2014 BMW i8 Review

The 2014 BMW i8 is an all-new model. Introduction Based on the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car shown a few years ago, the 2014 BMW i8 represents the German automaker's vision of a high-performance plug-in hybrid. If this is what the future looks like, sign us up.
Zero to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds? A full charge in three hours from a regular garage outlet? Approximately 95 mpg? Yes, please. For the i8, BMW chops its classic 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine formula in half. The i8 uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. The three-cylinder drives the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, while the electric motor powers the front wheels through a two-speed automatic. The engine and electric motor combine for 362 horsepower, 420 pound-feet of torque and all-wheel-drive performance, all integrated into a chassis that is 10 pounds lighter and 1.5 inches longer than the 3 Series. The i8 also delivers stellar handling thanks to 50/50 weight distribution and a low, centrally mounted battery pack, although standard 20-inch wheels seem like a suspect choice for maximizing corner-to-corner performance. BMW says the i8 can also travel 22 miles and reach a top speed of 75 mph on electrons alone. Uncorked with the gasoline engine in the lead, it will reach a top speed of 155 mph. Sounds like a pretty good future to us. Lightweight construction helps bring lofty performance within reach, notably an aluminum chassis, chemically hardened glass (similar to that used in smartphones) and extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced panels within the 2+2 passenger cabin. Those plus-2 rear seats are small, however, smaller than even a Porsche 911's, and are best considered auxiliary luggage space. Even settling into the front seats requires some practice given its unique scissor-lift-style doors. We drove a recent i8 prototype and found the i8's easy thrust in all-electric mode a close match for the Tesla Model S. In its Sport mode (there are also Comfort and Eco Pro settings), the i8 further awakens, feeling light, agile and averse to body roll. The hybrid never quite overwhelms with acceleration, but it also never feels winded, the electric motor's torque nicely covering for the small turbo as the latter winds up to deliver its power contribution. Whatever the i8 lacks in competitive performance, it won't lack for style. Its low-slung profile is punctuated by standard U-shaped LED headlights. You can even order the i8 with laser headlights where regulations allow (sorry, U.S. shoppers). Inside, a multitiered and layered cockpit design uses recycled materials and naturally treated leather for upholstery and panel surfaces Like the smaller i3 electric car, the i8 will offer three trim levels -- Mega, Giga and Tera -- all with varying degrees of sport and luxury appointments. The 2014 BMW i8 arrives in the spring and starts around $136,000. That's well above its most obvious target, the Tesla Model S, and that kind of money also buys a lot of Porsche 911. Performance aficionados won't likely be swayed and may even look across the BMW lineup to the "M" cars. But for the hybrid buyer seeking power, performance and efficiency through a lower profile, the 2014 BMW i8 presents a unique choice.

How to Build a Balcony Garden on a Shoestring Budget

A common misconception about gardening is that it requires a big backyard and a lot of money. That’s why a lot of people, namely city dwellers on a tight budget, shy away from growing their own food. If you’re one of them, we have good news for you:

You can certainly grow your own food with a teeny-tiny balcony (or indoor space near a window) and only a few dollars in your bank account!

How?

Containers. All you need is a bunch of containers. It’s entirely possible to grow all kinds of herbs, fruits, and vegetables in all kinds of large and small pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, or used rain boots.

Yes, used rain boots. You don’t need a typical pot; you can use pretty much anything as a container!

Affordable upcycled container ideas

There’s no need to drop $25 on a fancy ceramic pot when you can dig around your garage or a thrift store. There are so many different things you can upcycle into a container for your balcony or window garden. Here are some fun, practical, and ridiculously cheap ideas:

Mason jars

Mason jars are a very versatile type of container for herbs.

You can place them indoors by a window, hang them from a window sill, put them on an outdoor table top, adorn them on a balcony railing, or set them on the ground. You just have to make sure they’re in direct sunlight for the most part of the day.

