User Post: How to pick the perfect watermelon (and a great recipe for failed attempts)

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One of the best things to enjoy on a warm summer day is a cold watermelon. What could be better? Sweet, crisp, refreshing, red (what a beautiful color!) and nutritious.

My husband sees it as a personal failure when we open a watermelon and find a pinkish disappointment that tastes like a cucumber. He feels there must be a fool-proof way to pick the perfect fruit.

Alas, there's no fail-proof method, but I can offer a few tips for choosing a good watermelon:

Tapping: Tap the watermelon with the pads of your fingers. A winning watermelon will typically have a slightly hollow sound, like the sound you get when tapping your head rather than tapping your chest.

The all important yellow spot: At the bottom of the watermelon -- where it rested on the ground -- you want to find a yellow or cream-colored spot. If the spot is still white, the watermelon isn't ripe.  Some say this is the most important clue to watermelon goodness.

Firmness: Press your fingers and thumbs into the watermelon's skin. A good one should be hard all around with no soft spots.

Weight for size: A good watermelon feels heavy for its size.

I've been using these methods for years. Still, I have to admit I'm not convinced that digging through the watermelon bin using these tricks gets you a better success rate than randomly picking the first watermelon your hand touches with your eyes closed. I occasionally end up with disappointing watermelons no matter how hard I try. It just happens!

The good news: a not-so-sweet watermelon makes a wonderful and easy-to-prepare cold soup. (The cucumber in the recipe masks the cucumberness of the not-so-great watermelon.) It looks like a gazpacho, but is even more refreshing.

Watermelon and mint cold soup

Ingredients

6 cups seedless watermelon, diced
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint
1 cup cucumber, peeled and finely diced
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, minced
1 red onion, diced
1/2 cup young celery stalks, diced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice or to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
salt and fresh ground pepper to taste 

Preparation

Puree the watermelon in a food processor, using the "pulse" setting; pulse several times until the watermelon is still chunky and not too smooth.

Transfer the puree to large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until cold (at least an hour).

Garnish with a few leaves of fresh mint and serve.

What's so good about watermelons?

First and most important – it's a fruit and it tastes good. And of course its color brightens up the table.

Watermelon is a low calorie nutritious treat: a one-cup serving of watermelon has only about 50 calories.

It's an excellent source of vitamins C and A. It's also a good source of vitamins B6 and B1, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Red watermelon (yes, there's a yellow-orange type too!) is also a good source of lycopene (a carotenoid antioxidant). In fact, watermelons are a richer source of this beneficial antioxidant than tomatoes.

Watermelon is 92 percent water so it's very good for hydration.

While we mostly eat the flesh of the watermelon, all parts are actually edible. The rinds can be stir-fried, stewed or pickled. Watermelon seeds are rich in fat and protein, and can be eaten as a snack (roasted), or made into an oilseed.

Enjoy!

Dr. Ayala

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Corn Is Not Evil: 100-Plus Healthy Recipes That Prove It

By Megan O. Steintrager, Epicurious.com

Along with heirloom tomatoes, fresh corn on the cob is one of my favorite high-summer foods. I'm clearly not alone: Adam Roberts wrote about his love of dressed-up corn here in the Epi-Log earlier this week and Epicurious sister publication Gourmet Live has an ode to corn by farmer Kristin Kimball in this week's farmers' market issue. Of course corn has its detractors too, including those who think of it as lowly pig food, carbophobes, and high fructose corn syrup haters who cast sweet corn on the cob in the same light.

Related: Our Ultimate Grilling and Barbecue Guide

I don't fall into any of those camps, and I'd gladly eat corn for pure pleasure, but it never hurts to have a few health reasons too. So I was happy to come across a blog from EatingWell discussing the health benefits of corn: Corn is a good source of fiber, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin (compounds that help keep your eyes healthy), the author explains. Elsewhere online, the World's Healthiest Foods' entry on corn says that "corn is actually a unique phytonutrient-rich food that provides us with well-documented antioxidant benefits," while in Healthy Farm Stand Recipes, Self explains that sweet corn is whole grain source of potassium.

