Monday 31 December 2012
Superfoods
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| These are just a few of the super foods out there that can be enjoyed alongside any of your favorite dishes. coconut oil is known for its great effects on skin renewal, and hair regrowth. dry or frizzy hair can be tamed with just a few tbsps of coconut oil mixed with a few drops of water. this solution can now be applied to the scalp and hair. for full term effects, this process should be continued two to three times per week. Lemon is a natural disinfectant and is great for clearing acne and blackheads. just mix two tbsp of lemon juice with equal amounts of honey. this duo of anti agents not only fights germs, but it also smooths the skin leaving it soft as a babies skin. and lastly, avocado, hmmmmmmm YUM! one of my favorite fruits are avocados. these creamy and rich tasting plants have an assortment of vitamins and minerals that help to burn fat and lose weight! A great and very easy recipe for avocados is an avocado milkshake. all that is really needed for these amazing shakes is one ripe avocado, a cup of milk, some honey, and a few almonds (this is optional) and that's it! easy as that :) |
Chocolate zuccini muffins
Makes 12-15 muffins
What you need:
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup oil
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1-3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups shredded zucchini
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, oil and buttermilk. Add in all of the dry ingredients, including spices. Mix thoroughly. Stir in zucchini. Fill the prepared muffin tin liners about 3/4 of the way. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the center muffin comes out mostly clean.
What you need:
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup oil
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1-3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups shredded zucchini
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, oil and buttermilk. Add in all of the dry ingredients, including spices. Mix thoroughly. Stir in zucchini. Fill the prepared muffin tin liners about 3/4 of the way. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the center muffin comes out mostly clean.
Breakfast to go
waking up in the morning can be hard for many people. hitting the snooze button every five minutes just to get the most out of your sleep , usually this results in not having enough time to prepare a well balanced breakfast... here are a few quick tricks and tips to help you when your on the go.
Nut butter sandwich
spread a couple of spoonfuls of peanut butter or almond butter onto a slice of bagal, toast, or waffle. add a drizzle of your favorite sweetener whether that's honey or jam and there you have it! a quick on the go breakfast sandwich.
Banana topper
this quick recipe calls for only two things: a banana, and Cheerios or granola all you need to do is peel your banana and just roll it around in the cereal until your liking, and there you have it keeps you well full, and is a nutritious and quick breakfast
Trail mix
put together a few of your fav dried fruits, they can be anything from dried cranberries and raisins, to almonds and peanuts and there you have it simple as that!
Quick Quesadillas
fill a flour tortilla with cheddar cheese and thinly sliced granny smith apple slices and basically thats it! now if you like you can warm it up in the microwave so that the cheese slightly melts, or just eat it like that.
Nut butter sandwich
spread a couple of spoonfuls of peanut butter or almond butter onto a slice of bagal, toast, or waffle. add a drizzle of your favorite sweetener whether that's honey or jam and there you have it! a quick on the go breakfast sandwich.
Banana topper
this quick recipe calls for only two things: a banana, and Cheerios or granola all you need to do is peel your banana and just roll it around in the cereal until your liking, and there you have it keeps you well full, and is a nutritious and quick breakfast
Trail mix
put together a few of your fav dried fruits, they can be anything from dried cranberries and raisins, to almonds and peanuts and there you have it simple as that!
Quick Quesadillas
fill a flour tortilla with cheddar cheese and thinly sliced granny smith apple slices and basically thats it! now if you like you can warm it up in the microwave so that the cheese slightly melts, or just eat it like that.
Big bad dyes (the effects of colored dyes)
open a box of cereal now, you might say that it is filled with fruit flavor rather than colors mixed up in scientific labs. some call them artificial colors, while others call them food dyes, either way what we can all agree on is that these colors are nowhere near natural, and that they should not be put into our foods. More then often these dyes are generously poured into food products directed to young children, which is a major no no.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have found that colors such as Yellow #5, Yellow #6, and Red #40 could cause hyperactivity in children.Does that mean the other artificial food dyes are safe to consume? No but these three dye colors are known to do the most damage to young children. Impaired brain function, allergies, irritability, difficulty focusing, poor sleep, and lack of impulse control are also among the many side effects of consuming high amounts of food dye, and yet they are found in everything from beverages, to foods, to food like substances such as jello. Ironically, foods marketed to children are often the most heavily dyed foods in the supermarket.
