for the African American Newspaper which is also located in Baltimore. Throughout my career, I have wrote and edited organizational newsletters, provided data for websites and written environmental articles for a colleague. My interest range from business procedure and process improvement, food, environment, science and technology, and real estate. My research courses in graduate school enable the ability to conduct research on a variety of topics and write operations and procedures and training manuals.
Take Care of Your Eyes- Eye Floaters & Dry Eye
There is an estimated 6,369,900 Americans with a visual disability according to the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).
A person who is diagnosed with a central acuity of 20/200 or less by statute is legally blind.
Some 75% of Americans use glasses to drive or read. Near sightedness – difficulty seeing objects far away (myopic) and Far Sightedness – difficulty seeing things that are close to the eyes (hyperopic) are the usual causes of vision impairment.
According to the American Academy of Ophtalmology 32 million Americans over the age of 40 are myopic and 12 million Americans over the age of 40 are hyperopic.
With an increasingly aging population two more recent eye impairment conditions are impacting vision in the general population – eye floaters and dry eye.
What is the difference between eye floaters and dry eye? Are microscopic blots floating across your eyes, or it seems as if debris is skittering across your eyeballs? Then you are probably having an attack of the floaters.
The backs of the eye are filled with a vitreous fluid. Similar to gel as we age this collagen substance can begin shrinking and then shred causing mini dark spots to float across the eyes. All persons can get eye floaters but it is more prevalent in persons over the age of fifty.
When you blink moisture is spread across your eyes. If your eyes are sensitive to light, your vision is blurred you have a continuous burning, gritty sensation, or intense eye discomfort then you probably have Dry Eye.
Estimates as to have many people have Dry Eye is 4 million in the United States to 60 million persons worldwide according to Optometric Management.
Diminished tear production can be caused by age and is prevalent in persons over the age of fifty. Other diseases and conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid disorders and vitamin A deficiency can cause Dry Eye.
Additional causes could be the side effects of laser eye surgery which is usually temporary. Medications such as antihistimines, blood pressure medications and some antidepressants.
Drugs used to treat acne, or hormone replacement therapy could also cause dry eye.
Eyelid inflammation can be a factor as well as intensive, prolonged use of computers. Reading or driving can also cause Dry Eye.
Treatment for Dry Eye or Eye Floaters may vary from over the counter medications, to prescription drugs to laser surgery.
Generally there is no required treatment for Eye Floaters. Eventually the eye adjusts, the specks lighten and vision is minimally impacted.
However, if you find Eye Floaters a nuisance then there are a few options for you. If the floaters are caused by an inflammation then see your physician for an anti-inflammatory or antibiotic.
Some medical professionals have recommended dietary changes such as taking antioxidant vitamins such as turmeric, wild rose hip, propolis concentrate and hawthorn berry.
MSM eyedrops (methylsulfonylmethane (dimethyl sulfone and Hyaluronic acid are also being reviewed as possible solutions for eye inflammations.
Stress is also a factor with Eye Floaters. Meditation and relaxing techniques such as those found in Yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi used daily and a relaxed lifestyle can help with Eye Floaters.
Over the counter artificial tear drops and ointments can be purchased. If these do not work then temporary or permanent closing of the ducts that drain tears out of the eyes is a potential treatment (punctal occlusion).
Other treatments may include prescription topical steroids approved by the FDA, or outpatient surgery to block ducts to keeping fluid in the eyes can also be considered.
See your eye doctor every three years, but if you are having any of the above conditions see your Optician or Ophthalmologist more often.
Nanotechnology: The Future is here
The world is changing around us as we sleep and tweet. Nanotechnology which is the manipulation of atoms and molecules can redefine the way we live. Work began on various applications for Nanotechnology in the early eighties.
When we see the price of gas at the gas pump, traffic congestion, accidents and other infrastructure issues which impact transportation, then we can appreciate the potential solutions nanotechnology can provide.
