Tag: nutrition

Greens Are Good

Feb 13, 2015

Eating well is key to a healthy lifestyle. Adding greens to your diet can help you pack some powerhouse nutrients into your meals. Leafy greens like kale, collard greens, chard, bok choy, arugula, and spinach just to name a few, are great greens to introduce to your daily diet. Green vegetables are loaded with protein and contain a ton of micronutrients, including folate, carotenoids, such as lutein and zeazanthin (promoting healthy vision), calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These leafy greens have the potential of warding off many types of cancers and are very good for your heart health.

Eating a huge salad everyday does not sound like a fun way to get greens into your diet. There are many ways to include these important greens in your meals, without having to endure a large salad every day. Try some of these tips to enjoy the nutrients of green vegetables in your every day.

Puree
This is an easy way to include leafy greens into your dishes. Simply lightly steam the green you’re using then puree it with a bit of stock water until it is smooth. Once it is smooth, simply add it to the recipe. At this point, you can also freeze some in ice cube trays to use in recipes down the road. Add the leafy green puree to your soup, chili, pasta sauces, stew or even scrambled eggs.

Juice
Another easy way to get a serving of greens into your diet is to drink it. Just toss a few fresh leaves of silverbeet or arugula into your juicer.

Blend
Mix in some greens with your fruit smoothie. Adding some leafy greens with the blended fruit will give you the nutrients you need in a delicious morning drink.

Steam
Steaming is a great way to get greens from counter to table with little time required. Don’t overcook them or most of the nutrients disappear into the water below. When they are done, top them with a bit of garlicky olive oil and sea salt.

Saute
Toss the greens into a hot pan with a drizzle of olive oil and some additional spices or ingredients. Saute the greens and add to your dish. If greens are tough, like kale, you may have to steam them a bit before transferring them to the pan.

By using these tips to add greens into your daily routine, you’ll end up flooding your body with the beneficial disease fighting nutrients, sometimes without even knowing you’re eating them.

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Meal Quick Changes

Feb 10, 2015

Eating nutritious food is one of the best ways to improve your overall health. It is important to get the right nutrients to keep your body working properly. We all know a healthy diet consists of the right amount of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, lean proteins and healthy fats. There are simple switches you can make to make your meal a little more healthy.

White, processed foods, fried foods, foods high in calories are the ones you want to try to substitute. Instead of choosing white processed flour, breads, and pasta, make the better choice and substitute them for whole grains. Whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta are the better option for your health.

Another way to improve your healthy eating is by changing the way you cook your food. Turn the fried foods to baked foods. Put your chicken and French fries in the oven to bake rather than cooking them in grease. Instead of boiling your vegetables, steam them. Steaming will also keep more nutrients in the vegetables while boiling can leech out some of the better nutrients.

You can also limit the amount of processed meat and red meat you eat and choose a healthier option of chicken, fish or tofu. Some studies have linked an increase risk of colorectal and stomach cancers with eating large amounts of processed meats.

Try substituting items in your meal so you don’t consume as many calories. For example, you don’ t have to skip out on the macaroni and cheese dish you love so much, pick healthier ingredients instead. Make your dish with skim milk, less butter and light cream cheese rather than using whole milk, butter and full-fat cheese. You can also mash up some cauliflower to replace mashed potatoes. Mashed cauliflower has only a fraction of the calories of potatoes and if you do it right, nearly impossible to taste the difference.

A lot of the time you can change how healthy your meal is by changing up a couple of the ingredients all while keeping the main meal intact. Here are some substitutions to try:

Egg Whites = Whole Eggs
Applesauce = Butter and Oil in cooking
Nonfat Greek Yogurt = Mayonnaise or Sour Cream
Mashed Avocado = Butter or Oil in cooking

Mashed Bananas = Sugar, Butter and fats
Nuts = Croutons in salads
Rolled Oats = Bread Crumbs
Soda Water = Tonic Water
Whole Wheat Flour = White Flour
Zucchini or Spaghetti Squash = Pasta
Black Beans = Flour
Marshmallow Fluff = Frosting
Evaporated Skim Milk = Cream
Stevia = Sugar
Cinnamon = Cream and Sugar in Coffee

Popcorn = Potato Chips
Red Wine = White Wine
Ground Turkey = Ground Beef

Eating healthier does not have to mean skipping out on your favorite dishes. Make some of these changes and even research some other ideas so you can still enjoy your meal without all the negative effects.