If you don’t have any Mason jars (or empty pasta sauce jars) lying around your house, you can look for some at a thrift store or, as a last resort, buy a dozen of brand-new Mason jars for under $20 at Walmart, King Soopers, Safeway, or Amazon.

Pallets

Pallets are a great container for herbs, lettuce, or strawberries because they let you save a lot of space and money! You can pick up some good pallets behind a department store, grocery store, or pretty much any type of business that orders a lot of inventory on a regular basis. Be sure to check with the manager or owner first; they’d be likely to let you haul away the pallets for free just so they won’t have to pay a company to do it. You can also check Craigslist for free pallets.

Once you get your hands on a pallet, you have to make sure it’s not made of pressure-treated lumber. You don’t want toxic chemicals to leach into the soil and ruin your plants. Look at the cut end of the pallet. If there’s a green tinge, then it’s probably pressure-treated. If there’s no green tinge, you still have to make sure it’s definitely not pressure-treated. It’s better to be safe than sorry, after all! So go ahead and cut a small piece of the pallet. If the inside is yellow or white, then it’s probably not pressure-treated. For further information, check out Instructables.com’s How to determine if a wood pallet is safe for use. If you find that the pallet hasn’t been pressure-treated, sand it down and get it ready to serve as a gardening container! Growing a Greener World has a great set of instructions on how to do it right.

Tin or plastic buckets

You can use paint cans, empty coffee cans, sand buckets, or anything else you can find at the dollar store or around your house. You just have to remember to punch drainage holes in the bottom of each bucket.

Things to consider before getting a container

Before you let your imagination go wild and repurpose something into a container, take a look at the following list of important things to consider. It’ll help you choose the best container for the type of plant you want to grow.

* Size: When it comes to growing herbs, fruits, or vegetables, bigger is always better. The larger the container, the more likely the crop will come out all right. If the container’s too small, your crop will become root-bound and die. Note that most vegetables require a container that’s larger than 5 gallons.

* Weight: If you choose to use a tall container, you have to make sure it has enough weight in the bottom so it won’t fall over. If you intend to move the container around frequently, it’d be best to go with a lightweight container made from synthetic materials (such as a sand bucket or a plastic drum).

* Material: While most materials are safe to use, it’d still be wise to choose one that would suit your needs the best. Here’s a list of acceptable materials to use and how each one will benefit you.

-       Plastic: With plastic, soil will not dry out as quickly as with other materials. Also, plastic containers are easy to move around, even after you plant in them.

-       Ceramic: Ceramic pots are usually frost-resistant and will last for years. They also look nice and will pretty up your balcony. However, ceramic pots will make soil dry out quickly, so it’d be wise to line them with plastic sheets. You might be able to score a few ceramic pots for pennies on the dollar at a thrift store.

-       Stone/concrete: If you’re worried about someone stealing your plants, you should invest in a stone or concrete pot. Those bad boys are extremely heavy, highly durable, and frost resistant.

-       Untreated wood: This is a highly versatile material, because it can contain any type of plant. However, soil will dry out quickly, so be sure to line the inner walls of a wooden container with a plastic sheet, or just water the plant often.

-       Metal: While this is an acceptable material to use in a container, it doesn’t do so well in extreme weather. Metal containers heat up quickly in hot weather and fail to provide adequate insulation in cold weather. If you must use metal containers in extreme weather, line them with plastic sheets or bubble wrap or just bring the containers inside when the weather gets too bad. Otherwise, only use metal containers in areas where the climate is generally mild.

-       Fiberglass: This inexpensive material is ideal for balconies because it’s lightweight and can be moved around a lot. Also, fiberglass containers are weatherproof, but they don’t last a long time because they’re fragile.

Designing your balcony garden

Before starting your balcony garden, ask yourself the following questions to determine which fruits, vegetables, or herbs would fare best on your balcony:

* What type of microclimate exists on your balcony? Is your balcony exposed to wind, cold, and sometimes frost?

