‘Saluyot pancit canton’, crab baked in salt

By Reggie Aspiras

Philippine Daily Inquirer

’TIS THE season to be jolly! Here are some of the funkiest holiday entertaining ideas I’ve stumbled upon, plus other treats that will surely make the holidays even more special.

Isabelle Dee turned 18 in Winter Wonderland.

Her mom Nellia, perhaps, feeling even more like a debutante than her daughter, worked wonders with the venue which she surrounded with ice sculptures.

The lighting was fantastic, a nice ice blue, lending a touch of softness to the white drapes that hung from everywhere.

The bar was filled with white day beds where the young ones and young once, all dressed in white, comfortably lounged.

Dancing heads

Have you ever had yourself videotaped grinding to the tune of “I Will Survive,” “Achy Breaky Heart” and “Lady Marmalade”?

If not, it’s time to call Confetti Effects and have them set up their dancing booth heads for the Christmas party.

See yourself garbed in leather or skimpy skirt and sexy top, with a 20-inch waistline to match.

If you’re a man, chances are, you’ve never seen yourself dressed as a cowboy, so rugged, so buffed.

All you must do is pick a song, sit on a stool, put on a green cape, while the booth operators synchronize your head movements with a video of a dancing body.

Then, voila! You have your own comical MTV disc to take home as souvenir. Freddie Martelino (tel. 0920-9005601) also has mini video stalls for those interested to put up a dancing head booth in the malls.

Club Fishbone was present to provide the music, cocktails and shooters – another attractive destination, I observed, for the teeners, who in their minds are now legally able to do as they please. Club Fishbone (Call Val Magallanes at 0917-8829011) makes hosting parties a whole lot easier.

Egg flan

For the debut, Representative Lorna Silverio brought egg flans she ordered from Eya Cabanos all the way from Ilocos Norte. They are real eggs drained off their content, filled with flan mixture and steamed. A novelty!

Cabanos also makes saluyot pancit canton noodles and the famous Ilocos garlic longganisa.

She sends them fresh from San Nicolas as you order (tel. 0918-5299085). The eggs make perfect Christmas tokens.

One of the most divine palatal experiences I have come across are Sokak (soft-shell crabs) Baked in Salt which I order from Tao Yuan Restaurant (tel. 0917-5308988, 5227010).

It is so delicious. The crab fat oozes from the inside. It is everything you want in a crab and more. Truly worth the trip.

I suggest you call to reserve. Though they have it every day, the demand for these export-quality crustaceans i high and the restaurant is always packed.

If they don’t have Sokak, go for their Hainanese Chicken Rice. For me, it is simply the best in the country. Try their fried lapu-lapu with mango, delectable, too.

My son loves the Yangchow fried rice at Super Bowl. However, it is not always practical to go to the restaurant whenever he craves for this delicious rice concoction. Can you provide me a recipe that would somehow taste near the Super Bowl version?

Gloria Say

Hello Gloria! I have asked chef Henry Cheung of the famed Good Earth Restaurant, and now of the newly opened Henry’s Place at the Forbes Town Center (tel. 3935915) to help you out.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

50 g chicken breast

50 g shrimp

10 g Chinese sausage

2 tbsp oil

1 pc egg

1½ c cooked, day old rice

2 tbsp chicken broth

2 tsp light soy sauce

White pepper, to taste

2 tsp spring onions, chopped

Mince the first three ingredients.

Scramble the eggs and set aside.

Saute the chicken, shrimp and sausage in oil.

Add eggs and scramble.

Add cold rice and mix well.

Add broth, soy, pepper, seasoning to taste.

Add spring onions.

Twisted halloween cocktails

by Ed Biado

I’ll admit that my taste in cocktails is quite vanilla. Just give me glass after glass of Bacardi Coke and I’m all set for the night. But there are thousands of concoctions out there and one of the biggest party excuses, Halloween, gets its fair share. Given the spooky theme, the names of these—shall I call them—poisons are just as interestingly creepy. But don’t worry, they taste divine. Screw Bloody Mary (hah!); here are 10 “disgusting” mixes you can suck dry:

1. Voodoo Caesar

Rim a tall glass with lime juice and seasoning salt. Fill it with ice, add the following ingredients and stir.

