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Raw Food Diet

September 15th, 2009

What exactly is the raw food detox diet, and how can it really benefit me? I mean, eating nothing but raw foods seems like it isn’t going to fulfill my nutritional needs, how can eating just vegetables really help my body? First, you have to understand how your body functions in order to properly understand the benefits of eating vegetables, and working them more and more into your daily diet as you progress to meeting your fitness goals. Vegetables have long been a staple of the Chinese and Tibetan diets, and they claim to have a big part in why they are able to live so long.

The way your internal systems work together develops over time, and with that, you end up storing toxins from food that hasn’t been completely digested, and plaque from fats that haven’t been passed through your bloodstream properly. When this happens, you usually end up suffering from a heart attack, or kidney and liver problems. The way to solve this though, is by getting the natural antioxidants, and chemicals found in the raw food diet that help your body to push the toxins out. This is why it is considered a detox diet, when in reality, it is just a natural diet that helps your body function the way it is supposed to. When you don’t have all of these leftover toxins stored up, you are going to feel better, look better, and generally have a better outlook on life all together.

When you are beginning the raw foods diet you probably aren’t going to notice much of a change, but as you gradually insert more and more of this diet plan into your life, you are going to notice that your hair is shinier, your face glows, your teeth feel whiter, there are so many benefits to eating natural foods, instead of man processed meats and frozen vegetables. The same goes for your animals as well, the dog raw food diet is great to keep their skin and coat healthy, remove that odor that follows them around, along with getting rid of bad breath. To top all of this off, eating natural vegetables is going to clear the enzymes and free radicals that build up in your blood stream, allowing both of you to live longer, happier healthier lives. If you haven’t taken a look at the raw food detox diet, what are you waiting on? There are some great raw foods diet recipes available where you won’t even believe you are eating raw food!  You can also incorporate the benfits of raw food throught drinking wheatgrass everyay.  Wheatgrass benefits are a great addition to a regular diet if you don’t want to go completely raw.   Either way, incorporate raw food into your diet as much as you can for a healthier body.

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How To Get Rid Of Cellulite

September 13th, 2009

Of all the things that women have to worry about, how to get rid of cellulite shouldn’t be one of them. This unsightly building up of fatty tissue under the surface of the skin is something that can be avoided as long as you understand exactly what causes it. These small dimples in the skin are caused by bulged through cell walls under the skins middle layer. When these bulges pull on the connective tissue that tend to create the ever so popular dimples underneath the first layer of skin.

Most people used to believe that there was nothing that could be done about cellulite, but more and more research is being done, that is proving exactly the opposite. Scientists are now figuring out how to get rid of cellulite with exercise and a lifestyle change. There is still no perfect way for how to get rid of cellulite fast, but that is something that the scientists are actively working on. You can bet that once they come up with a solution for this huge problem facing women everywhere, that there is going to be a lot of talk about it.

For most women though, they are going to be too embarrased to go in front of a doctor or dermatologist, and explain what is going on. If this is you, or you could imagine that you may be uncomfortable talking to a physician about what is going on, then there may be a way for how to get rid of cellulite at home, but you are going to have to work on this one. Anything worth having doesn’t come easy after all. Once you have implemented the lifestyle changes, they are going to become part of your every day life, and you won’t have to worry about cellulite again.

Maintaining the proper diet, getting extra water intake, taking a quality multivitamin, using a good cellulite lotion  and exercising using slow moving exercise techniques, you are going to stand the best chance at learning how to get rid of cellulite without surgery. This is the goal of so many women, and for good reason. Not only are women across the world just not comfortable talking about these issues with doctors, who are usually men, but they are afraid that they are going to be told that there is no help, or they are going to have to have surgery to fix it.

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Fat Burner Remedies

September 3rd, 2009
For the best natural fat burners you may not have to look any farther than your own kitchen.  Apple cider vinegar and  green tea  are both the best fat burners with or without a prescription!