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Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Jan 04, 2015

Even if you yourself do not have a restricted diet, chances are you probably know someone who does. Whether it is by choice or due to food allergies or intolerances, more and more people are becoming aware of foods that don’t sit well with their bodies and are consequently removing them from their diet.

With all these kinds of food restrictions and dietary needs out there, it can become a difficult task to host a successful dinner party where all your guests’ different tastes and requirements are catered to. It is becoming more common for you to ask your guests ahead of time about their food restrictions. With diets of Paleo, vegan, no carb, no gluten, as well as food allergies, it can be very difficult planning a menu that will meet everyone’s needs and likes. Hopefully it won’t discourage you to plan a lovely night in with your family and friends.

Fortunately, it has become a little easier to plan a meal with food restrictions. There are a lot more specialty foods available to purchase such as gluten free flours, vegan meats substitutions. Hopefully this means that no one will be stuck with just eating a side salad while the rest of the group enjoys a delicious main course. A guest with a dietary restriction may not be able to eat everything that you have prepared for the feast, but be prepared to make some changes to the menu so they feel just as welcomed to your party as everyone else.

It is just as important as a recipient of a dinner invitation to kindly let the host know of your specific dietary restrictions. This should be done in a tasteful, thoughtful and appreciative manner. A response such as, “Thanks so much for asking, I’m not sure if you already know, but Bill and I don’t eat meat, but we do however happily eat fish and seafood”. This is a great opportunity to give the host all the information they would need for their dinner party to be successful as well – making it a great night out with friends and family.

Tips for the Host:

  • Do your homework. Ask each guest of any dietary restrictions. If there is a restriction, ask what they can eat.
  • Ask specifically for recommendations or recipes.
  • Ask the guest to bring a dish or dishes to share.
  • Check out many menu options online that will suit their restriction.
  • Choose a menu that is simple and enjoyable for all your guests.
  • Be mindful of cross contamination.

Tips for the Guest:

  • Call ahead and inform the host of your restrictions.
  • Offer to bring a dish for everyone to enjoy.
  • Offer your advice if the host has any questions.
  • Have a snack or full meal if necessary before you go.
  • Be gracious and thankful for any menu changes they made for you.

If everyone is open and honest about dietary restrictions and menu options then there is no reason for the host or the dinner guests not to have an enjoyable meal.

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Recovery Food

Jan 01, 2015

You put so much effort into your workout and making sure you strengthen and tone your muscles correctly to get the results you want. It is just as important to eat the right food post-workout to ensure you are doing right for your body. Eating quality food post-workout is crucial. In order to optimize your results, you need to replace the amino acids and glycogen lost during your workout.

The muscle building process is started by increasing protein synthesis and nitrogen retention and the body requires a quick dose of the right protein and carbohydrates. Protein shakes and chicken and rice just won’t cut it every time. Your body prefers a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods.

Try some of these post-workout foods.

  • Lean chicken meat (white meat). Chicken is rich in protein and helps repair your damaged muscles after a workout.
  • Salmon is an excellent source of protein. Besides stimulating your metabolism, protein is great for filling you up and therefore taking in fewer calories. Salmon is also rich in omega-3 fats which helps fight inflammation, regulates insulin levels and can even lower the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
  • Egg Whites. Eggs contain all the essential amino acids which are required for a fast recovery from muscle building workouts. It is important to cook the egg whites so they are not overcooked. Cooking them properly will help to unlock their full amino acid spectrum and allow you to get the most of your food.
  • Beans are a good source of proteins and fiber. Fiber helps to regulate the insulin levels, which is important for muscle growth. The best choices for beans are Kidney and Navy because of their low calories and high proteins.
  • Milk contains proteins of 80% whey and 20% casein. Whey is quickly broken down into amino acids, making milk an excellent drink after work. Casein is digested more slowly, providing the body with a constant supply of smaller amounts of protein over a longer period of time.
  • Lean Beef. Red meats are good bodybuilding foods that are packed with proteins and minerals such as iron and zinc. But they also contain a high level of saturated fats, so eat red meat in moderation.
  • WATER. The human body is made up of 70% water. Water helps to make your muscles look fuller and more toned. Just as important, water helps to transport minerals and nutrients throughout your body, speeding up the muscle-building process.

