The Spotlight’s on Unnecessary Chemicals in Fast Food

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subway

The petition against Subway to remove the chemical azodicarbonamide from their breads gave rise to some pretty funny social media jokes (like how now we all know where that unique subway bread scent comes from). And it’s definitely a good thing that this major chain is making a move to go more natural, and less chemical with it’s food products, even if it was under major public pressure. It made me pretty happy I have never been a fan of their sandwiches when I read the coverage. But, the same chemical is found in many products on other fast food restaurants menus, including:

  • McDonald’s: regular bun, bakery style bun, bagel and English muffin, Big Mac bun and sesame seed bun.
  • Burger King: specialty buns, artisan-style bun, sesame seed bun, croissant, English muffin, home-style Caesar croutons and French toast sticks.
  • Wendy’s: bagel, premium toasted bun, sandwich bun and panini bread
  • Arby’s: croissant, French toast sticks, harvest wheat bun, honey wheat bread, marble rye bread, mini bun, onion bread and sesame seed bun
  • Jack in the Box: bakery style bun, jumbo bun, croissant, grilled sourdough bread and regular bun
  • Chick-fil-A: chargrilled chicken sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, and chargrilled chicken club sandwich
  • Dunkin’ Donuts: Danish, Croissant, and Texas Toast.

These other chains have not indicated an intention to remove the ingredient from their products, with the exception of Starbucks, which has already started a transition away from baked goods containing the chemical. So how concerned should you be? While it seems better to avoid it, there is no need to panic if you’ve been eating $5 foot longs for lunch every day. Europe and Australia ban the use of the ingredient, but it is actually FDA approved for use in controlled amounts. It has had bad effects in animal studies. It increases the level of urethane, a carcinogen, in bread when baked, but seems most harmful in its industrial form for workers exposed to it in high levels. The ingredient may not be desirable, but it is not so dangerous that it has been poisoning customers. Yet it is something to think about next time you find yourself looking for a quick bite. Is it really worth taking in all of those unnecessary chemicals from processed foods, or just waiting until you get home to make yourself a sandwich?

The Pro’s (and 1 Con) of Women’s Only Gyms

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gymOver the past couple days, I have noticed several posts about women’s only gyms (here and here and here  for example!). They note that there’s a common perception that women’s only gyms are for the older ladies, or a relic from the Richard Simmon’s jazzercise era. While I don’t necessary understand why either of these would be negatives (I mean, Richard Simmon’s is amazing, amirite?), the articles note an upswing in the popularity of exclusively female gyms, and ask readers if they would join one. For me, the answer is yes. I am a member of a ladies-only gym, and I love it. While I do miss being able to oogle cute boys from there treadmill, there are many many more things that I enjoy.

I don’t have to compete with grunting meat heads for the free weights. Instead of racks on racks of bench press equipment, there are big bins of free weights, weighted balls, and body bars – all things geared toward lady-fitness. When I take a Zumba class, I don’t have to worry that my crazy moves and tattered college tees aren’t impressing the potential boyfriends in the row behind me and I haven’t had anyone creepily hit on me while I’m stretching yet. And if people think that all-girls classes are easier, I can say from personal experience that they are not. Last time I went to boot camp, I almost threw up from all of the burpees, pushups, and planks the instructor called out. I don’t remember that ever happening at my coed classes. Then there’s the spirit of team work that reminds me of my days playing high school soccer. People actually cheer during the group classes (and even though this gets on my nerves sometimes), it’s kind of nice to be with a bunch of girls acting like girls while getting fit.

Snowy Monday Links

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snow

It looks like today’s weather is proving the groundhog right that there will be 6more weeks of winter. While you’re hiding inside, and grumbling about how lovely the weather was yesterday, here are  some links for you to read.
Remember how annoying making your bibliography was in college? It may become a thing of the past with hyperlinks instead of citations in college papers. Those lucky kids!
The evolution of bitchiness (measured on a scale of 1-10).
Ok you know you were gawking at Joe Namath’s fur last night. Here’s the story.
If you’re feeling bummed, which-let’s be real, it’s snowing and the morning after Superbowl, you probably are —here are 10 reasons to smile.
You know you’ve been wondering what happens to all those clothes left behind at the dry cleaners since you saw American Hustle. The Cut reports.
While you’re saying goodbye to bibliographies, why not say sayonara to commas too?
I plan on checking out all of these NYC bars with fireplaces now that it’s cold and snowy again.
Super Bowl rivals Thanksgiving for the most calories consumed in one day. Here’s how to get back on track.

