Chris Weatherall and Jenny Stradling - A Photo Story of Us

Defintion of the Day: Semantics

Semantics

se·man·tic/səˈmantik/

Adjective: Relating to meaning in language or logic.

Semantics (from Greek sēmantiká, neuter plural of sēmantikós)^[1][2] is the study of meaning. It focuses on the relation between signifiers, such as words, phrases, signs and symbols, and what they stand for, their denotata.

Linguistic semantics is the study of meaning that is used by humans to express themselves through language. Other forms of semantics include the semantics of programming languages, formal logics, and semiotics.

 

The 6 Snacks You Should Eat Every Day

The 6 Snacks You Should Eat Every Day

Health Experts Main

Eat This, Not That

by David Zinczenko with Matt Goulding

"I eat healthy, and I don't snack between meals; why can't I lose any weight?"

A colleague—I'll call her Mary—was in my office recently, complaining about her body with just those words. I listened, nodding sympathetically, because I couldn't speak—I had a mouth full of almonds and was washing them down with chocolate milk. Mary stared at me as though I'd just backed over her dachshund. "You eat all the time, and you never gain weight!" she exclaimed. "What, is there a picture in your attic that gets fatter while you stay thin?"

"I never gain weight because I eat all the time," I explained, reaching for a napkin. "Not snacking is exactly the wrong thing to do!"

Our bodies evolved to graze; when food gets scarce, we start to retain fat as a way of protecting ourselves from famine. "That's exactly what happens when you don't snack between meals," I told her. "Your body doesn't know where its next meal is coming from, so it's afraid to shed the extra pounds." Worse, you wind up eating more than you need at every meal.

That's why snacking is so important: In fact, when Penn State researchers fed subjects just one humble apple before mealtime, the subjects consumed nearly 190 fewer calories. That's part of the reason why, when laying out the eating strategy for the new Eat This, Not That No-Diet Diet!, I included two snacks per day, every day.

Think of it this way: The more you eat, the more you lose. Sounds great, right? But you need to snack smartly, and stock your kitchen with the nibbles on this list.

1. BEST YOGURT
Fage Total 2% Plain Greek Yogurt (7 oz container)
130 calories
4 g fat (3 g saturated)
17 g protein
8 g sugars

Yogurt is teeming with calcium, which promotes muscle growth; and probiotic bacteria, which bolsters your immune system. What's more, study participants who ate yogurt daily lost 81 percent more belly fat than those who didn't, according to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity. So why Greek? Because the Greek stuff has more than double the protein of standard American-style yogurt-and far less sugar. Want to make it even healthier? Add a few berries along with some nuts or seeds.

Not That!
Dannon Fruit on the Bottom Strawberry (6 oz container)
150 calories
1.5 g fat (1 g saturated)
6 g protein
26 g sugars

DID YOU KNOW? Sleepy women eat an extra 328 calories per day, according a new study from the New York Obesity Research Center. Discover more shocking health, nutrition, and weight loss secrets like this by following me on Twitter right here (where I'm giving a FREE iPad2 to a lucky follower) or by signing up for our FREE Eat This, Not That! newsletter.

2. BEST FINGER FOOD
Almonds (1 oz)
163 calories
14 g fat (1 g saturated)
6 g protein
3.5 g fiber

Almonds are an excellent source of heart-healthy monosaturated fats, and, pound for pound, a better source of protein than eggs. That's part of the reason why research published in the journal Obesity demonstrated that people who frequently eat nuts are less likely to gain weight. Just be sure to eat them whole: A study from the Journal of Nutrition found that the flavonoids in the skin combine with the vitamin E in the nut to double the antioxidant dose.

Not That!
Original M&Ms (1 serving, 1.7 oz)
240 calories
10 g fat (6 g saturated)
31 g sugars
2 g protein
1 g fiber

Bonus Tip: The right breakfast will jumpstart your metabolism and have you burning more calories throughout the day. The wrong one will fill you up with empty calories and an entire day’s worth of fat, sugar, and salt. Make sure you consult this shocking list of the 20 Worst Breakfasts in America.

3. BEST CEREAL
Kashi GoLean Original (1 cup with 1/2 cup of 1% milk)
195 calories
2.5 g fat (.5 g saturated)
12 g sugars
17 g protein
10 g fiber

You know how you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover? Well the same rule applies to cereal. Some cereals, like the granola below, look healthy but actually have as much sugar as a candy bar. Kashi's GoLean lives up to its healthy moniker. This bowl has twice as much fiber as an apple, three times as much protein as a large egg, and even with milk it manages to keep the calorie load below 200 per bowl.

Not That!
Kashi Summer Berry Granola (3/4 cup with 1/2 cup 1% milk)
385 calories
10.5 g fat (2 g saturated)
19.5 g sugars

DID YOU KNOW? Studies show that people underestimate how many calories are in restaurant meals by nearly 100 percent! Think you know healthy foods when you see them? Then I'll bet you'll be shocked by these 25 New Healthy Foods That Aren’t.

