When was the last time you actually got to enjoy a hearty breakfast in the morning? Are you the type who’s always running out of the house without having a chance to enjoy your morning meal? It’s understandable – mornings can be hectic enough, but add in cooking a meal and your head probably spins.

However, as the old adage goes: Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. So it’s important to make the time for it. However, when researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) surveyed Americans what they eat for breakfast, about 20 percent admitted to skipping the meal altogether.

Skimping on breakfast can make your head foggy all day and even make you crave sugary calories later on. But if you do make time for a healthy meal, you’re doing your body and mind good.

“You will be more productive all day long if you just invest a few minutes in eating a healthy breakfast,” says Joan Salge Blake, MS, RD, professor of health and rehabilitation sciences at Boston University.

But that doesn’t mean slurping down a big bowl of sugary cereal or throwing a few microwavable sausages in the microwave. There are ways to save time in the morning while still getting to enjoy a delicious breakfast that’s easy to make and good for you, too. Here are a few busy-morning favorites:

Overnight oatmeal – Think you don’t have time to make a batch of oatmeal for breakfast? Think again. The night before you plan to eat this nutritious breakfast, mix together 2/3 cup almond milk (or regular milk), 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt and a pinch of cinnamon. Refrigerate the mixture overnight and voila – it’s ready to enjoy in the morning! The oats soak in a milk and yogurt mixture, which softens them to a creamy texture by the morning. It’s an instant, cold oatmeal that tastes great and doesn’t waste a moment of your morning.

Pull-together yogurt – Not a minute to spare before heading to work? At the start of each week, purchase five containers of plain Greek yogurt (a good source of protein and calcium). Then, scoop one serving of your favorite low-fat, high-fiber cereal or granola into five plastic snack bags. Take a yogurt and one of your cereal packs to work each morning and combine the two to enjoy them at your desk. Another tip: Store a bottle of Agave Nectar in your desk drawer to drizzle on when you’re craving a sweeter breakfast.

Sweet smoothie – The ingredient combinations for breakfast smoothies are endless – and one of the tastiest, easiest ways to enjoy your breakfast. If you don’t have time to blend the smoothie in the morning, cut up all your ingredients and place them in the blender the night before. Then put the blender in the refrigerator overnight. If the recipe calls for ice, you can add it in the next morning and then blend until smooth. If there’s any left over, you can store it in an air-tight container.

An easy recipe to use: 1/2 cup of strawberries, 1/2 cup of banana slices, 6 ounces of skim milk, and 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter. Combine the ingredients at night and then blend it in before you leave and you’ve got yourself an easy, delicious and healthy breakfast to keep you full all morning.

Breakfast pudding – Chia seed pudding, that is. This recipe couldn’t be quicker or more nutritious. The night before, simply combine 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup coconut milk and a 1/2 tablespoon honey in a small bowl, mason jar or other to-go container. In the morning, just take it out of the fridge and it’s ready to eat. If you have time, you can top the pudding with fresh fruit and nuts. With just 206 calories, this delicious breakfast pudding is hard to beat.

Fast ‘n easy eggs – No time to deal with cooking an egg on the stove? Beat two eggs in a microwave-safe container, and add a few of your favorite vegetables you prefer (tomatoes, spinach leaves, peppers, etc.), and if you’d like, sprinkle in a bit of cheese. Microwave the eggs for about 30 seconds, stir and then microwave for another 30 seconds. Then just place the lid on the container for a healthy to-go breakfast. You can also prep this the night before – just store the raw mixture in the refrigerator and simply heat it up in the morning.

Don’t skip breakfast and if you follow a few of these ideas, you’ll see that eating right in the morning is less complicated than you think.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta, in Union City, GA.

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South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine’s Publisher, Michelle Willis, interviews INFINITI of South Atlanta’s President, John Abate, for an episode of ‘According to Michelle.’

This episode features an exclusive look at how Mr. Abate got his start in the Automotive Industry and Michelle gets a taste of what it’s like to sell an INFINITI.

For other episodes and more information about Michelle Willis and her web series, visit ‘According to Michelle’.

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A piece of chocolate a day keeping the doctor away? It may not be as absurd as it sounds.

Who can imagine Valentine’s Day without chocolate? We certainly can’t! But for most, chocolate is thought to be the kind of indulgence that can quickly derail a New Year’s diet resolution. It may come as something of a surprise then, to learn that there are actually a number of health benefits to eating chocolate!

Before you go grab a whole handful of chocolate candies this Valentine’s Day, it is important to understand the caveats. If you eat chocolate with reckless abandon, you will gain unwanted weight. Commercial chocolate products are high in added fat and refined sugar, which adds up to unnecessary calories. Eating chocolate to excess puts you at risk not only for weight gain, but also for high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. As such, you should always eat chocolate in moderation; using a calorie-counting app to monitor your intake will help prevent adding on extra pounds.

It is also important to note that all chocolate is NOT created equal. Of all varieties of chocolate, dark chocolate, cacao and cocoa are considered by several experts to have the most beneficial qualities. According to Scientific American, a 2012 review of 20 different studies found that daily, moderated consumption of dark chocolate or cocoa resulted in an average drop of two to three points in blood pressure readings over a period of time.

