How to fight the stress?

Holiday stress-busting tips

By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen
From Health magazine

The shopping and crowds. The back-to-back diet-busting parties. The interminable chats with the in-laws. We understand how easy it is to feel not so wonderful at this most wonderful time of the year.

That's why we've rounded up these 25 expert-endorsed ways to help you dodge the seasonal blues and stay happy, healthy, and energized.

From quick stress-survival strategies to mood-brightening foods, here's your cheat sheet to holiday cheer. 

Hike your mood with sunlight

It stimulates the production of feel-good serotonin and also helps relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which impacts millions of Americans every year, says Judith Orloff, MD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles.

To ease SAD symptoms, spend time outdoors or near a window on sunny days, or ask your doc about phototherapy (a treatment using a box that emits full-spectrum light).

Take a whiff of citrus

Researchers studying depression have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by upping levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood.

For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket.

"The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, and it decreases anxiety and improves sleep," says nutrition-and-wellness expert Ann Kulze, MD. Aim for a brisk, half-hour walk every day.

Do less, enjoy more

"We go overboard to please others during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards, and attending every event," says George Pratt, PhD, a psychologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in California. "Instead, take care of yourself by saying no at least once—and maybe more."

Don't neglect whatever cracks you up

Laughing like crazy reduces stress hormones. That, in turn, helps immune cells function better, says psychologist Steve Wilson, founder of the World Laughter Tour, an organization that offers therapeutic-laughter training.

Forget perfection

Stop obsessing over doing it all. The world is not going to end if the house is a little cluttered or dinner is on the table a few minutes late. "Focus your energy on enjoying the people in your life," says Donna Schempp, the program director for the Family Caregiver Alliance. Don't sweat the small stuff and your holiday will be much more enjoyable!

Get out of the house

If your family members often pick on one another at the holiday table, taking the fun out of meals, consider eating family brunches or dinners in restaurants. "Being in public discourages loud voices and bad behavior," says Muller.

Consider abandoning old customs

Abandoning old customs can be a good strategy if you're lonely or grieving, suggests Cathy Frank, MD, medical director of the Henry Ford Behavioral Health Outpatient Center. Experiment with a different culture's customs, or invite isolated colleagues over and start some new traditions.

Solicit help the smart way

Ask individually instead of emailing groups of colleagues, relatives, or friends, says Noah Goldstein, PhD, an assistant professor of human resources and organizational behavior at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. In mass requests, recipients assume they don’t need to volunteer to help because someone else will do it.

We Wish You Happy in the New Year 2013......!

Simply Amazing Party For Chrismast and New Year 2013

Get the party started

By Susan Sugarman
from Health magazine

You only need a few top-notch ingredients to create festive and delicious holiday bites and drinks. Go for a mix of shapes and colors—your guests will love how beautiful everything looks. (And you’ll love how easy it all is to make.)

Fruity cocktails

Peach Melba Cocktail (left)
132 calories, 0g fat
Cook 2 pints fresh raspberries or one 10-ounce bag frozen raspberries over medium heat with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water 7–10 minutes or until completely broken down. Press through strainer, discarding seeds. Let cool. Pour about 3 tablespoons (1 quart total) peach nectar and 1 tablespoon raspberry puree into Champagne glasses; add chilled Champagne to fill each (2 bottles total). Garnish each with fresh-raspberry skewer.

The Golden Apple (right)
97 calories, 0g fat
Into each glass, pour 1 tablespoon vodka (1 pint total) and 1 tablespoon Calvados (1 pint total) over ice. Add sparkling cider to fill (2 bottles total) and a red apple slice. 

Crabmeat cup

40 calories, 3g fat
Distribute 1/2 pound jumbo lump crabmeat evenly into 30 mini crispy (or phyllo) shells. Add 1/2 teaspoon (1/4 cup total) lemon mayonnaise to each shell; garnish with avocado and a watercress sprig.

Eggs divine

34 calories, 3g fat
Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk 8 large eggs, and add to pan, stirring about 5–7 minutes or until creamy. Portion eggs onto ceramic serving spoons; top each with a dollop of crème fraîche (4 ounces total) and a touch of black caviar (1–2 ounces total).

Pea crostini

35 calories, 3g fat
Combine 1 1/2 cups thawed frozen peas, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper in a food processor until coarsely pureed. Spread 8 ounces Montrachet goat cheese among 30 crostini. Top each with a spoonful of pea puree; garnish with sliced watermelon, radishes, or beets.

Spice on a stick

16 calories, 1g fat
Combine 30 tail-on, peeled, deveined shrimp; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon honey; salt; and pepper. Thread 3 shrimp on each skewer and a small hot pepper (if desired); cook each side 2 minutes on an oiled grill pan.

Caprese skewer

46 calories, 4g fat
Using 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, 1 pound bocconcini (fresh mozzarella), and 1 bunch fresh basil, thread ingredients onto skewers. Sprinkle each skewer with sea salt and black pepper; drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

Med-coast bite

66 calories, 2g fat
Spread 8 ounces hummus evenly onto baked pita chips (12-ounce bag). Shred 1 large carrot; distribute evenly over chips. Zest rind of 2 lemons; place a few pieces atop carrot.

Steak and salad

100 calories, 7g fat
Preheat oven to 450°. Rub 1 (2-pound) beef tenderloin with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast 25 minutes or until meat thermometer registers 140° (medium-rare). Let stand 20 minutes; thinly slice. Combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup horseradish in small bowl. Slice 1 baguette diagonally into 30 slices. Spread each piece with mayonnaise mixture; top with beef and a fresh pea shoot.