* What direction does your balcony face? If your balcony faces west, your plants will get plenty of sun in the afternoon and evening, and they’ll be shielded from the northeast winds. Plants in east-facing balconies are often subjected to frost and the abrupt change in temperature due to the sunrise in the morning. North and south facing balconies get sunlight for the most part of the day, and north-facing balconies get some wind.

* Is your balcony sheltered from the wind? Is there a screen or a wall that can protect your plants from the wind?

Take those questions into consideration and determine the best types of fruits, vegetables, herbs, or other plants for you to grow on your balcony.

Next, grab a sketchbook and plan different options. Be sure to get the measurements right. Figure out which types of containers would fit in your space in the best way possible.

Once you have everything planned out, get the containers you need, start planting, and watch your balcony garden flourish in no time!

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Top 3 Awesome Lifehacks That Will Change Your Life

No.1 Always delete your website browser cookies and cache before you start booking airplane tickets

Some airline companies have developed software that tracks the traffic on their websites.

They also differentiate the types of customers that are regular from the new ones and offer different ticket prices to both groups. It’s not just that but Mac users are pushed to even higher prices.
Therefore if you want to get the best ticket offer online make sure you simply use your browser’s incognito mode or delete the cookies.

No. 2 You can separate egg yolks like a master by using a simple empty plastic bottle.

By just using the simplest method to separate egg yolks you can make your cooking much less time consuming. You just need an empty bottle, a couple of eggs and a plate. You then break the eggs in the plate and use the vacuum created by the bottle to suck inside the egg yolk. Fast and easy!

No. 3 When camping strap a head light or a small flashlight on a bottle of water inside your tent.

Instead of worrying the burning fire you have set will attract those vicious predators while you are camping in the forest, you can simply use a transparent bottle of water and strap a head light on it. This way you will fill your tent with ambient light and make your camping experience wonderful.

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12 Recipes to Celebrate Spring Veggies

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, spring has arrived. Depending on where you live, you might be flooded with peas, asparagus, and strawberries, and already looking forward to stone fruits and corn on the cob, or you might be watching the thermometer hover around 50° and longing for something besides radishes to show up at the farmer’s market.

The anticipation that comes along with the first spring produce makes the moment that it finally arrives that much more satisfying – the sight and taste of something young, fresh, and green is exhilarating after months of hardy root vegetables and winter staples.

Here, we’ve highlighted four quintessential spring vegetables – peas, asparagus, fava beans, and ramps – and found recipes that celebrate them from twelve great food bloggers. Some are vegetarian, some are light, some are filling, but all of them will increase the amount of green – and the depth of flavor – that you’ll find on your plate after making them.

PEAS

1) Sweet Baby Pea Salad with Cashews and Bacon from Home is Where The Cookies Are

Tiny, perfect, baby peas, plucked from their pods, have a sweetness that is irresistible on a warm spring day.

A bowl full of them, dressed gently with melted butter, is a meal in and of itself. Here, Sara from Home is Where The Cookies Are, takes that bowl full of peas a few steps further. First, she adds water chestnuts and scallions, for crunch and bite. Then, crumbled bacon and cashews, for a salty, savory hit. Last, she tosses the mixture with peppery watercress and a lemon and mustard vinaigrette for a bowl of peas that makes an unforgettable spring meal.

2) Spring Peas and Shoots with Pancetta and Orechiette from Taste Food

For many of us, peas and pasta bring back childhood memories of Mom trying to sneak a few extra, easy-to-cook vegetables into the only thing we ate with gusto – spaghetti. Some of us were fooled, and others simply ate around them, turning up our noses at anything green. Now that we’re grown up, we’ve realized that peas and pasta is really a fantastic combination, one we’d be happy to eat any day. Lynda of Taste Food has upped the ante, adding pancetta, tender pea shoots, and a creamy cheese sauce to the mix. She says it best herself: “It’s the essence of early spring, a season which brings a mixed message of cool rain and gentles sunshine” – this dish totally satisfies the cravings of this transitional time period.

3) Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Herb Peas from Food Wine Thyme

Another common place for peas on your dinner plate? On the side. A side of peas adds a pop of green (as well as a requisite serving of veggies) to any meal. Kathy of Food Wine Thyme serves these vibrant peas, sauteed with lemon juice, parsley, and garlic, with a plate of seared scallops. This meal is healthy, sustainable, easy and fast – blanch the peas for 3 minutes, saute the peas for 2 minutes, then sear the scallops for 6 minutes, and dinner is served!

ASPARAGUS

4) Asparagus Stir-Fry with Smashed Garlic and Black Olive from Lady and Pups

Classic preparations like bacon-wrapped asparagus, asparagus custard tarts, or simple olive-oil roasted asparagus are typically the first things to come to mind when we ponder what to do with our bounty of spring asparagus. But that’s a thing of the past, now that we’re craving this spicy, flavor-packed, Chinese asparagus stir-fry from Mandy of Lady and Pups. Between the black olive and garlic paste, toasted chilies and peppercorns, and flash-fried asparagus spears, this recipe packs a serious punch – in the best possible way!

5) Asparagus, Fontina, and Speck Ham Panini from Strawberry Plum

When spring isn’t quite coming fast enough (like during the April blizzard when Sarah from Strawberry Plum made this sandwich), trick yourself into acknowledging the best of both seasons with a crossover recipe like this gooey asparagus grilled cheese. Toasted Italian bread, melty fontina cheese, salty speck ham, and a thick smear of mustard admit that the weather conditions are less than ideal, but fresh green asparagus spears hidden in the middle remind you that summer will arrive eventually! In the meantime, enjoy the last of the comfort foods while you don’t feel too guilty about it.

6) Shaved Asparagus and Bacon Pizza  from Kitchen Konfidence

A hot slice of pizza is not a seasonal treat – it’s pretty much delicious any time of the year, any day of the week, morning, noon, or night. That said, what we put on our pizza varies now and again, and this springtime pizza from Brandon of Kitchen Konfidence will likely be our next choice. Between the thinly shaved asparagus, crumbled bacon, sliced scallions, and melty mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this pizza has all types of goodness going for it. Fire up the oven, please.

FAVA BEANS

7) Chicken with English Mustard and Fava Beans from The Kitchen Alchemist

What with two rounds of peeling required, fava beans, or broad beans as they are sometimes called, are a bit labor intensive to prepare, but elegant recipes like this Sous Vide Chicken with Mustard and Fava Beans from Hannah of the Kitchen Alchemist make all that shucking well worth your while. This meal, which includes golden brown chicken thighs, a buttery mustard sauce and favas cooked in butter and cream, would be a stunning dish to serve to company, yet still remains homey and satisfying. Don’t worry if you don’t have a sous vide machine – Hannah assures us that the chicken is just as delicious when cooked conventionally in the pan sauce.

8) Fresh Fava Bean and Almond Spread from Love Food Eat

Fava beans are native to North Africa and the Middle East, and are frequently found in the cuisine of those regions. From falafel to hummus, anywhere you might find other hearty beans, you can find recipes that call for fava beans instead. Here, Chinmayie of Love Food Eat creates a Middle-Eastern-inspired dip from sauteed fava beans, roasted almonds, and garlic. It’s vibrantly green, and super good for you – slather it on sliced bread for a satisfying and wholesome afternoon snack.

9) Kasha, Black-Eyed Pea, Mackerel, Fava Bean, Tomato, and Miso Salad from Rosa’s Yummy Yums

If you are looking for a meal that pretty much satisfies every vitamin/mineral/nutrient need you have, look no further. Just about everything in this powerfood-packed salad from Rosa of Rosa’s Yummy Yums is good for you. It’s summery yet filling, featuring fresh favas, tomatoes, and onions, cooked kasha and black-eyed peas, protein-full canned mackerel, and a flavorful miso dressing. Lunch is ready!