To be sure that you are getting the proper benefits, Mary Engler, Ph.D., a professor of physiological nursing at the University of California at San Francisco, recommends to Women’s Health that, in a day, you eat no more than seven ounces of chocolate that consists of no less than 70 percent cacao or cocoa.

Just what are those benefits, though?

Antioxidants
According to WebMD, if a chocolate product contains a sizable amount of nonfat cocoa solids, then it tends to have a high level of antioxidants. Dark chocolate in particular contains a great deal of antioxidants, which help rid your body of cell-damaging free radicals. Steady consumption of antioxidant-rich foods is associated with a lowered risk of cancer and a slowing of the aging process.

Reduced heart attack risk
The presence of flavanols in cocoa not only introduces antioxidants into the body, but the flavanols are also the ingredient best associated with lowered blood pressure and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. According to Diane Becker, M.P.H., Sc.D., a researcher at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine, daily consumption of flavanol-rich dark chocolate can reduce the risk of heart attack by up to 50 percent due to its connection with slowing clotting in blood vessels.

Weight loss
Of course, over-consuming chocolate will lead to gaining unnecessary weight, but according to the University of Copenhagen, tempered chocolate intake can actually help you shed pounds. The research also showed that eating a small amount of dark chocolate on a daily basis helps curb your appetite for other sweets and fatty foods. By indulging your sweet tooth within reason, you will better overcome the mental hurdle that comes with cutting junk foods out of your diet.

Rich in essential vitamins and minerals
Another added benefit of dark chocolate in particular is its high potassium, copper, magnesium and iron content. These vitamins and minerals are key components to ensuring your health: copper and potassium are useful in lowering your risk of stroke and heart disease; iron helps prevent anemia; and magnesium fights high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Again, it should be noted that chocolate will only prove beneficial for your health if you consume it in an appropriate fashion. But this Valentine’s Day, if you are able to regulate your intake and limit it only to the purest chocolates possible, then you may find yourself benefitting in a number of surprising ways.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, Georgia.

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Small things that will help you get the most out of your vehicle.

A little bit of attention to these seemingly minor tasks will save you money, enhance your safety and that of your passengers, and help ensure a long and satisfying ownership experience with your vehicle. Whether you service your vehicle yourself or enjoy the convenience of using our dealer’s factory-trained personnel, use this list to help you get started:

Read Your Owner’s Manual
Every vehicle has its own service schedule and individual nuances. All of those things and many more are covered in your owner’s manual. It’s important to know what all the lights mean, how the dials and buttons work, and how and when to take care of your vehicle and all its parts. Some people read their owner’s manuals from cover to cover as soon as they get a new vehicle while others pick and choose the chapters of greatest interest; whichever type of driver you are, be sure to ask one of our factory-trained technician if you ever have any questions.

Get Your Tires Rotated and Balanced, and Ask About a Wheel Alignment
Your vehicle is only as good as the rubber it’s riding on – even a supercar won’t get very far with a flat tire. Your tires don’t always wear evenly when you drive, even when your wheels are properly aligned, so getting your tires rotated and balanced is important to extend their life. Check your owner’s manual or ask your service technician how often it should be done on your particular vehicle. Making sure your tires/wheels are balanced is important as well, to ensure proper weight distribution and a comfortable ride. An alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels to factory specifications. After a long winter of potholes and rough driving, it’s important to be sure both your front and rear wheels are still in alignment. We often offer seasonal alignment specials, so watch for coupons on our website!

Check your Belts
Some of your vehicle’s moving parts may rely on belts to keep them going. If you hear any squeaking or high-pitched squealing when you start your vehicle, that might be a sign that it’s time to have your belts checked. Waiting too long can result in a broken belt and possibly wider damage. A serpentine belt, for example, normally drives things like the power steering, alternator and other items, so if it malfunctions, you’re going to have bigger problems. When you have your oil changed, check your belts for obvious cracks, chips or signs of dry rot, and have them replaced at the recommended intervals, even if they look ok.

Clean Your Headlamps
It may sound obvious, but even a thin coating of dust, mud, snow or salt film can severely impact your visibility, especially in poor weather. The durable polycarbonate plastic from which many headlamps are made can also become excessively chipped, scratched or cloudy over time, from both the elements and long-term UV exposure, and this can also reduce the amount of light you get from your headlamps. Keep them clean and inspect them regularly. If you notice a problem, ask our service department for suggestions to correct the issue; they may also recommend something you can treat the plastic with to help protect it and extend its life.

Replace Your Filters
Many of today’s vehicles have monitors that prompt you when it’s time to change your oil, but there aren’t filter replacement reminders and items like filters don’t always come to mind, especially if you change your oil yourself. Failure to replace filters–such as fuel, air and oil filters–can cause damage, reduce fuel economy and increase emissions. The same goes for the cabin air filter that helps remove pollutants, allergens and noxious fumes from the air being drawn into your vehicle. Best of all, filters are normally not expensive to replace–in vehicles with complimentary factory maintenance, some filters may even be replaced for free–so be sure to have them checked regularly and replaced when needed.

