With summer in Ohio in full swing…check out these summer fashion tips to help you be stylish and cool all summer long!
1. Sunglasses belong outside. Sunglasses are called sunglasses for a reason—they belong in the sun. There is no reason to wear your sunglasses inside. After all, they’re not called shade-glasses. Duh.
2. Flip-flops are NOT just beach attire. While some people think that flip-flops are only meant for the beach or the pool, they can make any outfit more casual, not to mention more comfortable. Slip on your flip-flops and wear them to a BBQ or day party with a sundress or shorts and you’ll be ready to party. 3. Makeup isn’t waterproof for a reason. Unless you buy waterproof mascara or eyeliner, makeup isn’t really made to be worn underwater. Steer clear of wearing too much makeup to the beach or pool; it doesn’t look good or appropriate, especially when it’s dripping down your face.
4. Don’t wear all white. OK, just because we passed Memorial Day weekend and we can technically wear white again, that doesn’t mean wear all white. White jeans with a white shirt, belt and shoes never looks cool, even when you’re going to a white-out-themed party. Instead, mix things up with some metallic accents.
5. Don’t match your beach bag to your outfit. Unless you have a matching towel and beach bag for each bathing suit you own, stick to the non-matching look. The whole matched outfit thing looks like it belongs on a child. It’s simply tacky.
6. Wear a hat. Most people don’t wear enough sunscreen—so slather up!—but you can at least protect your face from wrinkles and sun damage by wearing a cool hat.
7. Chill with the bling-bling while sunbathing. Wearing one cute necklace or bracelet with your bathing suit is one thing, but being decked out in jewelry by the pool is not only tacky, it leaves you with terrible tan lines.
8. Wear a swimsuit that fits. Everyone has a different body shape and there are bathing suits made for all body types. So, please, don’t wear one that is too small or too big for you. The key to looking good in a bathing suit is feeling good in a bathing suit. An ill-fitting suit may cause undesired attention.
9. Heels are not meant for the beach. There’s really no excuse for wearing heels to the beach or pool. It might be funny when your heel gets stuck in the boardwalk or you sink into the sand trying to look like a diva, but tripping and ruining some cute kid’s sandcastle … well, there is no excuse for that.
10. Less is not always more. Just because it’s hot out does not give you the excuse to wear less clothing. Nothing about booty shorts or super mini-skirts is attractive, unless you’re looking for a pole.
With the great summer weather we have been enjoying in Columbus no one wants to be inside working out. Instead, gather your peeps and head outdoors for a calorie-blasting, muscle-sculpting good time. Here, 10 ways to do it right:
1. Practice Your Serve Grab a pal for a game of tennis.
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 544
Bonus Benefit: Svelte, sexy arms, shoulders, and back muscles
*Calorie burn based on a 150-pound person
2. Spike Your Fat Burn Play beach volleyball with the family.
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 544 Bonus Benefit: Every serve and spike helps tone your arms, abs, legs, and chest.
*Calorie burn based on a 150-pound person
3. Sneak in Freestyle Fitness Swim laps while the kids splash each other.
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 476 Bonus Benefit: Talk about a total-body workout! Swimming strengthens your chest, back, arms, abs, legs, and shoulders.
*Calorie burn based on a 150-pound person
4. Pedal off the Pounds Go for a bike ride.
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 476 Bonus Benefit: Power up each hill to help tighten and tone your legs, hips, and butt. ?
*Calorie burn based on a 150-pound person
5. Batter Up! Join the office softball game.
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 340 Bonus Benefit: You don’t have to be on the winning team to still work your chest, arms, legs, abs, shoulders, and back.
*Calorie burn based on a 150-pound person
6. Hit the Trails Take a hike in the woods.
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 442 Bonus Benefit: You’ll build strong, lovely legs as you soak up nature’s beauty.
*Calorie burn based on a 150-pound person
7. Float Your Boat Paddle off on a canoeing excursion.
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 340 Bonus Benefit: The resistance of paddling through water helps eliminate arm flab and strengthen your back.