Five-minute sushi

44 calories, 2g fat
Slice 1 pound sushi-grade yellowfin tuna into 1/2-inch cubes. Slice an English cucumber into rounds; top each with a small dollop of wasabi. Combine 1/2 cup each black and tan sesame seeds in a bowl; cover sides of each tuna cube. Place tuna atop each cucumber round; add a drop of soy sauce (if desired).

Crunchy-sweet nuts

178 calories, 13g fat (for 1 ounce)
Preheat oven to 350°. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine 3/4 pound assorted nuts, 4 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder, and 6 teaspoons tamari. Spread mixture on baking sheet; bake 15–20 minutes. Remove from oven; add 1 cup dried cherries.

Smoky nibble

73 calories, 3g fat
Cut 1/2 pound smoked boneless trout into bite-size pieces; set aside. Cut presliced party-style pumpernickel into quarters. Place dollop of crème fraîche onto each pumpernickel quarter, and top with a piece of trout; garnish with small sprig of fresh dill.

Chicken adobo

35 calories, 1g fat
Season 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken cutlets (pounded thin and cut into 1- x 3-inch strips) with salt and pepper. Thread onto skewers and brush with sauce from a can of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce; cook each side 2 minutes on an oiled grill pan.

Sake social

59 calories, 0g fat
Pour 1 (720 ml) bottle chilled sake into small glasses; garnish each with cucumber spear.

Cocoa nog

86 calories, 4g fat
Whisk together 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/3 cup eggnog until smooth. In a pitcher, whisk cocoa mixture into 3 2/3 cup eggnog. Add 1 pint rum and 1 pint brandy. Pour 4 ounces into small glasses; top with grated bittersweet chocolate.







Next: Be healthy in 30 Minute; No gym no workout.....

How to cook a good food?

Want to be a better cook? Turns out that you don’t need fancy kitchen gadgets or cooking classes, you just need a specific side dish. Researchers at Cornell University found that if you serve vegetables as part of a meal, people will think the dish tastes better—and that you’re a better cook—than if you forgo the greens.

Researchers gave menus to participants that listed dishes like chicken, steak, and pasta. Some participants’ menus included vegetables with the main dishes; others did not. Everyone was asked to rate the appeal of both the meal and the preparer. People who were shown a combo meal of, say, steak and broccoli, said that they thought the meal would taste better, and that the cook was better, than the people who had the solo steak on their menu.  In fact, the steak-and-broccoli group even said that the cook was more thoughtful and attentive, and less selfish. The steak-only folks harbored much fewer warm feelings.

People tend to associate meals that have vegetables with a little more effort, like the ones served at restaurants or at holiday gatherings—meals which people usually think of as tasting really good, says lead study author Brian Wansink, Ph.D., director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab and the author of Mindless Eating: Why Eat More Than We Think. (Disclaimer: The study, which will be published in the peer-reviewed journal Public Health and Nutrition, was sponsored by Bird’s Eye vegetables).

“The more effort that you believe went into a meal, the better you think it’s going to be. Even if that effort was heating up some vegetables,” Wansink says.

In light of the fact that 70 percent of all vegetables eaten are eaten at dinnertime but only 23 percent of dinners have vegetables, Wansink and his team wanted to find out if there was any additional motivation to include veggies in meals. “This [study] provides the best two motivations as to why you should put vegetables on the table. Not because they’re healthy—we all know that—but because it makes you look like a better cook and a more loving person,” he says.

Ready to cook up a storm? Here are three delicious side dishes to whip up the next time you want to seriously impress your dining companions.

Sauteed String Beans with Sweet Onion and Grape Tomatoes
This colorful medley is sure to make any entree look its best. The grape tomatoes are an amazingly sweet addition.

Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower with Lemon And Orange
Baking lightly oiled broccoli and cauliflower until crisp-tender inhibits the release of any unpleasant sulphur aromas. The vegetables mellow even more when tossed with sweet citrus just before serving.

Overnight Kale Salad
Dress up vitamin and fiber-rich kale with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, Pecorino Romano cheese, and an overnight vinaigrette marinade. Not planning dinner a day ahead? You can let it steep for as little as 30 minutes.

Foods Recipe for Better Sex

Enough about oysters, already!

By Julie Upton, RD

If you want to put some sizzle back into your sex life, food can help you set the mood. There’s nothing better than a romantic, home-cooked dinner, featuring some R-rated foods to help turn up the heat. “There’s a growing body of evidence that some of the vitamins and components in foods can enhance sexual function and sexual experience,” says Jennifer R. Berman, MD, the director of the Berman Women’s Wellness Center, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Here are some of the food ingredients (and my own favorite recipes) that have been major players in aphrodisiac history and lore, and also have modern-day science to back up their claims.

Avocados

The Aztecs referred to avocados as, ahem, testicles, because of their physical shape. But the scientific reason why avocados make sense as an aphrodisiac is that they are rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat, making them good for your heart and your arteries. Anything that keeps the heart beating strong helps keep blood flowing to all the right places; in fact, men with underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). 

Almonds

Topping my list of feisty foods, almonds have long been purported to increase passion, act as a sexual stimulant, and aid with fertility. Like asparagus (another one of my favorite sexy foods), almonds are nutrient-dense and rich in several trace minerals that are important for sexual health and reproduction, such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin E.  “Zinc helps enhance libido and sexual desire,” says Dr. Berman. “We don’t really understand the mechanisms behind it, but we know it works.” 

