12 High Calorie Salads Much Worse for you Than a Big Mac

With fast food convenience on a rise, today’s busy and sometimes lazy consumer might find it easier to go through a drive through than to make a healthy, home cooked meal.  You’re probably thinking, “Oh, I’m healthy, I always get a salad when I go out to eat,” but you may be surprised that that so called “nutritious” salad you’re about to scarf down is full of saturated fats and high in calories. If you want to choose a healthier alternative to a McDonald’s Big Mac (surprisingly, none of their salads made this list), which touts a high 550 calories and 29 grams of saturated fat, you may want to stray away from these very unhealthy, high calorie salads.

Applebee’s Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad - This “healthy” looking salad, even without dressing contains 700 calories, 150 calories more than a Big Mac and nearly half of the daily recommended caloric intake of 1700-2000 calories.  And this isn’t even the worst salad on the list.

California Pizza Kitchen’s Thai Crunch Salad with Avocado - Probably the worst offender on the list, containing 1460 calories and 12grams of saturated fat, this tasty, healthy looking salad nearly uses up your daily caloric intake.  Even if you get a half salad, you’re still taking in a whopping 810 calories.

T.G.I. Friday’s Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad - This Salad only looks healthy, containing nuts, a variety of fruit and high nutrient romaine lettuce, but it contains a monstrous 1080 calories and 16grams of saturated fat.

Cheesecake Factory’s Caesar Salad - You’d think a classic such as a Caesar salad would be a healthy choice, but Cheesecake Factory, famous for its high calorie comfort food takes the cake at 860 calories with it’s take on this classic salad.

Red Robin’s Crispy Chicken Tender Salad - Innocent and tasty looking, this salad contains a ridiculous 1450 calories.  You can get a healthier alternative of this, minus the side bread and dressing for a still high 819 calories.

Chili’s Quesadilla Explosion Salad - Containing a heart attack inducing 1300 calories and a ridiculous 28 grams of fat, this salad is no healthy alternative to a greasy cheeseburger.

Taco Bell’s Taco Salad with Ground Beef - Probably one of the healthiest salads on the list, Taco Bell’s Taco salad at 780 calories and 10 grams of saturated fat, is still no healthy alternative.  You’re better off getting one of their supreme tacos, containing only 220 calories.   

Outback Steakhouse’s Aussie Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad - With just oil and vinegar, this salad has a calorie count of 1041 and contains 23grams of saturated fat. Even without dressing it still has 790 calories and still 23grams of saturated fat.

Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad - Wendy’s take on the Caesar salad has 780 calories and 16 grams saturated fat.  This is actually Wendy’s worst salad health wise, all of their other salads barely beat the McDonald’s Big Mac for caloric value.

Burger King’s TenderCrisp Apple & Cranberry Garden Fresh Salad - BK’s healthy alternative to their greasy flame broiled burgers has 700 calories and 9grams of saturated fat, making it just as bad, if not worse, than one of their famous burgers.

Crispers Thai Chicken Flat Bread Salad - Famous for its salads, Crisper’s makes the list with its Thai Chicken Flat Bread Salad.  At just a half order, this salad has a massive 800 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat.

Chipotle’s Chicken Salad with Black Beans and Rice - This salad, with all the fixins including, black beans, brown rice, cheese, fajita vegetables, sour cream, guac, salsa, and vinaigrette, has a ridiculous 1295 calories and 22.5grams of saturated fat. If you’re trying to eat light at Chipotle, it’s not happening.

It goes to show you that just because something is called a “salad” it doesn’t make it healthy for you.  Though there are some healthy salad choices at restaurants, there are definitely some disguised as good-for-you alternatives that will make your pants a little tighter around the waist.

Sources:

http://www.calorieking.com/foods/calories-in-fast-food-chains-restaurants_c-Y2lkPTIx.html?bid=-1&sid=141

http://www.takepart.com/photos/15-salads-worse-big-mac/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-299645/McDs-salad-fattening-hamburger.html

I'm on vacation! So hello scheduled post and guestbloggers :)
This article was written by Amanda Rickett. Amanda currently resides in Newaygo, Michigan where she helps to run an organic, all natural food store. She enjoys playing with her cat Lola Boy and binge watching Netflix shows when she needs a moment to relax. She also is a professional writer for Rejuve Health Clinics and enjoys researching various topics related to health. 

