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Showing posts with label #food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #food. Show all posts

Thursday, 17 July 2014

9 Incredible Reasons to Eat Pumpkin Seeds Right Now.



9 Incredible Reasons to Eat Pumpkin Seeds Right Now.

Pumpkin is known to be a very tasty vegetable that has a lot of essential nutrients. For most of us, pumpkin seeds can be also a great and yummy snack. But we don’t even guess that these seeds are extremely beneficial for our health. Our snacks should be both tasty and wholesome, but, unfortunately, such food isn’t easy to find. We usually give preference to some fruits or vegetables like apples, bananas, carrots and many others. If you try to add pumpkin seeds to your eating plan, you’ll discover their numerous health benefits. Here are the most convincing reasons due to which you should start eating pumpkin seeds right now.
Incredible Reasons to Eat Pumpkin Seeds Right Now

1. High in Proteins

To my mind, this is one of the greatest benefits of these vegetable seeds. I should say you can’t find any other seeds that are so rich in proteins. For example, if you eat only one ounce of pumpkin seeds, you will supply your body with 9.30 grams of protein. Perhaps you don’t know but protein is really necessary for our body to build skin, muscles, bones, blood and cartilage. Moreover, these seeds are a wonderful substitute of meat for vegans.

2. Help to Prevent Cancer

Nowadays we are subjected to different diseases, but cancer is the most terrible and dangerous of them. You’ll be surprised to know that by eating pumpkin seeds regularly you can protect yourself from the risk of cancer. A great number of antioxidants make this food so advantageous for your health. Scientists’ researches have shown that these seeds contribute greatly to the prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer.

3. They Are Full of Antioxidants

Another reason why you should include pumpkin seeds into your diet is because of their high concentration of antioxidants, which strengthen our immune system and enable our body to resist various diseases. What are these useful antioxidants that pumpkin seeds contain? Take a look at them:
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc and manganese
  • Caffeic, syngic acid, sinapic and other phenolic antioxidants
  • Phytonutrients like pinoresinol, medioresinol and ligans lariciresinol

4. Anti-inflammatory Effects

If you have some inflamed areas on your skin, oil from pumpkin seeds will be the best remedy for you. It should be mentioned that this food can also help to treat arthritis. Doctors claim that these wholesome seeds affect our body in the same way as Indomethacin does. That is the medicine used for treating arthritis.

5. Diabetes Support

There are so many people throughout the world who suffer from diabetes. By eating pumpkin seeds they can relieve the painful symptoms of this disease. Generally, these people have lots of problems with their kidneys. At last, a great solution has been found! Consumption of pumpkin seeds will help you to protect your kidneys from the negative influence of the disease. It was found out that they stabilize your insulin regulation either. If you are one of those people who have diabetes you’d better go now to the supermarket and buy this healthy snack.
Reasons to Eat Pumpkin Seeds Right Now

6. Rich in Zinc

One of the greatest advantages of this food is that it is full of zinc. One ounce of seeds will give your body about 2 mg of this nutrient. So, it is advisable for you to include pumpkin seeds into your eating plan. As a result, you will improve your sleep, insulin regulation and you will forget about bad mood. To have a strong immunity you certainly need foods fortified with zinc. Do you often catch cold and flu in winter? Then, make sure to provide yourself with these tasty and healthy seeds.

7. Relieve Menopausal Symptoms

I would like to add that pumpkin seeds have a high concentration of phytoestrogens which usually influence our body positively. Try to eat this snack daily and you will be amazed with the results. Such symptoms of the menopause as headaches, hot flashes, joint pains and high blood pressure will never bother you.

8. Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can be treated with the help of pumpkin seeds and oils. Since they contain a wide range of beneficial nutrients, their role in the treatment of this illness cannot be overestimated. Scientists say that zinc, lignans and phytosterols are the most efficient antioxidants that help people to fight the disease. Pumpkin seeds are considered to improve prostate health. That’s why it is reasonable for your guy to eat them too.

