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When it’s time to workout, your food choices play a big role in how your exercise regimen will go.
Choosing the right pre-workout healthy food depends on several factors, including the intensity and duration of your workout, your personal preferences, and how much time you have before you exercise. Here are some general guidelines:
For Workouts Under 60 Minutes
- Focus on easily digestible carbohydrates: These provide quick energy without weighing you down. Good options include fruits like bananas, berries, or apples; whole grains like toast or crackers; or yogurt with granola.
- Consider including a small amount of protein: Protein helps repair muscle tissue and promote satiety. Add some nuts, nut butter, Greek yogurt, or a boiled egg to your carbohydrate source.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and also 15-20 minutes before your workout.
For Workouts Longer Than 60 Minutes
- You can consume slightly more carbohydrates: Opt for complex carbs like oatmeal, brown rice, or sweet potatoes that release energy slowly.
- Include a bit more protein: Aim for 15-20 grams to support muscle repair and endurance. Lean chicken, fish, tofu, or beans are good choices.
- Fuel up earlier: Eat your pre-workout meal 2-3 hours before exercise to allow for proper digestion.
Here are some specific examples of pre-workout meals based on timing:
- 1-2 hours before: Oatmeal with berries and nuts, whole-wheat toast with avocado and egg, chicken stir-fry with brown rice and vegetables.
- 30-60 minutes before: Banana with peanut butter, Greek yogurt with granola and fruit, smoothie with protein powder, fruit, and spinach.
- 15-20 minutes before: Energy bar with nuts and fruit, small piece of fruit with almonds, banana with a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Foods To Avoid
- High-fat foods: These take longer to digest and can cause stomach upset during exercise.
- Sugary foods: They cause a quick spike and crash in blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish.
- Spicy foods: They can irritate your stomach, especially during intense exercise.
Final Word
Remember to personalize your pre-workout meal based on your own needs and preferences. Experiment and find what works best for you to fuel your workouts and feel your best!
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Baton Rouge shoppers are making last-minute preparations for Christmas dinner right about now. All they need to know are what grocery stores are open and closed.
If you need to go pickup an item or two, you may be wondering what the operating hours are for local stores. For instance, is Kroger open today? How long will Publix close? You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the grocery store hours for the major supermarket chains around Baton Rouge.
Is Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods And More Open For Christmas And Christmas Eve in Baton Rouge?
On holidays we know that grocery store hours tend to change. Some stores are closed, while some adjust their hours to remain open just a while.
For the latest information, you should call your local grocery store to see if they have changed their hours on any particular day.
Quick Links: Grocery Store Holiday Hours
Is Albertson’s Open For Christmas Eve And Christmas Day?
Albertson’s is abiding by modified holiday hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, Albertson’s will close early. On Christmas Day, the supermarket and pharmacy will be closed.
Albertson’s Holiday Hours:
- Christmas Eve — 6:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Christmas Day — Closed
What Are Costco’s Holiday Hours?
Costco usually stays open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. For Christmas and Christmas Eve, things will be a bit different.
Costco Holiday Hours:
- Dec 24: 10 am – 8:30 pm (Christmas Eve)
- Dec 25: Closed (Christmas Day
Rouses Market Holiday Hours
At Rouses stores, metro New Orleans locations will be closed for Christmas Day so that team members can enjoy it with their families. Stores will reopen as usual on Sunday, December 26.
Here are Rouses Market holiday hours:
- Christmas Eve — 8 p.m. close
- Christmas Day — closed
Sam’s Club Holiday Hours
Sam’s Club has altered its operating hours during the holidays, including on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and New Years Day. Whole Foods is closed on Christmas Day.
Here are Sam’s Club’s holiday hours in New Orleans:
- Dec 24: 10 am – 10 pm (Christmas Eve)
- Dec 25: Closed (Christmas Day)
Is Walmart Open On Christmas Or Christmas Eve?
Walmart will be closed on Christmas Day. It’s the only day of the year when Walmarts all over are shut down. On the day after Christmas, December 26th, Walmart will resume regular hours.
Walmart Holiday Hours:
- Dec 24: 7 am – 10 pm (Christmas Eve)
- Dec 25: Closed (Christmas Day
Whole Foods Holiday Hours
Whole Foods is operating on modified hours during the holidays, including on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and New Years Day. Whole Foods is closed on Christmas Day.
Here are Whole Foods holiday hours in New Orleans:
- Dec 24: 8 am – 7 pm (Christmas Eve)
- Dec 25: Closed (Christmas Day)
Winn-Dixie Holiday Hours
Winn-Dixie is open on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. The following day, the grocery store will resume regular store hours.
