Last-minute stocking stuffer for NFL bettors: Steelers get nostalgic, cover vs. Raiders; Eagles-Cowboys play to the Under

There's no way around it - 

If you're Cuban and from Miami,  eating lechón (roast pork), black beans over white rice, platanos maduros and yucca on Christmas Eve is as common as keeping your girlfriend away from your weird uncle. 

But I'm super jolly and not freezing in Elizabeth, New Jersey right now, so here are some last-minute stocking stuffers (bets) for all NFL bettors! Note: We're coming off a 3-0 week and 24-12-1 on the season! 

Cheers! And please bet responsibly.

Raiders @ Steelers (-2) 

Saturday, 8:15 p.m. Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh

Are you really going to bet on a Raiders team (1) coming off a fluky win vs. the Patriots (2) a long ways from home a day before Christmas and (3) playing the geeked up Steelers, several days after losing a franchise icon (Franco Harris)? 

I don't think so! I wouldn't trust this Las Vegas outfit at a brothel owned by my Cuban uncle. Seriously. All bets are off (I guess) in freezing temperatures, but I don't see the poorly-coached Raiders being able to weather the emotional storm they will face against the Steelers, not only playing better, but still breathing in the AFC postseason race. If that's not enough to bet the home fav Steelers, it's the 50th anniversary of 'The Immaculate Reception' and the game airs on The NFL Network. So, look for a juicy ending - a few minutes before it's officially Christmas - that The NFL Network can replay 3,458 times next week .... Let's bet the Steelers to cover (-2). 

Eagles @ Cowboys (47)

Saturday, 4:25 p.m. AT&T Stadium, Dallas

Interesting dynamic in this spot, especially considering how the NFL betting market has been shaken this week thanks to cold weather and awful, but well-promoted backup QBs getting a chance to play important minutes.

Nothing against Gardner Minshew, but the facial hair wonderkid is just a novelty being played up in the sake of adversity. Also: The NFL has to sell you on watching Eagles-Cowboys, even if Jalen Hurts is on the shelf (for now). I'm also not sold, long-term, on the Cowboys, an uneven bunch I really don't trust.

So, we're going to bet the game goes Under the total of 47..

Have a healthy heart: 5 tips to reduce your sugar intake

Staying away from the cookies in the office or at the football watch party is never a sure bet for the faint of heart - especially this time of year. However, too much sugar intake can eventually cause severe heart-related issues.

But whether you're a serious player or novice around the bar during the holiday season, reckless sugar intake can lead to (1) weight gain, (2) increased blood glucose levels, (3) diabetes and (4) stroke symptoms/a heart attack. 

Here are 5 tips to reduce your sugar intake, on the road to a healthier heart.

Let's face it .. 

No matter what team your heart is rooting for, all the cookie trays you encounter this time of year can spike your sugar levels.

Another brownie here and shot of vodka there can add up with time, leading to  health issues such as (1) weight gain, (2) diabetes, and (3) increase in blood glucose levels. 

All together, consuming too much sugar can eventually lead to stroke symptoms, if not a heart attack. So, watching your sugar intake is crucial to having a healthy heart - today and tomorrow.

Here are 5 tips on how to reduce your sugar intake:

1.) Reduce your portions:

Can't resist having more than one chocolate chip cookie after your significant other is done baking them? Make sure to avoid the kitchen at all cost, if not ask the baker to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Seriously.

2.) Get rid and/or reduce the sugar use: 

Reduce the amount of sugar you add to such norms as coffee, cereal, waffles or tea.

Whether you use brown or white sugar, cutting back on all that sugar you add on food or drinks, will reduce the chances of long-term heart issues. There's also a better chance your blood glucose levels will not skyrocket into danger zone territory.

3.) Toss the soda: Say NO(!) to soda or sugary drinks - any time of the year. Again, it may be difficult to avoid them at all cost, especially at a holiday party, but water is always a better option than soda when trying to control your sugar intake. Can't break the habit right away? Go with a diet drink and work yourself up from there. If you're not drinking water, which should always be option No. 1! 

4.) Stock up on fruit:  Are you prone to putting sugar on your cereal or oatmeal? Cut that out right now! Instead, try adding fresh fruits such as bananas, strawberries or berries. You can also opt for dried fruits (cranberries) as well.

5.) Say goodbye to the sugar: That's right! Get rid of all those sugar packets, if not sugar bags. Using extracts (vanilla) and/or spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) will likely take time to get used to in the morning, but your heart will definitely thank you later...

(Need a copywriter and/or have a comment or question? Your suggestions and thoughts are always appreciated on this platform. You can also connect with me @miami_by_fernie on Instagram. I look forward to connecting!)

 

Brightline: 3 Things You Need To Know About The High-Speed Train

I recently took another ride on Brightline, the bullet train set to open Boca Raton and Aventura stations on Wednesday, Dec. 21. 