Strawberries

The color red is known to help stoke the fire: A 2008 study found that men find women sexier if they’re wearing red, as opposed to cool colors such as blue or green. Strawberries are also an excellent source of folic acid, a B vitamin that helps ward off birth defects in women and, according to a University of California, Berkley study, may be tied to high sperm counts in men. This Valentine’s Day, try making dark-chocolate-dipped strawberries. And while we’re on the subject, there’s a reason we give chocolate on Valentine’s Day: It’s full of libido-boosting methylxanthines. 

Seafood

Despite their slippery and slimy texture, oysters may be the most well-known aphrodisiac. They’re also one of the best sources of libido-boosting zinc. But other types of seafood can also act as aphrodisiacs. Oily fish—like wild salmon and herring—contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy heart. 

Arugula

Arugula has been heralded as an arousal aid since the first century. Today, research reveals that the trace minerals and antioxidants packed into dark, leafy greens are essential for our sexual health because they help block absorption of some of the environmental contaminants thought to negatively impact our libido. 

Figs

These funny-shaped fruits have a long history of being a fertility booster, and they make an excellent aphrodisiac because they are packed with both , which is important for heart health. Plus, high-fiber foods help fill you up, not out, so it’s easier to achieve that sexy bottom line—or belly. 

Citrus

Any member of this tropical fruit family is super-rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and folic acid—all of which are essential for men’s reproductive health. Enjoy a romantic salad that incorporates citrus, like pink grapefruit or mandarin oranges, or use a dressing made with lemon and lime.

The Best Indonesian Food Recipes

1.  Satay

These tasty meat skewers cook up over coals so hot they need fans to waft the smoke away.

Whether it’s chicken, goat, mutton or rabbit, the scrappy morsels get marinated in turmeric, barbecued and then bathed in a hearty dose of peanut sauce.

Other nations now lay claim to sate, but Indonesians consider it a national dish conceived by street vendors and popularized by Arab traders.

Each vendor seeks distinction, but "sate madura" –- served with rice cakes (ketupat) and diced cucumber and onion -– is distinguished by its boat-shaped street carts

2. Bakso

A favorite among students, this savory meatball noodle soup gained international fame when U.S. President Barack Obama remembered it as one of his favorites during a visit to Jakarta last November.
It takes on many forms; meatballs –- springy or rubbery, the size of golf balls or bigger -– are made from chicken, beef, pork or some amorphous combination of them all. Sold mostly from pushcarts called kaki lima, bakso comes garnished with fried shallots, boiled egg and wontons

3. Soto Betawi

This traditional meat soup comprises a broth and ingredients that vary across the archipelago.
Common street versions are made of a simple, clear soup flavored with chicken, goat or beef. In Jakarta, home of the indigenous Betawi, soto Betawi garners fame with its sweet, creamy, coconut-milk base.
Top it with crispy shallots and fried garlic, and as much or little sambal as your taste buds can take.

4. Nasi goreng

Considered Indonesia’s national dish, this take on Asian fried rice is often made with sweet, thick soy sauce called kecap (pronounced ketchup) and garnished with acar, pickled cucumber and carrots.
To add an element of fun to your dining experience, try nasi gila (literally :crazy rice") and see how many different kinds of meat you can find buried among the grains –- yes, those are hot dog slices.

5. Gado-gado

Literally “mix-mix,” the term gado-gado is often used to describe situations that are all mixed up -– Jakarta, for instance, is a gado-gado city.
As a food, however, it is one of Indonesia’s best-known dishes, essentially a vegetable salad bathed in the country’s classic peanut sauce.
At its base are boiled long beans, spinach, potato, corn, egg and bean sprouts coupled with cucumber, tofu and tempe.

6. Nasi uduk

A perennial favorite among native Betawi, the meal revolves around rice cooked in coconut milk and includes a pinwheel of various meat and vegetable accoutrements.
It almost always includes fried chicken, boiled eggs and tempe (soybean cake) with anchovies and is topped with emping (melinjo nut crackers).
It’s cheap, fast and popular among lunchtime crowds.
(Sources: CNN Travel)

Moctail Recipes

Virgin Mary

Genesun Han

As a non-alcoholic version of the Bloody Mary, the Virgin Mary is a tomato juice drink that you can drink anytime. It's the ultimate spicy drink for healthy breakfast or brunch. You can also make this with clamato juice for a variation of a Bloody Caesar.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz tomato juice
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce
• celery salt
• ground pepper
• hot pepper or Tabasco sauce
• celery stalk for garnish
• pickle garnish for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

1. Build the liquid ingredients into a highball glass over ice cubes.
2. Mix well.
3. Add the seasonings to taste.
4. Garnish with the celery stalk. 

 

Cinderella

Glass Guide- Cocktail Glass

The taste of tropical fruit comes to life in this refreshing mocktail. If you'd like a more elegant looking Cinderella, cut all of the juices and ginger ale in half and serve it in a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with both pineapple and orange slices and don't forget that little paper umbrella for an extra finishing touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz ginger ale
• Dash of grenadine
• Pineapple and orange slices for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the juices into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a chilled collins glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with the slices of pineapple and/or orange. 

 

Banana Smoothie

Glass Guide- Hurricane Glass

This is a tasty recipe for a non-alcoholic Banana Smoothie that is easy to make and fabulous for summer afternoons with the whole family. One of the best parts of this mocktail is that you probably have the ingredients right there in your kitchen. If you want to spike this drink add 1 ounce of banana liqueur or vodka. If you're really crazy, you can use a flavored vodka like vanilla or banana (it's hard to find but out there).

