Health and Wellness

PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA TOAST

2012-02-09T01:17:00.000-08:00

Who says you do not have time for breakfast? This protein-rich childhood favorite is ready in less than five minutes. A study from Pennsylvania State University showed the monounsaturated fats in peanut butter could help ward off heart disease.

Healthy addition: 8-ounces low-fat milk

Ingredients:

1 slice whole-grain bread, toasted

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 small banana, sliced

2 teaspoons toasted sliced almonds

Directions:

Spread toast with peanut butter. Arrange banana on top; sprinkle with almonds. Recipe makes one serving.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 296

Protein: 10g

Carbohydrate: 44g

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 7g

FRIED EGG AND HAM SANDWICH

2012-02-07T21:11:00.001-08:00

So the first recipe is,

FRIED EGG AND HAM SANDWICH

Eggs are rich in energy-producing B vitamins and provide the best-quality protein money can buy. What is more, the American Heart Association says three to four yolks a week are all right if your cholesterol levels are normal.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon butter

1 egg

1 whole-wheat English muffin, toasted

1 ounce lean ham

Hot sauce or salsa, optional

Directions

In a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Crack the egg into a bowl and slide it gently into the skillet so as to avoid breaking the yolk. Cook 1-1/2 minutes or until white is set. Using a pliable spatula, gently flip and cook another 15 seconds. Transfer to the muffin, cover with ham, and season with a few drops of hot sauce or a spoonful of salsa, if desired. Recipe makes one serving.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 281

Protein: 18g

Carbohydrate: 28g

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 4g

Healthy Meals Good For You

2012-02-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

The people who eat breakfast regularly are most likely to be among the healthiest people you will ever meet! They have more energy, think more clearly and are less likely to battle weight problems than people who skip a morning meal, according to researchers. People who eat breakfast may even live longer.

But not all breakfasts are good for you. High-sugar meals can leave you yearning for a nap by mid-morning, and fat-laden egg-and-bacon breakfasts can lead to over-eating at lunchtime. A balanced breakfast - one that will satisfy your body's nutrients needs - provides a healthy dose of high-fiber carbohydrates (like fruit, oatmeal or other whole grains), good-for-you proteins (like peanut butter or yogurt) and unsaturated fats from foods like nuts and wheat germ.

The following recipes - one for every day of the week - are all easy to make. Pair with the suggested healthy additions to boost the calcium and protein and you will get the biggest nutrient bang for the lightest calorie buck. Best of all, the taste is worth waking up for.

TIDBITS

A British study found that breakfast built around carbohydrates with a small amount of protein reduced hunger throughout the morning.

People who reach the ripe old age of 100 consume breakfast more regularly than others do.

Breakfast skippers are less efficient, mentally and physically, than breakfast eaters.

Eating oatmeal for breakfast can help prevent overeating later in the day.

Now onto those recipes...

Note: Nutritional information for each recipe does not include the suggested healthy additions.

We will share each recipe one after another from the coming day onwards!!

Detoxifies yourself by organic fruits and veggies

2012-01-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

Are you recently overindulged? Feeling a bit sluggish? Feeling like you have put-on weight and not able to reduce it? Or just not looking your best? It could be that your body is in need of a detox.

Fortunately, there are many foods around that can help counteract the effects of a toxic lifestyle. Whether you want to lose weight, feel more energized, improve your complexion or boost your mood, check out these top 10 foods to cleanse your body and boost your health.

Lemon

Lemons are a staple of many detox diets, and there is good reason for this. Firstly, lemons are rich in antioxidant vitamin C, which is great for the skin and for fighting disease-forming free-radicals. Furthermore, the citrus fruit has an alkaline effect on the body, meaning that it can help restore the body's pH balance, benefitting the immune system. Try starting your day with hot water and a slice of lemon to help flush out toxins and cleanse your system.

Ginger

If too much fatty food or alcohol has caused problems for your digestive system, it may be worthwhile adding some ginger to your diet. Ginger is not only great for reducing feelings of nausea, but it can help improve digestion, beat bloating and reduce gas. In addition to this, ginger is high in antioxidants and is good for boosting the immune system. To give your digestion a helping hand, try sipping on ginger tea or adding some freshly grated ginger to a fruit or vegetable juice.

Garlic

Garlic has long been known for its heart benefits; however the pungent food is also good at detoxifying the body. Garlic is not only antiviral, antibacterial and antibiotic, but it contains a chemical called allicin which promotes the production of white blood cells and helps fight against toxins. Garlic is best eaten raw, so add some crushed garlic to a salad dressing to boost its flavour and your health at the same time.