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

It seems like the apple cider vinegar diet has been around for awhile….could be it works!  Everyone has heard the saying,  “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.  It’s true!  Apples are an excellent food.  They provide tons of fiber, vitamins and minerals. They help break down fat, detox the body and flush toxins out of the system.  Apple Cider vinegar has the same properties as the apples it’s made from.  People who use it regularly swear by it.  1 tablespoon  of acv in a glass of water sweetened by some honey or maple syrup is all you need before each meal. Not only does it cut your appetite, it alkalizes your body.  This is where the magic happens.  An acidic body holds onto weight to protect itself from the toxins.  When you alkalize, your body releases the toxins and no longer needs the weight as protection.  Besides weightloss, many people report a reduction in allergies, beautiful hair and skin, better digestion and elimination and an increase in energy and vitality.

 

Green Tea

Green tea stimulates the metabolism and accelerates weight loss.  It contains very powerful antioxidants called catechin polyphenols which activate the enzyme responsible for dissolving excess fat or triglycerides in the body.  The polyphenols along with the caffeine in green tea makes it the best fat burner.  It creates thermogenesis which burns your body’s fat  as fuel. Instead of coffee in the morning, brew up a pot of green tea to get your metabolism going.

So before you waste your money on expensive fat burner pills, try some healthy green tea or apple cider vinegar first.

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Diet Foods

September 2nd, 2009

Beware any food that calls itself “diet foods”.  Often it is a low-fat, sugar-free or low-sugar, pre-packaged food that may be low in calories, but also low in any  nutritional value.  Many of these diet foods are sweetened with aspartame which is a known neuro-toxin that can wreak havoc on your body.  Aspartame poisoning is known to mimic the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Splenda is another sweetener that was promised to be the next best thing, but is now coming under scrutiny for its safety concerns.  Splenda is suppose to be as sweet as sugar with none of the calories.  Unfortunately, long term studies of Splenda have never been conducted and evidence against its good benefits is mounting.  Artificial sweeteners as food additives are not subject to the same strict regulations as pharmaceutical drugs by the FDA.  Most testing of artificial sweeteners are funded by the food industry which obviously has quite a vested interest in it’s success.  Foods with these artificial sweeteners also spike your blood sugar and deliver empty calories which leave you hungry soon after you have eaten them.

The best diet foods for weight  loss  are whole, healthy foods. When you eat whole foods, you are not always hungry because you are not eating chemicals and high fructose corn syrup that keeps you addicted and hungry.  Whole healthy foods are like mother nature’s appetite suppressant.   Whole foods are also a benefit to diabetics.  Foods that are grown in the earth, not manufactured in a factory.  Many good diet foods include fresh fruits and vegetables that you can eat as much as you want.  They are loaded in fiber, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals that your body needs to burn and break down fat cells.  A whole food diet consists of whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta, and lean proteins like turkey, chicken or lean cuts of beef.  Substituting heavy creams and oils with applesauce, riccotta cheese and yougurt is also a great way to lighten foods up.  I like to visit my friend’s  site to learn tips on lightening up Italian food - my favorite!   A good rule of thumb to follow is if mother nature didn’t make it, don’t eat it.  A whole food diet will give you energy, vitality and all the nutrients you need to get you through the day in top form.

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Fat Burning Foods

September 2nd, 2009

Beyond counting calories, eating the correct foods can really help speed up weight loss.  Here is a list of foods that when eaten regularly will aid your body to burn fat faster for quick weight loss.

Dairy

The calcium in dairy make it one of the best foods that burn fat, especially dangerous belly fat.  Studies have shown that if you eat yogurt 3 times daily, you could lose up to 60% more fat than those who don’t.  Low-fat yogurt, cheese or milk are all great choices when it comes to eating your dairy.  For those that are lactose intolerant, collard and turnip greens, broccoli, tofu and calcium fortified orange juice are also  excellent sources of calcium.

Eggs

Eggs have always gotten a bad rap, but they are one of the world’s most perfect food and one of the best fat burning foods.   Not only are eggs a great source of lean protein, but the yolk is shock full of most vitamins and minerals, except for vitamin C.  Because it is a  lean protein, eggs will fill you up and keep you full for a long time. Eggs are loaded with vitamin B12 that breaks down fat cells- so they are a natural fat burning food.