Ingredients:

• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 sliced bananas
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt

 

 

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a blender in the following order: honey, vanilla extract, bananas, vanilla yogurt and ice.
2. Gradually increase the blending speed and blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. Pour the drink into a chilled hurricane or cordial glass.

 

See More About:

• fruit cocktails
• non-alcoholic drinks
• mocktails

Apricot Gingerini

Glass Guide- Cocktail Glass

When I first read through Natalie Bovis-Nelsen's book, Preggatinis™ (published by The Globe Pequot Press) the Apricot Gingerini stood out as an amazingly flavored drink - one I'd like to add a little gin to - and then I read the reason behind the combination and I see why she added this mocktail to the first trimester section of the book. White grape juice is recommended for the early stage of pregnancy, cloves and ginger are an old-fashioned cure for nausea, and they just happen to mix perfectly with apricot.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 oz white grape juice
• 3 oz apricot nectar
• 1 oz ginger-infused simple syrup
• 1/4 tsp ground clove

Preparation:

1. Pour grape juice, apricot nectar, ginger-infused simple syrup [find a recipe for vanilla-ginger simple syrup here and skip the vanilla], and most of the ground clove into a mixing glass fill with ice.
2. Shake vigorously, then strain into a martini glass.
3. Garnish with the remaining ground clove atop the drink.

 

Cardinal Punch

Glass Guide- Collins Glass

Cardinal Punch is an easy, fruit-filled punch that is great when hosting any type of party, especially outdoor events in the spring and summer. You can keep the same ratio of ingredients and adapt this recipe to fill a punch bowl. I also like to keep a pitcher of the juice mix stored in the refrigerator. It's more complex than the straight bottled juices and, with a bottle of ginger ale on hand, can be transformed into this refreshing mocktail.

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz Ginger ale
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• lemon and orange slices for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the juices into a collins glass half filled with ice cubes.
2. Top with the ginger ale.
3. Garnish with orange and lemon slices.

 

Coco Colada

Piña Colada Cocktail

Photo Courtesy: © CocktailTimes.com

A Coco Colada (or virgin Pina Colada) is a non-alcoholic version of the Frozen Piña Colada. This refreshing blended mocktail is perfect for summer afternoons. The other, much easier, option to make this drink is to blend ice with one of the non-alcoholic Piña Colada mixes which are readily available. Despite being just a little bit quicker to make, this made from scratch version is considerably better tasting.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz coconut cream
• 1 cup ice
• Orange slice for garnish

Preparation:

1. In a blender, add 1 cup ice, pineapple juice and cream of coconut.
2. Blend until slushy.
3. Pour into an chilled hurricane glass.
4. Garnish with an orange slice. 

Hot  Not Toddy

Photo Credit: © Shannon Graham

A Hot Toddy is great but sometimes you want that warm soothing mix without the liquor and that's where the Hot Not Toddy comes in. Okay, so this is really an enhanced cup of warm tea, but you get the point. Choose your favorite hot tea and watch it be transform it into a delightful winter mocktail by adding some the non-alcoholic elements of the traditional toddy. This is not only great for the non-drinker but to share with kids and it is a soothing relief of cold symptoms - kind of like chicken soup.

Ingredients:

• 7 oz hot tea
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Grated cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Grated nutmeg
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Preparation:

1. In an Irish coffee glass pour the honey, lemon and spices.
2. Top with hot, brewed tea.
3. Stir.
4. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

 

Stress relief from around the world

Stress: a universal language

By Aviva Patz
From Health magazine

Holidays can be helladays. If it's any comfort, our friends around the world are juggling a lot now, too. "What constitutes stress is not having the time or help to meet demands in your life, whether you're in Texas or Taiwan," says Alice Domar, PhD, executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health in Boston. "Holidays further strain our resources."

You knew that, but you might not be aware of stress relief tactics—centuries-old practices, in some cases—that people in these foreign locales rely on. And not one involves lavender candles. 

 

France

"When I come home from a stressful day, I relax with a petit aperitif—the French ceremony of having a small glass of wine with a side of cashew nuts or pita chips with hummus and olives. Then I'm ready to cook dinner!"—Ingrid Jackel, CEO of Physicians Formula; Toulouse

What you can do: "Wine is a relaxant, that's true, but more important is having a ritual to separate the chaos of work from the comfort of home," Domar says. Any ritual you look forward to will do the trick, whether you wash up and change into sweats or zone out with a game of Words with Friends.

Russia

"Russians go to the banya, a hot sauna, and since moving here I do that, too. The daily stress level is high and work is constant. Just sitting in the extreme heat to sweat is a miracle invention to salve the soul." —Amanda Lynn Hinson, 35, writer; Khabarovsk

What you can do: Hit the shower—and make it a warm one. Just a few minutes can wash away tension, and it's not just the feel of pulsating water on your skin: Research from Yale University indicates that the enveloping warmth you get from a hot shower can trigger brain and body responses that mirror emotional warmth, boosting your mood. Just get out after 10 minutes to avoid drying skin. 

Denmark

"It gets dark at 3:30 p.m. in the winter here, so Danes have gotten good at creating hygge, or 'cozy.' We come and go casually to each others' houses on evenings and weekends. It's about being happy at home with no one rushing to go anywhere." —Mette Borring, 48, finance executive; Copenhagen

What you can do: It's very simple, but key: Don't fuss too much. "One of my Secrets of Adulthood is: 'Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good,' and I apply this to entertaining," says Gretchen Rubin, author of Happier at Home. "If we worry about inviting people to the perfect holiday party, the task seems overwhelming. So I lower the bar to a manageable level. I had a holiday party that was dessert and drinks—so much easier than serving dinner, and very festive!"