JOMO is the new FOMO

Posted in Fill Up Your Cup by

jomo

 

By now, almost everyone has heard of FOMO (or the fear of missing out) that is known for creeping up on you when you’re relaxing plan-free on the couch and a friend posts a picture having the time of her life at a party. It’s a nasty little syndrome that can ruin the most relaxing idea of a night spent by yourself. Well, for everyone who likes to become a bit of a hermit in the cold weather, or take some time alone to recuperate after the  busy holiday season, there is a new syndrome taking hold across the social media universe. It’s called JOMO, and it stands for the joy in missing out, when you take time for yourself, and enjoy it – guilt free. And it’s a great way to unplug and avoid burning out. So if your plans for the weekend involve staying home and cleaning out your closet, don’t fear missing something, relish it.

Movie Soundtrack Day

Posted in Songs to Cheer You Up When... by

I have 4301 songs on my iPhone. That is enough to play straight through for several days without hearing a repeat song. But somehow, still I get bored with my music selection, and turn to Pandora for inspiration. But what is a girl to do when internet connection isn’t available? In the subway, or particularly when travelling, music is even more important to help me get through the transit. In general I tend to be more of a playlist person than an album person. I like to mix it up with tunes of different musical genres and artists all in one loop. This is why when I am in a music slump, and stuck with only my own library to choose from, I enjoy what I like to call Movie Soundtrack Day. Soundtracks have a natural variety to go with the movie’s emotional ups and downs, and it’s rare to have one of just one artist through and through. When I can’t think of what else to listen to I pull up one of these old favorites, and I am set for a few hours at least. Check one out to match your musical mood.

One Fine Day

one fine day

  1. One Fine Day: Natalie Merchant
  2. The Boy from New York City: The Ad Libs
  3. For the First Time: Kenny Loggins
  4. Mama Said: The Shirelles
  5. Someone Like You: Shawn Colvin
  6. Love’s Funny That Way: Tina Arena
  7. Have I Told You Lately: Van Morrison
  8. The Glory of Love: Keb’ Mo’
  9. What a Diff’rence a Day made: Tony Bennet
  10. Isn’t It Romantic?: Ella Fitzgerald
  11. This Guy’s in Love with You: Harry Connick Jr.
  12. Just Like You: Keb’ Mo’
  13. One Fine Day: The Chiffons
Grey’s Anatomy – I know it’s technically a movie, but after 9 seasons, that show has enough drama for one

grey's anatomy

  1. Such Great Heights: The Postal Service
  2. Ruby Blue: Roisin Murphy
  3. Song Beneath the Song: maria Taylor
  4. Where Does the Good Go: Tegan and Sara
  5. Looking at the World from the Bottom of a Well: Mike Doughty
  6. Wait: Get Set Go
  7. Could Be Anything: The Eams Era
  8. Portions for Foxes: Rilo Kiley
  9. The City: Joe Purdy
  10. End of the World Party: Medeski, Martin and Wood
  11. Catch My Disease: Ben Lee
  12. There’s a Girl: The Ditty Bops
  13. Whatever Gets You Through Today: Radio
  14. Fools in Love: Inara George
  15. Cosy in the Rocket: Psapp
500 Days of Summer Soundtrack

500

  1. Us: Regina Spektor
  2. There is a Light that Never Goes Out: The Smiths
  3. Bad Kids: Black Lips
  4. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I want: The Smiths
  5. There Goes the Gear: Doves
  6. You Make My Dreams: Hall and Oates
  7. Sweet Disposition: The Temper Trap
  8. Quelqu’un M’a Dit: Carla Bruni
  9. Mushaboom: Feist
  10. Hero: Regina Spektor
  11. Bookends: Simon & Garfunkel
  12. Vagabond: Wolfmother
  13. She’s Got You High: Mumm-Ra
  14. Here Comes Your Man: Meaghan Smith
  15. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I want: She and Him

Texting While Walking – More Dangerous Than You Thought

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walk and textYou already know that texting while driving is a MAJOR health and public safety hazard (RIGHT?!). All you city dwellers out there probably shrugged off all the publicity on this issue, as not applicable to people who get around using their two legs and the subway – unless you spotted your cabbie texting. But now there is new data about how even texting while walking can be dangerous, and here’s why. Overall, texting affects your posture and balance while you walk which can put you at risk for injury and it’s pretty distracting. Data published in PLOS ONE journal found that people who walk while texting tend to walk slower and zig zag around more than people looking straight ahead and walking. That’s no big surprise, right? However, this can be dangerous if you pull out your phone to send a text while you’re crossing the street. If you veer enough from the straight line of the crosswalk you could wander right out into traffic, or miss the 10 second window you have to cross the street, putting oyu in the path of oncoming cars.