With so many things already on your mind, getting your car serviced can be overlooked. Fortunately, there is some impressive technology out there that can help you ensure the work gets done. If you have a smartphone, there are some excellent apps available, ranging from basic to intricate, to help guide you. Road Trip, an app available for iPhones/iPads, tracks your maintenance schedule, fuel economy and other expenses. For android users, Car Maintenance Reminder is similar and can send reminders when a service due date approaches. Other apps include aCar and AutoCare, or you can search your favorite app store to find the right one for you. Many automobile manufacturers also offer automated service reminders via email and/or smartphone app.

Our Service Department is always the best resource for any automotive issue you have, so stop in and talk with factory-trained personnel about your vehicle questions and service needs.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, Georgia.

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The INFINITI QX Inspiration is a midsize SUV concept previewing the brand’s first fully electric vehicle. As a company with technological and powertrain innovation at its core, electrification is a natural next step for INFINITI. This design study previews the brand’s plan to launch a range of high-performance electrified vehicles that promise an engaging drive and deliver range confidence. The INFINITI lineup of the future will consist of a range of electric, e-POWER and performance hybrid vehicles.

The QX Inspiration concept signals a new era for INFINITI design enabled by technology, with a form language hinting at the potency and character of electrified powertrains. The new concept sets a direct precedent for the company’s first fully electric production car, illustrating how new architectures and technologies are influencing modern INFINITI design. It also draws on the Japanese spatial concept of ‘Ma,’ demonstrating how open spaces between lines create tension and build anticipation.

This Japanese DNA continues into the cabin. The interior of QX Inspiration is hand-crafted using traditional techniques and a choice of materials inspired by a subtle Japanese sensuality. The development of new electrified vehicle platforms enables the creation of spacious, lounge-like interiors influenced by omotenashi, the Japanese approach to hospitality. The cabin incorporates technologies to create a welcoming environment while assisting drivers and connecting occupants to the world around them.

Electrification
Previewing INFINITI’s first fully electric vehicle

“The INFINITI QX Inspiration marks the beginning of a new generation of INFINITI cars and establishes a direct blueprint for the brand’s first electric vehicle. Based on a new, dedicated electric vehicle architecture and inspired by INFINITI’s Japanese DNA, the SUV concept previews a product portfolio which will offer high performance, ultra-low emissions and range confidence.”

Christian Meunier, President and Chairman, INFINITI Motor Company Ltd.

Electrification: a natural next step for INFINITI

• QX Inspiration concept sets a direct precedent for the first fully electric INFINITI model
• Future INFINITI models will offer buyers a mix of fully electric, e-POWER and performance hybrid powertrains

The QX Inspiration concept sets a direct precedent for the brand’s first fully electric car: a high-performance SUV offering range confidence. Electrification is a natural next step for the company, and, as a member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the industry leader in low- and zero-emission vehicles, a range of ultra-low emissions technology is available to INFINITI.

INFINITI’s future models will offer drivers a mixture of fully electric, e-POWER and performance hybrid vehicles. These powertrains will be matched with dedicated platforms and vehicle architectures, delivering the high performance, range confidence and low environmental impact that buyers are coming to expect from luxury car manufacturers.

“For INFINITI, our powertrain electrification strategy focuses on offering both high performance and range confidence. As the luxury brand within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, INFINITI can draw on a wide range of ultra-low emissions powertrain technologies to deliver driving pleasure and thrilling performance. We have previously explored this with the Prototype 9 and Prototype 10, and QX Inspiration shows how this philosophy will manifest itself in production: as a powerful electric SUV with a versatile character and luxurious interior.”

François Bancon, Vice President, INFINITI

High performance electrified all-wheel drive powertrain

• High-performance and range confidence from INFINITI’s future electrified vehicles
• QX Inspiration concept hints at the potential for an SUV with a powerful e-AWD system

With the planned electrification of INFINITI’s future product portfolio, the QX Inspiration concept signals the brand’s intention to produce a fully electric midsize SUV, based on an all-new vehicle platform, which could accommodate a powerful electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) system. The concept’s SUV packaging means the high-capacity battery pack can be located below the vehicle floor, feeding power to a pair of electric motors (one on each axle).

Future INFINITI products promise a power delivery which is instantaneous, with the e-AWD system enabling blistering off-the-line acceleration. Power is distributed intelligently between all four wheels, and the battery’s location ensures a low center of gravity, meaning the QX Inspiration concept inspires confidence in all situations – from high-speed corners to long-distance cruises – and weather conditions.

“Global demand for SUVs continues to grow, as does the number of drivers eager to make the shift to an electrified powertrain. QX Inspiration meets at the intersection of these trends and sets a direct precedent for the launch of a powerful all-electric SUV. INFINITI is a brand built on the idea of technological innovation, and the electrification of our product line-up is a natural next step for us. The QX Inspiration concept signals the direction we plan to take.”

Christian Meunier, President and Chairman, INFINITI Motor Company Ltd.