6 oz. tomato juice

2 tsp. lime juice

1/8 tsp. Tabasco hot sauce

1 oz. vodka

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2. Bayou Slime

Muddle 6 fresh mint leaves and 2 oz. spiced syrup together. Place that, together with the following ingredients into a shaker.

4 oz. dark rum

1 egg white

Shake until well-chilled and frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with additional crushed mint leaves.

3. Coffee of the Damned

Add all the following ingredients in a large mug.

1/2 oz. tequila

1 oz. brandy

1 oz. scotch

1 tbsp. sugar syrup

Then, stir in a cup of coffee and float some lemon zest on top. Add a topping of whip.

4. Halloween Cocktail

Mix the following ingredients in a shaker with ice.

2 oz. bourbon

3 oz. orange juice

juice of half a lemon

Then, pour into a tall glass. Top with ginger ale and garnish with olives.

5. White Witch

Mix all ingredients in a blender at low speed for 10 seconds. Serve in a chilled sherbet or wine glass.

1/2 cup vanilla ice cream

1 oz. vodka

1 oz. white crème de cacao

6. Black Witch

Mix all ingredients with ice in a shaker and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

1/2 oz. pineapple juice

1 1/2 oz. gold rum

1 tsp. apricot brandy

1 tsp. dark rum

7. Blood-red Lime Rickey

Muddle the following ingredients in a shaker until juicy and fragrant.

6 fresh cherries, pitted

1/2 lime, cut into 3 wedges

2 teaspoons sugar

Add 3 oz. gin and crushed ice. Cover with a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously, or stir, until combined and chilled, about 30 seconds. Serve in a whiskey glass.

8. Blood & Sand

Mix all ingredients with cracked ice in a shaker or blender. Pour into a chilled old fashioned glass.

3/4 oz. cherry brandy

3/4 oz. orange juice

3/4 oz. scotch

3/4 oz. sweet vermouth

9. Brain

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all the ingredients. Stir until well chilled and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a fresh lychee fruit.

1/2 oz. sake chilled

1 1/2 oz. lychee nectar

1 1/2 oz. gin

10. Devil’s Tail

Mix all ingredients with ice in a blender. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Twist lime peel over drink and drop into glass.

1/2 oz. apricot liqueur

1/2 tsp. grenadine

1/2 oz. lime juice

1/2 oz. vodka

1 1/2 oz. gold rum

Drinking Your Way to Health? Perhaps Not

By Dennis Thompson

Just about every month -- if not every week -- a new study emerges touting the health benefits to be gained from a daily glass of wine or a pint of dark beer.

The benefits related to cardiovascular health have become well-known. A study released in mid-July, for instance, found that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in women by increasing the amount of "good" cholesterol in the bloodstream and reducing blood sugar levels.
But other studies have linked a daily drink, most often wine, to reduced risk of dementia, bone loss and physical disabilities related to old age. Wine also has been found to increase life expectancy and provide potential protection against some forms of cancer, including esophageal cancer and lymphoma.
But don't invest in that case of Pinot noir just yet.
Experts with the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association say that though these studies do show some benefits to moderate drinking, the health risks from alcohol consumption far outweigh the potential rewards.
Drinking any alcohol at all is known to increase your risk for contracting a number of types of cancer, said Susan Gapstur, vice president of epidemiology for the American Cancer Society. These include cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon/rectum and breast.
"At the end of the day, if you are at very high risk for cancer, you might want to limit your alcohol consumption even further," Gapstur said. "It's a lifestyle modification you can make, and we don't have as many lifestyle modifications for preventing cancer as we do for coronary heart disease."
There also are other health risks from moderate drinking, including liver damage and accidents caused by impaired reflexes, said Dr. Jennifer Mieres, director of nuclear cardiology at the New York University School of Medicine and an American Heart Association spokeswoman.
The health benefits from drinking generally are related to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatories found in red wines and dark beers, Mieres said, but those substances can be found in a number of different fruits and vegetables.
"When it comes to disease prevention, you're better off changing your diet to include fruits and vegetables and get your antioxidants and anti-inflammatories from natural sources," she said.
For example, people can get resveratrol -- the antioxidant found in red wine that's believed to provide most of the drink's health benefits -- from drinking grape juice just as well as from drinking wine, Mieres said.
"For people that don't drink, not drinking is important," Mieres said. "You can get the same benefits of drinking from leading a heart-healthy lifestyle. To me, it's not worth the risk to start drinking. But for people who enjoy a glass of red wine or enjoy drinking, the key is to stick to the definition of moderation," she said.
Moderate drinking is defined as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. What counts as one drink are:

12 ounces of regular beer or wine cooler
8 ounces of malt liquor
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor

Drinking anything more than that on a daily basis is known to lead to a host of health problems that can reduce your life expectancy, Mieres and Gapstur said.