RAMPS

10) Ramp Pesto with Bacon from J’Adore You More

Ramps, which are sometimes labeled as wild leeks, are a wild onion that grows primarily in the Eastern U.S., most notably in Appalachia. Their flavor is a cross between a leek and garlic, and when they come into season they’re highly sought after. One of the most favored uses for them is pesto, like this one from  Rachel at J’Adore You More, since they provide both the leafy green body and pungent garlicky flavor that a good pesto needs. Rachel serves this pesto simply, with spaghetti, bacon, and Parmesan cheese – a simple and perfect meal for a spring night.

11) Wild Garlic and Leek Risotto with Crispy-Skin Bream, Shaved Fennel, and Watercress from Susan Eats London

If you want to highlight ramps in a dinner-party worthy dish, consider making this Ramp Risotto with Crispy-Skin Bream from Susan of Susan Eats London. The ramps get chopped and folded into the creamy risotto, which is topped with a quickly fried piece of the bream as well as a raw fennel and watercress salad. It’s a grown-up and restrained combination, with a good balance of indulgence and fresh, healthy ingredients.

12) Asparagus and Caramelized Ramp Hand Pies from Reclaiming Provincial

Not sure that you like the sound of oniony, garlicky, leeky ramps? Just read Carey of Reclaiming Provincial’s story about how they converted her from a staunch onion-hater to a sometimes-onion-liker and ardent fan of their wild counterpart, and you’ll be convinced to give them a try. Now she uses them in all sorts of dishes, including these savory hand pies, which are filled with roasted asparagus, caramelized ramps, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. These would be a perfect appetizer, afternoon snack, or bring-to-work lunch – just imagine all the jealous stares you’ll get when your coworkers see you bite into a cheesy, savory, spring-veggie-filled pie for lunch, then hop into the kitchen and make a batch of these.

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Did you know that a man found a dead friend, stole artwork f...

Somewhere in July this year Hiram Noel Mendez, a man from Cortlandt Manor, New York, went to visit a friend, but found out the host was dead. The man called 911, but after five long months of investigations it finally became clear that he indulged himself by robbing the late man’s house before reporting the case.

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Ronald Cutrone, the late friend, had died in his home in Lake Peekskill.

According to reports, he had been an artist, which had made his home desirable not only to common thieves, but apparently to so called friends, too. After realizing Cutrone was dead, Mendez took some artworks. When the police finally learned the truth, Mendez got arrested and charged with petty larceny. Reports from the toxicology tests state that Cutrone’s death wasn’t suspicious, but there’s still no lead on the cause of the man’s death.

Who knows, maybe they’ll figure it out after another five months of investigations…

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Exploring Tumblr: 12 Delicious Food Tumblogs to Whet Your Appetite

Internet giant Yahoo Buys Tumblr in a $1.1 billion deal, there’s no better time to get familiar with this amazing blogging network. As much as Tumblr is massive its content is virtually unknown to many of us. To kick it off, here are 12 food tumblogs that will make your mouth water…

Home Cooking & Recipes

1. Jittery Cook

Jittery Cook is a skimmed down Tumblr version of a blog bearing the same name. Created by Montreal based speech/language pathologist and wannabe grandmother Holly Botner, Jittery Cook promotes healthy eating by sharing home cooking recipes with stunning imagery and step by step directions. Holly likes giving her personal slant and interacts with her readers.

2. EFC Cooking

The name may not sound too appealing but EFC stands for Easy, Fast, Cheap. This super active blog showcases mouthwatering photos and recipes of foods that are, well, easy, fast, cheap or all of the above. The sugar addicts amongst you will indulge in recipes for deserts like salted caramel shortbread bars, blueberry mug muffin and a 5 minute chocolate cinnamon mug. But fear not, there are also main dishes like grilled vegetable medley with blue cheese dressing.