4. BEST DIP SNACK
Sabra Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (2 Tbsp with 10 baby carrots)
105 calories
6 g fat (1 g saturated)
200 mg sodium
2.5 g protein
4 g fiber

Hummus is composed primarily of chickpeas, which have been shown to help regulate blood sugar—probably due to their salutary balance of protein and fiber. Most of that fiber is insoluble, so it promotes colon health. One study even found that people who added chickpeas to their diet ended up taking in fewer total calories. Add to that a few baby carrots and you get the added benefit of vision-preserving, skin-soothing beta-carotene.

Not That!
Lay’s Smooth Ranch Dip (2 tbsp) with Ruffles Loaded Chili & Cheese Potato Chips (1 oz)
220 calories
15 g fat (1 g saturated)
390 mg sodium

Eat This, Not That! secret: You can lose 10, 20, 30 or more pounds while still eating your favorite foods, and without dieting, if you make smart swaps throughout your day. Feast on this delicious list of 15 Desserts That Burn Fat!

5. BEST DRINK
Lowfat chocolate milk (1 cup)
160 calories
2.5 g fat (1.5 g saturated)
25 g sugars
8 g protein

You probably know that dairy products are an ideal source of calcium, but did you know that calcium actually interferes with your body's ability to absorb fat? To enjoy that effect, though, you need the vitamin D, so thankfully dairy producers add it to milk. Regular, non-chocolate milk offers this benefit, but research shows that chocolate milk might have an edge on the white stuff. A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism showed that participants who drank chocolate milk before mounting stationary bikes were able to ride 49 percent longer than those given a generic carbohydrate-replacement beverage. Keep that in mind next time you're about to head out for an afternoon gym session.

Not That!
Arizona Sports Lemon-Lime (1 bottle)
200 calories
0 g fat
52 g sugars
0 g protein

6. BEST CRUNCHY SNACK
Newman’s Own Organics Spelt Pretzels (20 pretzels)
120 calories
1 g fat (0 g saturated)
240 mg sodium
4 g protein
4 g fiber

Spelt is a grain related to wheat that packs more fiber and protein—and at 6 calories per pretzel, the dietary bang for your buck is undeniable. Over-saltiness is always a concern with pretzels, but the sodium level in this snack is mild. Combine that with Newman's Own's longstanding support for charitable causes—and, in Nell Newman's Organics company, a robust commitment to sustainable, organic farming—and you've got a product you'll proudly pluck from the shelf. Pair these with a hunk of cheddar to rope even more protein into your snack break.

Not That!
Newman’s Own Organics Salted Rounds Pretzels (16 pretzels)
220 calories
2 g fat (0 g saturated)
800 mg sodium
4 g protein
0 g fiber

ALWAYS REMEMBER: The key is finding snacks that are low in sugar and high in protein and fiber. Check out the Eat This, Not That! series, and try any of our 50 Best Snack Foods in America. They’ll help push the junk out of your diet—and the fat out of your body—by helping to keep you lean and full all day long!

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Planning a Trip to Amsterdam....

I have been thinking about traveling abroad for the last few years. I am so busy, it;'s hard to even begin to consider planning a trip... what with work, the kids and all. But, I ran across this site today: http://www.coolcapitals.com and it got me to thinking... what about a trip to Amsterdam?

The site says:

"As the capital of Holland, Amsterdam is famous for its diversity and tolerance as well as its architecture, design and art. Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for art lovers. With museums dedicated to Van Gogh and Rembrandt among other Dutch Masters, there is certainly plenty of art in Amsterdam from which to choose. Architecture buffs will marvel at the 17th-century canal houses in the city center and the modern buildings that dot the man-made peninsulas in the Eastern Docklands. Internationally renowned for innovation, experimentation and sheer beauty in areas such as urban planning, industrial design, and graphic design, Amsterdam is the place to discover Dutch design. Amsterdam restaurants feature a gamut of cuisines; try the Indonesian rice table or delicious Dutch pancakes."

Art, Design, Museums?!? I'm so there. Oh, and I can only imagine the Amsterdam Restaurants are incredible too, and you know I am all about the food.

Everything looks amazing there... look at this page: Amsterdam design The design is fresh and modern... I could get lost in a place like this in just the design galleries... look at this: http://www.coolcapitals.com/content/1551/Wonen+2000.html

I LOVE those chairs!!!


Anyone ever been to Amsterdam? Any tips?

Overland..... My New Favorite Book!

So, lately I’ve been into books like Eat Pray Love. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I heard it was good. I’m hesitant only because it seems like in general if I love the book, the movie is just okay. Have you seen the movie yet? What do you think? Did you read the book first?

Anyways, I think travel novels are a fun read. I also love romance, adventure and suspense, all of which are found in the book Overland. Have you heard of it? It was written by Mark Levy. According to his blog, after he traveled the world and had some adventures and magical experiences, he was inspired to write this book. It’s a novel, but it is loosely based off of some of his experiences as well. I always think the author does better when the inspiration is personal, don’t you?

