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Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Easy Baked Apple Recipe

Newlywed Nutrition Recipe

Oh I love the smell of apples and cinnamon in my home! Fall is definitely here and that means so are the holidays. I thought I'd have a lighter, sweet treat this evening that is still nutrient-rich  & pleasing to the taste buds. I hope you enjoy this recipe...I sure did. Happy Holidays!

Cindy's Healthy & Easy Baked Apples

Ingredients

2 Small Gala Apples (or apple of choice)
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp Brown Sugar with Splenda® or Stevia®
2 oz Water
Optional: 1 oz walnut halves, unsalted (about 14)

Note: Feel free to change up the amount of spices. 

Preparation

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Chop apples into small slices and place in a small baking dish (8x8 will do). 
Coat apples well with cinnamon, nutmeg, and Brown Sugar 
Place water in the dish & bake apples uncovered for 20 minutes or until apples are soft

Note: I like to leave a little crunch to mine. 

Yields: 2 Servings (2 Apples)

Let cool, then cuddle up on the couch with your favorite Holiday movie & Enjoy! 

Optional: If you'd like to add more of a crunch consider topping the whole dish with 1 oz of walnut halves 

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 Apple (1/2 dish)

109 calories
25 grams carbohydrate
4 grams fiber

With added topping

201 calories
9 grams fat
27 grams carbohydrate
5 grams fiber
3 grams protein

Nutrient analysis based of of the USDA Database

Recipe adapted from Health Essentials.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Weekly Wednesday Reads

I read a lot during the week and always plan to submit a post putting my own spin on things but somethings just can't be said better...

Photo Sources in links below

Here are some good reads for the week:





Thursday, May 7, 2015

Finals Food w/ Smart Snacks


I am happy to announce that you are currently reading a post-graduate's blog! This past Friday I proudly accepted my diploma verifying that I, Cindy Huggins, met all of the requirements to earn a Master's Degree in Human Nutrition. Leading up to that memorable moment was a stressful streak of papers, projects, comprehensive exams, and more exams. In all honesty, I didn't think I was going to make it. Over the past two weeks I spent every moment I could in the library. This meant little time to stop, eat, sleep, and exercise. Planning out my days helped to keep me physically and mentally focused so I could push through. My study sessions had to be scheduled out in ink or I would spend a tremendous amount of time on one subject and forget to break and eat. Below was my study day dedicated to comprehensive exams.


When I take the time to go to the library I want it to more-than count so, I pack up to spend the whole day on campus. This means: layering clothes to ensure temperature comfort, study essentials like pens, paper, lap top, high lighters, sticky notes, and note cards, and lastly food! During "dead week" and finals week it is nearly impossible to find a table at the library so taking the chance to leave and eat means you may not return to an empty table. I think I was mentally racing someone the other day. As I walked to the "silent section" of the library my eyes were scoping 180 degrees to catch a table. At the same moment I spot someone packing-up to leave I lock eyes with someone else who was after the same table. We both ignored the look and headed toward the table quickening our pace step -by-step. A sly cut across the room gave me the right a-way. Now having a table, I was locked-in for the day. First let's rewind to before I hit the library. It's a process of planning and packing up for a day of studying. Below are meals and snacks that are simple, quick, compact, cheap, and easily transportable!




Spinach Ice Cubes
Wonderful way to prepare a quick morning or afternoon (or midnight) smoothie. For the week, blend a fresh batch of spinach with your choice of liquid (I use water). Poor over ice trays and freeze. Add ice cubes to your favorite smoothie or juice recipe! Looking for great smoothie recipes? Check out my favorite here!


Big girl cereal with blueberries
Yes, I said Big Girl! It’s time the cartoon cereals go back on the shelf and we start thinking about nutrition! This one is Kashi GoLean !

Tips for choosing cereals:
  1. Read the nutrition facts label!
  2. Aim for greater than 3 grams of fiber per serving
  3. First ingredient should say "Whole Wheat" or "Whole Grain"
  4. Ingredients list should be short.

Salad in a Jar
    Layer from bottom:
    Spring Mix (or greens of choice)
    Red Grapes
    Apple slices (sprinkled with lemon juice or diet lemon lime soda)
    Small handful of almonds
    ¼ Cup of reduced-fat Feta cheese
    Drizzle top with light, raspberry vinaigrette dressing (I like Newman's Own!)

