Friday, February 28, 2014

The Mentalist


 BAKER AND HELLER TALK RED JOHN


The Hollywood Reporter interviewed Simon Baker (Patrick Jane) and show creator Bruno Heller about the show's epic conclusion to the Red John saga. Check out the whole interview at HollywoodReporter.com for all the answers about producing the episode and what happens next for the show.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

MADE IN ENGLAND - AVAILABLE SOON


Arriving soon will be our new 100% Handmade in England ghillie brogues. The brogue comes in various guises and is an integral component of our collections, so we thought that it might be a good idea to give you an insight into the brogue and its origins.
Modern brogues trace their roots back to a rudimentary shoe originating in Scotland and Ireland that was constructed using leather with perforations that allowed water to drain from the shoes when the wearer crossed wet terrain such as a bog. The word 'brogues' originates in the late sixteenth century and is a derivative of the Irish and scots Gaelic 'brog', taken from the Old Norse 'brok' meaning 'leg covering'. The word 'brogue' was first used to describe a form of outdoor, country walking shoe in the early twentieth century. At that time the brogue was not considered to be appropriate for other occasions, social or business and it is only over time the perceptions have changed.   
Our new ghillie style of full brogue oxford would traditionally have not had a tongue to facilitate drying, and would have had long laces that wrap around the leg above the ankle and tie below the calf to facilitate keeping the tie clear of mud. We consider our adaptation of the Scotish ghillie to be more suited to the contemporary gent, with a side order of wit of course! 

PITTI IMMAGINE UOMO, FLORENCE

Last week we debuted our new AW13 collection in the 'Touch' area of the Pitti Immagine Uomo trade-show in Florence. It was an eventful start to our trip when Fee's (one half of Northern Cobbler) passport was scanned and found to have had traces of explosives on it and then when we arrived in Florence one of our pieces of luggage was missing! Thankfully we did manage to get it back the next day and the passport incident was understood to be just a glitch with the scanner. We soon settled into the show and I'm pleased to say the reaction to both the Gents and Ladies ranges was great (as was the T-bone steak) and it was well worth the trip. The new AW13 collection previewed at Pitti will be available to buy on-line from early July so watch this space!

POSTE MISTRESS

Our new Women's AW13 collection has now arrived in Poste Mistress. The store is great and the manager is lovely so it suits Northern Cobbler perfectly. Poste Mistress is situated in Covent Garden, London so if you happen to be doing a spot of shopping in the 'big smoke', pop on in and take a look. 

NEW LIBERTY SHOP FIT

Our new Liberty product is in store and looks great due to their new shop fit. I popped in for a meeting with the manager yesterday to have a chat about a future instore promotion in November and to see the new shop fit for the first time. The space works much better than it previously did and it exhibits the product beautifully. Also, whilst I was there a customer bought a pair of our Lenok 3 brogues which I obviously thanked him for and it made an already good day that bit better!

JOURNAL STANDARD LUXE

 
We are please to say that since our last update we have launched our product with Journal Standard Luxe (one of the best retailers in the world) in Paris and Tokyo and the feedback has been great. The store's lovely organic interior/exterior compliment the product perfectly, the staff are extremely freindly (which is especially valuable to us) and the product is selling splendidly (which helps!). The images above were taken of the Womens store in the iconic Palais Royal, Galerie de Montpensier by our charismatic and very amusing French partner.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Slovenia

Mountain View of Lake Bled
Mountain View of Lake Bled, by CanadianHockey91 via Creative Commons

Discovering Lake Bled, Slovenia

 

During my interrail trip around Europe in 2009, I visited city after city.  It was my first travel experience and, at the age of 20, I was perfectly happy to fill our itinerary with lively hotspots for young backpackers.

But around six weeks into our travels I started to feel an ache for the countryside, and fresh, clean air. Luckily, we were in Eastern Europe by this point, and venturing south towards the land of the lakes. This is when I discovered Lake Bled, Slovenia.