9. Provide You with a Good Night Sleep

Does it take you much time to fall asleep at night? Surely, insomnia can make us nervous, irritated and it can lead to undesirable changes in our health. If you have tried a great deal of methods to overcome this problem, but none has helped you, I would recommend you to eat pumpkin seeds before bedtime. This food helps your body to get enough of hormones like melatonin and serotonin that provide you with a good sleep.
Now you can see that there are lots of reasons to include pumpkin seeds into your daily diet. Besides, the opportunities for their cooking and serving are endless. We all used to eat them as a snack, add to some homemade dishes like soup, cakes and breads. How often do you eat pumpkin seeds? Did you know about their health benefits before? Did they help you to improve your health

Wednesday, 16 July 2014

7 Best Spring-Summer Fruits to Add to Your Diet.



7 Best Spring-Summer Fruits to Add to Your Diet.

Spring has finally arrived and it’s time to think of the fruits to add to your healthy diet now. From rhubarb, mangoes to honeydew melon, there are many delicious and incredibly healthy spring-summer fruits to consume more to be healthy and full of energy. Take a look at the list of some of the best spring-summer fruits and start adding them to your diet day by day. These fruits are easy to store, easy to eat, and generally have plenty of health benefits.
Best Spring-Summer Fruits  to Add to Your Diet

1. Strawberries

Strawberries
Spring is the right time for a sweet red berries everybody knows. That’s right, I’m speaking about strawberries. Between April and June you can find strawberries at local farmers’ markets. Sure, you can buy them now, but I don’t recommend eating strawberries right now since they are less healthy. You can use strawberries in almost every meal. Personally, I like to add strawberries to my grilled chicken salad ans smoothies.

2. Apricots

Apricots
This bright orange fruit is another delight of spring and summer. It tastes as if it was made for making pies. If you don’t like cherry pie, I suggest you to try an apricot one. Put some cream on top of it and you will get the food of the gods. You can dry some apricots as well to save some lumps of summer sun for winter days.

3. Honeydew Melon

Honeydew Melon
Honeydew melon has a very long growing season from May to October. So you will have a bit of spring, the whole summer and autumn to try all the tastiest recipes with this sweet-scented and colorful season fruit. If you do not like bananas you can eat honeydew melon, instead, as it is a great source of potassium. But better try to mix the both in a salad or smoothie in order to get the best from both. Bon appétit!

4. Mangoes

Mangoes
A delicious fruit that you can use in all kinds of spring recipes. Mango is highly popular fruit in spring. It comes from warmer, tropical climates and is ripe from March to June. It tastes perfect in fruit salads, as trimmings, and as it is. A great choice for an outdoor spring parties!

5. Blueberries

Blueberries
Blueberries are healthy and delicious and you can start buying them from May to August, and if you go in for gardening, you can even try to grow them in your own garden. You can add blueberries to your yogurt and fruit salads and enjoy a proper spring taste combined with benefits for your health.

6. Cherries

Cherries
I have never met anyone who wouldn’t like these fresh and rich bright red fruits. You may use them in a pie, cherry water ice or gelato. In fact, there are many recipes to choose from. Unfortunately, the growing season of cherries is only from May to June. It’s so hard to wait till the next spring to eat cherries under the bright warm spring sun.

7. Rhubarb

Rhubarb
It may surprise you as it did surprise me, but rhubarb is a fruit too! Well, you may call it whatever you like, but the main thing about it is its popularity and grate taste. Rhubarb is one of the first spring fruits that you can enjoy right now. You can try rhubarb in pies, tarts, jams, and even soufflés. Any recipe that needs fruits in it will taste great with this funny little plant!
It’s always a great idea to consume fruits year round, but when it comes to spring and summer, the options are endless. What is your favorite spring/summer fruit?

