Monday, April 19, 2010

Does eating less shrink your stomach?

I often wonder how many arguments have been ended because of a Google search. The actual number is probably in the billions. Google seems to be the great unbiased mediator when it comes to settling disputes. No matter how right you are, it never hurts to have your side backed up with facts!

For instance, I recently was involved in a friendly but animated discussion debating the truth about dieting, eating less, and the stomach. The question: Does eating less shrink your stomach? (By stomach I mean the actual organ in your body, not pot bellies, etc.) Proponents for supporting the stomach shrinkage theory stated they definitely needed less food to feel full after consistently eating less or fasting. Therefore, they concluded the stomach shrunk. Those on the opposing side said that made no sense. After all, the stomach is a muscle and can expand and contract, but does not physically shrink.

So, what did a Google search reveal about shrinking your stomach by eating less?

It is a myth! As was mentioned, the stomach is a muscular organ, and while it will expand to accommodate food, it never stays expanded. The stomach also does not change size and physically shrink because of a lack of food. The only way to actually change the size of your stomach is to opt for surgery, like gastric bypass.

So, what about those who said it took less food to feel full after consistently eating less? They actually have a valid point, but it does not involve their stomach shrinking. When dieting regularly, it is possible to reset your body’s appetite meter, and so you will desire less food, and get full faster.

Now you have the facts about eating less and shrinking your stomach. However, if someone firmly believes this, there may be no reason to burst their bubble. If they are eating less and working at being healthier, then whether there stomach shrinks or not doesn't matter. Making those kinds of positive lifestyle changes will still help them feel better and lose some weight!


Read more from these sources:

Chow.com

SkinnyMyths.com

WebMD.com

Saturday, January 30, 2010

What's the Difference Between Baking Soda and Baking Powder?

Baked Goods

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Baking Soda and Baking Powder are both used in a variety of baked goods. Although the names are similar, there are some significant differences between the two products.

What Baking Soda Is

Baking Soda, also known as Sodium Bicarbonate, is a salt that appears as a fine white powder. Besides cooking, baking soda has some medicinal uses. It is known to combat stomach acid, and is often used in toothpaste products.

In baking, Baking Soda is used as a leavening agent. When combined with
and acidic ingredient, Baking Soda release carbon dioxide which causes
"rising."


What Baking Powder Is

America Baking Powder, Columbia

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Baking Powder actually contains Baking Soda, and is also used as a leavening agent in baked goods. It is also a white powder.

Baking Powder is a combination of baking soda, and acidic ingredient such as cream of tartar, and also starch, as a drying ingredient.

There are two types of Baking Powders that react at different phases of the baking process. Some begin reacting once added to the wet mixture, and products are usually baked immediately. Others start reacting when added, but do the most rising when introduced to the heat in the oven.



The Differences Between Baking Soda and Powder

Old-Fashioned Baking

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The only difference between the two is that Baking Powder already contains the acidic ingredient necessary for the proper release of carbon dioxide. Baking Soda tends to have a bitter taste on its own, so it will be used in recipes in which it is combined with an acidic ingredient such as cocoa or buttermilk.

Although Baking Soda tends to be unstable at higher temperatures, the temperature change in baking causes Baking Powder to activate and the dough to rise. Recipes with baking powder may have longer baking times.

Both are used in recipes for cookies, cakes, muffins, and other tasty treats.



Substitution of Baking Powder or Baking Soda

Baking Soda cannot be substituted in recipes calling for Baking Powder. However, you can use a mixture of 2 parts cream of tarter to one part Baking Soda to create your own mix of Baking Powder.

Baking Powder can be used in recipes calling for Baking Soda, although more may need to be used, and there may be some influence on taste or texture.


Baking Pictures and Art


Baking Soda and Baking Powder Resources

Baking Soda on Wikipedia

Baking Powder on Wikipedia

Baking Soda and Baking Powder on About.com

Baking Soda Recipes

Baking Powder Recipes

Baking Powder & Soda on Joy of Baking


Baking Soda and Baking Powder Wrap-up


Monday, January 25, 2010

Audrey Hepburn

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Full Name: Audrey Kathleen Ruston

Date of Birth: May 4, 1929

Date of Death: January 20, 1993

Country: Belgium

Occupation: Model, Actress

Other Interests: Humanitarian, UNICEF

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Height: 5'7


Audrey Hepburn's Family Tree

Paternal Grandparents

Victor John George Ruston

Anna Juliana Franziska Karolina Ruston

Parents

Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston

Ella Van Heemstra

Audrey's Husbands

Mel Ferrar (Mar. 1961, Div. 1968)

Andrea Dotti (Mar.1969, Div. 1982)

Maternal Grandparent

Baron Aernoud Van Heemstra

Baroness Elbrig van Asbeck

Siblings (From Mothers Prev. Marriage)

Alexander

Ian

Audrey's Children

Sean Ferrar

Luca Dotti


Audrey Hepburn's Early Life

Audrey Kathleen Ruston was born in 1929 in Brussels, Belgium to Joseph and Ella Ruston. She was sent to a boarding school in England at the age
of five, and began studying ballet. In 1939, when Audrey was 10, England
declared war on Germany. This development caused her mother to send
for her and have her return to the family, in the neutral country of Holland. Unfortunately, the war did come to Holland and it was not until 1945, when Audrey was 16, that relief finally came. Food had been cut off to Holland, and after the war Audrey was malnourished, anemic, and suffered from asthma.