Mediterranean Veggie Pita
    Whole Wheat Pita Loaf cut in half
    Spread hummus of choice inside both halves
    Pack in spinach leaves or greens of choice
    Pack in sliced red, orange, yellow, and green peppers
    Sprinkle with reduced-fat feta cheese

Cinnamon Banana Oatmeal
    1 pack of cinnamon spice instant oatmeal
    1 Banana smashed
    Water

English muffin Pizza
    Whole Wheat English muffin
    4 T Marinara/Spaghetti sauce, divided by 2
    ½ Cup Reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, , divided by 2

Simple Salad
    Spring Mix
    Blueberries
    Strawberries
    Apple slices
    Small handful, Honey glazed walnuts
    Reduced-fat feta cheese
    Drizzle a small amount of honey on top

Mediterranean Greek Wrap
    Whole Wheat Tortilla
    Spinach leaves
    Chopped Black Olives
    Variety of sliced bell pepper
    Reduced-fat feta cheese
    Drizzle with small amount of olive oil and vinegar
    Or substitute with your favorite Greek Dressing



Apple and Almonds

Frozen Peanut Butter and Banana Bites
    Slice bananas and lay flat on baking pan covered with parchment paper
    Add 1-2 t of peanut butter
    Top with another banana slice to sandwich the PB!
    Place in freezer and let the magic happen

Greek Yogurt with Kind Blueberry Granola

Chocolate Coconut Breakfast Bars


Fruit Snacks: diced apples, seedless red grapes, and walnuts

Fresh Strawberries

Popcorn, light

Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Banana Bites


Yum yum yum! Please, share your favorite go-to portable healthy meals/snacks! I’m always looking for ideas. For those of you who still have finals…good luck….For those of you who are done…Congrats!

Wait! Are you ready for this: Cindy Huggins, MS, RDN, LD! Ekk!! 

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Nutrition News You Can Use!


Healthy Life Style

Ever want your family to be healthy? via Today's Dietitian 
It's always good to do things as a family!

Does snacking make you gain weight? via Today's Dietitian

Are you underweight? via Today's Dietitian
It's just as bad as being over weight!

Back to school lunch via Eat Right


Photo Source


Foods That Can Make You Drool!

Baked Bananas!

Photo Source : Eat Right


Of Course it's never good to be lazy and not try!


You just have to get use to eating healthier, no need to feel uncomfortable!
  
Everyone has New Years resolutions, but if yours it keep the weight off; you can do it! Just keep trying and trying!



Thursday, January 1, 2015

Tips for a healthier you this year!

Happy New Year! Here is a quick top ten tips list to get you started this year.

1. Eat less, Move more.
2. Stop starving yourself, please.
3. Diets don't work. It's all about a lifestyle transition. Are you ready??
4. Find the nutrition in your food! Ask yourself, "where's my veggies, fruits, low-fat dairy, whole grains?"
5. Limit trans fat (AkA hydrogenated oils--look at the ingredients list)
6. Eat whole grains!
7. If edible eat clean, raw produce. Cooking breaks down some essential nutrients.
8. Drink water, water, water!! Put down the sodas!!!
9. Step away from the salt shaker! Look to herbs and spices without added salt to flavor foods. Use this reference sheet for guidance.
10. Lastly, start your day with a moment of silence and meditation. Pray and allow God to hear your health goals so the He may guide you this year.

Can you choose just ONE of the above and set a realistic goal for 2015?
Want more information about a particular tip? Email me and I'll be sure to publish a follow-up post!


Sunday, August 3, 2014

Power-up pita pizza

National Kids Eat Right Month is being celebrated throughout the month of August.

Get the kids in the kitchen and let them help prepare some meals. I do believe every kids loves pizza. This pita pizza recipe can be adjusted to meet the needs of the family taste buds. Just remember, let's keep it healthy! I have actually made a similar pita pizza. I used two mini whole wheat pita loafs, a couple of tablespoons of reduced sodium marinara sauce,a handful of chopped veggies, a sprinkle of low-fat mozzarella, and I topped it with a few basil leaves. Stick it up under the broiler for a minute or two and a quick and tasty meal is served. What's cooking in your kitchen?


Friday, August 1, 2014

National Kids Eat Right Month-I need your help!!




Hello and Happy Friday! Can you believe it is already August? The school bell will be ringing in no time. Time incessantly moves faster and faster the...older...I get. I hate using that word. One thing that is going to make me feel a little younger is going back to school. That's right. This girl has been blessed beyond all measures. I have been taking graduate classes by distance since summer of 2013. Here is a tip for those of you considering working a full-time job and taking graduate classes. 
Don't take over 3 hours per semester. 
Unless you have absolutely no life outside of work. Unfortunately, to be granted financial aid, I had to take over 4 hours. Really??!! I thought to myself, no big deal. One morning around 4:00 a.m. I realized I had been in the library for literally 10 hours and had to be at work by 8:00 a.m. This is when I saw the light and knew the job + school wasn't working out. Thankfully, my boss understood and allowed me the day off. 