Lake Bled in Summer
Lake Bled in Summer, by Mihael Grmek via Creative Commons

I’m not quite sure how Slovenia manages to remain one of Europe’s less popular tourist spots. I immediately fell in love with the beautiful capital city, Ljubljana, and it didn’t take long for Lake Bled to capture my heart either.

To me, Slovenia still feels like this little untouched pocket of beauty, nestled in between other European destinations that somehow seem more alluring– or perhaps just familiar–  to travelers. The truth is, Slovenia might be a tiny country (20,273 square kilometers, or 7,827 sq miles, with a population of just over two million). But it sure does pack a punch when it comes to nature, and Lake Bled is definitely the jewel in its ecotourism crown.

Bled Island Church, Slovenia
Bled Island Church, by Transpassive via Creative Commons

We set out for Lake Bled on a day trip from Ljubljana, and I didn’t really know what I had in store for me. By that point I’d been moving from city to city every three days for 6 weeks, and was in such an exhausted state from all of this chaos that I basically went along with any plans my travel companion threw at me without question.

She suggested a day trip to Lake Bled, and I absentmindedly said yes without even thinking about it. Little did I know that Lake Bled would ultimately captivate me enough to snap me out of my fog on first sight.

Lake Bled Castle, Slovenia
Lake Bled Castle, by Mihael Grmek via Creative Commons

We got off the bus, and I was taken aback by all the lush greenery right away. I took a few deep breaths, and the warm summer air revitalized me. I had yet to even catch my first glimpse of the lake, but I was already starting to feel like this was just the sort of change of scenery I needed.

We walked down a path towards the lake with other enthusiastic travelers, rounded a corner, and there it was! Spread out before me were the shimmering waters of Lake Bled, with mountains stretching up beyond the shores, covered in dense foliage at the base, with sparse, rocky peaks. In the center of the lake stood an island with a church, drenched in sunlight and mirrored in the waters below. I had finally reached my European safe haven, and the bustling city life I was used to seemed very far away.

Boats Await Passengers on the Shores of Lake Bled, Slovenia
Rowboats Await Passengers on the Shores of Lake Bled, by Emma Higgins

The walk along the path circling the lake takes about an hour, or perhaps a little more if you want to make stops to admire and photograph the scenery (which you will). I visited Lake Bled during the height of summer, when the surrounding boardwalks and little beaches were filled with locals, as it’s a very popular getaway spot.

That being said, I didn’t find it remotely overcrowded or spoiled by the many people here. The fact that they were mostly locals, rather than tourists, made the experience even more enjoyable. I felt like I was taking part in a local ritual, and saw many families, young friends, and couples relaxed and enjoying the incredible scenery that surrounded us. We joined them in dipping our toes in the water, which was a welcome refreshment as the summer sun beat down on us.

Winter Panorama of Lake Bled, Slovenia
Winter Panorama, by Mihael Grmek via Creative Commons

One thing you simply have to do during your visit to Lake Bled is hire a rowboat and head out to Bled Island, in the lake’s center. Here, you can climb up the 99 steps of the church to look out over the lake from a different angle. Many people get married in this church and, as I stood there, I imagined that such a ceremony would be nothing short of a fairy tale.

We eventually rowed back to dry land and headed towards the bus station to return to Ljubljana. As we drove away, I could feel that beautiful fresh air disappearing off into the distance. This day made me realize how lucky I was to live so close to such incredible beauty, being from the United Kingdom originally. It was Lake Bled that put Slovenia firmly on my “must-revisit” list, in order for me to explore more of the mind-blowing natural scenery this tiny little country has to offer. And I know that one day I will dip my toes in the lake’s glistening waters again…  –Emma Higgins

GLOBAL CUISINE

Thai Chicken & Coconut Soup - Tom Kha Gai
Thai Chicken & Coconut Soup, by TheCulinaryGeek via Creative Commons

