Archive for the Good For You Category
Posted on May 5, 2011 by admin
In your foods, that is.
Tips to help you get enough servings each day
*Look for the strong, deep colors (think of dark green romaine vs. iceberg)
*Pairing certain foods together can increase their chances of being absorbed.
*Be sure to buy produce often and use within a week. It will be a waste of money if it just rots in your fridge, and the nutrients leech out over time as well.
*Learn to steam your veggies in the microwave. This is a quick method that holds in most of the nutrients. Steamed broccoli is the best!
*To increase your options, learn to roast vegetables in the oven. Cut up any kind of vegetable (I like to use zucchini or asparagus, or an assortment) toss with a little olive oil and some Italian seasoning. Spread evenly on a flat pan and place in oven under broiler. It will only take 5-10 minutes and depending on the vegetable, you may want to stir once and out back in. Experiment with different spices and vegetables.
*Eat your fruits, don’t drink them. Fruit juice is concentrated with sugars and you don’t get the fiber you need.
Here are some typical serving sizes for fruits and vegetables:
Fruits rainbow fruit
* one banana
* six strawberries
* two plums
* fifteen grapes
* one apple
* one peach
* one half cup of orange or other fruit juice
Vegetables rainbow salad
* five broccoli florets
* ten baby carrots
* one roma tomato
* 3/4 cup tomato juice
* half of a baked sweet potato
* one ear of corn
* four slices of an onion
* 1 cup of lettuce
By having a large salad for lunch, with lettuce, spinach, tomato, cucumbers, and carrots, you could easily end up with 6 servings or more right there!
{Source: http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/look-for-the-rainbow/}
Posted on April 19, 2011 by admin
Something we can do for the summer.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard boasts some pretty great perks when it comes to natural detoxification. Not only does it have properties that help ward off carcinogens, but it also cleanses the large intestine, lungs, stomach and spleen.
High in vitamins C and E, swiss chard wilts like spinach and makes a refreshing addition to a springtime soup. Sauté swiss chard leaves with extra virgin olive oil and garlic to serve as a side dish.
Asparagus
If you’re looking for a vegetable that literally dispels toxins and excess water from your body, asparagus has got you covered. This super-veg has a long list of medicinal benefits including strengthening female hormones, relieving menstrual pain, easing infectious diseases and even calming nervous disorders!
Packed with protein and tons of vitamins, asparagus is best to purchase when it’s bright green. But before cooking, chop off the bottom of the stalk where it seems almost “woody”. I like to cook asparagus as simply as possible – toss with extra virgin olive oil, add salt and pepper; then either grill or roast in the oven at 425 degrees.
Buckwheat
With the addition of buckwheat flour, pancakes, cakes and muffins all get a little detoxifying kick. Because of the long amount of a time that buckwheat takes to be digested, it keeps you fuller for longer and even helps to stabilize issues like diabetes. This gluten-free grain builds blood while ridding it of toxic wastes and reducing cholesterol.
Buy whole buckwheat to mix with your morning oatmeal or add to other grains. But if you can’t find it, buy buckwheat flour to substitute for wheat flour in baking recipes. A good rule of thumb : substitute 10% of buckwheat flour for wheat flour.
Ginger
Known in Eastern cultures as the “universal medicine”, it’s no surprise that ginger has a pretty impressive resumé of detoxifying powers. By boosting circulation, ginger helps to cleanse the skin, bowels and kidneys. It even helps to ease pain from headaches, colds, fevers and nausea. This powerful root also destroys parasites in the stomach and stabilizes blood pressure.
And if that wasn’t enough good news, it’s one of the most versatile ingredients! Use ginger in baking or in Asian-inspired stir-frys.
Strawberries
But why bother with all of this spring cleaning if you can’t enjoy one of the season’s most prized fruits? Lucky for us, strawberries have a history of detoxification. These bright berries are a tonic that helps break down excess toxins in the liver. They’re also packed with vitamins, potassium and fiber.
And bonus: strawberries can be used to strengthen teeth and remove tartar by halving, rubbing on teeth and sitting for 45 minutes. Just be sure to rinse with warm water afterwards!
Enjoy fresh strawberries with a drizzle of honey or on top of yogurt.
{Source: http://simpleorganic.net/spring-cleaning-the-body-5-ways-to-detoxify-with-food/}
Posted on March 23, 2011 by admin
I have been eating more than usual these past days. It was my son’s birthday yesterday and that would explain why. We have a few pieces of cupcakes left and I have been exercising tremendous self-control to not eat those. Of course, I can always take oxy elite pro or something similar. But as always, I will try to go the healthier way.