For many years moms have been making the mistake of giving their kids fruit snacks thinking they contain fruits and that they are a healthier as opposed to candy. But this is far from true as
5 surprising benefits of yogurt
yogurt has many nutritious health benefits. It is an excellent source of protein, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B 12.. People with a risk of osteoporosis should eat at least one serving of yogurt per day.
It has also been claimed that yogurt may protect against some types of cancer.
There are three types of yogurt: regular(whole milk), low-fat and skim. Low-fat and skim yogurt are good for people who are on a cholesterol lowering diet or just simply watching their weights. These types of yogurt do not raise blood cholesterol levels.
Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a carbohydrate in milk and other milk products, Yogurt is a healthy way to get the calcium the body needs, for the people who can not tolerate milk products.
Man dies after eating 28 raw eggs
A Tunisian man by the name of Dhaou Fatnassi, took on a dare as revolting as gulping down 30 eggs in one sitting. Fatnassi being a man of great pride, downed 28 eggs before complaining of severe stomach pains. After realizing that something was terribly wrong with their friend, many group members called an ambulance, but what was done was too much for the poor man, and upon his arrival to the hospital Fatnassi, was declared dead. The exact cause of Fatnassi’s death is still being investigated. But the dangers of consuming even one egg are already well-known: About 70 percent of the calories in eggs are from fat, and a large portion of that fat is saturated. Just one fatty meal can raise blood pressure, stiffen major arteries, and cause the heart to pump blood at a more stressed pace, increasing the risk of heart attack. so it may not have been what the eggs contained but the amount of nutrients consumed at one time.
Personally i feel that these high levels of nutrients being in-tacked at a rapid speeds caused Fatnessi's blood levels to raise and an over dose in vitamins that should not be taken in, in high amounts.
Personally i feel that these high levels of nutrients being in-tacked at a rapid speeds caused Fatnessi's blood levels to raise and an over dose in vitamins that should not be taken in, in high amounts.
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Green smoothies
What if you could drink a magic potion that would revitalize you, clear your body of unwanted toxins, and be really easy to make with ingredients straight from your local supermarket? Green Smoothies can do just that, and much more.
Green smoothies are a mix or any type of fruits and vegetables all into one drink. This is an easy and simple way to get all the serving of fruits and vegetables required for daily consumption. Personally i know many people who have a hard time eating raw vegetables and have ended up having vitamin deficiencies. With the taste of these smoothies there is no telling what is in them and can be substituted for any meal. We all live a a busy lifestyle where making a meal cuts us back from spending time with the family, or getting to work. But with this drink breakfast can be prepared only in a matter of a few minutes. When replacing a major meal savory green smoothies can be made using ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, and even spices to make it a satisfying hearty meal. this drink makes losing weight easier without the hassle of making 20 different things. Being a big fan of Dr. Oz, he explained on his show that Green leafy veggies are great to eat due to the fact that they have tons of cancer fighting properties, and vitamins and minerals which help boost the immune system . Upping green leafy vegetable intake has been proven to reduce heart disease and prevent many other diseases. Green smoothies help cut cravings as they are satisfying and provide the body with tons of nutrients. whenever you feel a caving coming on a glass of this smoothie will demolish that fact in no time and eating more vegetables lead your body into having more energy and asking for more.
one recipe that i tried out this morning and loved is one that i got off the Dr. Oz show here is the recipe:
Green smoothies are a mix or any type of fruits and vegetables all into one drink. This is an easy and simple way to get all the serving of fruits and vegetables required for daily consumption. Personally i know many people who have a hard time eating raw vegetables and have ended up having vitamin deficiencies. With the taste of these smoothies there is no telling what is in them and can be substituted for any meal. We all live a a busy lifestyle where making a meal cuts us back from spending time with the family, or getting to work. But with this drink breakfast can be prepared only in a matter of a few minutes. When replacing a major meal savory green smoothies can be made using ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, and even spices to make it a satisfying hearty meal. this drink makes losing weight easier without the hassle of making 20 different things. Being a big fan of Dr. Oz, he explained on his show that Green leafy veggies are great to eat due to the fact that they have tons of cancer fighting properties, and vitamins and minerals which help boost the immune system . Upping green leafy vegetable intake has been proven to reduce heart disease and prevent many other diseases. Green smoothies help cut cravings as they are satisfying and provide the body with tons of nutrients. whenever you feel a caving coming on a glass of this smoothie will demolish that fact in no time and eating more vegetables lead your body into having more energy and asking for more.
