So here’s what’s been happening…

Steak ‘n Shake 7 Patty Burger for $7.77

Steak ‘n Shake has just released its 7×7 steak burger patty, claiming it’s the “ultimate challenge.” This hedonistic masterpiece consists of seven mouthwatering steak patties drenched in 7 layers of melted American cheese and sandwiched between two hearty buns. But before you attempt to savor the entire feast and emerge the victorious winner, be aware that this is no small feat. The 7×7 is loaded with 1,330 calories, 98g of fat, 290 mg of cholesterol and a whopping 4,490 mg of sodium — weaklings keep away! Although other burger chains have introduced 3×3 and 4×4 patties to their menus, this 7×7 proves to be the champion. Of course, In-N-Out did create a 20 x 20 burger once, but that beast of a burger was quickly eliminated.

Anheuser-Busch Waters Down Beer

First there was the Maker’s Mark watered-down whiskey scandal. Then Marker’s Mark conceded to consumers’ complaints and took it back. Now Anheuser-Busch is changing its alcohol content. According to recent reports, a $5 million lawsuit has been filed against Anheuser-Busch for watering down its beer in their most desired brands like Budweiser, Michelob and more. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California argue that Anheuser-Busch has been adding water and carbon dioxide to malt at the end of the brewing process, and the combination has been shown to minimize alcohol content. It appears that Ohio and Colorado may join the fight, as well.

Put Down Midol and Combat PMS the Natural Way

Researchers at University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences have discovered that a diet rich in iron intake decreases PMS symptoms by thirty to forty percent. An intake at the 45mg level can be dangerous, but having roughly 20-30mg of iron a day can be beneficial during that time of the month. Look for iron-fortified cereals, supplements and lean meat. The presence of zinc was also found to decrease symptoms — fill your diet with about 20-30mg of zinc, but make sure to not exceed 40mg without physician consent. In contrast, for reasons currently unknown, it appears that high potassium levels may increase PMS symptoms, so maybe avoid the bananas for the week.

Mediterranean Diet: A Stable Solution to Healthy Life

For years we have been hearing how a Mediterranean diet prolongs a healthy, happy life and protects your heart, skin, cholesterol and mental well-being. Past research has shown that this diet not only provides serotonin and Omega 3 fatty acids to boost your mood, but it also lowers risk of cardiovascular disease. Current research conducted in Spain has further verified past claims: a diet rich in nuts, olive oil, fish and fresh fruits and vegetables wards off heart disease and stroke. Those who consume Mediterranean staples lower their cardiovascular risk by 28-30 percent. With so much evidence accumulated over the years, it’s hard to deny that this diet is a bit of a miracle worker. It’s the combination of oil, nuts and fish that does wonders on the body, rather than a single ingredient. So fill up on these healthy foods and avoid excess meat, dairy, refined grains and sugary beverages.

Secret Menus Revealed

Huffington Post has let the word out. Some of our favorite fast food chains have secret menus, filled with tasty and creative orders that only a lucky few have been able to try thus far. McDonald’s offers the “McGangBang” consisting of a McChicken layered inside a double cheeseburger. The “Land, Sea and Air” burger features beef, chicken and Filet O’ Fish patties all wrapped in one. Jamba Juice features refreshing smoothies such as “The White Gummy Bear,” a mixture of raspberry, pineapple and orange sherbet, peace juice, soy milk and mango that does indeed taste just like a white gummy bear. There are several others, so make sure to browse the descriptions. Subway offers a “Pizza Sub,” filled with tomato sauce, pepperoni, salami and cheese. Burger King serves “Frings”, a combo of fries and onion rings, and a couple hearty patties. But there’s more…so go see for yourself!

Toast.ly: An App for Better Nightlife

Toast.ly, founded by Northwestern students Lakshman Mody, Jeziel Jones and Jeff Olsen, provides insight into hot, new bars, pubs and breweries, and offers special promotions and discounted drinks to members. Toast lets you say goodbye to those forgotten, overcharged bar tabs, and makes it so you’ll never have to fight your way past the crowds of people just to get a glimpse of the bar. In fact, the app altogether eliminates the need to wait in the bar line for drinks; when you arrive, your pre-ordered drinks are ready and waiting for you to grab. Plus, Toast lets you order complimentary transportation to and from your destination, so you’ll never have to wait outside in the freezing cold for a cab or train. This app is about to become huge, and the first 1,000 people to sign up get immediate access to the app once it’s on its feet, before it opens to the greater public. Get excited for Toast to be up and running in about a month and feel free to browse the site for updates.

New Initiative to Help Feed Low-Income Boston Families

Former Trader Joe’s executive, Doug Rouch, plans to sell expired foods at extremely low prices to low-income families in Boston. These families cannot afford the luxury of fresh berries, whole grains and vegetables and often resort to dollar menu meals at fast food chains. Rouch wants to initiate a new company, Urban Food Initiative, which will offer inexpensive prepared meals that are both healthy and readily available at the affordable McDonald’s dollar menu prices in order to lower obesity and diabetes rates and increase heart health. His store will sell soups, wraps, casseroles, stews and salads that are low in fat and high in nutritious value, and it will also offer discounted supermarket products. For example, a gallon of milk just near the expiration date will sell for merely $1. The space will also offer a kitchen, so people can take cooking classes and learn how to make signature dishes at home. Rouch is searching for funds from other organizations, but currently he is personally funding the operation.

CEO of Groupon Fired

Andrew Mason, head chief of Groupon for four and a half years, has just been fired and will be replaced by Eric Lafkofsky, the current chairman and co-founder, and Ted Leonsis, the current vice chairman. Due to financial issues and disappointment from the high expectations the company had at the initial release of Groupon, the company has decided to give Mason a lesser role in the company. He still controls a large portion of votes and 7% of stock, but he will no longer be able to fulfill his leadership position as chief and co-founder. It’s very sad to wish Mason farewell after all his hard work and dedication for the company, and he should remain credited as a founding leader of one of the fastest growing companies in the world.