Many cultures have some customs to keep people lean, that may be unintended. Have a look at what we can learn from them.
• In Thailand – they love their spices. Its believed that hot peppers increase your metabolism as well as help in slowing down your eating allowing you to know when you are full
• In Brazil they eat rice and beans with almost every meal. Studies show this combination may reduce obesity by 14%, due to its lower fat and high fibre components, which stabilizes blood sugar, preventing diabetes type 2
• In Switzerland muesli, which is a cold version of porridge, is eaten at breakfast or as a light evening snack. The oats filled with fibre may help lower LDL, the bad cholesterol
• In France they enjoy long leisurely meals during the day. Over 90% of French families eat together each night.We all know how I feel about bringing families back to the table and the benefits of sharing meals together.
• In Spain their largest meal is in mid afternoon and a light dinner in the evening. This means you wake up hungrier and eat a larger breakfast, which burns your calories more efficiently.
We in Canada have something to learn.
What country are you from? Do you have any other cultural tips?



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I am enjoying your cookbook `Devine Indulgences`and wanted to comment on something you said about eggs. You claim that salmonella is most often found in restaurant eggs, since they are often left unrefrigerated for long periods of time.
I often visit my daughter who lives in England. In the supermarkets, eggs are found on regular grocery shelves, and I noticed that kitchenware stores sell lovely ceramic containers for keeping eggs on the kitchen counter. They are often in the shape of hens, and have a lid like soup tureens. According to my daughter, people generally do not refrigerate eggs, although she does. How can this be safe?
Sylvia Bergeron