*Calorie burn based on a 150-pound person
8. Get Tee’d Off Play golf (and carry your own clubs!).
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 306? Bonus Benefit: With each swing, you work your arms, abs, back, and shoulders.
*Calorie burn based on a 150-pound person?
9. Dig In, Get Dirty Finally catch up on your gardening.
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 306 Bonus Benefit: All the bending and twisting required to plant and weed works your core from every angle.
*Calorie burn based on a 150-pound person
10. Saddle Up! Go horseback riding.
Calories Blasted Per Hour: 272 Bonus Benefit: Gripping the saddle gives your inner thighs and butt an incredible workout.
Several blogs ago I posted about things you should never buy used…well how about the other side of it and things to NEVER buy New!!
If you’re looking to get the most value for your dollar, it would do your wallet good to check out secondhand options. Many used goods still have plenty of life left in them even years after the original purchase, and they’re usually resold at a fraction of the retail price, to boot. Here’s a list of 21 things that make for a better deal when you buy them used.
1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don’t want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.
2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.
3. Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you’re not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it’s worth the purchase.
4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you’ll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.
5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won’t hurt as much.
6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture–that’s when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.
7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child’s favorite before they’re left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children’s toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.
8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don’t get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You’ll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children’s games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they’ll be happy to let you take off their hands.
9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you’re a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.
10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you’ll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
The whole social networking phenomenon has millions of Americans sharing their photos, favorite songs and details about their class reunions on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and dozens of similar sites. But there are a handful of personal details that you should never say if you don’t want criminals — cyber or otherwise — to rob you blind
You can certainly enjoy networking and sharing photos, but you should know that sharing some information puts you at risk. What should you never say on Facebook, Twitter or any other social networking site?
Your birth date and place
Sure, you can say what day you were born, but if you provide the year and where you were born too, you’ve just given identity thieves a key to stealing your financial life, said Givens. A study done by Carnegie Mellon showed that a date and place of birth could be used to predict most — and sometimes all — of the numbers in your Social Security number, she said.
Vacation plans
There may be a better way to say “Rob me, please” than posting something along the lines of: “Count-down to Maui! Two days and Ritz Carlton, here we come!” on Twitter. But it’s hard to think of one. Post the photos on Facebook when you return, if you like. But don’t invite criminals in by telling them specifically when you’ll be gone.
Home address
Do I have to elaborate? A study recently released by the Ponemon Institute found that users of Social Media sites were at greater risk of physical and identity theft because of the information they were sharing. Some 40% listed their home address on the sites; 65% didn’t even attempt to block out strangers with privacy settings. And 60% said they weren’t confident that their “friends” were really just people they know.
Confessionals
You may hate your job; lie on your taxes; or be a recreational user of illicit drugs, but this is no place to confess. Employers commonly peruse social networking sites to determine who to hire — and, sometimes, who to fire. Need proof? In just the past few weeks, an emergency dispatcher was fired in Wisconsin for revealing drug use; a waitress got canned for complaining about customers and the Pittsburgh Pirate’s mascot was dumped for bashing the team on Facebook. One study done last year estimated that 8% of companies fired someone for “misuse” of social media.
Password clues
If you’ve got online accounts, you’ve probably answered a dozen different security questions, telling your bank or brokerage firm your Mom’s maiden name; the church you were married in; or the name of your favorite song. Got that same stuff on the information page of your Facebook profile? You’re giving crooks an easy way to guess your passwords.
Risky behaviors
You take your classic Camaro out for street racing, soar above the hills in a hang glider, or smoke like a chimney? Insurers are increasingly turning to the web to figure out whether their applicants and customers are putting their lives or property at risk, according to Insure.com. So far, there’s no efficient way to collect the data, so cancellations and rate hikes are rare. But the technology is fast evolving, according to a paper written by Celent, a financial services research and consulting firm.