See also: Our Complete Back-to-School Guide

Feeling corny? Try one of the more than a hundred healthy corn recipes here on Epi, including the low-cal, low-cholesterol, and high-fiber Smoky Corn Salsa, and check out What to Cook Now: Corn for more recipes and tips.

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Pub Shocker! U.S. Craft Beers Invade

By Joanne Camas, Epicurious.com

American craft brews are infiltrating the British beer scene, reports The Observer. Yes, British brewers are no doubt quaking: "American 'craft' brews are revealed as the UK's fastest growing beer trend," according to the newspaper.

See also: Our Ultimate Grilling and Barbecue Guide

Gone are the days when it was cool to drink Budweiser in Britain: Now Blue Moon, Goose Island, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and Brooklyn are grabbing the attention of British beer drinkers.

Ian Lowe, of the real ale organization CAMRA, told The Observer: "The popularity of American craft lagers is very much down to how they offer similar traits associated with the British brewing scene of older years...They are more heavily hopped and are higher-alcohol-content brews."

Related: Tailgating 101

In other brewing news... Researchers say they've found a wild yeast in South America that hopped a sailboat from Europe to the New World hundreds of years ago. Science News reports that a lager-brewing yeast is the missing link that explains how lager can be brewed at low temperatures. Previously scientists had only identified Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the yeast used in bread, beer, and ale. The newly identified strain of yeast was found in Patagonia.

All this beer news making you thirsty? Try our Best Summer Beer recommendations for a refreshing quencher.

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6 Healthiest Oils for Cooking

Are You Due for an Oil Change?

If you stir-fry vegetables in canola oil and drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over salads, you're already loading up on healthy fats and antioxidants. "But just as runners experiment with different sports-nutrition products to optimize performance, we should experiment with different oils to optimize health and make food fun," says sports dietitian Dina Griffin, RD. She explains eating a variety of oils—in moderation, of course—can help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. These six standbys (and potential new favorites) contain an ideal mix of healthy fats while also providing a kick of flavor.

Avocado Oil

Light, buttery avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fat. Studies show decreasing saturated and trans-fat intake while increasing monounsaturated fat intake can lower LDL, or so-called "bad cholesterol." It can also reduce the risk of heart disease and bone fractures, says sports dietitian Cassie Dimmick, RD. She adds that the plentiful phytochemicals found in avocado oil may lessen UV-induced cellular damage—good news for runners who log their miles in the summer sun.

Good Pour
Avocado oil has the highest smoke point of any plant oil, making it ideal for high-heat cooking, but its mild flavor is just as delicious drizzled over finished dishes.

Canola Oil

Like avocado oil, canola is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. It has a light, neutral flavor and the least amount of saturated fat of all cooking oils, says sports nutritionist Barbara Lewin, RD, who recommends using it instead of butter and shortening. One tablespoon contains 14% of your daily need for vitamin E, which helps reduce free-radical damage.

"Vitamin E is not in a lot of fruits and vegetables," says Dimmick. "So a heart-healthy source like canola oil is a good way to get it into your diet."

Good Pour
Save money by buying canola oil in bulk. When stored in a cool, dark cupboard, it's shelf-stable for about a year, even after being opened.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Rich, slightly peppery-tasting extra-virgin olive oil (which consists mostly of monounsaturated fat) is minimally processed, so it retains extremely high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin E and a compound called oleocanthal. A 2005 study published in the journal Nature found that this compound has anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen; researchers believe that eating olive oil in moderation may help reduce inflammation in the body over time.

Good Pour
When exposed to light and air, antioxidants in extra-virgin olive oil can start to break down. To preserve its health benefits, store the oil in a dark glass container or tin in a cool, dark place.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil, which comes from the seed of the flax plant, is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat. In fact, it contains more inflammation-reducing omega-3s than fish oil and is one of the few vegetarian sources of the nutrient. "Research shows that eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can actually reduce the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen," says Lewin. "It can help alleviate and possibly prevent joint pain and prevent exercise-induced asthma."