Artichoke

If you have recently been overindulging in fatty foods and alcohol, adding some steamed globe artichoke leaves to your meals is a great way to help get your body back on track. Globe artichokes are packed with antioxidants and fibre and can also help the body digest fatty foods. On top of this, globe artichoke is renowned for its ability to stimulate and improve the functions of the liver - the body's main toxin-fighting tool.

Beetroot

For those needing a quick health-boosting shot of nutrients, you can't do much better than beetroot. Packed with magnesium, iron, and vitamin C, the vegetable has recently been hailed as a super food due to its many reported health benefits. Not only is beetroot great for skin, hair and cholesterol levels, but it can also help support liver detoxification, making it an ultimate detox food. To enjoy its benefits, try adding raw beetroot to salads or sipping on some beetroot juice.

Green tea

While it's not technically a food, no detox plan would be complete without regular consumption of essential liquids. Fluids are essential for keeping our organs healthy and helping to flush toxins from the body, and drinking green tea is a great way of boosting your intake. Green tea is not only a good weight-loss drink, but it is extremely high in antioxidants. Research has also suggested that drinking green tea can protect the liver from diseases including fatty liver disease.

Cabbage

Many celebs have resorted to the cabbage soup diet to help lose weight and get in shape quickly before a big event, however cabbage is not only good for weight loss - it is also an excellent detoxifying food. Like most cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli and sprouts), cabbage contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which helps the body fight against toxins. Cabbage also supplies the body with glutathione; an antioxidant that helps improve the detoxifying function of the liver.

Fresh fruit

Fresh fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre= and are also low in calories, making them an important part of a detox diet. If you're after brighter eyes and skin, shinier hair and improved digestion, try boosting your intake of fruit and eating from a wide variety of different kinds. The good news is fruit is easy to add to your diet, so try starting your day with a fresh fruit salad or smoothie and snacking on pieces of fruit throughout the day.

Brown rice

If you want to cleanse your system and boost your health, it is a good idea to cut down on processed foods. Instead, try supplementing your diet with healthier whole grains such as brown rice, which is rich in many key detoxifying nutrients including B vitamins, magnesium, manganese and phosphorous. Brown rice is also high in fibre, which is good for cleansing the colon, and rich in selenium, which can help to protect the liver as well as improving the complexion.

Watercress

Like most green herbs and vegetables, watercress is an excellent health-booster and detox food. Firstly, watercress leaves are packed with many vital detoxifying nutrients, including several B vitamins, zinc, potassium, vitamin E and vitamin C. Secondly; watercress has natural diuretic properties, which can help to flush toxins out the body. To reap the benefits of this nutritious food, try adding a handful of watercress to salads, soups and sandwiches.

How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin In Winters

2012-01-05T02:48:00.000-08:00

THINGS TO TAKE:

What to eat for soft supple skin in the winters:

Dry and flaky skin is so often felt during the winters. The better way to treat dry skin is eating the right foods which provide your skin a regular moisturizing.

Here’s what you should need to eat if you want to get rid of dry, flaky skin:

Water

· It hydrates your skin.

· It helps cells absorb nutrients and expel toxins.

· Water also improves blood circulation, giving you soft, glowing skin.

The general recommendation is about 12 glasses of water per day. You may be not sweat too much in winter but that doesn’t mean that you need less fluid.

Green tea

· Green tea helps stop inflammation.

· It helps in slow DNA damage.

· It protects your skin from sun damage.

· It will also protect your skin from cold rashes and keep it supple.

A green tea brew can do all this and even more for your skin. So beat the harsh winter with a hot cup of green tea.

Vitamin-A foods

· Oral forms of vitamin A are common prescriptions for treating acne, wrinkles and other such conditions.

If you want to keep dry and flaky skin at bay, foods with vitamin A are your best for you. Carrots, green leafy vegetables, eggs, oranges and dairy products – all contain vitamin A.

Vitamin-C foods

· Vitamin C is crucial for development of collagen (a strong yet flexible protein which provides elasticity and also helps seal moisture into the skin).

· It also helps undo damage caused by free radicals, in addition to offering protection from the sun.

So include foods that contain vitamin C in your diet for supple skin during the winters. Papaya, citrus fruits like oranges, sweet lime and grapefruit, greens and broccoli are some options.

Vitamin-E foods

· Vitamin E is super good to treat dry skin(Topical application of vitamin E oil is an effective way to treat dry skin)

· It protects your skin from sun damage and also soothes inflammation.

