Christmas in Germany: German holiday traditions, recipes, food, crafts, games, devotions

 Looking for Christmas around the world activities? How about a global hop to Christmas in Germany? Here are German holiday activities. First a little history on Germany. Ancient Germans were druids that worshiped nature. They celebrated Winter Solstice or Saturnalia from which come many Christmas traditions.Then warring Saxon, Hunnic and Teutonic tribes brought their gods of Valhalla. From them come week day names--Thursday (Thor), Friday from his vengeful wife Freya and Wednesday from brother Woden (also known as Loki the trickster). They worshiped the sacred oak, which became a deity because it was so large. Christmas in Germany: German holiday traditions, food, fun to scare off Krampus! | Examiner.com

Christmas diet tips: Holiday recipes to curb sugar cravings, tame sweet tooth

Parents, are you and/or your children trying to lose weight? The holidays are the hardest time, aren't they? Halloween candy, Thanksgiving pies, Christmas cookies, holiday baked goods and desserts, Hanukkah treats, Three King Cake--from Halloween to Epiphany, the Christmas season equals sweets. And it's so hard on the poor kids--so many goodies, so little time! So here are Christmas diet tips to curb sugar cravings and holiday recipes for sweet tooth tamers.  Christmas diet tips: Holiday recipes to curb sugar cravings, tame sweet tooth | Examiner.com

Ketogenic diet: High-fat, high-protein, low-carb diet aids fat burn, weight loss | Examiner.com

Originality the ketogenic diet was used only to treat epilepsy. Now, thanks to advocacy from celebrities who've had dramatic weight loss with it, the ketogenic diet is in vogue. Global New Wire reported Nov. 12, that medical experts are finding the ketogenic diet--which is essentially a high fat, high-protein, low carb diet--burns fat and aids weight loss. And not just a little weight loss. Results from the ketogenic diet have been dramatic. Some experts question whether ketosis is dangerous for the body. But it may actually be healthy. What's ketosis? It just means the body no longer gets many carbs and so doesn't depend on carbohydrates for energy. Needing fuel to burn, the body seeks out deep tissue fat that is buried in cells, around internal organs and in the belly, thighs, buttocks, hips and under the arms. With 2/3 of the U.S. overweight and 35-percent obese, maybe it's time to rethink some of these less traditional diets, medical advisers say.Ketogenic diet: High-fat, high-protein, low-carb diet aids fat burn, weight loss | Examiner.com

Mediterranean diet stops Alzheimer's: Brain food swaps slow aging, lose weight | Examiner.com

Did you know eating a Mediterranean diet stops Alzheimer's disease and brain shrinkage? The Los Angeles Time reported on Oct. 21 that the brain shrinks in old age (that's why the elderly slow down and suffer memory loss associated with Alzheimer's). But happily, you can slow aging by eating more fish, less meat and other brain food swaps on the Mediterranean diet. Following the Mediterranean diet helps with weight loss, heart health and a bunch of other condition, too. Here are more brain food swaps to slow aging, lose weight and improve health.  Mediterranean diet stops Alzheimer's: Brain food swaps slow aging, lose weight 

A-Z fiber fatty acids food swaps: Cleanse, burn fat, reverse Type 2 diabetes

A study for the University of Finland links obesity to Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes (also called insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome). The study says Type 2 diabetes is reversible with diet. I'm proof of that. After I lost 100 pounds, dropped 10 sizes and got my BMI to normal, I also lost pre-diabetes.   A-Z fiber fatty acids food swaps: Cleanse, burn fat, reverse Type 2 diabetes | Examiner.com

Coffee recipes, iced coffee, coffee cake recipes for National Coffee Day

Cafe Ole! Java junkies rejoice because September 29 is your holy day of obligation! Here are coffee recipes for iced coffee, coffee cake and caffeinated treats for National Coffee Day! CNN Money reported that some coffee shops are giving free coffee and even coffee trees! Snag yours from this list of free coffee venues. Enjoy with these recipes! Dieters, you're going to love this: because coffee is high in caffeine it boosts metabolism. That means it burns fat and helps you lose weight. So coffee mugs aloft and say "fill 'er up, please!" Low calorie options are listed for the sweet java treats. Grind your own beans and use two filters for auto drip coffeemakers, to get a better cup 'o joe!

Iced Java-mocha Coffee: In a personal blender, add cold, fresh-brewed Sumatra or espresso coffee. Add Hershey's chocolate syrup (sugarfree for dieters), vanilla ice cream, (or vanilla almond or cashew milk for dieters), non-dairy French vanilla creamer and ice. Blend till smooth and serve with whipped topping and shaved dark chocolate. Make the same drink warmed without ice for chilly fall mornings. This drink goes well with savory snacks. To make alcoholic java-mocha iced coffee, add a shot of Creme de Cacao and a shot of Kahlua in place of creamer.