Good Pour
Flaxseed oil goes rancid quickly, so store it in the refrigerator. Heat diminishes its omega-3s. Use it solely in cold preparations like salad dressings.

Sesame Oil

Nutty sesame oil consists of nearly equal parts mono- and polyunsaturated fats and may have a positive effect on both your blood sugar and blood pressure. In a 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, patients with diabetes and high blood pressure used sesame oil as their sole cooking oil for 45 days. The oil reduced the participants' blood pressure and blood sugar to nearly normal levels. The researchers believe the effect is likely due to the oil's high level of lignans, compounds that can act as antioxidants.

Good Pour
Sesame oil's intense flavor means runners can use it sparingly. "Just a little drizzle makes your food taste great while helping keep the calories down," says Dimmick.

Walnut Oil

Aside from flaxseed oil, walnut oil is one of the few concentrated plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. A Penn State study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that omega-3s in walnuts and walnut oil help reduce cholesterol levels and the body's biological response to stress. People who have extreme responses to stress are at higher risk for heart disease, so eating walnuts and walnut oil over time may help reduce the risk factors for developing the disease.

Good Pour
Opened walnut oil lasts for six to 12 months. To prevent it from going rancid, store it in the refrigerator or in a cabinet away from heat.

Want to read more helpful tips like this one? Subscribe to Oxygen and SAVE!

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Americans Love Ice Cubes. And we're the only ones.

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They do things a little different over there in Europe.
The main course comes before the salad, and they eat cheese for dessert. We'll grant them a certain logic there. But the ice thing is a mystery.

Nothing refreshes a European like a lukewarm glass of Coca Cola. 
We can assume they are refreshed, since that's the beverage of choice when the thermometer hits 32° (that would be 90° to you and me). Ask for ice and the request is either met with a blank stare or fulfilled with two tiny slivers that dissolve on contact with the tepid beverage.

Here in the land of plenty, we take ice cubes for granted. We expect them in our soft drinks and in every glass of water at every restaurant. Our home refrigerators dispense a continual stream of them, and when there's a party we buy bags of ice cubes to fill buckets and tubs. There's an ice machine in the hallway and a bucket in every room of every hotel or motel from coast to coast. Just try and find that in Paris' George V.

The ice cold war.
Historians, cultural critics, economists, culinarians, and the medical community have all weighed in on European ice avoidance. Theories abound to explain the continent's cold shoulder:

• The poor quality of many of Europe's urban water supplies produces unpalatable cubes.
• Energy costs are higher.
• Smaller houses, smaller, kitchens, smaller freezers.
• Teeth are overly sensitive to cold due to the notoriously inferior dental hygiene of certain nations.

And then there are the explanations for America's warm embrace:

• Big cups, loads of ice, free refills—in the U.S. we believe that more, not less, is more!
• The taste of our inferior whiskeys and other spirits welcomes dilution.
• Our taste buds lack an appreciation of nuance and subtlety.

Puis-je avoir de la glace s'il vous plaît?
Posso avere un po di ghiaccio per favore?
Могу ли я иметь лед, пожалуйста?
Kann ich etwas Eis bitte?¿Puedo tener un poco de hielo, por favor?
Can I have some ice please?

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Gluten-Free Alternatives for Pasta-Lovers

With svelte celebrities like Chelsea Clinton, Rachel Weisz and Wimbledon champ Novac Djokovic popularizing the gluten-free diet craze, many of our favorite menu items are suddenly in jeopardy. Making their way onto the list of endangered edibles are once-favorite meals like baked ziti and lo mein.

Adapting to a gluten-free diet doesn't have to be as limiting as you think. You just have to think outside of the pasta box. Get your creative juices flowing with these four gluten-free substitutes for cooking—and enjoying—pasta-based recipes.

Spaghetti with Meatballs: Organic Corn Spaghetti

No. 3 on Bon Appetit's 2008 list of the best gluten-free pasta is Rustichella d'Abruzzo Organic Corn Spaghetti. It's made from freshly-milled Italian corn and rice and makes for the perfect stand-in for many traditional pasta dishes. Give an old school favorite a healthy twist by whipping up corn spaghetti and turkey meatballs. Or, toss yours with sliced garlic, extra virgin olive oil and chopped basil leaves for a refreshing summer dinner. If you can't find it at your local specialty food store, you can buy it online on Market Hall Foods' website.

