One of the reasons I came up with the Hot Latin Diet has a lot to do with being an ob-gyn for over 30 years. Throughout my career, I’ve had hundreds of mommies—and soon-to-be-moms—coming through my office door. What I’ve noticed is that over the past few decades, moms have been gaining significant weight during their pregnancies, and then they haven’t lost the weight—in fact, they have gotten heavier after just two years. We’ve seen an epidemic of obesity in children and type 2 diabetes in females.

I am disturbed by the alarming growth (yes, literally!!) of the entire American population. The statistics speak for themselves: chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes) are now among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health problems, et they affect the lives of more than 90 million Americans (not to mention the cost of health care); 1.7 million people die annually as a result of chronic disease, which translates into the deaths of seven out of ten people. And despite the fact that chronic diseases are perhaps the most common and costly of health problems, they are also among the most preventable. They can simply be prevented by the food we put in our mouths.

In our quest for balance, it’s interesting to me that everyone—myself included—may have a different reason for getting in shape. Ironically, the main reason, being healthy, doesn’t seem to be in the forefront. But whatever your reasons are, the seven Latin powerfoods can help you get there.

The important thing to remember is that The Hot Latin Diet is not just a diet, but rather a lifestyle change. And by employing the benefits of the seven Latin powerfoods, you can change your life for the better.

Each day for the next week, I’ll be discussing one item from the list of powerfoods, and providing tips on how to live a healthier life; Latino style!

1.      At home or when driving, keep windows closed and set air conditioner on re-circulate to keep out seasonal pollens and mold spores, if you suffer with seasonal allergies

2.      Change or wash air conditioner filters frequently

3.      If you have allergies to pets (i.e. cat) use a central air filtration system in your home and/or portable room HEPA air filter

4.      Use an exhaust fan in your bathroom to reduce mold spore growth and excess humidity

5.      Dehumidifier may be useful in below ground rooms or basements if mildew is an issue

6.      Place disposable filter covers over forced air vents in your home that may provide additional filtration

7.      Avoid open windows in your home during high pollen days (check out the local pollen count at www.aaaai.org/nab)

8.      HEPA vacuums and or pre-filter bags prevent dust from re-entering the room after vacuuming

9.      If you are very sensitive to dust, leave the room for at least 30 minutes after sweeping/cleaning to allow dust particles to settle

10.  Remove unnecessary dust collectors in the bedroom if you have indoor allergies – placing a “stuffed toy or pillow” in a zippered plastic bag in the freezer periodically will help to reduce the amount of dust mites

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition.

A typical store bought muffin can deliver close to 500 calories and no fiber. 

These muffins are only 158 calories and have a whooping 6 grams of fiber.  And they taste better than anything you’ll buy in a store!

1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 ½ cups All-Bran extra fiber cereal
1 ¼ cups skim milk
½ cup honey
2 egg whites
¼ cup canola oil
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1 cup blueberries

1. Preheat oven to 400 F
2. Stir together flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, mix cereal and milk. Let the mixture stand for two minutes to allow the cereal to soften.
4. Beat egg whites and add to cereal mixture. Add honey, oil, and lemon peel and stir to combine. Add the blueberries and then the dry ingredients and stir only until mixed.
5. Lightly spray muffin tin with cooking spray. Pour batter into muffin pan and bake for 20 minutes.

Makes 12 Muffins
Nutritional Content
Per Serving:  149 Calories  26 g carbohydrates  6 g Fiber  4 g protein  5 g total fat  0 g sat. fat  205 mg sodium

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

With gas and food prices at an all time high – everyone is looking for ways to save some money. 

But, can we do this and still look good?

Here are some budget beauty recipes from Annie Tomlin, editor of Bellasugar.com.

Click here to view a video of Annie and Dr. Manny Alvarez making some budget beauty recipes.

