Pork labels can be pretty confusing. There’s blade steak and shoulder blade steak, country style ribs and back ribs. This graphic shows which cut to buy based on your cooking method and your budget.

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LONDON: Brent oil prices tumbled Wednesday below $35 for the first time in 11.5 years, plagued by abundant oversupply and the ongoing row between key producers Iran and Saudi Arabia dimming prospects for production cuts.

The market also tanked on expectations that the US government will later report that rising stockpiles added to the global supply glut last week.

In addition, the stronger dollar dented prices because it makes oil more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies, thereby weighing on demand.

At 1030 GMT, European benchmark Brent North Sea crude oil for February delivery sank to $34.83 per barrel — the lowest since July 1, 2004 — before ducking back above $35.

“Oil prices have resumed their downswing,” said Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch.

“A firmer US dollar, concerns about demand and the plentiful supply are weighing heavily on prices.”

Oversupplied market

In recent years, the market has been plagued by a global supply glut, collapsing from highs above $100 in mid-2014 as abundant supplies were exacerbated by strong output by OPEC and the United States.

Last year, the oil market tumbled by about one third after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) — which pumps 40 percent of oil — refused to slash output in both June and December.

Oil continued to spiral lower this week, as escalating diplomatic tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia added fresh strains on OPEC’s unity, as the cartel grapples with a common response to rock-bottom oil prices, experts said.

Added to the picture, Riyadh cut the February price of its European oil exports as the OPEC kingpin continues to fight for market share amid a huge glut.

James Hughes, analyst at trading firm GKFX, said the latest Brent price plunge was sparked partly by dwindling hopes of an OPEC deal to curb record-high cartel output levels.

He added mounting evidence of slowing economic growth in China — the world’s second biggest oil consumer after the United States — had fuelled worries over weak demand.

At the same time, oil was pushed lower by fresh geopolitical fears after North Korea’s latest nuclear test.

“I think this (Brent price low) is a knock on affect from the likelihood that the geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran have put an end to hopes on a deal on oil production,” Hughes told AFP.

“If you then add this to the fact that we have had relentless bad news out of China … then the snowball effect is in full swing.

“The events in North Korea have only added to further downward pressure.”

OPEC policy has become tougher since Saudi Arabia executed prominent Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr last weekend, triggering a sectarian standoff with Iran.

“What’s happening at the moment between Iran and Saudi Arabia makes searching for a compromise even more difficult,” said Francis Perrin, president of Strategy and Energy Policy publications.

Gulf countries, led by influential OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia, refuse to cut output unless the oil-producing states that are not members of the group agree to do the same.

A cut would likely curb global oversupply, help prices recover and lift precious revenues for the cartel’s 13 member nations.

OPEC’s no-change stance is aimed at pushing oil prices lower to squeeze less-competitive players, including US shale producers, out of the market.

Iran meanwhile has no intention of curbing its production with the lifting of Western sanctions on the horizon, which would allow it to resume crude oil exports.

Later on Wednesday, the US government’s Department of Energy will publish its snapshot of American crude inventories for last week.

Shortly after midday, Brent prices stood at $35.07 a barrel, down $1.35 from Tuesday’s closing level.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for February shed 96 cents to stand at $35.01.

– AFP

 

 

KUALA LUMPUR: As commodity prices continue to slide, the global oil and gas (O&G) industry will reduce capital spending and work toward leaner budgets in 2016, says Moody’s Investors Service.

Managing Director Steven Wood said excess supply would continue to be a drag on commodity prices this year on global oil and US natural gas markets.

“Furthermore, the potential lifting of sanctions against Iran could bring even more supply to the market in 2016, offsetting any expected decline in US production,” he said in a note today.

Low commodity prices have led to deterioration in cash flows and liquidity, straining the already limited financial flexibility of speculative-grade O&G companies.

Even large, diversified investment-grade companies will struggle with diminishing financial flexibility and increasing financial leverage.

The credit ratings agency expects upstream capital spending to drop by at least 20 per cent to 25 per cent, leaving the oilfield services and drilling industry the most stressed sector in 2016.

“Integrated and national oil companies will cut capital spending and thus lower capital budgets in 2016. But, oilfield services and drilling companies in particular, will emphasise cost reduction as they adjust to reduced demand,” said Moody’s.

According to a report titled, “Global: Persistent Weak Prices in 2016 Rein in Capital Spending, Heighten Financing Risk”, Moody’s said the O&G sector overall, would likely see a rise in distressed exchanges and defaults this year.

– BERNAMA

Most of LG’s Tuesday morning was given over to ooh-and-ah displays of its big, beautiful, super-thin (as skinny as 2.5mm), Ultra-HD OLED TVs, but we’ve all seen really large, expensive TV sets displaying vibrant images. The company’s more novel innovations were shown off during the tail-end of the event, when LG showed off its new line of premium appliances.

For instance, there was the LG Signature washing machine that does away with the standard panel of buttons and dials and puts all the controls on the glass window.

And not only does this machine retain the in-the-pedestal mini-washer that LG introduced at last year’s CES, this version is also a combination washer/dryer. According to LG, the machine’s drying function requires half the electricity of a traditional electric clothes dryer.

Another cool idea with this washer: push-to-open. So if your arms are full of laundry — or maybe you’re talking on your phone and trying to load the washer at the same time — you can just push the door in and it will open; no having to put anything down to pull the handle.

Speaking of easy-open, the new LG Signature fridge features two interesting innovations. The first is a floor-level sensor that allows people to use their feet to tell the refrigerator to open the door. LG claims that a nosy pet won’t trigger the sensor, but we’ll believe that when we see it.

Then finally there’s the fridge door with a panel that turns transparent and lights up when you knock on it. Want to see if there’s milk, or if the butter is running low? Just knock and — assuming what you’re looking for is visible through that panel — you’ll know without having to open it.

The fridge also comes with an interior clad in stainless steel, which doesn’t just look rad, but which LG claims will better moderate the inside temperature.

As mentioned at the top, LG did spend an awful lot of time showing off its new Ultra-HD OLED TVs, so we might as well give you some more information on those.

The company is showing eight new models of these next-gen sets, which feature thinner displays and deeper blacks than the LED and LCD screens most people are used to. The screens range from 55″ to 77″.

By housing the TVs’ circuitry in its base, LG has gotten these OLED sets down to 2.57mm (.1″) thick. LG compares that to the thickness of a few credit cards stacked together.

The speakers are housed in a forward-facing soundbar that either sits below the screen. According to LG, this provides a more robust sonic experience compared to the downward-facing speakers found in most skinny TVs.

Of course, if you’re splashing out the money for a 77″ OLED set, what are the odds that you’re just using the speakers that come with the TV?

Oleh Ronasina

Sekali pandang kisah Datuk Seri Vida tuan punya produk kecantikan jenama Qu Puteh meletakkan dua syarat untuk dipenuhi oleh Persatuan Bolasepak Kelantan (KAFA) jika mahukan penajaan dari pihaknya seperti sebuah jenaka tetapi ia sebenarnya mengandungi moral kehidupan yang sangat serius.

Terdahulu diberitakan KAFA memerlukan dana RM15 juta untuk saingan liga Piala Malaysia 2016 dan Qu Puteh antara yang ‘dipinang’ untuk menaja pasukan bolasepak Kelantan yang bernama The Red Warriors (TRW).

Qu Puteh bersetuju jika dua syaratnya dipenuhi iaitu Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV dicat merah jambu dan nama pasukan bolasepak mestilah ditukar kepada Pamoga Qu Puteh The Red Warriors (TRW).

Drama ini membentangkan filosuf kehidupan pada zaman ini di mana ‘siapa ada wang dia berkuasa’. Dunia materialis mencipta hukum orang yang berkuasa berhak menentukan sesuatu untuk orang lain apatah lagi ke atas orang yang lemah dan terdesak.