Thailand

"Massage is a science here. It's often vigorous, with knees and elbows applying pressure, and much stress reduction." —Pam Sangsingkeo, 39, university lecturer; Bangkok

What you can do: Knead the nape of your neck and the surrounding area. "Stimulating pressure receptors releases serotonin, a natural antidepressant," says Tiffany Field, PhD, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami. Better yet: Get your partner to do it.

Argentina

"People drink maté, a hot herbal drink, passing it around a circle of friends like a peace pipe. It makes me feel connected and strong, able to face down any stress." —Desirée Jaimovich, 35, journalist; Buenos Aires

What you can do: Forget social media; try social eating. Sharing food releases a surge of calming oxytocin, Belgian research shows. Notes anthropologist Michael Gurven, PhD, of the University of California–Santa Barbara: "Bonding over communal eats says, 'You're a valued part of my network.'" Skip the communal tea during flu season; think a pot of melted chocolate for S'mores (without double-dipping).

India

"Every morning, I do a laughter exercise—I smile, wave my hands, and jump. The more I do it, the more vital I feel." —Rashmi Vyas Aparajit, 45, health program director; Mumbai

What you can do: Yuk it up! The contracting stomach muscles trigger a surge of feel-good endorphins, according to a study from Oxford University. Even a couple of minutes of belly laughter can be calming—a good reminder to tape your favorite late-night show and actually watch it. 

Ireland

"In the cold-weather months, it's not just a matter of bundling up our kids to get outside for fresh air—you always find adults taking winter walks. It revives my brain and energizes me." — Phoebe Holmes, 40, blogger; Dublin

What you can do: Head outside for a brisk stroll. In a 2012 study, people who rode a stationary bike for 30 minutes and then saw disturbing photographs were less anxious than people who sat quietly before viewing the photos. "Exercise not only reduces anxiety, but helps you maintain that feeling when confronted with distressing events," says study author J. Carson Smith, PhD. With less mood-boosting natural light around, it's especially helpful to get outside.Dress for the weather (layers! Thinsulate!)and you'll truly enjoy it.

Sweden

"In Sweden we enjoy fika, taking a coffee break with friends. It's been a part of our culture since the 1700s. In many companies, people take fika breaks around 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; they head to a café for lattes, tea, or smoothies with a cinnamon roll, muffin, or macaron. Fika has something very friendly and peaceful about it."—Sarah Melin, 42, manager at a TV production company; Stockholm

What you can do: Program a break reminder into your smartphone, heed the beeps, and grab a friend for coffee in the office kitchen. Don't feel guilty for slacking off; in a study from MIT, people who got up to socialize during the work day ended up being 10 to 15% more productive than those who didn't.

China

"Women do a foot soak called zu yu before bed. I put hot water in a big pot and sit on my sofa as I read a book or surf my Weibo, Chinese Twitter. Sometimes I lean back and fall asleep, it's so relaxing." —Frances Wu, 37, office clerk; Shanghai

What you can do: Soothe your mall-trodden feet with this remedy from Cornelia Zicu of Red Door Spa: Dunk feet up to the ankles in hot water in a plastic bin or the tub, adding a handful of Epsom salts and 2 spoonfuls of baking soda. "After 15 minutes, swelling goes down and circulation improves," Zicu says. "It's amazingly relaxing." 

Turkey

"We have keyif, which means relishing pleasurable things. I have keyif when I listen to music or stretch my legs. I'm in the moment and not thinking about anything stressful." —Asli Çavusoglu, 42, nonprofit program coordinator; Istanbul

What you can do: Distract your brain from whatever's riling you up. "Stressful thoughts often come from a presumption that something bad is going to happen," points out Ellen Langer, PhD, a Harvard psychology professor. "If you can focus on a positive, you can help derail those thoughts." Jot down a list of Good Things in your life on iPhone Notes, and eyeball it next time you have a holiday freak-out. Your iPod can also come in handy; in one study, people subjected to freezing-cold compresses were less likely to notice the discomfort when listening to music.

10 Reasons You are not having sex

You're not alone

By Leslie Goldman
From Health magazine

Not getting any? You’re not alone: Women today have less time for sex than their 1950s counterparts. And it’s estimated that 40 million Americans have what experts call a sexless marriage (having sex less than 10 times a year).

A regular sex life is good for your health. It can satisfy all sorts of emotional- and physical-intimacy needs and help partners stay close, says Anita H. Clayton, MD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Virginia and author of Satisfaction: Women, Sex, and the Quest for Intimacy.

So why the dry spell? You can chalk it up to a sheer lack of time, but there are a slew of other reasons, too—from weight gain and perimenopause to technology overload (stop texting now) in the bedroom. Here’s how to beat the top 10 sex busters.

Your bed isn’t sexy anymore

We hear it over and over again: The bed should be used for sex and sleep only. So why do so many of us insist on bringing third parties—laptops, PDAs, Law & Order—into the boudoir? All that technology and distraction can cause insomnia and put a damper on your sex life. After all, it’s harder to initiate sex if your spouse is hiding behind a newspaper or glued to the TV or if your hands are busy exploring the Web rather than his body.

Sex Rx: At a minimum, make the bedroom a no-technology zone, Clayton suggests. Then take a hard look at your life (from romance and work to entertainment and family), and give sex the priority it deserves. If you have to schedule sex like you do a meeting, do it!