Grapefruit

Grapefruits have a 90% water content which helps to boost metabolism.  Grapefruit has fat burning enzymes and is also known to help lower insulin which is a hormone that stores fat.  Eating 1/2 a grapefruit, or a 2 ounce glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice before every meal can help you lose up to a pound a week. Grapefruit is also very alkalizing to the body which helps to neutralize toxins. Some believe fat is accumulated to protect the body from acidic toxins that can be harmful.  Grapefruit helps to neutralize these toxins and flush them out of the body. It also aids in hunger control.  Eaten before meals grapefruit will cut caloric consumption.  It is a great fat burning food.

Water

Water is the most essential food that our body needs.  Our bodies are over 95% water.  Many of us are walking around dehydrated and don’t even know it.  When you body doesn’t get enough water, it will hold on to fat and water.  Often times what you think of as hunger pains will be satisfied by drinking a glass of water.  Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.  It is after all, the ultimate lowest calorie foods you can eat!

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The Master Cleanse Diet

September 1st, 2009

The Master Cleanse Diet, also called the Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet,  is a full body cleanse which is divided into 3 phases.

1. The Ease In

2. The Lemonade Diet

3.  The Ease Out

The Ease In Phase

The Ease In is the start of the Master Cleansing diet.    For 3 days you begin to prepare your body for detox and less food.

Day 1:  Eat only fruits and vegetables.  Remove all meat, grain and processed foods from your diet.

Day2:  Drink only fruit and vegetable juice.  Here you start preparing your body for a liquid diet.    You may make soup broths if you do not have access to a juicer.

Day 3:  Mix  freshly squeezed orange juice with water and 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup to make 2 liters.  Drink all day.
 
The Lemonade Diet Phase
 
This phase  of the Master Cleanse diet is when you consume lemonade for at least 3 days minimum , hopefully 10 days if you can.  Some people do this diet for 40 days, even longer.  3 days gives plenty of benefit to your body, but it gets alot easier after the 3rd day, so you might as well go longer if you can. 
For the lemonade you’ll need the following:
2-3 large lemons
14 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 liter of water (alkaline of possible)
Be sure you make your lemonade fresh eash morning.  Whenever you get thirsty, drink your lemonade, but remember that’s all you get for the day so pace yourself.
Salt Water Flush
During the lemonade phase of the Diet, you will need to do daily salt flushes.  This is necessary because your body is removing alot of toxins and you want to flush them out of your system to detox.   For this add 1 teaspoon of sea salt to a liter of water, shake and drink .  An hour or so later you will be heading for the toilet and bring a book to read.  Most likely you’ll be in there a while.
The Ease Out Phase
 
The Ease Out phase is the same as the ease in only in reverse.
Day 1:  Mix freshly squeezed orange juice with water and 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup with water – enough to make 2 liters.  Drink all day.
Day 2:  Drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices all day.  Soup broths are okay too.
Day 3:  Eat only fresh fruits and vegetables.  Do not eat meat, grain or any processed foods. 
Try to maintain a healthy diet after your completion of the Master Clease diet.  Steer clear of all white and processed foods, sugars and anything that is not a whole food.

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9 Powerful Appetite Suppressant Foods!

August 30th, 2009

Sure, you can spend a lot of money on over the counter appetite suppressants that don’t work but why not do it the best and most economical way? When it comes to keeping hunger at bay, the best way is to eat right.  There are certain foods that actually help you feel full longer and help suppress your appetite.  You need to train yourself to eat healthy anyway even if you do take appetite suppressant  pills, otherwise you will gain your weight right back.  All foods that work to suppress your hunger are rich in fiber or protein.    Here are some of the best foods to naturally suppress appetite while you also get superior nutrition.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is super high in fiber, vitamins and and citrus acid that alkalizes your body and cuts cravings significantly.  Eat a ruby red grapefruit or drink a glass of freshly squeezed juice when you are hungry and see if it doesn’t help.

Apples

Apples are also super high in fiber and require alot of crunch time. Edgar Cayce, the medical intuitive, recommended  a 3 day apple fast for those who were seeking weightloss.  Besides having anti-inflammatory properties, the apples sweep your digestive system clean allowing for proper elimination. Studies show people who eat an apple before a meal may reduce their caloric intake by up to 50%!
Oatmeal

Real oatmeal, not the instant pre-packaged kind, is a great way to start your day.  The fibrous oats will keep your engine burning for quite a while without raising your blood sugar.  Oatmeal also helps reduce cholesterol.

