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HAPPY Memorial Day :) Formerly known as Decoration Day

On Memorial Day, all Americans should think about the sacrifices made by military service members, their spouses, and their children.  Instead, many Americans spend it as a day off of work, having a barbecue or watching baseball games. 

"Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans."

So once again Memorial Day is designated as a day of remembrance, where no one should forget that those who died were individuals who will no longer be able to celebrate a birthday, an accomplishment, or a special family event.  On this somber day, people need to take a moment out of their lives and think about the ultimate sacrifice made by those who have served so Americans can maintain their lifestyles.

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Graduation: Master's In Teaching Early-childhood Education with a dual in Special Education

My journey to get my Master's in Early childhood Education with a Dual in Special Education started in Sept 2005 and Ended May 14, 2013. It took me 8 years, full-time job, two kids (with one being Autistic  ADHD, and ODD) and the other (asthmatic), a wife, a daughter, granddaughter of someone who has Alzheimer  and a niece to a wonderful aunt who has battled Cancer. With so many obsticals I went through in the 8 years I was surprised I finished my Masters Degree. 

When someone wants something and they put their mind to it they can accomplish it all. 

Health Benefits of Chocolate.... Yummy.... :)

"Take two squares of dark chocolate and call me in the morning." I'd be all over those doctor's orders! Can eating chocolate really be good for your health?

Well, if it is, I'm certainly in great shape. I rarely let a day go by in which I don't enjoy a little bite of chocolate. I crave a little bit a day, much like those people who MUST have two cups of coffee in the morning.

The craving usually hits me mid-morning or right after lunch. A couple of squares or a small handful of chocolate-covered nuts, and I'm good to go. I just love the smoothness and the flavor of chocolate. No other food quite compares to it.

The possible health benefits of chocolate stem from the antioxidant flavonoids. Chocolate comes from the cacao plant, and cacao is extraordinarily rich in flavanols, a type of flavonoid phytochemical. (Other plants rich in flavanols include tea, grapes, grapefruit, and wine.) That sounds simple enough, but some forms of chocolate have a lot more flavonoids than others.

So here's Health by Chocolate Rule of Thumb #1: The more nonfat cocoa solids a chocolate product contains, the more antioxidants it tends to contribute.

And what about the fat found in the cacao bean? It's true that cacao contains some saturated fat. But most of it is stearic acid -- which studies have suggested doesn't elevate blood cholesterol levels as much as other saturated fatty acids. The other fatty acids in cocoa butter are monounsaturated fat (considered a desirable fat) plus another saturated fat called palmitic fatty acid. But here's where it gets confusing: chocolate products can have other types of fat added, like "milk fat" or "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" or even coconut or palm oil (both naturally saturated oils), in addition to "cocoa butter."

So here's Health by Chocolate Rule of Thumb #2: If the chocolate contains fat ingredients other than cocoa butter, it might contain the more harmful saturated fats and trans fats, rather than stearic acid.

One tablespoon of cocoa butter oil contains:

• 8 grams of saturated fat (4.5 grams of which are from stearic acid and 3.5 grams of which are from another saturated fatty acid).
• 4.5 grams of monounsaturated fat.
• 0.4 grams of polyunsaturated fat (most of which is omega-6 fatty acids).

The Possible Health Benefits of Chocolate

More research needs to be done, but recent studies suggest four possible health benefits of dark chocolate and cocoa.

1. They May Reduce the Risk of Heart Attack.

A few squares of dark chocolate a day can reduce the risk of death from heart attack by almost 50% in some cases, says Diane Becker, MPH, ScD, a researcher with the John Hopkins University School of Medicine. Becker's research found that blood platelets clotted more slowly in people who had eaten chocolate than in those who had not. This is significant because when platelets clump, a clot can form, and when the clot blocks a blood vessel, it can lead to a heart attack.

"The flavanols in cocoa beans have a biochemical effect of reducing platelet clumping, similar to but much less than aspirin," Becker says in an email interview.

After reviewing 136 scientific publications on chocolate and its components and heart disease, researchers from Harvard University School of Public Health concluded that short-term studies suggest cocoa and chocolate may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Decreasing LDL oxidation
• Anti-inflammation action

2. They May Decrease Blood Pressure and Increase Insulin Sensitivity

Researchers in Italy recently fed 15 healthy people either 3 ounces of dark chocolate or the same amount of white chocolate -- which contains no flavanol phytochemicals -- for 15 days. They found that insulin resistance (a risk factor for diabetes) was significantly lowered in those who ate the dark chocolate. Systolic blood pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading), measured daily, was also lower in the group eating dark chocolate.

3. They May Improve Arterial Blood Flow

Healthy men who consume flavanol-rich cocoa may see improvements in the flow of blood through their arteries, according to recent research. The researchers found that when healthy men consumed the flavanol-rich cocoa, the ability of their blood vessels to relax improved significantly. And arterial blood flow is important for cardiovascular health.

4. They May Help People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In a small study in England, 1 1/2 ounces of 85% cocoa dark chocolate was given to a group of adults with chronic fatigue syndrome every day for eight weeks. In the study, which has been submitted for publication, the participants reported feeling less fatigued after eating the chocolate. Surprisingly, no weight gain was reported in the chocolate-eating group, according to researcher Steve Atkin, PhD.

How might it work? The researchers believe that chocolate enhances the action of neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which help regulate mood and sleep. More research needs to be done to confirm a benefit in this area.

Not All Chocolate Is Created Equal

While the amount of the healthy antioxidant flavonoids varies from one type of chocolate to another, there's one guideline you can take to the bank: The more nonfat cocoa solids in a chocolate product, the more antioxidants it likely contains.

