Issue Date: July 30, 2006
How to lose those last (stubborn!) 5 pounds
Are the last 5 pounds harder to drop, or is it all in your head?
The answer: a little of both.
"After losing weight, caloric needs change. So you need to consume calories based on your new weight," says Kristine Clark, director of sports nutrition at Penn State University. "Also, your body is more efficient; the same amount of exercise burns fewer calories. We also get weary of the struggle and need to examine whether we've slacked off."
4 Stick-with-it tips
If weight loss slows, recalculate caloric needs based on the slimmer you, and rev up your workout to burn more calories (go harder or longer).
Get inspired by your progress, and rededicate yourself to the healthful lifestyle that got you this far.
Don't get frustrated and starve yourself; that will affect your ability to keep weight off in the long run.
Don't get tied to the scale. Health factors, body-fat percentage and how clothes fit are much better indicators of a healthy weight.
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Financing a college education
College loans just got more expensive: Interest rates on new government-sponsored Stafford loans jumped from 5.3% to 6.8%, and new PLUS loans for parents went from 6.1% to 8.5% this month. Families with college-age kids must shop the alternatives wisely:
Home equity credit lines. Although borrowing against your home is risky, in this case, it can make sense. In fact, a recent check on bankrate.com found many banks were offering credit lines at rates far lower than PLUS rates. What's more, all interest payments are tax-deductible. (PLUS loan deductions are capped at $2,500 a year, and the deduction phases out for high-income families.)
Private lenders. Students often turn here when they need to borrow more to cover costs than Stafford loan limits allow. Companies from Citibank to MyRichUncle are getting in on the act. Rates are competitive or lower than government loans for those with excellent credit ratings. But look closely at fees, which can add greatly to a loan's cost.
Roth IRAs. Withdrawals for education costs are allowed without penalty. But do this only if you've been diligent about your own retirement savings. Remember, your kid can borrow the cost of college, with years to repay, but you can't borrow money to pay rent in your old age.
Government grants. Don't assume you won't qualify. Many students eligible for Pell grants (a form of non-repayable financial aid) don't even apply. To see if your child qualifies, check studentaid.ed.gov.
Walecia Konrad won a National Magazine Award for her earlier reporting on financing a college education.
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Lend me your ears
This vegetable-dense, antioxidant-packed side dish is savory and delicious year-round.
Corn-Onion Pudding
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 very large yellow onion,thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups whole kernel yellow corn (fresh or frozen)
1 cup finely chopped bell pepper
3 eggs
1 cup fat-free half-and-half
Salt and pepper,to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat oil in large skillet. Add onion; cook over low heat, stirring regularly, until golden and slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Place onion in a shallow 9-by-9-inch ovenproof dish. Add corn and bell pepper.
Beat eggs; stir into half-and-half. Pour egg mixture over casserole, add salt and pepper, and stir. Sprinkle cheese on top.
Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes until firm. Brown top under a broiler. Let cool for 10 minutes. Cut in squares and serve.
SERVES 9
Per Serving: 204 calories, 8g protein, 26g carbohydrates, 8g fat (2g saturated), 77mg cholesterol, 3g fiber, 184mg sodium
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Airport stress? Say "spa"
Weary travelers can get a massage and more at new day spas that have sprung up in airports around the country.
Massage Bar gives chair massages at Nashville International, Seattle-Tacoma, Washington Dulles and Newark International. In San Francisco, Pittsburgh and JFK airports, XpresSpa offers back, foot and deep-tissue body massages. Destination Relaxation at Baltimore-Washington Airport offers table and chair massages, and the BackRub Hub in Chicago's O'Hare Airport keeps travelers limber. Full-service spas, like JFK's Oasis Day Spa, offer massages, facials and nail care. And in Detroit, relax at the Ora Oxygen spa.
There may be no better reason to arrive early for your flight.
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