Jump for Joy and Juices

21 08 2009

   Juice can actually be considered a Natural water source and provides the body with protein, carbohydrates, essentials fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that can be aborbed quickly and efficiently. Fresh juices also contains necessary enzymes, and pigments such as carotenes, chlorophyll, and flavonoids.

   Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables provides numerous nutritional advantages that are extremely important to weight loss. In addition, diets containing a high percentage of uncooked foods are significantly associated with weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and lower blood pressure.

   Juicing kick start your body’s digestive process and enables quick absorption of high-quality nutrition, which can result in increased energy. This is one of the great advantages of achieving weight loss through improved nutrition. Fresh juices, combined with a well-balanced diet will provide you with energy needed to burn more calories, fat and provide you with the fuel you need for physical activity.

   However, juicing does remove the fiber from these nutrient-dense foods. So be sure to include an appropriate amount of fiber rich foods in your daily diet. Jucing should be a complement to a well-balanced healthy diet, not a substitute.

   So with a little planning and creativity, juicing could enhance your well-balanced diet and add some zest. The internet is a great resource for juicing recipes and information, and with the realization that raws foods and juicing is a great health boost, books and magazine articles are touting the benefits and offering recipe ideas.



Superfoods To Help You Manage Menopause

14 08 2009

   Including these superfoods in your diet can help to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, maintain your memory power, and prevent osteoporosis. These superfoods are delicious to eat, easy to prepare, and super good for you.

   Tofu is an alternative protein source to meat. Along with other soy products, tofu can be beneficial for lowering your cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Soy products like tofu may also decrease the side effects associated with menopause, including the dreaded “hot flashes”.

   Navy beans loaded with fiber, which can help reduce your risk of cancer and other forms of cancer, as well as relieve the symptoms associated with diverticulosis. Women need 30 grams of fiber a day, so include them in your favorite chili recipe, or try them as a side dish alternative to pasta or rice.

   Packed with calcium, yogurt can help prevent osteoporosis. It has also been shown to boost your immunity and help with weight management. Additionally, yogurt contains high amounts of good bacteria such as acidophilus, which helps to prevent yeast infections and urinart tract infections. It also contains protein, which may help your body battle the fatigue and weariness that follows a hot flashe.

   As we age, we sometimes find ourselves forgetting things or feeling as if we’re in a fog. If you find this to be the case, grab for the blueberries the next time you’re shopping for groceries. Recent studies show they may actually help with short term memory loss. They’re also loaded with antioixidants. Pair them with some low fat plain yogurt for a top notch way to protect both your brain and your bones.

   Avocado also contains antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which can help to protect your vision and skin, which can suffer as we age. The monounsaturated fat found in avocados has also been shown to improve the condition of hair and skin. They’re great on a turkey sandwich, or mash up a few ripe ones and whip up a quick side of guacamole to have with some low fat baked tortilla chips.

   And as always, it’s important to make low fat and low sodium choices when menu planning. These do nothing to help alleviate the symptom’s brought on by menopause, and are unhealthy options at any age, but especially as we grow older. Avoid smoking or alcohol, and get plenty of rest, and you’ll soon find your menopause symptom’s are easily managed



SuperFoods for Your Hair

22 07 2009

   We’ve all learned through the years that a well-balanced diet is healthy for our body and critical for optimal health and preformance. Our hair is no different a mixture of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and iron are all required for healthy, strong hair.

   Good hair nutrition begins with getting enough protein, which is the building block of your hair. Then you need complex carbohydrates to help assemble the proteins for hair growth. Other important vitamins and minerals include B complex, which is associated with energy production and building good hair and skin issues, folic, B12, and zinc.

   Hair follicles can have low energy levels just like we do. Therefore, it’s very important that you eat a high protein mean at the start of each day. Consider the following food choices for breakfast and the other daily meals in order to give you hair the healthest opportunity to grow and thrive.

   If you don’t have high cholesterol, try eating red meat twice per week. It has the protein your hair needs, but also is full of Vitamin B, iron, and zinc, which are all important for healthy hair. Bacon  is another great choice as it’s also full of Vitamin B, zinc and protein, but since it’s also high calorie, it’s not the best choice if you’re also trying to lose weight. Eggs and eggs whites are another great protein option, especially for vegetarians or those who cannot eat red meat or bacon due to dietary restricitions. Salmon is another great protein choice, and works great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You’ll find it’s also full of Vitamin B, including B12, and other vitamins and minerals.