You should include nuts, seeds, olives, asparagus and vegetable oils that contain vitamin E and you’ll be guaranteed softer, moisturized skin during the winter.

Omega-3 fatty acids

· Omega-3 fatty acids help the skin produce its own natural oil barrier thus keeping dry skin and blemishes away.

· These are necessary fats that keep your skin soft and smooth.

Walnuts, flax seeds, olives and fish like salmons and sardines packs in good amounts of these essential fatty acids.

Antioxidants

· Antioxidants slow down and even prevent damage done by free radicals.

· Free radical damage is responsible for early skin aging, wrinkles and dry skin.

Pick from a whole range of fruits and veggies like berries, tomatoes, beans, spinach, apricots and capsicum to derive your daily intake of antioxidants.

THINGS NOT TO TAKE:

Alcohol can dry your skin

So say no to alcohol if you have dry skin. If you can’t completely eliminate it, at least reduce your alcohol intake, and also sip water in between. All because alcohol is notorious for drying your skin apart from leaving you dehydrated.

Also read: Micronet Dynamic Systems | Reference and Education

How Can An Apple A Day Keeps You Healthy

2011-12-27T05:01:00.000-08:00

We have all heard about the benefits associated with apples and most of us relish its refreshing, unique flavor but how many among us really know what makes apples such a recommended fruit or dietary item? Yes, apples have offer ease of portability and are packed with nutrition associated with fruits in general but you need to read the following to realize why apples are such an awesome addition to your daily diet:

• Apples Keep You Smarter, Even in Old Age

Apples are proven to have a role in the better functioning of the brain. It has been established through various researches that apple, if consumed regularly as a fruit or juice, keeps the mind sharper. It is packed with certain plant chemicals that can even prevent the onset of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s that are essentially a state of decreased mental acuity. Regular intake of apples is known to have a regulatory effect on critical neurotransmitters of the brain like acetylcholine. In fact, apples are recommended as a fruit of choice for people who are suspected of progressing towards Parkinson’s, another condition linked with reduced mental capabilities. Apples contain compounds that cannot be mimicked by pharmacy companies and are capable of raising the immunity of the neurons (nerve cells).

• Apples: Nature’s Own Anti-Cancer Solution

Scientists from various medical research facilities have confirmed that apples have a definitive anti-carcinogenic effect. Some folks might argue that it is not assured against which type of cancer and in what manner apples contribute in this regard. However, it should be remembered that we don’t have any drug or medicine to cure or prevent cancer, i.e. the global medical fraternity can only partially curb cancerous growths and impair its progression. So, doesn’t it make sense to avert chances of being inflicted with this deadly disease by merely eating a tasty fruit regularly?! Certain biochemical’s found in apples, like flavonoids and triterpenoids, are widely regarded behind the fruit’s anti-cancer properties.

• Apples Are Established Diabetes Busters

Diabetes is the precursor to a series of highly damaging health conditions like cardiovascular problems, stroke and high blood pressure. Apple contains soluble fiber. This kind of fiber plays a vital role apart from regulating your digestion, i.e. it retards the faster uptake of sugars in the body. This helps in preventing and managing diabetes. Some medical facilities have indicated that eating apple on a daily basis can reduce chances of developing type 2 diabetes by nearly 25% among women.

• Managing Weight is Easier with Apples

If you think about weight management solutions that allow you to gorge on sweet, flavored foods, apple should surface at the top of your options. This is the best fruit to manage cholesterol. As explained, the soluble fiber in apples helps to impair the absorption of fats from the intestines. Pectin is one such fiber that is found in appreciable quantities in apples. Polyphenols in apples are among nature’s strongest antioxidants and tend to reduce the toxic nature of cholesterol deposits, preventing plaque deposition within the blood vessels.

• Apples for Better Gastrointestinal Health

Apples are the most recommended fruit for folks suffering from a range of gastrointestinal problems. This includes serious problems like gallstones that are formed due to excessive cholesterol in the bile. Foods high in soluble fiber and antioxidants, such as apples, are the perfect remedy for preventing painful gallstones. Apples are also a handy aid for resolving repeated bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Apple’s natural fibers aid greater absorption of water, regulating the movement of digested food through the intestines. Stressful lifestyles often lead to IBS—Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This irritating and highly debilitating stomach-related ailment can cause bloating and abdominal pain and is best managed with regularly eating apples.

Some Foods To Improve Your Digestion

2011-12-22T02:08:00.000-08:00

Your school textbooks told you moment and again to include those wanted fibers in your diet in order to enter your digestive scheme growing.

