Fat Can Be Healthy

With all stories of the evils of tat, one might come to the conclusion that all fats will slowly but undeniably kill you.  Now, the rest of the facts from my favorite publication Men's Health.

Here's a short list of healthy fats:

Does Your Heart Good

Olive Oil - great source of monounsaturated which manages cholesterol levels.  Canola oil carries many of the same wonderful qualities but has an added benefit of enduring a high cooking temperature that makes frying with canola oil preferable.

Walnuts - Yes, the bag shouts loudly that every walnut morsel will carry significant fat content.  But do not be mislead.  Eat as many as you want.  This fat has been rumored to reverse brain aging and certainly has many other beneficial qualities.

Sunflower seeds - Sprinkle a little salt on roasted seeds and you will never remember potato chips.  Sprinkle on oatmeal for a healthy smoothie capable of providing a refreshing snack that is both tasty and full of healthy fats.

Avocados - rich in omega-3s, B vitamins and beta-sitasterol.  As Men's Health says "It's that rare fruit that is heart-healthy and fends off prostate cancer.

Global Seeker Endorsement: Eat This Not This

There's good food out there if you know where to look.

If you know young adults on their own for first time making food choices that will define their attitudes for years to come.  If you know anyone becoming interested in food nutrition for the first time. The book Eat This Not That by David Zinczenko is a must read.  It should be prominently placed where all can read and reference frequently.  It's not a cook book.  It a reference guide that helps you make good nutiritional choices when eating out.  Overtime the reader begins to understand that chicken is better than pork (normally) and baked/grilled/boiled is much more preferable than fried or basted in a "creamy sauce".  For example: They will better understand why Subway is preferable over Quinzos.

It's now in it's 11th edition. A must read for all who's not yet ready to cook at home on a regular basis but desire getting up from a meal and literally feel your arteries start to shut down..

Top 10 Reasons the Houston Astro Season is Too Long

OK. It's been a nightmare.  A train wreck in slow motion.  To pull for a bad sports team is bad enough.  But to pull for one who plays so often and plays for almost 9 months is simply cruel and unusual punishment.  So while I and thousands .... hundreds .... a few Houston Astro fans are stuck in this purgatory, we contemplate why the Astro Season is too long.

10.  It keeps preempting my favorite UIL replays of 7-man football championship.
9.    It's a bad reflection on the City of Houston and it's fine citizens.
8.    They cost us a space shuttle museum.
7.    It's depressing the Dow.
6.    They're distracting our public servants trying to debate the debt ceiling.
5.    It's killing downtown energy, vibe, hipness.
4.   With each new loss, the Rain Gods punish us more.
3.   It failed to make us forget about the NFL debacle.
2.   The memory of a hundred losses will last in infamy.
1.   It's forcing me outside to jog, walk .... EXERCISE!

And the Survey Says ....

As businesses not only expand into global markets but more and more utilize a global workforce the strains on conventional communication tools and devices are obvious everywhere.  All great international communications are considering how to effectively utilize the new array of digital media - facebook, You tube, tweeter, blogs, text messaging, apps for smartphones, etc.  Just as the breath and depth of information itself is not lacking neither or the choices to deliver this data. 

So in considering the array of communication devices/tools currently available at your workplace, is there a place for a blog as a means of communication for a global organization?

Please respond to the following three questions:

1.  If a blog was developed with general information specific to this department how often would you access it? A. once a week B. once a month C. probably never

2. Given the confidentiality of business info would a blog still be worthwhile if the information was focused more on organizational changes, promotions, awards, community service events, etc.? A. Yes B. No C. Not sure
3. Would you prefer we considered facebook as our primary digital media? A Yes B. No C. Something else
For you to respond to the survey follow these easy steps:
A. At bottom of post there is a text box that's titled: "Post A Comment".  This is where you provide your responses in the form: question# - Letter matching your response such as 1 - A, or 2 - C or 3 - B
B. At bottom of this text box select drop down menu options and select "anonymous".  That way there is absolutely no way I will know the source of the comments.
C. Click on "Post Comment" and you're done.