Krispy Kreme: Colors of Summer

Chill out this summer with Krispy Kreme's Colors of Summer doughnuts and new Cake Chillers! The glazed doughnuts are inspired by the yellow sun, white sand, blue waters and green fields. If you haven't tried them I suggest you run to the nearest KK store now and avail of these doughnuts since they're only available until May 4 (this Sunday), affordably priced at Php45 each. As for the Cake Chillers (called so because they were inspired by Cakes), you can choose among Blueberry Cheesecake, Tiramisu and Black Forest.

A Lifestyle Switch

Hi, blog babies! I'm sorry for the long week and a half of no update. I know, I know, you want to grill me but before you do, please hear out my alibi! I'd been adjusting to my summer classes which comprises half of my day. Also, following my CGYFit post, I've been going to the gym to train in the mixed martial Art of Eight Limbs, Muay Thai. I've been going for a month now (twice a week), it's really fun and challenging for me since I have never in my life tried to get fit. Sports I tried in the past are Golf (high school), Tennis (way back, like, 8 years old) and sports required in school (swimming, badminton, volleyball).

Why stick to the norm? Unique Cards for every occasion

With Easter right around the corner and the fact that we are now well into 2014, there are many occasions that we are hunting for those unique gifts for. Over the years our tastes have changed, we are staying away from the obvious and heading for the more unique choices the world has to offer; from handmade items through to one off pieces. However, there is one gift that is often over looked and this is the humble card. "A card is not a gift" I hear you say...well actually a card can be one of the most personal gifts you can give to someone. Not only are they perfect for customising towards the individual, you get a chance to give them a message that they will want to keep for a lifetime. This is not a bog standard birthday car, this is where they become an item in their own right. So to help you, here are some perfectly unique luxury greeting cards for this year.

Cards that can be turned into artwork - Glasgow City Scapes from Folksy

One thing I love about cards as gifts is that they can be so versatile. I have been given many handmade cards over the years, that are so beautiful I have turned them into their own pieces of artwork too be hung on my walls. These cityscape cards are a prime example. they are stylish enough to be placed into frames so that they can be displayed forever, they have a very modern feel blending nicely with modern art prints and they have been hand created to show a wide variety of city scapes. On top of being perfect for framing, they are blank so that you can leave you own personal message...something that is a must for me when I am looking for a birthday card or anniversary card.

Why not try knitting your own card? - Owl Knitted Card Kit from Knitola

Sometimes I find the act of making a card, the thought of doing it and the process, turns the normal into a great unique gift. This year I am going to be trying my hand at knitting my own cards. As Easter is all about new arrivals, why not knit a card fir a new bundle of joy and this knitted owl kit has everything you need. Now, I know that knitting a card seems like an odd way to create one, but I am going to have a go at embroidering a message inside, or you could sew hand made paper into the middle for your message. Most of all, imagine the person who is receiving this and how much joy they will feel that you have gone to so much effort.

Head to the past for inspiration...Art Deco Bird Card from Etsy

Vintage is all the rage at the moment and it is easy to see why. As the designs have already stood the test of time, what could be better than bringing them into the modern day? I prefer to find vintage post cards and re use them to create a card similar to this one, however if you don't have the time, then this card is perfect for a birthday, get well, leaving, new home card or any occasion really. It has a lovel vintage feel to it and would look great within a scrap book or a picture frame so that the receiver can enjoy it for years to come. Again, this is blank so that you can add your own personal message.

Since I'm away (camping with the fambam and Church), I've got a Guest Poster!
Cass is a writer and craft blogger who loves nothing more than spending her ddays covered in paint.

Keeping Your Dog Active During Winter

Everybody, meet Blake! He's a Terrier ^_^

When cold weather comes to town, you may feel like bunkering down and entering a state of hibernation so that you do not have to deal with the frigid outdoors. However, if you are a dog owner, you should know that dogs do not hibernate. In fact, according to www.Dogtra.com dogs need just as much exercise in the cold winter months as they do when the weather is nice. Not only is exercise important for your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing, but exercising with your dog can help you have valuable experiences that will strengthen your relationship with each other. Consider the six tips listed below for keeping your dog active during the doggone days of winter.

