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Power-House…Super-Star Blueberries

July 11, 2015 By Leave a Comment

blueberryBlueberries are nutritional stars bursting with flavor that ranges from tart and tangy to mildly sweet. These plump berries are not only beautiful to look at, they are an amazing super-fruit that can be a great addition to your diet if you are trying to lose weight.

These little blue gems contain catechins that help to activate fat burning genes. According to studies done at Tufts University, eating foods loaded with catechins such as blueberries can actually double your total weight loss and may help reduce stubborn belly fat.

Fat free and low in calories (40 calories per ½ cup) they pack a potent punch and rank number one out of all fruits for antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.   [Read more…]

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Fragrant Sweet Cinnamon Raisin Bars

May 31, 2015 By Leave a Comment

health-benefits-of-cinnamonCinnamon is a fragrant and sweet spice that is available year round and has long been used as both a spice to flavor foods and as a medicine.

It is one of the oldest spices known to man and used as far back as ancient Egypt as a beverage flavor, embalming agent and as medicine. Believe it or not, at one time cinnamon was considered so precious that it was valued higher than gold. It is also mentioned in a book on Chinese botanical medicine that dates back to 2,700 B.C.

There are two varieties of cinnamon; Chinese and Ceylon. Both varieties have similar flavor but Ceylon is more refined with a slightly sweeter taste…it is however harder to find in local supermarkets. If you are looking for Ceylon cinnamon you will likely have to shop in ethnic markets or possibly a local spice store. [Read more…]

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Phytochemicals are Life Giving Compounds

May 7, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Tphytochemicals1he discovery of some vitamins and minerals at the beginning of the 20th was an exciting time that led scientists to believe that they had discovered the keys to health. But the truth is, they soon discovered that it was but a small piece of the puzzle.

More recent studies show that the micronutrients required by our bodies for health and longevity are phytochemicals.

You cannot get phytochemicals from a supplement because phytochemicals are natural chemicals that whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, berries, seeds and whole grains offer.

The world of phytochemicals is barely scratched as it’s been estimated that there are thousands of different ones that have not even been discovered or studied yet, however the ones that have been discovered all have protective effects on humans. [Read more…]

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Foods that Help Shed Pounds

April 15, 2015 By Leave a Comment

black beansWithout a doubt one of the hardest obstacles to overcome when dieting is combating the “hunger button” or the ever persistent desire to eat. That’s why its important to focus on eating foods that will help to fill you up.

Foods that contain fiber, protein and plant based fats are the most satiating. They slow down the digestion process and the absorption of nutrients which in turn helps you feel fuller longer with no blood sugar or insulin spike. [Read more…]

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Super-foods Can Help With Weight Loss

January 9, 2015 By Leave a Comment

berries-best-healthiest-food-on-earthSuper-foods are nutritional powerhouses. They help build bones, improve eyesight, keep our minds sharp as a tack and they prevent chronic diseases.

But their contributions don’t stop there. Many super-foods can also help you lose weight and stay slim.

Here’s a list of some of the more commonly found and enjoyed super-foods that will also help you tackle your weight loss issues. (This is just a short list…there are so many more)! [Read more…]

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Anti-inflammatory Super-Foods

September 17, 2014 By Leave a Comment

superfoods3We hear the word inflammation tossed around a lot these days. But what exactly is inflammation and why should we be concerned?

Inflammation is a process through which the body’s white blood cells and chemicals work at protecting us from foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria as well as infections. The chemicals from the white blood cells increases the blood flow to the injured area or area of infection resulting in slight warmth and redness as well as swelling in the tissues.

These increased cells within the injured area…like an injured joint, irritate the area causing swelling of the joint lining and eventually wearing out the cartilage that protects the bones.

In autoimmune diseases, like arthritis, the immune system will trigger an inflammatory response even though there are no foreign substances to fight. The results are that the immune system normally used to protect us actually causes damage to its own tissues. [Read more…]

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Nutrient Dense Green Smoothies

June 25, 2014 By Leave a Comment

green smoothieGreen smoothies continue to take the world by storm. So what’s the big deal? What’s so great about green smoothies? What kind of equipment is needed, how many greens are used, how much do I need to make and how long does it keep?

These are all very valid questions for those of you who haven’t ventured into the “green smoothie” world yet.

To start with, green smoothies are easy to make, delicious and no they don’t taste like spinach.

What I love about greens is the chlorophyll they convert straight from the sun that boosts nutrition for optimum health and well being. [Read more…]

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The Power of Protein

May 28, 2014 By Leave a Comment

PROTEINProteins, carbohydrates and dietary fats are all considered macro nutrients and each one plays a different role in keeping the body vital and healthy. Without a doubt, the single most important macro nutrient in the human diet is protein. Protein is absolutely essential for life and without it you would cease to exist.

Every cell in the human body contains protein. All hair, skin, muscles, organs and glands contain protein. Proteins are the building blocks of life. The body uses protein to repair and maintain itself and without adequate amounts of protein in your diet your cells and tissues could not function properly. [Read more…]

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Wheatgrass is a Powerful Friend

May 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

wheatgrassWheatgrass is a nutrient rich young grass in the wheat family. Wheatgrass is grown from wheat seeds and contains high levels of chlorophyll. Usually people choose to juice with Wheatgrass but it is also available in supplement form.

A one ounce serving of Wheatgrass has no fat, only seven calories and virtually no carbohydrates or protein. Neither does wheatgrass contain any essential omega-3 fatty acids nor is it rich with vitamin content except for vitamin C.

So, what’s all the hype about wheatgrass then? The magic is Chlorophyll…the green pigment that increases the blood’s oxygen content and whose role is critical in photosynthesis (the process which allows plants to absorb energy from the sun). [Read more…]

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Delicious Banana Coconut Chia Pudding

March 31, 2014 By Leave a Comment

chia1The amazing Chia Seed. Chia seed is the most nutritious seed available anywhere and among the best health-building super foods or nutritional supplements around. Chia seeds promote health to everyone who takes it.

Chia seeds will actually reduce cravings for sweets and junk type foods. These miraculous little seeds help slow digestion, sustain balanced blood sugar levels and have high soluble fiber content because they are able to absorb so much water. They release natural, unrefined carbohydrate energy slowly into the bloodstream to keep you feeling “fuller” for longer periods of time. [Read more…]

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