Berapa ramai manusia pada hari ini di seluruh dunia dipaksa dan terpaksa bekerja serta melalui kehidupan yang bukan kehendak sendiri demi kelangsungan hidup menyara keluarga?

Hambatan kemajuan memaksa mereka menyerahkan tenaga untuk diperah kering oleh majikan yang hanya tahu menghitung untung. Pemerdagangan manusia berlaku rentetan dari terdesaknya hidup.

Bukan rakyat bawahan sahaja terpaksa bekerja keras menampung hidup dan menyara keluarga, menteri pun ada yang terpaksa buat dua kerja.

Inilah ikhtiar hidup (survival) yang terpaksa dilalui tanpa kompromi. Kerana wang, manusia bersesakan di lebuhraya setiap hari bekerja untuk membayar bil-bil yang muncul di hujung bulan. Tidak ada tawaran tolak ansur berlaku. Mesti dibayar. Hendak bayar, bekerjalah apa sahaja.

Manusia yang lemah dan terdesak akan berbuat apa sahaja asalkan terus hidup walaupun rundingan kesepakatan selalunya tidak langsung menguntungkan pihaknya tetapi biarlah asalkan tidak terlalu rugi. Apa pilihan lagi yang ada?

Kisah dua syarat Qu Puteh ke atas KAFA bukanlah hal hebat yang perlu diperbesarkan. Ia bukan seperti kisah legenda Puteri Gunung Ledang yang meletakkan tujuh syarat pelik untuk Sultan Mahmud penuhi jika mahu memperisterikan dirinya. Syarat ganjil Puteri Gunung Ledang sebenarnya sendiri adalah suatu penolakan. Tidak wujud perasaan cinta.

Tujuh syarat pelik Puteri Gunung Ledang adalah kubu yang dibina untuk menutup terus peluang Sultan yang bercita-cita memilikinya.

Manakala syarat Qu Puteh adalah sebuah tawaran untuk mengikat sebuah tali percintaan yang menjanjikan situasi sama-sama menang. Jika sama-sama setuju, hati sudah suka sama suka apalah ada pada nama, boleh sahaja ditukar. Andai cinta sudah berpaut, merah jambu itu romantik! Jangan kata wang tidak selalunya boleh membeli cinta. Jangan! Cinta boleh datang bertemankan wang.

Cuma dari perspektif yang lain, di ruangan ‘moral of the story’ pada kamus realiti kehidupan, wang adalah kuasa dan pemiliknya akan beroleh kesaktian menakluki dan memaksa orang lain yang terdesak untuk tunduk mengalah.

@ronasina merupakan pelukis/ penulis/ aktivis dan pengasas kempen Hope2Walk kesedaran tentang Cerebral Palsy.

KUALA LUMPUR: National oil company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has started oil production from the Tanjong Baram field on Aug 18, 2015.

Malaysia Airlines that is going through restructuring and is about to end its flights to Amsterdam and Paris at the end of this month just dropped a bomb this afternoon.

The airline made an announcement on its website that it will not accept any checked luggage on its European flights effective immediately citing strong headwinds. The airline will offload bags checked through Europe in Kuala Lumpur.

EDIT: Malaysia Airlines has now updated its website with the following information:

Normal baggage allowance on Malaysia Airlines’ flights to London, operated by the A380 aircraft, has been restored with immediate effect.

Baggage limitations however, still apply for flights to Amsterdam and Paris on 5-6 January 2016.

Please refer to our travel advisory section for further updates. Next update expected at 0100GMT/0900 Malaysian local time.

Here’s the information from Malaysia Airlines website (access here):

In the interest of safety, Malaysia Airlines currently operates a long route to Europe, which combined with temporary unseasonably strong head winds, is limiting the airlines’ ability to carry baggage in cargo.

This longer flight path consumes more jet fuel and for safety reasons, Malaysia Airlines has had to impose temporary limitation on checked in baggage allowance. From tonight, 5 January 2016 (until further notice), the airline will only be able to accommodate cabin baggage of up to 7kg – one piece totalling 7kg per Economy Class passengers and two pieces totalling 14kg (up to 7kg per piece) for Business/First Class passengers. Passengers who wish to check in their luggage will be able to do so, however their baggage will only arrive later.

Malaysia Airlines regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers and will deliver stranded baggage as soon as the situation permits. Guests are welcome to contact 1300-88-3000 for enquiries on the status of their checked in baggage.

Connecting passengers travelling on oneworld member carriers with through check in may also have their baggage offloaded due to this operational constraints.

Malaysia Airlines will continue to assess the changing situation over the region and will update passengers when operations are back to normal. Safety remains the centre of the airline’s operations.

Conclusion

This is really bizarre. The airline blames strong headwinds that doesn’t appear to affect other airlines flying from the region to Europe. Passengers are allowed to carry only 7 kilos with them in economy and 14 kilos in business or first class. EDIT: The strong headwinds no longer affect the London route operated by A380.

All other bags including those already tagged to their final destination in Europe are left behind and the airline promises to deliver them at the earliest possible convenience (for them likely) if ever.

This is basically a breach of contract and passengers traveling to Europe that have their bags left behind should immediately just buy whatever they need to conduct their business or holidays and claim the expenses from the airline.

I have zero faith that Malaysia Airlines will process the claims, however, without getting lawyer/courts involved.

If this is really the way the “new” Malaysia Airlines will conduct their business, they should just close the shop now. Even my computer bag that has only electronics inside weights more than 7 kilos. I would never ever leave any of my non-clothes/toiletries items behind. Clothes are always replaceable, but other items are not.

The humble egg is one of the most hackable, flexible foods you can eat. There are dozens of ways to make them, and no two ways are alike. In this video from Brothers Green Eats, you’ll learn ten different dishes you can make with just eggs (and maybe a little garnish.)

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Swaggering around as one of the world’s 17 ‘megadiverse’ countries (we’re the ‘forever home’ of 20% of all species), Malaysia practically twerks with life. Our endemic and exotic menagerie of slithering, swinging and swooping residents include politicians, tapirs, binturongs, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, pangolins and orangutans. Sending all these fauna – and us humans – scrambling for the hills in terror are members of the family we’d rather be estranged from (they’re not exactly ready for Malaysia’s family album close-up) and they include the following natural atrocities:

Kinabalu Giant Red Leech

First screamed at after being spotted in 2014 by horrified researchers (who initially sprinted in the opposite direction while peeing their pants), Mimobdella Buettikoferi is a Godzilla-sized carnivorous leech gallivanting in and around Mount Kinabalu Park at an elevation of between 8,000 and 10,000 feet. Little researched and yet to be properly classified by scientists (they’re too chicken s**t!), this Malaysian mutation can grow up to 1.5 feet long and feeds exclusively on the equally-traumatizing Kinabalu Giant Earthworm, which exceeds the Kinabalu Giant Red Leech in length by half a foot (portion control isn’t big on our friend’s list of priorities)

Chan’s Megastick

Also cheerfully greeting unsuspecting human visitors to Mount Kinabalu Park is the cuddly, fuzzy and eminently huggable Phobaeticus Chani – the world’s longest insect (something the world could probably have lived without). Going by the glamorous stage name ‘Chan’s Megastick’, the well-endowed (but clearly overcompensating) arthropod was discovered in 2008, and only 6 specimens have ever been found (one struck it big when it was whisked away to London for a life of luxury at the Natural History Museum, where it’s still living large). Because of its chronic stage fright, little is known about Chan’s Megastick’s ecology and biology.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpIz16DrwwE

Malaysian Cherry Red Centipede

Ensuring your feet never touch the floor again is Scolopendra Subspinipes, which, happily, prances over every inch of Malaysian soil (we can’t single-out Sabah/Sarawak for this L’Oreal beauty). It isn’t enough that the Cherry Red Centipede is among the largest of its kind in the world (growing to 20cm and beyond) – nature also made it exceptionally aggressive and active, and it preys on anything it can overwhelm (‘damn, nature, you scary’!). Before you start making plans to flee to Canada, though, take heart in the fact that the Cherry Red Centipede’s venom is only moderately toxic to healthy adults – its playful love bite will simply lead to severe swelling, weakness and fever.