Exterior design
New form language for electrification, based on the principles of modern Japanese design and architecture

“The decision to electrify the INFINITI range was an inflection point for our brand. We started to understand the potential of new architectures and technologies and how they could influence a change in how we design our cars.”

Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President for Global Design, Nissan Motor Co.

INFINITI’s new form language

• Electrified powertrain technology enables evolution of INFINITI form language
• New aesthetic defined by straight lines, clean surfaces and concise graphics, taking hints from Q Inspiration sedan concept and Prototypes 9 and 10

The QX Inspiration concept signals a new era for INFINITI design, influenced by new powertrain technologies and architectures. The form language of the new concept car hints at the potency and character of the brand’s future electrified powertrains.

A reference point for the new SUV concept was the Q Inspiration sedan concept, which signaled INFINITI’s first steps towards establishing a new design language characterized by straight lines, precise forms for functional elements and clean surfaces. More technical in its design than any prior INFINITI, the Q Inspiration sedan combined simplicity with muscularity, inspired by modern powertrain technologies. Now, the QX Inspiration concept takes this further, echoing the sedan concept’s muscular form language while adopting certain details first featured on the Prototype 9 and Prototype 10 design studies.

The QX Inspiration’s form language is characterized by straight lines and sudden creases, finely balanced, smooth surfaces and organic shapes. This contrast gives the QX Inspiration concept a new tonality compared to earlier INFINITI designs, it is muscular, yet composed and less overtly aggressive, yet bold in its details.

“QX Inspiration is the beginning of a new era for INFINITI, and an illustration of where we want to go with the brand. New technology has given us the opportunity to evolve our design philosophy – and this new vehicle communicates the serene strength at our core.”

Karim Habib, Executive Design Director, INFINITI

Electrified by design

• Proportions of concept hint at the car’s electrified powertrain
• Balanced silhouette with a cab-forward stance and aerodynamic lines

“The INFINITI design aesthetic has always been linked to the powertrain. Where a V8 engine might move the interior rearward, electrification has allowed us to the move the interior forward and provides for a balanced profile. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t express a new kind of performance. The power of the electric engine is expressed through the robustness and fullness of the body.”

Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President for Global Design, Nissan Motor Co.

The design of the QX Inspiration concept, from its dimensions to its details, hint at the potency and character of INFINITI’s future electrified powertrains.

INFINITI’s earlier SUVs, such as the iconic 2003 FX, have been characterized by their long hoods – a nod to their powerful V8 and V6 internal combustion engines – and a cab-rearward silhouette. The QX Inspiration concept proposes its own uncompromisingly modern silhouette, inspired by its fully electric powertrain. Without the need for a large engine, INFINITI’s designers adapted the proportions to accommodate a more balanced overall shape, a cab-forward design with short front and rear overhangs (855 mm and 945 mm, respectively) and a shorter hood. The concept’s overall length is 4,650 mm.

Locating the powertrain low down in the body and between the axles (2,850 mm apart) enabled INFINITI’s designers to create a bold and powerful lower body, blending its smooth, expansive surfaces with fascinating new proportions. The sleek, long roofline peaks at 1,630 mm in height, at a point directly above the front row of seats, then flows downwards into the car’s aerodynamically efficient Kammback rear.

Without the need for a large front grille to cool an engine, the QX Inspiration concept nonetheless retains shapes that define what would have been an air intake. The smooth surfaces replacing the grille feature an illuminated INFINITI logo, book-ended by channels that divert air over and around the body. A closer look at the thin headlamp strips reveal laser-like etchings, with a highly technical pattern echoed throughout the interior and exterior. The pattern is also featured in the wing-shaped light strip that spreads across the tailgate, adding a clean trailing edge to the rear of the car. Housed within wheelarches clad in contrasting black protective material are 22-inch wheels that feature a similar louvered pattern and an aerodynamic design to divert air along the flanks of the car.

Sitting in the sharply angled D-pillar is a vermilion signature line emboldened with a gold highlight. Surrounding it is a stylish quarterlight, which enhances the cab-forward profile.

Japanese DNA: designers inspired by Japanese design and architecture

• Exterior design inspired by the Japanese spatial concept of Ma – a focus on the open spaces between lines
• Body surfaces and creases influenced by origami, with design details drawing on elements of Japanese art and architecture

“We considered where we have been in our 30-year life, and where we want to go. We contemplated what it means to be Japanese, and how that resonates for INFINITI. One idea struck a chord with all of us – the concept of Ma, or the mastery of the empty space, which can be full of meaning and potential. Imagine someone clapping, the empty sound between claps is full of anticipation. In this way, the electrification of INFINITI will bring a new simplicity and excitement to the brand.”

Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President for Global Design, Nissan Motor Co.

“With the QX Inspiration concept, we were inspired by the Japanese concept of Ma, a focus on the lines and the empty space in between. What is happening in that space between the lines – the free, natural flow of surfaces – is truly expressive. It’s the empty space between the edges that often carries the loudest message.”