Since, as a child, you of course avoided them, you have probably only realized the sincere deal only after being plagued by a pale digestive system. The digestive system is strengthened, not by pills, but by a healthy food chart. We get to you some foods that gift conclusion in a miraculously good digestive system.

Avocados

A normal food is said to hold 15 grams of fabric and is reportedly the most fiber-rich fruit we have. The fruit is easy in sensible raw fat which aids in the digestion process. Very few fruits or vegetable can match the goodness that this small fruit boasts of, which is why you should add it to your diet.

Spinach

Easily available all over, vegetable has ever been glorious to be a master-food with regards to a healthy digestion. Though most leafy vegetables are considered good, spinach is the one that rules this group. Apparently, half a cup of spinach has about 3.5 grams of fiber, hence, making it a great choice.

Oats

Oats are good for digestion because they are rich in soluble fiber. They also take Vitamin E, They also contain Vitamin E, thiamine and zinc, and whole oats are the best variety. When choosing between quick oats and rolled oats, it is better to choose the rolled variety as they have more of their nutrient value intact.

Ginger

Finding something as commonplace as ginger in the list might be surprising to you but it is, indeed, packed with health benefits. Ginger aids in the digestion process by quickening the movement of the food from the stomach to the intestines. Either add it to your daily cup of tea or include its products in your diet.

Water

The quality of h2o is something we can never moderate. This colorless and unseasoned liquefied plays a indispensable enactment in improving the digestive scheme of our body. Drinking more water means making the navigation of food through the system a lot easier. Also, certain foods contain vitamins and minerals that are soluble only in water. Therefore, increase your daily water content and see yourself getting healthier by the day.

Food For Long Life

2011-12-21T02:44:00.000-08:00

If you would read stories about people who lived in the past, you would find out that a lot of them lived very long lives. They reached ages that very few people these days reach. Why was the life expectancy then higher than the life expectancy now? Isn't it ironic that during the time when technology was not even a known term yet, people lived longer lives? Where did technology fail in making people live longer? Have they not developed medicines that could prolong life? What could have been the problem?

One possible problem is the diet of people today. People are probably eating the wrong kinds of food. This is also probably why you see a lot of obese people. You all know that a lot of diseases that lead to death are related to weight problems, right? Therefore, to prolong people's lives, there is a need to shift to eating the right kinds of food. People need to eat the right diet food to lose weight and become healthy.

Here are some tips on how to eat healthy. Take note of the kinds of diet food that you should have to lose weight.

1. Always have plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. These kinds of food are rich sources of vitamins and minerals that your body needs for proper functioning. They do not usually have plenty of calories that can make you gain excess weight. Besides, they can make you feel full fast so you do not have time to crave for other foods. However, there are also some fruits and vegetables that you have to be careful of if you have health concerns like diabetes. If you have diseases or ailments that require a special diet, always ask your doctor for advice.

2. Eat fish. Fish is considered diet food because it has less fat than meat but it is also rich in protein. Many are not too fond of eating fish. What you need is to understand that there are different kinds of fish that are available in the market. You need to try them out to discover which kind you will like. Surely, there will be one that will please your taste buds.

3. Avoid eating junk foods. Junk foods have high sodium content which is not only bad for your kidneys but can also make you bloated. It also contributes to increase in blood pressure.

4. Have plenty of fibers in your diet. Food rich in fiber is considered diet food because it helps in improving the digestive functions and also facilitates proper waste removal. You can eat cereals, oatmeal, bran, wheat and other vegetables.

5. Drink plenty of water. Technically this is not food but this is included in the list because it helps improve the digestive process. It also helps in flushing toxic substances out of your systems.

Remember these tips to help you live healthy lives which could well translate to living longer lives. Follow these tips to achieve your ideal weight and reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases.

Article Source: Ezine

Say No To Fast Foods To Lose Weight

2011-12-20T02:44:00.000-08:00

Weight loss meal plans are huge hits amongst the diet conscious people. With the problem of obesity taking the shape of an epidemic, more and more people are growing health conscious. Balanced meals with adequate proportions of nutrients are the healthiest ways of losing weight.

Tips For Weight Loss

1. Balanced diet- A basic necessity

This rising problem of obesity is largely caused due to our unhealthy lifestyle. The way we live today and the bad food habits that have become a part of our lives are mostly responsible for obesity. Instead of living on fast food and fatty meals if we switch to balanced, healthy diets we would be amazed to see the positive results that we are bound to derive.