one recipe that i tried out this morning and loved is one that i got off the Dr. Oz show here is the recipe:
ingredients
2 cups spinach
2 cups cucumber
1 head of celery
1/2 inch or teaspoon ginger root
1 bunch parsley
2 apples
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 cups spinach
2 cups cucumber
1 head of celery
1/2 inch or teaspoon ginger root
1 bunch parsley
2 apples
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Sunday 14 October 2012
Why whole wheat bread is better then white bread
Though white bread may be fortified with vitamins and
minerals, whole wheat bread is more nutritious and filling. It contains more protein
and fiber than white bread which makes it very healthy, whole wheat bread is often recommended as a healthier alternative to white bread. But, do you really know what the difference between the two really is?
A huge difference is the fact that whole wheat bread is much higher in fiber than white bread. Fiber aids in healthy digestion. But, fiber's benefits go beyond healthy digestion. Fiber helps make you feel full quicker making it easier for you to control your weight. It also has many health benefits like the reduction of the risk of heart attacks and strokes due to this high content of fibre.
Whole wheat bread has gone through less processing and has less preservatives. Though preservatives haven't been proven to necessarily be bad, if you have the choice between putting natural grains in your body or chemically developed ones, which one would you choose? Personally i would pick the natural one knowing that everything i put in my mouth is in its original state and nothing extra has been added.
White bread has been bleached to get its colour, and the nutrients have been stripped away in the process of bleaching the flour. There are not enough nutrients or fiber to help the body stay healthy and full. Essentially, all you get from eating white bread is empty calories. The body takes the starch that that is produced by the bread and converts it to sugar and stores it as fat. Basically think of it as though you are eating high calorie sugary foods such as cake or candy, because there is not enough nutritional value. Also many whole wheat breads contain more calories then white bread. Dont be fooled by this fact those calories are from the vitamines and nutrients that are enriched in the bread. So next time you go to the grocery store be sure to think twice before buying a loaf of white braed.
minerals, whole wheat bread is more nutritious and filling. It contains more protein
and fiber than white bread which makes it very healthy, whole wheat bread is often recommended as a healthier alternative to white bread. But, do you really know what the difference between the two really is?
A huge difference is the fact that whole wheat bread is much higher in fiber than white bread. Fiber aids in healthy digestion. But, fiber's benefits go beyond healthy digestion. Fiber helps make you feel full quicker making it easier for you to control your weight. It also has many health benefits like the reduction of the risk of heart attacks and strokes due to this high content of fibre.
Whole wheat bread has gone through less processing and has less preservatives. Though preservatives haven't been proven to necessarily be bad, if you have the choice between putting natural grains in your body or chemically developed ones, which one would you choose? Personally i would pick the natural one knowing that everything i put in my mouth is in its original state and nothing extra has been added.
White bread has been bleached to get its colour, and the nutrients have been stripped away in the process of bleaching the flour. There are not enough nutrients or fiber to help the body stay healthy and full. Essentially, all you get from eating white bread is empty calories. The body takes the starch that that is produced by the bread and converts it to sugar and stores it as fat. Basically think of it as though you are eating high calorie sugary foods such as cake or candy, because there is not enough nutritional value. Also many whole wheat breads contain more calories then white bread. Dont be fooled by this fact those calories are from the vitamines and nutrients that are enriched in the bread. So next time you go to the grocery store be sure to think twice before buying a loaf of white braed.
The benifits of Strawberries
The heart-shaped silhouette of the strawberry is the first clue that this fruit is good for you. These berries protect your heart against decease, and increase your HDL (good cholesterol) levels. They also fights against cancer, and lowers blood pressure.
There are many uses for strawberries and in my family EVERYONE loves them!
When there are strawberries at my house the first thing that i do is make a strawberry smoothie. Its simple and refreshing. Sometimes if I feel too lazy to cook or I dont like what there is for dinner then I use it as a meal.
Basically all you need is a handful of strawberries, plain yogurt or if available vanila yogurt, a few almonds or walnuts, and ice. and there you have it a delicious and quick smoothie!
