A consumer’s list of lists
Surely, you’re done making a list and checking it twice. And while you’re gorging on your favorite holiday eats and treats, you may want to chew on this list of lists we’ve dished up for you.
Top five diet plans for 2012
Now, this is easily one of this year’s heaviest issues. Writing for Fitbie, Jessica Cassity separates fat from fiction as she lists the top five diets for 2012:
1. Science-based slimdown. Health organizations and hospitals, among other establishments, have come up with their own diet plans to fight disease (like heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity). An example of this diet is DASH that cuts down on salt intake to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. With DASH, you won’t be dashing to the ref for your carb fix; instead, you’ll be chowing down a lot of veggies, fruits, protein, whole grains, and very little sodium. Here, it’s almost a sin to eat asin.
2. Commercial weight loss programs. Think Weight Watchers; think of how singer/actress Jennifer Hudson dramatically dropped 80 pounds after embarking on the Weight Watchers program. How did she do it? Less is really more. Simply eat healthier foods and smaller portion sizes.
3. Gluten-free and wheat-free diets. Did you know that 10 percent of the population has gluten sensitivity? I didn’t, until a Fil-Canadian friend started asking me to scout around for gluten-free restos in the Philippines as his future daughter-in-law, who is allergic to gluten, is visiting the country next year. There’s the wheat belly diet by Dr. William Davis that eliminates wheat to spur weight loss. Losing weight on this diet is a piece of cake because of the reduced carb intake from bread products — provided, of course, you control your calorie intake.
4. Back-to-the-land diet. This calls for eating like a caveman, based on the proposition that our bodies are genetically adapted to best function on the same foods that our prehistoric ancestors ate. Which means no processed foods, no cereal grains, no legumes, no dairy, no starchy veggies. Instead, you have meats (care for a juicy slab of steak?) and veggies, plus some fruits and nuts.
5. Real food diet. This diet espouses the moderate consumption of processed foods — or things that come out of a can or a cellophane wrapper — and the intake of veggies and fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Santa’s top five longevity secrets
(from about.com)
1. The Ho-Ho-Ho secret. Guess ho: Can you tell why Santa is ho-ho-ho-ing while dashing through the snow? Santa lets the secret out of the bag and tells everyone to share the gift of laughter as it’s probably the best way to get relief from stress (after all those Christmas wishes he had to listen to, he could have gone deaf).
2. Mrs. Claus. Santa swears he’s got the most wonderful life because of his wife. “I just can’t do without her,” he says with goo-goo eyes as he melts into jelly. “She makes sure to take care of me and keep me from obsessing too much over work. Being with her takes years off my life.”
3. Chimney squats. Santa with his pot belly (from too much pot roast?) may not look fit, but the truth is, he trains all year long so he could fit into a chimney in millions of homes on Christmas Eve. He’s got a faithful team of elves exercising with him.
4. Managing elves. It’s no joke managing a thousand and one elves and preparing tons and tons of gifts. Now, that takes good management skills. Santa tells us to keep our eyes peeled and our minds open. Be creative, engage in daily problem solving, and keep challenging ourselves mentally.
5. Giving and thinking positive. Santa says that just giving gifts (wrapped with a lot of love) and spreading joy give his life value and meaning.
Fun ways to live longer
(from about.com)
• Drink red wine. It’s packed with the antioxidant resveratrol.
• Eat dark chocolate. It’s loaded with antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and boost energy.
• Smile. It reduces stress; it’s calorie-free, try it!
• Have more sex. Need we say more?
• Relax. It improves blood pressure and heart rate, and helps one cope with life’s challenges.
• Make exercise play.
• Sleep for more energy, better immune function, and more.
• Spend time with your loved ones. Being connected provides protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness.
Top tips for a happy life from celebrities
(from the Little Instruction Book of the Rich & Famous by Robert Lawn)
• Bill Clinton, former US president: Never try to fit a square Vice President into an Oval office.
• Cindy Crawford, supermodel: Don’t expect a girl who eats no fat to smile when she says, “Cheese!”
• Gloria Estefan, singer/songwriter: If you use the calendar as your primary method of birth control, most likely the rhythm is gonna get ya.
• Mike Tyson, former undisputed heavyweight boxing champ of the world: If you’re not careful on New Year’s Eve, you could end up punch-drunk.
• Danielle Steele, bestselling author: Spontaneous gifts from time to time will keep any romance novel.
• Jenny Craig, weight loss expert: There’s only one way to quickly lose 100 pounds: Visit a casino in England.
• Mel Gibson, actor/producer: A Tequila Sunrise is usually followed by a Tylenol sunset.
• Oprah Winfrey, TV producer: The best way to become a wealthy talk show host is to put your money where your mouth is.
• Mary Kay, cosmetic doyenne: Never argue with a cosmetic saleswoman unless you’re prepared to make up afterwards.
• Dolly Parton, singer/songwirter: Sometimes, a boob-job is the only way to keep your career from going bust.
• Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman: If you don’t stand up straight, you could get a floppy disk.
• Andre Agassi, former tennis world champ: You’re wasting your time playing tennis with a politician. Most of them don’t know how to serve.
• Donald Trump, American business magnate: The only habit more expensive than gambling is marriage.
• Kermit the Frog: Never invite a pig to a barbecue.
Happy Christmas to all, and to all, a good life!