Anyway, I came across this healthy eating plan from the internet. Seeing dark chocolate on #3 made me so happy. 
The Balanced Life eating plan
There are 3 categories of food you want to focus your diet on-
1. lean protein- lean chicken, pork, beef, low-fat string cheese, low-fat yogurt
2. smart carbohydrates, otherwise known as whole grains- whole grain crackers, brown rice, popcorn, whole grain pasta & breads
3. good fats MUFAS, monounsaturated fatty acids- almonds, avocado, walnuts, olives and olive oil, even dark chocolate!
These should be a foundation for your *balanced* diet.
Then add… several fruits and unlimited vegetables to get the additional minerals and vitamins you need.
{Source: http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2011/eating-for-balanced-living/}
Posted on February 28, 2011 by admin
1. Don’t over-commit. As with all habit change, the smaller you start out, the more likely you are to succeed.
2. Do your research.
3. Seek out simple recipes.
4. Use healthful convenience foods.
5. Explore your local farmers markets.
Read more http://zenhabits.net/recipes/.
Posted on February 18, 2011 by admin
It has always been my struggle – how to lose belly fat. I actually have a little of this when I was single and it got worse right after I had my baby. Blame it on too much eating, and unhealthy at that, and lack of exercise. But I now vow to be more conscious with my eating and try to be more active everyday. Hopefully, soon I will be “fat-free”.
Anyway, speaking of being healthy, here are five simple goals that we can include in our lives and consequently improve our overall health.
1. Set aside at least 4 hours per week to exercise. One cannot be healthy and be sedentary. Besides providing cardiovascular benefits, exercising prevents depression, helps prevent chronic diseases like osteoporosis and type II diabetes, promotes better sleep and keeps you slim.
2. Limit alcohol consumption. Epidemiological studies constantly show that heavy drinking increases the risk of liver, head and neck, and esophageal cancers, and moderate drinking has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer.
3. Eat more vegetables and fruits. Lots more. Simply put, the more vegetables and fruits you eat, the more likely you will live a long, disease free life.
4. Put down the saltshaker. Do not salt your food and only purchase low sodium items when going grocery shopping. A useful guideline: compare milligrams of sodium to calories on food labels. Only buy items with sodium levels at or below the amount of calories per serving.
5. Eat more natural foods. Go natural and be food additive free.
Source: http://collegecandy.com/2010/12/27/body-blog-resolve-to-be-a-healthier-you-in-2011/.
Posted on February 12, 2011 by admin
For all the chocolate lovers out there, this has got to be the best news ever. I am not actually fond of chocolates but ever since I found out the benefits of dark chocolate to our health, I make it a point to include a bar or two in my weekly grocery list. If I happen to pass by Marks, I also grab their organic dark chocolate. I get the 70% chocolate, and not the usual dark chocolates of the more popular brands. If I’m not mistaken, theirs contain only 40%. So aside from rv repairs and home maintenance, I am also setting aside budget for our dark chocolate fix. Just a piece a size of our palm is enough for the day. It might be a little pricey, but counting the good effects to our health, it sure beats spending on maintenance meds when we get older.
Anyway, here are some of dark chocolates’ benefits to our health.
Chocolate stimulates endorphins and serotonin.
Endorphins are hormones that give us a sense of pleasure.Serotonin is a natural antidepressant, which may help to explain why we ladies crave chocolate so much when we’re premenstrual.
Chocolate is rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are crucial for killing off free radicals that roam around your body trying to wreak havoc on your cells. Cacao, the base substance of chocolate, contains 8 times as many antioxidants as strawberries.
But of course there are rules eating it.
1. Stick to dark chocolate instead of its milkier counterparts.
2. Do it in moderation.
Source: http://collegecandy.com/2011/01/27/science-confirms-that-chocolate-is-good-for-you/#more-87187.
Posted on February 12, 2011 by admin
1. Fruit: Raspberries
These cute lil’ red things are a great source of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C. As translation, eating just a cup of berries a day will reduce cholesterol levels, maintain organ balance, and improve your immune system. In fact, studies have shown that these great tasting berries even diminish risks for cancer.
2. Nuts: Raw Almonds
Yes, that says RAW. That means no added sugar, salt, “honey-roasted”, or “dipped in chocolate”. If you snack on 20-23 of these organic nuts, you can be guaranteed some heart-healthy fats, 6 grams of protein, and over 35% of your daily need of Vitamin E.