2. Prepared plan food

Our hectic schedules and busy lifestyle do not leave us with any time to cook healthy meals. As a result of which most of us prefer to gorge on fast food. But if you truly wish to lose the excess pounds and lead a healthy life- then go for the prepared weight loss balanced meals.

3. Are they effective?

Surely, they are if you pick up the correct diet plan for yourself. For this purpose, you should consult your dietitian and make chart of the diet plan that you need to follow. Your next step would be to find a reliable company that has the expertise to prepare to quality balanced meals for weight loss purpose. These meals are measure, optimized and would be customized as per your needs and requirements.

These special planned meals meant for weight loss purpose have proved to be of great help. But then one needs to complement it with regular workout sessions and a healthy lifestyle. Generally these meal plans are followed for two to three months. For sustainable results from weight loss meal plans, stick to healthy eating habits even after the span of the balanced diet is over.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4820298

Raise Your Metabolism With The Help Of Food

2011-12-13T01:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of specific foods that raise your metabolism and help burn body fat.

Cayenne Pepper -

Oxford Polytechnic Institute proved that cayenne pepper stimulates the metabolism approximately 20%. It not only stimulates the body's metabolic rate, but also cleans fat out of the arteries. Cayenne pepper also adds great zip to foods such as spaghetti sauce and soups.

Salsa -

Salsa was proven at the Oxford Institute to stimulate the metabolism approximately 15 to 20%. It's also America's number 1 condiment now. You can throw it on anything from baked potatoes and scrambled eggs to beans and even veggies. It's going to help because it is a natural thermogenic food that increases your metabolism. Of course, the hotter the better, but only choose what best suits your taste buds.

Hot Peppers -

Dr. Henry at Oxford University proved that hot peppers were very effective at stimulating the metabolism by adding just 3 grams of chili peppers to a meal consisting of 766 calories. The peppers led to what Dr. Henry calls "a diet-induced thermo effect". "It doesn't take much", he says, "but I caution that you must listen to your taste buds."

Chili Sauce / Mustard -

British investigators added about 3/5 of a teaspoon of hot chili sauce or ordinary mustard to a meal, and the hot stuff caused average metabolism in 12 subjects to shoot up 25%! The subjects burned off an extra 45 calories in the next 3 hours. Mustard and hot sauces such as Tabasco, caused one person to burn off 76 calories!

Ice Water -

High water intake reduces fat deposits and rids the body of toxins. Simply drinking eight 16 oz. glasses of water throughout the day, cooled to 40 Fahrenheit, will burn 200 calories; that's equivalent to running 3 miles! Ice water will burn more calories since your metabolism will increase to warm the water to body temperature. It is also very effective for reducing cravings. If you're not a water fan, we suggest you experiment with purified, spring or reverse osmosis water. If you're still not convinced, add a little juice for flavor. Don't drink Ice Water with meals as it dilutes digestive enzymes. A little warm water or herb tea is a good choice then.

Green Tea (Iced or Hot) -

Studies have shown that green teas that contain both Cannatic Extract and Gymnemic Acid, reduce absorption of sugar into the blood, and lessen the craving for sweets. More importantly, green tea inhibits the action of amylase, a primary digestive enzyme of carbohydrates and therefore, moves food more quickly through the digestive system, raising the metabolism quicker, and burning more calories. Green tea is best consumed before a meal to aid digestion. Other advantages include links to cancer prevention and health benefits for people with diabetes.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink -

An excellent fat burner, apple cider vinegar assists in the reduction of excess weight. Make a potent cocktail consisting of: 1 % teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (unpasturized) in a glass of pure water. Take twice daily.Organic apple cider vinegar has the best flavor. Apple cider vinegar has received glowing reports from both Patricia Bragg MD, Ph.D. and C. Scott. If a person who is too stout takes 1 teaspoon in a glass of water first thing in the morning and then during one other meal, he/she observes that in 2 months his/her waistline has been reduced by 1 inch. In 4 months, 2 inches and so on. Inch loss is evident but it does not always reduce weight.

The cider vinegar treatment will allow surplus fat to gradually disappear, whether it is a double chin or love handles. It is best to drink for 2-3 weeks, then go off for a week, so your body does not become immune to it. Works great for plateaus! Do not use this drink if you have Candidias.

* Thermogenic Cocktail - According to a group of Oxford researchers, hot spices can boost your metabolism by an extra 25%! A thermogenic cocktail, for instance, cayenne pepper, will assist your body not only by burning off calories, but will also give you more energy. An excellent thermogenic cocktail is a glass of V-8 or tomato juice sprinkled with cayenne and tobassco. Stir with a celery stick. Now your body is going to be cremating calories.