Your meds are stealing your sex drive

Oh, the irony. You start taking oral contraceptives (OCs) so you can have worry-free sex. Then the magic little pills start sapping your sex drive. Why? OCs contain estrogen, which increases the production of a protein called sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), says Michael Krychman, MD, medical director of sexual medicine at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California. SHBG can trap testosterone, affecting your sex drive. Other potential sex-drive-stalling meds: those that reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and acid reflux, and antidepressants.

Sex Rx: Ask your doc about the sexual side effects of all of your drugs. You may also want to try a contraceptive method that doesn’t use hormones, such as condoms, a diaphragm, or an IUD.

Your crazy-busy life

You spend your days working, cooking, working out, taking care of the family. And, still, at 11:30 p.m. Besides totally tuckering you out, the chronic stresses of modern life can also trigger a cascade of hormonal changes that mess with your body’s sexual-response cycle. And here’s another modern sex buster that adds to all the craziness: today’s always-connected technology.

Sex Rx: With spontaneous sex almost out of the question, you need some serious “life management” to work it in, experts say. Put a lock on the master bedroom door and set a technology time limit. Shift gears with a soothing bath, suggests Los Angeles–based sex therapist Linda De Villers, PhD. Plunging into warm water takes you away from the laptops and cell phones that clog up your day. Add a few drops of ylang-ylang essential oil; the aroma is thought to heighten sexual feelings.

You don’t like your body

Many women find themselves withdrawing or not willing to experiment sexually if they’re overweight or have a change in shape due to pregnancy, Clayton says. “Emotionally, we’ve bought into the media’s idealization of what is really sexy. The message is, you have to look a certain way in order to have really good sex.”

Sex Rx: “Women have a talent for disliking the very things about themselves that other people find very attractive,” De Villers says. Feel free to ask him what he likes about your body; his compliments can help you feel more positive. But don’t underestimate the mental boost of shedding some pounds. In a recent Health.com survey, 37 percent of respondents said losing weight makes them feel sexy. In fact, even a five-pound weight loss has been shown to jump-start sex drive.

You’ve hit perimenopause

Prior to menopause, hormonal shifts—specifically decreasing estrogen—lead to physiological changes that can make sex seem about as appealing as running a marathon with a pebble in your sock. Sensitive vaginal tissues become less lubricated, the ensuing dryness leads to pain, and painful sex quickly turns into no sex. Hot flashes don’t help matters, either.

Sex Rx: Talk to your physician about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which may lessen menopausal symptoms. New research shows an estrogen cream or suppository may ease dryness without the risks of HRT. Lubricants can also help, especially if pain during intercourse is a problem.

Your man’s just not that into it

You may actually be raring to go, but your partner’s engine seems stalled. Perhaps he’s emotionally withdrawing, says Bob Berkowitz, PhD, co-author of He’s Just Not Up for It Anymore: Why Men Stop Having Sex, and What You Can Do About It. “The usual problems between husbands and wives can play out in the bedroom,” he says, especially if your partner has a hard time expressing his feelings properly. Or, he may want you to be more sexually adventurous.

Sex Rx: Talk it out in a blame-free way. “It’s understandable that a woman would feel rejected,” Berkowitz says. But don’t confront him with ‘What the hell is going on? Are you cheating on me?’ or he’ll shut down. If a man’s sex life is not working out, he may feel he’s failed as a man, because men invest so much of themselves in their sexuality,” Berkowitz adds.

You’re depressed

When you’re feeling down in the dumps, desire can take a big hit, particularly if you’re female. Women tend to isolate themselves, Clayton says, and that can strain even the strongest of romantic relationships. Antidepressants may lift the dark cloud, but some affect your ability to have an orgasm.

Sex Rx: If you notice your sex drive takes a nosedive after you start a new medication, tell your doctor; she may be able to prescribe an alternative. Consider different avenues of treatment. “Psychotherapy doesn’t cause sexual dysfunction and is effective, especially in mild-to-moderate depression,” Clayton says. Exercise also helps; it enhances mood and energy, and it boosts blood flow to the genitals.

Your man is Viagra-ized

The “Viagra-ization” of men isn’t just happening to seniors. Younger men are taking the erectile-dysfunction drug, too, sometimes just to enhance performance. The result can be a physical and emotional disconnect. “The man takes the medication and is ready to go, but the woman needs more time to get aroused, to get connected.”

Sex Rx: Clayton suggests finding time for some nonthreatening and nonjudgmental sex talk (not in bed), during which a woman can discuss what she needs in bed to even the playing field.

You like your vibrator better

Reaching for your Rabbit more often than your honey bunny? This is more common than some might think, De Villers says. A vibrator is simpler and more accessible than a cooperating penis. While there’s nothing wrong with incorporating sex toys into your love life, becoming reliant on a vibrator—or even preferring it over your partner—can be a serious problem.

Sex Rx: If you really are addicted to your vibrator at the expense of your relationship with your partner, talk to a therapist to gain some insight about your relationship, De Villers recommends. If the vibrator gives you more satisfaction than sex with your partner, talk about trying some new moves or even using the vibrator together.

