Eggs: Should you eat the Yolk?

Egg Yolks, the colored part of the egg, have gotten a bad reputation for being high in cholesterol.  As a result, many people prefer to eat eggs without the yolk.  Studies in the past few years have shown us a different picture.

A 2012 University of Connecticut study had volunteers consume 3 whole eggs a day or 3 egg whites a day for three months.  Both groups experienced drops in bad cholesterol (LDL).  But, those who ate the whole eggs saw a bigger increase in their good cholesterol (HDL).  

Maria Fernandez, author of the study, says "Egg yolks seem to increase the amount of cholesterol delivered to the liver for removal from the body."  So even though egg yolks have cholesterol in them, they help remove more of the bad cholesterol from your body.  

In conclusion, Egg Yolks are not as bad as people thought.  I recommend eating them because not only do they lower your cholesterol, but you already paid for the egg so you might as well eat the whole thing.  Whether runny, firm, or hard boiled, experiment with egg yolks to find which consistency tastes the best for you.

Source: Special Men's Health EAT Edition 2015

Three Ways to Increase Your Metabolism

Now that the Holidays are winding down, most of us are putting our clothes on in the morning and wondering "Is it just me, or did this get tighter?"  Here are three ways that you can increase your Metabolism, which will increase the amount of calories you burn each day.

1. Strength Training:  Strength training doesn't have to mean lifting weights, it can also mean body weight exercises as well.  Exercising helps you burn calories and build muscle.  Each pound of muscle you gain burns an addition 14 calories a day.

2. Eat More Protein: Protein uses 20%-30% of it's calories in order to be digested, compared with 5%-15% for Carbohydrates.  The best type of protein are found in dairy products, eggs, meat, and fish.

3. Drink Green Tea: Green Tea contains a compound called ECGC, which has been proven to increase fat burning.  Drink 2-3 cups a day to reap the maximum benefits.  Note: Decaf tea doesn't work.

Source: Women's Health Magazine