Every five years, HHS and the USDA publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which basically tell us what we should be eating. To advise them on what these nutrition “rules” should be, the Secretaries of these two agencies appoint a committee of top scientists to review loads of research and come up with an advisory report that will serve as the basis for the Dietary Guidelines (which also inform the food pyramid—see it at MyPyramid.gov).
Last week, the 13 scientists appointed to the advisory committee released their report. Important note: These aren’t the final Dietary Guidelines—we won’t get those until the end of 2010. The point is to give all Americans—from you and your neighbor right on up to lobbyists for various food companies—the opportunity to comment on and help shape the proposed guidelines. Here is a summary of what the experts say…
1. Eat fewer calories.
Do you have any idea how many calories you are eating? No, we guessed not. For most people it’s somewhere around 2,000 calories—to maintain their current weight.
2. Get more of your food from plants.
This report emphasizes eating more vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Eating vegetarian isn’t so hard, we think, when you can make delicious Black Bean Croquettes and 20 more must-try vegetarian recipes here.
3. Eat more fish.
For a while now, most health experts have been recommending that people eat two servings of fish a week to get the heart-healthy omega-3 fats they provide, but this is the first time that the advice to increase intake of seafood has been made for the population as a whole. The previous recommendation in 2005 to eat more fish was specific for the population at risk—people with heart disease to reduce their risk of mortality.
4. Switch to low-fat dairy.
Full-fat dairy products are high in saturated fat, which has been linked with health problems, including heart disease. Choose low- or nonfat dairy to limit intake of saturated fat. Including dairy in your diet is a great way to get calcium—a bone-strengthening mineral that most of us don’t get enough of. Plus, new research suggests that replacing full-fat dairy with low-fat dairy may also help lower blood pressure.
5. Eat only moderate amounts of lean meats, poultry and eggs.
Notice the focus on moderate amounts of lean meats—this is new. Previously the recommendation was to make choices that were lean, low-fat or fat-free. Now the recommendation takes it a step further and suggests cutting back on quantity.
6. Reduce intake of added sugars and solid fats.
Eat fewer foods containing added sugars and solid fats (e.g., butter), which contribute calories and few, if any, nutrients.
7. Reduce sodium and refined grains.
Their advice is to lower your consumption of sodium and refined grains (such as white breads, pasta, etc.), especially refined grains that are coupled with added sugar, solid fats and sodium.
8. Exercise!
Are you meeting the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which encourage all adults to do 2 1/2 hours a week of moderate-intensity or 1 1/4 hours (75 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity or an equivalent combination? If not, the experts suggest you do. These guidelines also recommend muscle-strengthening exercises that are moderate or high intensity, and involve all major muscle groups, 2 or more days a week.
Sounds simple, right? Of course, Michael Pollan may have said it even more simply. His main food rule? “Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.”
This Father’s Day, forget the ties and barbecue tools and get dad something he’ll love that promotes wellness and good health. After all, we want him around for as long as possible!:
Travel Exercise Gear: If your dad travels for business, he may not get to the gym as much as he’d like. If, however, he can pack the gym in his suitcase, he’ll have no excuses! A couple of things to try include: TRX Suspension Training System and the Accompanying Wall Anchor, or the J-Fit Travel Kit.
A Day of Fishing: Instead of buying fish for dinner, take dad on a fishing trip and catch your own. Many lakeside and coastal towns offer charters that take you out fishing for a half- or a full-day. If you can’t afford a private charter, consider a party boat. You’ll meet new people and have a lot of fun.
Healthy Barbecue by You: Whether you cook the fresh fish you caught that day or grill something else, let Dad relax and be the barbecue handler on Dad’s Day. A nice barbecue that is healthy can include grilled vegetables and barbecued swordfish or chicken. End the meal with a wonderful fruit salad with a yogurt-honey and mint dressing.