---

 

And now, the antidote…

Canine-didates for forever homes:

Adorableness is now up for adoption, hoomans. Leaving paw prints all over your heart is this doggie duo – all that remains of a litter almost wiped out in a traffic accident. Ready to smother you with ‘ruff’ and affection, these 12 week-olds are loving, playful and brimming with tail-wagging energy. The black one is female and instantly approachable; while her beige brother is a tad more reserved, but loves to romp around, once you get him going. Give them a ‘woof’ over their heads, and you’ll fill their days – and yours – with a lifetime of love.

Contact KL Pooch Rescue at 012 224 368 for more information.

Carbohydrates come in two forms - complex and simple. The human body turns all types of carbs into glucose or blood sugar. However, complex carbs allow glucose levels to rise slowly, whereas simple carbs are converted to glucose very quickly. Complex carbs are found in foods like peas, beans, whole grains and vegetables. Foods that contain complex carbs also contain a lot of other valuable sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre.^[1] Simple carbs are found in fruits, milk, dairy products, candy, syrups, soda and any type of processed or refined sugar.^[2] Complex carbs and simple carbs like fruit, milk and other dairy products, should all be included in a healthy diet.

EditSteps

EditReading Food Labels

1. Know what items are required on food labels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains the labelling requirements of all food products in the United States. It is important to understand what items must be displayed on food labels, where they have to be displayed, and what those items actually mean.
   
   • Food manufacturers must place a "statement of identity" and the net quantity or amount contained in the package on the “principal display panel” or PDP. This is the portion of the label you can see when the product is sitting on a shelf.^[3]
   • The “statement of identity” is not considered the brand name, although that is also most likely on the PDP. Rather, it must be a name that properly describes what the product is (e.g. tomato soup, uncooked pasta, etc.).^[4]
   • Even in the United States, food labels are required to include both metric and imperial measurements.^[5]
   • Food manufacturers must also include an “information panel” or IP on their products. The IP must be the next panel or area on the package to the immediate right of the PDP. Information regarding the name and address of the manufacturer, the name of the distributor, ingredients, nutritional and allergy information, must all be displayed on this panel if they weren’t also displayed on the PDP.
2. Interpret the ingredient list. An ingredient list must contain all ingredients in descending order of predominance and weight (i.e. the most abundant item is listed first). Ingredient lists must include added water that may have been used when packaging the product. Plus, ingredient names must be the common names recognizable to the average person (e.g. sugar instead of sucrose).^[6]
   
   • If the product contains any type of chemical preservative, that too must be included in the ingredient list. And in addition to the name of the preservative, a brief description of what the chemical does must also be included (e.g. “Ascorbic Acid to Promote Colour Retention).
3. Understand what allergy labels mean. The Food Allergen Labelling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) depicts what items must be listed as allergens on a food label. Meat, poultry and egg products also have special requirements for labelling that are controlled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). FALCPA considers milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts and soybeans as “major” allergens. These items are responsible for about 90% of the food allergies experienced by Americans. Only these “major” allergens need to be listed on the package.^[7]
   
   • Raw agricultural items like fruits and vegetables do not require FALCPA labels.
   • Only crustacean shellfish are considered allergens, including crab, lobster, shrimp, etc. Oysters, muscles, etc., are not considered allergens.
   • While allergens must also be included in ingredient lists, FALCPA regulations require them to be listed separately so they stand out (e.g. "Contains eggs, milk.").
4. Develop an understanding of nutritional labels. Nutritional labels are required for all food products (except those listed below). However, the FDA does not dictate how these amounts are calculated. This means that a food manufacturer can use calculations that apply to their product “on average” rather than the actual measured amount in the packaging. In addition, the FDA expects manufacturers to be compliant and does not double-check their nutritional calculations.^[8]
   
   • Note that there are exemptions as to what products require a nutritional label. The following foods do not require an actual label (although you can certainly ask for the information): products sold individually via the deli or bakery counter (not packaged), most spices, fresh produce and seafood, individual items that are packaged within a multi-pack (only the outside packaging requires a nutritional label), and food items that are given away and not for sale.
   • Foods with less than 5 calories per serving can have “calorie free” on the packaging and 0 calories on the nutritional label.
   • For items with 50 calories per serving or less, the number can be rounded to the nearest 5 calorie increment. For items with more than 50 calories, the number can be rounded to the nearest 10 calorie increment.
   • Foods with less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving can have 0 grams of fat on the nutritional label. Foods with between 0.5 and 5 grams of fat can be rounded to the nearest ½ gram. Foods with more than 5 grams of fat can be rounded to the nearest whole gram.
5. Be aware of what “a good source of” and “high” nutrient claims mean. The FDA dictates which types of nutrient content claims (NCC) can be used on food packaging. Each of those NCCs has specific requirements that must be met before the claim can be displayed on packaging.^[9]
   
   • A product is considered “a good source of” something (e.g. fibre) if the product contains 10-19% of the daily recommended amount of that item (e.g. “a good source of fibre” can be used if the product contains 15% of your daily recommended intake of fibre).
   • A product is considered “high” in something (e.g. fibre) if the product contains at least 20% of the daily recommended amount of that item (e.g. a product can be considered “high in fibre" if the product contains 25% of your daily recommended intake of fibre).
6. Make sure you understand what “low,” “light” and “free” actually mean. Nutrient content claims (NCCs) include things like “low fat,” “fat free,” “sugar free,” etc. Manufacturers are not allowed to make up non-approved claims for their products - for example, “minor fat” or something similar.^[10]
   
   • Manufacturers are not allowed to use the words “low” or “free” on products that have not been specially processed (e.g. they cannot claim frozen peas are “low in fat”).
   • “Free” and “low” claims can only be made on products that also have a “regular” version. The “low” or “free” version must be processed such that it contains less of a specific item (like fat or sugar, etc.) than the “regular” version.
   • When making a “light,” “reduced,” “less,” “fewer,” “more” or “added” claim, the label must include: the % by which the food has been modified; the name of the reference food; and the amount of the nutrient that is in both the labelled product and the reference product. For example, “50% less fat than xxx. Light xxx = 4g fat; Regular xxx = 8g fat, per serving."
7. Recognize when a product is considered “healthy” or “fresh.” Like other nutrient content claims (NCCs), only foods that meet certain criteria can include the words “healthy” or “fresh” on the packaging.^[11]
   
   • A product can be labeled “healthy” when it can claim all the following: low in total fat, low in saturated fat, less than 480 grams of sodium (for a regular sized serving), has cholesterol low enough not to be listed, and contains at least 10% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein or fibre.
   • A product can be labelled “fresh” only when it is in its raw form and has not been frozen or subjected to any type of thermal processing or preservation.
8. Determine if the "% of" daily value on the label is appropriate for you. All nutritional labels on food products must contain a table with a specific list of nutrients. Nutrients can be excluded from the table only under certain circumstances. And the table must contain both the amount of that nutrient per serving and the % that nutrient represents as compared to Recommended Daily Values (RDVs). However, the RDVs of each nutrient is calculated for someone who has a caloric intake of 2,000 calories. Remember that many people consume less than 2,000 calories per day. Therefore, these percentages are simply a guideline and should be used as such.^[12]
   
9. Understand how carbohydrates are calculated for nutritional labels. The FDA requires that food manufacturers calculate total carbohydrates in their food with the following formula: Total Carbohydrates = Total Weight of Food Serving - (Weight of Crude Protein + Weight of Total Fat + Weight of Moisture + Weight of Ash). Sugar and fibre are considered carbohydrates and must be listed separately on a nutritional label.^[13]
   
   • Food manufacturers may use the terms “less than 1 gram,” “contains less than 1 gram” or “not a significant source of dietary fibre/sugar” if the product has less than 1 gram of fibre and/or sugar. They do not need to calculate the exact quantity.

