Staying Cool!

TIPS ON STAYING COOL THIS HOT SUMMER!

Summer is finally here and the temperature is already in triple digits as I sit and write this.

Well here are a few practical tips to keep cool during these HOT days and nights.

1.    Eat smaller meals, more often. Decrease your protein intake.

2.    Hold your wrists under a cold running tap for 10 seconds every hour (will cool the veins and the blood).

3.    Take a shower or bath with lukewarm water, especially before bedtime. Bathing in cold water will cause the body to generate more heat to compensate.

4.    Eat more spicy foods (sweat generated by spicy foods cools the body down).

5.    Wear light colored cotton clothes.

6.    Draw your curtains to keep the inside of your rooms cooler.

7.    Drink more water.

8.    Drink less alcohol, even ice-cold beer or wine (as they draw water out of the tissues).

9.    Avoid coffee and colas (caffeine generates heat).

10.                       Drink ‘Crysanthemum Tea’ which cools the body.

11.                       Use a feather or down pillow with cotton cover. Foam pillows retain heat.

12.                       Try taking ‘Black Cohosh’ (a Native American herb) which helps regulate body temperature.

13.                       Place your sheets in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 2 hours before going to bed. Cold sheets should help you fall asleep faster.

14.                       Dream of snow, ice and cold weather – daydreaming helps the mind cope better with reality. (So dream of being on Mount Everest or Alaska, while baking in the California sun).

15.                       Above all, be prudent and smart. Avoid going out in the heat during the afternoon hours, wear a hat and carry fresh, cold water.

 

SOUTHWESTERN GRILLED SALMON

For 4 servings:

Ingredients:

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp chili powder

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Kosher salt, to taste

1 Lime

Non-fat cooking spray

Method:

Combine all the spices and rub over the salmon and set aside for 15 minutes.

Heat the grill to medium-high (350* F) and coat with spray.

Grill the salmon – 4-5 minutes per side.

Squeeze a few drops of lime juice over the salmon.

Serve warm with rice, beans and salsa.

Nutritional Info:

Calories: 235, Protein: 23 g, Carb: 1 g, Fat 15 g.

 

'Bad' Foods Can Help You Lose Fat and Weight

From

WebMD

Seductive foods seem to lurk at every turn, especially when you're trying to lose weight. But many foods that have gotten a bad rap aren't so terrible after all. Learn which tempting treats can actually help you lose weight and keep it off.

Eggs

When it comes to healthy eating, few foods have sparked as much debate as eggs. The latest research suggests an egg a day is safe and nutritious for most adults -- and if you eat that egg for breakfast, you'll boost your odds of losing weight. The reason: Eggs are packed with protein, which takes time to digest. Eating protein in the morning keeps your stomach full, so you eat less during the rest of the day

Steak

For years, health experts have been admonishing us to eat less red meat. But steak is not always bad for the waistline. In fact, a lean cut of beef has barely more saturated fat than a similar-sized skinless chicken breast. Like eggs, steak is loaded with protein and can keep you feeling full longer. To get plenty of protein with less fat, choose tenderloin, sirloin, or other extra-lean cuts -- and limit portions to the size of your palm.

Pork

Talk about a bad reputation -- the term "pork" is used to describe all kinds of excess, so it's no wonder dieters often steer clear. Here's a case where the meat itself is not what it used to be. Today's cuts of pork tenderloin are 31% leaner than 20 years ago. That makes this white meat a lean source of protein with benefits similar to those of lean beef.

Pasta

Rather than avoiding pasta when you're dieting, make the switch to whole grain and keep your portions small. Research suggests people who eat several servings of whole-grain foods per day are more likely to slim down and maintain healthy weights. According to one study, eating whole grains rather than refined grains can also help burn belly fat.

Nuts

Nuts may be high in fat, but it's the good kind. And they are also rich in nutrients, protein, and fiber, which can help stabilize blood sugar. Sure, you'll get a few extra grams of fat from munching on a handful of nuts, but it's worth it if it helps you avoid reaching for cookies or other sweets. Even peanut butter can be a dieter's friend. Studies show small amounts of this favorite food can control hunger without causing weight gain.

Cheese

Dieters often try to cut calories by nixing calcium-rich dairy foods, but some studies suggest this is a mistake. One theory is that the body burns more fat when it gets enough calcium, so eating low-fat cheese, yogurt, and milk may actually contribute to weight loss. Calcium supplements don't seem to yield the same benefits, so high-calcium diets may have other factors at work as well.

Coffee

Coffee only falls in the "bad" category when you drink too much of it or mix in cream, sugar, or flavored syrups. If you drink it black, you get a metabolism boost without added fat and calories. Drink it skinny: Stir in skim milk for added calcium and vitamin D, and artificial sweetener or one teaspoon of sugar.  

Bad Foods -- Good Portions

Just about any "bad" food can be part of your weight loss plan if you stick to small enough portions. In fact, dietitians advise against banning your favorite treats. Depriving yourself of the foods you crave could set you up for failure. A better strategy is to set limits on quantity -- for example, one chocolate truffle a day -- and stick to them.