   Just be sure to keep in mind that you should also have complex carbohydrates, which feed you energy over a longer period of time than refined carbohydrates, with your protein source at meals. Brown short-grain rice is an ideal form. It’s also a good source of Vitamin B and some fiber. Whole grain choices complement your protein consumption by helping organize the proteins for the hair to utilize for optimal growth and health.



Super foods that Fight Cancer

6 07 2009

   As the nation’s secord most deadly disease, cancer brings with it several risk factors. Therefore, it’s logical that we take a good look at the foods we’re eating, and start introducing nutrient-rich foods that are known to help reduce the cancer risk. A diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruits, including juices made from 100 percent fruit juice, can make a big difference in your cancer risk.

   Foods rich in phytochemicals which are found in beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale are strong choices. So are dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, romance lettuce, and collard greens, which are packed with fiber, lutein, and carotenoids, all cancer fighting substances. Focus on choosing foods that have abundant amounts of vitamins C, E, and A, all antioxidants themselves. These help protect you from cancer by preventing the growth of free radicals in your body.

   Tomatoes are an awesome cancer fighting superfood. Not only do tomatoes contain lycopene, the antioxidant phytochemical that also helps prevent heart disease, but they’re a good source of Vitamin A,C, and E, all which do battle against cancer causing free radicals. Add them to your salad or use as a topping on your homemade pizza. They’re also a great way of adding some zest to your favorite sandwich.

   Watermelon is also stuffed full of antioxidants, and includes about 80 precent of your daily vitamin C requirement. It is also a great source of vitamin A, or beta carotene. And like tomatoes, it also contains lycopene.

   Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which help reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer.  Plus cabbage is rich in fiber and has almost 50 percent of daily requirement  of Vitamin C, making it a well-rounded superfood with cancer fighting power. Carrots are also a wonderful source of fiber and beta carotene, and they have about three times the daily requirement of Vitamin A

   Did you know that one-quarter cup of kidney beans has the same amount of fiber and protein as two ounces of red meat? Whole wheat pasta is also a good source of fiber, and broccoli will tip the daily scales for your daily Vitamin A and C needs. Toss them all together with your favorite low-fat Italian dressing for a single dinner of cancer fighting proportions.

   Strawberries and blueberries are rich in Vitamin C and fiber. They’re quick and simple finger food, and easily be added to your favorite whole grain cereal oatmeal, or low-fat yogurt. 

.

  

  



Super Foods for Flu

25 06 2009

   Breakouts of the flu are responsible for millions of lost hours at both work and home each year, not to mention many miserable days trying to recover. If you’re wondering what you can do to naturally boost your immunity and prepare your body’s defenses, study the foods you’re eating, look at your family’s meals, and make the changes needed to ensure everyone is eating a well-balanced diet abundant in nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, low-fat proteins, and complex carbohydrates.

   Black currants are even richer in Vitamin C than oranges, containing approximately three times the recommended daily intake for adults. It’s imperative that you get plenty of Vitamin C since it helps prevent infections and helps keep the immune system healthy.

   Pork has high levels of zinc and selenium, both of which help keep your immune system strong. It’s also one of the best sources of Vitamin B and contains only a little more total fat than beef. So be sure to include lots of pork entrees in your menu planning.

   Mix up your morning breakfast with a glass of grapefruit juice instead of orange juice for a VitaminC- rich drink that’s both sweet and tart. However, you should check with your doctor if you’re on certain medications for blood pressure, AIDS, anxiety, or hay fever, as mixing grapefruit juice with certain drugs can lead to dangerous toxicity.

   Brussel sprouts are a great vegetable sources of Vitamin C are high in fiber and contain lots of folate as well. They improve anticarcinogenic glucosinolates, which have important cancer-fighting properties. They’re a great addition in a stew to provide lots of fl-busting nutrients.

   Yogurt that includes live cultures has a positive effect on your GI tract, and as a result helps the body purge the germs from the body more quickly and effectively and fight the flu. You want your yogurt to contain the active culture L, acidophiles, which is also helpful in fighting off yeast infections.