EditCalculating the Carbs You Eat

1. Determine how much of your diet should consist of carbs. Diets for the majority of people should have 40-60% of their calories from carbohydrates. This may be lower in people with diabetes, PCOS, and other medical conditions.^[14] Carbohydrates can be found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products and grains, but not meat. One gram of carbs is, on average, equal to 4 calories.^[15]
   
   • Regardless of what carb counting method or calculation you use, remember that carbs are not the only item you need to count and calculate as part of your diet. You also need to include fat and protein to ensure you’re eating a balanced diet. And it sure doesn’t hurt to watch your sodium intake.
2. Convert carbs into food group servings. One way to determine how many carbs you can eat is to turn the fruits, vegetables, dairy products and grains into servings per day. The number of servings per day will depend on your age and gender. You can view a table of serving amounts here - http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/basics-base/quantit-eng.php. On average, adults of both genders should consume the following ranges of servings per day:
   
   • Grains = 5-8 servings per day. A grain serving can include things like: 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of cereal, ½ cup of rice, or ⅓ cup of cooked pasta. At least half your grain servings should be whole grains.
   • Fruits & Vegetables = 4-10 servings day.^[16] A fruit or vegetable serving can include things like: ½ cup of 100% fruit or vegetable juice, 1 large carrot, 1 cup of leafy greens, 1 medium apple, ½ cup of berries, or 20 grapes.^[17]
   • Dairy Products = 2-3 servings per day.^[18] A dairy product serving can include things like: 1 cup of skim milk, 50 grams of hard cheese, or ¾ cup of yogurt.^[19]
   • Don’t forget that you also need to consume 1-3 servings of meats or meat alternatives every day, which is where you’ll get the majority of your protein.^[20] One serving can include things like: 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, ½ cup of lean meats or ¾ cups of tofu.^[21]
   • While not listed exclusively as part of the food guide, a healthy diet should also include a small amount of unsaturated fats every day. For the average person this amount should be 2-3 tablespoons. Unsaturated fats would include vegetable oils, oil-based salad dressings, and soft non-hydrogenated margarine.^[22]
3. Learn to measure your food servings with a scale. Another way to calculate how many carbs are in a particular item, or to determine the proper serving size of an item, is to use its weight. Kitchen scales can be found in a large variety of stores, and are relatively inexpensive.
   
   • To calculate the grams of carbs in your food based on the weight, you need to know two things: the weight of the food item; and the “factor” for that food item. There is a different factor for each type of food (e.g. bread has a factor of 15, which means there are 15 grams of carbs for every ounce of bread).^[23]
   • You can find a list of food factors on the University of California’s Diabetes Education Online - http://dtc.ucsf.edu/pdfs/CalculatingCHObyWeight.pdf. (Note - the website is designed for diabetics, but the food factors are applicable to anyone.)
   • Example, let’s say you want to know how many carbs are in the bowl of strawberries you want to have for a snack. First, weigh the strawberries. Let’s say you determine that you have 10 ounces of strawberries. Second, look up the food factor for strawberries, which is 2.17. Third, multiply the weight and the food factor = 10 ounces x 2.17 = 21.7 grams of carbs.
   • You can also use weight to determine how many servings are in an item of food. For example, one serving of lean meat or poultry is considered to be ½ a cup. This is equivalent to 2.5 ounces or 75 grams. If you have a 4 ounce piece of cooked chicken, divide by 2.5 and you’ll find that piece of chicken counts as 1.6 servings.^[24]
4. Estimate your food servings visually. Visual estimations for things like apples, oranges, bananas, eggs, or slices of bread or bagels, are easy to determine. But measuring things like cheese, meat or loose items can be more difficult to estimate. There are several visualizations that can be used to help you measure your food servings, especially when you’re not at home, or not making the food yourself.^[25]
   
   • Dry cereal - a 1 cup serving looks like the size of a baseball.
   • Cooked cereal, rice or pasta - a ½ cup serving looks like the size of half a baseball.
   • Orange, apple or pear - 1 “small” fruit looks like the size of a tennis ball.
   • Raisins - a ¼ cup serving looks like the size of a golf ball.
   • Baked potato - 1 “medium” potato looks like the size of a mouse you’d use for your computer.
   • Chopped vegetables or salad mix - a 1 cup serving would look like the size of a baseball, or a handful.
   • Hard cheese - a 50 gram serving is almost equivalent to a 1.5 ounce serving which looks like the size of a 9 volt battery (the rectangle ones).
   • Lean beef or poultry - a ½ cup serving will look the size of a deck of cards.
   • Grilled or baked fish - a ½ cup serving will look like the size of a chequebook.
   • Margarine - a 1 teaspoon serving looks like the size of a postage stamp, and there are 3 teaspoons in a tablespoon.
   • Salad dressing or oil - a 1 teaspoon serving look like it would fill the cap of a normal-sized water bottle.
5. Calculate how many carbs are in the packaged foods you eat. A nutritional label on a package of food will list the number of carbs it contains. But there are a couple of things you need to remember when using these numbers to calculate how many carbs you’re eating.^[26]
   
   • The nutritional information is based on a serving size that is determined by the manufacturer. In some cases, like a individual carton of yogurt, the serving size equals the actual amount you’re likely to consume. In other cases, like cold cereal, the serving size may equal a much smaller amount, maybe ½ or ⅓, of what you would normally eat.
   • You will need to multiply the number of carbohydrates per serving on the nutrition label by the number of servings you actually consume. For example, if the label for a cold cereal says there are 10 grams of carbs per ½ cup of cereal, but you’re going to eat 1 ½ cups of cereal, you will need to multiply 10 grams by 3 to determine the actual carbs you’ll be consuming. In this example, it would be 30 grams.
6. Do not forget there are good carbs. Nutritional labels will list Total Carbohydrates, Dietary Fibre, and Sugars. Dietary fibre and sugar are both carbs, but your body doesn’t use them the same way. Fibre is not digested by your body, rather, your body simply passes fibre all the way through. Fibre can help with constipation and overall bowel health, lower your cholesterol, control your blood sugar levels, and help you lose weight.^[27]
   
   • Men 50 or younger should eat 38 grams of fibre per day. Men over 50 should eat 30 grams per day.
   • Women 50 or younger should eat 25 grams of fibre per day. Women over 50 should eat 21 grams per day.
   • Remember that fibre is a carbohydrate, so the fibre grams count as part of your carbohydrate intake.
7. Figure out your current carb consumption. Depending on what you are attempting to do with your diet, calculating the amount of carbs you’re currently consuming can be helpful. If you are planning to lose or gain weight in the future, knowing how many calories you are currently consuming will help to determine how many calories you have to reduce or add per day. If you aren’t planning to alter your weight, you can use this opportunity to develop a healthier eating plan that includes healthier carbs.^[28]
   
   • Start by getting yourself a journal, or creating a tracking spreadsheet on your computer.
   • On a daily basis (or even throughout the day) keep track of exactly what you eat and drink, including the amounts or weights.
   • Track yourself for one week, assuming the week you’re tracking is an average week for you. Don’t forget to include things like sauces, butter or margarine, dressings, etc.^[29]
   • If you eat any packaged food, keep track of the information from the nutritional label in your journal.
   • If you eat at a restaurant, try to locate their nutritional breakdowns via their websites. Or ask your server for a brochure.
   • For other types of food, use the USDA’s Super Tracker to look up the nutritional values (https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/default.aspx).
   • Add up the number of calories, total carbs, and dietary fibre for each day. It is probably also a good idea to include fat and protein in your calculations since your overall diet plan will need to take these into account.
   • Use your calculations as a starting point for making a future plan. There are useful apps available now for phones that allow people to track their daily intake of all nutrients; carbohydrates included.