Athlete Gear: If Dad is especially athletic…running marathons or competing in tri-athalons or bi-athalons, he probably could really benefit from a coach. Garmin puts out some amazing products to help athletes track all kinds of information. The first is the Garmin Forerunner 305 and the second, more sleek and fancy version is the Garmin Forerunner 310XT. Also, if he runs long distances, consider a “fuel belt” to keep him running! (You can use this coupon code to get 15% off - 15OFFFUELBELT)
A Day at the Spa: If he isn’t a spa-goer already, there is no better time to introduce your dad to the benefits of a day at the spa. Whether he enjoys massage, a little body scrub or a man’s facial, pampering and rejuvenation will help him relax and let the stress melt away. There are some great packages that you can purchase with multiple services. And today, many spas offer treatments that are specific to men and their needs. If you’d rather let him enjoy the spa on his own, be sure to take him out for a pre-spa light lunch to get in some quality time together.
Whatever your dad enjoys, he probably will enjoy it even more if it is with you. We hope you enjoy your Father’s Day!
You know the characters, but you might not know their full names. Store these away for future trivia nights. This was posted recently by CNN and is pretty interesting.
1. Did you know the Comic Book Guy on “The Simpsons” has a name? It’s Jeff Albertson. But that wasn’t the decision of creator Matt Groening.
“I was out of the room when [the writers] named him,” he told MTV in 2007. “In my mind, ‘Louis Lane’ was his name, and he was obsessed and tormented by Lois Lane.”
2. Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. (Ken’s last name is Carson.)
3. Cap’n Crunch’s full name is Captain Horatio Magellan Crunch. His ship is the S.S. Guppy.
4. In the Peanuts comic strip, Peppermint Patty’s real name is Patricia Reichardt
5. Snuffleupagus has a first name — Aloysius. Want more Snuffleupagus trivia? In a Sesame Street scene that never aired, Snuffy’s parents announced they were separating. But in testing, children were too devastated by the news, so the idea was scrapped.
6. The Wizard of Oz rolls off the tongue a lot easier than the man behind the curtain’s full name, Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkel Emmannuel Ambroise Diggs. From Frank Baum’s Dorothy And the Wizard in Oz:
“It was a dreadfully long name to weigh down a poor innocent child, and one of the hardest lessons I ever learned was to remember my own name. When I grew up I just called myself O.Z., because the other initials were P-I-N-H-E-A-D; and that spelled ‘pinhead,’ which was a reflection on my intelligence.”
7. Mr. Clean has a seldom-used first name — “Veritably.” The name came from a “Give Mr. Clean a First Name” promotion in 1962.
8. In a deleted scene in the 2006 Curious George movie, The Man With the Yellow Hat’s full name was revealed as Ted Shackleford. (Since the scene was deleted, perhaps the last name doesn’t count.)
9. The real name of Monopoly mascot Rich Uncle Pennybags is Milburn Pennybags.
10. The policeman in Monopoly has a name, too. You can thank Officer Edgar Mallory the next time he sends you to jail.
11. On Night Court, Nostradamus Shannon was better known as Bull.
12. On Entourage, Turtle’s real name is Salvatore Assante.
13. Sesame Street’sresident game show host Guy Smiley was using a pseudonym all these years. He was born Bernie Liederkrantz.
14. The Michelin Man’s name is Bibendum.
15. On Gilligan’s Island, Jonas Grumby was simply called The Skipper.
16. The Professor was Roy Hinkley.
17. The unkempt Shaggy of Scooby-Doo fame has a rather proper real name — Norville Rogers.
18. The Pillsbury Doughboy’s name is Poppin’ Fresh. He has a wife, Poppie Fresh, and two kids, Popper and Bun Bun.
19. The patient in the classic game Operation is Cavity Sam.
20. The true identity of The Lone Ranger was John Reid.
21. MacGyver’s first name? Angus.
22 & 23. OK, these last two aren’t fictional, but just in case it comes up, Bono was born Paul David Hewson, and The Edge’s name is David Howell Evans.