Additionally, holding the phone and looking down while walking puts your body into an unnatural posture for movement. Instead of swinging your arms with your body’s motion, and turning dynamically, most texters lock their upper bodies to  keep their phone steady while typing. This can put people at a higher risk of becoming unbalanced and falling. Then finally, it increases your risk of bumping into something, tripping, or falling because you’re just not looking where you’re going.  So why not avoid an embarrassing encounter with that lamppost, and stop walking then text. Or, if you’re really in a rush, only text while you’re waiting for the light to change to walk and you’re stopped anyhow. Your fellow pedestrians will thank you for not getting in their way.

Monday Reading

Posted in Wild Cards by

monday

Mondays can be tough, but now today doesn’t have to be! Check out these links to lift your spirits and get through the first day of the first full week after a holiday weekend.

The best people on the NYC Subway. Thanks for not blocking the door!
I already knew this, but had to share the eeew factor. So don’t drop that lemon in your glass, ok?
If any of these are your password, you should probably change it asap.
An interesting rebuttal to all of the hoorays that Aerie got for showcasing non-retouched photos. The revolution will not be printed on a thong.
Here’s a good reminder about why you should read/watch/do things outside of your comfort zone. You might like it!

Going Out in the Cold May Drop Pounds

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polar

It’s tough to find good reasons not to hibernate when the temperatures dip so low, but Time has come up with an excellent one for anyone who is working on their fitness. Researchers found that just exposing people to the cold activates brown-fat. Why is this important you ask? Brown fat can eat white fat that typically lurks around hips and other problem areas, and burn up t0 30% of the body’s energy while doing so. Thus, being out in the frigid temps can actually help to whittle your waistline. Just remember that when you are debating another Netflix marathon on the couch this weekend, or popping out to meet a friend. 

Aerie Bras for Real Women

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aerieI am SUCH.A.FAN. of this new ad campaign by Aerie. It’s called Aerie Real, and not only does it make you feel a little less like a freak-of-nature by seeing real women modeling lingerie, it takes the guesswork out of your size and fit. After perusing the Victoria’s Secret catalog, and then going to try on bras in the dead of winter, the reflection in the mirror can be a little disheartening. Oogling all of those perfectly bronzed and well-toned bodies and then seeing your own normal, pasty white body can lead to a little bit of a let down when you’re trying on swim suits or lingerie. But now, Aerie is featuring real women without re-touching in their ads to promote acceptance of a wider range of body shapes, and to show what real bodies actually look like in their underwear. After seeing them, your body might not seem quite so bad after all.

And to top it all off, they are cutting all the mystery out of what size to buy. Sure, you can get measured at any Vicky’s store, but unless you want to invite the sales lady into the dressing room with you, it’s hard to tell if you have the exact right fit. Aerie launched a section of the site where you can view various bras on women with your cup size so you can see what amount of push-up is the right amount for that style. Well done!

Kissing is Good for Your Health

Posted in Bitsy Blessings by

smoochTrapped inside with this latest polar vortex (and the 6-12 inches of snow it’s bringing with it)? Well, make sure to invite your sweetie over, and you can pick up some serious health benefits from a good old fashioned make-out sesh while you’re stuck indoors. CNN recently reported that kissing has all sorts of health benefits that in sum, mean that you should put it on your list of new year’s resolutions as something to do more often. First, kissing can help to reduce your blood pressure by increasing blood flow and heart rate. It can soothe aches and pains by dilating blood-vessels, a reaction that will help headaches and cramps particularly. Smooching fights cavities by increasing saliva flow that will wash away more plaque on teeth, and it can make you look a little younger by tightening and toning facial muscles. And it can contribute to your overall fitness toning goals by burning calories. While it’s not equivalent to cardio on the elliptical, it’s a good start! You can burn up to 16 calories per kiss.

In addition to all of the physical benefits, kissing can have mental perks as well. It leads to a rush in feel-good chemicals including serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, making you feel happier. And, while this one is kind of obvious, it can make you feel more loved and connected to the person you care about. These feelings can boost self-esteem, which can lead to greater happiness overall, increased productivity, and even potentially greater success. So use this snowstorm as an excuse to stay in and smooch – it’s good for your health.