"I think the take-home message is, if you don't drink, don't start to help protect yourself from coronary heart disease because there are so many other things you can do," Gapstur said. "If you already drink, you might want to limit your consumption."
Though the studies touting the positive health effects of alcohol are scientifically accurate, they also appear to play into people's desires for quick fixes to complex problems, Mieres said.

"To prevent heart disease, 50 percent of the work has to come from you," she said. "Prevention is a big piece, and you have to be accountable. You have to make lifestyle changes, and that's very tough to do. People look for easy ways to get heart-healthy benefits, and drinking is an easy way to do that. It's a known human tendency: Let's find an easy way out that doesn't involve a lot of thought or work."

'Liquid candy': Unhealthy

By Dr. Philip S. Chua

The following findings of the Harvard research, which we are quoting in full, are a most convincing confirmation and re-affirmation of the other clinical studies in the past:

Risk rises with soda consumption

Harvard Medical School researcher Ravi Dhingra, MD, and study colleagues looked at nearly 6,000 middle-aged men and women who had exams every four years. At the outset, all were free of heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Four years later, in comparison to people who drank less than one soft drink a day, researchers found that those who consumed one or more sodas a day experienced: A 25% increased risk of impaired (or higher than normal) fasting glucose and high triglyceride levels. A 31% greater likelihood of becoming obese. A 32% higher chance of lower HDL levels. A 44% increased risk of metabolic syndrome. These results were published in the July 31, 2007, issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Study results were a surprise

Dr. Dhingra and his colleagues were surprised that regular and diet soft drinks posed similar risks for metabolic syndrome--which remained the case even when the study was adjusted for dietary factors such as saturated and trans fats, calorie and fiber consumption and levels of physical activity. There are several theories as to why this might be--perhaps the extreme sweetness of soft drinks makes people more apt to eat sweet foods, or the caramel content may promote insulin resistance and inflammation. But these are theories, and no one knows for sure. To others though it is now obvious that high acidic levels will help cause these symptoms.

Adverse health effects

Drinking soft drinks of any kind has been linked to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, lowered calcium and potassium level, heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, dental cavities and nutritional depletion. There is also a claim that it may have an adverse effect on conception. These liquid candies also contain caffeine which could disrupt sleep and lead to anxiety and DNA damage and hyperactivity, especially among children.The prevalence of obesity among Americans doubled between 1977 to 2001 and this trend was paralleled by a doubling of the consumption of soft drinks. An increase in the body mass index (BMI) of 0.24 kg/meter square was found among children for each (ONE!) soft drink they consumed. Studies on adults (50,000 female nurses on one study) revealed that drinkers of even one can of soft drink led to weight gain, and increased blood sugar among diabetics.One study reported this interesting finding: “One four-week experiment compared a 450 calorie/day supplement of sugar-sweetened soft drinks to a 450 calorie/day supplement of jelly beans. The jelly bean supplement did not lead to weight gain, but the soft drink supplement did. The likely reason for the difference in weight gain is that people who consumed the jelly beans lowered their caloric intake at subsequent meals while people who consumed soft drinks did not. Thus, the low levels of satiety provided by sugar-sweetened soft drinks may explain their association with obesity. That is, people may who consume calories in sugar-sweetened beverages may fail to adequately reduce their intake of calories from other sources. Indeed, people consume more total calories in meals and on days when they are given sugar-sweetened beverages than when they are given artificially-sweetened beverage or water.”One alarming report: “In 2003, the Delhi non-profit Centre for Science and Environment published a disputed report finding pesticide levels in Coke and Pepsi soft drinks sold in India at levels 30 times that considered safe by the European Economic Commission.” Another study showed that those subjects who consumed soft drinks had lower bone mineral density, placing them at increased risk of suffering, not only osteoporosis but bone fractures. More scary is the increased risk for the development of metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions that include type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, high blood fat, low level of good cholesterol).It is our government’s role and responsibility to protect our children by not allowing our schools, public or private, to have vending machines that sell soft drinks and other unhealthy products, much like outlawing the vending machines that used to sell cigarettes.The Departments of Health and Education and other agencies concerned must also ensure the public that all schools require a course in nutrition for all students and offer only healthy menus in their cafeteria. After all, a healthy citizenry translates into a healthy nation.