We all love scoring great deals on Craigslist and Ebay, but many second-hand purchases are actually terrible deals. Stay clear of these 20 used items that will end up costing you money — or even endanger your health.
1. Cribs and children’s furniture: If there’s any chance that you’ll put your children at risk by buying used, just buy new. Used children’s furniture, especially cribs, can be a safety hazard because you can’t be certain of a potential recall or if the crib was installed correctly. (See also 7 Baby Items You Don’t Need to Buy.)
2. Car seats: Even if a used car seat looks OK, damaged car seats aren’t uncommon. Considering that safety technology improves every year — and the fact that car seats can go for as little as $50 — buying new is usually the better option.
3. Bicycle helmets: Usually, a crash would only crush the foam inside the helmet casing, so the damage to the helmet may not be visible. However, since helmets are meant to protect against one accident only, buying new would be a safer bet.
4. Tires: Sometimes it’s hard to tell if used tires were once part of a totaled wreck. If they have been in an accident, they’re bound to be unstable and unreliable. Putting your safety at risk for the sake of saving a few bucks just doesn’t add up.
5. Laptops: Because of their portability, laptops are prone to all sorts of abuse and problems. When you buy a used laptop, unless it’s refurbished, you have no idea what it’s been through or when important parts will die on you. You also don’t get the warranties and tech support that come with buying new.
6. Software: Most software comes with a serial number that you register with the company when you activate the software on your computer. If the serial number on your use software has already been registered, you can’t use it again.
7. Plasma and HDTVs: The cost for fixing or replacing the parts on plasma or HDTVs is high. Sometimes, it costs as much as buying a new TV. Considering the repair costs, you’d want to get an extended warranty, but that isn’t an option if you buy your TV used.
8. DVD players: While it’s smart to buy used DVDs, this doesn’t apply to DVD players. DVD players have lasers that will eventually wear out. The cost to repair or replace may cost more than the player is worth.
9. Digital and video cameras: Like laptops, used digital and video cameras are likely to have been dropped and banged around. It may not be obvious, but once the damage kicks in, it’ll be expensive to repair. If you know what to look for in a digital camera, you can get a great new camera without breaking the bank.
10. Speakers and microphones: Speakers and microphones are sensitive audio equipment that don’t stand up well to blasting and mishandling. Like laptops and cameras, the damage may not be obvious, but their performance would be severely compromised.
11. Camera lenses: An SLR camera lens is the most expensive part of a camera. It also directly affects the quality of your images. Any damage to the lens, however slight, will show up in your photos.
12. Photo light bulbs: Not the ordinary light bulbs you use at home. We’re talking about the light bulbs used with photography equipment. They’re relatively expensive, but their life span is short enough that you likely won’t get much use out of them if you buy second-hand.
13. Mattresses and bedding: Just think: You may be sleeping with other people’s mold, mites, bacteria, and bodily fluids. Besides, even the really good mattresses are only supposed to last eight to 10 years, and it’s hard know for sure how old a used mattress may be.
14. Swimsuits and undergarments: This is probably a no-brainer, but it needs to be said: Do not, do not, do not buy used swimsuits or undergarments. They’re worn too close to the body — someone else’s body — to consider buying used.
15. Wet suits: Wet suits lose the ability to keep you warm over time. If you’re a scuba diver, or the last owner was one, the constant change in water pressure will eventually wear out the wet suit and make it more likely to tear.
16. Shoes: If you get used footwear, it’s likely they’re already molded to the last owner’s feet. Poor-fitting shoes are not only uncomfortable but can cause all sorts of health problems, as well.
17. Hats: Hats are likely not cleaned before they’re resold or donated. If you buy a used hat, you don’t know if you’re also getting skin infections, old sweat stains, hair products, and other cringe-worthy remnants. Now that’s a deal you don’t want.
18. Makeup: A good thing to remember about used makeup is that it’s a breeding ground for bacteria and a number of contagious diseases. The great deal you found may come with pink eye and cold sores. Instead of buying used, consider making your own beauty products (it’s easier than you think) or skip makeup altogether.