EditPlanning for Carbs in Your Diet

1. Give yourself a goal. Before you can do any planning, you need to determine what your goals are. Do you want to maintain your weight, but maybe make healthier choices? Do you want to lose or gain weight? Take the number of calories you currently consume per day as a starting point and work to determine the number of calories you will need to consume in the future to meet your goals.
   
   • Remember that it takes a reduction of 500 calories per day (on average) to lose one pound per week.^[30] For most people, this reduction can come from carbohydrates. Remember not to cut down any macro-nutrient group too low. Avoid cutting back too far on protein and healthy fat as both as used from repair and hormone production.
   • Example: Say your current caloric intake was calculated to be 2,000 per day. You want to lose some weight, so you decide you need to cut back to 1,500 calories per day to do that safely. In order to maintain a healthy diet, 40-60% of those calories need to come from carbs. To make things easy, let’s assume you want to have 50% of your calories come from carbs. Multiply your daily calorie goal of 1,500 by 50% to get 750 calories per day from carbs. Now divide the 750 calories per day by 4 (as there are 4 calories in every carb) to get 187.5 grams of carbs per day. You now have your daily caloric and carb intake amounts.^[31]
2. Develop a meal plan. Using your calculated number of calories and carbs per day, start making yourself a meal plan. Use nutritional labels on food packages and the USDA’s Super Tracker (https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/default.aspx) to help you determine the number of calories and carbs in each item you include in your plan. The Super Tracker is also a great online tool to make a plan, as a ton of nutritional information is already included.^[32]
   
   • The Super Tracker will also remind you that daily exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
3. Remember to include fibre every day. You should try to eat something with at least 5 grams of fibre at breakfast, to start your day. Half of the grains you eat every day should be whole grains. Eat breads that have at least 2 grams of fibre per serving (a bread serving is normally 1 slice). Substitute whole gran flour for white flour when baking. Add fresh or frozen vegetables to foods like soups and sauces. Add beans, peas or lentils to your soup or salad.^[33]
   
   • Add unprocessed wheat bran to cereals to increase the amount of fibre.
   • Try brown rice, wild rice, barley, whole wheat pasta, and bulgur as opposed to the “white” versions.
   • When substituting whole wheat flour for white flour when baking bread, you may need to add more yeast or allow the dough to rise for a longer period of time. If baking powder is part of the recipe, increase it by 1 teaspoon for every 3 cups of whole grain flour.
   • Apples, bananas, oranges, pears and berries are great sources of fibre and can easily be eaten as a snack.
   • Nuts and dried fruit also have a lot of fibre, but some dried fruit may be high in sugar.
4. Do not forget to include nutrients from beverages. Everything you put in your mouth, even gum, can contribute to your daily caloric intake. Beverages, however, may be the most forgotten or overlooked. Water doesn’t have any calories, but it’s about the only beverage you don’t have to worry about. And while coffee or tea on their own may not be high in calories, you do have to count the milk, cream or sugar you put in them. In general, sugary drinks are the worst culprit. Non-diet soda, energy drinks, juice and added sugar in tea and coffee will add your calories up very quickly.^[34]
   
   • Remember that fruit juice is not the same as eating a piece of fruit. Consuming the same calorie level of juice vs. whole fruit does not mean that those two foods are equal. In whole fruit, fiber is included which helps to regulate the blood sugar spike that comes with consuming carbohydrates. Juices have little to no fiber causing them to spike blood sugar. Choose whole over juice.

EditTips

• For the detailed breakdowns of when food manufacturers can use certain words on their labels (e.g. low, free, reduced, etc.), review the chart found on the FDA’s website here - http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm064911.htm.
• For a more detailed overview of how to read a nutritional label on packaged foods, check out the explanation on the FDA’s website here - http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/LabelingNutrition/ucm274593.htm.
• To obtain a visualization of how much of each food group should be included in a healthy diet, visit the USDA’s Choose My Plate website - http://www.choosemyplate.gov/about.

EditWarnings

• People with certain medical conditions, like diabetes, should always consult their doctor before changing their diet.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Measure Your Bra Size
• Calculate Calories from Protein
• Calculate the Nutrition of a Meal
• Reduce Your Carbohydrate Intake
• Know Good Carbs from Bad

EditSources and Citations

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ARRECIFES: A speeding car careened off the road and smashed into spectators during the prologue of the Dakar Rally on Saturday, leaving at least 10 people injured, five of them seriously.

The incident, which involved the Mini of Chinese driver Guo Meiling, saw the prologue — which takes place before the first stage Sunday — “neutralised” and immediately suspended in horrific scenes, race organisers said.

Guo’s car veered off the course at the 6.6-kilometer mark of the 11-kilometer prologue on a stretch of straight country road near Arrecifes, a small town 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.

Race chiefs immediately deployed four medical helicopters, three medical vehicles belonging to the organisers and eight local ambulances to the scene of the accident.

A man and his 14-year-old son were the two most serious cases and had to be rushed to hospital, Carlos Mondino, the health secretary of Arrecifes, told channel Todo Noticias.

“In total, we had 10 patients, including four children and one pregnant woman, who is ok,” said Daniel Modesto, head of the local hospital.

Etienne Lavigne, the race director, said in a statement that a dozen people were hurt, including Guo.

The accident left Guo’s car battered, its bonnet strewn on the ground, as emergency workers carted the injured off on stretchers.

Between 50,000 and 60,000 people were expected along the route of the prologue.

In 2015, Polish motorbike rider Michal Hernik died at the end of a stage, but the last accident involving spectators at the Dakar Rally was in 2011, when one person was killed.

Nine-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb had safely negotiated the prologue in his debut on the Dakar Rally.

Dutchman Bernhard ten Brinke, driving a Toyota, had claimed victory, taking 6min 08sec to cover the 11 km special, beating Carlos Sainz (Peugeot) and Xavier Pons (Ford Ranger).

Loeb is seeking to follow in the footsteps of Ari Vatanen, who won the Dakar in his first attempt in 1987, back when it was raced in Africa.

“It was important to clear the prologue and avoid any mistakes on the first day,” said Loeb, driving a Peugeot 2008 DKR, having raced almost exclusively for another French manufacturer, Citroen.

Sunday’s first stage is between Rosario and Villa Carlos Paz.

– AFP

New Year's Resolutions - I'm doing it wrong.

Open thread below...

CHERAS:  Today Malaysian shoppers said Swedish retailer IKEA were taking advantage of the Malaysian obsession with designer furniture to push customers into their restaurant. “I didn’t plan on eating here,” said a Malaysian trying some salmon, “but I can’t resist a good sofa.  IKEA deliberately designs their stores such in a way that you can’t […]

The post IKEA accused of using tempting furniture to sell meatballs appeared first on FMN.

Ordering dessert might sometimes feel like a luxury, but it actually might be the wisest thing to order on the menu—at least in terms of return on investment.

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PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya should pressure Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to allow its Muslim female flight attendants the choice to don the hijab (head scarf) and not serve alcohol on flights, Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.

In a Facebook posting, the Perlis mufti, claimed this was an issue constantly raised to him by many Muslim female flight attendants.

Mohd Asri also related an incident where one flight attendant wept in front of him as she lamented that she was prohibited from wearing the tudung and was forced to serve alcohol.

MAS, he added, should not in fact serve alcohol, as many other airlines had also refrained from doing so.

“Let us push this proposal to a government that often incorporates Islam in many of its slogans.”