Tips to losing weight
Over the summer I have tried many things to shed a few pounds. Though i am not fat i feel like the key is not just to lose weight but also to keep that weight off and live a happier and healthier life. Havng not much to do durring the summer I would do a lot of research on the internet. Searching for foods that not only boost your metabolism and keep you feeling full longer, but also give you more energy. Many of these special diets and tips did not work for me. Some even made me gain a few pounds! But here are a few tips and tricks to help you lose weight the smart and healthy way. So lets get started!
1. Eat spicy food
Eating spicy food not only boosts your metabolism to help you burn fat, but it also slows you down from eating too fast which tends to make you feel hungry even though you have had enough to make you full. Eating slowly gives your brain a chance to process the fact that you are full and that you do not need to continue eating This helps you feel fuller quicker and adds a kick to your meal.
2. Eat breakfast
Studies show that eating breakfast helps you to foccus better through out the day and gives you a boost of energy
3. Eat smaller portions
One way to fool yourself into eating smaller portions is to use a smaller plate. Though if it is full it may seam like alot but you are eating far less then you would have normally. Another usful tip is to eat 4 to 5 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 huge meals.
4. Drink more water
Your body stores water in large quantities when it is dehydrated. The more water you drink the less your body needs to store excess water. And because there is a large quantity of water being put in the body the more toxins are being excreted out. Try and drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
5. Exercise
This is the easiest way to lose weight. Burn more calories then you eat simple! Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. It may seam like a lot but if you use the stairs instead of the elivator and walk to school or work you can exersise and not even notice your doing so!
6. Get your friends or family members to join in
losing weigth as a group is easier then doing it alone. If you are not strong willed then having others to help you every step of the way can make it that much easier for you, and help your friends lose a few pounds as well.
7. Eat more protein
eating protein helps to keep you full longer and aids in muscle growth
8. Drink water before every meal
Drink water before every meal helps fill your stamach which means you'll eat less and stay hydrated.
9. Drink lemon water
drinking lemon juice mixed with hot water in the morning and just before going to bed keeps your metabolism high throughout the day and helps burn fat while you sleep.
10. Use honey instead of sugar
Honey is a natural sweetener. It is high anioxidents and graet for boosting your metabolism.
1. Eat spicy food
Eating spicy food not only boosts your metabolism to help you burn fat, but it also slows you down from eating too fast which tends to make you feel hungry even though you have had enough to make you full. Eating slowly gives your brain a chance to process the fact that you are full and that you do not need to continue eating This helps you feel fuller quicker and adds a kick to your meal.
2. Eat breakfast
Studies show that eating breakfast helps you to foccus better through out the day and gives you a boost of energy
3. Eat smaller portions
One way to fool yourself into eating smaller portions is to use a smaller plate. Though if it is full it may seam like alot but you are eating far less then you would have normally. Another usful tip is to eat 4 to 5 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 huge meals.
4. Drink more water
Your body stores water in large quantities when it is dehydrated. The more water you drink the less your body needs to store excess water. And because there is a large quantity of water being put in the body the more toxins are being excreted out. Try and drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
5. Exercise
This is the easiest way to lose weight. Burn more calories then you eat simple! Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. It may seam like a lot but if you use the stairs instead of the elivator and walk to school or work you can exersise and not even notice your doing so!
6. Get your friends or family members to join in
losing weigth as a group is easier then doing it alone. If you are not strong willed then having others to help you every step of the way can make it that much easier for you, and help your friends lose a few pounds as well.
7. Eat more protein
eating protein helps to keep you full longer and aids in muscle growth
8. Drink water before every meal
Drink water before every meal helps fill your stamach which means you'll eat less and stay hydrated.
9. Drink lemon water
drinking lemon juice mixed with hot water in the morning and just before going to bed keeps your metabolism high throughout the day and helps burn fat while you sleep.
10. Use honey instead of sugar
Honey is a natural sweetener. It is high anioxidents and graet for boosting your metabolism.
Macaroni
Everyone loves a great macaroni recipe, whether it's macaroni and cheese, or a scrumptious macaroni salad. Macaroni is my go to dinner and if i could i would eat it for all my meals. its simple to make and tastes great! One of my new favourite macaroni recipes is one that me and my mom created today. Being a house wife my mom has lots of time on her hands and thus she has a amazing reputation of being a great chef in our family. Today having nothing to do, i asked my mom if we could make dinner together. We started off making macaroni but instead of making the usual sauce which basically for us is a mixture of spagetti sauce, a few herbs, and ground beef, my mom decided to take a few of her afghan recipies and mixed them together. In the end the whole family enjoyed it our new creation, and i know that this will definately be a ricipe that i will pass on to my childrenin the years to come.
