JC's Blog

Weekly Allowance

A new survey by the American Institute of CPAs reveals that parents give their kids an average of $780 a year in allowance. Other findings:

- kids rake in an average of $15 a week in allowance

- 61% of parents pay an allowance

- good grades also get rewarded, with each 'A' harnessing an average of $16.60 above and beyond regular allowance pay.

- 50% of parents expect to financially support their children until age 22 or older.
 

Healthy Foods That Keep You Fuller Longer from realbeauty.com

Water, Water, Water. When you're trying to lose weight and exercising more, water should become your new best friend, but it's not always easy to drink the required eight glasses a day. Experiment with calorie-free flavored waters like Vitaminwater zero. They can satisfy your taste buds and keep you hydrated on your way to the beach.

Rotisserie-Cooked Turkey or Chicken Breast. Keep a Tupperware container filled with precooked chicken or turkey breast in easy reach. These are convenient sources of protein that keep your blood sugar from dipping and your appetite from rising. Eat them cold or reheated; sliced, diced, or cut into strips; alone or on salads and in fajitas.

Summer Vegetables. You'll benefit from keeping vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, and red, green, and orange peppers on hand to make meals more flavorful and filling, with fewer calories. Use them in wraps or to fill out pasta dishes, serve them as a side dish, or keep it simple and pile them high on a plate sprinkled with freshly grated cheese.

Melons. Throughout the summer, stock up on an array of seedless watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew to cube and have on hand when you feel the urge to "pick." Their high moisture content dilutes the calories per serving and provides you with more water - a great way to hydrate and feel fuller sooner.

Fat-Free Yogurt. Protein-rich dairy foods have been shown to aid in weight loss, so try starting your day with a yogurt parfait. Layer your favorite fat-free yogurt (try Fage 0%, which is thick and super-creamy) with berries and crushed nuts or granola. Bonus tip: This makes a great dessert, too.
 

DVDs and CDs for August 28