Most Fattening Foods in the World

Most Fattening Foods
in the World

You might think that the United States, with its super-sized portions, absurdly high obesity rate, and uniquely American innovations like the Doritos Locos Taco, is home to the world's most fattening foods. But you'd be wrong! Our national dishes have nothing on these artery-clogging bad boys from around the world. Here are 10 of the most decadent foods you'll find in other countries.

Acaraje, Brazil

You know what's really not great for you? Palm oil. A mere tablespoon of the stuff contains a whopping 7 grams of saturated fat—which is too bad, because saturated fat makes food taste really great. Case in point, Brazil's acaraje: black-eyed peas formed into a ball, deep-fried in palm oil, and then stuffed with vatapa and caruru (spicy pastes made from dried shrimp, ground cashews … and more palm oil).

Churros, Spain

Forget your boring breakfast of Special K and skim milk. In Spain, a popular way for locals to start the day is with a meal of churros. These fried-dough pastries are dipped in sugar and cinnamon and then—here's the fat kicker—dipped in a thick hot-chocolate drink. Talk about a morning sugar rush!

Poutine, Canada

On its own, the humble potato is a relatively healthy starch. But in the hands of Canadians, it becomes poutine—French fries smothered in gravy and cheddar-cheese curds. This cheesy dish is so popular that it's even sold at Burger King in Canada, where (according to the chain's nutritional information) the dish contains 740 calories and 41 grams of fat.

And that's just the traditional version. There are entire restaurants that solely serve varieties of poutine. Smoke's Poutinerie dishes up Triple Pork Poutine (with chipotle pulled pork, double-smoked bacon, and Italian sausage), Nacho Grande Poutine (with homemade chili, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeno peppers), and Bacon Cheeseburger Poutine (with prime ground beef, double-smoked bacon, and cheese sauce).

Khachapuri, Georgia

Eating off a plate is so boring. What if your food were served up inside a bread boat instead—and what if the bread boat were filled with melted cheese? Georgians have the right idea with their khachapuri. It's a bread bowl that is stuffed with melted cheese and topped with an egg and a large pad of butter!

Nutella Crepes, France

Just one serving (2 tablespoons) of sweet, chocolaty Nutella spread has 200 calories (110 of which are from fat). And when using a spoon (or a finger) to eat the hazelnut spread straight out of the jar just isn't enough, you'll want to head to France for a Nutella crepe. There, many street carts and restaurants fry up batter in butter and make thin pancake-like pockets in which to deliver your Nutella. Even better, the crepes are usually topped with powdered sugar and sometimes even whipped cream.

Aligot, France

You know the stereotype that French women don't get fat? We have to wonder how that's possible when a dish like aligot is served up in the country's L'Aubrac region. Aligot is made with mashed potatoes, butter, cream, garlic, and melted cheese, all whipped together into a thick, rich dish. According to calorie-counting website FatSecret, 1 tablespoon of aligot contains 6 percent of the recommended daily amount of saturated fat.

"Yes aligot is very fat food but why the french women don't get fat ? Because we eat an aligot just around once or twice a year. "M. Faure

Deep-Fried Mars Bars, Scotland

After you've tried the deep-fried fish and deep-fried potatoes in Scotland, what should you have for dessert? A Mars bar—deep-fried, of course. Who wouldn't love a chocolate bar gone all melty and encased in a satisfyingly crunchy shell of fried dough? Answer: The Mars candy company, which reportedly feels that the deep-fried dessert is not in line with the company's goal of promoting a "healthy, active" lifestyle. Because, you know, nothing says healthy like chocolate candy!

Jalebi, India

Sure, plain ol' fried dough is unhealthy on its own. But India really steps up the game with jalebi, deep-fried dough that is soaked in a sugary syrup. Funnel cake, you're on notice—a sprinkling of powdered sugar just doesn't cut it anymore.

Calzone, Italy

Did you know that a traditional calzone uses the same amount of dough as an entire pizza—and that it's meant to serve four people? Or did you, um, think that the whole delicious calzone was all for you? We have the Campania region of Italy to thank for birthing this version of pizza that is even unhealthier than the original. In a calzone, tomatoes, mozzarella, and other traditional pizza toppings are stuffed into an easy-to-eat dough pocket and then served.

