INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When you are at a Mexican restaurant, don’t eat the tortilla chips. The ones you get in restaurants are fried in lard, which is not good for a low cholesterol diet. Even eating a few can be bad for your diet. Ask your server not to bring them to the table so you won’t be tempted. When eating out, stay away from dishes that contain large amounts of cheese. Don’t get a quesadilla or a cheese enchilada, which contain a lot of cheese. If you are ordering a dish that contains cheese, like a taco or burrito, ask for no cheese or for the cheese to be placed on the side.  Avoid dishes in heavy cheese sauces. Instead, go for dishes with no sauce or a tomato sauce. Skip the queso dip. Eat salsa or guacamole instead. When you eat out, be careful of ordering a salad. People often think that salads are always healthy because they are salads. Many salads you find in restaurants are full of unhealthy ingredients, like fried shells, fried meats, cheese and cheese sauces, and sour cream. Read the ingredients of the salads very carefully. Ask for grilled meat instead of friend, and ask for no sour cream or cheese if possible. Don’t eat the tortilla, or as for it to be left out completely. When order a platter, ask that they do not add refried beans. Refried beans are cooked with lard, which is not good for a low cholesterol diet. Instead, ask for Spanish rice, whole beans, or skip the sides completely. You may also want to ask for a bed of lettuce in place of rice or beans. As you look at the menu, browse for dishes that have grilled meat options. Many dishes have fried meats or meats cooked in oil or lard, which may have a lot of cholesterol. Instead, choose dishes that contain grilled meats for a healthier and tasty option. For example, grilled shrimp and grilled chicken are common options on Mexican menus. You may also be able to find grilled fish.

SUMMARY: Skip the chips. Avoid dishes with cheese. Beware of salads. Ask for no refried beans. Go for grilled meats.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you can't think of things to do, one of your friends probably can. When all else fails, simply try going for picnics or hanging out at a shopping mall with your friends. A sleepover is another great idea. If you have nothing you need to do for yourself, you may want to volunteer to help someone else. Ask friends and relatives if they have any projects they need help on, and, if so, offer your services! The holidays are a great opportunity to have rare, cherished conversations with family members you haven't seen for a long time. For instance, you might want to visit your grandparents and have a quality talk with them. You might be surprised how funny and insightful some of your very own relatives have become without your noticing. Time with a cherished animal friend is underrated, especially if it's with one you haven't seen for a while. Your pet (or pets) probably miss you if you've been gone, so spend a little time walking them, playing with them, etc. A pet's unconditional love can be a great mood-booster if you've become oppressively bored over the holidays. If there's no one around that you'd like to spend time with, don't forget that you always have the option of making new friends. You might choose to do this at a social hang-out spot like a club, or, alternatively, at an event like a concert. Don't be afraid to approach and talk to people you meet - new friendships have to start somewhere! You'll never make new friends from inside your home, so get out there! Getting out of the house is the most crucial, pivotal step in turning a boring holiday into a fun, productive one. Having a party is a great way to have fun. You can invite your friends and have a fiesta themed on the weather. If it's sunny, have it beach themed. If it's cold, you and your friends can stay inside and have a nice cup of cocoa.

SUMMARY: Spend time with your friends. Help another. Spend time with loved ones. Spend time with your pet if you have one. Get to know more people. Throw a party.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Often, redness and irritation is the result of over-exfoliating or using abrasive or harsh acne reducing products.  Stop using anything new you have put on your skin for at least 4 days, and consider switching to a gentler cleaning product.  Acne medicines using retinoids are particularly irritating. After 4 days, try using the product sparingly to see if irritation still occurs.  If so, throw it away. Do not introduce more than one product at a time to your skin, so you know which one is “too much.” A good cleanser should wash off all dirt and makeup, but not your skin’s natural oils.  If your skin feels tight or squeaky after washing, the product is too harsh.  Cetaphil and Eucerin are good products for sensitive skin.  Hot or cold water can damage capillaries and cause redness.  Hot water also dries your skin out quickly, causing redness.  Look for a cleanser made for your skin type, whether it tends to be oily or dry.  Foaming cleansers are generally bad for dry skin.  Avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate, menthol or alcohol.  Avoid products with fragrances and dyes.  Also avoid medicated acne cleansers, since they usually strip away good oils.  You may need to use different products for different seasons, depending on how dry the air is and how you skin conditions adjust accordingly. Choose a moisturizer with glycerin as the first ingredient since it is very efficient at holding in moisture, or just use plain petroleum jelly. Use it every time you shower, after drying off. Beware of typical hand sanitizers, which contain alcohol and dry out your skin.  Look for one specifically made for hydrating dry skin too. If you are experiencing widespread irritation, it may be how you wash your clothes. Try a different detergent made for sensitive skin or that has mostly natural ingredients. If the air is dry, particularly in winter months, using a humidifier can help prevent your skin from drying out while you sleep. Moisture in the air also helps to reduce inflammation. Fill your plate with anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, salmon, avocado, and walnuts. Take anti-inflammatory supplements, such as probiotics, spirulina, vitamin C, and fish oil. These nutrients will help you reduce inflammation in your skin.

SUMMARY:
Stop using harsh skin care products. Wash daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Moisturize your skin at least once a day. Switch to a laundry detergent without fragrances or harsh chemicals. Buy a humidifier for your bedroom. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.