Caffeine can ease muscle pain

A STUDY of 10,000 women in Australia found that those who are generally positive, optimistic and expect good things to happen are less likely to die from heart disease than pessimistic, negative women.

This supports the notion that women, in general, are “feeling” human beings, who use the power of emotion as a normal way of being themselves. You know the saying “Men think, women feel.”

So ladies, guard your hearts by nourishing them with uplifting and joyful feelings. Today, throw out the bad memories that may haunt you and drag you down. You will live longer with a smile on your face and fewer wrinkles.

Pain reliever

According to the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, the caffeine in coffee may lessen muscle pain by blocking the activity of a chemical called adenosine. This is released as part of the anti-inflammatory response to muscle injury which then activates pain receptors in body cells.

Researches had several men pedal on a stationary bike for a high-intensity workout. They were given 2-3 cups of coffee an hour before the workout.

Less thigh muscle pain was experienced by the men who had coffee than the group who were given placebo. Coffee may not be an urgent need before every workout, but if you are trying a new sport or exercise routine, a cup or two might just do the trick to prevent or ease muscle pain.

Exercise personality

Experts say you need to choose an exercise based on your personality. Which one are you? There are five basic personalities.

Square – People who enjoy exercise but repeat the same routine thus their development reaches a plateau.
Suggestion: Vary regimen.

Rectangle – Those who love to exercise in a group, enroll in a fitness class or adventure group of hikers, climbers.

Circle – These are talkers who literally talk their way through an exercise routine. To maximize time, get a personal trainer to keep you disciplined and focused.

Squiggles – These are the pleasure seekers who exercise to feel good, forgetting routines and preferring variety. Therefore, match exercise to your personality and watch your energy and health levels improve, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

Prostate health

Quercetin, the apple antioxidant, ensures prostate health. In a double blind, a placebo-controlled study group of men with chronic prostatitis showed that a supplement with quercetin, papain and bromelain improved symptoms in 82 percent of the group in a month’s trial. Inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland producing pelvic pain lowered libido and painful urination in men. The dosage of 500-mg quercetin twice daily was used in the study.

So gentlemen, eat an apple a day and include the following foods containing this powerful antioxidant: green tea, red grapes, red onions, cherries, broccoli, raspberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes. Organic has 79 percent more quercetin than regularly grown ones.
Source: Techniques in Urology, Well-Being Magazine

Now that you know how emotions can affect your body as well as your health choices, isn’t it time to reassess your lifestyle? Let’s start with a positive thought.

Affirm: “Good things coming to me beginning today.”

Beauty scrub

Get one tbsp of salt, mix with 1 tbsp of any unused oil at home. Use it to scrub any dry, rough parts of your body.

Love and light!

By Cory Quirino

Anti-aging remedies for young and old

As we age, our skin’s demand vary. There are a lot of changes and measures we can actually take to keep our skin young. It is important to remember that there is a right procedure for the right age. Most of the time, getting treatments too early may also lead to immature—and irreversible—aging.

I asked reputable dermatologist Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo for tips on age-appropriate treatments, procedures and simple ways to care for our skin. Her answers:

Individuals in their 20s, generally, have resilient skin elasticity, higher metabolism, faster skin cell growth and regeneration. Thus, your 20s is the best time to adopt preventive methods and a strict skin care regimen to delay the signs of aging.

Dermatologists recommend liberal usage of moisturizers and sunscreen, and, of course, minimizing sun exposure. Starting a regular fitness routine is also recommended at this point, since the body’s fat-burning abilities already start decreasing in the mid-20s.

Treatments. Here are some popular non-surgical procedures for people in their 20s dealing with common cosmetic problems like acne, premature wrinkles, unwanted facial and body hair and cellulite:

* Skin Care and Skin Rejuvenation
* IPL Photofacial
* Blue Light Therapy for acne
* Microdermabrasion/Diamond peel
* Chemical Peels
* Laser Hair Removal
* Body Contouring and Cellulite Treatments
* Mesotherapy
* Radio Frequency

These are some other popular cosmetic treatments for people in their 20s:

* Breast Augmentation
* Rhinoplasty/nose surgery
* Liposuction
* Lip Augmentation

Skin care in your 30s-40s

People in their 30s still have healthy skin, but elastic collagen fibers begin breaking down and cell production starts to lag. Facial wrinkles are more prevalent than they were in the 20s, as are fine lines and age spots.