You can also try this delicious post-workout meal of Protein Pancakes:

Mix four egg whites, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup of cottage cheese, 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder and ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Cook on a preheated griddle on medium to low heat until it bubbles like a regular pancake, flip and cook the other side. Top these delicious pancakes with some fresh fruit.
These are loaded with protein and not a lot of carbohydrates which make it a perfect meal to help retain muscle tissue when trying to lean up.

If you eat properly after a good workout, you’ll help your body and muscles benefit from all your hard work.

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Superfoods for Energy

Dec 10, 2014

Is your day just dragging on and you can’t seem to keep your eyes open let alone accomplish some major tasks? Try changing up what you eat to boost your energy levels and help you sail through your day.

An excess of sugars or foods that are high on the glycemic index can drain your battery quickly and leave you feeling sluggish and tired. Try to stay away from “white” breads and refined grains and choose items that may be higher in fibre. Flaxseed, fish oils and lean protein are your better choices to boost your energy. Try some of these superfoods:

  • Brown Rice – it’s better for you than the white variety and will help make you feel fuller for longer.
  • Oats – they are high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins E and B and high in protein. It will help keep you feeling full and aid with stress and tiredness.
  • Broccoli – has lots of cancer-fighting properties as well as being a great energy provider. It also contains lots of fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
  • Lentils – not only are they are colourful and add to a nice look to your plate, they will help keep your energy levels high.
  • Almonds – almonds are an easy and quick snack that contains vitamin E, B, magnesium and iron, all which help boost your energy.
  • Leafy Greens – iron is key to your energy levels. Not enough iron will keep you feeling fatigued. Add some romaine, spinach, or kale to your diet and increase iron, and vitamin C levels leaving you with added energy.
  • Coconut Oil – try a spoon full of oil to boost your energy. Coconut oil is quickly processed into energy.
  • Bananas – this snack can boost your energy level while taming that sweet tooth of yours. Bananas are high in vitamin B6 which helps produce energy more quickly.
  • Quinoa – contains B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iron. Quinoa will fill you up and energize you as well.

Keep some these foods on hand. Pack them in your lunch and when you start to feel a slump in the day, get some of these pick me up snacks. For a nearly instant energy boost that lasts, eat a healthy snack that contains protein and a complex carbohydrate. If you eat the right foods, you’ll have an energized, productive day.

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Hidden Calories

Dec 07, 2014

The holidays are here and enjoying the season with friends and family usually includes having a nice beverage, alcoholic or not. A lot of the time, the drink we choose has a lot of hidden calories that do not help maintain your waistline and may negate all the hard work you’ve done at the gym.Holiday celebrations can translate into additional calories from drinks that you wouldn’t normally have. Before you reach for that glass of cheer, beware, many fancy holiday drinks are loaded with calories, fat and sugar. Eggnog, Hot Chocolates, Coffees, Cocktails are some of the well liked holiday drinks that will not help you when you go to step on that scale. There are ways to still enjoy a tasty beverage, while leaving some of those additional calories behind.

Here are some of the favorite high calorie holiday drinks and what it would take a 150lb woman to burn it off.

  1. Peppermint Mocha – a 16-ounce serving has 470 calories and equal to 1 hour of intense yoga.
  2. Pumpkin Spice Latte- a 16-ounce serving contains 410 calories and equal to 40 minutes of step aerobics.
  3. Hot Buttered Rum – 418 calories and equal to a 4-mile run.
  4. Margarita – approximately 9-ounces is 408 calories and equal to 60 minutes on the rowing machine.
  5. White Russian – 355 calories and equal to 30 minutes of jumping rope.
  6. Eggnog – 1-cup serving is approximately 350 calories and equal to 35 minutes of kick boxing.
  7. Hot Chocolate – 12-ounce serving is 320 calories and equal to 60 minutes of raking leaves.

