Your Kitchen Is A Chubby Chaser

According to a study for the Annual Reviews of Nutrition, your kitchen could be a large contributor to your fat ass. And I mean that with love. But seriously, there are implications from bad lighting, where you store your junk, plate size, etc. Keep reading and see which items you might be guilty of.

Your plates are platter size

“Most of us make a habit of filling our plates and finishing what’s on them,” says Lisa Young, PhD, RD, author of “The Portion Teller Plan.” But since the 1970s, dinner plates have grown 25%, to 12 inches or more in diameter.

Eat off a plate about 2 inches smaller and you’ll serve yourself 22% fewer calories per meal, which can mean a 2-pound weight lossin 1 month, says Brian Wansink, PhD, director of Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab and the author of “Mindless Eating.”

Solution: Rethink your place settings. Use your salad plate to hold higher-calorie meats or pasta, and load your dinner plate with veggies, says Young. If you plan to buy new plates, the best size is 10 inches in diameter, says Wansink. “Any smaller, though, and you’ll go back for seconds,” he adds.

You love bright light

High-wattage lighting can raise stress levels, stimulating your appetite and causing you to eat faster than usual, according to research reviews. On the flip side, too dim is no better — studies show low lighting lessens inhibitions.

Solution: Many modern kitchens have layers of light sources, from under-the-cabinet halogens to recessed lights around the perimeter and a decorative fixture over the table, says Joseph Rey-Barreau, a lighting designer in Lexington, KY. When you’re cooking, flip on as many lights as you’d like, but when it’s time to eat, use no more than 240 total watts. That’s the equivalent of four 60-watt bulbs in a four-light over-the-table fixture, for example, or six 40-watt bulbs in six high hats; with compact fluorescent bulbs, use 75 to 100 total watts.

Oh yeah, you know some of these apply, keep reading.

When the Driver Is A She

I love women, but why exactly are their insurance rates lower? If this video isn’t enough and if it didn’t ring so true, I wouldn’t be asking that question. Much love ladies, feel free to flame me back!

more about “When the Driver Is A She“, posted with vodpod

The Biggest Loser – Does It Work?

I mean the show, of course. In looking at this MSNBC article, I’m shocked to see that nearly all of the top contestants have gained quite a bit of weight back. What I find more interesting is the ones that either answer the question of their current weight with, “I prefer to not use numbers to judge my overall health and weight”  or with, “I’m currently working towards a healthier lifestyle”, both of which means they’re fighting the fat. But to top it off, pun intended, many of them are either motivational speakers or have books about lifestyle – I’m not sure I would buy their advice, would you?

Does this mean that like many other reality shows, it’s just a show and should be enjoyed as just that? 

Have a gander at their before and after pics here. 

Time To Clean Out My Pantry

Damn, Prevention Magazine has run a list of foods that we think would be healthier options but aren’t exactly all that one might hope. I’m not afraid to say that I have chosen these “alternatives” as food choices and now I’m not sure what to do! Check out the list below and here’s the link to read why you might not want to count on them if you’re watching your waistline. 

• Baked potato chips (yes)
• Gummy fruit snacks (hell to the yes)
• Light ice cream (guilty)
• Diet soda (not a huge fan)
• “Calorie-free” Margarine (uh, no)
• Non-fat salad dressing (yeah, but I don’t love salad)
• Low-fat cookies (not really, if I eat cookies I will have the real stuff)
• 100-Calorie packs (portion control, or so I thought – but I don’t dabble too much in this either)

Attention Kelly Clarkson Fans

She (Kelly Clarkson) has a new blog, and it’s one-way communication – she posts, and no comments allowed. I personally love her so I can’t wait for her new stuff and with Texas on my mind, how can I not?

Plus, she reminds me of my female BFF in Dallas – my “Grace”. Speaking of my T, check her out finishing her first marathon.

Amazing, inspirational, all that stuff – T, you are an impressive woman!

That Mess On Your Head Is Working Wonders For My Self Image!

“The tragic or the humorous is a matter of perspective.”
   

My Newest Theory: Big Combovers = Big $$$$
 

Christian LeBlanc, Please Pass (Yourself) The Potatoes

Dude, seriously, eat some carbs would ya? Yes, you look physically amazing – especially for a man that’s 50-years old. But when you get that lean it totally shows on your face and that my friend, is why I choose to stay a little bit porky – it helps with not showing wrinkles.

You have a choice, raisin-face/hot bod or beer belly/smooth face, you can’t have both a hot body AND a hot face. (OK, you can but it makes me feel better to think that)

Go here to see more of the photos.

Common’s UMC May Induce Kitchen Dancing!!!

Main Entry:  ¹van·i·ty
Pronunciation: \ˈva-nə-tē\
Function:   noun

1. Kitchen dancing to your own album
2. A small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women

Actually, I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who still has a Soul Train line that includes the stove!!!
————————————————————-

In other Common related news….  Today, CNN released a few thoughts from MR. UMC in regards to the future of hip hop and the impact of Barack Obama:

“I think hip-hop artists will have no choice but to talk about different things and more positive things, and try to bring a brighter side to that because, even before Barack, I think people had been tired of hearing the same thing,”.

Christmas Eve & Strippers – My Kind Of Movie

Jessica Biel shows her goodies in Powder Blue…

..the movie, not the preview! Lots of other celebrities too, such as Forrest Whitaker, Ray Liotta, & P-Swayze.

Today Only – $4!

Stay fresh like you’re wrapped in plastic with Common’s New Album – Today only $4 at Amazon.com

Or, check out the (bleck) remix album from Maroon 5 – $9

Another Alabama Shout Out!!!

I’d always thought Alabama was a pretty flat place but A&E found some mountains of which I was unaware.  Check out the highs and lows of Marshall County, AL as well as some of other gems from the cradle of the confederacy.   

GO JOE!!!

The Movie Is Out in 2009:

But This Is How I Like To Remember Them:

Weezy’s Rockumentary – The Carter

The Carter will premiere during January’s Sundance Film Festival. 

“The Carter” is said to take “an in-depth, intimate look at the artist Dwayne ‘Lil Wayne’ Carter Jr., proclaimed by many as the ‘greatest rapper alive.’

Check out the Trailer!
Check out some Wayne Trivia!
Check out Weezy’s 2008 Triumph!

Ugly Sweater Party – Why Wasn’t I Invited?

These A-holes had a grand ole time and completely forgot about me - whatever! 

Honestly, I don’t even know these people, but I was happy to see someone document their potential blackmail material because ‘No Cameras!’ is rule #1 for my Annual Paisley Gala.

If you are looking for something fun to do for the holidays then this is something I highlyrecommend.   Some will have to try hard to find something to wear while others will just blend – IYKWIM…

(I think she won!)

John Krasinski – Where Are Your Flaws?

Do something productive for the first minute, but then give John his props for an impromptu holiday performance. 

How adorable can one guy be?
It makes me sick!