Slower metabolism in the 30s and 40s can also mean the development of stubborn stores of fat that are hard to remove, even with regular exercise.

Good habits for older skin

Regular exercise, a healthy balanced diet and daily vitamin supplements become important to keep your skin and body healthy as you continue to age. Drinking lots of water to keep tissues hydrated and consuming plenty of antioxidant-rich foods are also advisable for preserving the skin’s vitality.

In your 30s and 40s, aside from daily sunscreen application and frequent moisturizing, topical anti-aging/antioxidants such as retinoic acid, alpha hydroxy acid and topical vitamin C should be incorporated into the regimen.

Treatments. Here are some of the most popular non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments for 30 and 40-somethings today:

* Skin rejuvenation and skin tightening treatments
* Chemical peels
* Microdermabrasion
* IPL Photofacial
* Fractional/Erbium Laser Resurfacing
* Botolinium toxin injection for wrinkles and fine lines
* Dermal filler injection for deep lines and folds
* Radiofrequency (Thermage/Refirme) for skin tightening

Body contouring treatments:
* Mesotherapy
* Carboxytherapy
* Radiofrequency
* Ultrasound assisted lipolysis
* Hair regrowth treatments
* Mesohair
* Laser Regrowth
* Surgical body contouring
* Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift
* Liposuction
* Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck

Skin care for those over 50

When people hit the 50s, 60s and 70s, the signs of aging have usually begun attacking in full force. Collagen levels are at an all-time low, skin elasticity is minimal and age begins to show prominently on the face.

The effects of exposure to the sun and elements over the years manifest themselves. The most common problems are deep wrinkles, drooping skin (particularly around the eyes and jowls), loss of volume (cheeks and nasolabial area), prevalent age spots and pigmentations (melasma) and other skin imperfections such as varicose veins and spider veins.

Treatments. Non-surgical skin tightening methods are popular for patients of all ages. However, they might not yield the same level of results in more extreme cases of loose or sagging skin at this age. Hence, surgical procedures might be a more effective treatment in some cases.

Skin rejuvenation/tightening

* Deep chemical peel
* Radiofrequency
* Fractional/CO2/Erbium laser resurfacing
* Botolinium toxin injections
* Dermal filler injections
* Surgical Skin Tightening
* Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery
* Facelift
* Neck Lift
* Brow Lift

Many patients in their 50s and 60s also choose to combine a facelift or surgical skin tightening procedure with rejuvenation treatments like chemical peels, IPL Photofacials, microdermabrasion, or fractional laser resurfacing for maximum effect.

Liposuction and tummy tucks are popular choices for taking care of loose skin and excess fat deposits around the torso.

Finally, no matter which age bracket you are, be sure to discuss all treatment options with a trusted and qualified board-certified dermatologist or plastic aesthetic surgeon. Not only will you be able to learn more about the risks and benefits of various procedures, you will get an informed opinion about which procedure will work best for you.

by Ria Francisco-Prieto

Are you a controlled or clean-plate club eater?

Do you find yourself eating less while at work then ending your day by eating a day’s worth of calories like ice cream, bag of chips or chocolate bars? This has been a common problem of busy employees, housewives and students.

Here are tips that can help you prevent eating at night, which sabotages one’s weight loss progress.

Consider timing of your dinner and sleep.

After three to four hours, you can hear your stomach growling, which signals hunger. During the time you are awake, you continuously burn more calories as compared to when you’re asleep because the body system requires more calories.

If you sleep at around 10 p.m., have dinner at 7 p.m. However, if you are a late-night sleeper, delay dinner to 9 or 10 p.m. to prevent eating unhealthy snacks.

Eat every three to four hours, depending on your schedule and hunger pangs. If you follow an 8 a.m.-5 p.m. work schedule, have breakfast at 7:30 a.m. then eat lunch at 12 noon. You can have a 100-150 calories worth of mid-morning snack if you get hungry or if you are physically active. At 3 or 4 p.m., have a calorie-controlled snack to avoid overeating at night. Have dinner at 7 or 8 p.m. if you sleep at 10 or 11 p.m.