Long story short, I was honored with a graduate assistantship, which provides tuition assistance and a part-time job. So, I have quit my job and returning to school full-time. I'll also be teaching a nutrition lab! Geek Out! This is going to be so much fun. (I'll update that comment throughout the semester). 

But, this post isn't about me, it's about the kids!! Today is a very special day because it kicks off National Kids Eat Right Month!! ::And the crowd goes wild:: All of August is dedicated to promoting healthy eating and active lifestyle of children and their parents. What's this have to do with you? 
I need your help!
It is up to us as a society to change our lifestyle and it starts with what we are feeding and teaching our kids. You do not have to be a parent to participate. Tackle the kids and their parents in your family. Teachers, use MyPlate lesson plans to educate kids about healthy eating. Have them take the pledge to choose healthy foods!


Take the Pledge -- Become a MyPlate Champion.



Get your youth group involved and have them prepare a more nutrient-rich meal for fellowship dinners. Plan a Sunday school or bible study on the importance of nourishing our bodies. Be creative! 

1 Corinthians 10:31New International Version (NIV)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Take the opportunity to celebrate KER Month in your home and community using some of these tips from The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

  • Move every day! Kids need 60 minutes daily of moderate to vigorous active play.
  • Enjoy family meals together, an important step to improving family health and bonding.
  • Get active as a family. Take a walk together after dinner, and plan fun activities every week such as a family bike ride, swimming, tennis, softball, basketball or a dance party.
  • Get children involved in planning and cooking healthy meals together. When kids are involved in planning and preparing healthy meals (with age-appropriate tasks), they are more likely to try new foods, and will also have a greater understanding of nutritious, healthy foods that will benefit them for a lifetime. Try out healthy recipes from Kids Eat Right.
  • To build an eating plan tailored to your family’s unique needs and lifestyle, consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area.
  • Follow Kids Eat Right on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Google+.
  • Blog about Kids Eat Right Month, post the Kids Eat Right Month badge to your blog and request to be added to our blog roll.
  • See more at: Kids Eat Right

Check back each day in August for tips and recipes from myself and the Kids Eat Right Crew! Tweet me or post your pictures to my Facebook page. Follow me on Instagram to see what I'm eating with my family. And lastly, follow my Pinterest page for tips and recipes. I'd LOVE to see what you guys are doing. 



 I hope you all have a wonderful Friday.
Remember, this is the day the the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Cinnamon Banana Apple Smoothie

Today's my birthday! 29 feels an awful lot like 20!! As I'm waiting for the festivities to begin I thought I'd share a smoothie recipe I threw together for lunch! 

Two fist fulls of spinach
3/4 Cup water
1 small apple (Keep peeling on)
1/2 banana 
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Teaspoon cinnamon 
1 container nonfat cinnamon bun yogurt (publix brand!)
Handful Ice

I don't have the fanciest blender but if I take my time with it it makes yummy smooth smoothies. 

First I add 1/2 cup water. Then fist fulls of spinach, blend on purée for about 45 seconds. While blender is still running on purée add sliced apples one at a time. After apple then chopped banana. Let blend for another 45 seconds. Stop blender use a spatcula to wipe down the sides of the blender. Got to get all that nutrition! Now, add yogurt, cinnamon, protein powder, 1/4 cup water, and a handful of ice. I use the ice pulse then set on purée for another 45 seconds! I promise is comes out so smoothie! 

Merry Christmas! 

Continue reading as I continue my mission: Healthy Huggins!


Thursday, November 7, 2013

The Art of Seasoning



Too many people believe "healthy" food is bland and tasteless. Did you know that foods that are good for you can taste good too? All you need to know is the basics to seasoning with herbs and spices. Once you have your spice rack filled, food will no longer be boring and bland. The list below gives you a great overview of different herbs and spices that compliment certain foods. Enjoy!