So which type of chocolate has the most flavonoids? The highest levels are in natural cocoa powder (not Dutch cocoa, though, because it is alkalized cocoa). The type second highest in flavonoids is unsweetened baking chocolate. Dark chocolate and semisweet chocolate chips rank third, with milk chocolate and chocolate syrup at the bottom of the list.

Keep in mind, though, that flavanol levels in types of chocolate can vary based on:

• The cocoa beans selected.
• The processing of the beans and chocolate.
• Storage and handling conditions.

Perhaps in the near future, labels on chocolate products will list amounts of flavanols.

Which Type of Chocolate Has the Most Calories and Fat?

By far the lowest-calorie, lowest-fat form of chocolate is cocoa (the unsweetened type). A serving of 3 tablespoons has about:

• 60 calories
• 1.5 grams fat
• 0 grams saturated fat
• 3 grams fiber

The equivalent in unsweetened baking chocolate is 1 square (1 ounce), which contributes:

• 140 calories
• 14 grams fat
• 9 grams saturated fat
• 4 grams fiber

By comparison, a typical 2-ounce serving of semisweet or milk chocolate (with sweetener and other ingredients added) contains:

• 270 calories
• 17 grams of fat
• 10 grams of saturated fat

Semisweet chocolate adds around 3 grams of fiber per 2 ounces, while milk chocolate typically contributes zero. The mostly insoluble fiber in cocoa comes from the seed coat on the unprocessed cocoa bean.

All of this brings us to Health by Chocolate Rule of Thumb #3: For a better flavonoid-to-calorie ratio, choose cocoa powder whenever possible for baking and making hot chocolate.

Don't Forget the Calories

One thing most chocolate bars have in common is calories. An ounce of sweetened chocolate will cost you about 150 calories -- that's about six to seven chocolate kisses. Here's my take on it as a chocolate lover: Those six kisses are worth every calorie.

But here's a word of caution: The health benefits of chocolate may disappear if you are adding the calories above and beyond your regular intake. This could mean you're adding pounds along with the flavonoids.

Researchers from the University of California at Davis said it best in a scientific review on cocoa and chocolate flavonoids published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. They concluded that people may benefit from including a variety of flavonoid-rich foods as part of a healthful diet -- and dark chocolate, in moderate amounts, can be part of this plan.

New and Improved Chocolate Products

Now that the word is out that chocolate may have health benefits, special chocolate products are hitting the shelves. Two examples are CocoaVia and Hershey's Cacao Reserve.

1. CocoaVia (by Mars Inc.)

This product contains cocoa powder with a higher amount of flavanol than your average chocolate bar. The company has also added cholesterol-lowering soy sterol esters (similar to the type in Benecol and Take Control margarines). They have also added B-vitamins and calcium and two antioxidant vitamins, C and E.

Whether all this leads to much health benefits remains to be seen. I can tell you that the products I've tried taste worthy of your attention. If you are interested in trying CocoaVia, try to find them on sale because as the amount of nutrients and flavanols went up, so did the price.

There are several types of CocoaVia bars. The Original Chocolate Bars contain (per 22-gram serving):

• 100 calories
• 6 grams fat
• 3.5 grams saturated fat
• 9 grams sugars

2. Hershey's Cacao Reserve

Want some of the benefits of dark chocolate but with the flavor of milk chocolate? Try the milk chocolate bars in the Cacao Reserve line by Hershey's. I found them in my drugstore. I tried the Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts with 35% Cacao. It was delicious, and a cross between a milk chocolate bar and a dark chocolate bar, I think.

Per 1 ounce (that's a little more than 28 grams):

• 162 calories
• 11 grams fat
• 5 grams saturated fat
• 11.8 grams sugars

Why Skipping Meals Won't Help You Lose Weight

SO i have tried to lose weight by skipping meals! Just like other woman have also tried. Well ladies and Gentlemen its not working. Why isn't it working? Here is WHY!!!

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Have you ever started a diet and then suddenly all you can think about is chocolate ice cream, crispy French fries, and cheesy, loaded nachos? Don’t tell me you haven’t. Well, guess what? You’re not alone.

Research at the Oregon Research Institute has revealed that it’s not just a matter of will-power; restricting your calorie intake actually makes your brain want them more. By depriving yourself of food, you’re tricking your brain into thinking the reward for eating that food is greater, thus making it harder to stick to your diet. The amount of reward value you place on food goes up even more when it’s high calorie, appetizing food. Pretty cruel, huh?

What this means for dieters is that skipping meals and restricting intake won’t translate to long term success. Instead, focusing on small, nutrient dense foods spread throughout the day will yield greater results. I don’t think this information will surprise anyone. Starving yourself throughout the day is the easiest way to end up raiding the fridge, pantry, and every piece of food in sight come night time. But what this does mean is that it’s not for lack of will or determination. Instead of fighting the physiology of the brain, we need to work with it.

The lead researcher on the study sums it up nicely:

“The implications of this imaging study are crystal clear; if people want to lose excess weight, it would be more effective to consume healthy, low-fat/low-sugar foods during regular meals, rather than go for long periods of time without any caloric intake” says Dr. Eric Stice.

It should be noted that this research was performed on adolescents, which means we need to focus even more on teaching youth how to eat healthy and properly fuel their growing bodies, not let them walk down the endless path of dieting.

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Hello May.....

Wow! Time flyssss..... May is here next thing you know we are celebrating the holidays all over again lol.... Enjoy your May....