3. Faux Pasta

Sisters Paulina and Nellie grew up in California, Paris and Chicago. Living in Chicago in the mid-90′s they both got the baking bug. Inspired by their vivacious California redhead mama’s delicious family meals they’re now on a mission to explore the tastiest, most satisfying homemade food. Faux Pasta showcases inspiring food photos alongside detailed recipes shared by the two sisters, now living on opposite coasts.

4. Enjoy

As its name implies, this tumblog is all about joy. Indeed, you will most likely get that sense as you scroll through the pages: Detailed, delicious recipes for anything from mushroom tomato sauce spaghetti to clementine cake and beet yogurt salad are laid out pleasantly alongside subtle photos of flowers, trees and some works of art. Enjoy!

5. Eat It and Go

We Eat, We Do, We Blog.
Patricia and Frank from Toronto, Canada, describe their blog as an irrelevant blog about food, eating, traveling and random things that make life great. Well, for an irrelevant blog I think they’re doing a pretty good job! Eat It and Go contains dozens of home cooking recipes for anything from Kung Pow shrimp to tea biscuits. The images are beautiful and will definitely keep you hungry. The Toronto duo also share plenty of Toronto eating out recommendations coupled by enticing photos.

Healthy Eating & Diets

6. Fit. Foodies

Stay Fit. Stay Humble. Stay Hungry
Fit foodie, the person behind this blog, is an athlete who likes to eat healthy on a budget and stay fit. Fit. Foodies is an enticing, energetic mashup of healthy recipes, food images, insightful infographics and quotes and some personal insights on fitness, food and more. While the blog is not updated too often it is worth following. This blog is bound to give you the right mindset to get healthy and fit!

7. Cooking Caveman

A few years back, Emmy award winning writer/producer Jeff Nimoy discovered The Caveman Diet (aka The Paleo Diet). In a nutshell, this diet consists of eating anything organic that is edible in its raw state. So peanuts, bread, pasta and potatoes are out of the question… Nimoy’s results have been staggering. Describing himself as a lazy bastard, this Brooklyn fella is now fitter, leaner and healthier than ever, eats like a king and hardly works out. In Cooking Caveman he shares a ton of Caveman recipes and food reviews, in a fun and lighthearted manner.

Travel Food & Eating Out

8. Eataku

Most of us only get to travel on holidays, but C.B. Cebulski has a job that takes him around the world. As the Talent Scout for Marvel Comics, NYC based Cebulski spends long periods of time on the road. He loves to eat and his love of food shines through his tumblog. While Cebulski’s food choices are not always healthy, the images and descriptions on his blog are as authentic as it gets. Eataku is the ultimate intersection between a travel blog and a food blog. Join the author on his culinary explorations of exciting places like Japan, Brazil, Italy and even North America.

9. Food Adventures

Can You Figure Out What Is the Key to My Heart?
You are asked as you enter this tumblog. Browsing the stunning imagery on Food Adventures may or may not get you to the author’s heart, but it will certainly land you at the heart of the Bay Area’s food scene. The author likes eating out, taking mouthwatering photos and telling you all you need to know about these noodles or Sicilian pizza she’s just had in San Diego. In the unlikely event that she cooks though, rest assured you will get the recipe too.

10. Things I Ate in General

Baltimore based Ellie Rose loves to cook but loves to eat out nonetheless. In any event, she will show and tell you exactly how to do the same or where to get the tasty plate she’s just put down. A chorizo torta photo lives happily here alongside a hummus recipe and the story of Grandma Martha’s Casserole. The photos are joyful and authentic and the writing style is fun, personal and pretty informal (warning: some strong language).