Beans (dried) — cumin, cayenne, chili, parsley, pepper, sage, savory, thyme


Beef — basil, bay, chili, cilantro, curry, cumin, garlic, marjoram, mustard, oregano, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme


Breads — anise, basil, caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, dill, garlic, lemon peel, orange peel, oregano, poppy seeds, rosemary, saffron, sage, thyme


Cheese — basil, caraway, celery seed, chervil, chili, chives, coriander, cumin, dill, garlic, horseradish, lemon peel, marjoram, mint, mustard, nutmeg, paprika, parsley, pepper, sage, tarragon, thyme


Chicken — allspice, basil, bay, cinnamon, curry, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, mustard, paprika, rosemary, saffron, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme,


Corn — chili, curry, dill, marjoram, parsley, savory, thyme


Eggs — basil, chervil, chili, chives, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, lemon peel, marjoram, oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, sage, tarragon, thyme


Fish — anise, basil, bay, cayenne, celery seed, chives, curry, dill fennel, garlic, ginger, lemon peel, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, saffron, sage, savory, tarragon, marjoram


Fruits — allspice, anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger, mint


Lamb — basil, bay, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, garlic, marjoram, mint, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, savory, tarragon, thyme


Potatoes — basil, caraway, celery seed, chervil, chives, coriander, dill, marjoram, oregano, paprika, parsley, poppy seed, rosemary, tarragon, thyme


Salad Dressings — basil, celery seed, chives, dill, fennel, garlic, horseradish, marjoram, mustard, oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, rosemary, saffron, tarragon, thyme


Salads — basil, caraway, chives, dill, garlic, lemon peel, lovage, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, thyme


Soups — basil, bay, chervil, chili, chives, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, marjoram, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sage, savory, thyme


Sweets — allspice, angelica, anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, ginger, lemon peel, mace, nutmeg, mint, orange peel, rosemary


Tomatoes — basil, bay, celery seed, cinnamon, chili, curry, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, gumbo file, lemongrass, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, savory, tarragon, thyme

Complimentary Herbs

As a beginner, you may want to stick with herbs and spices that are known to complement each other. Common flavor families include:


Bouquet Garnis — basil, bay, oregano, parsley
Herbal — basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme
Hot — chili peppers, cilantro, cumin, garlic
Pungent — celery, chili peppers, cumin, curry, ginger, black pepper
Spicy — cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, star anise
Sweet — allspice, anise, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg
Source

One of my favorite side dishes
Ingredients
15 ounces of Chick Peas
1 T Chili Powder
1 1/2 t Cumin
1/2 t Paprika
1/4 t Dried Oregano
1/4 t Garlic Powder
1/4 t Onion Powder
1 t Black Pepper
1 t Sea Salt

Play with this until you get YOUR preferred taste! 

Directions
Heat peas with preferred method of heating.
Lightly coat peas with seasoning mix
Serve with meal or have as a snack.
Enjoy!
 Herbed Quinoa


 Ingredients/Directions
On stove top boil 1 Cup water and 1 Cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
Add 1 Cup quinoa
Bring to a simmer
Place lid on and let sit for 12-15 minutes
Or until all liquid is absorbed

 Once cooked place in large bowl and add in your seasoning!
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon Garlic
1/4 Cup olive oil
salt and pepper TT
Mix together and serve!


 Any left over quinoa I add to my salads for the rest of the week! Hello protein!!

Continue Reading as I continue My Mission: Healthy Huggins!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes

I could live off of pancakes. Pancakes have endless nutrition opportunities because you can add a lot: blueberries, strawberries, bananas, raspberries, chocolate chips, zucchini (yes, I said zucchini)! These pancakes are perfect for breakfast or dinner. They are high in protein and fiber and absolutely delicious. This meal makes for a perfect prerun meal. Just remember you need to eat about 2-4 hours before a long run! This gives the protein and fiber time to digest. Lastly, top with a light syrup or Agave sweeter.If you cannot finish them all, freeze for quick a breakfast throughout the week. 

Enjoy!!


  1. Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl. 
  2. Add wet ingredients and mix until dry spots are gone.
  3. Fold in blueberries or fruit of choice. Or you may choose to add the fruit when you begin the cooking process.
  4. Heat a large skillet on medium heat. 
  5. If needed, lightly spray pan with cooking spray. 
  6. Scoop about 1/4 cup into pan and allow to cook until you see a little golden brown on the edges. 
  7. Then flip and repeat!
Yields: 16 pancakes


Continue reading as I continue my mission: Healthy Huggins!

 

For more yummy recipes visit the Taste of Tuesday link-up!

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Shedding for the Wedding

photo source: getty images



Congratulations -- you are getting married! Now, it is time to get serious about shedding those unwanted pounds. On top of all of the planning it is hard to focus on your diet. A few simple tweaks and you will be on your way to being a slimmer, healthier bride! 