Feel free to review the other post on this blog including those in the archives located on the right hand side.

From the folks at one of my favorite and most trused websites, WebTV

Understanding Trans Fats

Trans fats seemed like such a good thing once, enhancing the flavor, texture, and shelf life of many processed foods -- from cookies to frozen pizza. Unfortunately, they come with a health risk.

Trans fatty foods tantalize your taste buds, then travel through your digestive system to your arteries, where they turn to sludge.  Small amounts of trans fats occur naturally in beef, lamb, and full-fat dairy products. But most come from processing liquid vegetable oil to become solid fat.

Recommended Limits of Trans Fats

Like saturated fats, trans fats raise LDL "bad" cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. But unlike saturated fats, trans fats lower HDL "good" cholesterol and may do more damage, says the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA advises limiting saturated fat consumption to less than 7% of daily calories and trans fat consumption to less than 1%. Given that a gram of fat has 9 calories, the following are the recommended trans fat limits based on calorie intake:

Total calories 1% of total calories = Trans fat limit

2,000 20 About 2 grams
1,500 15 About 1.5 grams
1,200 12 Slightly more than 1 gram
Trans Fats and Foods to Watch Out For

The FDA label ruling and consumer awareness of the dangers of trans fats have led many food manufacturers to reformulate products to reduce or eliminate trans fats. Today you can buy cookies and soft-spread margarine with zero trans fats. But trans fats still exist in some products. Carefully read nutrition labels on foods in these categories. Chose brands that don't use trans fats and are low in saturated fat in these products:

cookies, crackers, cakes, muffins, pie crusts, pizza dough, and breads such as hamburger buns
some stick margarine and vegetable shortening
pre-mixed cake mixes, pancake mixes, and chocolate drink mixes
fried foods, including donuts, French fries, chicken nuggets, and hard taco shells
snack foods, including chips, candy, and packaged or microwave popcorn
frozen dinners

The Meaning of Zero Trans Fat

Reach for the product whose label shouts "0 Trans Fats!" and what do you get? Maybe some trans fats. That's because the FDA allows that label on anything with 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.


As a result, keep in mind this advice:

1. Even if you're a conscientious shopper, it's easy to ingest a significant amount of trans fats without knowing it. A bowl of "trans-fat-free" cereal (that actually contains half a gram) plus a slice of birthday cake at the office and some microwave popcorn in the evening add up quickly.

2. Get in the habit of reading nutrition labels, the ones headed "Nutrition Facts." Look at all the fats listed there. Keep in mind that saturated fat is also unhealthy. If the label lists Trans Fat as 0 g, look at the Ingredients List for the words "partially hydrogenated." Any oil that is partially hydrogenated is a trans fat. So a single serving of cookies could have as much as a half gram of trans fat and be labeled "0 TransFats." Be aware, too, that often a "single serving" is often less than an average person would eat.

Bottom line: When choosing foods with "0 grams trans fats," evaluate the total fat content including the amount of saturated fat. Choose foods that have the least amount of saturated fat and that use healthy fats such as canola oil in the product.

Here are some examples from the Nutrition Facts on food labels: 

Food Trans fats in a single serving

Cake mix 0.5 g

Frozen chicken and noodles 0.5 g

Blueberry muffin mix 1.5 g

Refrigerated crescent rolls 1.5 g

Stick margarine (1T) 1.5 g

Frozen beef pot pie 2 g

Microwave popcorn 6 g

The following are some examples of foods that list 0 g trans fats but contain partially hydrogenated oils, such as soybean or cottonseed oil:

Corn muffin mix

Pizza

Stoned wheat thin crackers

Cookies, including some cartoon-licensed brands

The Costs of Trans Fat-Free Products

Budget-conscious shoppers might be tempted to buy the cheapest brand of pastry, pot pie, or microwave popcorn. But don't make that decision at the expense of nutrition. Reformulating foods to reduce or eliminate trans fats costs manufacturers money. Some "0 trans fats" foods may cost more, although not all do. Again, be sure to read the nutrition label carefully so you know if you're buying a healthier version of the snack, cookie, cracker, or cake.