19. Pet supplies: Old stains and odors continue to ferment even if used pet supplies are sitting around in storage. If cleanliness is ever an issue, just say no.
20. Vacuum cleaners: Vacuums are among the heavy-duty household appliances that tend to get a lot of use and abuse. They can also cost more to fix than if you bought them new right from the start.
As summer approaches, we have more vegetable choices than at any other time of year. Here’s a guide to what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to eating your veggies.
Myth: Fresh vegetables are more nutritious than frozen
Fact: Studies show that sometimes you can get more nutrients from frozen veggies, depending on variety and how old the vegetables at your supermarket are. That’s because produce starts losing nutrient quality as soon as it’s picked.
Frozen vegetables are flash-frozen right after harvest so they are preserved at their peak of freshness when they are most nutritious. Your best bet in terms of taste, nutrition, and the environment is still local in-season produce. When that’s not an option frozen can be a better choice (from a nutrient standpoint) than spinach that takes two weeks to reach your table.
Myth: Cooked veggies are less nutritious than raw
Fact: It depends on the vegetable. “Cooking destroys some nutrients, but it releases others,” says Marion Nestle, author of What to Eat. It destroys vitamin C and folic acid, according to Nestle, which is why it’s not a great idea to cook oranges.
On the other hand, she says, cooking releases vitamin A and the nutrients in fiber and makes them easier to digest. It’s also easier for your body to absorb more lycopene, a cancer-fighting antioxidant, in cooked tomato sauce than from raw tomatoes.
Steam or roast veggies instead of boiling, which leaches out water-soluble vitamins into the cooking water.
Myth: Iceberg lettuce doesn’t have any nutrients
Fact: Iceberg lettuce is mostly water so it’s hardly loaded with vitamins, but a large head does contain small amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
You’ll get more nutrients from other greens that have less water such as romaine or butterhead lettuce, but contrary to popular belief, iceberg lettuce does have some nutritional value.
Myth: Local vegetables are always cheaper
Fact: It’s certainly true that local produce can be good for your budget. This is especially true during the peak of harvest when farmers need to get rid of an abundant crop and there is a lot of competition.
However, there are no guarantees. Local food “is not in any way subsidized so you are paying the real cost of producing the food, and the economies of scale are not there,” says Nestle.
Some tips for finding the best deals at your local farmers’ market: Shop at the end of the day when farmers are likely to mark down their prices in order to get rid of their inventory. (Go early in the day if selection is more important than price.) Ask your farmer for a volume discount if he or she doesn’t already offer one. Take advantage of special deals on bruised or overripe veggies. Prices vary from farmer to farmer so shop around before buying.
Myth: Potatoes make you fat
Fact: Potatoes are virtually fat-free and low in calories. These delicious and inexpensive root vegetables contain a healthy dose of fiber, which can actually make you feel satisfied for longer and help you lose weight.
It’s not the potatoes themselves that make you fat. It’s how you cook them and what you slather on your spuds that can cause you to pack on the pounds.
Myth: Bagged salads are squeaky clean
Fact: They’re not nearly as clean as you may think. Consumer Reports tests found bacteria that are “common indicators of poor sanitation and fecal contamination” in 39 percent of the 208 packages of salad greens it tested. It didn’t find E. coli 0157:H7, listeria, or other disease-causing bacteria in its samples.
But it’s still a good idea to give greens a good rinse to remove residual soil before eating even if the bag says they’re “pre-washed” or “triple-washed.”
Myth: Farmer’s markets only have organics
Fact: Just because a vegetable (or anything for that matter) is sold at a farmers’ market does not mean that it’s organic. It still must be certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a guarantee that it was grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Some farmers will say they are in the process of getting certified, they grow crops without synthetic chemicals but can’t afford the certification process, or they only use chemicals when they have no choice and don’t use them when it’s close to harvest time. It’s your call on whether you trust that farmer.