Earlier, Mohd Asri had said there were a segment of Malays who would throw a fit when informed that certain companies prohibited Muslim women from wearing the tudung or forced them to serve alcohol.

It was unfortunate, he said, that they often forgot how their very own national carrier, which represented the Malaysian image and identity did the same.

He also said this was not the first time such issues related to the attire of female flight attendants was raised, neither was their unhappiness at having to serve alcoholic beverages to passengers.

Some hardliners had claimed the shooting down of MAS flight MH17 over Ukraine in July 2014 was due to God’s wrath over these two very unIslamic factors.

You spend a lot of time with your mattress and yet you probably don’t clean it all that often. (If only we could throw it in the washing machine.) If you’ve got a steam cleaner—mop or handheld device—put it to use getting your mattress like new.

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It’s the least wonderful time of the year to get a peaceful workout. Throngs of eager exercisers will fill the nation’s gyms this week to work on their resolutions. Whether you’re one of the newbies or just a regular trying to get your scheduled sweat on, here’s how to deal with, or ditch, the crowds.

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KUALA LUMPUR: A political analyst, in his latest posting, noted that foreignpolicy.com did not list the incidence of corruption by individuals. “If it did that, who could have easily won? Will Malaysia once again bag the price through an individual?”

“The website reported that US President Obama was placed in a predicament when visiting Malaysia recently in the wake of reports that RM2.6 billion entered Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s personal banking accounts before the last General Election in 2013.”

Shahbudin Husin, the analyst, sees this as proof enough that the international community doesn’t buy the story that the RM2.6 billion was a political donation. “Even the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed that it was a political donation.”

“There’s no doubt that the RM2.6 billion political donation controversy and the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad) scandal contributed towards Malaysia emerging as the third most corrupt nation in the world.”

Again, said the analyst, in wondering who in the world would emerge as the most corrupt individual, recalled that Najib skipped the 16th International Anti Corruption Commission (IACC) in Putrajaya late last year.

Shahbudin lamented that there was no greater humiliation for Malaysia than being listed by the website as being not only among the most corrupt but the most corrupt in the Muslim world, and among the three most corrupt countries in the world. “2015 will remain a black mark in the history of the nation.”

“If we are among the top nations in the world, it’s for all the wrong reasons i.e. rampant corruption.”

The question that arises, said the analyst, was whether 2016 will be a year for making amends, for redemption, or whether it will witness the country continuing to degenerate into even further and greater corruption.

Shahbudin in commenting on the website listing Malaysia as the third most corrupt nation in the world noted that it has made world history under Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. “No other leader has achieved listing under any category.”

Evolutionary theorist Richard Dawkins is catching flak for abandoning what would have been a hostile interview with the New Stateman's Emad Ahmed. Instead of applauding Dawkins for even initially agreeing to discuss life, the universe, and everything with a journalist who believes in heaven-bound winged horses, Ahmed said that Dawkins "decided to angrily walk away from our scheduled interview after I confirmed my beliefs in the revelations of the Islamic faith, calling my views ‘pathetic.’" It's almost as if Dawkins decided he'd rather not participate in a rigged debate. The New Republic's Ryan Kearney noted -- and linked to a 2013 video, included below -- that Dawkins has submitted himself to such interviews in the past, but claimed that the fact that he didn't "storm off the stage" then indicates that "Dawkins is just using his beliefs as cover for his insolence" now. It is also, of course, entirely possible that whatever limit he has for nonsense was already exceeded in that 2013 interview, so he understandably did not want to subject himself to such an ordeal again. The problem with Kearney's argument is that it's inherently theist, the assumption being that it's the height or rudeness not to grant a theist his or her beliefs in an interview setting. If Dawkins had walked away from an interviewer who believed earthquakes were divine judgment and denied the validity of Charles Lyell's life work, no one would complain -- but because the belief in question involved one of The Big Three, at least as the West imagines it, he's being pilloried. https://twitter.com/RichardDawkins/status/681054216723496961 https://twitter.com/RichardDawkins/status/681061880144760832 As a devoted leftist and believer in democractic pluralism, I understand the urgency behind stopping the further ostracism of American Muslims -- I write about it every day -- but as someone who also wrote a dissertation on the history of debates about evolutionary theory and their effect on American culture, I can't help but think that inviting a figure like to Dawkins to his own execution and then complaining when he walked away might not be the best way to start a handsome discussion about inclusivity. Watch the aforementioned interview Dawkins gave to a theist in 2013 below via YouTube.

Continue Reading...

Tupperware and the like is great for storing leftovers, but it itself is kind of a pain to store. A sliding drawer with fitted with a pegboard is a great way to keep everything from tumbling around.

Read more...

Up until recently, I just assumed "the art of sandwich making" was better left to the professionals. I don't mean the basics — like ham and cheese on white or a PB&J — but the more ornate ones, like French dips, Cubans, and spicy Italians. I guess I figured that perhaps a deli had access to top-secret restaurant ingredients, or at the very least better-quality meats and toppings.

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JOHOR BAHRU: The father of a two-year-old toddler lodged a report on December 10, claiming that his daughter was possibly kidnapped by a male friend since the latter took her on a walk… over a month ago.

The Star Online reported that the father claimed his male friend left with the 2-year-old girl on November 11 on the pretext of going for “a walk.”

The incident occurred at Jalan Maju, Taman Pelangi. The father, an odd job worker, was lodging at various budget hotels at the time, and said that the ‘kidnapper’ gave him a few thousand ringgit before leaving with his daughter in tow.

Johor Bahru South OCPD, Asst Comm Sulaiman Salleh confirmed that three suspects in their 30’s have been detained in connection with the case, one of whom had a crime and drug-related past, and believe there are more involved.

However, Sulaiman exonerated the father who was released after investigations.

“He (the father) only realised that he was cheated after a month because his daughter was still missing and the kidnapper, whom he befriended that very day, could not be reached until today.”

Police are investigating the case under Section 48 of the Child Act 2001.

If there’s one thing in life I regret, it’s that I can’t remember the first time I ever ate bacon (or cheese, for that matter. Or pizza. Or Nutella). But through the glory of technology, there’s a whole new generation of kids who will easily be able to look back on their initial interactions with food, glorious food, because their parents are armed with camera phones to preserve the experience in thrilling detail.

Presenting: a child who, we are to surmise, has never tasted the crispy, savory, wonderful pork product that is bacon, until his parents filmed him for about a minute, exulting in his newfound gustatory appreciation and rehearsing the name of his new beloved over and over.

“BACON! BACON! BAAACON!” he screams triumphantly, head tilted back, eyes closed.

At least he’ll be able to grow up and point out the exact moment he fell for bacon, while the rest of us just have to imagine it was a pretty great moment in our lives that we’ll never get back.

What are the best books you read in 2015? (They don't have to have been published this year, but those are welcome, too.)

Do you have any reading resolutions for 2016? #Bustlereads challenges readers to read books by women and people of color for the following year.

Share what you have or will read, and it's an open thread. Happy New Year!

You most likely have a cocktail mixer on hand that you're not using: I'm talking about boxed wine. We already agree that it is totally deserving of a place in your fridge, but we often overlook its potential as a cocktail mixer — especially for large pitchers and punches.

Making your pitcher cocktails with wine will take them to a level beyond the standard booze and juice combination. Wine is a complex ingredient that brings depth, rich flavor, and acidity, so why don't we mix with it more often?

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The Islamic State group has garnered international headlines in recent years for coordinating and inspiring deadly rampages around the world — most recently in San Bernardino, California, and in Paris. The extremist group’s West African branch, Boko Haram, has arguably captured less media attention...

ALOR SETAR: The latest in surreal Malaysia continues with the Kedah state government requesting that a commercial developer “fix” the roof on one of its developments in Langkawi because a snapshot taken showed a shape similar to that of the Christian symbol of a cross on the rooftops.