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts contain the highest amount of protein than any other nut or seed.  In the Middle East, pine nuts are a must for long dessert journeys because of their appetite suppressant effects.  The pinolenic acid works to suppress hunger hormones and keep you satiated for long periods of time.

Flaxseed

Flaxseeds come a close second in suppressing hunger.   Rich in fiber and Omega 3′s, flaxseeds help prevent cancer, lower cholesterol and keep you full longer.  Mix a tablespoon in your next smootie, or sprinkle some on your oatmeal for a super nutritious breakfast that will ward off hunger.

Soup

People who eat 2 bowls of broth or vegetable soup daily lose 50% more weight than those who don’t eat soup.  Rich in vitamins, minerals and water, you’ll find yourself eating much less at mealtime.

Whey Protein Powder

Have a whey protein drink in between meals to turn off your hunger hormones.  Whey protein powder contains all the amino acids to keep you satisfied until lunch or dinner.  Read  discount supplements reviews to find the best prices on protein powder.

Water

Some many people are dehydrated and don’t even know it.  Often, people reach for food when they are really only thirsty.  Drink a large glass of water next time hunger hits to rehydrate and fill up your tummy.  Adequate water is needed for healthy weight loss.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a herbal appetite supressant that lowers blood sugar, cholesterol,  and triglycerides.  It contains polyphenols-antioxidants that are great for your cardiovascular health.  Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on apple slices for a delicious satisfying snack.

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Detox Diet

August 22nd, 2009

Every now and then it’s good  to detoxify the  body with a good cleanse. Physically and spiritually, I find cleanses to be extremely beneficial.  When I slow my digestive system down, I can feel a window open to the Divine.  I am able to just be.  It’s amazing.  I feel my presence expanded and I am more at one with the world .  I totally get why Jesus fasted for 40 days.  Yes, it’s hard, but only for the first 3 days.  That’s when the benefits start to come.  It’s also good to lose a few pounds with too!  It seems to be a natural appetite suppressant.

Detox diets are a great way to cleanse your organs.  When your liver is de-congested you’ll find it much easier to lose weight.  You’ll be happier too because the liver holds on to anger.   When it’s cleansed, it also releases pent up emotions. I always shed a few tears when I detox, but after they are released, I feel soooo much better.  My whole being feels much lighter and present.

There are many detox diet plans on the internet claiming to cure all kinds of ills.  The raw food detox diet, the 3 day detox diet, a maple syrup diet, the master cleanse, the fruit detox diet, to name a few.  How do you know which is the best detox diet to follow?

Pick the one you feel most guided to.  I do a juice detox plan I made up myself.  The important thing is you release the toxins and rest your organs.    I start my mornings with a warm glass of lemon water with maple syrup and a little cayenne pepper.  An hour later I drink fresh squeezed carrot juice. At 1 pm and 3pm  I have fresh  apple juice.  If needed, I will give my self an organic coffee enema.  Sounds gross, but it really helps detox headaches and gets things moving.  I continue this same routine for at least 5 days and hopefully 7.

I was told if you must have food, have an avocado or banana.  Drink Plenty of water.  After the initial 3 days of feeling achy, tired and sometimes sick as the toxins are leaving my body, I feel very clear and present.  Once I get to this point I can keep going pretty easy.  It’s best to do this when you don’t have a whole lot planned.  Rest as much as you can.
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Low Calorie Foods for Yummy Snacks!

June 17th, 2009

It’s important to eat 5 times a day to keep your metabolism burning.  I believe the food pyramid should be an inverted triangle with breakfast being the largest meal, and then eating less and less throughout the day.  In between meals, low calorie food snacks will keep your engine running, but be sure to  eat nutritious low calorie foods, not junk food.   The healthiest low calorie foods seem like they would be boring,  but I’ve  put together a list of diet low calorie foods that are anything but boring.  Snacks should ideally be around the 100 calorie mark if your intending to lose weight.  Protein low calorie food choices are always  good because they will act as an appetite suppressant to definitely keep you full longer.  Here is my low calorie food list of healthy, great snacks to aid in weight loss.  Combine these with daily exercise for the fastest way to lose weight.   Enjoy!