DIY FACIAL MOISTURIZER

To make two 50 g jars, you’ll need:

25 ml Apricot Kernel Oil
25 ml Jojoba Oil
15 g Beeswax
70 ml Bottled Water
2 tbsp Rosewater
1 tsp Lemon Juice

Step 1: Take out a double boiler and place two cups of warm water in the bottom. Then add the jojoba oil, the apricot kernel oil, and the beeswax. Heat everything until the wax dissolves.
Step 2: While the mixture is still hot, pour it into a Pyrex bowl and leave it to cool.
Step 3: Next, add the bottled water, rosewater, and lemon juice into the boiler pan and heat it until it’s warm. Turn off the heat, but leave the pot on the burner and add the oil and wax mixture to the pot.
Step 4: Stir frequently until everything becomes opaque and thick, adding more heat only if it begins to separate. Once it has thickened, it is recommended to store in a sealed container for no more than six weeks.

Note: If you’d like, you can add one tsp. of apple cider vinegar to the recipe if you have blemished skin, two tsp. evening primrose oil if you have dry skin, two drops of tea tree oil if you have combination skin or one tsp. of witch hazel water if you have oily skin.

DIY PLUMPING FACIAL OIL FOR DRY SKIN

1 oz avocado oil
2 tsp rosehip oil
2 tsp argan oil
1 borage oil capsule
1 Vitamin E capsule
2 drops of neroli oil
3 drops of sandalwood oil
For step-by-step instructions on how to make your own facial oil, read more.

STEP 1: In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, blend the avocado oil, rosehip oil and argan oil together.
STEP 2: Next, cut open your borage oil capsule and your vitamin E capsule and gently squeeze them into the bowl. Mix well.
STEP 3: Lastly, add in the neroli oil and a few drops of sandalwood. Heat everything for about twenty seconds (it makes the borage oil and vitamin E oil easier to blend) and blend a few drops to your skin. As you apply it, don’t forget to take a few deep breaths and enjoy the fragrance. This recipe is good for about six to eight applications.

DIY ASPIRIN MASK TO COMBAT ACNE AND SOFTEN SKIN

Bottle of uncoated, plain aspirin
Little bit of honey
Small bowl

STEP 1: Using two metal spoons, place two to three uncoated aspirin tablets between them and crush. Crush up approximately 12 to 15 tablets, or add more as desired.
STEP 2: Mix crushed aspirin in a bowl with two teaspoons of honey STEP 3: Pour 1/2 cup of lukewarm water into the mix and stir. Once well mixed, apply to face.

DIY LIP SMOOTHER

Honey
Baker’s sugar (regular is fine but if they have baker’s, it has a smaller grain) Olive oil Mixing bowl

STEP 1: In a medium-sized bowl, mix one tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon of baker’s sugar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
STEP 2: Apply to lips with fingertip in a circular motion until exfoliated. For best results, dip a toothbrush into the mixture and apply gently to lips.

DIY FOOT EXFOLIATOR

Olive oil
Fresh grated ginger
Fresh mint leaves
Brown Sugar – doesn’t matter if it is light or dark Mixing bowl Large wooden spoon

STEP 1: Grate a piece of fresh ginger so it makes approximately 2/3 of a cup

STEP 2: In a large bowl, mix the ginger with 10 to 12 fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of brown sugar

STEP 3: Apply to feet and/or hands and rub until exfoliated, then wash off.

STEP 4: Dry your feet and massage a generous amount of moisturizer into your skin. Once you’re all lubed up, slip into your socks. For optimal results, wear them while you sleep.

Dear Dr. Fulbright,
Is there any biological reason why women are so attracted to man’s sense of humor? Many of the girls I know say they enjoy being with guys who can make them laugh. I am just wondering why humor is so appealing to women.
Albert

Dear Albert,
Actually, research has found that both men and women want romantic partners with a sense of humor. An analysis of personal ads in papers showed a sense of humor is among the top two desirable qualities (understanding being the other). People are attracted to individuals who make them feel good – and being around somebody who is funny or witty invites that energy in. 

This is likely in part because laughter is like a natural drug, tickling our brain’s reward center. Research, published in Neuron, has actually linked the reward system of the brain to humor. And when it comes to dating and loving, humor is an effective coping mechanism, making the experience much easier in providing stress relief.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

This summer children and adolescents who suffer from food allergies will be attending day and or sleep away camps throughout the U.S.  Now is the right time to review the best strategies to minimize risk and raise the level of protection for affected children. With 2.2 million school age children with food allergies, many camps are now going “peanut and nut free” due to the increased prevalence of food allergic children. 