Cooking & Food Culture

11. Cooking Channel

For Food People by Food People.
Cooking Channel is all about food, people who push the boundaries of cooking and eating, pop culture and a lot more. Created by the guys behind Food Network who share your passion for food, this blog will get you cooking in no time!

12. Pop Culture Cooking

Pop Culture and Food
High and Low – Fast or Slow.
While you won’t find here many recipes or how-to’s, Pop Culture Cooking is a visual feast from top to bottom. Whether it’s a Beyoncé portrait made of Oreos and cream cheese or a resignation letter written on a cake, Pop Culture Cooking lives up to its name.

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Did you know that NSA is hiring 15…

 

NSA, the National Security Agency, is hiring young interns – both from high school and college. Their goal? Probably to train them as spies.

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According to reports, the Agency has around 500 new interns each year, but this year’s recruitment has set the media on alert.

According to the Agency, they are looking for brave young people who are interested in writing, journalism, media, 3D animations, TV and motion picture production. Allegedly the interns’ job is to promote timely and accurate info about the company’s future missions and previous accomplishments. However, reports state that their High School Work Study Program is hiring 15 year olds for numerous job positions on various experience levels. Allegedly, the kids get from 20 to 25 working hours a week, salary and other benefits. And the interns also get the chance to become full-time employees at NSA if they desire to do so after they graduate.

When asked about their actual job, the kids keep their mouths shut. While admitting they can’t say much, they state they have full access to unbelievable information. The next generation of Spy Kids is here.

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8 Healthy Fast Food Meals: Eating Right at McDonalds, Burger King, and Beyond

With so many tempting high-calorie food options at our disposal, it can be really tough to eat healthy all the time in our modern world. The problem is compounded if you’re short on time or money, or you have a car full of hungry kids. For these reasons, many people end up turning to fast food for fuel, even when they are trying to watch their weight. Fortunately, most fast food establishments are aware of the demand for healthy options and offer some meals that aren’t too heavy in fat or calories. Use the following guide, organized by fast food restaurant, to find healthy and filling meal options for when you’re on the go.

McDonalds

Meal 1: Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich and Fruit & Walnuts (560 calories)

The 350-calorie Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich offers 18 g protein, 9 g fat (including 2 g saturated), 42 g carbs, and 820 mg sodium.

The bun is made with 8 g of whole grain, adding 3 g of dietary fiber. Leave off the mayo and reduce the calorie and fat content by 50 and 6 g, respectively. Add Fruit & Walnuts as a side for more fiber, protein, and deliciousness for another 210 (mostly healthy) calories.

Meal 2: Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken (with low-fat dressing) and Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait (470 calories)

McDonalds’ healthiest salad, the Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken, has 290 calories, 27 g protein, 8 g fat (including 2.5 g  saturated), and 650 mg sodium. Note that this is without dressing. Add Newman’s Own Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing for just 30 more calories (and 3 g fat). For desert, try the wholesome Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait, adding 150 calories and 2 g fat (1 g  saturated).

Burger King

Meal 3: Veggie Burger and Garden Salad (450 calories)

Vegetarians take note: Burger King is the only fast good chain that offers a veggie burger, and it is pretty darn tasty, served up with lettuce, tomatoes, red unions, ketchup and mayo. Even omnivores can appreciate the BK Veggie Burger’s lean nutrition label, which includes 410 calories, 21 g protein, 48 g carbs, 16 g fat (2.5 g saturated), and 960 mg sodium. You can add a Garden Salad for only 40 more calories. Leave off the mayo from the veggie burger and add half a packet of Light Italian Dressing to the salad to get the same total calorie count.

Meal 4: Whopper Jr. and Apple Slices (370 calories)

Health-conscious Whopper lovers can still enjoy their favorite burger, but in a smaller size with the Whopper Jr. The Whopper Jr. has 340 calories (compared to 700 calories for the regular Whopper), 14 g protein, 28 g carbs, 19 g fat (5 g saturated), and 510 mg sodium. Tack on some Apple Slices for a healthy dessert, adding just 30 calories and a full serving of fruit.