Audrey was intelligent and hard working. She spoke 5 languages. After the war, she resumed her study of ballet and dance, pursuing her dream of being a prima ballerina. Working modeling jobs helped her pay her bills. In 1948, Audrey was told that because of her height, and the physical effects on her body the war, she could not be a ballerina. Determined to use her training, Audrey auditioned for cabarets, and eventually earned a part in a chorus line. Soon, she landed a featured role, and this eventually led to her being cast in several European films. She found her way onto Broadway when she was offered the role of role of Gigi by Colette, which opened in 1951.


Audrey Hepburn in Hollywood

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Audrey rocketed to stardom in 1954 after starring in her first film, "Roman Holiday". She played Princess Anne, and was Gregory Peck was cast as leading man. She was won the Oscar for "Best Actress" in "Roman Holiday", and she and Gregory Peck became lifelong friends.

Her second film triumph was "Sabrina" (1954), with Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. Through her years in Hollywood, she made over 25 movies. Audrey was cast with many famous leading men including Cary Grant, Rex Harrison, Gary Cooper, and Fred Astaire. She also had the opportunity to work with talented directors.Undoubtedly her most memorable role was when she portrayed Truman Capote’s Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." (1961) This role cemented Audrey as a film and fashion icon.

Other memorable movies in which she starred include War and Peace (1956), Funny Face (1957), Charade (1963),My Fair Lady (1964), and How To Steal a Million (1966).

Audrey Hepburn's Style

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Audrey Hepburn created a chic style that has been emulated for years.

She was constantly seen wearing Capri's and ballet flats. Another favorite wardrobe piece was a white button down men's shirt that, which she could dress up or dress down. Audrey also increased the popularity of the little black dress.

Hubert Givenchy was her primary fashion designer, and he worked with her on several films, Including, "Breakfast at Tiffany's".


Audrey Hepburn as a Humanitarian

Shaped by her own difficult experiences during World War 2, Audrey Hepburn worked tirelessly as a humanitarian, especially for deprived children.

In1988, she became a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. She spent the next 5 years traveling to over 20 countries. She worked to raise awareness of the dire poverty many children suffer. The Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund carries on her work today.



Audrey Hepburn Quotes

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“My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses.”

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

“You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you.”

"I never thought I'd land in pictures with a face like mine."

"There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl's complexion."

"I never think of myself as an icon. What is in other people's minds is not in my mind. I just do my thing."

"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others."


Audrey Hepburn Pictures and Art


Audrey Hepburn Videos

Watch Video of Audrey Hepburn winning the Oscar for Roman Holiday.



Audrey Hepburn Sources and Additional Resources

Audrey Hepburn.com

Audrey Hepburn on Wikipedia

Audrey Hepburn on IMDB

Audrey Hepburn on YouTube

Audrey Humanitarian Tribute

Quotes on ThinkExist

Library of News Articles and Pictures

UNICEF People


Audrey Hepburn Wrap-Up


Saturday, January 23, 2010

Under Construction

I am working hard at getting this blog under way! My first goal was to get the layout set, and that is almost finished. Once I start building the database, which should be soon, I will have posts divided into categories for easy browsing. For now, that section just shows labels for the posts.

I have enabled a search feature, so once the posts grow it will be easy to find specific information.

I am sure this blogs look and features will evolve over time. Right now I am just looking forward to writing articles and generating some traffic!

Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Welcome to Let Me Google It!

Welcome to the first post on the "Let Me Google It" blog!

The content of this blog will be unique. It will endeavor to provide information on everything under the sun, because it's wise to know a little bit about a lot of things. For example, if you found out your new boss loved raising orchids, wouldn't it be great to know a few key things about orchid raising so you could keep up an intelligent conversation? That would be impressive!


Think of this blog as the Cliff's Notes of the Internet. The goal of the articles on this blog will be to present an overview of a subject, with key points you should know. Each post will be substantially researched using Google. Links and sources will be provided so you can become an expert on any particular topic if don't mind doing a bit more reading!

Several times a week new posts will be added on an endless variety of subjects. Categories will include movies, music, arts, literature, pets, food, history, how-to's, and more!

I hope it will be fun, informative, and addictive! :)

Please check back and keep reading as the database grows!