Ramen, Japan

Ramen has exploded in popularity over the last few years—and we don't mean the sad, dehydrated Cup Noodles kind of ramen, either. We're talking about the traditional Japanese soup dish, consisting of noodles in broth, topped with a variety of meats and vegetables. Soup is basically a health food, right? Unfortunately, the broth (often made with beef, lard, and oil) really packs a fat punch, even if the noodles aren't fried.

—By Caroline Morse

Read the original story: 10 Most Fattening Foods in the World by Caroline Morse, who is a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

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A View

 

Dogs 🐶 Get Spring Allergies? 🐕 Yes!

Do Dogs Get Spring Allergies?

Yes! 🐶

Allergens that cause spring allergies in many of us--trees, grasses, weeds, dust mites, molds and insects--can cause skin infections, itching, sneezing and other reactions in our canine friends as well.

Constant paw licking, body rubbing and excessive scratching are all signs your dog may have an allergy. Hair loss, odor, rashes, a "flaky" or "greasy" feeling coat are other symptoms. Itching can also be caused by contagious mites, fungal infections, autoimmune skin diseases or hormonal abnormalities, so it's important for your vet to distinguish the source.

Symptoms of airborne allergies are most often observed when dogs are between six months and four years old, but tend to become more severe with age. Dogs often show symptoms at the same time every year, usually when the seasons change.

Treatment can begin once an allergy is diagnosed. Simply washing the offending allergens off of your dog is often a great first line of defense. Washing your dog's paws after spending time outdoors or frequent bathing of the entire body may also provide temporary relief. 

Oral supplements and medications may also provide relief, although something like fatty acid supplementation may take months to be effective.

Over-the-counter antihistamines for humans provide relief in some cases, but never give these to your dog without asking your veterinarian first, as many also contain other ingredients that can be deadly for dogs, such as pseudo-ephedrine, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Allergy vaccines, oral or topical steroids or oral cyclosporine can treat very severe seasonal allergies.

Careful observations and a trip to your veterinarian are the first steps in helping your dog survive allergy season. Enjoy your springtime outdoors!

*

Dr. Heather Peikes is Manhattan's only board-certified Veterinary Dermatologist. She practices at Animal Allergy and Dermatology, located at 32 West 25th Street; 212-206-0969; www.animalallergyanderm.com.

Click here for other articles about dogs on the New York Tails Web site. http://www.newyorktails.com/dogs.htm 🐕

Dogs frequently suffer from spring allergies (atopic dermatitis) caused by tree, grass, and weed pollen, as well as mold spores. Symptoms include intense itching, paw licking, ear infections, and skin irritation. Management includes wiping paws after walks, frequent baths, and veterinary care to provide relief. 

 

Common Symptoms of Spring Allergies in Dogs

• Itching and Scratching: Excessive itching, biting, or scratching of the skin.
• Paw Licking/Chewing: Compulsive licking or chewing of the paws.
• Skin Irritation: Red, inflamed, or infected skin, often leading to hot spots.
• Ear Infections: Chronic, smelly, or dirty ear infections, along with head shaking.
• Respiratory Issues: Sneezing, coughing, or runny nose.
• Eye Problems: Puffy, watery, or itchy eyes.
• Hair Loss: Excessive shedding or hair loss. 

Causes and Triggers

• Pollen: Tree, grass, and weed pollen are the primary culprits in spring.
• Mold Spores: Thriving in warm, damp spring weather.
• Insect Bites/Fleas: Increased flea activity in warmer weather can cause flea allergy dermatitis. 

Management and Relief Tips

• Wipe Down After Walks: Use a damp towel or pet-safe wipes to remove pollen from paws and the undercarriage.
• Regular Grooming: Frequent bathing (every 2-4 weeks) with medicated or soothing shampoos helps remove allergens from the coat.
• Keep Indoors: Limit outdoor time during high pollen counts, often in the morning and evening.
• Air Filtration: Use HEPA air purifiers inside to reduce indoor allergens.
• Supplements: Fatty acid supplements (Omega-3) can support the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
• Veterinary Care: Consult a vet for, specialized treatments such as antihistamines, allergy shots, or prescription medications for severe cases. 