After I read the book, I was so sad, not because of the ending, but because I loved the characters so much I was sad the story ended! If you are looking for the best romantic novel or just a book that takes you away from reality for a while, I recommend you pick it up! I actually bought it on Author House here: buy Overland where you can get it for cheap electronically or buy the paperback or hardcover, whatever your preference. I also noticed they have it for Kindle, Nook and IPAD… but sadly I have none of those fancy devices…. I have to admit though, I’m still a sucker for a nice looking book I can stick on my shelf… and this book is pretty, just look at it:

 

Anyways, spread the word… a good book is worth sharing! Happy reading!

Oh Conan, How We've Missed You!!

I can't WAIT!!!!

Guide to Romance & Chivalry

 I stumbled across this, thought it might be a good thought provoking piece for those that could use a little romance - male or female....

Guide to Romance & Chivalry

1. Treat your love like royalty.
2. Whisk her away from responsibilities and surprise her with clandestine, romantic destinations.
3. At the first shiver, wrap her up in your coat.
4. Compliment her in front of her mother, sisters, friends and co-workers.
5. Craft and mail a handwritten love letter for her to discover amongst the bills.
6. Spend at least the first fifteen minutes of your morning holding her in your arms.
7. Carry her picture in your wallet.
8. Sacrifice a little.
9. Confess your affections on paper - Send them to her office marked "personal and confidential".
10. Take a moment to place "your song" in the CD player of her car.
11. Conspire to have the pianist play her favorite song when she enters the restaurant.
12. Take things slowly; true intimacy develops over time.
13. Allow yourself to be a servant.
14. Always look for ways to make her smile.
15. Learn how she takes her coffee - Have it ready when she wakes in the morning.
16. Never stop flirting with her.
17. Never give her reason to believe you are flirting with someone else.
18. Take time along the way to reminisce about your love story together.
19. Lean into to her and gently whisper in her ear.
20. Give her only the most sincere and genuine of compliments.
21. Take her in your arms and dance with her - in the kitchen, the parking lot - anywhere.
22. Never wait for a holiday to shower her with affection - Love her today.
23. Listen.
24. Use the element of fire (candlelight, roaring fireplaces) to ignite a mood of passion.
25. Draw her a warm and fragrant bubble bath drenched with rose petals.
26. Always keep your promises to her.
27. Deliver the flowers yourself.
28. Caress her hand, her shoulder, her cheek to remind her how lovely she is.
29. Tell her how much you desperately need her.
30. Give for the sake of giving - Do not expect anything in return.
31. Stargaze with her.
32. Be sentimental - Return to places together where special moments and fond memories linger.
33. Present her with an heirloom as rich in its pricelessness as her beauty.
34. Live in the moment - Spontaneity is the breath of romance.
35. Propose a toast to her every time you drink champagne together.
36. Introduce her to others with undeniable pride.
37. Learn the passions of her life - Then be a part of them.
38. Ask what she desires.
39. Touch and delight all of her passionate senses - enhance the romance of what she sees, hears, smells, tastes and touches.
40. Plant her a garden of her favorite flowers - Care for it with the same tenderness you feel for her.
41. Never wait for nightfall - Romance should live at all hours.
42. Create moments that will live in both of your memories for a lifetime.
43. Seek ways to add excitement to her normal routine.
44. Take care of dinner tonight.
45. Memorize her face before you part company.
46. Tell others why she is so beautiful.
47. Celebrate her victories, successes and accomplishments.
48. Never hold back - True romance cannot be rationed.
49. Celebrate the girl within her - Push her in a swing - Fly a kite with her.
50. Create your own personal romantic traditions.
51. Love her with your eyes.
52. Lead with her best interest in your heart.
53. Stand when she enters the room - The love of your life just walked in.
54. Smile across the room at her - Let her know you cannot wait to be at her side.
55. Never rush the moment - Savor every second with her.
56. Apologize - Pride has no place in matters of the heart.
57. Always open the door for her.
58. When she travels, send flowers to her destination to greet her when you cannot.
59. Never overlook the obvious - Do not hesitate to give her life's smallest pleasures.
60. Kiss her good-bye - Always.
61. Greet her with a kiss - Without fail.
62. Help your beloved on and off with her coat.
63. Tell her you want to be alone with her - Let nothing stand in your way of making it happen.
64. Learn some of her fantasies - Then make them realities.
65. Dare to take big risks.
66. Plan a rendezvous with her to take place a year from now - Let her know this romance is here to stay.
67. Know what she finds irresistible - Then indulge her.
68. Let yourself miss her - Then tell her.
69. Remember every reason why you fell in love with her.
70. Put your watch, cell phone and the remote control in a drawer before spending time with her - Then lock the drawer.
71. Ask her to fly away with you - Let her know you have already bought the tickets.
72. Swallow your pride - Settle all your arguments before bedtime.
73. Take photographs to treasure someday when your memory begins to fail.
74. Sincerity, selflessness, tenderness, passion and compassion are the five senses of romance.
75. Remember that all great love stories do not have endings.