Angel Hair Primavera: Spaghetti Squash

The extra-thin spaghetti known as angel hair is delicious when topped with lightly sautéed veggies like broccoli, zucchini and onion. Now, gluten-free consumers can switch out the pasta for spaghetti squash.

Spaghetti squash is cooked in an oven or microwave, causing the bright yellow flesh to pare off and give way to thin, pasta-like strands. Prepare your accompanying vegetables as you otherwise would, and toss the two together. As a bonus, spaghetti squash is loaded with nutrients like folic acid, vitamin A and beta carotene.

Chicken and Orzo Soup: Red Quinoa

In case you weren't sure, orzo is a type of pasta—not a grain—despite its rice-like façade. But if you're looking for a grainy texture with your soup, mix in a handful of red quinoa. Red, as opposed to white quinoa, tends to be earthier and more flavorful. Native to South America, quinoa is referred to as the "mother grain" and contains more protein than any other sort. It's also a substantial source of iron and dietary fiber.

Lo Mein: Shirataki Noodles

Lo mein is known for its combination of sauce-soaked veggies with long, somewhat slippery noodles. If that sounds like a typical Sunday night craving, then you'll love what Shirataki has to offer.

Made of tofu and yam flour, Shirataki noodles taste best when mixed into homemade stir-fry. (A word to the wise: Its watery consistency doesn't pair well with non-Asian sauces.) Though once hard to find, most regular supermarkets now stock the Hungry Girl-touted brand. Just be sure to purchase gluten-free soy sauce while you're grocery shopping.

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One of the Best Beaches on Oahu for Beginner Surfers

Have you ever wanted to learn how to surf? Or are you a beginner in need of a great location to practice your skills and work up to the big waves? One of the best beaches on Oahu for beginner surfer's is White Plains Beach near Barber's Point. It's a bit of a drive if you're in town or on the Winward side of the island, but it's home to the most consistent, white water, 1' - 3' waves on the island.

What's better, if you're military, you can rent surf boards on location at an extremely affordable price!

TIPS FOR SURFING AT WHITE PLAINS BEACH

Watch for rocks and coral. Most of the surfing area at White Plains is covered with rocks and coral. The water also tends to be shallow compared to other surf spots on the island. Be sure to fall back into the waves, kick cautiously under water and generally be aware of what's below you.

Watch for Monk seals! From time to time, visitors to White Plains beach will have the amazing opportunity to witness a Monk Seal sunbathing alongside them. Whether you're in the water or on the sand, give the seal space to come onto the beach and settle in for it's nap. Do not get too close, but be sure to capture the moment with your camera!

TIPS FOR BEGINNER SURFERS

Wear a rash gaurd. This is not a requirement, but when you're new to surfing, your chest and stomach may not be used to rubbing up against the wax that usually covers a surf board. A rash gaurd will protect your skin from rubbing and also give you an extra layer of sun protection.

Start small! Surfing well takes time and practice. Don't go after the big waves until you've mastered standing up, dismounting and generally staying upright. The best way to start out is to surf the white water and have a friend give you a push so you can catch it. Smaller waves are typically less powerful and harder to catch when you haven't built up the endurance and strentgh that paddling requires.

Bring lots of water and snacks. When you're in the water (and getting a surfing workout) you're going to get hungry! You're also going to be working hard under the gorgous sun so be sure to refuel and constantly hydrate.

Lather on the sunscreen. As mentioned in the last point, you'll be in the water and under the sun! Be sure to apply an appropriate level of sunscreen and reapply when you take your snack and water breaks so that you don't turn an unhealthy shade of red.

HOW TO FIND WHITE PLAINS BEACH

Click to get driving directions from Google Maps!

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Being Skinny Versus Lean & Fit

Many people look at the scale or their clothing size and think that makes them healthy.  The scale might tell someone whether or not he or she is in the healthy weight range for his or her height. But it won't do anything for cellulite or body fat.