Most delicious foods in the world

Rendang, Indonesia

Beef is slowly simmered with coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger and chilies, then left to stew for a few hours to create this dish of tender, flavorful bovine goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander seed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 inch ginger roughly chopped
• 4 large cloves garlic roughly chopped
• 4 large shallots roughly chopped (about 7 ounces)
• chili pepper flakes to taste (I used about 3 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 pounds beef shanks or shortribs cut into large cubes
• 2 stalks lemongrass white part only, smashed
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 inch galangal sliced into coins
• 2 packs freeze dried coconut cream rehydrated in 2 cups of warm water, or 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar brown sugar can be substituted

Instructions

1. Add all the salt, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, shallots, and chili flakes to a food processor and run until there are no clumps left and you have a smooth spice paste. You'll need to scape the bowl down a few times.
2. Add the oil to a heavy bottomed pot and heat over medium high heat until shimmering. Fry the beef in batches, allowing each surface to brown before turning. Transfer the browned beef to a bowl and repeat with the remaining meat.

1. Add the lemongrass, lime leaves and galangal to the hot oil and fry until fragrant. Transfer to the bowl with the browned beef, leaving the oil in the pot.
2. Turn down the heat to medium low, and then add the spice paste. Fry, stirring constantly until very fragrant and most of the moisture has evaporated (about 10-15 minutes). If the paste starts burning, reduce the heat and add a bit of water. Add the coconut milk and palm sugar, and then return the beef and herbs to the pot, stir to combine the turn the heat down to medium low and loosely cover with a lid (you want some steam to escape). Stir the rendang periodically and simmer for 3-4 hours until the meat is very tender.
3. Once the meat is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated (about 4 hours), remove the lid and turn up the heat. You'll need to stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning, but you want to evaporate as much liquid as you can without burning the meat. At this point there should be quite a bit of oil in the pot from the meat so you're essentially frying the sauce and concentrating the flavors.
4. The rendang is done when there is almost no sauce left and the meat is dark brown. Ideally you'll let this sit overnight for the flavors to evenly distribute into the meat. During this time, the meat will turn chocolate colored and the flavors will deepen. Serve the beef rendang with steamed rice.

Massaman curry, Thailand

Emphatically the king of curries, and perhaps the king of all foods. Spicy, coconutty, sweet and savory, its combination of flavors has more personality than a Thai election.
Even the packet sauce you buy from the supermarket can make the most delinquent of cooks look like a Michelin potential. Thankfully, someone invented rice, with which diners can mop up the last drizzles of curry sauce.
“The Land of Smiles” isn’t just a marketing catch-line. It’s a result of being born in a land where the world’s most delicious food is sold on nearly every street corner.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 to 1 pound chicken pieces OR chopped chicken breast/thigh
• 1-2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 14 ounce (400 ml) can coconut milk (not lite)
• 1 small red pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil OR vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup onion, sliced
• 1 thumb-piece ginger, grated
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1 red chili, sliced, OR 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. chili flakes/cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup good-tasting chicken stock
• 1 stalk lemongrass, minced, OR 2-3 Tbsp. frozen/bottled prepared lemongrass
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted cashews (+ handful more to finish)
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. whole cumin seed
• 1/2 tsp. white pepper
• 1/8 tsp. cardamon
• 1 tsp. tamarind, or substitute 1 Tbsp. lime juice*
• 3/4 tsp. shrimp paste (available by the jar at Asian stores)
• 2 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 2 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 1 Tbsp. palm sugar OR brown sugar

Preparation:

1. Heat a wok, large frying pan, or soup-type pot over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the oil and swirl around, then add the onion, ginger, garlic, and chili. Stir-fry 1-2 minutes to release the fragrance.
2. Add the stock plus the following: lemongrass, bay leaves, turmeric, chopped cashews, ground coriander, whole cumin seed, white pepper, cardamon, tamarind (or lime juice), shrimp paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir with each addition and bring to a light boil.
3. Add the chicken, stirring to coat with the spicy liquid, then add the coconut milk and potatoes. Stir and bring back up to a boil. Reduce heat to low, or just until you get a good simmer.
4. Simmer 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken and potatoes are tender. Add red pepper and tomato during last 10-15 minutes of coooking time. Tip: if you prefer a more liquid curry sauce, cover while simmering. If you prefer a thicker curry sauce, leave off lid.
5. Taste-test the curry, adding more fish sauce for increased flavor/saltiness, or more chili if you want it spicier. If too sour, add a little more sugar. If too salty or sweet for your taste, add a touch more tamarind or lime juice. If too spicy, add more coconut milk.
6. Add a handful more cashews and fold in. Transfer to a serving bowl, or plate up on individual plates or bowls. Top with fresh coriander, if desired, and serve with Thai jasmine rice. ENJOY!

*Tamarind Substitution Tip: Tamarind paste can be tricky to find, hence I have offered a substitute here. Yes, lime and tamarind are two very different fruits; however, they provide that same sourness you're looking for in this curry (it is balanced out with the palm sugar or brown sugar). Whenever I run out of tamarind paste, I find lime juice works in a pinch. In fact, I have witnessed accomplished Thai chefs create tamarind-based dishes purely with lime juice (such as pad Thai) - good to know if you can't find tamarind paste where you live!

Amazing Apple Recipes

Apple pie and other healthy recipes

Whether your fave is the tart Granny Smith, juicy McIntosh, or sweet Golden Delicious, there's nothing better than biting into a fresh, crisp apple.

And few foods can rival the apple when it comes to health benefits. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and relatively low in natural sugars, a medium-sized apple is only about 90 calories.

Here are  recipes you can use to wow friends and family with apple deliciousness.

Apple Tarte Tatin

Simple and sweet, this French treat couldn’t be easier to make. Other versions call for anywhere from one-half to an entire stick of butter—ours uses only 2 teaspoons, so you can dig in guilt-free.