3 Delicious Coconut Recipes


The coconut is an incredible fruit, used by cultures all around the world. Pacific Islanders call the palm tree“The Tree of Life,” and believe that coconuts can cure just about any imaginable illness. Scientific studies seem to back them up: Raw coconut, coconut oil, coconut milk and coconut butter have all proven to have antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties. In addition to being a delicious source of fiber, vitamins and minerals (including calcium, potassium and electrolytes), coconut hasantioxidant properties for healthy skin, can help prevent osteoporosislowers cholesterol and helpsprevent heart disease. There are a million different ways you can use coconut in your cooking, but here are a few of our favorite coconut recipes.
•  •  •  •  •  • •

THAI CHICKEN AND COCONUT SOUP

from The All New All Purpose Joy Of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker & Ethan Becker

INGREDIENTS:  If they are available, simmer kaffir lime leaves or lemon grass in the coconut milk first for a delicate citrus flavor • 3 cups Chicken Stock • 2 2/3 cups unsweetened coconut milk • 2 small Thai peppers or 3 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced • 3 Tbsp Thai fish sauce (nam pla) or soy sauce • 1 tsp minced peeled fresh ginger • 1/8 tsp salt • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced, • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

DIRECTIONS:  Bring Chicken Stock and coconut milk to a boil in a soup pot. • Reduce heat and stir in peppers, fish sauce, ginger, salt. • Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in chicken breasts and lime juice. • Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. • Ladle into warmed bowls, and garnish with cilantro.

Coconut Fish curry
Coconut Fish Curry, Photo by Pelican via Creative Commons

COCONUT FISH CURRY  (SAMAKI WA NAZI)

from A Taste of Africa by Dorina Hafner
This curry (pronounced ‘sah-ma-ki wah nahzi’) is popular among the coastal dwellers of Tanzania and on Zanzibar (a.k.a.  ”the Island of the Spices”).

INGREDIENTS:  2 lb firm fish (e.g. tuna, snapper, salmon or trevally) • salt to taste • 3 Tb vegetable oil • 1 medium onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • I Tbsp curry powder • 2 Tbsp tomato paste • 1-2 chilies (hot peppers, optional) • juice of ½ lemon • ¾ pt coconut milk

DIRECTIONS:  Clean and rinse the fish, then season with salt. • Heat the oil in a pan and brown the fish. • Set aside and keep warm. • In the same oil, fry onion until brown. • Add  the garlic and stir; cook for 1 minute then add the curry powder, tomato paste, chilies (hot peppers optional)  and lemon juice. • Mix well and keep stirring so the mixture does not burn. • Cook for 2-3 minutes. • Add the coconut milk and stir until it boils. • Turn the heat down and add the fried fish. • Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to concentrate and sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency. • Serve hot with boiled or fried rice.

Coconut cookies BESITOS DE COCO
Coconut cookies (Besitos De Coco), photo from The Healthy Voyager’s Global Kitchen

COCONUT COOKIES  (BESITOS DE COCO)

from The Healthy Voyager’s Global Kitchen by Carolyn Scott-Hamilton

INGREDIENTS:  3 cups coconut flakes • ½ cup all-purpose flour • 4 eggs yolks • 1 cup packed brown sugar • ¼ tsp salt • ½ cup butter • 2 Tb vanilla extract • ½ cup chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease two 13 x 9 in cookie sheets. • In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the coconut, flour, egg yolks, brown sugar, salt, butter and vanilla together into a dough. • Divide the dough into 24 uniform balls, place on greased cookie sheets, and bake for about 35 minutes until golden. • Remove from the oven and let cool. • Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler and drizzle on top of the cookies. • For extra crunchiness, add finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie batter. • For extra sweetness, drizzle some caramel on top as well.