7 Healthy Snacks for Perfect Skin.



7 Healthy Snacks for Perfect Skin.

Healthy snacks for perfect skin can be as helpful as all those creams and lotions that you buy to fight acne and aging. You can use a pricey anti-aging and wrinkle creams, but there’s no point in using them if you consume too much sugar and processed foods. Eating healthier foods has plenty of amazing benefits for your body, including your skin, nails, hair, and waistline. It’s time to throw away those cookies and potato chips and munch on one of these healthy snacks for perfect skin instead.
Healthy Snacks for Perfect Skin

1. Low-fat yogurt with strawberries and blueberries

Low-fat yogurt with strawberries and blueberries
Strawberries and blueberries are rich in powerful antioxidants that help keep your skin looking younger longer. Low-fat yogurt with strawberries and blueberries is a sweet snack that fights premature aging and it’s one of my favorite snacks to munch on when I’m a little hungry. I personally don’t like blueberries by themselves, so I usually mix them with my favorite strawberries, which are also good for skin because of their high content of vitamin C. In fact, strawberries are higher in vitamin C than oranges. Use them as a topping for your low-fat yogurt and enjoy healthy skin. I choose low-fat yogurt since it’s packed with calcium and protein that help keep skin firm. It’s also rich in vitamin A that helps keep your skin cells healthy.

2. Mango, papaya and kiwi fruit salad

Mango, papaya and kiwi fruit salad
Fruit salad is perhaps the most popular healthy snack most of us opt for. But it’s important to know what you put in your fruit salad. Sometimes I choose tropical fruits, which are wonderful sources of vitamin C that helps your body produce the collagen that in turn keeps your skin firm and elastic. Orange and yellow fruits like papayas and mangoes are also an excellent source of beta-carotene. These fruits are great substitutes for those fruit-flavored candies that contain plenty of processed sugar. If you are suffering from breakouts it can be because of processed sugar. Mango, papaya and kiwi fruit salad is naturally sweet and it’s one of the healthiest snacks for perfect skin.

3. Tuna salad on whole wheat toast

Tuna salad on whole wheat toast
Do you want something that will fill you up? Tuna salad on whole wheat toast is one of the best snacks for perfect skin. You can create your own tuna salad, but make sure you add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil instead of the mayo. Slather your salad on whole wheat toast and voila, your healthy snack is ready! A tuna salad on whole wheat toast is packed with the mineral selenium, which preserves elastin that keeps your skin smooth. The olive oil is high in antioxidants that combat free radicals. Plus, the healthy fat will help keep your skin lubricated and soft as well as reduce any inflammation.

4. Oatmeal with walnuts and apples

Oatmeal with walnuts and apples
Please don’t think that oatmeal is the perfect food only for breakfast. A bowl of hot, tasty oats is a satisfying, healthy snack that will help curb your mid-afternoon carb cravings. Since oatmeal keeps blood sugar levels stable, it can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Add walnuts and apples to your oatmeal and you’ll have even healthier snack. Walnuts are rich in fatty acids that protect cell membranes and keep your skin soft and plump, and they’re also high in copper that increases the production of collagen. Apples are rich in pectin that also promotes the production of collagen. I also like to add a little honey and cinnamon to my oatmeal.

5. Carrots with tomato paste dip

Carrots with tomato paste dip
I don’t know about you but I absolutely like the awesome taste of plain tomato paste. I’m also a big fan of carrots and I’m happy that I can enjoy carrots with tomato paste dip and have a perfect skin (I actually have a perfect skin now, though I suffered from severe acne all over my face.) The thing is that the tomato paste contains the lycopene that protects your skin from the age spots and wrinkles caused by UV damage, however, it doesn’t mean that you can stop using your sunscreen. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene that helps lower sun sensitivity. In case you hate plain tomato paste, try blending it with hummus or crushed garlic that contains allicin, which has wonderful antibacterial properties.

6. Roasted turkey with avocado slices on whole wheat bread

Roasted turkey with avocado slices on whole wheat bread
A fold-over sandwich makes perfect snack for those days when you feel a huge hunger. As I mentioned above, a whole wheat bread has plenty of amazing benefits and it will keep you feeling full longer. This will prevent you from eating another snack that is not healthy for your skin. Remember your bread must be 100% whole wheat. Turkey is also rich in selenium, and some avocado slices are a wonderful creamy replacement for your mayo. This healthy snack contains monounsaturated fats that help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

7. Trail mix with raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts and dark chocolate chips

Trail mix with raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts and dark chocolate chips
Trail mix is a fabulous snack for a great energy boost. For perfect skin, you need to add certain ingredients to your mix. The raisins are rich in phenols that help prevent cell damage, almonds contain moisturizing vitamin E, the pumpkin seeds are high in zinc that is vital for skin renewal, Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium, and dark chocolate chips are high in flavonols, which are powerful antioxidants. These foods are all great for your skin. Just make sure you add chocolate chips that are 70% cacao.
Although some of these healthy snacks take some time to make, the fabulous glow that you will get from eating them will be really worth it. Also, you don’t necessarily have to munch on the exact snacks on this list; you can incorporate the ingredients in them into your daily diet. So, ladies, do any of these healthy snacks for perfect skin sound great to you? What do you eat for healthy skin? Share your secrets with us.