Some commentators have attributed the cross-like shape to the angle at which the photo was taken, whilst others have derided it as a covert attempt at proselytisation.

According to a report by Sinar Online, Housing Exco, Tajul Urus Mat Zain said that they viewed the issue seriously and hoped that the property developer would give its cooperation in rectifying this. He added that the state would actively monitor the “problem”.

He said, “I request that the relevant property development company look into this problem so that the cross-like shape will no longer be seen on the roof of the houses.”

Speaking to Sinar Harian today, he added, “I do not want this matter prolonged because it is a sensitive issue of a religious nature. The property developer should ensure it is rectified.”

The photo, gone viral since its debut on December 22, has drawn support and brickbats from Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and shared 1,331 times.

Facebook user Izzul Aiman wrote, “Don’t take such things lightly. For if it is taken lightly, our faith and piety as servants of Allah can be threatened. Remember, the kafirs (heathens) will use the most subtle of methods to ensure we, as Muslims, stray from the path that Allah The Most Merciful has set for us…”

Writing under the pseudonym ‘Amin Takesah’, he/she said, “I’m a Muslim. Look carefully… it is the camera angle that makes it look like that… don’t be so ‘anti’ everything… pity my Christian friends… Muslims should not be so narrow-minded”.

User Angela Salnie wrote: “There’s always someone like this trying to split the races, don’t be so easily duped by such stupid matters… it just creates quarrels.”

It’s a pact as old as Old St. Nick himself: in exchange for years and years of presents “magically” appearing on Christmas morning, to the youngsters’ delight — without being able to take credit for it — parents offer up their offspring to Santa Claus. In turn, they get the reward of gleefully sharing photos of the momentous event for years to come. This might be the only time it’s considered appropriate to find humor in a child’s fear, and that’s why we like to share your photos of kids being totally freaked out by Santa every year.

And it’s a gift that keeps on giving — these screaming, caterwauling tiny humans will one day grow up to be fully-functioning adults who can not only share their past encounters with the bearded one, but set the wheels in motion with their spawn as well.

Without further ado, we present this year’s crop of kiddos temporarily driven teary by their encounter with Kris Kringle.

1.

“Here is a picture of our daughter Abigail who, after waiting in line three hours to see her second Santa of the season, she was still not a fan.” — Dad T.M., who clearly believes in the maxim, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again (and take photos).”

2.

“Moses, 19 months. He was all about Santa from a safe distance, but once that curiosity became reality, he did not scream with delight.” — Caleb

3.

“This is Julia at 16 months. This is just what we hoped would happen. Payback for toddlerdom.” — Jenna

4.

“We visited our local mall Santa for a family photo and quickly found out our son Gavin didn’t want anything to do with him. We left without a photo. Later that week, unknown to us… His daycare arranged a Santa visit — this is the photo he came home with… I’m sure he has a Santa stalking complex at this point.” — James (you did your best, don’t blame yourself!)

5.

“My son, Timothy, one day short of 18 months old at this year’s ‘Breakfast with Santa’ at our church. Mommy was hoping to get a picture of them together with her phone, just visible on the left side of the picture, but that wasn’t to be.” — Rob

6.

“Calvin was not too amused when Mom wanted a picture of him with Santa. One year earlier at 6 months he had no problem sitting on the big guy’s lap. What a difference a year makes!” — Amanda

7.

“Our 18-month-old twin sons, Owen and Ben, during their first encounter with Santa.” — Angie

8.

“We waited in a very, very, VERY long and slow line [in 2013] to wait for THE premier Santa in all of Portland. With a (barely) 2-year-old. We should have predicted the outcome. Our son Oscar is 4 now, and whenever he sees this photo, he talks about how scared he was.” — Aimee

9.

“This is my son, Anders, age 2, taken November 2015. He was super happy until we plopped him in Santa’s lap, then he started bawling. This was the happiest pic we got and it is what is going on the Christmas card.” — Kelani

10.

“My twins Lance and Lana are 7 now — sorry I cannot provide any funny anecdotes. I was more traumatized than they were!” — Cherie, who had no luck with this… twice (see photos above, below)

11.

12.

“My grandson Angel would not sit on Santa’s lap for a picture. Santa said, ‘I’ll bring you a choo-choo train.’ My grandson said, ‘No thanks.’ ” — Evelyn, who has a very polite grandson

13.

“It took little Maddie 2.3 seconds to go from skeptical to full on upset at being handed to a Santa. Later she would consent to a high five but otherwise. ‘No, no’ when asked if she’d like to tell him what she’d like for Christmas.” — Harold

14.

“Elliott, 13 months.” — C., a parent who lets photos speak for themselves.

15.

“I just had to submit this picture of my son’s first Santa Experience. Calex was 10 months old when this picture was taken in 2011, and it is still my favorite picture of him to date.” — SueAnna

16.

“Parker, age 3 (the happy one) and Connor, age 1.5 (crying). Connor wasn’t too thrilled with this year’s trip to see Santa.” — Tim

17.

“Gabriel and Taylor.” — Cassandra, another succinct parent.

18.

“This picture was taken in 2014. It shows my 1-year-old Devny meeting Santa for the first time with her 5-year-old sister, Presley. My wife is trying to get both to smile but only managed to distract them from looking at the camera. Santa just stared blankly at the camera waiting for me to take away this screaming mess of a child. It’s one of my favorite pictures EVER.” — Hunter

19.

“My son Jackson, age 8 months, Christmas, 2014. He did okay for a few seconds, but quickly lost tolerance.” — Rob

20.

“That’s me, Courtney, circa age two-and-ahalf, 1982… That’s my dad as Santa. I still feel a little terrible about this photo.” — Courtney, who should not feel terrible about this photo.

21.

“This photo was taken last year. My daughter was about 7 months old at the time and my wife and I thought it would be great to get a picture with Santa. The local haberdasher that I use (or more correctly, pay too much money to) brings in Santa once a year for photos with the kids as a way to get people in around Christmas. We made the trek down and put her in the new outfit my wife had picked out. Things were going well, they took a couple of nice photos, then they had to wait a minute to change camera batteries. That’s when it all went south in a hurry. They got the camera battery changed and took a quick picture of my daughter losing her mind while Santa held her.” — John, who is the second person I know who frequents a haberdasher.

22.

“Harley, 15 months old. Santa sure looks like he’s having a good time, Harley on the other hand… Both mom and dad think it’s as funny as Santa does.” — Adri

23.

“Logan was three years old when this was taken. We’re probably pretty bad parents, because we thought this was hilarious. We put it on all of our Christmas cards that year!” — Allison, who is not a bad parent just because this is hilarious.

24.

“On the right, wondering exactly when this massive hulk of a man will consume his little body: Matthew, 15 months old. The wife wanted ‘cute photos of both boys smiling’ so we trekked over to the local mall. Dressing them in matching outfits, we were ready for the cuteness to begin! Unfortunately, while Andrew was perfectly happy sitting on Santa’s lap and smiling at the camera, and Matthew was okay waving ‘hi’ to Santa from afar, bringing Matthew any closer than about five feet quickly led to a breakdown of epic proportions.” — Fernando

25.

“Here are my two kids together. Juliet, 3, and Jackson, seven months. Scary Santa on the Disney Cruise!” — Mom Michelle, who knows kids can’t escape Santa on a boat.

26.

“This is my child, Gumpo (age 4 at the time). This was his first visit to Santa at the mall. We take him every year — but this was the best photo. Those eyes…” — Wes, who we do not judge for submitting a photo of his cat — nay, we salute you, Wes.

27.

“Here is a picture of my daughter, Liz, when she was just four. I wouldn’t doubt that her older brother had talked her into this little trick.” — Denise, with one of the best photos ever that isn’t actually of a kid freaking out, but being totally awesome.