The World’s Best Road Trips For Your World Travel Bucket List

Storseisundet Bridge on Norway's Atlantic Road
Storseisundet Bridge on Norway’s Atlantic Road, by Jørgen Vik via Creative Commons

The World’s Best Road Trips

For Your World Travel Bucket List


We love heading off on grand adventures. But, in the years since 9/11, it seems like the entire process of air travel has become much more of a hassle. For us, it’s become a LOT more fun to load up our Hyundai and head out on the open road. Which probably explains why we’ve driven on family vacations to New York City,Asheville, the Outer Banks, Mobile, and Tennessee in the last 18 months alone. What follows is theWorld’s Best Road Trips from our World Travel Bucket List. We’d love to hear what’s on yours in the comments section below!

The Atlantic Ocean Road (Norway)

Named “The World’s Best Road Trip” by The Guardian,  the Atlantic Ocean Road is an 8.3-kilometer long road running through a picturesque archipelago. Connecting the western fjord islands between Molde and Kristiansund, the road zig-zags across numerous small islands connected by causeways, viaducts and seven low bridges that jut out over the often dramatic Norwegian Sea. There are four rest areas offering panoramic views (which often include whales and seals), but the road itself is a thing of beauty often used in automobile ads. We’re hoping to visit Norway this year, and would love to drive the Atlantic Road along the way.

Scenery along Spain's Basque Circuit
Scenery along Spain’s Basque Circuit, photo by Anonymous via Creative Commons

Basque Circuit (Spain to France)

Stretching 300 miles from Bilbao in northern Spain to the French coastal town of Biarritz, the Basque Circuit is another of Europe’s iconic road trips. For culture lovers, suggested stops along the way include Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and Euskalduna concert hall, the historic architecture of Vitoria-Gasteiz (the region’s second-largest city), and the Asiatica Museum in Biarritz. But nature lovers will be equally impressed by the spectacular scenery as they make their way along the historic Roncesvalles pass through the Pyrenees, the gorgeous mountain range separating France from Spain.

Black Balsam Knob from the Blue Ridge Parkway
Black Balsam Knob from the Blue Ridge Parkway, by Badgettrg via Creative Commons

Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina to Virginia)

Running 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway ranks among North America’s most iconic roadways. With construction starting in 1935 (when it was known as the Appalachian Scenic Highway), the road was built to connect Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Shenandoah National Park. It’s been the National Park System’s most visited attraction almost every year since the mid-1940s. It’s easy to see why: With stunning scenery (particularly in Autumn), historic landmarks, and thousands of wildlife species, the parkway offers a taste of unspoiled Americana at its finest.

Denali National Park Road
Denali National Park Road, by Bret Love

Denali National Park Road (Alaska)

With six million acres of pristine wilderness and only one 92-mile road through it, Denali National Park is a nature-lover’s paradise. To drive it yourself, you literally have to win the lottery, as the Park Service only opens the (mostly gravel) road to a limited number of private vehicles four days a year. Instead, take a shuttle bus, which stops for wildlife viewing and bathroom breaks and allows you to get on and off anywhere along the road. Paralleling the Alaska range, the road offers lovely landscapes, exceptional wildlife (bears, moose, caribou, and even wolves), and– if you’re lucky– breathtaking views of massive Mt McKinley.

Australia's Great Ocean Road
Australia’s Great Ocean Road, by David Iliff via Creative Commons

Great Ocean Road (Australia)

Stretching 151 miles along Australia’s southeastern coast between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford, the Great Ocean Road was built between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I (making it the world’s largest war memorial). The route encompasses Australia’s “Surf Coast” as well as the Shipwreck Coast, a formidable stretch of coastline that has claimed more than 600 boats in the last two centuries. Along the way, the road passes through ecosystems ranging from rainforests and beaches to sheer cliffs, including natural rock formations such as The Grotto, London Arch and the Twelve Apostles.