Winn-Dixie Holiday Hours:
- Dec 24: 7 am – 10 pm (Christmas Eve)
- Dec 25: Closed (Christmas Day
What’s Open On Christmas?
If you need any last-minute items, you can rest assured that gas stations will be open. But many drug stores, including CVS, Rite-Aid and Walgreens will all be open on Christmas Day.
Again, for specific stores near you, it is best to give them a call before you get in your car and drive there.
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If you’re a Southwest Airlines customer, you now have added protections in the event that your flight is canceled by the carrier.
After a federal probe, Southwest has been forced to pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement.
The money is the result of a settlement connected to delays and cancellations that took place during year-end holiday travel on 2022.
How To Get a Refund With Southwest
To get a refund, Southwest says you can choose either to a) receive a method-of-payment refund or b) hold the value of the ticket as a flight credit or Transferable Flight CreditTM(depending on the fare) to buy a future flight.
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Starbucks has a December offer to all New Orleans customers naughty or nice: free hot chocolate.
The deal is good through the end of the month.
To get a free cup of hot chocolate, you must purchase one of Starbucks’ handcrafted beverages in at least the grande size.
Starbucks introduced the freebie deal on Instagram with the headline, “Hot Chocolate Cheer Weekends are here!”
Where To Find Starbucks in New Orleans
To find a Starbucks near you in New Orleans, use this Store Locator.
Final Word
If you plan on visiting the city for New Orleans, you should know that the area you’re staying in is safe.
Expect to indulge in many foods that New Orleans is known For, including Gumbo, Beignets and more.
Read about things to see and do in New Orleans.
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LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels was awarded the Heisman Trophy at a New York ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
Daniels has put up video game numbers against a tough SEC schedule but many feel he lacks a signature win.
In 53 games, Daniels is the only player in FBS history to pass for 12,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards.
Against Florida, Daniels passed for 372 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 234 and two more touchdowns in a 52-35 win. He accounted for 606 yards and became the first player in Football Bowl Subdivision history with 350 yards passing and 200 yards rushing.
It would be hard to argue that LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is not Heisman-worthy or more for the Tigers, considering LSU’s schedule.
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The Bayou has some wonderful green spaces to behold as and they’re not situated around swamps.
New research reveals Louisiana’s 10 most beautiful green spaces, with Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans coming in third (New Orleans has some awesome parks).
The study by Leafwell analyzed over 28,000 TripAdvisor reviews to determine which Louisiana parks had the highest percentage of reviews mentioning “beautiful.”
1. Rip Van Winkle Gardens, New Iberia – 61%
Jefferson Island’s gardens are the most beautiful in Louisiana, mentioned in almost two-thirds of over 400 reviews, and the highest in the state. Other popular associations were ‘calm’ and ‘restful.’ One review called the park a “must-see,” and another a “relaxing, peaceful, beautiful place for your wedding.”
2. Afton Villa Gardens, St. Francisville – 59%
Following closely in second place, with 59% of reviews branding it beautiful, is St. Francisville’s historic gardens. The 250-acre grounds feature a ½ mile of oaks leading from the highway to the 19th-century green space, a popular wedding spot.
3. Longue Vue House and Gardens, New Orleans – 50%
Longue Vue House and Gardens is New Orleans’ most beautiful park, named in half of its 260 reviews. The public garden and non-profit museum are open all year round, free for children under three.
4. Lake End Park, Morgan City – 50%
Louisiana’s most beautiful campground and marina, situated on Lake Palourde. The space also features fishing, RV, tent spots, a 1.5-mile hiking trail, and a beach. Users often mentioned the park’s cypress and live oak tree-lined paths. It also ranks tenth among the state’s parks with the best views.
5. Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Monroe – 49%
Additional to formal gardens and a historic home are a bible museum and a Coca-Cola museum. The home is open for tours, and the grounds feature a Four Seasons Garden, Oriental Garden, and Musical Grotto.
6. Jungle Gardens, Avery Island – 45%
Rated the most beautiful botanical garden in the state. It also has a bird sanctuary, a Buddha temple, and one of the oldest timber bamboo groves across 170 acres. Visitors also tour the island’s Tabasco factory, included in the $15.50 admission.
7. Lake Claiborne State Park, Homer – 43%
The most beautiful state park in Louisiana. The park’s grounds border the 6,400-acre Lake Claiborne, with plenty of areas for fishing, watersports, camping, and hiking.