Ingredients: Apples, frozen puff pastry dough, butter, brown sugar
Calories: 201 per slice
 

Updated Waldorf Salad

Use low-fat mayo mixed with apples, grapes, dried cranberries, celery, and walnuts for this chunky salad that renews a classic and curbs mid-afternoon hunger.

This dish delivers a serving of low-purine nuts and fruits. Plus, apples, grapes, and cranberries all contain malic acid, which may counter gout-promoting uric acid in your body.

Calories: 153

Apple-Spinach Chicken

The tart flavors of the Granny Smith apples blend with the bitter spinach to make a tender chicken recipe. It's a little low on fiber, so add a piece of multigrain toast to complete the meal.

Ingredients: Vegetable oil, boneless chicken breast, garlic, spicy brown mustard, apple cider, Granny Smith apples, baby spinach

Calories: 202


Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients: Dough: active dry yeast, 1% low-fat milk, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, honey, butter, teaspoon salt, egg Filling: butter, apple, apple juice, ground cinnamon Glaze: powdered sugar, honey, apple juice, ground cinnamon

Calories: 214

Apple-Mascarpone Parfaits

Mascarpone is a soft, creamy cheese with a distinct, rich flavor. This recipe combines it with cottage cheese to cut down on fat, and the cheese mixture enhances the tartness of the Granny Smith apples while still bringing the dessert together with its smooth texture.

Ingredients: Butter, Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, lime juice, ground ginger, cottage cheese, mascarpone, sugar, vanilla extract  Calories: 265  (sources: health recipes food)

Amazing Apple Recipes

Apple pie and other healthy recipes

Whether your fave is the tart Granny Smith, juicy McIntosh, or sweet Golden Delicious, there's nothing better than biting into a fresh, crisp apple.

And few foods can rival the apple when it comes to health benefits. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and relatively low in natural sugars, a medium-sized apple is only about 90 calories.

Here are  recipes you can use to wow friends and family with apple deliciousness.

Apple Tarte Tatin

Simple and sweet, this French treat couldn’t be easier to make. Other versions call for anywhere from one-half to an entire stick of butter—ours uses only 2 teaspoons, so you can dig in guilt-free.

Ingredients: Apples, frozen puff pastry dough, butter, brown sugar

Calories: 201 per slice

Healthy Seafood

Great seafood recipes

By Benjamin Plackett
Crunchy crab cakes. Savory shrimp. Luscious lobster. So tempting and delicious, almost everyone has a seafood type they can't resist.

And luckily there's no need to. In general, seafood is great for your health (as long as you avoid the breaded, deep fried kind, and fatty and calorie-laden sauces).

Take shrimp for example; one 3-ounce serving delivers 28% of your daily value for selenium, 23% of vitamin B12, and 21% of protein.

So eat up! Here are 17 great recipes for healthy seafood.

Confetti Crab Cakes

Just 23 minutes from the word go and you could be serving these tasty and healthy crab cakes.
The red pepper and scallions give the patties a colorful confetti look and add an extra crunch.
The crab meat is high in protein and vitamin B12, which plays an important role in metabolism.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lump crabmeat, drained and shell pieces removed (2 2/3 cups)
• 1/2 cup unseasoned dry breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon canola oil or butter
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation:

1. Combine crabmeat, breadcrumbs, scallions, bell pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and ground red pepper (if using) in a medium bowl. Add mayonnaise and lemon juice; mix with a fork. Form mixture into 8 patties about 3 inches in diameter.
2. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Fry crab cakes until browned on the bottom (about 4 minutes); turn and cook 4 more minutes, or until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the crab cake reads 155°. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Scallops With Roasted Pepper Butter Sauce

Sprinkle some salt on the skewered scallops and then just toss them on the grill. When the scallops are done, serve with the red pepper sauce and garnish with basil.

Like most shellfish, scallops are high in protein and vitamin B12. But the red peppers in this dish bring two more ingredients to the table: vitamin C and fiber.  

Ingredients :

• 30 sea scallops (about 2 1/4 pounds)
• 4 medium red bell peppers (about 2 pounds)
• 2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray
• Fresh basil (optional)

Preparation:
Thread 5 scallops onto each of 6 (12-inch) skewers. Cover and chill.
Preheat broiler.
Cut peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag. Seal and let stand 10 minutes. Peel peppers, and discard skins. Place peppers, broth, and wine in a blender; process until smooth. Combine pepper mixture and basil in a skillet. Bring to a boil; cook until reduced to 1 1/2 cups (about 5 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-low; gradually add butter, stirring until melted. Cover and keep warm.
Prepare grill.
Sprinkle kabobs with salt; place on grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill 2 1/2 minutes on each side or until done. Serve with bell pepper sauce. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Lobster Panzanella

This panzanella, a bread-containing Florentine salad, combines lobster, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and cherry tomatoes for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Lobsters are rich in protein and potassium; a 3-ounce serving contains 32% and 7% of the daily value, respectively.
Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups cooked lobster meat, coarsely chopped (3/4 pound)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped shallots
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus additional leaves for garnish
• 4 slices whole-wheat bread, cut into 5- x 3-inch pieces and toasted

Preparation:

1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients (through black pepper) in a large serving bowl. Toss in the lobster and the next 4 ingredients (through basil). Stir to combine, and let stand 15 minutes.
2. Arrange the toasts on serving plates, and top evenly with lobster salad. Let stand 5 minutes for juices to soak into the bread. Garnish with additional basil leaves.