Tuesday, February 14, 2012

“Cheap Weight Loss Foods” plus 1 more

“Cheap Weight Loss Foods” plus 1 more

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Cheap Weight Loss Foods

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:30 AM PST

Most of us are looking to shed a few pounds during the winter months, but dishing out big bucks for specialty weight loss products isn't something that necessarily blends well with the rest of family life. Here are a few cheap produce suggestions for those who are currently working on a weight loss solution.

Lemons

Setting aside the debate on whether or not lemons boost your metabolism, lemons have been used for generations as a natural diuretic and detoxifier. Considering you only need a slice or two in a glass of water to begin noticing a change, the required consumption rate alone makes them a great value when it comes to cheap weight loss foods. You can also squeeze some into a bit of olive oil with some black pepper for an easy salad dressing. On a night when you need an easy side dish, this could be just the ticket.

Greens

Known widely as a low-calorie, high-nutrient food, dark leafy greens make a healthy addition to any family's list of frugal food strategies. Favorites in our house include spinach, collard greens, darker lettuces and Swiss chard. Kale is also popular with a fair number of people. The point is, if you make the greens your main dish and keep the other menu items as smaller add-ons, you're developing a great habit that will assist with long-term weight loss and maintenance.

Lentils

Dirt cheap and packed with protein, brown lentils are one of the most versatile grocery items on the market. And one of the most underutilized. Another well-kept secret is how affordable they can be when buying organic food as well. Sure the conventional variety is affordable, but the organic version is usually priced competitively as well. In this house, we use them in everything from soups and salads to sloppy Joes and tacos.

Pumpkin

A powerhouse on the list of super foods, pumpkin gets the job done. If stocking up on in-season sugar pie pumpkins and making your own puree isn't exactly in your schedule (mine either), you can purchase the canned variety for a relatively affordable amount. There's so much fiber in pumpkin (or any of the winter squashes, really), that working some into your menus in any form is a great way to keep yourself highly nourished and satiated between meals.

Black Beans

Used in a variety of international cuisines, black beans are cheap, healthy and loaded with stick-to-your-ribs goodness. Which makes them a perfect choice to add to your list of weight loss foods. This just in: they are also extremely high in antioxidants. Like, cranberry-level high. I've been collecting black bean recipes like a crazy woman since I found this out, and use them in everything from chili to mango-black bean salsa and even in my salads.

Weight loss foods don't have to be pricey and come in a designer box featuring photos of your favorite celebrity. They can be found in the produce and pantry staples aisles of your local grocery store just as easily. These are some of my top picks for tasty foods that help maintain weight loss. What are yours?

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Tips for Filing Your Tax Return Online-H&R Block Giveaway!

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:00 AM PST

The Canada Revenue Agency continues to encourage people to file online to help make processing tax returns more efficient. Since e-filed returns can be processed in as few as eight to 10 business days, it may mean a quicker refund too. If you are filing online, here are some tips to help it go smoothly:

  • Get a code:  In order to file your return using NETFILE, you need a code. You should receive one on the information sheet of your T1 tax package from the CRA. If you didn't get one, call 1-800-714-7257 for help.
  • Current year only: The system only accepts current year tax returns via NETFILE. If you forgot to file last year, you need to mail in your tax forms.
  • No first time filers: If you have never filed a tax return before, you cannot file electronically. You need to have a history with CRA before you can use NETFILE.
  • File before April 30: The country is full of procrastinators so if you wait until April 30 to file, expect the system to be slow. Filing early will likely mean less traffic.
  • Home address: If your address is outside of Canada, you cannot use NETFILE. So if you are working abroad for a year while having residential ties, you will need to print your return and mail it to the International Tax Centre.
  • Keep your paperwork: You may not submit your receipts with your return but it doesn't mean you don't need them. The CRA reviews credits and deductions over the summer and may request the back-up. Make sure you have filed it.
  • Did it work?: If you NETFILE, make sure you get a confirmation that your return was accepted. And record the confirmation number or print the page in case there are any issues later.

We are giving away 5 H&R Block tax codes to file your taxes online for FREE!

How to enter:

Entering is simple all you have to do is Like us on FaceBook and Share our Tax Center on FaceBook! We will pick 5 random winners.

Contest ends Thursday February 16th and a winner will be announced on Friday February 17th.

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