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Herbs & Spices - Buying Tips

7/15/2013

Sprig of Thyme

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between herbs and spices? I have. Well, herbs come from plants (and parts of plants) and spices come from seeds, bark and roots from plants and berries.

Here are some tips, from "Herbs & Spices: The Amazing Health Benefits Of Herbs & Spices And How To Implement Them Into Your Diet"

Herbs and Spices taste much better when combined with any type of food. Eating them alone will not do much good. They'll be bland. It's best to add them to foods you enjoy. Experiment with flavors!
They don't cost much.
Always check the "Best Before" seal so you are sure of their freshness.
They overtake fruit and vegetables in the healing category. For a great snack, try sprinkling cinnamon on apples. So tasty!
Use the herbs when they are fresh to be sure they are more flavorful.
When you purchase fresh herbs, be sure to try and cook them as soon as possible. You want to take advantage of their flavor to enhance the dish.
Be sure to clean herbs thoroughly by running cold water on the leaves. It will flush out the soil and small bugs that feed on them.
When buying spices, be sure to seal the containers to lock in their aroma and freshness.

Next, some tips on how herbs and spices bring the best medical benefits for your health!

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High Carb Meals Pique Cravings

6/27/2013

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It's tempting to have that bagel or toast, pancakes or waffles; even shredded wheat or Grapenuts. Just know that eating a meal with a high glycemic load (like the foods I just mentioned) sends blood glucose levels skyrocketing, boosts hunger and piques a desire for more. This according to a new study at Harvard Medical School. Four hours after you've put down your fork or spoon, a high carb meal will make you hungrier than if you'd eaten one with more protein and fiber. The echo of that meal activates regions of the brain associated with craving and reward seeking more powerfully than a meal with a lower glycemic load.

Get out your blender in the morning and make some smoothies with wonderful fruit, veggies, yogurt, any kind of milk; be creative! Just limit those carbs. Hey, like I wrote last week, put a big spoon of peanut or almond butter to offset any sugar you consume.

Your body will thank you for it. Here's a helpful chart to use as a guide. Print it out and put it on the fridge.

http://web.mit.edu/athletics/sportsmedicine/wcrhighcarbs.html

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Plant-Based Diet (Vegan) Dos & Don'ts

4/25/2013

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Nutritional Yeast - good source of B12

I have been on a plant-based diet for over 8 months now. It hasn't always been easy but getting easier each day. My incentive to continue? I've never felt better. I'm usually able to find vegan options at just about any restaurant (even a beer garden where they have LOTS of meat and dairy meals).

I've had a few people write me asking for some tips on going on a diet of this type...mostly for detoxing or cleansing for a few weeks. So, here are some suggestions.

It's always good to research for yourself so be sure to do that.

Eat a wide variety of fresh vegetables.
Stick as close to nature as possible.
East mostly organic vegetables. Why go on a diet where fruits and vegetables are the main component if you're going to ingest the chemicals sprayed on them?
No matter what kind of diet you are on, you want to be sure you get a vast variety of foods. Be sure to get a range of whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables and a little of nuts and seeds.
All the fruits and vegetables with the different colors of the rainbow represent the different phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health.
Make sure you get enough vitamin B12. It’s the only nutrient you cannot get from plant-based foods. It’s made in bacteria and that is how you get it from animals...because animals consume it and its in their stomachs. You should get 2000-2500 mcg (micrograms) every single week. 1 milligram is equal to 1000 micrograms. You can take bits of it throughout the week or take one lump sum once a week. It is available in sub-lingual tablets (in my opinion, the best way to take it for it goes straight into the bloodstream), complex B vitamin supplements which contain B12, nutritional yeast and a lot of fortified plant-based milks. Don’t miss your B12 because you can end up with neurological problems and not realize it until it’s too late.
Maintain a social network so that you don’t isolate yourself. Look for groups through meet-ups, potlucks, social networks, blogs. Maintain connection and it will help you feel good and have the support you need to keep going and feel fabulous about what you’re doing.

Have fun!

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Avoid these foods if you want to lose weight

4/19/2013

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Adapted from natural.tv

Ohhhh...You've heard it before. Stay away from this. Stay away from that if you want to lose weight. Well, it's true and I'm going to list 10 foods you shouldn't EVER eat if you are working on losing weight. But it's also important to remember there are foods you NEED to eat in order to stay healthy (I've written before about them and will continue to do so in the future).

If you're like me, and have a sweet tooth, you can still enjoy sweet snacks but only in moderation. BUT, and it's a big but (not adding that second "t" to that word as tempting as it is), you must ABSOLUTELY take no bite of these 10 No Nos. Just tellin' ya! As a matter of fact, I won't lecture you on the bad things about each one of these foods. I trust your intelligence. You'll know what's wrong with them.

1 - Fast food
2 - Potato chips
3 - Soda
4 - Candy bars
5 - Ice cream
6 - Delivery pizza
7 - Bacon
8 - Hot dogs (okay...I can't resist...WHO KNOWS WHAT'S IN THAT STUFF??? UGH!)
9 - Sausage (20 grams fat, 10 grams saturated fat, 1000 mg sodium - need I say more?)
10 - Fried snacks

Remember, exercise moderation in your diet with all foods (but keep these 10 bad boys out - especially if you're trying to lose weight and don't know the meaning of "moderation"). Avoid large meals and pay attention to what you're eating - be mindful. Eating right and avoiding overeating will make better health and weight loss a reality. I promise you.

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Herbs & Spices - Buying Tips

High Carb Meals Pique Cravings

Plant-Based Diet (Vegan) Dos & Don'ts

Avoid these foods if you want to lose weight

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