3. Vegetable: Broccoli
This super food is rich in fiber for a healthy digestive system, and abundant with calcium. Adding this green healing machine to your diet may even reduce risks of Alzheimer’s.
4. Grain: Brown Rice
Brown rice contains a great source of manganese and magnesium, which can reduce the severity of headaches and migraines. And you lower not only your blood pressure, but your risk for atherosclerosis, too.
5. Fish: Salmon
Salmon is great because it has low mercury levels, few calories (only 127 calories for 3 ounces), and good levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (necessary for proper brain development, and more). Bake it, grill it, eat with the above brown rice, make Salmon burgers, put it on top of your sushi…the possibilities are endless.
Source: http://collegecandy.com/2010/06/28/body-blog-5-foods-you-should-eat-right-now/.
Posted on January 22, 2011 by admin
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Posted on December 30, 2010 by admin
Brain foods for moms – vitamins that help prevent memory loss. I am so glad to have stumbled upon this list as I am very forgetful. Should I blame it on age and my giving birth via c/s? Anyway, I will surely be including more of these foods on the family’s diet as I know these will benefit not only me but the whole family, as well. And maybe if I’d be a little more strict on our diet, there will be no need for me read adapexin reviews and such.
1. Sunflower Seeds
They’re noted to be the best whole-food source of vitamin E with 76 percent of the daily value in just one ounce. Vitamin E improves memory and helps protect against future cognitive decline. (It also leads to increased fertility in women.)
2. Blueberries
Scientists have determined that blubes help the brain kick memory-hampering debris to the curb.
3. Leafy Greens
Folate (called folic acid in supplements), B vitamins and iron make leafy greens like kale, romaine and spinach, stars in memory recall. Studies have shown that a diet rich in folic acid is also associated with faster information processing.
4. Black Rice
This antioxidant-rich nutty rice, also referred to as forbidden rice, is the superstar of the grain world.
5. Green Tea
Researchers in Japan found that participants aged 70 and older who had consumed two cups of green tea per day had a clearer mind, sharper memory recognition skills and a better attention span.
6. Wild Salmon
The omega-3 fatty acids and DHA in salmon make it full of brain-boosting power while also helping to improve attention span. Another benefit? Women who consume salmon and other fatty fishes in their third trimester of pregnancy give birth to babies with increased cognitive development.
7. Apples
A study out of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell indicated that apples in whole form or in juice improve cognitive functions in both long- and short-term memory. Consume two 8-ounce glasses of apple juice or 2 to 3 apples per day for optimal brain benefits.
8. Avocados
Avocados are chock-full of vitamin E, folate and omega-3s, and second to blueberries in terms of brain-health benefits. Avocados contain the good, mono-unsaturated fat, which cleans out the brain with healthy blood flow and is also linked to cognitive renewal. Just 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado a day is enough to maximize those brain-boosting powers.
9. Eggs
Not only do eggs provide energy, the choline nutrient gives the brain a memory boost. Researchers have found that choline positively affects the areas of brain responsible for memory function and learning ability. Also, choline contributes to fetal brain development so much so that The National Academy of Sciences recommends an increased intake for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
10. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate (containing at least 70 percent of cocoa) offers some serious brain support. Chocolate’s natural stimulants give a slight boost in energy, which directly improves concentration. But the lasting benefits from dark chocolate come in the form of antioxidants that prevent brain cell damage. Remember that moderation is key — less than one ounce a day is enough to provide benefits.
Source: http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/healthy-eating/boosters-brain-food-memory-loss-vitamins/.
Posted on December 10, 2010 by admin
1. Eat fruits and veggies.
2. Rest when you are sick or tired.
3. Laugh out loud.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
5. Drink water.
6. Slow down.
7. Breathe Deeply.
8. Sleep well.
9. Take it easy.
10. Move every day.
11. Cook your own food.
12. Be Grateful.
Read more tips: http://www.bemorewithless.com/2010/simple-health-advice-35-tips/.
I am trying to learn how take things easy. I tell you, life is not always fun, but thank God I am coping. And right now I can honestly say I am happy. Sure I have my worries, but those I can’t control, I let them go. Anyway, speaking of taking it easy, I do so even with blogging. So most of computer time is either spent on looking into term insurance quotes, searching for scrapping sales and scrapping.
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