1 - Take Your Dog on Indoor Walks

While most gyms and other indoor facilities with a walking track do not allow dogs, you can take other measures to make sure that your dog gets his walk in right from the comfort of your own home. There are a few treadmills on the market that are specifically designed for dogs which can be used year around. If you cannot afford a dog treadmill but you have a regular treadmill, you can also train your dog to walk on that.

2 - Practice Commands

Being stuck indoors due to cold weather conditions creates an excellent opportunity for practicing commands with your dog. Basic commands such as “sit” and “stay” can go a long way in exercising your dog both physically and mentally. Also practice targeting with your dog by teaching him to touch his nose to the back of your hand on command.  This command will help your dog refocus whenever he needs to stop doing something.

3 - Play Games With Your Dog

Most dogs love the game “Hide-and-Seek”. Take advantage of this indoor friendly, simple game by throwing a treat for your dog to get him to go away and then quickly hide in another part of the house. Your dog will burn a lot of energy as he rushes around searching for you and it’s a great activity for reinforcing the command “come”.

4 - Challenge Your Dog’s Sense of Smell

Dogs have an incredibly strong sense of smell. Help your dog stay active while indoors by making him work for his dinner. You can hide his dinner in another room, in a box, or you can even create a scavenger hunt for your dog’s food in order to wear him out.

5 - Sign Up For a Class With Your Dog

Many cities offer classes for dog owners and their dogs such as swimming classes, indoor agility classes, and flyball classes. These classes allow you and your dog to run around and socialize with other dog owners and their dogs.

6 - Brave the Snow

Most large dogs can handle the snow, and with a little bit of bravery, you can too! For a great workout that will leave your dog’s legs toned and leave him completely exhausted, let your dog run around in the snow for 30 or 40 minutes. If you run around in the snow with your dog, you will come to realize that it’s not so cold outside after all and you will get a great workout too.

For more great tips on exercising your dog in the winter, talk to a dog training specialist today!  

Slurpeed

As I've previously blogged about, I went to visit my sister Abby in Cebu last month. It was her birthday and I came in behalf of my family members who were either working or going to school. While there, I enjoyed immensely this humble commodity known as Slurpee as my everyday staple. Dont laugh a me, I live in a town with no Slurpee! Although if this was readily available where I'm from, I'd probably take it for granted like all of you. If you don't know what a Slurpee is, it's a slushie produced by Seven Eleven Convenient Stores.

Ohsome Designs - $12 Blogger Blog Design

Hey, guys! I know I haven't been around to fill this blog with some nonsense and sensical stuff lately, but I have a great excuse! I was just doing some minor finishing touches to my new webfolio / blogging services website Ohsome Designs. I'm so excited about it as I'm planning to do more layouts this year so I finally bought an ohsome domain (pun intended, yet again). To celebrate my opening, I decided to bargain 3 slots to my May queue for 3 Blogger blogs for only $12 or Php500! If any of you dear readers are interested, please email me at penn (at) ohpenda.com! As of April 12, 2014 (10pm - 08:00+), there is only one slot remaining! So get layed now!

The package I'm offering includes a custom header, sidebar bio, sidebar tags, social media buttons and a post signature.

Let's Do #Brunch At Missy Bon Bon!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but as a student making the most out of her summer, waking up early to lavish healthy aliment is nearly impossible (and highly improbable, no matter how devourable the devourables might be). Glen Cook couldn't have said it any better, "Morning is wonderful. Its only drawback is that it comes at such an inconvenient time of day". For those of you who, like me, are convinced that gravity is stronger in the morning, it seems that Missy Bon Bon really thought our predicament through when they debuted Brunch at Missy Bon Bon. Who needs to compromise sleep and scrumptious food?

This April 16, Missy Bon Bon will be celebrating their 4th birthday and my, do they have a treat for all of us! Every weekend (Saturday & Sunday) for the whole month of April, the famous CDO breadshop will be dishing out a delectable brunch buffet for only Php350. Don't forget to tell your friends that brunch begins 10am - 1pm (so they better be out of their jammies then!)

Seven Break Up Quotes to Get You Through when Love Really Stinks

Image Source

Break-ups often feel like the loneliest experiences we, as humans, must suffer through. This, however, is not true. Break-ups and the accompanying mental anguish are some of the most relatable and universal of human emotional tumults. Everyone experiences the heartbreak that comes at the end of a relationship. To help you in your own struggle, here are seven aching love quotes from some of our time’s most famous and influential individuals.

