Ch-Ch-Ch- Chia!

This Guest Post is written by the inimitable MizFit, and she's even included a video--unless Crabby has screwed up the coding, in which case she's included a nice blank space. There's a lot more cool stuff at MizFit's blog, so make sure you stop by if you're not already addicted. Enjoy!


Chia seeds are the new rage (if by rage you mean healthy stuff we're told to eat in the name of longevity----which MizFit does) and, indeed, they are precisely the same seed used to grow the frizzy "hair" on the Chia Pet plants.

(It's the easy joke. It's the obvious joke, People, but it bears repeating: NO, you CAN NOT simply eat your Chia Pet.)

Lemmie explain.

The chia seeds are derived from a mint-related plant known as Salvia hispanica. The seeds are high in protein (to know MizFit is to know she is all about the protein), fiber & calcium. Chia seeds are also higher in omega-3 than any other plant source, including the *amazing* flaxseed, which MizFit hath previously commanded you sprinkle on every, single item you consume.

(Does the above fact change my mind? you must view the video in order to to find out.)

Another benefit to Chia (*sigh* I am forced to admit over my beloved flax seeds) is that it expands in your stomach and, as a result, helps you to feel full longer.

In fact, the ancient Aztecs are rumored to have eaten chia before they commenced long marches (I'm thinking if it sustained them through a 'long march' it can definitely see me through a morning with the Toddler Tornado. We shall see.)

Chia seeds are also GREAT for diabetics as they slow down the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose due to their high fiber and protein content.

(I know. MizFit has lost her mind with ChiaLove & is all about espousing the information today. You'll have that.)

Bottom line? Check them out. Chia is great for your health, will help reduce your cravings with their high fiber content and are easy to use.

How easy? (thanks for asking!) Here's a muffin recipe and please to check out the video below.

It's Chiarrific.





(And big love goes out to my DoctorCrush Mehmet without whom the masses might never have realized this amazing seed maketh more than an inexpensive holiday gift for the officemate you barely know). --MizFit

Random Friday

Stop Grinning & Get to Work!

[By Crabby]

So yep, it's that time of the week again...

Happiness: Hey, Go Easy There, Will Ya?
A new study found that people who rate themselves as moderately happy actually tend to be more successful and have higher incomes than those who give themselves ten out of ten on the happiness scale. But insanely enough, most of the reports about this study (including the press release) take this to mean: don't try to be too happy. God forbid you should be less successful or have a lower income, and settle for silly old happiness instead!

As I've said before, I think self-measures of happiness are bogus. Many people who rate themselves 10/10 are not rating their actual happiness--they're just demonstrating their tendency towards social conformity and black & white thinking. I'm not surprised 10's are not as successful as the more realistic 8's or 9's. But I don't think it's because 10's are actually happier. (Note: I'd take absolute delirious happiness over "success" any day).

More Reasons to Exercise:
Yeah, there's a new study like this every week saying you're screwed, health-wise, if you don't exercise. This one's especially interesting though, because it says that people who don't exercise have shorter telomeres in their dna. (Note: shorter telomeres are a bad thing--they're sort of a shorthand for our biological age. When telomeres get too short, cells can't divide anymore).

Another odd finding though, was that exercise only helps when it's leisure time exercise, as opposed to hard manual labor. The theory is that psychological stress plays into cell aging as well. (Just don't tell the hotel maids about this, okay?)

Department of Duh:
According to a recent news story, lots of people think meat is a good source of fiber. The National Fiber Council (there is one? Really?) says that 62 percent of people surveyed think meat is a source of fiber. Not coincidentally, "sixty-five percent of respondents said they try to eat foods that are high in fiber." (via That'sfit).

Bring On the Googlers, It's Another Breast Item!
As many other female bloggers have no doubt discovered, all you have to do is mention the word "breasts" in a post to lure hordes of mammary-seeking males over to your site. ("Big Bouncy Breasts") works even better. So, hi guys! (And, um, sorry. False alarm. No naked flesh here; try again later, when hell freezes over).

Anyway, this strange breast item was stolen from is courtesy of Marijke. She found a new study that links increased diabetes risk to larger breast sizes. So at least for certain health risks, it's no longer "the bigger the better the tighter the sweater." (Am I the only one old enough to remember "we must, we must, we must improve our bust?")

Speaking of Marijke, check out this great new food-hurling utensil she just found for us, the zing!

And to make this 3 Marijke-related items in a row... want to help out her at her great new blog, Help My Hurt? There's some sort of February comment contest going on at her blog network, so if you've been meaning to stop by and share your thoughts, this is a great month to start doing it!

Crabby's New Digs?

(Photo by Semanchuk.com)

Nah, but Jennifer at Offbeat Homes found this for me and, my goodness it's... um... different! (Offbeat homes has tons of bizzaro houses, many of them way prettier than this one. It's a great place to fantasize about what you'll do with those lotto winnings that should be coming in any week now.)

Risque T.V. Commercials:
Just how I like my commercials--if I have to see them, I'd prefer they be at least a little bit dirty. I'm classy like that.

If it's not your native tongue, here's a very good reason to take English lessons. (Warning: NSFW unless you keep the volume low.)

Guys Like Big Manly SUV's , apparently, though we're not sure women care quite as much.

And finally, this one demonstrates The Many Advantages of Reclining seats.

So have at least a Moderately Happy Friday, everyone!