KFC

Meal 5: Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, Green Beans, and Mashed Potatoes with Gravy (325 calories)

Check out this hearty, yet surprisingly healthy meal: Two Grilled Chicken Drumsticks have 180 calories, 0 g carbs, 8 g fat (4 g saturated), 580 mg sodium, and 26 g protein. Add a side of Mashed Potatoes (with gravy) for another 120 calories (plus 4 g fat, 19 g carbs, and 530 mg sodium), and round out your meal with a side of green beans (25 calories). Reduce the fat and sodium content of the meal significantly by removing the chicken skin and laying off (or going very light on) the gravy.

Meal 6: Grilled Chicken Breast, Buttermilk Biscuit, and Corn on the Cob (470 calories)

Some people have a hard time going to KFC without having at least one of their tasty biscuits, so we’ve included a biscuit meal option as well. A Grilled Chicken Breast has 220 calories, no carbs, 7 g fat (2 g saturated), 730 mg sodium, and 40 g protein. A KFC Buttermilk Biscuit has 180 calories (and 8 g fat, 23 g carbs, and 530 mg sodium), while a Corn on the Cob side has just 70 calories.

Jack in the Box

Meal 7: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl (692 calories)

While featuring one of the higher calorie counts and carb counts (133 g) on this list, this meal is low in fat (6 g, including 1 saturated) and high in fiber and protein (5 g and 27 g respectively). Taking these stats into account, Jack in the Box’s Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is a relatively wholesome, filling fast food meal option for those looking to cut their fat intake specifically. To curb some of the carb and calorie content, leave some or most of the rice in the bowl for your dog to eat.

Meal 8: Grilled Chicken Strips and Side Salad with Low Fat Dressing (375 calories)

A 4-pc. order of Grilled Chicken Strips has just 250 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated), 1,010 mg sodium, and 43 g protein. A side salad adds just about 50 calories, plus another 75 calories and 1.5 g fat for Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing (versus the 290-calorie house dressing).

3 tips to make any fast food meal healthier

Ditch the diet drinks

While these no-calorie beverages may seem healthy, the artificial sweeteners in diet soda cause your body to release insulin, leading to weight gain and other health problems. All of the above-listed fast food chains offer the following healthy calorie-free drinks: water (bottled or free from the fountain), unsweetened iced tea, and black coffee.

Be choosy with condiments

Popular fast food condiments like mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and creamy spreads can add a significant amount of calories, fat, and sodium to a fast food meal. The same goes for salad dressing. When adding condiments yourself, use only small amounts or consider skipping them altogether. You can also ask to leave off ingredients like mayo, sauce, and dressing when you order.

Go online before going out

All of the major fast food chains have post nutritional information for their menu items online, and some even offer handy nutrition calculator tools so that you can easily calculate nutritional content for entire meals. Figuring out the low-cal options before you even get in the car can help you put together a healthy meal (as opposed to choosing something that just looks healthy) and will make it less likely that you lose your resolve and end up ordering a shake and fries once you get to the drive-through window.

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Did you know that ice cubes found at Chinese KFC chain were 12 times dirtier than…

If you are planning to visit China, you may want to avoid dining at KFC restaurants in the country. According to a TV program broadcast on the China Central Television, polluted ice cubes were found at the chain. In fact, these ice cubes were 12 times dirtier than toilet water. But that’s not all – they were also 19 times higher than the standards for bacteria level in drinking water in the country.

China is the biggest market for the KFC chain but the company has already suffered decreased sales because of concerns associated with an outbreak of Avian flu a year ago. KFC has been negatively affected and the current news doesn’t improve the situation at all.

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The management of KFC posted an apology to all their customers in China and made it clear that they have sent executives to check the case. A spokesman of the parent company, Yum! Brands Inc. also stated that the information would be investigated and defined the case as an “isolated” incident.

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