Karim Habib, Executive Design Director, INFINITI

Perhaps more so than any other INFINITI created during the company’s 30-year existence, the QX Inspiration concept explores and actively draws upon the company’s Japanese roots.

Underpinning the aesthetic of the exterior is the Japanese spatial concept of Ma – the mastery of empty space. For INFINITI’s designers, this meant adopting an approach which focused on the open space between the concept’s lines. They were drawn to the character of paper and the Japanese art of paperfolding, origami. Infused with Japanese DNA, the elegant exterior of the QX Inspiration is derived from the artistic coaxing, folding and slicing of paper into different shapes.

The QX Inspiration concept’s sharp lines and modern aesthetics are enhanced by a series of high-precision details, formed of a pattern repeated throughout the exterior and interior. The pattern is made up of thin lines and arranged into near-perpendicular forms, a modern interpretation of the historic architectural design of Japanese timber louvers used in construction. Traditional by nature, yet increasingly adopted in contemporary Japanese architecture, the louver-inspired lines appear in the front and rear lamps and on the surface of the 22-inch alloy wheels. Furthermore, the roof of the QX Inspiration is formed of louvered slats made of Japanese red cedar (or sugi), giving occupants a stunning view of the sky above and lending a sense of Japanese architectural modernity to the exterior.

Further reference to the vehicle’s Japanese DNA can be found in the three colors used across the exterior. The QX Inspiration concept is finished in Liquid White pearlescent paint, inspired by the winter snows of Mount Fuji. In addition, highlights on the D-pillar and wheels are finished with two new signature color treatments, gold and vermilion – inspired by Japanese urushi lacquerware and gold kintsugi ceramic work.

A soft, warm shade of red, vermilion was widely used in traditional Japanese lacquerware. If lacquered ceramics were broken, they were often reformed with the kintsugi technique: that of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered silver, gold or platinum. Together, vermilion and gold were often used in painted Japanese artwork to express the power and energy of the sun.

Interior design

New electric-vehicle platforms enable spacious, lounge-like interiors, rich in welcoming and assistive technology

New electric vehicle platform enables new lounge-like interior

• QX Inspiration concept features abundance of cabin space and a flat floor for greater flexibility
• Cabin designed like a lounge, with luxurious, unconventional materials and relaxing space for four

The interior of the QX Inspiration concept shows the potential for new electric vehicle platforms. Powered by a battery pack stored beneath the floor, with electric motors on each axle, there is no intrusion from driveshafts or transmission tunnels. The result is a spacious, lounge-like space, with flat floors and greater room for occupants and luggage.

The spaciousness enables the vehicle’s human-centered ergonomics and creates a welcoming, open atmosphere that invites occupants to relax in comfort. The cabin has a level of architectural modernity to it, with a highly structural layout that diverges from conventional automobile design. Like the exterior, the interior of the QX Inspiration concept draws upon INFINITI’s devotion to the Japanese spatial concept of Ma, which has meant a close consideration of the surfaces and open spaces as much the layout and design of seats, dashboard and driver controls.

Dominating the dashboard is a wide-screen monitor flowing from pillar to pillar, finished in polarized gold-tinted glass. The rectangular steering wheel, trimmed in soft brown and white leather, also features its own monitor. In place of a transmission tunnel, graceful arches, trimmed in brown leather, rise out of the floor beneath the dashboard, flowing into a Bianco Carrara marble center console which extends to the rear seats.

The instrument panel is trimmed in a luxurious grey cloth normally used to upholster furniture and finished with INFINITI’s patented dot-quilting effect. Inspired by classic buttoned leather sofas, dot quilting produces a more informal interpretation of the diamond lozenge shape that gives classic Chesterfield lounge chairs their distinctive appearance. The idiosyncratic cloth extends from the front of the cabin and transitions into relaxing sofa-style rear seating area, generously proportioned for two passengers.

As seen from the outside, the headlining of the vehicle is replaced by a unique timber louver structure, inspired by Japanese architecture. Creating pleasant indirect lighting for occupants, the sugi cedar structure casts beautiful shadows throughout the cabin as the car moves. As the individual slats twist outwards, the wood gives way to white exterior painted surfaces.

The most open surface of all, the flat floor receives its own unique treatment. Upholstered in white suede panels in a variety of rhomboid shapes, it features kintsugi gold inlays, adding an additional element of lounge design to the cabin.

“We have taken advantage of the EV architecture to develop a lounge-like interior, enabled by the flat floor and the empty space below the dashboard and center console. So really, we’re not just designing the objects inside the car, we’re designing the empty space between objects. We’re trying to use that space to accentuate the design – you let the empty space talk as much, if not even more, than the forms and objects that are there.”

Karim Habib, Executive Design Director, INFINITI

Technology that enables

• QX Inspiration’s cabin fuses technology with a warm, minimalist design and typical Japanese hospitality, creating a seamlessly enabling, instinctive experience
• Pillar-to-pillar widescreen displays information to driver and front passenger – a signature feature destined for future INFINITI models

“There’s a very natural coalescence of technology and hospitality in Japan, and this is something very appropriate for INFINITI. We want the technology in our vehicles to create an experience that seamlessly enables and enhances the drive, while also making life comfortable and natural. That’s what inspires us, and we worked with those principles when designing QX Inspiration.”