Pakistani Truck on Karakoram Highway
Pakistani Truck on Karakoram Highway, by katorisi via Creative Commons

Karakoram Highway (China to Pakistan)

Also known as the Friendship Highway, Karakoram Highway traces one of the paths of the ancient Silk Road, running 810 miles from the Chinese city of Kashgar to the Pakistani city of Abbottabad. Built between 1959 and 1979 by the governments of China and Pakistan, Karakoram is the highest paved international road in the world, crossing the mountain range through the Khunjerab Pass at an elevation of 15,397 feet. Emerging in  recent years as an eco-adventure hotspot, the highway provides access to ancient petroglyphs, rivers, lakes, glaciers and mountains, including K2 and Nanga Parbat (the 2nd and 9th tallest in the world).

The Pan-American Highway
The Pan-American Highway

Pan-American Highway (North America to South America)

Though we’ve visited many of the countries along what the Guinness Book of World Records calls “the world’s longest motorable road,” driving its 15,000+ miles is widely considered the ultimate epic road trip. Created in 1937 with the signing of the Convention on the Pan-American Highway, the road system officially passes through 17 countries (the Canadian section doesn’t count, apparently), with some sections passable only during the dry season and the 60-mile Darién Gap constituting the only break. Our friends at Trans-Americas Journey are currently on a lengthy slow-travel quest to navigate its entire length.

Iceland's Ring Road, by Jennifer Dombrowski
Iceland’s Ring Road, by Jennifer Dombrowski

Ring Road (Iceland)

Iceland was on our bucket list long before Game Of Thrones started filming there,  but the dynamic landscapes pictured on the hit show have certainly added fuel to our fantasy’s fire. Officially known as Route 1, the 832-mile Ring Road circles the entire island, from snow-capped mountains and volcanic craters to fertile green valleys and vivid blue fjords. Completed in 1974 to celebrate 1100 years of human settlement in Iceland, the route takes travelers to some of the country’s finest attractions, including the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

Quiver Trees in Namibia's Skeleton Coast Park
Namibia’s Skeleton Coast Park, by Alastair Rae via Creative Commons

Skeleton Coast (Namibia)

One of my fondest travel memories involved driving 500+ km through South Africa’s Kruger National Parkand into the Drakensburg Mountains. Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is said to be equally stunning, with arid, windswept landscapes, rugged coastlines shrouded in fog, and a remarkable array of wildlife ranging from baboons and giraffes to lions and rhinos. The 6200 square mile Skeleton Coast National Park is also home to one of the world’s largest Cape fur seal colonies. Our ethical issue with the country’s stubborn refusal to end its annual, brutal seal slaughter is the only thing that has prevented us from visiting thus far. 

Satellite Photo of New Zealand's South Island
Satellite Photo of New Zealand’s South Island

South Island Circuit (New Zealand)

New Zealand for us feels a bit like Mordor must have felt for Frodo Baggins in The Lord of The Rings (which was filmed there)– almost impossibly far away and difficult to reach. But when we get there, I imagine we could spend two weeks just exploring the natural landscapes of South Island, venturing from Christchurch to Mt. Cook National Park, the Southern Lakes region, the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, Fiordland National Park, and the gorgeous glaciers along the West Coast. It all seems like some distant dream at this point… but then again, isn’t that what world travel bucket lists are for?  –Bret Love

Norwegian people

  • Hva skjer når et barn står og fryser?

    SOS-Barnebyer bestemte seg for å gjennomføre et eksperiment i Oslo. 
    VIDEO: Släger Kommunikasjon, PureContent og Flash Studio

Hvor mange Oslo-folk ville hjelpe den tynnkledde gutten som frøs?

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

camera


The Asahi Pentax Lx 18kt Gold Camera, was the world’s first water-proof and dust-resistant SLR camera. Only 300 were ever made:


http://capelux.com/asahi-pentax-lx-gold-worlds-first-water-proof-and-dust-resistant-slr-camera/

Jacob Young & Sid Ellisdon by Ellen von Unwerth for River Island Fall

 Fun For Five–Joined by friends for a cozy and flirtatious get-together, Jacob Young and Sid Ellisdon are photographed by Ellen von Unwerth for River Island’s fall 2011 campaign. The duo is dressed to impressed in tailored suiting and casual fall staples for the accessible occasion.