Sleep on time. This will break your late-night eating habit.

Set a moderate calorie-allowance for dinner.

I always advise my clients not to eat more than 500-600 calories at breakfast, lunch or dinner to avoid extra calories, feel empowered while trying to lose weight and practice self-control.

A 500-calorie meal is equivalent to a half cup of rice (100 calories); palm size of grilled chicken or fish without the skin (approximately 100-150 calories depending on add-ons); cup of fresh green salad with 1 tbsp low-fat dressing (approximately 100-150 calories); and fist-size fruit (approximately 50 to 80 calories). Calories will increase by 100-150 more calories if oil is used or pork and beef will replace seafood or poultry.

Have late-night snack only if you can control your eating portion.

Controlled eaters

According to Heather Bauer and Kathy Mathews, authors of the book “The Wall Street Diet,” only dieters who are classified as controlled eaters can eat occasional evening snacks worth 80 calories like a medium apple, sugar-free Jell-O, 2 slices of turkey, light yogurt or low-calorie popsicle. They stop eating when full, are satisfied with a handful of chips and have similar eating patterns on weekends and weekdays.

The other type is the clean plate-club eater. If you are classified in this category, you eat fast, always finish your plate, often tempted by sugar and carbohydrates, find it difficult to control eating at night and drink less water.

Have a fruit after dinner and drink lots of water instead of flavored drinks or sodas.

Plan your night.

Make drinking water available at your room.

Don’t keep snacks inside your house.

If you have the tendency to crave for food, ask support from your husband/wife after dinner to remind you of your goals.

Distract yourself from thinking about food by watching television shows not related to food, reading your favorite book or preparing your things and clothes for the next day.

By Mitch Felipe-Mendoza E-mail the author at mitchfelipe@gmail.com

DO-IT-YOURSELF Homemade bath bomb

ENJOY a relaxing, soothing, sensory bathing experience with scented bath bombs that you yourself can make. This easy activity can be enjoyed by you and your family. Have fun trying on fragrances. Peppermint is soothing and invigorating. Lavender is relaxing, while the sweet aroma of rose stimulates circulation. Choose your favored scented oil.

2 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp citric acid

½ c baking soda

3 tbsp oil

¼ tsp essential oil of your choice

5 drops of food coloring (optional, to add color to your bath bomb)

Mix all the dry ingredients together. Slowly add oils and food coloring, a little at a time until the right consistency –like a workable dough – is achieved.

If the mixture is too wet, add more baking soda. Use wax paper as a surface on which to mold the mixture into balls.

Allow the mixture to dry for about 5-6 hours.

If the balls you form are a bit delicate, set them using a wrap made of light fabric or a baking mold.

Use 1-2 balls in your bath.

by Anton Barreto/Marissa Lopa

8 Fat fighting foods

Want to lose weight as you chow down? Your wish is granted! Your supermarket is filled with foods that studies show have lipid-melting powers to help melt fat and keep you slim. Stock up on these fat-fighting super bites, and you'll be trimmer even as you indulge. Read on to discover the eight foods that deserve a permanent spot in your fridge—and in your diet!

Almonds These yummy nuts are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can accelerate your metabolism of fats. In fact, dieters who ate 3 ounces of almonds daily slashed their weight and body-mass index by 18 percent, while those who skipped the nuts reduced both numbers less— just 11 percent—a study in theInternational Journal of Obesity revealed. Chomp almonds à la carte (limit yourself to 12 per serving to keep calories in check). I get a pack at Starbucks and nibble throughout my day. Go nuts!

Berries "These are nature's candy!" Turns out they're also your body's best friends. Strawberries, raspberries and other vitamin C–spiked fruit can supercharge your workout, helping you burn up to 30 percent more fat, research from Arizona State University at Mesa has found. If they're not in season, buy the little gems frozen in a bulk-sized bag so you'll always have them on hand to whip up a Berry Bliss Smoothie or Strawberry-Sunflower Pops, regardless of whether berries are in season.

Cinnamon Adding 1/4 teaspoon to your plate may prevent an insulin spike—an uptick that tells your body to store fat. Sprinkle it on your morning cereal or coffee or on your yogurt in the A.M.