7 Fun Ways to Add New Fruits and Veggies to Your Diet.



7 Fun Ways to Add New Fruits and Veggies to Your Diet.

Have you ever thought about how to add new fruits and veggies to your eating plan instead of the typical tomato and broccoli? I tend to eat my favorite fruits and vegetables each day and stop thinking about adding something new to my diet. Eating the same fruits and veggies daily is an easy and quick way to get in a healthy eating rut. If you want to make your eating plan a bit different, try a few ways to add new fruits and veggies to your diet and you will see that there are many things which are much tastier than just steamed broccoli and chef salads.
Fun Ways to Add New Fruits and Veggies to Your Diet

1. Veggie bake

Veggie bake
Making a veggie bake is one of the most creative ways to get children or picky adults to consume more vegetables. To make a veggie bake, take vegetables such as sweet potato, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, carrots, and tomatoes, slice them lengthwise into thin strips and layer them in a casserole dish. On top of every layer, place a tiny drizzle of olive oil, tomato sauce, and fresh herbs like basil and oregano. Repeat the layers and topping again. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for an hour. It’s one of the easiest and healthiest dinners you can make and it’s a wonderful way to add new vegetables to your healthy diet.

2. Parfait

Parfait
If you want to try new fruit every morning, eating a breakfast parfait is a great way to do it. You can add two or three new fruits in your breakfast parfait every week. When making my breakfast parfait, I love to opt for fun colors that make it more appealing and delicious to eat. You can even switch up the colors every day to surprise your family each morning. I usually layer some fruits with organic Greek yogurt and add seeds, nuts, and sometimes cooked oatmeal to make it more filling. If you don’t like Greek yogurt, you can try coconut yogurt. Do you have picky kids? Parfaits are an amazing kid-like treat that your little ones will certainly enjoy eating for breakfast.

3. Smoothies

Smoothies
If you read my articles, perhaps you know that I’m a huge fan of healthy smoothies and I think they are a fantastic way to add more new fruits and veggies to any healthy eating plan. There are a great variety of smoothies to try, you just need to make sure that your smoothie is really healthy. I suggest adding some yogurt or almond milk, along with half a banana and some ice. You will be astonished at just how delicious and healthy this can be! The best thing about smoothie is that you can add endless veggies to it, even those you don’t like.

4. Sandwich

Sandwich
Have you ever tried using different vegetables on your sandwiches instead of cheeses or meats? I love to make a veggie sandwich out of sweet potato rounds, topped with some carrots, tomatoes, olive oil and chia seeds. You can also use fresh tomato and cucumber on whole grain bread and opt for a spread which is made of stone ground mustard. Get more creative with it and try some new fruit on your sandwich. Although I generally choose veggie sandwiches, I love to make sandwiches with sliced papaya and berries for my family. This week I’m going to try to make veggie based bread from steamed sweet potato slices, my coworker said it’s incredibly tasty. Well, let’s see!

5. Stir-fry

Stir-fry
One of my favorite ways to add new veggies to my diet is stir-fry. I often make a delicious dish of rice and various veggies, and add some low sodium sauce with grilled chicken. It’s a winsome way to try new veggies, especially if you have kids. Try to add some onion and garlic to your stir fry, and, if you want, branch out from zucchini and broccoli a bit. You can also go for sliced red bell peppers or eggplant, shredded cabbage or carrots. I recommend using low sodium soy-sauce to season your meal with. Instead of white rice, opt for brown rice or quinoa to make your dish healthier.