2 bunches of green onions
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 clove garlic
2 cups chopped spinich
2 tomatos chopped
750 grams macaroni
parsley half bunch
greek yogurt (to top off)
dried mint (pinch)
2 pounds ground beef
instructions:
1. saute onion and garlic till golden brown
2. add tomato paste, and ground beef stir till browned
3. once browned, add chopped tomatos, green onions, and the rest of the veggies
4. fill a pot halfway with water
5. once boiled add the macaroni to the water
6. stain the cooked macaroni in a strainer and put in a serving dish
7. fill the dish halfway to the top and add the sauce
8. drizzle with greek yogurt and add the rest of the macaroni
9. again add the rest of the sauce and yogurt and top off with dried mint
here's the recipe:
1 large onion2 bunches of green onions
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 clove garlic
2 cups chopped spinich
2 tomatos chopped
750 grams macaroni
parsley half bunch
greek yogurt (to top off)
dried mint (pinch)
2 pounds ground beef
instructions:
1. saute onion and garlic till golden brown
2. add tomato paste, and ground beef stir till browned
3. once browned, add chopped tomatos, green onions, and the rest of the veggies
4. fill a pot halfway with water
5. once boiled add the macaroni to the water
6. stain the cooked macaroni in a strainer and put in a serving dish
7. fill the dish halfway to the top and add the sauce
8. drizzle with greek yogurt and add the rest of the macaroni
9. again add the rest of the sauce and yogurt and top off with dried mint
Tuesday 9 October 2012
Shrimp stir fry
Shrimp, one of my favourite sea foods! whether its fried, or boiled, shrimp is an amazing appetizer and an even better meal pared up with a slice of bread, or alone. Today I thought I would make a little something of my own for dinner and so I came up with a new and delicious recipe for shrimp, one that I guarantee will spice up your meal and add a kick to your mood! :) It is an easy meal for those days you feel too lazy to cook, and can be made in less then an hour.
Here's the recipe:
3 cups cut and skinned shrimp
2 large onions chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
2 table spoons tomato paste
2 cups crushed tomato
dash of dried parsley
salt to taste
3 hot chili peppers
Thursday 6 September 2012
Bug food
Recently, word has spread that scientists are proposing ideas of using bugs as major food sources. Many of these scientists claim that insects such as crickets, caterpillars and grubs are high in protein and minerals, and could potentially be a an important food source during droughts and floods. Some even suggest that raising bug farms would be easier than raising cows and pigs.
I think that in the near future we will be seeing many new foods and food ideas involving insects. Foods like cockroach pot pie, and macaroni and bees. Yuck !! Though many scientists may look at this as a very good way to get through droughts and floods and an even better source of nutrients. i look at this as an easy way to tract decease and cancers. How can eating bugs be healthy for you when all bugs live in dirty and smelly place? Dumps for example are filled with cockroaches, flies, and maggots. These insects eat anything and everything that come in their path. so eating these repulsive bugs is like eating the filth filled in their bodies. As humans we tend to eat farm animals. Animals filled with flavor and nutrients ones we ourselves feed and take care of. Insects on the other hand we can not track down what they eat and what kind of deceases they carry with themselves. With the size of bugs there would have to be very many bugs in order to create one dish, unlike animals like cows or goats which can be used to serve many times due to their size and weight.
I think that in the near future we will be seeing many new foods and food ideas involving insects. Foods like cockroach pot pie, and macaroni and bees. Yuck !! Though many scientists may look at this as a very good way to get through droughts and floods and an even better source of nutrients. i look at this as an easy way to tract decease and cancers. How can eating bugs be healthy for you when all bugs live in dirty and smelly place? Dumps for example are filled with cockroaches, flies, and maggots. These insects eat anything and everything that come in their path. so eating these repulsive bugs is like eating the filth filled in their bodies. As humans we tend to eat farm animals. Animals filled with flavor and nutrients ones we ourselves feed and take care of. Insects on the other hand we can not track down what they eat and what kind of deceases they carry with themselves. With the size of bugs there would have to be very many bugs in order to create one dish, unlike animals like cows or goats which can be used to serve many times due to their size and weight.
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