Toffee Coffee Cake: So who has time to bake on a busy back-to-school September morn? So cheat and use a boxed cake mix: French vanilla works best. Spray two round pans with non-stick coating. Blend butter, sugar, chopped pecans and butterscotch chips. Spread in pan bottom. Make cake according to directions, but substitute cold coffee for water. Split mix in half between two cake pans and bake. Spread one with caramel coconut pecan frosting. Invert the other cake over frosting side so bottom topping is on top. Frost sides of desired, or puff with powdered sugar.

Apple spice coffee cake: For lighter cake, use a spice cake mix. Use coffee for water. Swap Splenda for sugar, flaxseed for eggs and applesauce for oil. Make crumb base by trading butterscotch chips for apple slices and blend with cinnamon, Splenda and walnuts. Substitute that for caramel frosting.

Triple Coffee-Chocolate cake with Coco-Mocha Coffee Fudge Frosting: Choose a dark chocolate cake mix and make with strong, black cold coffee instead of water. Add dark chocolate chips when cake is partially baked. Blend butter, powdered sugar, dark chocolate cocoa powder, vanilla, salt and warm to tepid black coffee. Blend till smooth. Bake cake for one-third of the time. Remove from oven and add dark chocolate chips. Divide frosting in half. With a frosting bag, "pipe" ribbons of fudge frosting through cake mix and finish baking. Frost with remaining frosting. Serve with coffee ice cream, topping, and hot coffee!

Fun coffee add-ins: When you brew coffee, add to grounds basket one of these add-ins: ground cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa, nutmeg, allspice or pure vanilla. Sweeten coffee with caramel, chocolate or maple syrup. For creamer, use any flavored variety, almond milk, coconut or cashew milk. For bacon coffee, add fresh cooked, chopped bacon and a little bacon grease. Sweeten with maple syrup. 

Healthy breakfast recipes, quick school breakfasts for Better Breakfast Month - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

September is Better Breakfast Month. It's also the traditional back-to-school month. Here are healthy breakfast recipes and quick, easy school breakfasts even young kids can make. These breakfasts are low sugar, high fiber and full of protein and good, healthy fats. Many recipes are gluten free or low-glycemic, too.   Healthy breakfast recipes, quick school breakfasts for Better Breakfast Month - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Chipotle sued on non-GMO claims despite Chipotle disclaimer to using some foods made from GMO corn and soy

Chipotle Mexican Grill made a name for itself, vowing not to serve genetically modified organisms. But now Chipotle is being sued on non-GMO claims despite Chipotle's disclaimer to using some GMOs. Fortune reported September 1 that a class-action lawsuit was filed against the popular Mexican-themed fast food restaurant, for "deceptive" promises not to serve GMO foods. The lawsuit says ingredients used in menu items are composed of genetically modified foods. Chipotle uses meat, cheese, and sour cream made from animals fed on GMO soy and corn. Chipotle soft drinks contain corn syrup made from GMO corn.Chipotle sued on non-GMO claims despite Chipotle disclaimer to using some GMOs - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

 

Peachy-keen recipes for National Peach Month: Nectarine desserts, peach recipes

August is National Peach Month. If you crave summer peach goodness, here are peachy-keen recipes and nectarine desserts to celebrate! These peach recipes are light, healthy and deliciously, decadently diet! These recipes take you from beverage to appetizer to dessert!Peachy-keen recipes for National Peach Month: Nectarine desserts, peach recipes - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

 

Blue Bell Ice Cream to return after Listeria scare, just in time for National Ice Cream Month

A century-old creamery almost had to hang up its ice cream scoops for good. But fans will be glad to know that Blue Bell Ice Cream will be back in stores again, reported Good Morning America. A Listeria outbreak sickened 10 people and killed three. Blue Bell's comeback is just in time for National Ice Cream Month in July. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sourced the Listeriosis outbreak to ice cream and frozen novelties from Texas-based Blue Bell Creameries.Blue Bell Ice Cream to return after Listeria scare for National Ice Cream Month - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

 

Red white and blue desserts, flag cake, patriotic party foods for July 4

 Looking for fun red white and blue desserts and patriotic party foods for 4th of July? Here are recipes for flag cake, RWB party foods and snacks and kid-friendly Independence Day snacks. Red white and blue desserts, flag cake, patriotic party foods for Memorial Day - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Father's Day gifts: Man-pleasing recipes, menus and foods dad will flip over! - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