Not all fat burning foods have to be hot, though. Vegetables (preferably raw) and most fruits also increase your metabolism. Okay, maybe you haven't been too keen on veggies in the past, but many of them are very tasty and some fruits are as sweet as candy. All vegetables are good, but the most effective for flushing out the system are the following:

Cabbage -

Red or green cabbage should be shredded, raw or steamed. Start including cabbage in your diet as it is a longevity food. Studies in the United States, Greece and Japan have shown that people who eat a lot of cabbage are less likely to develop colon cancer, and also have a lower incidence of disease-related death. Try coleslaw instead of green salad with your next meal.

Celery -

Celery takes more energy from the body to absorb and digest than the calories it provides. Celery has also long been used as a nerve tonic; it's a good, crunchy raw vegetable to chew on if you are stressed out. Celery will calm your nerves, help flush fat out of your system, and make you sleep better. Try eating celery with low-fat yogurt dip.

Brussel Sprouts -

If you are a fan of these mini cabbages, you are in luck. Dr. Wattenburg's research concluded that brussel sprouts are an ultra-nutritious vegetable, extremely high in vitamin C and richer in protein than any other vegetable. Dr. Wattenburg recorded that healthy young people given a diet rich in brussel sprouts and cabbage improved the functioning of their metabolic systems.

Broccoli and Cauliflower -

Both broccoli and cauliflower rank number 1 as America's favorite vegetable, according to a poll by the Epcot Center. Your bones will love them, as they are one of the few calcium-containing vegetables. A cup of broccoli provides over 150 mg of calcium. Broccoli and cauliflower are both great in stir-fries or casseroles.

Lemon or Vinegar -

A small amount of vinegar or lemon juice (1 tablespoon), because of its acidity has a powerful slowing effect on stomach emptying, thereby slowing down the rate of starch digestion. Have a glass of water with lemon in the morning. It's a great way to keep your blood sugar balanced.

Vinaigrette Dressing -

A vinaigrette dressing (1 tablespoon vinegar and 2 teaspoons of oil) with your salad can lower the blood sugar response to the whole meal by up to 30 percent. Best vinegars for this are red or white wine vinegars. For other delicious lowÂfat salad dressings, please refer to my 201 Fat Burning Recipe Book.

Apples - A low-glycemic, low-insulin food loaded with pectin, apples leave you feeling fuller, longer. According to Dr. James Anderson, apples prevent hunger pains by guarding against dangerous swings or drops in your blood sugar levels. An average-sized apple provides only 81 calories and lowers blood sugar and blood pressure. Because of their high fiber content, apples are also a heart-healthy food.

Grapefruit -

Grapefruit is not a diet myth. It actually helps dissolve fat and high cholesterol, as proven at the University of Florida, by Dr. James Cerda. Grapefruits are loaded with over 15 grams of pectin, which helps curb your appetite by expanding in the body and making you feel fuller, longer. It is rich in natural galacturonic acid, which adds to the potential to fight fat and cholesterol. Try sprinkling cinnamon on your grapefruit to reduce the tart taste, or a little fructose if you have a sweet tooth. For a unique taste, sprinkle the grapefruit with cinnamon and broil for a few minutes; it makes a nice appetizer for a meal.

Berries -

Berries are one of the best rate reduction foods. They have a natural fructose to satisfy your cravings for sweets, but enough fiber so you can absorb fewer calories than you eat. British researchers found that the high content of insoluble fiber, found in most berries and vegetables, reduces the absorption of calories from foods enough to promote weight loss, without hampering your nutrition. Berries are also an excellent source of potassium which is effective for your blood pressure control. Enjoy berries; they make a great dessert when topped with low-fat yogurt. In the summer, drink fresh berry juice with

a protein powder, for a light snack..

Due to their high glycemic measure, fruits to consume only occasionally include:

Apricots - Raisins - Watermelon - Papaya - Bananas - Mango

In large quantities, these fruits drive your blood sugar to the sky, but they are fine to mix in with a salad or be eaten with other foods, to help neutralize the glycemic effect.

On the other hand, the following foods actually slow digestion and absorption for a more balanced blood sugar level. The fiber from these fruits also binds with some fat to prevent its absorption. High fiber foods are beneficial for speeding up bowel transit time and to taking some stress off the liver as less toxins form, allowing the body to metabolize more efficiently.