Someone might be 'thin' but not be in shape. Cellulite is a result of body fat and fat cells underneath the skin's surface. It might be easy for someone to be thin as a result of eating very little. But that won't be healthy in the long run.

Ways to more accurately measure your health and fitness level is by using the body fat percentage. Body fat percentage is the amount of fat a person has versus lean muscle. Body fat can be measured by skin fold tests and more commonly by a scale or handheld device that measures the amount of time it takes for a signal to go through the body. The amount of fat changes the speed of this signal.

Body fat should be under 22% to be considered fit and healthy (for a woman). When the body fat percentage is lower, a person can weight the same as another person of the same height, but actually wear a smaller size clothing.

A pound of muscle is actually about 1/3 the size of a pound of fat. That is why looking at the scale is also misleading.  A person wanting to look better should try to decrease his or her body fat by engaging in strength training. By building lean muscle, the body will burn fat and will be more healthy versus just being skinny.

Being skinny might also not be healthy. If a skinny person eats poorly there is a chance he or she is missing essential nutrients and even could be at risk for high cholesterol and blood pressure.

It is better to be lean and healthy versus skinny so its best not to just rely on the scale as a means to measure good health.

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Fighting Psoriasis With Exercise

Living with psoriasis can be difficult and even discouraging at times. Commonly, people who suffer from this affliction may feel trapped in their bodies and find it difficult to rev up the nerve to do a lot of things they once enjoyed.

For some, fitness takes the first hit. Whether because of privacy reasons or physical limitation, some psoriasis sufferers find it hard to bring themselves to exercise as a result of this disease.

This is where Jackie Warner comes in. A fitness pioneer and star of Bravo's show "Thintervention with Jackie Warner", Jackie knows all about keeping fit. After watching her grandmother struggle with psoriasis for many years, Jackie has now invested a generous portion of her time to helping those who suffer with psoriasis find a work out regimen that works for them. She spoke with GalTime to give us some of her inside tips, and give us the low-down on fitting fitness with psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis?

Dr. Paul Yamauchi, the Medical Director at the Skin Care Center of Santa Monica, defines psoriasis as an "autoimmune disorder where there is over-activity of one's immune system…that ultimately results in inflammation in the skin causing the skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to the formation of plaques."

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation approximately 7.5 million Americans are affected with this disease. Common symptoms include red, scaly, thick skin that leads to burning, cracking, itching and other pain. The exact cause is currently unknown.

 

Why It's Important to Exercise

 Jackie recommends that psoriasis sufferers get in some physical activity everyday. Not only does this physical movement have an anti-inflammatory affect on the body, but it also can help to combat some of the larger physical ailments that sometimes coincide with the disease.

 "People with psoriasis should absolutely pay close attention to the co-morbid diseases associated with the disease," she explains.

 Sufferers are at a higher risk to develop issues such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Therefore, it is imperative that they follow a regular exercise regimen to reduce these risks, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Jackie explains that often people who have psoriasis feel self-conscious—making it difficult for them to feel comfortable working out in public places such as gyms or parks. The juxtaposition of living with the disease and people who may not quite understand it can make for a few uncomfortable encounters, which many suffers rather bypass.

In addition, Jackie notes that some sufferers may be experiencing physical limitations. She explains that someone with lesions on her feet may find that activities such as walking or squatting become a challenge because of the discomfort caused by shoes.

Solution:

Jackie suggests purchasing some kind of exercise equipment. It can be basic—something like a resistance band or a yoga mat, so that you may exercise in the comfort of your own home, and engage in activity that is both soothing and good for your body.

Every year, there are also several Walks to Cure Psoriasis sponsored by the National Psoriasis Foundation. These are also a great way to get exercise, but also to meet other people who are affected in the same way you may be, Jackie says.

Eating Well & De-Stressing

It's also important to maintain a healthy diet. Because psoriasis sufferers are at a higher risk for additional ailments, finding the foods that support your system is very important.

Dr. Yamauchi also notes that it's important to keep your stress under control.