Mustard It's heaven on a soft pretzel, but mustard may also be a weight loss wonder. Turmeric, the spice that gives mustard its color, may slow the growth of fat tissues, a study in the journal Endocrinology finds. Use it on sandwiches instead of mayo, or sprinkle turmeric on cauliflower pre-roasting to give it a kick. Try it on tuna salad.

Oranges This citrus fruit, which contains fat-blasting compounds known as flavones, deserves to be your main squeeze. Women who ate the most flavones had a much lower increase in body fat over a 14-year period, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes. Eat oranges sliced or swig fresh OJ (including pulp!) to get the best benefit from the fruit.

Soybeans Reason to toss a half cup on your salad? Soybeans are rich in choline, a compound that blocks the absorption of fat and breaks down fatty deposits. Oh, and they're addictively delish! But if breast cancer runs in your family, experts suggest you should talk to your doc before adding soy to your diet.

Sweet potatoes The colorful spuds' high-fiber content means they keep your insulin steadier than their white sisters, which means less fat packed on your hips, research finds. Top a small baked tater with lowfat cottage cheese for a tempting side dish, or whip up Miso Soup With Sweet Potato Dumplings.

Swiss cheese Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown, and Swiss has more calcium than many of its cheesy peers. Choose the reduced-fat variety, such as Sargento. Slip it into your sandwich, put it on top of high-fiber crackers or use it for a healthier grilled cheese. Yum!

For other tricks to eating your way to your healthy, happy weight, load up on these 20 slimming superfoods atSelf.com.

By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief

Caring for your kidneys to avoid stone formation

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Do you have frequent severe cramps in the lower back? Are you always in pain when urinating? Is your urine cloudy or bloody? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have a kidney disorder.

Kidney disease is one of the top 10 causes of death in the Philippines, according to recent studies. Every year about 120 Filipinos in every 1 million develop kidney failure due to stone formation.

One of the most painful kidney disorders is kidney stone—when hard pebble-like lumps develop from crystals that separate from the urine within the urinary tract. Calcium combined with oxalate or phosphate is the most common kidney stone. Another type of stone is struvite, which is caused by urinary tract infection.

Furthermore, stones occur more frequently in men than in women. However, people with a family history of kidney stones are also likely to develop stones. Kidney stones can also be associated with external factors like diet and lifestyle. Foods high in protein, fats, phosphorus, and sodium usually disrupt the kidneys’ natural process of filtration.

Plenty of water, healthy diet

To prevent formation of kidney stones, have a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Also, avoid salty and spicy food additives or flavor enhancers.

Kidney stones can now be easily treated with modern advancements in healthcare. The most common kidney stone removal procedure is through extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). It uses shock waves to break kidney stones into small specks to make them easily move through the urinary tract and out from the body.

Instead of undergoing surgery, a noninvasive treatment is recommended by doctors like taking oral medications that can break down the formation of calcium and uric acid stones and lead to faster recovery.

You can consult a doctor about such preventive medicine.

If you have more than one kidney stone, especially if you have a family history of stones, you are more likely to have kidney stones again. But you can take steps to help prevent them:
Drink more fluids. Try to drink enough water to keep your urine clear, about 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Slowly increase how much you drink, perhaps adding one more glass of water a day until you are drinking 8 to 10 glasses a day. This slow increase will give your body time to adjust to the extra fluids. You are drinking enough water when your urine is clear or light yellow. If it is dark yellow, you are not drinking enough fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have fluid restrictions, talk with your doctor before increasing how much you drink.
Change your diet. This may be helpful, but it depends on what is causing your kidney stones. Your doctor may do more tests before deciding whether changing your diet will help reduce your risk for developing another stone. The results of these tests may suggest that it could be helpful to do one or more of the following:
Increase how much fiber you eat. Fiber includes oat bran, beans, whole wheat breads, wheat cereals, cabbage, and carrots.
Eat less beef, pork, and poultry.
Eat a moderate or high amount of calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products. Getting your recommended amounts of calcium, combined with a diet low in sodium and protein, may decrease your risk of kidney stones.
Try not to drink grapefruit juice. Drinking grapefruit juice may increase your risk for developing kidney stones.
Avoid foods that are high in oxalate, such as dark green vegetables, nuts, and chocolate.
Try not to add salt when you cook or eat. Try removing the salt shaker from your table.

After Charice, Arnel Pineda invades 'Oprah'

ABS-CBN News

After Charice, it was Arnel Pineda’s turn to impress Oprah Winfrey, one of the world’s most powerful women today.