There's also concern that some food processors will remove trans fats only to substitute low-cost saturated fats -- another contributor to heart disease. But a 2006 marketplace survey published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that had not occurred except in one category: microwave popcorn.

What is a Normal Pulse?

Question:  What's a normal resting heart rate?
Answer:  Mayo Clinic/ Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

For an adult, a normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats a minute. For a well-trained athlete, a normal resting heart rate may be closer to 40 beats a minute. For healthy adults, a lower heart rate at rest generally implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness.

To measure your heart rate, simply check your pulse. With your palm facing upward, place two fingers on the thumb side of your wrist — or place your index and third fingers on your neck to the side of your windpipe. When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 10 seconds. Time yourself with a timer or the second hand on a clock or watch. Multiply this number by 6 to determine how many times your heart beats in one minute.

Keep in mind that many factors can influence heart rate, including:
■Activity level
■Fitness level
■Air temperature
■Body position (standing up or lying down, for example)
■Emotions
■Body size
■Medication use

Although there's a wide range of normal, an unusually high or low heart rate may indicate an underlying problem. Consult your doctor if your resting heart rate is consistently above 100 beats a minute (tachycardia) or below 60 beats a minute (bradycardia) — especially if you have other signs or symptoms, such as fainting, dizziness or shortness of breath.

Best Public Golf Courses in Houston, Texas

Spring is here and you're ready to hit some balls.  The driving range is boring so the call of championship golf is primed and ready.  Houston is a big place with many golf course choices.  Of course, for a $35,000 initiation fee and a few hundred bucks a month you can play those wonderful private courses.  But for the rest of us, our adjunct advisory panel at 1stopforgolf  http://www.1stopforgolf.com/  and http://www.visithouston.com/  amongh others provides the following recommendations.

Redstone Golf Club (Humble, Texas) The Tournament Course at Redstone, designed by Rees Jones and David Toms is currently one of only 11 public courses across the country that hosts a PGA TOUR event... The Shell Houston Open is currently being played their right now. 18-hole public, 18-hole private. Green Fees: $125-$175

Black Horse Golf Club (Cypress, NE Houston) offers golfers 36 holes and has been ranked in the top ten of America's top 100 courses for under $100.  Green Fees: $40-$120

Wildcat Golf Club (South of Houston, Hwys 90 and 288) Home to two championship courses, Wildcat Golf Club is something of an oasis with its rolling fairways and terrific views of the Houston skyline and Reliant Park in the distance. Green Fees: $40-$75

Memorial Park Golf Course (Galleria/West Houston) 6001 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007 - 713-862-4033 Through the years, Memorial Park Golf Course has hosted many famous golfers such as Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. It was also the home of the Houston Open from 1951 to 1963... The design is fairly straight-forward, while the course uses the ancient trees and its length as defensesMemorial Park Golf Course is known as one of the best municipal courses in the nation and is visited by more than 60,000 patrons each year. 18-hole (Public) Green Fees: $25-$50

The Woodlands Resort (The Woodland, N of Houston)The Woodlands resort offers up two very good golf courses, Panther Trail and The Oaks both characterized by tree lined fairways and subtle elevation changes.Green Fees: $70-$130

Cypresswood Golf Club (Spring, NE Houston) 21602 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, Texas 77373 - 281-821-6300 http://www.cypresswood.com/ Situated on over 800 acres of rolling, heavily wooded terrain along the confluence of Spring and Cypress creeks, this 54-hole golf facility offers three unique golf experiences... Cypresswood Golf Club's Cypress, Creek, and Tradition courses were voted "Best Places to Play" by Golf Digest 2002-2005. 54-hole (Public/Private) Green Fees: $35-$70

Houston National Golf Club (Northwest Houston) No matter what your level of play, the Houston National Golf Club will seek to enhance your enjoyment of the game..Houston National boasts the highest U.S.G.A. course rating in the greater Houston area. 27-hole (Public) Green Fees: $59-$69

 Timber Creek Golf Club   (Friendswood, SE Houston) is a 27-hole golf facility that was literally carved out of Oak and Pine trees. One million cubic yards of dirt were moved in to create the rolling look found in South Carolina.

Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club (Katy, Texas) - off Fry Rd., Katy, Texas 281-693-4653 - A very good links course that has plenty of character. Some holes are distinctively links, while others meander through heavy brush...Locally considered the top golf course in the Houston area, Meadowbrook Farms was designed by the legendary Australian Greg Norman and opened in 1999. 18-hole (Public/Private)  This masterfully designed Greg Norman golf course is characterized by it's sod-wall bunkers with white sand that surround greens that are generous, subtle and approachable. Advance reservations of 30 days required: Green Fees: $60-$80

Old Orchard Golf Club - 13134 FM 1464, Richmond, Texas 77469 - 281-277-3300 - http://www.oldorchardgolf.com/ - Old Orchard is truly a treat to play. You feel like you are actually playing in a pecan orchard. It is built on the former site of the Lazy C Ranch, which was at one time one of the finest quarter horse ranches in the world. The layout is superb, and the three nines have distinctly different feels. The course also changes with the seasons, since the pecan trees lose their leaves in the winter. Green Fees: $40-$60

Senna Plantation - A player's course. The layout is superb and requires plenty of shotmaking. The greens are undulated and tiered, and the course can play very difficult depending on the pin placements. The course is unusually picturesque for the Houston area, as it winds through trees and marshland. For the price, Sienna Plantation is the best public course in Houston.  Green Fees: $55-$75

Some other notables for their novelty and/or costs:
 

Tour 18 (Humble, Texas) 3102 FM 1960 East, Humble, Texas 77338 - 281-540-1818 replicates famous holes. No, the condition of the course isn't the plushest in the area -- and suburban Humble hasn't come up with the crashing ocean waves over rocky coastline of Pebble Beach. But there's ample accuracy of design, whether it's the Blue Monster of Doral, or the challenges of Shinnecock Hills, Oakmont, Harbour Town (the course lost its signature lighthouse replica in litigation) or even Colonial. Augusta's Amen Corner is the most exquisite offering -- the ghost of Arnie can almost be detected, advising through the hush of the lush pine roughs. Green Fees: $60-$110

Augusta Pines, Spring, NE Houston) characterized by small, undulating greens and plenty of water, offers a solid test on heaving land framed by tall pines.


Woodforest - Carved through the majestic pines and towering oaks of Northwest Houston. Strategically placed bunkers and trickling Fish Creek meander through the course making shot selection essential. Experience the course designed by the PGA’s own Steve Elkington.

Wortham Park  (East of Houston) 7000 Capitol, Houston, Texas 77281 - 713-921-3227 - Gus Wortham provides challenges not regularly found in Houston. Elevated tees and uphill carries to greens make you use all your clubs. 18-hole (Public)

Hermann Park - (South of Houston, Near Rice) 713-526-0077 The Hermann Park Golf Course is located on 407 acres of Houston's loveliest gardens, parks, and public spaces. 18-hole (Public) Green Fees: $20-$30 

 Brock Park - (NE of Houston) 8201 John Ralston Rd., Houston, Texas 77044 - 281-456-1350 Although this inexpensive city course is seldom in good shape, it does have more hills and undulations than most Houston courses, so it provides a different sort of challengeThe tree-lined course plays to 6427 yards, and the elevation changes are unlike most courses in the area. Brock Park is quietly tucked into the northeast area of Houston, far from the noise, but less than 20 minutes from downtown. 18-hole (Public) Green Fees: $10-$15