What Not to Do at a Party | River Island x Danny Wallace Masterclass


What Not to Do at a Party–Just in time for the holiday season, River Islandcollaborates with comedian Danny Wallace for the latest in their Masterclass series, What Not to Do at a Party. The funny man shares five simple rules to retain your role as the life of the party throughout the holidays. Check out books by Danny Wallace on Amazon.com.
danny wallace What Not to Do at a Party | River Island x Danny Wallace Masterclass

Balmain’s Fall/Winter

 Clément Chabernaud Stars in Balmains Fall/Winter 2012 Eyewear Campaign
Stylish Vision–After fronting Balmain’s fall/winter 2012 main campaign, modelClément Chabernaud returns to grace the fall/winter 2012 eyewear campaign of the French fashion house. Captured in black & white by the lens of David Sims, Clément takes a rest, joined by blonde beauty Nadja Bender. Styled by Joe McKenna with the luxury designs of the brand, Clément sports retro-inspired eyeglasses with his signature appeal.

Clément Chabernaud Dons Spring Nautical Fashions for H&M

h and m clement chabernaud spring nautical fashions photos 0001 Clément Chabernaud Dons Spring Nautical Fashions for H&M
Naval Notes–French model Clément Chabernaud reunites with H&M for a new style guide for the spring season. Featuring nautical fashions, Clément is a stylish vision in navy and stripes. Expressing a confident cool, everything from the baseball jacket to the double-breasted blazer makes an impressive fashion note.

h and m clement chabernaud spring nautical fashions photos 0002 Clément Chabernaud Dons Spring Nautical Fashions for H&M

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Ryan Reynolds Tapped as the Face of L’Oreal Paris Men Expert

ryan reynolds photos 0001 Ryan Reynolds Tapped as the Face of LOreal Paris Men Expert
Reynolds for L’Oreal–As reported by Daily Mail, Canadian actor Ryan Reynoldshas been tapped as the new face of L’Oreal Paris Men Expert. Photographed by Kenneth Willardt, Reynolds appears in the new grooming advertisement, sporting a well-rounded wardrobe, consisting of suiting and classic essentials for an action-packed outing.

ryan reynolds photos 0002 Ryan Reynolds Tapped as the Face of LOreal Paris Men Expert

ryan reynolds photos 0003 Ryan Reynolds Tapped as the Face of LOreal Paris Men Expert

ryan reynolds photos 0004 Ryan Reynolds Tapped as the Face of LOreal Paris Men Expert

ryan reynolds photos 0005 Ryan Reynolds Tapped as the Face of LOreal Paris Men Expert

ryan reynolds photos 0006 Ryan Reynolds Tapped as the Face of LOreal Paris Men Expert

ryan reynolds photos 0007 Ryan Reynolds Tapped as the Face of LOreal Paris Men Expert

