It seems low calorie diet foods might fool taste buds, but not the brain according to a study at Duke University Medical Center. Ivan de Araujo lead a team that designed an experiment to prove the point:

Mice without taste receptors were offered either plain water or sugar water. Surprisingly, the mice preferred the sugar water even though they couldn't taste the difference.

But when the sugar water was switched to artificially sweetened water, the mice didn't prefer it to plain water.

It seems the pleasure processing part of the brain responds to calories regardless of taste.

If you have a chance to check out the latest issue of Whole Living magazine (a Martha Stewart publication), be sure to read Katie Arnold's piece, "Where Does Our Food Come From?" 

Here are a few facts she provided about US markets:

• Tomatoes:  39% comes from Canada and Mexico
• Peppers:  20% comes from Mexico
• Garlic:  73% of fresh garlic comes from China
• Shrimp:  88% comes from Asian and Latin American shrimp farms, not the ocean
• Beef:  2,500,000 head of cattle are imported and Canada provides 56% of that
• Cantaloupe:  Almost 100% comes from Mexico, Central America, etc. during December-April

She added a fascinating sidebar blurb about how orange juice gets from the tree to the table.  It's not what you think!  Who knew?  You'll never look at OJ the same way again.

Missing crunchy crackers on low carb diets like Kimkins? Whip up a batch of parmesan crisps! Couldn't be easier and they're sure to get attention piled high in a pretty basket on the table. 

Try floating one on top of steamy hot soup this winter.  It will melt into the soup adding a rich cheese flavor.

Ingredients (makes 16)

• 8 oz shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
  

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray or use Silpat liners to prevent sticking. Pile 1/2 oz stacks of cheese on baking sheet allowing room for spreading. Sprinkle with black pepper. You will need to make 2 batches.

Bake for 3-4 minutes until cheese flattens and forms lace pattern. Watch carefully!  Remove from oven and let cool briefly. Remove to serving tray and enjoy!

Nutritional Info (per crisp)
Calories:  56
Carbs:  .5 grams
Protein:  11 grams
Fat: 6 grams

Ran across an interesting read, Natural Choices for Women's Health by Laurie Steelsmith, ND, LAc.

A student of Chinese medicine she states that lungs are known as the "prime minister" of the body because they control breath and circulation of qi and blood. "They also circulate a particular type of energy konwn as wei qi. That's your immune systems' first line of defense, serving as a barrier to outside influences that can make you sick."

A worthwhile book to check out for anyone interested in natural healing or eastern medicine.

Here's a tip for Kimkins readers.  There's a download source for just about everything you're interested in -- personal growth, yoga, relaxation or workout tunes.  

Check it out and try these for starters and explore:

• Relax and meditate
• Find a more advanced yoga workout
• Get MP3 downloads and trainer tips
• Find a new audio book on any topic