To combat these extra calories, but still enjoy a nice beverage, you just have to make a healthier choice. Here are some suggestions to not let the holiday cheer get away from us:

  • Go for the lighter options such as, Light Eggnog, Lowfat Lattes, Sparkling Cider.
  • Substitute the milk in the drink to a low fat or skim milk instead of creams and high fat milk.
  • Drink lots of water before, after and during holiday beverages. You’ll find you won’t have as many if you are hydrated with water.
  • Plan ahead. Choose a holiday beverage instead of dessert. Or drink the beverage earlier in the day so you can work off the calories.
  • Avoid the alcohol. Order the drink as a virgin and save up to 100 calories per beverage. Plus, you’ll be a safe driver over the holiday season.
  • Skip the extras. Avoid the whipped topping, chocolate sauce, sprinkles or candy cane. Even go as far ahead and ask the barista to give fewer pumps of the flavored syrup.
  • Don’t deprive yourself of what you love. Enjoy your favorite, but limit the amounts you have over the season. One delicious drink here and there isn’t going to hurt too much.
  • Continue with your exercise routine over the holidays. You’ll find the little bit extra you consume over the season, won’t have too big of an effect on the scale.

If you’re sensible over the holidays you can enjoy the festivities without increasing you calorie intake too much. Happy Holidays and stay safe.

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Eat Turkey but Avoid the Hangover

Nov 01, 2014

Holiday dinners usually mean Turkey. With the turkey dinner comes the aftermath, lying on the floor or couch, sleepy and full. However, there are many benefits of a delicious turkey dinner.The turkey is often cited as the culprit in the after dinner lethargy, but most of the time it is not the bird that makes you feel the effects of the feast. Turkey does contain L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid with a documented sleep including effect. L-tryptophan is used in the body to produce the B-vitamin, niacin. Tryptophan also can be metabolized into serotonin and melatonin, neurotransmitters that exert a calming effect and regulates sleep. However, for tryptophan to really take effect and make you feel sleepy, it needs to be taken on an empty stomach without other amino acids or protein. You’re likely enjoying your tryptophan filled turkey with other delicious dishes.

L-tryptophan may be found in turkey and other dietary proteins, but it’s actually a carbohydrate-rich (as opposed to protein-rich) meal that increases the level of this amino acid in the brain and leads to serotonin synthesis. Carbohydrates stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. When this occurs, some amino acids that complete with tryptophan leave the bloodstream and enter muscle cells. This causes an increase in the relative concentration of tryptophan in the bloodstream. Serotonin is synthesized and you feel that familiar sleepy feeling.

Here are 5 reasons to indulge on the holidays and enjoy your turkey dinner:

  1. One of the main health benefits of turkey is that it supports healthy growth. This nutritious meat contains a massive 30 grams of protein per 100 gram serving. Protein’s main role in the body is to build, maintain and repair the body’s cell. Without protein your body cannot produce new cells and is unable to grow and develop properly.
  2. Another health benefit of turkey is that it can boost your mood. The protein found in turkey contains high levels of the amino acid tryptophan which your body can use to produce serotonin. Serotonin is an important hormone which has been shown to improve mood levels and even prevent depression.
  3. If you struggle to sleep then you may be interested in this health benefit of turkey. The tryptophan found in this meat has been shown to improve sleep cycles (especially for insomniacs).
  4. Turkey is rich in two key cancer fighting antioxidants. It contains 0.032 milligrams of selenium (over half the recommended daily allowance) and 1.32 mg of zinc (1/5 of the recommended daily allowance). Selenium has been shown to prevent colon cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer while zinc has been shown to protect against prostate cancer.
  5. Another key health benefit of turkey is that it promotes a strong immune system. The selenium in turkey helps your body produce antibodies (organisms which work as part of the immune system to fight disease and infection) while the zinc in turkey helps your body produce white blood cells (cells of the immune system which protect the body from disease and infection).