Airless tires called Tweels which run on flexible polyurethane spokes instead of compressed air are already being used in various sectors such as heavy machinery.
Tweels would eliminate the dangers associated with flat tires. Treads would last two to three times longer. Since the treads are the only component to be discarded there will be less of an impact on the environment. Tweels are currently being used on construction equipment such as skid steer loaders, and light weight mobility vehicles such as wheel chairs scooters and Sedways.
Electric car such as the Nissan Leaf are already on the market expanding the use of vehicles which use non-fossil fuel.
Hydrogen powered vehicles such as the Honda FCX Clarity has shown potential for replacing gas powered vehicles.
The third possibility for non-fossil fuel is the compressed air vehicle which uses the expansion of compressed air to drive the vehicle instead of mixing air with fuel to drive the pistons.
The Driverless Car is a transportation concept which would certainly be welcomed by persons who commute significant distances to work. A familiar name is at the helm of the driverless car- Google. The company is inventing a car tied into Google Street View. Three states Nevada, Florida and California have passed legislation permitting the operation of autonomous cars. The autonomous vehicles have been test driven 300,000 miles. Look for an infinity symbol on the side of the car and don’t be afraid if the passenger is asleep, working on a laptop or talking on their cell. If Driverless Cars can be pre-programmed to follow speed limits and with sensors avoid accidents. Would that mean good bye to traffic tickets?
The Moller Skycar ( vertical take off and landing vehicle ) would be a great leap forward in transportation and in traffic congestion has faced difficultly and its status is unknown. The inventor is being sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission for making unsubstantiated claims about the performance of the Skycar. Maybe this vehicle is further in the future and then with nanotechnology evolution maybe not.
Love riding the train. Then look forward to high speed trains which in laymen terms float above the track on air similar to the TGV train operating in France which now reaches speeds of 357 mph. At that speed the time it would take to go from New York City to Los Angeles would be reduced from 109 hours 8 minutes to 6 hours 50 minutes.
Personal Rapid Transit System (PRT) has been in existence since 1970. It is a self powered rail system of 70 cars with capacity for 15 passengers. Riders press a button to call a car. It takes an average of five minutes to respond. If there are more persons than one car can carry another car is automatically activated. During peak times the train is scheduled. The PRT is in full operation in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Investigation into the expansion of this rail system to other areas of the country is ongoing. Look for many more new technologies to appear more rapidly in the near future. This is science fiction becoming reality.
Worth Following: Chef Robles & Company
Surely this guy is going to turn down a catering request to make blood sausage as a main course for a weathy and successful soccer player.
Chef Robles did not blink, not only did he and his team make the sauage, but added other savory dishes and notable party decorations.
Robles has a background which certainly enabled his success as a chef. An early start cooking with his renown grandfather who was a chef which has him catering and cooking practically professionally by the age of fifteen.
Robles follows up by attending the Culinary Institute and working for a number of years in the kitchen of highly regarded catering and event companies.
Robles is worth watching on his Bravo show as not only is he a talented chef, but he is charismatic and articulate. The interaction between Robles and his team is a lesson in business organization, delegation and creativity.
He is worth following and worth viewing as the show is informative with rare recipes and fun with the interactions of Robles and his staff including a few relatives.
Woth Following: Graham Patrick Martin
Certainly there is the natural talent and a proclivity for acting enabling Martin to hold his own with such stellar talent on Major Crimes.
His impressive performances does not come over night. Here we see the early start. By the age of six by watching Leonardo DiCapio in the movie the Titanic he decides acting is a career he wants to pursue.
Applause goes to his parents who enrolled him and his siblings in Frenchwood, a performing arts school where Martin performed in three musicals including the King and I.
From New Oleans to New York, Martin over the years appeared in popular shows such as Law and Order and Two and Half Men.
Acting that is compelling and riveting makes this already seasoned actor worth following.