  1. Forget the fad diets that restrict certain food, make you drink nasty shakes and deprive you of your favorite foods. We must eat in order to lose weight. Sounds ironic, I know. Our bodies need nutrients from food in order to burn the calories. If you deny your body that energy it slows down your metabolism causing a halt in weight lose. A healthy weight loss is 1-2 lbs. per week. Keep in mind that a pound of fat is equal to ~3500 calories. Therefore, by cutting 500 calories a day through meal and exercise modification, you will shed a pound a week. 
  2. Don't put yourself in a calorie deficit! Talk about a bridzilla?! Maybe this is why brides are always crazy, because they are hungry! I know your first instinct when trying to lose weight is to cut, but try focusing on adding nutrient-rich foods. Many formulas exist to estimate calorie needs and some can get overwhelming. I found this wonderful calculator that takes everything into consideration except weight goals! If you desire to lose weight remember, subtract 100-500 calories, depending on your goal.
  3. Eat a protein rich breakfast! Consistent research has shown that people who eat breakfast tend to weigh less. Protein takes longer to digest in the body keeping you satisfied until your next meal. Prepare a delicious protein rich omelet with four egg whites, spinach and a sprinkle of reduced-fat feta cheese or a high protein cereal with almond milk. 
  4. Eat fresh produce and focus on fiber! Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are packed with fiber. The average American gets around 12 grams per day, while the current recommendations suggest we need 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day. Start reading the nutrition fact labels to make sure your cereals, breads and pastas contain greater then 5 grams of fiber per serving. Warning: if you do not have a diet rich in fiber you need to make sure you are consuming ample amounts of water. 
  5. Limit dairy products to help reduce bloating. Certain individuals may experience sensitivity to dairy products because they cannot digest lactose or milk sugar.
  6. Avoid excessive sodium (salt). Sodium holds on to fluid in the body increasing bloating and "water weight." Majority of the salt in out diet comes from processed foods the main one being breads.
    Main food items to limit:
    1. Prepackaged meals (lean cuisine, smart ones, family dinners, etc.)
    2. Deli meats.
    3. Salty snacks.
    4. Sodas. Even limit your diet sodas!
    5. Breads. Do not completely cut out breads. You can get wonderful whole grains with breads, just limit the portion and buy reduced sodium.
  7. Keep a food journal. Starting as soon as you begin planning. Write down what you eat, how much you eat, and how you feel both physically and mentally. You may be able to identify foods certain foods that cause gastrointestinal upset (bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea). 
  8. Set small, achievable goals. See Motivation Monday for more detail on goals! 
The weeks leading up to my wedding I continuously carried around a water bottle to keep myself hydrated and energized. I cannot stress enough the importance of hydration. Not only does it help reduce bloating and increase energy but it helps keep your skin glowing. I set small goals for myself along the way. My number one priority was I wanted to feel slim and sexy, and yes healthy!!

Click here for a printable goal sheet. 

To personalize a diet plan just for you find a registered dietitian in your area at eatright.org

Got 30 Seconds? I bet you do! Listen to my new Podcast, 30 Second Bytes with Dietitian Cindy, for quick tips and tricks on food and nutrition.
www.CindyHuggins.com

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Taco Casserole

After three years of getting spoiled by my husband's fabulous cooking, I have now been asked to start pulling my weight in the kitchen. I will be honest with you, I am scared of the kitchen. Honestly, I can cook, I just get overwhelmed and a little paranoid that something is about to catch on fire. Flour is always near by in case of an emergency. The past few weeks I have really enjoyed being in the kitchen. This may have of helped =) INSERT WINE! I just have to make sure to plan and prepare.


I am feeling like an actual wife. Maybe, I'm not Betty Crocker status but I'll get there.

 

This taco casserole was very easy and it is husband approved!!



Ingredients

2/3 cup uncooked brown rice
1-1/3 cups plus 4 to 5 tablespoons water, divided
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup water
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
3/4 cup salsa
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, bring rice and 1-1/3 cups water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in enough remaining water to form a soft dough. On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Press into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 13-15 minutes or until very lightly browned.
  3. For filling, in a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef, onion, green pepper and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add water, taco seasoning and cooked rice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in eggs and cilantro. Spread over crust.
  4. Cover and bake for 15-17 minutes or until filling is set. Cut into squares. Top with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Recipe Source: Shrinking Kitchen  <---I love this website


Enjoy!
Continue reading as I continue my mission: Healthy Huggins!




 

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