2011 - Page 27 of 28 - Better.Cheaper.Slower.

Walk on Lava

January 21, 2011

There were a couple of basic concepts I didn't totally understand until I took this hike. "Geological time" and the "earth's crust". And I took geology in college. C'mon, leave your footprints on twelve miles of wild terrain. Burn 1,800 calories.

Football or figure skating?

January 20, 2011

A splendid snack that tastes as good with a double axel as it does with a double reverse. Salsa Verde Bean Dip. No, don't just sit there watching and munching. But between stretches, eat something really good. Like this. $1.25 for more than you can eat.

Find your farmer

January 19, 2011

Not your inner farmer. A real farmer. Who grows dozens of great crops so you - yeah, you - can eat Better and Cheaper. Now's the time to find a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group near you. The best deal in the universe of Eating.

Not quite rice & beans

January 18, 2011

Maybe you'll like it better if we just say risotto with haricots verts. Or rice and green beans. You'll definitely like it when it's in your mouth. You can make a great version of risotto in 30 minutes. Required kitchen skill: stirring.

Don’t Just Sit There. Flex your ‘ceps.

January 17, 2011

Even if you exercise vigorously for an hour every day - too much sitting significantly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity. So when you're in front of your TV or computer, do this - or something like it - for a minute, every hour or two.

Slower Sunday: Bright on white

January 16, 2011

When you're breathing dry heated air and dry frozen air, it's nice to just lean over and inhale a flower. Something moist and fragrant. If you're not growing something good indoors, go to a florist. Just to breathe. Get in the mood. Press Play.

Let’s Dance: The Winter Playlist

January 15, 2011

If you're not motivated to exercise today, I have a suggestion. Put on some music that you can't not dance to. This is aerobic: you get your heart rate up and sweat. 45 minutes and minus 275 calories (that's a third of my Mexican Lasagna). My current playlist:

The sun, the moon, the stairs

January 14, 2011

Let's go pyramid hopping. In Mexico. Teotihuacan. One of the biggest cities on the planet ... during the 5th century. The Pyramid of the Sun, third biggest pyramid on earth. The Pyramid of the Moon. Smaller but steeper. Four miles, two hours, a thousand calories.

Mexican Lasagna

January 13, 2011

A wonderful combination of flavors. Sweet, earthy corn from the tortillas. A bright, tart, spicy sauce. Richness, but not heaviness, from fresh ricotta cheese. More fresh-and-bright from the tomatoes and squash. Delights three for $4.50.

Special Sauce

January 12, 2011

If these two words fill you with visions of Big Macs, you're excused. Here's a better vision: Michelin 3-star chef Daniel Boulud's Sauce Diable. Made from ketchup, mustard, A1, Worcestershire and Tabasco. Really. Tasting is believing.