- Apples
- Berries
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears

Fatty Fish -

Fighting fat with fat may sound paradoxical, but not all fats make people fat. Omega 3 fatty acids, found in salmon, mackerel, tuna and other fatty fish, can increase the metabolic rate, rid the body of excess fluids and increase energy levels. Dr. Joel Krener, University of Florida, discovered that daily supplements of EPA (found in health food stores) brought dramatic relief for inflammation and stiff joints from rheumatoid arthritis. Other essential fats for a healthy metabolism are Omega 6 fatty acids, especially Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Good sources are evening primrose oil, borage seed oil and black current oil. If you are not a fish lover, fish oil capsules and flaxseed (either in seed form or as an oil) are great sources of Omega 3 essential fat. In fact, flaxseed may play a role in the prevention of heart disease and cancer. You can also use flaxseed oil as a salad dressing.

Soup -

Forget the salad before a meal; have soup instead. A study by Dr. John Foreyt of Baylord College of Medicine, found that people who consumed a bowl of soup before lunch or dinner lost more weight than dieters who didn't. This is because soup fills you up better than salad, since salad generally consists of 75% water.

Oatmeal -

Oats drive down cholesterol. 23 out of 25 studies prove that a large bowl of oatmeal did the job. Oatmeal is a great, long chain molecule food that expands in the body and makes you feel fuller, longer. Oatmeal also releases glucose into the blood stream, slowly but surely. Add buckwheat to your bowl and you'll get a double whammy.

Pumpernickel Bread -

Studies at Michigan State University show that some breads reduce the appetite and others did just the opposite. The reason for these study results is that white and whole-wheat varieties are high on the glycemic index, and elevate the blood sugar greatly, which in turn stimulates fat production in storage.

Breads that are dense, high fiber breads, do just the opposite. Researchers found that subjects who ate dark, high fiber breads, compared to those who ate white bread, were less hungry on a daily basis and

- lost five pounds in just two months without doing anything else differently.

A key to choosing dark breads, such as pumpernickel, mixed grains and some whole-wheat's, is that the more chewing the bread requires, the more density and fiber it contains. If the bread melts in your mouth, it is a high glycemic food.

By the time you are 30 years old - 60 percent of living better and longer is attributed to the choices you make on a daily basis, not your genes. By the time you are 50 - it is up to a staggering 70 percent. Learn how to slow the aging process with the best HGH human growth hormone supplements. Your longevity and health are not necessarily hard wired in your genes. Supplementing with the best HGH can help slow the entire aging process.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/378404

The perfect time for dinner

2011-12-06T22:41:00.000-08:00

A while ago, when I wrote about a restaurant booking service, I was picked up in the comments about my presumptions about the right time for an evening meal. I had blithely condemned 6.30pm as an eccentric time to eat dinner in a restaurant, but counted 7pm among the good slots. As @ihatesummer pointed out, there's only 30 minutes in it. But could they be the most significant 30 minutes in the restaurant-goer's schedule?

I must admit that, due to the demands of a small boy who likes to hit the hay on the dot of seven, dinner is "taken" at home at 6.15pm. But I'd never willingly book a table for that time; the idea of eating out before 7pm seems to me to be all kinds of wrong, just as starting at 9pm causes havoc with both digestion and babysitters.

The stretch between 5pm and 7pm is the time that no-one wants. They might only just have finished work, been on the Hobnobs all afternoon, or need to get a drink under their belts first. It is widely known that the great arts of theatre, cinema, opera and ballet were invented to sell restaurant seats during the early and late shifts - the only successful strategy developed so far. Lower prices, wine offers or set menus were also developed, but in vain; in all but the buzziest, urban, all-day places, there'll be tumbleweed rolling across the floor as the waiting team, smelling of fags, rehearse the specials and ignore the couple taking "advantage" of the Early Bird deal.

Consumption is, of course, a matter of science as well as pleasure. Many weight-loss regimes require followers to eat their "big" meal earlier in the day, to maximise the time available for the body to process it. Is there an optimal time for dinner? Dr Joan Ransley, honorary lecturer in human nutrition at the University of Leeds, says not. "Eating just before you go to bed does affect gastric emptying because you're lying down. But the most important thing to remember," she says, glancing briefly at my hair, "is that we are not lions on the Serengeti. We don't thrive on one huge meal, and then nothing. We need to eat roughly every four hours, so it really depends on when you had lunch."