Karim Habib, Executive Design Director, INFINITI

The QX Inspiration concept uses technologies to create a welcoming environment – one that assists drivers and connects occupants. INFINITI’s designers were influenced by the natural coalescence of technology, hospitality and warm minimalism that is unique to Japan. They focused on developing a vehicle which seamlessly and intuitively enables occupants, both through the application of its technologies and by creating a comfortable, relaxing and natural atmosphere.

Following the principle of omotenashi, the notion of Japanese hospitality, the interior draws occupants in from the moment the doors open. Illuminations in the base of the coach doors cast a subtle light over the ground, echoing the same thin line pattern found throughout the car, rolling out an inviting ‘carpet’ of light. The front seats rotate 30 degrees outwards, making for easier ingress and egress.

Where the electric vehicle architecture is a macro-enabler for the overall structure and design, the pillar-to-pillar widescreen serves as a micro-enabler for the minimalist interior. A signature theme that will eventually be reflected in future INFINITI vehicles, the widescreen system has facilitated a dramatic reduction in the number of buttons in the interior and a clearer dashboard-wide display of information for driver and front passenger. The customizable screens enable the front passenger to see and control a range of functions, from infotainment to cabin lighting, as well as heating and ventilation.

The proliferation of displays, including the center of the widescreen rectangular steering wheel, gives the driver easy access to important information. There are digital displays linked to the rear-facing door-mounted cameras, to navigation and traffic systems and vehicle diagnostics.

The center console transitions subtly from Bianco Carrara marble into a display surface at the base of the dashboard, creating a harmonic contrast between function and material form.

INFINITI has harnessed its driver assist technologies to further enhance the lounge-like atmosphere of the cabin. The steering wheel, pedals and driver displays maintain the all-important connection to driving, a feature which will remain common to all INFINITI vehicles for the foreseeable future. Yet, hinting at the full range of driver assist technologies that may one day be available, the steering wheel collapses into the dashboard and the pedals retract into the floor, releasing even more space should the driver wish to hand control over to the vehicle.

By contrast, the rear of the cabin is devoid of all technology, except for the QX Inspiration’s lighting, a deliberate move by INFINITI’s designers to create a relaxing, screen-free space.

“For the interior we followed the principle of omotenashi, or Japanese hospitality. It’s a concept that we discussed a great deal during development of the INFINITI QX Inspiration. Technology is a window into broader horizons, and we want that window to be inviting, welcoming, enticing – staying true to our Japanese roots.”

Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President for Global Design, Nissan Motor Co.

Staying true to INFINITI’s Japanese roots

• Handcrafted interior inspired by a subtle Japanese sensuality
• Draws on a uniquely Japanese appreciation of nature and technology

The artistic, hand-crafted interior and the choice of materials used in the QX Inspiration concept are inspired by a subtle Japanese sensuality. With technology central to its appeal as a lounge-like space, the careful selection of natural materials and soft colors found in the cabin has its roots in a uniquely Japanese appreciation of nature and craftsmanship.

The Bianco Carrara marble center console is a defining feature. While the material itself is European, the stone texture is reminiscent of Japanese artistic sensibilities, fusing technology in the front of the cabin with a more natural, authentic appearance. At the end of the marble table, between the two rear seats, sits a branch of ume no hana plum blossom. This blossom is associated in Japan with the notion of omotenashi hospitality and welcoming guests into the home. It is typically the first to flower in the spring, as the temperature warms up after winter.

This appreciation of spring is echoed further in the choice of colors that define the cabin’s soft ambient lighting and graphic displays. Flooding the cabin in a calming glow, the lighting takes on one of four colors: wakanae (a soft green, like new spring grass), torinoko (a pale yellow, and the same shade as a hen’s egg), akebono (the subtle pinks and reds of a breaking dawn) and shirafuji (the soft purple of Japanese wisteria blossom). The subdued tones of the graphic displays and lighting perfectly complement the soft greys, browns and whites of the interior’s upholstery.

The roof, finished in sugi, Japanese red cedar wood, further ties the cabin of the QX Inspiration concept to its natural roots. Adhering to the Japanese world-view of wabi-sabi, that of accepting imperfections, INFINITI’s designers have left the knot and grain of the wood on display, expressing the strength and life of the raw material. Traditional in its design origins, the roof is distinctly modern in its structure and appearance. Beneath, the white suede floor adopts kintsugigold inlay between panels, further instilling the vehicle with a degree of Japanese sensuality and craft tradition.

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Fitness experts far and wide sing the praises of meal prep as a means to support good life habits and reach new fitness goals. If one of your resolutions for 2019 is to lose weight or get healthier, preparing your meals a week at a time is a great vessel to get to whatever your goals may be. If you are not convinced, or if you need a bit more incentive to get started, here are a few points to consider.