8. Audubon Park, New Orleans – 42%
New Orleans’ second most beautiful park, as mentioned in over two-fifths of 1,700 reviews. Amenities include a bird sanctuary, riding stables, a golf course and clubhouse, and sports facilities. Orleans Parish residents receive free admission to the zoo, aquarium, and insectarium on certain days.
9. Gardens of the American Rose Center, Shreveport – 42%
Called ‘beautiful’ by over two-fifths of over 2,300 reviews, Shreveport’s non-profit rose garden houses over 20,000 rose bushes across 118 acres of forested woodlands. It is referred to as ‘America’s Rose Garden’. Christmas in Roseland, the center’s largest fundraiser, is ongoing until December 17.
Realtor.com data shows Shreveport’s average house price is the cheapest among Louisiana’s top cities, at $200K.
10. Houmas House and Gardens, Darrow – 42%
This historic plantation home, just a short drive from New Orleans, is the number one thing to do in Darrow, according to TripAdvisor. Experiences include a guided tour, 38 acres of gardens, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
Josh Lamb, Chief Marketing Officer at Leafwell, commented: “The study provides valuable insight into the best green spaces in Louisiana.”
“Green and blue spaces are vital, allowing us to get fresh air, reconnect with nature, and check in with ourselves, which can work wonders for our mental well-being.”
Final Word
As a top-tier convention city, New Orleans is known for its many festivals, parties and events. Is the city safe? Of course. That also means that Nola is also a top travel destination.
Want real-time tips on how to save when you’re on a trip? Read our Travel Savings Guide,
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Talk about the gift that keeps on giving. Instacart, the food delivery service, recently announced that it is giving all of its users a free Peacock subscription.
This is a great deal because Peacock is one of the best streaming services out there.
To be exact, Instacart is making Peacock Premium available to all Instacart+ members in the United States at no additional cost.
To celebrate the launch of this new benefit, Instacart and Peacock are premiering a custom spot, featuring iconic holiday scenes from Peacock properties across film and television including The Office, Parks & Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
How Much Does Instacart+ Cost?
Instacart+ costs $99/year or $9.99/month, and members enjoy unlimited free delivery on orders over $35 in as fast an hour, lower service fees, 5% credit back on eligible pickup orders, and the ability to create shared family accounts.
Now, with just a few taps, Instacart+ members can access Peacock and order their TV time treats, movie night essentials, spirits and more from Instacart’s more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners across the U.S. in as fast as an hour.
Peacock, the only streaming service included with Instacart’s same-day delivery subscription, affords viewers the very best in entertainment, sports, film, and news programming with more than 80,000 hours of content, including more than 8,000 hours of live sports each year.
Final Word
Upcoming titles on Peacock include exclusive NFL games on December 23 and January 13, Seth McFarlane’s Ted and Apples Never Fall starring Annette Bening and Sam Neill.
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The Heisman Trophy is annually awarded to America’s most valuable player. As is the case every year, the 2023 Heisman winner has some stiff competition.
When Is The Heisman Ceremony?
The Heisman ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
It would be hard to argue that LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is not Heisman-worthy or more for the Tigers, considering LSU’s schedule.
Who Is Favored To Win The Heisman In 2023?
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix has become the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy as the regular season wraps but Daniels has become the second-most favorite.
Washington signal caller Michael Penix Jr. is in third place.
You may be wondering how all three quarterbacks stack up against each other stat-wise.
When it comes to the amount of Point above average college football quarterbacks, here’s how the top signal callers rate:
- Jayden Daniels: 98.8
- Bo Nix: 73.1
- Dillon Gabriel: 69.5
- Kaidon Salter: 69.2
- Carson Beck: 66.6
- JJ McCarthy: 63.8
- Michael Penix: 62.7
Jayden Daniels: LSU Quarterback
Daniels has put up video game numbers against a tough SEC schedule but many feel he lacks a signature win.
In 53 games, Daniels is the only player in FBS history to pass for 12,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards.
Against Florida, Daniels passed for 372 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 234 and two more touchdowns in a 52-35 win. He accounted for 606 yards and became the first player in Football Bowl Subdivision history with 350 yards passing and 200 yards rushing.
Here are some Jayden Daniels highlights:
Bo Nix: Oregon Quarterback
For the season, Nix has thrown for 3539 passing yards and 35 passing TDs.
Above all though, it’s his efficiency — a 78% completion rate — that has him leading college football. His eight plays of 60 yards or more and 29-to-2 touchdown-to-interception rate doesn’t hurt either.
Nix went crazy in the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils, completing 24 of 29 passes for 404 yards and six touchdowns.