6. Juices

Juices
Juices are another sneaky way to try new fruits and veggies. I like to choose one new veggie every week to make a tasty juice. My latest new favorite veggies are dandelion greens, Swiss chard, and fennel. They are tasty and they are high in vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. Plus, they are easy to digest and they can improve your complexion. Don’t try too much fruits in your juices because they can increase the glycemic index. Try low sugar limes, lemons, and green apples to add more fruits to your diet.

7. Dips

Dips
Dips made from veggies may not seem tasty, but they actually are. My favorite is a sweet butternut squash dip, though I also like dips made from pureed avocados, tomatoes, zucchini and carrots. I usually eat these dips with celery sticks and whole grain bread. You can use spices and herbs to jazz up the flavor and enjoy something new every day. Fruit dips are also great, but I recommend mixing fresh fruits with a bit of yogurt because fruit dips are difficult to get smoother in texture. My favorite fruit dip is made of half banana, half pumpkin and a bit of vanilla. This makes a fabulous topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or muffins.
Now you see that there are many great ways to add more fruits and veggies to your healthy diet. Try a few of these ways and enjoy healthy and delicious meals every day! If you know other ways to add new fruits and veggies to a healthy eating plan, don’t forget to share them with us in the comments section. I’d like to try some new ideas and add them to my list!

10 Healthy Reasons to Eat Strawberries.

10 Healthy Reasons to Eat Strawberries.

The red, heart-shaped fruits, strawberries are not only tasty, but they’re also rich in essential nutrients that offer plenty of amazing health benefits. Even though the small woodland strawberries were renowned since Roman times, the first garden strawberries were grown in France during the late eighteenth century. Strawberries are very low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium, though they contain a small amount of unsaturated fatty acids in the strawberry seed oil. They are also high in a great number of vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin E. You can eat strawberries fresh or use them in preserves, pies, fruit juice, smoothies, fruit salads, ice creams, chocolates, and milkshakes. Here are a few healthy reasons why you should add strawberries to your diet.
Healthy Reasons to Eat Strawberries

1. Prevent heart disease

Prevent heart disease
Strawberries contain essential nutrients such as antioxidants and flavonoids that help prevent bad cholesterol buildup that can clog the arteries. Moreover, strawberries boast anti-inflammation properties, which are great for your heart. This is one of the top reasons to eat more strawberries.

2. Improve memory

Improve memory
If you are trying to improve your memory, consider adding some strawberries to your daily eating plan. They contain fisetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, which stimulates signaling pathways and helps boost your memory. According to a research published in Annals of Neurology, consuming 2 or more servings of strawberries weekly can help delay memory decline in older women.

3. Boost your immune system

Boost your immune system
High in Vitamin C, strawberries help boost your immune system and protect you from infections. A cup of strawberries contains 100% of your daily needs of Vitamin C. So make sure you eat enough strawberries during the strawberry season.

4. Prevent diabetes and constipation

Prevent diabetes and constipation
If you have constipation, you should clear your bowel movements by consuming enough fiber. Strawberries are high in fiber and they help control your blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes. Diabetics can eat strawberries without worrying since strawberries have a low glycemic index of 40.

5. Perfect skin

Perfect skin
Strawberries are packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C that help slow down aging process and keep your skin healthy and wrinkle-free for much longer. Strawberries are also a natural source of salicylic acid, a renowned acne fighter. They are perfect for any homemade face mask.

6. Prevent cancer

Prevent cancer
As I mentioned above, strawberries are rich in antioxidants that help prevent cancer. They contain antioxidants such as zeathanacins and lutein, which suppress cancer cell growth. The high Vitamin C content helps your immune system fight cancer cells.

7. Good for your bones

Good for your bones
One of the most important reasons to eat strawberries is because they are good for your bones. Strawberries are high in potassium, manganese and a few essential minerals that help promote bone growth and keep them healthy. Therefore, strawberries are good for children.

8. Help you lose weight

Help you lose weight
Since strawberries are low in calories (one cup has only 53 calories) they can help you lose weight. Strawberries are high in fiber that helps leave you feeling full longer and help you eat less if you have some strawberries before your meal. Plus, the high Vitamin C content speeds up your metabolism, and helps the body burn more calories quicker.