Saves time
Preparing a week’s worth of meals in a single evening has the inherent benefit of saving time that you would otherwise spend getting together meals on a nightly basis. Bodybuilding.com recommends meal-prepping on Sundays as you wind down the weekend and prepare for the start of another week; doing this ensures that your prep time will not butt up against work obligations, and it minimizes the likelihood of it interfering with weekend plans. Prepping on Sunday also ensures that whatever you prepare will still be good to eat by the time Friday rolls around. What’s more, it is entirely plausible to prepare multiple styles of meals in one session. As DailyBurn.com points out, you can create dividers on a cooking sheet with aluminum foil to cook foods with different flavor profiles – for example, use it to cook a few portions of barbecue chicken, a few portions of garlic pepper chicken and a few portions of hot buffalo chicken.

Saves money
The ability of meal prepping to save you money is two-fold: planning your meals ahead and having them ready to roll helps reduce the possibility of getting to the office without a lunch, meaning you will not spend money eating out. Additionally, Shape.com points out that meal-planning enables you to reduce the potential for wasted food by giving you a better sense of portion and getting you used to the idea of only cooking what you need. What’s more, preparing your meals ahead of time and having a schedule allows you to better budget grocery expenses.

Saves calories
The biggest advantage to meal prepping is the manner in which it facilitates your fitness goals, whether it be losing weight or putting on muscle. Bodybuilding.com notes that meal prep allows for complete control of your macronutritional intake, allowing you to better track your fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Doing so will allow you to monitor the effectiveness of dietary changes more accurately, and it will provide better insight into what works for your needs. If you are looking to lose weight but find that the pounds are not coming off as quickly as you would prefer, you can gear your meal-prep toward more lean proteins and fewer carbohydrates. If you are looking to put on muscle, you can use your meal prep to experiment with a formula to help you break past plateaus.

Ultimately, there is no good reason not to start meal-prepping today. It is easy to do and easy to follow, and you will reap the benefits of preparing your food in advance sooner than you might think.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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They get you going, day in and day out, and nobody gives them a second thought until there’s a problem; however, there are some distinct signs of battery distress if you know what to look for. Here are some pointers to help prevent you from breaking down this winter.

Slow starts: Starting an engine when it’s sub-zero outside takes a lot of energy. To achieve reliable cold starts in freezing weather, your battery must supply a lot of electrical current. When you notice yourself crossing your fingers as your lights dim and your engine’s rhythm gets slower and slower, it’s time to be concerned.

One cause of this may be the battery itself. Before you condemn it, though, your service department can perform some checks. Electricity flows best through clean, tight connections, and that’s the first thing your mechanic will check. Over time, corrosion can build up on cables where the battery connects to the electrical system. Instead of conducting the juice, this corrosion acts as an insulator, meaning power can’t flow. When power can’t flow, you can’t go. Starts will be slow and nerve-wracking, and the battery itself may not charge back up.

It may not be the battery: A low battery might not be the cause of your problems, but a symptom. If the charging system can’t top up the battery , you’ll be stuck. Alternator problems sometimes show up as noticeable flickers from the lights. If your car has a voltmeter, you may notice the needle hanging lower than usual. It’s easy for a service professional to check that your charging system is putting out the proper voltage. And if it’s not, they’ll know what to do to get it back to its old energetic self.

Even if you don’t suspect any problems with your battery, it’s worth checking the next time your car is in for service. Our expert technicians will let you know if you need a new battery, or just a repair to your current one. Just a few minutes during a routine oil change can save you several hours of aggravation caused by a lackluster battery.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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• The world’s first production variable compression ratio engine – INFINITI’s VC-Turbo – received the Driveline Technology of the Year Shift Award from Roadshow by CNET, selected for its ability to optimize engine compression for both power and fuel efficiency.
• Available on the all-new INFINITI QX50, the VC-Turbo engine’s versatility provides the power and strength of a sprinter with the efficiency and endurance of a marathon runner.
• The VC-Turbo’s powerful-yet-compact footprint allows for more interior space, making the 2019 QX50 one of few vehicles in its segment to offer sliding and reclining rear seating.

The world’s first production variable compression ratio engine – INFINITI’s VC-Turbo – received the Driveline Technology of the Year Shift Award from Roadshow by CNET, selected for its ability to optimize engine compression for both power and fuel efficiency.

“This 2.5-liter powerplant is a peach, delivering strong real-world fuel efficiency and ample power on demand,” Chris Paukert, executive editor, Roadshow by CNET. “Its new motor-driven, multi-link system, which varies piston reach, is an elegant solution only made possible by sophisticated electronic controls.”

The Roadshow Shift awards recognize the best in innovative, disruptive technologies and products in the automotive world. The VC-Turbo engine was selected for this award because of its ability to provide excellent efficiency and strong performance in an environmentally responsible package.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Roadshow by CNET for the INFINITI VC-Turbo, which debuted on the all-new 2019 QX50 last year,” said Mike Colleran, vice president and managing director, INFINITI Americas. “The VC-Turbo offers drivers an engine that continuously transforms based on their driving behavior, and we believe it establishes new benchmarks for future engine technology.