Foreigners have their own ideas, as is their perfect right. I can find no definitive statistics on thedream dinner time for most Americans, but they have a reputation for eating out at a time when the rest of the civilised world would barely have digested lunch. In continental Europe, of course, things are terrifyingly different. The Frommer's guide to Spain reports that "the chic dining hour, even in one-donkey towns, is 10 or 10:30pm", whereas in Denmark, home of the zeitgeisty Sarah Lund, "farmer's hours", starting at 6.30pm, are kept. Frommer's, wisely, does not pronounce on English habits.

There are always extenuating circumstances. One of the reasons 6.30pm doesn't work for me is that I like to eat in a well-populated dining room. I'll go, lamblike, whenever (though not wherever, obviously) the majority does. This approach proved useless during a walking holiday in Spain. In the middle of Murcia, far from stopgap tapas and with an eight-mile walk in our legs and a limited supply of patatas fritas, waiting until the chic dining hour was impossible. We ended up the only 7.30pm diners in our lovely hotel which compassionately gave us a semi-private alcove to hide our shame; as we were sipping coffee and raisiny PX, local customers, including lots of kids, were piling in for a sliver of pre-dinner jamón.

For many restaurant geeks who have cultivated their own habits and preferences, the faultline appears where desirable restaurant meets unwanted dinner slot. If the only chance of eating somewhere at the bleeding edge of culinary adventure in the next 12 months is to have dinner at 10.30pm, is taking the table a show of Yogi-like flexibility or a compromise too far?

Everyday Foods To Increase Your Immunity

2011-11-18T04:42:00.000-08:00

As the winter arrives, we need to boost our immunity to avoid nasty colds, coughs and flu. We should get prepared to get rid of it by eating simple everyday foods. Foods that increase or we can say boost your immunity are mentioned below:

· Lemons or citrus fruits

· Eggs

· Lean red meat

· Oats and other whole grains

· Seafood

· Nuts

Lemons or citrus fruits

Citrus fruits, rich source of vitamin C boost your immunity system. Vitamin C helps the body to produce white blood cells as well as antibodies and keep the immune system fighting invading viruses. Lemon juice contains around 30mg of vitamin C, and the peel or the zest has another 10-20mg.

Eggs

Eggs are the rich source of protein and iron; they also contain vitamin A – a fat-soluble vitamin which is important for the immune system. Liver, dairy products and oily fish are other sources of vitamin A too.

Lean red meat

Red meat is well known as an incredible source of the mineral iron, which is a form that can be easily absorbed by the body. For those who include meat in their diets, two to three red meat meals a week is ideal. Remember, go for lean varieties of meat, trim any fat off, and avoid adding too much extra fat when cooking.

Oats and other whole grains

Oats, known scientifically as Avena sativa and the other whole grain cereals i.e, wheat, rye, barley and brown rice provide important B vitamins such as vitamin B6, pantothenoic acid and folic acid. These vitamins support the immune system. Including whole grains every day can help supply the body with the B vitamins it needs as well as providing a valuable source of fibre and other nutrients needed for good health.

Seafood

Shellfish, including oysters, mussels and scallops, are great sources of zinc. Squid, prawns and other fish including salmon also have some zinc. Nutritionists have known for decades that seafood is a low-fat source of top-quality protein, and that the health benefits of eating seafood make it one of the best choices for growing children, active adults, and the elderly.

Nuts

Nuts have immune-boosting power from zinc, iron and the B vitamins, it also have the added value of being sources of other vitamins and minerals which support the immune system. Eating nuts as part of a healthy diet can be good for your heart. Nuts, which contain unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients, are a great snack food, too. They're inexpensive, easy to store and easy to take with you to work or school.

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Stay healthy for a lifelong

2011-11-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

How many times have you gone on a diet for a specific event like a wedding or a reunion? It can be probably more than once. You may lose some of your pounds for your special event, but keeping them off is the true test for you.

You may shed a quick 7 to 10 pounds by fad diets, but by having soups or fruits all day long does little to help you learn how to eat balanced and healthy meals. But still if it does not work. This isn't because you're a bad person or you lack willpower - it's because dieting doesn't teach you how to eat properly.

A Winning Combination of Healthy Diet and Exercise

Only healthy eating and regular exercise can be effective for long term fat loss. For many peoples this can be life sentence. People don’t have much time for healthy eating and regular exercise because of their hectic schedules.

Taking care of your body is a lifelong investment. You can avoid many diseases because of healthy environment. You will have more energy to do those things which you enjoy the most. So, drop plan for quick weight loss and stick to healthy diet and regular exercise. With these few simple changes, you're guaranteed a lifetime of good living and staying healthy for life long.