Launched in July of 2018, Brightline, which currently links Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, features sleek lounges with tap beer and HD TV screens allowing you to settle back, in addition to onboard high-speed Wi-Fi - ideal for passengers looking to get some work done. Here are 3 more things you need to know before boarding Brightline. 

Prime Service: Even before buying my round-trip (premium) ticket from Miami to West Palm Beach, the service offered by Brightline stood out to me. From the behind-the-counter Brightline attendant going out of her way to provide me with all pertinent information (train departures and arrivals, etc.) to the array of snacks (chips and cheese) and beverages (wine and beer) I was offered once onboard the high-speed train, it was smooth sailing during the 56-minute ride from Miami to West Palm Beach. (Note: The return trip from West Palm Beach to Miami took a few minutes more. That was it.)

Convenience+Comfort: Brightline definitely delivers on convenience and comfort. The 32-inch train cars provide plenty of room for all passengers, even for those in need of special access (strollers, wheelchairs). The large leather seats come with an in-seat recline that slides forward - which guarantees you won't be bothering the person behind you. Two USB ports and two outlets next to each seat also make it ideal for you to get work done on your laptop.

Brightline+ : Once I was in Miami, I was picked up in a yellow Brightline Tesla car that took me to my destination. (Brightline+ allows for travelers to book rides to and from a Brightline station at no extra cost, as long as the ride is five miles or less. (My ride fit the bill.) However, non-premium Brightline ticket holders can be picked up in vans and/or shuttles. Brightline has two tier pricing options: Smart and Premium. Ticket prices may differ depending on the time of day and length of your trip on Brightline. Please check the Brightline website for additional information.

Next stop: Brightline, which is opening up train stations in Boca Raton and Aventura this week, features sleek lounges and onboard Wi-Fi service. 

Stay sharp: 5 foods you can bet will boost your immune system

A dedicated health nut or couch potato can find it difficult to keep the same health regimen this time of year. But giving your immune system a boost is always important - even during the holiday season.

Whether you workout three times a week or don't even run to the grocery store, it's not easy staying away from the bar or cookie tray this time of year. 

But while all those adult beverages and shrimp cocktails can add up, your immune system doesn't have to take a hit as well.

Here are 5 foods you can bet will give your immune system quite a boost! 

1.) Broccoli:  Filled with multiple B vitamins and antioxidants, this green vegetable will send your immune system through the roof. Effective if you have arthritis, especially for those dealing with cold weather, broccoli also replenishes stores lost by alcohol use.

2) Apples: An apple a day will not only keep the doctor away, it boost your immune system thanks to the skin containing quercetin, an anti-inflammatory phytochemical. Apples also come loaded with pectin, a fiber that will improve your immune system, while keeping you clear of any infections - if you happen to have an upset stomach.

3.) Garlic: Don't be afraid to load up on the garlic when you order pizza or pasta at the local shop! The root herb in garlic is rich in allicin, a very strong antimicrobial that helps fight germs. The allicin in garlic also helps to keep blood platelets from coming together - in turn reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. 

4.) Nuts:  How about these .... ? Put away those chips and snack on nuts, which are loaded with polyphenolic compounds that help reduce inflammation (when you get an infection). Nuts are also stacked with magnesium and zinc - both ready to improve your immune system. 

5.) Seafood: A good source of omega -3 fatty acids, seafood is rich in vitamin C and zinc. The fatty acids are essential to maintaining your overall health and brain intact, while the healthy fats prevent plaque formation.

Eat broccoli: Filled with multiple B vitamins and antioxidants, broccoli is a good food to boost your immune system.

All aboard: Brightline set to open Boca Raton and Aventura train stations Wednesday, Dec. 21

Already connecting Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, speedy train line to debut Aventura and Boca Raton stations on Wednesday, December 21. 

Looking to get from Boca Raton to Miami in under an one hour, while working on your project with the help of high-speed Wi-Fi and not having to deal with South Florida traffic?

Just board Brightline as the speedy and eco-friendly train line will debut their new Aventura and Boca Raton stations beginning Wednesday, December 21. 

With a Boca Raton to Miami, one-way trip taking just under an hour, the schedule for the new Aventura and Boca Raton stations will focus on weekday morning and evening commuter service (at least initially).

With introductory, one-way fares now available for as low as $10 on Brighline's website, passengers will be able to make the most of modern and eco-friendly conveniences such as high-speed Wi-Fi and plug-in connections (at every seat). 

Launched in 2018, Brightline, which already connects Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, also offers premium services, which include seating upgrades, food and beverages. 

While Brightline will also offer northbound and southbound service approximately every other hour, it's regular service will continue in West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. 

Brightline is on schedule to open their Orlando train station in 2023. 

Next stop: Brighline's Aventura and Boca Raton stations will officially open on Wednesday, December 21. 

#train #brightline #aventura #bocaraton