So, turkey isn’t the culprit here. It’s likely the amount of food we end up eating. It takes a great deal of energy to digest a large meal. When your stomach is full, blood is directed away from other organ systems, including your nervous system. The result is a feeling of lethargy, especially after a big meal that may be high in fats and carbohydrates. Take it slow over the holidays. Enjoy all your favorite foods, but do it in moderation. A little bit of everything. You can always have some leftovers the next day.

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Caffeine Does Have Its Benefits

Oct 10, 2014

The benefits of caffeine and coffee are more than just helping you stay awake in class or during that boring business meeting. And, you don’t always have to drink something to get the benefits of caffeine. The most obvious health benefit as already noted is that it acts as a stimulant, improving thought processes, wakefulness, focus and condition, especially in sleep-deprived states. This systemic stimulation of the body can also increase metabolism and willingness to carry out activities.

Caffeine is also associated with a decreased risk of developing cancer. In particular, moderate regular coffee consumption appears to help prevent liver, endometrial, and colorectal cancer. Coffee may also aid in the prevention of liver cirrhosis. Along with anesthetics, coffee is some time prescribed to help with pain relief.

Caffeine can also aid in treating certain disorders such as anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.

A little more recently there have been reports of people benefiting from caffeine intake. Approximately three to five cups of coffee per day showed a reduction of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, gout, Parkinson’s disease, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Caffeine taken daily through coffee or powder, can even help improve a person’s memory retention and increase attention span as well. Recent studies have shown a reduction of strokes in middle-aged women and older as well. This study done by Swedish researchers found that women who drank one or more cups of coffee a day were less likely to have a stroke compared to those who did not.

Caffeine is actually a well used ingredient in many skin care products. And coffee can be a great product to actually apply to the skin. Coffee or caffeine when it is applied to the skin operates as an antioxidant, vasoconstrictor and diuretic as well. Coffee works as a great exfoliator to help you get rid of your dead skin. By applying it directly to your skin and rubbing the granules gently, your skin will feel baby soft.

Coffee grinds have three times more antioxidant power that help reduce premature aging signs, hyper pigmentation, skin wrinkles, brown spots on skin and appearance of lines. Coffee is full of antioxidants that act as a vasodilator to heal your skin problems. It was previously believed that drinking too much caffeine will affect your skin by taking all the moisture from your skin because caffeine dehydrates fat cells that result in vacating the potassium and sodium component of the skin cells. But if you take coffee in moderation, those antioxidants will work to fight against free redicals that cause skin cancer. Studies have shown that coffee inhibits the growth of skin cancer cells in the body.

Coffee is also found in many skin care products including body scrubs, lotions, creams and perfumes and is used for its ability to reduce cellulite in the body. Coffee is also used in sunscreen lotion and creams as it contains sunblock effects. The caffeine that is present in the skin care products help also to reduce the redness in your skin. Caffeine tightens and firms the surface of your skin and improves your skin tone and complexion. Coffee improves the micro cellular flow in your body. It frees your skin from different radicals that causes acne, eczema and skin cancer. Coffee is also a known odor neutralizer and can absorb strong odors, like fish.

Coffee can also make your hair look great. It improves your hair and minimizes hair loss. Coffee includes rich antioxidant contents that can repair the damaged hairs and prevent hair breakage. It helps to make hair look smooth and shiny.

As in all cases, too much of something is never a good thing. It is stressed that with moderation, caffeine has many positive effects on our bodies. A safe, healthy intake of caffeine ranges from two to four cups of coffee a day, or 200 to 300 milligrams.

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Add Fiber to Your Balanced Diet

Oct 07, 2014

One of the simplest ways to kick start a healthy diet is to increase your dietary fiber. Processed food and fast food are easy and quick but they can wreak havoc on your digestive tract. Not only that but processed foods, which are high in fat and high and calories are linked to obesity and other diseases.