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Monday, February 17, 2014

HEALTHY” FOODS THAT AREN’T SO HEALTHY

Healthy Foods That Aren't
Trail mix is healthy, right? Well, sometimes yes, but you have to be choosy.
The food industry is smart, and knows that most people are looking for healthier options these days. Unfortunately, though some conscientious companies are creating good low-fat, low-sugar, and low sodium options, others are simply dressing up unhealthy options to look healthy.
Shoppers need to be more careful than ever when seeking out the good stuff from the scams. Watch out for the following on your next trip to the grocery store.
  1. Dried fruit & nut mixes. Sound healthy, right? If companies stick with dried fruit and nuts, they are. But most add sugar coatings and lots of salt. Look for those with natural dried fruit, seeds, and unsalted nuts—check the ingredient deck and food facts to be sure.
  2. Lentil chips: These are supposed to be gluten-free, bean-based chips—advertised as being a good source of protein. Yet most contain only lentil “powder,” along with potato starch, oil, and salt. They have little fiber, often about the same number of calories as potato chips, and only 3-4 grams of protein. Even those labeled as having “light sea salt” often have hundreds of milligrams more sodium than regular chips.
  3. Veggie patties: If you’re on a vegetarian or vegan diet, these may look like a good option, but read carefully. Many of the prepared, frozen types have a lot of fillers (gums, cornstarch, yeast extract) and few real vegetables. Choose those that have real vegetables first on the ingredient list, and watch out for sodium and calorie levels.
  4. Protein shakes: These are often advertised as being full of protein, vegetables, fruit, and sometimes real dairy. Yet upon a closer look you may find that the protein comes from whey protein concentrate or soy protein isolate instead of from real food. They also like to fool you as to how much protein you’re getting by stating how much is in the bottle—when the bottle may contain two or more servings, which would cut that protein amount in half or more. Read carefully, and consider tempeh, quinoa, almonds, yogurt, kefir, or organic lean meat as better choices for real protein.
  5. Multi-grain and wheat breads: Everyone knows whole grains are better, so the food industry is now putting out a lot more multi-grain and whole wheat breads. Surely these are healthier? Look carefully. Some brands put “multi-grain” on the front of the package, but then actually use refined grains in the recipe. Read the label carefully—if it says “bleached” or “unbleached enriched wheat flour,” you’re not getting whole grains. Look for words like “whole grain,” “whole wheat,” “stoneground wheat,” “oats,” etc.
  6. Energy bars: Companies that manufacture these are even starting to conduct scientific research on them to convince us of their value. The KIND Plus Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio + Antioxidants bar label says that a study by the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center showed that eating two bars a day helped prevent weight gain. Yet each bar has about 200 calories, and come to find out, the study didn’t put the bars up against any other food in a real test—they simply told 94 overweight adults to eat two bars a day, and eight weeks later found the participants hadn’t gained any more weight. (Nor did they lose any.) Try a real piece of fruit, a cup of natural trail mix, or low-fat cheese instead.
  7. Greek yogurt cereals and bars: Plain, natural Greek yogurt is full of protein and probiotics. But many food manufacturers are trying to use the healthy halo around Greek yogurt in products that aren’t so healthy. Take Greek yogurt cereals. Post Honey Bunches of Oats Greek Honey Crunch is one of them. The only thing they have that allows them to add the name “Greek yogurt” onto the label is a pinch of yogurt powder, mixed in with wheat, sugar, rice, corn meal, and oil. The powder is heat treated, so there are no live cultures. And the protein comes from milk protein isolate, not from the yogurt. Yogurt snack bars are typically made with Greek yogurt coating that has more sugar, palm kernel oil, palm oil, and shea oil than Greek yogurt. Just stick with the plain Greek yogurt.
  8. Vitamin water: Might be great if it was just water with vitamins, but most of these have about 32 grams of sugar, and the source of the vitamins is questionable, many coming from coal tar, sorbitol, and the like. Try real fruit instead—like a slice of lemon in your glass of water. Same with the bottled teas, by the way—watch for added sugar.
  9. Gluten-free foods: It’s getting more and more popular to shun wheat, and though some people have a real reason to—such as celiac disease or a wheat sensitivity—food manufacturers are trying to get us all on the bandwagon with prepared foods that may be lacking gluten, but have plenty of sugar, fat, and salt. Choose carefully if you must, but remember that processed foods are often low on the healthy-food chain. Healthy options typically have a whole grain, such as brown rice flour, as the first ingredient.
  10. Reduced-fat peanut butter. They take out the good-for-you fats and add in sugar instead. Check out the labels and you’ll see. Look instead for natural nut butters with no added oils or sugars.