The best resource for the parents and kids in my practice with food allergies has been the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). Visit www.foodallergy.org for more information. “Going to camp is an event that a child remembers forever. The key to success is clear communication with the camp staff and your child about how to manage food allergy restrictions. With advance planning and preparation, children with food allergies should be able to participate in this unique experience filled with a lifetime of memories,” said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, Founder and CEO of FAAN.

 Eating outside of the home, especially during the summer vacation and camp season, can be done safely when proper education and preparedness as well as communication takes place on behalf of food allergic kids everywhere.  Many states have recently enacted laws that provide for ready access to injectable epinephrine to children attending recreational camps.

Here is a just a partial list of helpful suggestions:

– Be a  “label detective” and know the product and chemical names of common food allergens

– Carry and send safe snacks to camp and communicate with the camp staff about your child’s food allergies before it begins

– Discourage food sharing

– If your child has peanut and/or nut allergies look for camps that are peanut free

– Have an emergency action plan in place for the adults responsible for supervising your child at camp. Work with an allergist to develop this plan, such as FAAN’s Food Allergy Action Plan available at http://www.foodallergy.org/actionplan.pdf.

– Your child should have a “medic alert bracelet”(800-ID-ALERT)

Again there is no substitute for careful planning, coordination and communication with camp staff when you have a child with food allergies for a safe and enjoyable summer.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition.

Dear Dr. Yvonne,
My wife and I are both healthy, in good shape, and in our mid-40s. We celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary today. For the past three years, we have had sex less than once per week (on average), sometimes less than once per two weeks. How can I get her to just “attack” me sometimes?
Francois

Dear Francois,
Almost every partner in a long-term relationship reaches the quandary of: ‘How do I get the sex I want? How can both my partner and I revive our passion for each other once again?’ First and foremost, know that it requires a lot of work – much more than a blog Q&A response can tackle. There are a plethora of great books packed with advice on this very matter, but among their major tidbits are:

• Communicate. Both of you need to talk about the state of your sex life and how it can be improved. Discuss your needs, wants, and fears. Really listen to each other and be a participant for active change. Get ravenous with your wife on occasion and see how she reacts.
• Add an element of risk to your relationship. Anything that involves “danger” is exciting, and that doesn’t have to mean jump out of an airplane together. Rather push your erotic boundaries. Be spontaneous. Create anticipation with sexy emails and calls. Ask your partner to mirror you in your efforts. Date each other with desire – allow yourself to get into that mindset once again.
• Have sexual empathy for one another. Share your fantasies, including that you want her to “just attack you.” The more you reveal, the sexier you can potentially become.

Remember, you need to give in order to receive.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

It seems no matter how much we have eaten or how full we are, there’s always room for dessert.   The bad news is that many desserts like ice cream and cookies are loaded with calories and fat.  If you indulge in these desserts too often you’ll pack on the pounds. 

Here are my top 5 suggestions for curbing those late night cravings:

1)    

1)  Brush your teeth: After finishing your meal, use a minty mouthwash or brush with a minty toothpaste. If that’s not feasible, pop some sugar-free mints or gum into your mouth.  Studies show that a minty flavors will curb your craving for something sweet.  For example, have you ever drunk orange juice right after brushing your teeth in the morning? Yuck! Mints and sweets just don’t mix.

2)  Keep low-calorie, sugar-free dessert options available:  Sugar-free popsicles, fudgesicles, pudding and gelatin are low-calorie ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

3) Try fruit: Fruit is not only sweet, but is packed with vitamins and minerals and has only 60 calories per serving, 0 grams of fat, and it’s a good way to incorporate fiber into your diet. 

4)  Portion control treats: If you MUST have something sweet and none of the above suggestions work, try individually wrapped portion-controlled candies.  Hershey’s Kisses, mini York Peppermint Patties or “fun-size” candy bars are pre-portioned, which can help to prevent you from devouring more calories than you realize.

5)  Eat less sugar and refined carbohydrates throughout the day:  The less sugar you eat, the less insulin your body releases.  The less insulin your body releases, the less sugar you crave.