The True Nature of Risk in Love

"And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk more." - Erica Jong Best known for her fiction and poetry, Erica Jong is the American author of the famous 1973 novel, "Fear of Flying." In this quote, she is stating something that can be applied to all endeavors in life, but most prominently to love. In the wake of a break-up, one can berate oneself, stating “I shouldn't have been so dumb as to date him / her in the first place!” It’s easy to find retrospective 'signs' as to why this is true everywhere you look. However, it's true what Jong says. Life is risk, and you risk much more if you do not risk anything at all. Nobody is perfect.

Don’t Settle for a Lukewarm Relationship

"I would rather a romantic relationship turn into contempt than turn into apathy. The passion in the extremities make it appear as though it once meant something. We grow from hot or cold, but lukewarm is the biggest insult."- Criss Jami

Christopher James Gilbert, better known by his pseudonym Criss Jami, is an American essayist, poet, and existential philosopher. Probably the most obscure individual to be quoted, his statement is one of the truest. Many feel marginalized and hated by an angry ex-lover in the wake of a break-up. However, this does not always mean that they are being honest or trying to point at your flaws. Undoubtedly, each one of you made your own mistakes during the relationship, but a venomous ex is simply expressing their love for you as a form of anger and hate because they have nowhere else to put it. All their love for you becomes twisted and full of desperate anguish. It spills over, and when it does, they try to hand it off to you to relieve what they perceive to be their lonesome burden.

If You Love Someone, Set Them Free

"To love someone enough to let them go, you had to let them go forever or you did not love them that much." - Diana Wynne Jones

It's true that true love demands an ability to relinquish. In a break-up, it's often the case that one lover is left with more of a broken heart than the other, usually due to the split having been premeditated on the part of their former partner. It's natural to grasp at any remaining straws right off the bat, but in the end, it is selfish to attempt to convince a lover back into their lives. As painful as it is, a true lover will understand and respect their partner’s decision to leave.

’tis Better to Have Loved and Lost…

"Just because a relationship ends, it doesn't mean it's not worth having." - Sarah Mlynowski

Is it better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all? Absolutely. Everything in life is endlessly fluctuating, and each experience (whether it be success or failure) is worth the time and effort expended. You will learn and absorb lessons from failed relationships that you will not only take into future endeavors of the heart, but also into other facets of your life. Even the worst experience is infinitely valuable; but do not become jaded. To become jaded is to assume everyone is the same, when each person, although sharing in common a certain blanket of humanity, is radically different. How one relationship ends should not have influence on how the others will start.

Don’t Be Afraid to Feel

"Pain or love or danger makes you real again..." - Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac, so-called 'king of the beatniks,' had a way with words that pierced the very subliminal depths of the soul. In this quote, he is stating that many fall into an almost-surreal monotony within everyday experience until one of three things happens: physical or emotional pain, a potential danger, or, most poignantly, love. Each of these experiences provides a shattering reminder as to the very fact of your being alive. Do not shy away from love, as it is one of the most profound and enlivening experiences one can ever have.

Know That You Deserve Love

"To cheat oneself out of love is the most terrible deception; it is an eternal loss for which there is no reparation, either in time or in eternity." - Soren Kierkegaard

The so-called 'father of existentialism,' Soren Kierkegaard knew well how sour love could be. Having once been engaged to Regine Olsen, he quickly realized he could not reconcile his eternal devotion to writing with his desire to be a husband. He broke the engagement (to his later regret) and watched helplessly as the love of his life eventually married another man. His above quote seems to reflect this regret, as Regine became the main influence for much of his writings from then on in. The quote in itself reflects a very key point: to convince yourself that you do not or cannot love someone, or that someone cannot love you, is not only false; it is a consideration that, if acted upon, will irrevocably cheat you out of life.

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer." - Albert Camus

Albert Camus, prominent existentialist and the first proponent of an existential spin-off philosophy known as 'absurdism,' states very precisely a truth that is inherent to us all. Regardless of our darkest and most painful experiences in life, within each of us resides a great potential for happiness that will always renew its balance in one way or another.