9. Prevent hair loss

Prevent hair loss
Strawberries contain folic acid, ellagic acid, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin B6, which help prevent your hair from thinning and falling out. Plus, minerals such as magnesium and copper help prevent fungal growth and dandruff. Homemade strawberry hair mask is also great for your hair.

10. Good for pregnant women

Good for pregnant women
Due to the high folate content, strawberries help in the baby’s brain, spinal cord and skull development. Moreover, strawberries contain folic acid that can save the baby from having some birth defects. If you are pregnant, consider including strawberries into your diet. You baby will thank you.
Strawberries boast plenty of amazing benefits and there are many reasons to eat them more. I hope this list helped you to find out something new about strawberries and you will add some to your eating plan. Do you like strawberries?

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

7 Awesome Healthy Foods to Bring to Work.

7 Awesome Healthy Foods to Bring to Work.

We used to eat numerous snacks during our working day, however, we rarely think of their health benefits and nutritious value to our body. If you want to stay positive and energetic at workplace, you have to pay much attention to the foods you consume for lunch. There are lots of people who prefer to take some foods from home instead of buying them at the nearest fast food restaurant. That is a great way to eat tasty dishes, to provide your body with all the necessary nutrients and save money at the same time. In case you don’t know what to eat at work, I recommend you to consider the following list of wholesome and nutritious foods that you can take from home.
Awesome Healthy Foods to Bring to Work

1. Sandwich

Sandwich
Without a doubt, a sandwich is the most popular choice for lunchtime at the office. It is a tasty and healthy snack that will help you to be full longer. Plus, you don’t need to spend much time to cook it. There is a big variety of sandwiches that you can try every day without getting bored. For those who tend to stick to a healthy diet it would be better to use sprouted grain bread for making sandwiches. You will certainly like the one with turkey, greens and organic mustard. Another option for a substantial lunch is a Mediterranean sandwich. Take some roast beef with peso, feta, onions, roast red peppers and put all these ingredients on a whole wheat bread. Your high-protein sandwich is ready.

2. Salad

Salad
Salad is an indispensable part of our daily menu. This is not only a yummy addition to your second course but it is also a perfect source of vitamins and minerals that will make you healthier and more beautiful. Try to eat salads with various veggies and leafy greens every day and you will have shiny hair and clear skin. I think it would be a splendid idea to take your favorite salad to work. This simple and light food will give enough energy for your body and brain to work efficiently throughout the day. For example, you can cook wholesome salads using such greens as baby spinach, kale and arugula.

3. Quinoa/ Rice Pilafs

Quinoa Rice Pilafs
In spite of the fact that these meals are non-traditional for lunch, they are really delicious and good for your health as well. Brown rice will supply your body with magnesium and fiber so that you will get extra energy to fulfill all your tasks. Being rich in protein quinoa is extremely beneficial for you. You can experiment with different fruits, vegetables and herbs while cooking rice pilaf or quinoa. That’s why you should definitely take these foods to work.

4. Soup

Soup
Perhaps it seems strange to bring soup to work, though this nourishing lunch will keep you full till the end of your working day. If it is summer, you’d better cook soups that taste good even chilled. Gazpacho is an excellent decision for this season. In winter, pureed and roasted soups are more preferable since they will make you feel warm and comfortable. As a rule vegetables are the basic ingredients of soups and by eating them you will get plenty of nutrients. I advise you to make your soup in advance and freeze it in small portions that you can easily take to work.

5. Leftovers from Last Night

Leftovers from Last Night
Very often we cook something delicious for dinner, so why not take a piece of roast chicken for lunch the next day? This way, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy tasty food and keep it from throwing away as it may be spoiled till you come back home. To make your meal healthier you should include green salad into your menu. I think this is the best use of leftovers from the night before.

6. Hummus Platters

Hummus Platters
Today more and more people choose to eat hummus platters for lunch at work. Vegetables like cucumbers, carrots and bell peppers are perfectly combined with hummus. Furthermore they are packed with antioxidants that have a positive impact on our body. Certainly, if you have just hummus for your lunch, it will not be enough to satisfy your hunger. Make sure you take some deli meat and a few slices of cheese which will add more proteins to your diet.