 Air popped popcorn,  3 cups ( the lowest calorie foods)

 String cheese

grapefruit

banana

Hummus and veges (2 tablespoons)

1 cup yogurt with fresh blueberries or strawberries

6 high-fiber, fat free crackers

1 hard boiled egg

10 almonds Frozen blueberries (blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity)

 Apple – The high fiber content of apples help curb cravings and shrink your waist!

Whey High protein smoothie

Protein Bar Recipe

 turkey meat rolled with mustard and a pickle inside

Celery with 2 tablespoons peanut or almond butter

1/2 cup non-fat cottage cheese with pineapple

 2 Clementines

Fruit Salad

Hermit Cookies. This cookie is shock full of nutients and is great for a snack or for breakfast on the go.

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

 1/2 protein powder

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground mace

1/8 tsp ground cardamom

 1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup olive oil

 1/2 cup agave nectar

4 egg whites

1/2 cup unsulphered black strap molasses

1/2 apple sauce

1 tbsp vanilla

 2 tbsp plain low fat yogurt

 1 cup sultana raisins

1/2 cup dried unsweetened cranberries

1 cup unsalted, raw, slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 350*F.  Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Sift all dry ingredients and spices together in a large mixing bowl.  Cream olive oil and agave nector together until smooth.  In a seperate bowl, beat egg whites together and add olive oil mixture.  Mix well.  Add molases, applesauce, vanilla and yogurt.  Mix well.  Add raisins, cranberries and almonds.  The dough should form a ball.  It’s okay to use hands.  Wrap ball of dough with plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours.  Use a spoon to make small balls and line the cookie sheet.  You can use a fork to press down gently.  Bake 10 minutes until lightly browned. Each cookie has 90 calories and 5 grams of fat.

Bon Apetite!

 

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Nutritious Low Calorie Foods for Dinner

June 14th, 2009

Dinner should be the lightest meal of the day, but full of nutritious low calorie foods.    When it’s cold, I love warm homemade soups.  In the summer,  grilled organic vegetables with salmon or chicken breasts. Light and simple.  You are preparing your body to rest for the night.  If you overburden your digestive system with heavy food, then you get heartburn and any unused calories  end up stored away as fat.    A good rule of thumb is to stop eating anything but fruit after a certain hour.  When I’m good, I don’t like to eat past 7 pm.  In the summer, It’s easy to get in the habit of eating late because the sun stays out so long.  The later you eat, the lighter it should be.  Be sure you use healthy low calorie foods like the ones listed below.

Here are some of my delicious low calorie foods  for dinners that I love to eat!

Grilled Vegetables with Wild Alaskan Salmon.  There is no better way to eat your veges than to grill them.  I love to slice zucchini, sweet onion, asparagus, and tomatoes or any high fiber low calorie foods you have in the fidge.   I coat them with olive oil, then grill them slowly for 20 minutes or so.  While I’m grilling my vegetables, I marinate the salmon.  I like to use Makoto’s ginger dressing for a spicy, sweet gingery flavor, or sometimes a dressing made with fresh squeezed lemon, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt.  . When the vegetables are finished, I grill the salmon.   I like to garnish with a few bits of crystallized ginger on top.   That’s it!  Simple and easy.   Even my 7 year old son loves this meal!

Vegetable soup. There is nothing like a warm bowl of soup to fill your tummy on  a chilly evening.  This recipe is my weight loss special.  It’s on the top of my healthiest low calorie foods list.   I love to eat it for snacks too.

Saute 2 onions and 3 carrots in garlic and olive oil until slightly tender.  Add 8 cups water and bring to a boil.  Add chicken bouillon,   2 diced potatoes (skins off),  1/2 shredded cabbage, 2 cans dices tomatoes and a little bit of tomato paste.   Add the zucchini last for a filling low calorie dinner.

Taco salad. This is one of my favorite high energy low calorie foods. Brown turkey and add  taco powder.  Make a salad of shredded  romaine lettuce , red leaf, or whatever kind you prefer.  Top with a 1/2 cup taco meat, 1/4 cup salsa of your choice, a dollop of low-fat sour cream and sprinkle a tablespoon of cheddar cheese for a filling low calorie dinner.    Delicious!