For more fun with Santa, check out our archives for 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Skin plays a significant role in the health of our bodies, but having soft, healthy skin is also important for self-esteem. There are many things that can prevent your skin from feeling soft and smooth, including exposure to the elements, irritants and pollutants, lack of moisture, and poor overall health. Getting and keeping your skin soft involves proper diet, following healthy routines, taking care of your skin inside and out, and avoiding things that could irritate or dry out your skin.

EditSteps

EditGetting Soft Skin

1. Exfoliate weekly. Exfoliation makes your skin softer by removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. You can scrub your face with coffee grounds mixed with some mild soap,^[1] or a store-bought exfoliation product. For relief of redness as well, look for something that contains green tea extracts and glycolic acid.^[2]
   
   • Avoid exfoliating more than once or twice a week, as exfoliating too often can cause skin irritation.
2. Wash properly. Moisture loss and removing your skin’s natural oils can lead to dry and flaky skin, and bathing too often, bathing for too long, and using hot water can all increase moisture and oil loss. Bathe every other day if you can, use cooler water, use your hand or a soft cloth instead of a scrubber to apply soap,^[3] and limit your shower time to five or 10 minutes.^[4]
   
   • After your shower or bath, don’t rub your skin dry, as this can remove moisture and oil. Instead, gently pat or rub yourself with a fluffy towel.^[5]
   • When your skin is still somewhat damp, apply your favorite moisturizer.
3. Shave properly. If you choose to shave, save shaving for last when you’re bathing, because this will give your skin time to soften up. Use a moisturizing shaving cream and sharp razors with multiple blades. It’s also important to shave downward, or with the direction of your hair growth to prevent irritation.^[6]
   
   • Don’t shave first thing in the morning when you’re retaining water, as you won’t get as close a shave.
   • Treat razor burn with a warm compress, and always moisturize after shaving.
   • To avoid the added cost of shaving cream, you can use hair conditioner as a substitute, but avoid soap as it won’t lubricate your skin enough.
4. Moisturize daily. Your skin doesn’t seem to mind what kind of moisturizer you prefer, as long as you use it often and regularly.^[7] Always moisturize after bathing or shaving, before applying makeup, after removing makeup, and after doing dishes or getting your skin wet.
   
   • Look for a moisturizer that has plant-based oils and hydrating ingredients like vitamin A, vitamin E,^[8] cocoa butter, shea butter, lavender, and chamomile.^[9]
   • For particularly dry skin, try a deep overnight skin conditioning. Before bed, apply a heavy-duty moisturizing cream to dry areas like your hands, feet, and elbows. Then, put on cotton socks and gloves, and wrap your elbows with a soft cloth.^[10]
5. Keep your makeup brushes clean. Makeup brushes can harbor bacteria and spread from one area of your body to another, clogging pores and causing irritation. To avoid this, wash your brushes weekly with liquid soap and warm water. Allow them to dry out again before use.^[11]
   
6. Remove makeup before bed. For people who choose to wear makeup, sleeping with it on can clog your pores and lead to infections.^[12] Before bed, use a gentle cleanser, lukewarm water, and soft cloth to remove your makeup. Pat your face dry and apply moisturizer.
   
   • Use makeup sparingly if you do choose to wear it, as it can dehydrate and dry your skin. Look for brands that don’t contain dangerous ingredients, and that are hypoallergenic.^[13]
7. Apply skin-softening foods topically. There are many skin-friendly foods that are good to use both inside and outside of your body. For instance, potatoes can help reduce puffiness, while avocado can make your skin look fresh and plump. Citrus fruits, which shouldn’t be applied to the face, can be used as exfoliants, and pineapple has been known to brighten skin.^[14]
   
8. Treat yourself to a massage. Not only are massages relaxing and wonderful, but they also increase circulation, which helps bring nutrients, hydrating water, and a radiant glow to your skin. Moreover, oil massages can also be very moisturizing, so even if you don’t opt for a professional massage, treat yourself by massaging your hands, face, arms, legs, and body with your favorite oil before bed a couple nights a week.
   

EditAvoiding Common Irritants

1. Shield your skin from dry cold. Humidity levels tend to drop in colder weather, which means less moisture in the air, and drier skin. To make matters worse, artificial heat further reduces moisture, leaving you with dry, itchy, flaky skin. You can help prevent dry skin by:
   
   • Showering less in the winter.
   • Moisturizing more.
   • Installing a humidifier to add moisture back to the air in your home or office.^[15]
2. Protect yourself from the elements. The cold, dry air of winter isn’t the only environmental factor that can cause your skin to be less soft. Exposure to wind can cause dryness and irritation, while UV exposure can cause premature aging, wrinkles, leathery skin, and more serious medical issues like skin cancer.
   
   • Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen, sun-protective apparel, and SPF makeups and moisturizers.
   • Protect your skin from the cold and wind with gloves, hats, scarves, and other winter gear.
3. Stay away from allergens and irritants. There are many things that can cause your skin to become blotchy, red, itchy, and flaky, including fabrics like wool, harsh detergents and fabric softeners, perfumes and fragrances, dyes, and non-hypoallergenic cosmetics and creams.^[16]
   
4. Avoid dehydrating ingredients and products. Stay away from alcohol-based products that go on your skin, and anything containing sodium lauryl sulfate.^[17] It’s also important to watch what goes into your body, as diuretics like caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes can dehydrate your skin, lead to wrinkles, and make your skin look sallow.^[18]
   

EditKeeping Skin Healthy

1. Eat for soft skin. Many healthy foods contain ingredients and nutrients that will keep your skin soft and radiant. Eat a balanced diet that’s loaded with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and a moderate amount of healthy fats. Skin-friendly foods include:
   
   • Foods with a high water content, such as kiwi, cantaloupe, apple, watermelon, celery, cucumber, and zucchini.^[19]
   • Foods that contain vitamin C and zinc, which help with collagen and elastin production. These include dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, beans, mushrooms, citrus fruits, and berries.
   • Omega-rich foods that fight wrinkles, such as hemp and flax.^[20]
   • Antioxidants like tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, berries, and other red, orange, and yellow foods. ^[21]
2. Drink water instead of sugary drinks. While the eight cups of water rule is a generalization, it is important to stay hydrated. If you feel thirsty, your body is telling you that you need water, so drink up!
   
   • Don’t fret over the natural sugar found in fruits, but you should avoid drinks like pop that contain lots of added sugar, which can lead to wrinkles and saggy skin.^[22]
3. Exercise regularly. Along with improving overall physical and mental health, exercise also increases circulation, bringing nutrients to your skin that make it soft and healthy. Also, the sweat helps to wick dirt and bacteria away from your skin, which can help to keep pores clear. Always be sure to at least rinse off with cool water after a workout to remove sweat and dirt.
   
4. Get your beauty sleep. Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin taut and wrinkle-free, and this is created thanks to growth hormones that are secreted during sleep. A good night of rest, therefore, is necessary for smooth and soft skin.^[23]
   
5. Address medical issues. Many skin-related problems can lead to rough, red, blotchy skin that isn’t smooth or soft. Often, redness, scaly skin, itching, blisters, and excessive pimples can be treated with special medications or ointments, depending on the cause. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you may have skin problems such as:
   
   • Acne
   • Eczema
   • Psoriasis
   • Dermatitis

EditTips

• While it may be tempting to pop pimples to make them less apparent, it’s usually best to let them run their course without touching them. Popping a pimple can push bacteria further into your skin, can spread bacteria to new places, and can ultimately lead to permanent scarring.^[24]

EditRelated wikiHows

• How to Get Baby Soft Skin
• How to Make a Butter, Olive Oil and Honey Facial
• How to Get Soft Skin
• How to Get Soft Skin in 20 Minutes
• How to Get Soft Skin on Your Legs
• How to Exfoliate Your Body for Soft Skin

EditSources and Citations

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