7. Other Unconventional Dishes for Lunch

Other Unconventional Dishes for Lunch
There is no need to stick to traditional lunch items while looking for foods to bring to work. You are free to pick from a number of meals you are craving for. Omelette with bacon and veggies can be a nice dish for lunch at work. Banana sandwich and peanut butter is another idea for a filling snack. These are not the only foods that you can consume at the office. Don’t limit yourself and incorporate something new and interesting into your eating plan. Keep in mind that salad with green vegetables should be an essential part of your daily meals.
Nutritious and healthy lunch is one of those things that influence your success at work. If you are hungry, you won’t be able to work hard and show good results. Thus, it is important for you to eat only wholesome foods at your workplace. Which dishes do you usually take to work? Would you like to try any of these foods for lunch?

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

10 Pretty Amazing Reasons to Eat Kale.



10 Pretty Amazing Reasons to Eat Kale.

There are many awesome reasons to consume kale on a regular basis. Kale is a wonderful nutrient-rich vegetable with some important health benefits. Kale can do a lot of wonders in your everyday diet and it can positively impact your health. Check out the list of 10 pretty amazing reasons to eat kale regularly.
Pretty Amazing Reasons to Eat Kale

1. Low in calories

Kale is rich in fiber, has no fat and low in calories. A cup of kale has 5 grams of fiber, 40 calories and 0 grams of fat. It’s excellent for helping improve the digestion process and make it much more efficient thanks to its high fiber content. Kale is also a wonderful weight loss food so be sure to add it to your diet. Plus, kale is packed with vitamins, nutrients, folate and magnesium.

2. Rich in calcium

Strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis by consuming kale. This leafy green has even more calcium than milk. Kale helps prevent bone loss and keep a healthy and more efficient metabolic rate. For stronger bones, be sure to eat a lot of kale on a regular basis.

3. Helps fight cancer

Since this leafy green is in the cabbage and broccoli family, it is filled with cancer-fighting phytonutrients. This means that kale can help you to fight cancer. I personally think this is a good reason to consume more kale, and you?

4. Great taste

I love the taste of kale. It tastes amazing with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of olive oil. You can also add a little sea salt. Place fresh kale leaves on a baking pan, bake for about 10 minutes and enjoy the best tasting and healthy kale chips. It has become a staple snack in my house. Give it a try and you’ll see why.

5. Helps cleanse the toxins from the body

If you are looking for a natural cleanser to get rid of toxins in your body, make sure you eat plenty of kale. Kale can also help improve your immune system as well as boost your energy levels. This green leafy vegetable is full of vitamins. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, which help improve your immune system.

6. Helps fight ovarian cancer

Kale is rich in an antioxidant, which is called maempferol. Many researchers found that maempferol helps fight ovarian cancer. So why not prevent cancer by eating this wonderful leafy green? If kale isn’t your favorite vegetable, try adding it to your green smoothie or omelette to reap all its benefits.

7. Perfect swap-out for Romaine lettuce

Now it’s time to move over romaine or spinach salad because there’s a healthier green that tastes awesome! Kale is a great swap-out for Romaine lettuce. It tastes great and has bigger health benefits than the other greens. Start eating your kale salad right now, you won’t regret it down the road.

8. Fights aging

Did you know that kale is one of the most powerful anti-aging foods? The thing is, kale is packed with powerful antioxidants as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants in kale help prevent aging and numerous serious diseases. Add kale to your green smoothie or salad, or snack on kale chips to fight those wrinkles.

9. Good for your eyes

High in carotenoids, kale is one of the best foods to eat for healthy eyes. Kale’s high Vitamin A content helps keep your eyes from optical disorders that may come with age. So if you’re interested in healthy eyes and amazing eyesight, make sure you incorporate kale into you daily diet.