Love can be fickle. Love can hurt. But everyone survives heartbreak, as painful as it can be. Remember to love like you've never been hurt, because a bad ending doesn't mean it was a bad relationship. You will find someone new and amazing in your life, but do not rush it. Life is like music - you do not wait for it to be over, you enjoy it as it plays. This goes just as much for love.

Singapore Tourist Pass PLUS

It's summer time in the Philippines and I know some of you are scrambling to your feet for that ultimate backpacking adventure. If you're headed to what the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIC) declared as the most expensive city to live in 2013, Singapore, and you're thinking of ways to cut down the transportation budget without compromising your excursions, then you should totally get the Singapore Tourist Pass.

Ultrawinds Mountain Resort

The Ultra Winds Mountain Resort is a new adventure resort located at Barangay Pualas, Baungon, Bukidnon. The resort, sitting at the topmost of Pualas, has a panoramic vista of Cagayan de Oro and offers a unique combination of nature, leisure, and adventure, that will surely rekindle one’s love for Mother Nature.

Picking the Right Socks for a Suit - The Do’s and Don’ts

Several men wear suits to work, church, or other formal events; and, socks are often required to complete the suit ensemble. However, most of the time, it can be frustrating to determine what socks are appropriate for the right suit. With the following guidelines, men can understand what socks are acceptable and which ones are not the next time they open their sock drawer or visit the sock store.

Don’t Wear Fold Over Socks

Fold over socks should never be worn with a suit. These socks are reserved for more conservative and casual looks. This is usually because they are constructed out of casual cottons that are not fitting for the workplace or a formal environment. In addition, they are hard to keep in place. Most of the time they tend to roll over and look sloppy. Their lack of structure also makes them prone to stretching out. Although many find them comfortable, they do not possess the level of formality required to compliment a suit.

Don’t Wear White Socks

In the world of fashion, white socks are meant for sporting activities. When they are worn anywhere else, they look out of place. For example, consider a man that spends time getting himself well groomed for a formal wedding. He dresses in a tailored suit that has been pressed. His shoes are polished, and he even smells nice. Unfortunately, he has decided to wear white socks with his ensemble. These socks kill his overall appearance. They take away from him time and effort getting ready. It may have been better for him to wear no socks at all.

Do Wear Dress Socks

Since fold over socks and white socks are not an option with a suit, the best choice is dress socks. Many assume that this is boring and limits their individuality. However, there are several different options to choose from, including the following:

• Neutral colors
• Bright colors
• Patterned
• Graphic

What is the difference between these socks and other socks?  They are better suited for a suit!  These socks are thinner than traditional athletic socks. In addition, they also have fewer grooves on them. These characteristics make it less likely for them to bulk up around the ankles of the feet. Instead, the socks should stay in place. Furthermore, the fancier material is a nicer compliment to a formal suit pant.

Do Match Socks to Pants

In terms of matching, the sock color should be coordinated with the suit pant. Too often, people make the mistake of matching their socks to their shoes. This makes it easy to select the right color of socks. If there is a choice between a lighter or darker shade of socks, it is usually best to select the darker shade. Whenever socks have patterns on them, it is a good idea to choose the sock based off the most dominant color. The reason it is important to keep the color consistent with the pant and sock is because it makes the outfit look more cohesive when the socks show.

With these simple do’s and don’t, most men will be able to properly select socks for their suits. This will allow them to look presentable at work or during their next formal gathering.

Monster Kitchen Academy Graduation 2014

Monster Kitchen Academy is a Cagayan de Oro-based baking and culinary school that caters to people from different walks of life who desire to master cooking / baking fundamentals. There is no pre-requisite degree and age limit, no one is going to stop you if you want to enroll just after your high school graduation or after you've become a retired war veteran slash doctor slash principal. So long as you have the passion for it, you can enroll and experience life as chef-in-training (just like Masterchef, only less intense because your chefs don't go Hell's Kitchen on you).

Let's Get #CGYFit!

Let's face it, food bloggers aren't fittest bunch. Especially those whose food conquests are on par with Barney Stinson's womanizing (pre-Robin) and those who think 'fitness exercise' means a walk DOWN the stairs. Growing up physically fat, I've often wondered what it's like to say "Let's go to the gym!" And today, after 20 years of idling by, I have finally decided to pay the gym a little visit.