Pineda and the rest of the members of the American rock band "Journey” recently guested on Oprah to promote the group’s latest album, “Revelation.”

During the show, Journey's Filipino front man could not believe that he was being interviewed by no less than Winfrey herself.

"I'm facing you (Winfrey) right now. You are [one of the] biggest [names] in show business and I'm facing you. It's like… I'm not allowed to be here but I'm here. And I thank God for that," he said.

The show featured Pineda’s journey “from total obscurity to recapturing the voice of one of the greatest bands of our time."

Pineda’s rags-to-riches story has inspired many people around the world. His life story will be made into a film titled "Don't Stop Believing: Every Man's Journey." The biopic will hit the big screen next year.

The Filipino singer was discovered on YouTube by Journey’s guitarist Neal Schon. Jonathan Cain (keyboard), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Ross Valory (bass) were equally impressed when they first watched him on YouTube performing Journey’s “Faithfully.”

Cain said: "Neal contacted us. I checked the YouTube video just like he said. And there he was singing. And I said, 'The guy got great pipes, does he speak English?’ And, ‘How are we going to get him to the stage to check him out?'" Cain said.

Valory said he had “goosebumps surplus” when he first heard Pineda sing.

Castronovo was also blown away by Pineda’s voice. “It was frightening just to hear that voice come out from that little guy. We couldn't believe it. It’s just so strong. And the best part about it was just how humble the man was, how humble human being, beautiful heart."

For Pineda, being part of Journey still feels like a dream.

"I've seen enough pain and poverty in the Philippines. I've never been that big. All I wanted was to be able to get out of it -- the pain and the poverty - and live decently everyday," he said.

He said touring around the world with his band mates is “amazing, unbelievable and fantastic.” “All the superlative words that you can utter.”

He admitted that he felt the pressure when the band played in the Philippines early this year. “There was a big responsibility and thank God I pulled it off.”

And now that he is making lots of money, Pineda said he bought a home for his family and set up his own foundation to help poor Filipinos.

Journey's Manila concert is now available on DVD in the United States.

What to do when you get tired of gym workout

By Mitch Felipe
Philippine Daily Inquirer

IT IS important to find purpose or meaning in the exercise you do to make it a lifelong habit.

Running, for example, is a type of purpose-driven exercise since you can go 5 kilometers, 10 km and up to 42 km or even more. Do cross-training activities because they will bring progress to your performance, fitness level, weight and health condition.

Relate the benefits you can get from cardio machines to your situation.

Can you imagine yourself using an elliptical trainer or recumbent bike for 20 to 40 minutes every other day for the rest of your life? Some people might get bored with these machines especially if they can’t understand the essence of the workout. But it’s a different story for an athlete advised to incorporate a 20 to 30-minute elliptical machine in his weekly program for cross-training purposes, which will improve his sports performance.

As a runner, I can last a 5 to 7-km run on a treadmill once or twice a week because I am aware how it will maintain or improve my marathon goals. Otherwise, I might always find an excuse to discontinue treadmill runs especially during rainy days.

Why one quits

One of the reasons health club members quit is because they just follow an exercise program designed by a trainer without knowing its purpose. If you want to finish a 30-minute recumbent bike, understand how applicable it is to your current situation. Its benefits include getting stronger thighs for outdoor cycling or improved endurance for an adventure vacation trip which involves a lot of walking, cycling and climbing.

Focus on improving your fitness level and performance when joining classes.

Many group exercisers believe that exercise classes are the solution to excess weight.

If you want to make group classes a part of your lifelong exercise commitment, balance them. Indoor cycling will improve and challenge endurance and lower-body strength. Martial arts-inspired classes which include punches and kicks will improve balance, core control, coordination, and whole-body strength. Mind-body classes like yoga or Pilates will improve breathing, awareness, core strength, balance and flexibility, which are all important for injury-prevention and sports performance.

Have the right expectations when getting a trainer.

What you need is someone to influence and inspire you to change for the better, aside from getting a great strength-training session.

A trainer can help you stick to your exercise habit only if you are aware of your present goals. Look for a trainer who will motivate you to make progress even without his services, who is passionate about your improvement and ready to help as you face anticipated difficulties along the way like boredom, lapses, and burnout.

E-mail the author at mitchfelipe@gmail.com.