"Stress may trigger psoriasis to flare for the first time, or even worsen symptoms for those who already have psoriasis," he explains.

Solution:

Although research that links specific foods to the decrease in symptoms or onset of psoriasis does not exist, Jackie recommends a few foods that can help reduce inflammation.

"Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts and salmon, are good options to consider—so try to incorporate them into your diet on a daily basis," she explains.

Dr. Yamauchi also suggests to his psoriasis patients that they weave stress relief and relaxation practices into their daily lives. His two suggestions: meditation and yoga.

Fit In Your Skin

Because of Jackie's personal connection with psoriasis sufferers, she decided to get involved with "Fit in Your Skin", a unique health and wellness program designed for people living with psoriasis. This program recognizes the limitation of living with this disease, and provides tools for coping. It includes comfortable workouts by Jackie herself that you can do in the privacy of your home, healthy diet tips, and more. Visit www.fitinyourskin.com for a free workout and nutrition DVD specially designed by Jackie Warner.

Jackie Warner is an author, fitness and nutrition expert, and television personality. Her show "Thintervention" can be seen on Bravo. For more about Jackie's personal training services or her involvement with "Fit in Your Skin" please visit www.jackiewarner.com.

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A Vixen's Guide: Top 10 Weight Loss Tools

Need motivation to shed those stubborn lbs? Time to crack open that pink toolbox of tricks!

Every girl needs a pink toolbox.  It's a cute little pink box that you reach into whenever you need inspiration, guidance, and tools that help you achieve any of your life goals.  I've already lost 45 pounds and since I am now embarking on a journey to lose 30 more, I decided to look inside my pink toolbox today and dig out what I consider to be the top 10 tools for weight loss and share them with you!   Swimsuit season is just around the corner and I thought it would be fun to actually wear a bikini this year!  Over the next several weeks I'll be expanding on each of these tools individually to help keep us all motivated.  After all, we're in this together.  So enjoy the top 10 and stay posted! 

Until next time… Love, Hugs, and Pink Lipstick Kisses!

1.      Find your Inner Vixen! 

Close your eyes and imagine the woman that you want to be.  That woman lives deep inside of you.  Love her, be gentle with her, and compliment her every day.  Soon everyone else will see her too.

2.      Size (and frequency) Matters!

Eating 5-6 small meals daily will help increase your metabolism.   Keep portions of lean protein, fruits, veggies, and whole grains to the size of your fist or palm of your hand. 

3.      Wet your Luscious Lips.

Keeping the body hydrated helps in eliminating toxins and also helps prevent you from eating when you're not really hungry. Drink 8-10 tall glasses of water daily.

4.      Get your Beauty Rest!

Studies have proven that not enough sleep can cause weight gain.  Shoot for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep nightly.  Take a catnap when you need it.

5.      Use your Woman's Intuition.

When you start to reach for junk food, use your intuition and become aware of yourreasonsyou're making unhealthy choices.  By recognizing why you're doing it, you will be more likely to stop and change your choice.

6.      Play Dress-up!

When you dress to impress it will make you feel more confident.  When you feel more confident, you act more confident.  When you act more confident you will become confident!

7.      Shake your Bootie and Dance!

Make exercise fun.  It's good for the body and soul. Dance every day.  Play a dancing video game with your kid.  Go biking with a friend.  Take your dog for a walk.  When you make it fun it's not a chore.

8.      Be Strong!

Schedule 2 times per week to do some sort of resistance or strength training.  It helps burn fat during the times that you're not exercising.  It also helps prevent bone loss later in life.

9.      Be Breathtaking! 

Take 3 deep breaths every time you find yourself stressed. Breathing, meditation and yoga all focus on the breath. When practiced on a regular basis you will reduce the stress that causes weight gain.

10.   Satisfy yourself.

Women are born caretakers and tend to put everyone else's needs before their own.  By taking care of your own emotional and physical needs first, you will become a happier and healthier woman.  In the words of a wise flight attendant, "If the oxygen mask falls down, put your own mask on first so you can better assist those around you."

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