In operation, the QX50’s VC-Turbo engine offers any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The engine delivers 268 hp at 5,600 rpm and 280 lb ft at 1,600 – 4,800 rpm. The VC-Turbo’s specific power output is higher than many competing turbocharged gasoline engines, and it comes close to the performance of some V6 gasoline engines. The unit’s single-scroll turbo ensures immediate accelerator responses on demand.

The VC-Turbo’s powerful-yet-compact footprint allows the entire cabin to move forward, revealing more interior space and making the 2019 QX50 one of few vehicles in its segment to offer sliding and reclining rear seating. The QX50 also boasts rear legroom of up to 38.7 inches and a trunk that can accommodate a stroller situated length-wise without letting down the back seats, with space for additional cargo.

Available at INFINITI retailers nationwide, the 2019 QX50 is the brand’s most advanced vehicle to date and embodies everything INFINITI stands for: Beautiful design, advanced technology and empowering performance features. Additionally, INFINITI’s available ProPILOT Assist technologies can offer support when needed and add to the enjoyment and confidence of the driver.

More information on the VC-Turbo engine and the 2019 INFINITI QX50 is available at www.infinitinews.com.

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• INFINITI achieved a Customer Satisfaction Index score of 876, a 48-point increase over the industry average and 14 points above the premium segment average.
• In every category within the study, INFINITI ranked in the top tier among premium brands.
• INFINITI’s largest improvement over 2017 was seen in the Service Advisor category.

INFINITI earned top honors, taking the No. 1 spot industry-wide in the J.D. Power 2018 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study. Overall, INFINITI achieved a CSI score of 876 on a 1,000-point scale, 48 points above the industry average and 14 points above the premium segment average.

“We know that time is a valuable currency, which is why our retailers make it a priority to deliver an exceptional experience from the moment customers walk in the door and throughout the entire ownership cycle,” said Randy Parker, vice president, INFINITI Americas. “We want to make the most of every second our owners spend in our store, from the greeting from our service advisors in a welcoming environment-complete with premium amenities-to the moment they drive away with the same level of comfort and optimal performance they enjoyed the first time they drove their INFINITI vehicle.”

The 2018 CSI Study includes ratings on five service-related factors to customer satisfaction: service advisor, vehicle pick-up, service facility, service quality and service initiation. INFINITI ranked in the top tier among premium brands in each category, with the largest improvement seen in the Service Advisor category.

INFINITI attributes its success to a variety of factors including a strong network of retailers and a comprehensive mix of policies and programs such as multiple touchpoint reviews, high hospitality standards and a variety of training programs available both in-person and via online.

The 2018 CSI Study measures customer satisfaction with service at a franchised retailer or independent service facility for maintenance or repair work among owners and lessees of 1-to 5-year-old vehicles. INFINITI in the past has earned top marks in the J.D. Power CSI Study in 1990, 1994, 1996 and 2003.

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Increase your Vitamin D intake with these super foods

When the winter months roll in, the days inevitably begin to shorten. With shorter days, there is less time to soak up the much-needed Vitamin D from the sunlight hours. According to a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, “The sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D from October to May.” To help compensate for that deficiency, here are five Vitamin D rich foods for you to enjoy this winter.

Orange juice
Known for its high Vitamin D content, orange juice is a great way to start your day. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends approximately 400 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D per day; one cup of orange juice contains 137 IU of Vitamin D, which marks nearly 35 percent of your entire daily intake. Pour a glass with your breakfast and begin your day the right way.

Egg yolks
As the air cools, try switching your egg-white omelets to regular omelets with yolks. Including the yolk in your eggs will allow you to take in a bit of extra Vitamin D. Eggs can be used in many ways; whether you make a quiche, scrambled eggs or top off your burger with a fried egg, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy them. Keep in mind, the Vitamin D is located in the yolk of the egg, not the egg white.

Cheese
If you ever needed another reason to enjoy cheese, this is it. One slice of Swiss cheese provides the body with 40 IU of Vitamin D, making it tastier than ever to get your daily vitamins. The next time you take a sandwich to work, swap out your traditional American cheese for a slice of Swiss to effortlessly up your Vitamin D intake.

Salmon
Perfect for any meal of the day, salmon is chock-full of Vitamin D to keep you energized during the winter months. In fact, three ounces of salmon exceeds your needs with 566 IU of Vitamin D; that’s 142 percent of your recommended daily intake. You can make salmon alongside a traditional English breakfast, slice it up on a salad for lunch or filet it with some vegetables for a delicious dinner.

Breakfast cereal with milk
Nowadays, many pre-packaged breakfast cereals are fortified with additional Vitamin D. You don’t have to feel as guilty indulging in your favorite cereal; in fact, if you eat your cereal with a cup of milk, you’re adding an extra 115 to 124 IU of Vitamin D to your breakfast. Some cereals are more heavily fortified than others, so if you’re looking to maximize your intake, check the label on the side of the box.

Medical professionals recommend safe sun exposure as the primary and most efficient way of soaking up your daily dose of Vitamin D. However, if you work indoors or the sun is hibernating for the colder months, try a few of these nutrient-rich foods to reach your recommended intake.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, Georgia.

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