Let’s watch some Bo Nix highlights:
Michael Penix Jr.: Washington Quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for 3,695 yards, 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions this year.
Coming into the season, Penix was seen as the most talented quarterback in college football.
Last year, he once had a game (vs. Arizona) where he completed 81.8% — 36 of 44 passes — for 516 yards and four touchdowns.
This year he has been masterful as well in keeping the Huskies undefeated. He’s thrown for over 300 yards eight times this season, with season highs vs. Boise State (450 yards, 5 TDS) and four four-touchdown games, including against Oregon, Cal and Stanford.
Let’s watch some Michael Penix Jr. highlights:
Final Play
No matter who wins the Heisman, the NFL is going to get an elite class of quarterbacks next year, including USC’s Caleb Williams and more.
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The LSU Tigers have one last chance to reach 10 wins on the season, but they may have to do it without their best player.
LSU and Wisconsin officials have accepted their invitations to the ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly Outback Bowl).
The game is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. The 7-5 Badgers will face No. 13 LSU (9-3), led by Heisman candidate Jayden Daniels.
“We are excited for the opportunity to showcase our football program and represent our university in the ReliaQuest Bowl,” added LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward. ”Our student-athletes, staff, and fans will enjoy the chance to travel to Tampa Bay and compete in a New Year’s Day bowl against another program with great tradition and support.”
The game will take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
LSU Coach Brian Kelly said at a Dec. 5 news conference that Daniels hasn’t decided on his participation.
“A SEC-Big Ten matchup always creates a lot of excitement, but facing a Wisconsin team led by a great coach in Luke Fickell makes this bowl game even more attractive,” Kelly said. “Wisconsin has a great tradition with a tremendous fan base. I know both teams are excited to be in Tampa during New Year’s to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”
The last encounter between LSU and Wisconsin was in the 2016 season opener, where Wisconsin upset No. 5 LSU 16-14 at Lambeau Field.
They also met in 2014, with No. 13 LSU beating No. 14 Wisconsin 28-24 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
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If you’ve looked at your Entergy bill lately, you likely already feel there are some improvements you can do to reduce your energy consumption.
Well, don’t just stand there, see if you can save money by putting into practice some energy-saving strategies.
This article will show you some ways to cut your energy bill at home.
1. Check Your Insulation
Make sure the insulation in your attic is adequate for the size of your home. Insulation This aids in minimizing the loss of heated or cooled air and alleviates the strain on your system.
Various alternatives exist for enhancing insulation in pre-existing structures. You can opt for professional services like blown-in insulation, or take the do-it-yourself approach. However, if you choose the latter, ensure to wear appropriate gloves and a mask for safety.
2. Upgrade Your Lights
Conventional incandescent light bulbs exhibit significant inefficiency, with a staggering 90% of the energy they consume being dissipated as heat.
That’s why people are getting away from incandescent bulbs, with compact fluorescent and, eventually, LED bulbs becoming the preferred alternatives.
Best LED Bulbs
Here are some LED Bulbs that will last longer and save you money.
Energetic 24-Pack A19 LED Light Bulb, 60 Watt
Feit Electric Smart Light Bulbs with RGB Color
Sunco 10 Pack Vanity Globe Light Bulbs G25 LED
While the initial investment for upgrading to these newer technologies may be relatively high, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs due to reduced operating expenses. The efficiency disparity between incandescent and CFL/LED bulbs is substantial. Additionally, LED bulbs boast an extended lifespan, leading to savings by reducing the frequency of bulb replacements.
3. Watch the Use Of Your Appliances
Appliances are the #1 thing that runs your energy bill up the most. Here are some appliances to keep an eye on.
- Air conditioner
- Water heater:
- Lighting:
- Refrigerator:
- Washer and dryer
4. Switch To a Smart Thermostat
These days, high-tech thermostats are not only more convenient (many of them can be operated via app), but they give you more efficient use of your heating and cooling, which saves you money.
Here are a couple of high-tech thermostats that we like:
Ubipol Smart WiFi 7 Day/4 Periods Programmable Touchscreen
Honeywell HomeWi-Fi Smart Color
Remember to cut off or lower the temperature of your thermostat at night to reduce your bill.
Final Word
Reducing the thermostat setting during unoccupied hours or at night can result in approximately 1% in savings for every degree lowered over an eight-hour period. For instance, lowering the thermostat from 72 to 65 during the night could potentially save you $70, assuming an annual heating cost of $1,000.
As a top-tier convention city, New Orleans is known for its many festivals, parties and events. Is the city safe? Of course. That also means that Nola is also a top travel destination.