Greek Lentil Salad. This is the most nutrient dense low calorie foods I make.  Everything is so good for you!  Mix 1/2 cup drained canned lentils with 1/4 cup each of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion.  Dress with 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of oregano and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.  This Salad is shock full of filling low calorie foods!

Bon Apetite!

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Healthy Low Calorie Foods for Lunch

June 13th, 2009
Green coral lettuce
Image by kerryj.comvia Flickr

If  breakfast is the most important meal of the day, lunch definitely comes a close second!  It’s almost midway through the day, and it’s important to re-fuel yourself, but not to eat too heavy that you want to fall asleep at your desk.  I love to eat big salads with protein for the healthiest low calorie foods.  I like to stay around 350-400 calories or so for lunch.   Here are some of my healthiest low calorie favorites!

Garden salad with lean protein. I love to mix baby spinach with arugula.  I add celery, tomatoes, carrots and about 3-4 ounces of lean chicken, salmon, or tuna.  Don’t skimp on the spinach or vegetables becasue they are the lowest calorie foods. Salads are some of the most nutritious low calorie foods you can eat.   If you like , you can add a tablespoon of goat or feta cheese for added flavor.  I dress it with a mix of  olive oil, crushed garlic clove, Celtic sea salt to taste and a lot of fresh squeezed lemon juice. I’ve gotten use to salad dressings without vinegar.   Fresh Lemon alkalizes your body.  I use it on almost everything!

Fresh Vegetables with Hummus.    Yum, yum, yum…what else can I say about hummus!  .  Hummus is not that high in fat.  It’s got the good fat – olive oil.  I eat about 1/2 cup at lunch with all the fresh, filling low calorie vegetables I have on hand.  Crisp celery, sugar snap peas, carrots, or just about any vegetable you prefer is delicious.  This is soooo easy and provides lots of high fiber low calorie foods for lunch!

Vegetable sandwich on Eskiel bread.  Eskiel bread is my all time favorite!  It’s loaded with fiber and made from sprouted grain full of enzymes my body needs.    I prefer the sesame. I keep it in the freezer and toast it to make sandwiches.   I know in Weight Watchers each slice is 1 point.  I like to spread the bread with mustard , then layer lettuce, sprouts, dill pickles, sweet onion, tomato and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.  Every now and then I’ll add avocado if I have some and can afford the extra calories.   The whole sandwich is 4-6 points, depending if you have the avocado or not.

Quinoa with lightly steamed vegetables.  Quinoa is considered a perfect protein.  Quinoa is a South American grain.  It’s been around for over 6000 years.  The Incas considered it sacred and called it the “mother of all grain”.  I like to cook quinoa in chicken broth.  When there’s about 5 minutes left to cook, I throw in  cut up vegetables to soften them a bit.  I like to use celery, asparagus and zucchini, or any healthy low calorie foods of your choice.   I eat it with fresh squeezed lemon and often a tablespoon of humus mixed in.  Simply divine!

Bon Apetite!

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Healthy Low Calorie Foods for Breakfast

June 11th, 2009
A tablespoon of rolled oats
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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s your fuel for the day, so make it count.  Make sure to eat high energy low calorie foods to get you  going.   Eggs, whole-grain porridge,  even pancakes can be very sustaining low calorie foods for breakfast if you don’t eat too much!  My husband cooks me an omelette with fresh vegetables most mornings! I’m a pretty lucky woman!

The key to keeping any food low-calorie is to eat in moderation.  Eat like the French!  They really do know how to eat.  Fresh whole foods, butter, cheese, but only a little bit.  No deprivation, only moderation.  Small bites of rich foods are very satisfying and will keep you full longer..

Water.Before you eat anything, drink 16 ounces of water to flush out your body.  Our bodies have been working very hard through the night cleansing and repairing itself.  Water will help flush out toxins and hydrate the body.  It will also fill you up.  Drink  a lot of water throughout the day.  It’s one of the most low calorie foods there is… and it’s free!   At the first sign of hunger, always drink a glass of water before you eat, especially if you need rapid weight loss today.  That may be all you need.