 

 

                      

Stress 😎 Reduce Automatically

Things
That Automatically

Reduce Stress😎

Deep Breathing

A number of Facebook fans said deep breathing instantly reduces their stress, and for good reason. "This is one of the oldest and cheapest forms of stress management known to mankind!" writes Dr. Ackrill. "Mindful breathing resets brain patterns, increases heart rate coherence, lowers blood pressure and many more effects."
Yoga and meditation also made it on the list.

Snuggling With Pets
 
Got a Dog, Cat (or two or three)? "Loving pets lowers blood pressure and increases immune responses, counteracting the negative effects of stress," Dr. Ackrill explains. But don't think your puppy is a stress cure-all, she explains. "Don't keep living a life that is filled with stress and stressful perspectives, then love on your dog -- make changes and love the dog!"

Eating Chocolate

 
"I have a love affair with chocolate, but unfortunately, sugar is not a help in stress," Dr. Ackrill shares with Huff/Post50. "We crave it -- we want dopamine and serotonin to feel better -- but it is not a help at all in the long run. Sugar actually is inflammatory (a version of a stressor)."

Eating Ice Cream

As with chocolate, this instant de-stressor can actually cause more harm than good in the long run. While we love that rush of feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin, sugar causes inflammation, a type of internal stress.

Drinking Water

When we are stressed out, we tend to get dehydrated, Dr. Ackrill explained. Drinking water can be soothing and a way to help our bodys handle all the reactions that happen when we're stressed.

Praying

Praying can lead people to feel a connection with their spiritual health, writes Dr. Cynthia Ackrill.

Taking A Bath

Ahhh. Why does taking a warm bath instantly destress us?
"It calms our physiology and relaxes the vessels," explains Dr. Ackrill of the American Institute of Stress and WellSpark, a leadership development firm.

Walking The Dog

When you walk the dog you're hitting three stress reducers in one activity: exercise, and being around animals and nature, according to Dr. Ackrill.

Listening To Audiobooks

When you listen to an audiobook to destress, you're "usually [shifting] focus," Dr. Ackrill allows. "But if the stressor is still looming, this may only be procrastination. If it sparks creative thinking to deal with a stressor -- to expand thought patterns -- it may be helpful."

Getting A Hug
 

Don't underestimate the power of human connection as a form of instant stress reduction. "We need more touch, which is sometimes a challenge as we age," Dr. Ackrill writes.  

"Massage even releases anti-stress chemicals."

'Seeing My Grandkid's Smiles'
Experiencing the love of our families creates a connection that releases inflammation-fighting DHEA and other chemicals, explains Dr. Ackrill.

Crying

Crying can release tension, but is not a proven stress reducer.

Knitting
The rhythmic movement and creative energy expelled during a knitting session can instantly reduce stress.

Dancing

Dr. Ackrill calls dancing an "excellent" way to instantly reduce stress. "Movement releases stress reducing chemicals as well as chemicals that support brain growth. Exercise rivals antidepressants."

Listening To Music

The Blue Danube Waltz

"Some music actually increases coherence of our heart rate -- a really healthy state," Dr. Ackrill writes. "And if you are actively listening you are less focused on the stress."

Johann Strauss II's most famous Waltz, Originally named " On the Beautiful Blue Danube " - An der schönen blauen Donau - is a very popular piece and still played till today, it has been one of the most consistently popular pieces of music in the classical repertoire.
Conducted By : Herbert Von Karajan
Preformed By: The Vienna Philharmonic
This Preformance dates back to late 1980's, as one of Karajan's last preformances Given, Digitally remastered to Give this amazing Interpitation in Hight Clarity and Beauty.

  

Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: III. 

Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace
👇    👇

Listening To Music: 

Dave Matthews Band

Readers told us they automatically de-stressed when they heard Dave Matthews' music. (For a two-for, watch Dave Matthews Band's video for the single "Everyday," featuring lots of hugs.)

Johannes Brahms
Violin Concerto in D major, 
Op. 77 - I. Allegro ma non troppo (part 1)
Violin: Itzhak Perlman
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Carlo Maria Giulini -1978

http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/surangama.pdf