What does fiber do for us? Fiber’s primary role is to promote healthy digestion. Fiber cleanses the digestive tract by speeding up the excretions and toxins from the body. It also helps to prevent waste from sitting in the intestines.

There are two types of fiber, insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fiber passes through most of the bowel system unchanged and promotes the growth of friendly bacteria. Since this type of fiber is not digested by the body it helps to slow gastric emptying and therefore can help to reduce your food intake because you will feel fuller for longer. Insoluble fibre is found in bran, wholemeal flour, brown rice, whole grain cereal, vegetables, edible peels and nuts and seeds. Soluble fiber helps to reduce the level of cholesterol by binding fats that cause high cholesterol and pushing them through the bowel. This helps to prevent the bad fats from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber absorbs water during digestion which acts like a natural stool softener. Soluble fibres include fruit, vegetables, lentils, peas, beans, oats, barley, oatmeal and potatoes.

In terms of weight loss increasing your dietary fiber can aide in reaching your goals if combined with a balanced healthy diet and exercise. Fiber helps in long term weight loss and your dietary fiber intake should be monitored to ensure you’re meeting the daily recommended dose. Speak with your Doctor or Trainer to find out how much fiber you should be consuming per day. You want to make sure that you’re not consuming too much fiber as well because it can cause a mineral deficiency.

High fiber foods are typically low in calories and are filling so they help to prevent overeating or snacking in between meals. Due to the slowing of digestion with added fibre you can also help to stabilize blood sugar levels which is beneficial to diabetics. Fibre will also help to prevent tiredness, hunger pangs and lack of energy.

Adding dietary fiber to your diet is not a fad and it’s not a passing trend in healthy eating. It’s a key part in maintaining a health and balanced diet which can aide in weight loss but also keep you healthy and your body functioning at an optimal level. There are many easy ways to add fiber to your diet but if you’re still unsure on how to make this healthy change then ask your Doctor or training to go through your eating habits and help determine where you can make some changes.

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Snacking, Choose Wisely

Sep 16, 2014

There is nothing worse than that hungry feeling in between meals. You don’t want to ruin all the hard work in your weight loss program by eating snacks throughout the day. You don’t have to have that feeling, there are lots of healthy snacks for weight loss that are delicious and still nutritious.

A good rule to follow when looking for healthy snack foods is to make sure you look for snacks that are high in protein and contain complex carbohydrates. Protein is critical because it is a primary component of every cell in the human body. The body uses protein to make and mend tissue as well as to reproduce bone, muscle, hair, nail, skin and blood cells. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy and come in two forms, simple and complex. Complex carbohydrates are your better choice, such as whole grains. However, you can choose simple carbohydrates as long as you choose “good” simple carbohydrates, like the ones found in fresh fruits.

It is important to try to keep your snack foods within the range of approximately 100 to 150 calories and not to have them in an amount that would take you over your daily calories count. If you are allowed 1600 calories per day then it is reasonable to have three meals of about 400 calories each and two to three snacks of approximately 100-150 calories each. This should keep you within a calorie count to lose weight and remain on a healthy diet eating plan.

In addition to selecting snacks containing high protein and low carbohydrates, making sure to snack regularly in between meals is vital. It’s a great idea to get in tune with your internal hunger clock; don’t wait until your stomach starts talking to you. Practicing portion control will make snacking more effective for you. Instead of grabbing an entire bag of nuts from the kitchen cabinet, try measuring out the appropriate serving size ahead of time.

Here is a list of some good snack choices.

  • Apple slices
  • Whole grain bread sticks
  • Unsalted rice cakes
  • Baked tortilla chips
  • Nuts (1 ounce or less)
  • Whole grain cereal
  • Fresh fruit
  • Unsweetened canned fruit
  • Baked apple
  • Raisins
  • Frozen grapes
  • Celery
  • Dark chocolate
  • Air popped popcorn
  • Low-fat/fat free fruit yogurt

Eating healthy snack foods is just one part of a health maintenance strategy that should incorporate eating healthy and being active. Talk with your trainer and plan out your meal plan and workout routine.

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