Eggs.  1-2 Whole egg omelet with fresh, sauted asparagus, garlic, onion, tomatoes and zucchini (any vegetable you like.)

Eggs are the most nutrient dense low calorie  foods there is. The only nutrient they lack is vitamin C. They’re great lean protein, easy to carry, and very versatile. My acupuncturist scolded me once when I told her I only ate egg whites.  She said the richest part of the egg is the yolk.  Eggs are important for our brain.  Good fat. So good for you!  I’ve eaten them ever since.

Steel Cut Oats.  Yummy topped with 1 tbsp. agave syrup and cinnamon.  Steel cut oats seem to keep me satiated longer than rolled oats.  This is because they are very high fiber low calorie foods.  I also like how chewy they are!  I love blue agave syrup because it’s as sweet as honey, only low on the glycemic index.   Agave syrup and cinnamon mixed together will definitely keep your blood sugar even.

Pancakes.

1 c. buckwheat flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

2 tbsp. sugar

1 egg beaten

1 c. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

If I’m not focused on food combining, I’ll eat a pancake made with buckwheat flour.  You can use whole wheat if you like, but I try to stay gluten-free when I can.   Combine flour with an egg and some milk.  Stir to consistency desired and top with pure maple syrup, honey or dip in applesauce.  Whole grain pancakes are very filling, but don’t over do it.  One large or 2 smaller pancakes are enough when you are counting calories.    Fresh blueberries in the batter make it even yummier still! 

Bon Apetite!

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Healthy Low-Calorie Foods Guide for Weight Loss

June 7th, 2009
Hummus from The Nile restaurant, Chicago.
Image via Wikipedia

No one likes to feel hungry.  The best way to stay full is to either eat foods with a  ton of fiber, or a little fat!  A healthy diet needs both.

Fiber.  High fiber low calorie foods cleanse our digestive track and keep everything moving smoothly so toxins don’t have a chance to accumulate and be absorbed.   High fiber diets have been shown to aid in losing excess body fat and lowering blood pressure. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads, beans and legumes are all great choices.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are the lowest caorie foods.   The National Cancer  Institute recommends 20-35 grams of fiber daily.  Nutrient dense low calorie foods don’t have to be boring!  Eskiel Bread is my staple.  I love it!  My favorite lunch is celery, sugar snap peas and carrots with 1/2 cup hummus.  Trader Joe’s tahini- free Hummus is my favorite.  Not to high in fat and extra lemony!

Fats. My choice of fats is extra-virgin olive oil.   I love to make a dressing of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic and sea salt. I make a big batch of it and keep it handy.  I drizzle  it on salads and vegetables.  I will even  marinate fish in it.  I also enjoy butter,  cheese, yogurt and eggs.  I just don’t over do it.   Trans fats are the bad ones.  Anything partially hydrogenated I stay far away from.  It’s even in ketchup – so be careful!  Fats are essential for keeping your hormones balanced and also work as an appetite suppressant – keeping you full longer.

Food combining principles based on the body ecology diet say not to eat carbs with fats because  you will gain weight.   As you are aware, fats aren’t exactly the lowest calorie food.  They also say you can eat as much protein and good fat as you like as long as you don’t mix with carbs.    Whether you believe in food combining or not, experience tells me when I do mix carbs and fat,  I tend to gain weight easier.  So just to be safe,  no matter if I food combine or not, I always like to stay under about 1300 calories a day.  That’s about 25 points a day if you do Weight Watchers.  I’ll give myself an extra 200 calories if I work out that day.

I have found that the best way to lose weight is to remain under a certain amount of calories (or points) and eat the best food possible.  We need fats, but not too much.  A tablespoon of oil in our dressing, 1/2 cup of hummus with our fresh vegetables, salmon – all are excellent fats.  I have comprised a filling, low-calorie food  guide of some of my favorite healthy foods for you to enjoy.

Stay away from processed foods.  Most “low-fat” foods that come out of a box or a bag are refined carbohydrates and will pack on the pounds.  I eat filling low calorie foods to keep trim.  When I reach for a pre-packaged “diet” food, although it may be low-calorie, I am hungry very soon after.  It’s then sooo much harder to stay within my calorie goal of the day.


 


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