10. Healthier skin, nails and hair

The perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in kale helps keep your body strong, beautiful and healthy from the inside out. Kale’s high concentration of essential nutrients gives the skin’s appearance and health a boost. If you experience hair breakage, try drinking kale juice that will help increase your hair elasticity.
As you can see, kale is just a nutritional powerhouse. It’s beneficial to our health in numerous ways. You can blend kale in a smoothie, stir fry it, juice it, steam it, chop it and add to your healthy salad or make kale chips. I like to stir fry kale with lemon juice and garlic. It tastes amazing! Do you eat kale frequently? How do you usually cook this green leafy vegetable? Please comment below.

Monday, 30 June 2014

10 Healthy Snacks for the Beach.



10 Healthy Snacks for the Beach.

Don’t just limit your beach foods to boxes of crackers and cookies or meat-packed sandwiches. You know these snacks have plenty of preservatives, salt and other ingredients that are not good for you. Take along some water or iced green tea, and these yummy healthy snacks and you will look great and feel great too! Moreover, consuming fresh foods on the beach is actually refreshing. Check out a few healthy snacks you can take to the beach!
Healthy Snacks for the Beach

1. Healthy snack bars

Healthy snack bars
Healthy snack bars are one of the best snacks for the beach. They contain raw ingredients that are good for you, and they are heat-stable, of course, if you don’t leave them lying out in the sun for the whole day. Just put some healthy bars in your bag and you are ready to go.

2. Pineapple

Pineapple
Pineapple is one of my favorite healthy snacks for the beach! It’s highly energizing from Vitamin C and natural sugars, as well as fiber, and it’s so tummy-friendly! Pineapples contain powerful enzymes that can help your digestion, keep your tummy flat and beat bloating. Before you go out onto the beach just chop some pineapples, put them in some plastic container and add a bit ginger that also has healthy benefits. Plus, pineapple is a great convenience food to store.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries
Everybody likes strawberries, right? Strawberries are low sugar berries to eat. They are packed with Vitamin C that is a great antioxidant. They also contain fiber to keep your blood sugar stable and keep you full. Strawberries are fun and healthy to eat and so easy to take along to the beach.

4. Carrots

Carrots
I like eating raw carrots when I want something nutritious and sweet. Snacking on only one cup can not only fill you up, but also prevent your body from harmful free radicals and nourish your body with beta-carotene that will make your skin glow. Carrots make amazing snacks when eaten alone or with some peanut butter or almond butter. Chop some carrots and put them into baggies to carry out on the beach.

5. Red bell peppers

 Red bell peppers
Another perfect beach snack is red bell peppers. They are crunchy, crisp, hydrating and sweet. Cut one red bell pepper into slices and eat anytime you want something sweet. They’re perfect for your weight and skin too. They contain fiber and Vitamin C, and are filled with water to keep you hydrated.

6. Raw almonds

Raw almonds
Filled with protein, magnesium, Vitamin E and B, raw almonds are also great for the beach. Magnesium is good for a sour mood, cramps and preventing headaches. Vitamin E protects your skin, healthy fats and protein in almonds keep your blood sugar stable, and Vitamin B energizes you and helps your metabolism. Make sure you eat almonds unsalted and raw to avoid bloating from roasted nuts and salt.

7. Low sodium tuna

Low sodium tuna
Tuna has no carbs, only 1 gram of fat, is packed with protein, Omega 3s, lean protein and B vitamins. Low sodium tuna will make you full for a longer period of time, and that means you can lay on the beach all day!

8. Muffins

Muffins
It’s hard to spend hours at the beach without at least one hearty meal. Sure, fruits and veggies are great, but homemade muffins are better, especially when you feel super hungry. Look for wholegrain, gluten-free and low-calorie recipes, and you’ll stick to your healthy eating plan even on the beach.

9. Popcorn

Popcorn
Popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks for the beach that will curb your cravings in a jiff! Popcorn is high in fiber and low in calories, of course, when you don’t use too much butter, salt, and bad oils. Making your own diet-friendly popcorn at home is a great way to eat healthy at the beach without worrying about your waistline
 

10. Snack mix

 Snack mix
Snack mix is a quick and easy beach snack that you can make in a moment. Just mix a handful of dried fruit, some nuts and a bit of seeds, and your own snack mix is ready! This snack is healthy and cheap – you may find all the ingredients you need at home.
What are your healthy snacks for the beach? Share your ideas, please!