At the risk of gender profiling, let's agree women and men don't like the same foods typically. Gals can subsist on tofu and sprouts. We may even fake we like it. Guys typically can't and they certainly won't pretend to like it. On Father's Day, they shouldn't have to. So here's a recipe shout-out for the boys. Use these Father's Day menus of man-pleasing foods to satisfy the y-chromosome! Dad will flip over any one of these Fathers Day menus Happily, recipes are easy and mostly inexpensive.Father's Day gifts: Man-pleasing recipes, menus and foods dad will flip over! - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

 

Graduation open house appetizer recipes: Easy, cheap open house hors d'oeurves

Oh, oh! You put off planning that graduation open house until the last minute. Here 25-plus graduation open house appetizer recipes. Use these easy cheap open house hors d'oeuvres and finger foods for weddings, bridal showers, first Communion receptions and other open houses. Don't feel the need to make a full meal. Appetizers, snacks and finger food are much easier and cheaper than full buffets.  Graduation open house appetizer recipes: Easy, cheap open house hors d'oeurves - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo: Healthy, budget Latino party foods

Cinco de Mayo, May 5 celebrates the victory of Mexican army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It's not the Mexican Independence Day and not celebrated much in Mexico, but it's a favorite Hispanic American holiday. Here are Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo. Whip up these healthy, budget 4-ingredient, Latino-inspired foods to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. These Mexican dishes serve hungry folks economically.Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo: Healthy, budget Latino party foods - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

 

Egg recipes to use up leftover Easter eggs: Raw and hard-boiled egg recipes - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

With the Easter holiday blowout over, are you are stuck with several dozen Easter eggs threatening to spoil? Whether raw or hard-cooked, eggs spoil fast. Here are healthy recipes to use up leftover Easter eggs. These recipes cover hard-boiled and raw eggs. Note: don't use eat hard-boiled eggs that sit at room temperature longer than three hours. Throw them out. Even cooked, unrefrigerated eggs cause illness.  Egg recipes to use up leftover Easter eggs: Raw and hard-boiled egg recipes

Easter Bunny crafts, edible Easter bunny recipes: homemade rabbit-themed treats

Spring is in the air! Time for Easter bunny, baskets, candy, baby animals and best of all, bunnies! Did I mention bunnies? If you're looking for cute edible Easter bunny crafts to make? Here are three easy, edible, eco-friendly and uber-cute Easter bunny craft projects for ages 2 to 102  Easter Bunny crafts, edible Easter bunny recipes: homemade rabbit-themed treats

Pizza recipes to teach math lessons teach geometry, fractions, decimals, percents for Pi Day - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

March 14 is Pi Day. It's not a spelling error for pie day. Pi is a Greek term denoting the mathematical portion 3.14 (or 22/7 in fraction form) used in geometry. That's why it's celebrated on 3/14. And Pi Day 2015 has math nerds especially geeked because it's pi to the 4th place value: 3.1415, reported WBEZ on March 13. Pi Day celebrates geometry and math. Take a bite out of math anxiety with these hands-on pizza "pie" math lessons for Pi Day.  Pizza pie math lessons teach geometry, fractions, decimals, percents for Pi Day

Valentine's Day recipes, homemade decorations, heart-shaped cupcakes, cookies

 Arrgh! Your child did it again. She volunteered you to make three dozen cupcakes (pink, heart-shaped, with sprinkles, please) for her class Valentine's Day party--tomorrow! And when does Lil Miss Cupid spring this news? 9 p.m.--no time to go to the store for supplies. Well, have no fear, Mama Been-There-Done-That has super-fast, last-minute, homemade treat recipes made with on-hand ingredients. You get bonus DIY heart-shaped snacks and improvised frosting, sprinkles and decoration tips. Valentine's Day recipes, homemade decorations, heart-shaped cupcakes, cookies 

Fat burning oatmeal cleanse recipe, superfood antioxidants melt pounds

Was that New Year's resolution to lose weight? How's that going? Are you still following that diet or did your good intentions go out with the Christmas tree? What you need is a fresh start. Here's a yummy diet oatmeal cleanse recipe that features low calorie, lowfat, omega fatty acids, fat-burning foods, high protein, high fiber, superfood antioxidant goodness. Whew! One little meal sure accomplishes a lot! Purge those post-holiday pounds. I've lost over 100 pounds and I eat this daily. It's packed with protein to keep you going, plus it's super-fast to make in the microwave.  Fat burning oatmeal cleanse recipe, superfood antioxidants melt pounds