Friday, February 27, 2009

Chimpanzee Danger

Many people have a fascination with exotic animals.  According to the NY Times Around 3:40, on February 17, Charla Nash was attacked by her friends 200 pound chimp.  Travis (the chimpanzee) was considered tame, and not dangerous.  If his owner had registered the chimp, travis would have been fully legal in the state of Connecticut.  I do not believe that people should be able to keep exotic animals as pets within their homes.  Exotic animals should be with their own kind.  It is sad, and unfortunate when an animal is orphaned or hurt, but it is not an individuals job to house it in their residence.  People should let zoos, and animal sanctuaries take care of these exotic animals.  Although monkeys are tame, they are still wild animals and people do not realize the power of these beasts.  If an individual is fascinated and curious by these animals they should go to the zoo to observe them, not keep them within a residence.    

Friday, February 20, 2009

Tempting Desserts


Vs.


Desserts are very tempting to all ages whether it’s chocolate, cupcakes, or cookies.  Everyone has his or her favorites.  Desserts can make a meal even more delectable.  All children love candy and sweets mostly because they are some what forbidden.  Restaurants cater to children wants by adding a dessert menu just for children.  A lot of menus include dirt and worms (brownie with gummy worms on top), milk shakes, and many different type of ice cream.  After reading over a dessert, it is difficult not to give in and order one, and many try to rationalize getting a dessert by saying they are treating themselves, or that they will diet afterwards. A nutritionist on http://www.surfnetparents.com/nutrition_tips_away_from_home-5908.html says to pick a frozen dessert.  “Trying to find nutritious desserts can be extremely tricky; especially with kids. Come on let's face it, if it doesn't look good they're not going to eat it. Try to encourage them to pick something along the lines of a frozen yogurt with some fresh fruit, or a sherbet ice cream. Even cake without frosting is better than with, and if they want pie, go with the fruit filled pie and steer clear of the chocolate. Pastry desserts are going to be high in sugars and calories so don't even mention those.”  Desserts are not only tempting to children, but they are also alluring to adults.  It is ok to have a dessert every once in a while, but definitely not on a regular basis.  A good way to avoid packing on the pounds is to eat desserts in smaller portions.  Sometimes desserts are unavoidable, but just remember to take a smaller portion, and to get a somewhat healthy dessert like a frozen yogurt or something that incorporates fresh fruit. 


Thursday, February 19, 2009

Healthy Eating Tips




Today's obesity epidemic has Americans watching what they eat. Although Americans know that what they are eating is killing them, they are not willing to give up the fried food and saturated fats. The word diet comes with a connotation of nasty tasting foods, and starving ones self. No one wants to go on a diet, but there are simple changes that one can make to obtain a healthier lifestyle. Everyone wants a rockin' body, but most of us are not willing to give up tasty foods that we are accustomed to eating on a regular basis.


Unhealthy foods are convienent, and require little to no effort in getting. An example would be McDonalds. One can get an entire meal at McDonalds for under $5 in about 5 minutes time. Unhealthy food is everywhere we turn. Another example would be the vendingmachine at school or at work; There are NO healthy foods in vending machines because venders know that healthy foods do not sell, and they do not last longer than a week. An easy way to avoid unhealthy eating is to plan out ones meals for the day, so that one will be able to avoid temptation more effectively. Another easy tip to follow is to fix healthy sncks, and to make them more conveinent (some examples would be 100 calorie snack packs, sliced apples, carrot sticks, etc.). For more healthy eating tips go to http://primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/nutrition/10eattips.htm. This website lists 10 easy tips for a healthier lifestyle. Many people may struggle in trying to find healthy recipe's for meals. A good blog to look at, and to get ideas from is http://hundredhealthydinners.blogspot.com/search/label/Party%20Food


Tasty Enchiladas



Many people struggle with what they are going to cook for dinner. When Americans get home from a long day at work the last thing they want to do is make a labor-intensive dinner. Everyone enjoys a simple, tasty meal that is easy clean up. Most Mexican dishes are easy to make, and require little clean up afterwards.


Mexican dishes spice up any dinner, and are simple to make. The good thing about Mexican dishes is that they are so versatile. Anyone can put his or her own twist on a classic dish. A classic Mexican dish is enchiladas. Enchiladas are corn tortillas filled with meat, and/or cheese, and either rolled, or stacked, and covered with chile sauce and cheese.

Enchiladas are an easy dish to customize. One could add peppers or onions. Enchiladas are also a good vegetarian dish; Instead of having meat, one could just have peppers, onions, and cheese topped with the classic chile sauce.

Enchiladas are a kid friendly food. This is a great dish to cook with children; kids would have a great time rolling up the tortillas, and pouring the sauce over them. Not only do the enchiladas entertain the kids, but it is also a tasty meal that any kid would enjoy. People of all ages would love this yummy Mexican dish. It is a great meal to entertain with because it is so simple, and delicious. The youtube video below is a great recipe for enchiladas. It also shows good clear steps to follow. Enjoy your tasty south of the border meal!