   Potatoes are one of the most affordable sources of vitamin C and nicely complement any entree with their high levels of potassiums and fiber. The skin contains the most fiber and the flesh just under the skin contians the most Vitamin C . Fresh potatoes are the best sources of Vitamin C. Be careful of how you choose tp prepare them, as soaking them in water robs them of their germ-busting Vitamin C.

   Whole wheat pasta is also rich in niacin, fiber, and iron. Its complex carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet that will keep your immune system strong. Simply delicious and nutritious twist on your favorite pasta dishes.

  



Here are Super Foods Tips on Rejuvenate Body, Mind and Spirirt

13 06 2009

   When the goal is rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit, the methrod should be smaller, more frequent snacks and meals. This will help keep energu levels on an even keel, and regulate your blood sugar levels to avoid spikes and dips. When you choose the right combination of foods, your body gets the much needed boost it needs to sustain itself properly, even though those slumps later in the day. So dump those high sugar junk foods and reach for the following foods and get that boost you need.

   Dried Apricots and Almonds combination provides  high amount of Vitamin A, iron, protein and dietary fiber. Both foods are low in cholesterol and sodium, and apricots are a great source of potassium, which is important in regulating your body’s fluid balance. The Vitamin A in apricots contributes to healthy vision, bone growth, and reproduction, and help fight infection.

   Raisins are a healthy, low-fat, low cholesterol, and low soduim snack with significant amounts of potassium, phosphorus, copper, and iron, and when mixed with low fat yogurt, you also get riboflavon (vitamin B2) and (Vitamin B12) as well as a high amount of calium, which is needed not only for strong bones and teeth but also plays a key role in the normal functioning of the heart and other muscle.

   Baby carrots and seasame sticks are a tasty treat that will provide significant amounts of beta carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folate, Vitamin B6, iron, potassium, copper and fiber. Beta carotene helps protect against disease like heart disease and some cancers. Vitamin A is important for healthy skin, for better night vision, and to fight infection and respiratory ailments. Folate, or Vitamin B9, is essential to human life, helping to form red blood cells and break down proteins, and playing a key role in cell growth and division.

   Peanut butter on some whole grain crackers is an excellent source of protein, iron, niacin, and fiber. Peanuts butter on celery is a classic snack, has great staying power, and the celery is stuffed with numerous Vitamins, minerals and is high in fiber. Low-fat string cheese is a good quick source of protein and calcium. They come in easy-to-carry individual serving and you can add a piece of fresh fruit for extra fiber.



Weight Loss Super Foods

6 06 2009

Experts say there are two basic categories of foods that can be considered “keeping it off superfoods” because they fill your tummy without piling on the calories, fruits and vegetables. And the nutrient that gives fruits and vegetables that “staying power?” Fiber. So, if fruit and vegetables are the “keeping it off superfood groups,” fiber may well be the “keeping it off super nutrient.” Protein is another super nutrient. It’s becoming more scientifically accepted that protein may help to curb appetite. It’s imperative that you choose your proteins wisely, because like all other foods, if you’re eating more than your body needs, it’ll show up on the scale as a gain, instead of a loss.

Green tea- Researcher suspect that the catechins (helpful phytochemicals) in green tea nay trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a hot cup or a nice tall iced glass of green tea.

Broth or tomato based soup- Soup can help reduce hunger before meals and increase your feeling of fullness.

Low calorie green salads- Having a low calorie salad which is not defined as one that’s loaded with croutons, high fat dressing, and cheese as a first course can help you feel full, thereby reducing how much you eat with your main course. Wisely choose your ingredients, and its high fiber content can be the key to helping you fight craving later in the day.

Yogurt- Including dairy products as part of your healthy diet may promote your weight loss efforts. Choosing a light yogurt may help you fight off hunger pangs due to its combination of protein and carbohydrate.

Beans- A great combination of fiber and protein, beans help you feel full longer, which mean they may work to carb you between meal appetite.

Water- Water is your body’s lifeblood, and you should be drinking it through your day. It’s a great no-calorie beverage, and you can get it by drinking unsweetened tea, flavored unsweetened mineral water, regular water with lime or lemon.In addition to helping flush toxins from the body, it can also help you feel full. So when those hunger pangs strike, try drinking a glass of water before grabbing a snack.

High Fiber, Whole-grain Cereal- Whole grains in general help boost fiber and the nutritional value of your meal. One of the easiest ways to get your daily diet of whole-grain boost is to have a bowl of higher-fiber whole-grain cereal as breakfast or a snack.