Like any other habit, the craving for something sweet may come as a result of being trained to expect it after a meal.  Try breaking the habit for one week and you’ll be guaranteed to have drastically diminished your after-meal sweet craving. 

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Yesterday, Neil Entwistle greeted his conviction for murdering his 27-year-old wife Rachel and their 9-month-old daughter Lillian Rose with a subtle shaking of his head, with no tears, no yelling out in disbelief, no terror, no collapse. 

The man whose mask of amiability and success had dissolved on January 20, 2006 –  revealing a killer capable of shooting his wife and his child pointblank with a Colt .22 –  was wearing the mask again.  He could have reacted the very same way to news that the dry cleaner didn’t have his shirts ready or that the Lakers had lost the NBA finals.  

Entwistle has had a long experience wearing what the great psychologist Hervey Cleckley called “the mask of sanity.”  He impressed teachers in his working class neighborhood in England, was one of the few to go on to college, landed a job as a computer programmer, won the love of a pretty woman, maintained friendships for decades and impressed neighbors with his intelligence and seeming success here in America.

When reality didn’t sustain his desire to be seen as smart and affluent, he tried to reinforce the mask with a kind of psychological Crazy Glue.  He lied about making a small fortune in Internet businesses that were really shams offering others the false promise of easy money and better sex (two things, it turns out, he dreamed about having himself).  He lied to friends, even after the murders, about owning the home he rented in Hopkinton, Mass.  He pretended to be happily married and satisfied with his family life when he was really addicted to porn and on the prowl for sex with strangers through AdultFriendFinder.com.

But like every web of lies, Entwistle’s could not be sustained.  The truth always wins.  His real limitations—interpersonally or emotionally or creatively or intellectually—translated into being unemployed, his shady businesses unsuccessful, and his financial situation perilous to the point of bankruptcy.  People weren’t “buying” Neil Entwistle.  He was about to be revealed as a failure.  Perhaps his wife had already learned that he was a fraud.  And that much reality he could not bear.  That made him want to clear the stage of the actors he had cast in leading roles in his fake life, to hit the “reset” button on the psychological cat-and-mouse game he was playing. 

Because the subsoil of Entwistle’s psyche is likely nothing more than chaos, a black hole of self-hatred and seemingly unanswerable questions (though they always are, with the right help) about whether he has any worth at all and any level of manhood to speak of, never mind the raw, sexual kind that he kept watching graphically play itself out on the Internet.

Men like Entwistle — the Scott Petersons of this world — feel like stripping their masks away is tantamount to killing them, because they believe those thin, synthetic disguises are all that keep them from dissolving into nothingness and feeling the full weight of unspeakable emotional turmoil, with roots that always reach deep into their pasts.

Neil Entwistle will be jailed for life.  But, as he showed yesterday in a Massachusetts courtroom where genuine sorrow and love resided in the hearts of Rachel Entwistle’s family, he won’t even be present in the cell.  His real self is but a distant echo in his mind and soul, very nearly as lifeless as his victims.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His newest book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement. Check out Dr. Ablow’s website at livingthetruth.com.

Well, how do we avoid the itch and discomfort from insect and mosquito bites? In my household I rarely get bitten however with my wife it’s a different story.  She will get covered with bites pretty quickly.  Now why is that? Some research indicates the “estrogen” content of women’s skin may provide a source of insect attraction.  Some researchers also feel that scented products found in perfume and skin and hair care products that may attract those pesky insects.

So now what do we do? Let’s talk a bit about making your selves less of a target to prevent bites. 

– Use clothing as a barrier to cover your skin and that means long sleeves and pants to aid protection.

– Keep window screens in good working order. 

– Avoid prime biting times such as early in the morning and evening as you are more likely to get bitten during dawn and dusk. 

– Use insect repellents safely, that means really “reading” the label on how and when to apply

– Do not over apply, especially near wounds and cuts

– Wash off with soap and water when you come inside

– Avoid applying repellent to children’s hands (they may put their fingers in the mouth)

– Wear colors that “blend” in with the background, mosquitoes love color contrast

Check out the CDC: Insect Repellent Use and Safety webpage for more detailed information at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition.