TEN AMAZING BENEFITS OF MATCHA GREEN TEA

Here we give you ten great reasons to enjoy a cup of Matcha Green Tea as part of your daily routine.

1. High in Antioxidants

We’ve all read this word before. Antioxidants are the magical nutrients and enzymes responsible for fighting against the negative effects of UV radiation, giving us younger-looking skin, and preventing a number of life-threatening maladies. Antioxidants are something that all health-conscious individuals seek from such foods as raw fruits, green veggies, and (let’s not forget) dark chocolate. The first amazing benefit of Matcha Green Tea is that just one bowl provides over 5 times as many antioxidants as any other food – the highest rated by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) met.

2. Loaded with Catechin, EGCg

You may have already heard that not all antioxidants are created equal. Green tea contains a specific set of organic compounds known as catechins. Among antioxidants, catechins are the most potent and beneficial. One specific catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) makes up 60% of the catechins in Matcha Green Tea. Out of all the antioxidants, EGCg is the most widely recognized for its cancer fighting properties. Scientists have found that Matcha Green Tea contains over 100 times more EGCg than any other tea on the market.

3. Enhances Calm

For over a millennium, Matcha Green Tea has been used by Chinese Daoists and Japanese Zen Buddhist monks as a means to relax and meditate while remaining alert. Now we know that this higher state of consciousness is due to the amino acid L-Theanine contained in the leaves used to make Matcha. L-Theanine promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain which induces relaxation without the inherent drowsiness caused by other “downers.”

4. Boosts Memory and Concentration

Another side-effect of L-Theanine is the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals serve to enhance mood, improve memory, and promote better concentration – something that can benefit everyone!


5. Increases Energy Levels and Endurance

Samurai, the noble warriors of medieval and early-modern Japan, drank Matcha Green Tea before going into battle due to the tea’s energizing properties. While all green tea naturally contains caffeine, the energy boost received from Matcha is largely due to its unique combination of other nutrients. The increased endurance from a bowl of Matcha Green Tea can last up to 6 hours and because of the effects of L-Theanine, Matcha drinkers experience none of the usual side-effects of stimulants such as nervousness and hypertension. It’s good, clean energy.

6. Burns Calories

Drinking Matcha Green Tea has also been shown to increase metabolism and help the body burn fat about four times faster than average. Again, unlike many diet aides currently on the market, Matcha causes no negative side-effects such as increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
7. Detoxifies the Body
During the last three weeks before tea leaves are harvested to be made into Matcha, Camellia sinensis are covered to deprive them of sunlight. This causes a tremendous increase in chlorophyll production in the new growth of these plants. The resulting high levels of chlorophyll in Matcha Green Tea not only give this tea its beautiful vibrant green color. Matcha is also a powerful detoxifier capable of naturally removing heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body.
8. Fortifies the Immune System
The catechins in Matcha Green Tea have been shown to have antibiotic properties which promote overall health. Additionally, just one bowl of Matcha Green Tea provides substantial quantities of Potassium, Vitamins A & C, Iron, Protein, and Calcium. Further studies have even suggested that the nutrients in Matcha may have the ability to inhibit the attacks of HIV on human T-cells.
9. Improves Cholesterol
Researchers aren’t entirely certain how Matcha Green Tea has such a positive effect on cholesterol, however studies of different populations have show that people who drink Match Green Tea on a regular basis have lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while at the same time displaying higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Men who drink Matcha Green Tea are about 11% less likely to develop heart disease than those who don’t drink Matcha.
Finally, the tenth and final benefit of drinking Matcha Green Tea…
10. Amazing Flavor
Drinking something just because it’s healthy can be a lot like swallowing medicine. It’s unpleasant and you dread it, but you feel obligated to do it. After all, it’s good for you… right? Sure, but wouldn’t you rather look forward to improving your overall well-being? Of course you would!
Fortunately, unlike a lot of other teas which require sugar, milk, or lemon to make them palatable to the average consumer, Matcha is absolutely wonderful all by itself. It’s crisp vegetative notes are complimented by the savory taste of the L-Theanine amino acid making Matcha a tea that is truly unique in every way. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious bowl of hot Matcha.

Read More

TOP 5 HEALTHY BREAKFASTS

1.  Porridge - This has often been the go to breakfast for athletes and quite rightly so. A large bowl of porridge made with semi-skimmed milk will give you just under 30g of carbohydrates.  Understandably plain porridge is not the tastiest but there is a whole host of ways to spice up your porridge in the morning. Try a combination of your favourite dried fruit and nuts, or a tablespoon of low fat yogurt to add some more flavour. Try to avoiding reaching for the golden syrup and opt for natural alternatives such as honey, if you want something slightly sweeter Agave Nectar is a great addition as it has a low glycaemic index too.


2.  Omelettes- This is the perfect breakfast for those wanting to use the much talked about ‘fasted training’ techniques but can’t bear the thought of leaving the house without eating some form of solid food. Fasted training is not necessarily aimed at training with no food at all, but instead aimed at training with low glycogen which we get from carbohydrates. A two egg omelette is all you need as it provides a fantastic source of protein but only contains traces of carbohydrates. Spice up your omelette by adding vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms, onions or tomato - whatever you fancy. Avoid adding large amounts of cheese as high fat foods will be slower to digest and will more likely sit in your stomach.

3.  Bagels - For those long or hard training days when you need to consume a high carbohydrate breakfast, bagels are a great option. One Bagel has around 40g of carbohydrate but less than 1.5g of fat. Scrambled eggs are great to have with your bagel, one egg would be enough but avoid using butter or cream when making it. Opt for a dash of olive oil and add chives for flavour. As an alternative how about a thin layer of low fat cream cheese and a couple of slices of smoked salmon.

4.  Smoothies - Not everyone is a morning person who likes to sit down and tuck into a hearty breakfast, similarly a lot of us who mix training and work simply don’t have the time to do so. Smoothies could be your saving grace as they are quick and easy to make and can also be made in advance. A personal favourite of OTE Sports Nutritionist Annie Simpson are whole grain smoothies which really pack an energy boost. Try blending 1 banana, 25g rolled oats, 120g low fat yogurt, 120g skimmed milk, 2 teaspoons of honey and an optional ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon for flavour. This will make one delicious portion of a high carbohydrate, high protein smoothie to kick start your day.

5.  Granola - This is often thought as the healthy option, however, many Granola mixes on our supermarket shelves are full of sugar, fat and unwanted calories. It’s actually really easy to whip up your own batch of tasty granola with the advantage of choosing ingredients that meet your own preferences. For example mix together 200g rolled oats, 75g of chopped nuts, 30g of seeds (something like pumpkin or sunflowers seeds), 80g of chopped dried fruits and a large pinch of salt. Combine this with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Spread thinly on a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes  at around 150⁰C (until lightly toasted). You can add vanilla/almond extract or coconut flakes for added flavour. Have a play around with different ingredients and make a granola that tickles your taste buds, you should be able to store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks and use as and when. Enjoy with either skimmed milk or low fat natural yogurt.

Read More

Discover Proven Methods For Eliminating Even The Most Powerful Of Headaches

Everyone knows what a headache feels like, but not everyone enjoys the ease of relief available…

Your brain is packed full of nerve endings that if triggered in just the right way, they send out pain signals to your head, resulting in you guessed it… headaches!

BUT… nobody deserves to be in pain most of the time. Headaches are one of the most common problems people face in the modern world. In fact, migraines rank as the 19th most common cause for disability.

What can you do about it?

Having severe headaches interfere with your ability to work and play. It’s time you found relief from your headache. Even if you suffer from occasional headaches, it’s time you found out what the exact cause is so you can find the perfect treatment!

It’s time to kiss that headache goodbye, and good ridden. Now is the time for you to live your life to the fullest.

Since the chances are high that you are suffering from a headache right now, I’ll keep this short and sweet.

I’ve suffered from tension and cluster migraine headaches my whole life. I’ve tried every pill you can imagine. I’ve tried all the major preventatives, and have learned which ones work and which ones don’t.

It’s short, sweet and to the point so you won’t have to get a headache from reading it. Here you’ll find information you can take to your healthcare practitioner to stop the endless cycle of pain and misery.

Are you ready to take the next step?

You’ll find out what the best type of doctor is to treat your headache, and learn exactly what to say to make sure you receive the best possible care!

As if that weren’t enough, just so you know I am concerned about your health here and not a dollar,

You will be living a life that is virtually headache free!

90% of all headaches are caused by stress…

Don’t let stress get you down. Find out how you can find the relief you need, no matter how dire your situation is.

But hurry please, because people are banging down my door (ouch!) and I don’t want to have to jack up prices on you just because the demand for this guide is too high. 

click here : http://goo.gl/sXDSxm

Read More

Eating Healthy On Vacation

It can be very tempting to abandon your good sense
of healthy eating on vacation.  Although you may
strive for healthy eating, it's easy to drift off
and grab an ice cream cone here and there.  There
are however, ways to watch what you eat on
vacation.

It's easier than ever these days to request a low
fat or vegetarian meal on airplane flights.  If
you choose to instead drive to your destination,
the quest to find healthy food can get a bit more
complicated.

Rather than simply relying on greasy foods for
nutrition, pack some nutritious foods in a cooler
full of ice packs.  Fruits and vegetables, crackers,
yogurt, and sandwiches are all great to have with
you on the road.

Once you arrive at your hotel, you should do
yourself a favor and turn the minibar key down - as
this helps to avoid the temptation.  If your hotel
offers a continental breakfast, stick to fruits,
cereals, and proteins.  If your hotel has a stove
or microwave, consider bringing your own healthy
food with you.

If you simply must eat out, do so only when you
are hungry.  Restaurants will usually serve large
portions, so be careful.  If you do go a bit over
on a meal, simply cut back on the next.

If you find it hard to fit in three square meals
a day, try to fit in six smaller meals or snacks,
as your body needs fuel every four hours or so.
When you eat out, avoid appetizers.  Whatever you
do, do not miss any meals.

When it's possible, you should avoid eating large
meals at night.  When your body gets ready for
sleep and slows down, it also burns calories at a
much slower pace.  Never eat bread before bed, and
make sure to avoid the butter.  Choose fish or
poultry for your meal instead, and include
vegetables as a side dish.

Even though it may sound hard, eating healthy on
vacation isn't really that difficult.  All you have
to do is use a little will power, and pass up
foods that you know aren't good for you.  This
way, you'll enjoy healthy eating and a healthy
lifestyle wherever you go.

The next time you go on a vacation, always remember
that eating healthy is a way of life.  You can
afford to get something you crave, although you
shouldn't make a habit of it.  One ice cream
cone or a pizza isn't going to matter - as long as
you know when to stop.

Read More

Eating Healthy On The Run

Whether your traveling on the go or around the
home, you don't need to give up healthy eating
simply because you are on the run.  The fact is,
healthy eating is even more important when your
trying to keep up with a busy schedule.

Having a good diet will help your body to handle
stress better.  As you hustle about, a healthy meal
is probably the last thing you think about.  The
following tips can help you eat when your on the go.

Restaurants
With tempting menus, large portions, and a festive
atmosphere, it's easy to skip healthy eating.  It's
okay to splurge every now and then, although you'll
pack on a lot of weight if you make it a habit.
When you eat out at restaurants, always be smart
about it.

Airports
An airport can be a very stressful place, although
you shouldn't scrap your diet because of it.  Eat
because you are hungry, not because of stress,
boredom, or to kill time.

In your car
Keep some healthy snacks in your car at all times,
so that when you get hungry - you have them.

At home
Evenings and mornings are busy times in most homes.
Making the time to eat can be hard, although you
shouldn't run out the door without eating breakfast
first.  Cereal with milk, a banana, muffin, or even
a bagel is a great way to start the day.

Anytime you are on the go, always make sure that you
make the right food decisions.  You can take healthy
food with you if you need to, so that you have it
when you need it.  Eating healthy on the go is easy
to do, once you know how.  Never sacrifice healthy
food for junk, as your body will regret it later.

Read More

Eating Healthy On A Budget

If you have problems serving healthy foods because
of the prices, you'll find these tips to be just
what you need to eat healthy on a budget.

1.  Eliminate junk food
Doing your shopping on your own is the easiest way
to shop, as children and sometimes spouses are
usually the ones requesting junk food.  Shopping
alone will prevent this, and ensure that you only
buy the foods you need.

2.  Water or milk instead of soft drinks
You can still enjoy your favorite drinks at a
sporting event or night out, although you should
stick with the smallest size when shopping to save
money and calories.  Children and even adults need
milk or milk products on a daily basis.  Milk will
also help you get strong and provides calcium for
healthy bones and healthy teeth.

3.  Buy fruits in quantity
Whne they are in season, buy fruits in quantity
and freeze any extras.  You can buy several pounds
this way, and freeze extras to have them when the
fruit goes out of season.  Wash the fruit well,
remove any spoiled pieces, dry thoroughly, then
freeze in plastic zipper bags.

4.  Meats and beans
Meats and beans are the best sources for protein.
Lean meat is more expensive than meats with a lot
of fat.  Canned beans are a great deal as well,
as they give you protein at a great price.

5.  Beans as a substitute
You should use beans a substitute for meat on a
frequent occasion.  There are several varieties,
so you can prepare them in a crock pot, so when
you return home they are ready to consume.

The USDA recommends eating beans at least 4 times
per week.  If you experience gas after eating
beans you should try washing them, covering them
with water, bringing the water to a boil, then
draining it off and refilling the pot.

6.  If you live in a coastal area or an area
where fish are around, make that an integral
part of your diet.  You can catch them from the
lakes or rivers, saving money in the process.

7.  Peanut butter is great for those on a budget
as it's popular with almost everyone.  You can
use it for sandwiches instead of eating hot
dogs.  It does need to be refrigerated, although
bigger jars can last you for weeks.

8.  You should fill up with foods that have a high
content of water.  Watermelon, salads, and even
sugar free gelatin are all great examples.

Eating healthy is always something you can't go
wrong with.  You can eat healthy for just a few
bucks, which makes it perfect for those on a
budget. Now, you don't need a lot of money to have
the lifestyle and health you've always wanted.

Read More

Eating Healthy For Vegetarians

The vegetarian way of eating can be a very healthy style
of eating.  The rules still apply with healthy eating,
although you should add variety, balance, and moderation.

A vegetarian is someone who avoids all types of meat,
whether it be hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, or even fish.
Vegetarians are also sometimes classified by the type of
food they are or aren't willing to eat.  For example,
Lacto-ovo vegetarians will avoid animal flesh yet they
will eat eggs and most dairy products.  A Vegan on the
other hand, will avoid all food that has any trace of
animal origin.

Because they don't eat meet, vegetarians will often
wonder how they'll get enough protein.  Although you may
not realize it, the average American actually consumes
more protein than he actually needs.  For the lacto-ovo
vegetarian, dairy products are an excellent source of
protein.  Vegans on the other hand, get their protein
from nuts, seeds, and soy products.

Along the lines of beans, there are several to choose
from, including green or red lentils, peanuts, split
peas, pinto, soy, kidney, and many more.  Some of them
you are already familiar, such as kidney beans in
chili, refried beans in Mexican dishes, red beans and
rice, and pinto beans.  Although some beans taste good
as they are, others are available with different flavors
to help enhance their taste.  Nuts are hihg in protein,
although they deliver a lot more fat than beans, which
means you should enjoy them in moderation.  By having
one cup of cooked beans, you'll get the same amount of
protein as eating two ounces of meat!

The nutrients of concern for vegans, who avoid all types
of animal food, are vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D.
In the average North American diet, the primary source
for B12 is animals.  To have an adequate intake of B12,
vegans should reguarly consume vitamin B12 supplements or
foods, which contain vitamin B12, such as soy products
or milk.

For calcium, vegans can rely on orange juice or soy
milk, as they are fortified with calcium.  Beans and
leafy green vegetables will also contain some calcium as
well.

Although all types of vegetarians rely on simple food
groups, controlling your vitamins and calcium intake is
something you should always do.  This is very important
for eating healthy, as well as staying healthy.  If you
control what you eat, you'll have many years of healthy
eating ahead of you.

Read More

Eating Healthy For Students

For students, eating at college is an entire new
ball game, with late night pizza delivery and food
from buggies.  Even though some of these quick and
simple options taste great, they are probably
not healthy for a student's body.

The food choices students make can affect whether
or not they are able to remain awake during class
and whether or not they will come down with
mononucleosis when it hits campus.  The problem
is not only about eating junk food, it's more
about not getting the proper proteins, carbs,
vitamins, and minerals that people need.

When it comes to defending against illnesses,
vitamins and minerals are very important.  Just
because they are important, isn't a reason for
students to run out and stock up on vitamins and
supplements.  It's best for students to get their
nutrition from food.

You can find vitamin C in citric fruits, Vitamin
A in milk and diary products, and vitamin E in
nuts, whole wheat products, and even green leafy
vegetables.  This is the ideal way to get
nutrition, as your body relies on these vitamins
for many reasons.

When you eat on campus, skip on the soda's and
go right to the juice machines.  Explore the
different entrees available and go to the salad
bar where there are fresh vegetables.  You can
also try putting some broccoli and cauliflower
in the microwave for steamed vegetables.  There
are always healthy cereals and plenty of fresh
fruit available in dining halls as well.

Always remember that eating healthy isn't just
about avoiding greasy foods.  Eating healthy
involves getting a balanced diet and getting the
right nutrients and vitamins to keep your body
in peak performance - or at least awake during
your classes.

Read More

Eating Healthy During Pregnancy

Starting off your with a healthy well
balanced diet is the best thing you do for yourself
and your baby.  This way, you'll only need to make
a few adjustments during your pregnancy.

Your first trimesterIf you find it tough to maintain a balanced diet
during your first trimester, you can rest assured
that your not alone.  Due to queasiness, some
women will eat all of the time and gain a lot of
weight in the process.  Other women have trouble
getting food down and subsequently lose weight.

Preventing malnutrition and dehydration are your
most important factors during first trimester.

Calories
When you are pregnant, you need to consume around
300 calories more than usual every day.  The best
way to go about doing this is listening to your
body when you are hungry.  You should try to eat
as many foods as possible from the bottom of the
food pyramid.

If you gain weight too slow, try eating small
meals and slightly increase the fat in your diet.
You should always eat when you are hungry, as you
are now eating for 2 instead of one.

Calcium
By the second trimester, you'll need around 1,500
milligrams of calcium each day for your bones and
your baby', which is more than a quart of milk.
Calcium is something that's missing from many
diets.  Along with milk, other great sources for
calcium include dairy products, calcium fortified
juices, and even calcium tablets.

Fiber
Fiber can help to prevent constipation, which is
a common pregnancy problem.  You can find fiber in
whole grains, fruits, and even vegetables.  Fiber
supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel are
safe to take during pregnancy.

Protein
Unless you happen to be a strict vegetarian, your
protein intake is not normally a problem for women
who eat a healthy diet.

Iron
A lot of women will start their pregnancy off with
a bit of iron deficiency.  Good sources of iron
include dark leafy green vegetables and meats.  Iron
supplements should be avoided, as they can cause
internal symptoms such as cramping, constipation,
or diarrhea.

Vitamins
Seeing as how you get a majority of the vitamins you
need in your diet, you may want to discuss prenatal
vitamins with your doctor.  Folate is one of the most
important, and if you are getting enough of it, you
may be able to avoid vitamins all together - just ask
your doctor to make sure.

Read More

Eating For A Healthy Heart

Bad cholesterol or a bad diet is something we all
experience at some point in time.  It's impossible
to eat healthy our whole lives, even though we may
try hard to do it.  Eating healthy for your heart
is something everyone should try to do, especially
when it comes to restoring health and reducing
heart attacks.

Your heart and food
We know these things for sure - a diet high in
saturated fats will help raise your cholesterol,
which is a risk factor for heart disease.  People
that are obese are more prone to heart disease.  A
diet high in sodium may elevate your blood pressure,
leading to inflammation and even heart disease.

To help prevent heart disease and improve your health,
put the tips below to good use.

Eat plenty of fish
Herring, sardines, and salmon are all excellent sources
of Omega 3 essential fatty acids.  Other fish are great
to, although Omega 3 may help to get your cholesterol
down to a healthier level.

Choosing healthy fats and oils
Saturated fat will increase the risk of heart disease.
It's found in meat, butter, and even coconut oil.  You
should avoid them until your cholesterol levels are
down and you are at a healthy weight.  Even those
that love red meats can enjoy seafood and nuts for
their main sources of protein.

Monounsaturated fats such as olive oils will help
you to protect your heart.  Olive oil is an ideal
choice for cooking, dressing, or even as a dipping
sauce.

Plenty of fiber
Fiber can help you control your cholesterol.  You
can find fiber in whole grain products to help
control sugar absorption as well, which will help
you keep your digestive system healthy.

Choosing carbohydrates
Eating for your heart involves staying away from
sugary foods such as candy, cookies, cakes, and
pastries.  Eating a lot of sugar isn't good for
your heart disease at all.  Healthy carbohydrates
involve whole grain breads, whole grain pasta, brown
rice, and a lot of vegetables.  You should make
fruits and vegetables the main aspect of your diet.

Healthy cooking methods
Stir frying and sauteing with olive oil or canola
oil are both great methods, as you shouldn't dip
your food in batter and fry it anymore.  If you
cook chicken, remove the skin and bake it in the
oven in foil.

Instead of frying your fish you should always bake
it.  Steaming your vegetables can help maintain the
most nutrients.  You should use cream sauces or lots
of butter anymore either.  When you eat vegetables,
try squeezing lemon juice on them or using your
favorite seasonings.

As you make the proper changes to your diet, keep in
mind that it takes time for them to become habits.
Eating healthy is always great for your body and your
lifestyle, especially when it comes to your heart and
the prevention of heart disease

Read More

Changing How You Eat

As you may know, not fueling up with the right
nutrients can affect how well your body performs
and your overall fitness benefits.  Even though
healthy eating is important, there are myths that
hinder your performance if you listen to them.

Below, you'll find some myth busters on healthy
eating.

1.  Working out on an empty stomach.
If you hear a rumbling noise in your stomach, the
rumbling is trying to tell you something.  Without
listening to them, you are forcing your body to
run without any fuel.  Before you exercise or do
any physical activity, always eat a light snack
such as an apple.

2.  Relying on energy bars and drinks.
Although they are fine every once in a while, they
don't deliver the antioxidants you need to prevent
cancer.  Fruits and vegetables are your best bets,
as they are loaded in vitamins, minerals, fluid,
and fiber.

3.  Skipping breakfast.
Skipping breakfast is never a good idea, as
breakfast starts the day.  Your body needs fuel
as soon as possible, and without it, you'll be
hungry throughout the day.

4.  Low carb diets.
Your body needs carbohydrates for your muscles and
the storing of energy.

5.  Eating what you want.
Eating healthy and exercising doesn't give you an
all access pass to eat anything you want.  Everyone
needs the same nutrients whether they exercise or
not, as well as fruits and vegetables.

6.  Not enough calories
Although losing weight involves calories, losing
it too quickly is never safe.  What you should do,
is aim for 1 - 2 pounds a week.  Always make sure
that you are getting enough calories to keep your
body operating smoothly.  If you start dropping
weight too fast, eat a bit more food.

7.  Skip soda and alcohol.
Water, milk, and juice is the best to drink for
active people.  You should drink often, and not
require on thirst to be an indicator.  By the time
you get thirsty, your body is already running a
bit too low.

Changing how you eat is always a great step
towards healthy eating and it will affect how your
body performs.  The healthier you eat, you better
you'll feel.  No matter how old you may be, healthy
eating is something you should strive for.  Once
you give it a chance, you'll see in no time at
all just how much it can change your life - for the
better.

Read More

Becoming A Healthy Eater

Being a healthy eater requires you to become both
educated and smart about what healthy eating
actually is.  Being food smart isn't about
learning to calculate grams or fat, or is it
about studying labels and counting calories.

Healthy eating is all about balanced and moderate
eating, consisting of healthy meals at least
three times per day.  Healthy eaters eat many
different types of foods, not limiting themselves
to one specific food type or food group.

Eating healthy requires quite a bit of leeway.  You
might eat too much or not enough, consume
foods that are sometimes more or less nutritious.
However, you should always fuel your body and
your brain regularly with enough food to keep
both your mind and body strong and alert.

A healthy eater is a good problem solver.  Healthy
eaters have learned to take care of themselves
and their eating with sound judgement and making
wise decisions.  Healthy eaters are always aware
of what they eat, and know the effect that it
will have on their bodies.

When someone is unable to take control of their
eating, they are also likely to get out of control
with other aspects of life as well.  They could
end up spending too much, talking too much, even
going to bed later and later.

You should always remember that restricting food
in any way is always a bad thing.  Healthy eating
is a way of life, something that you can do to
enhance your body or your lifestyle.  If you've
thought about making your life better, healthy
eating is just the place to start.  You'll make
life easier for yourself, those around you, and
even your family.

Read More

Cooking with Oils

Everyone knows the foods to eat that improve health,
although how we cook the food can be just as important.
With there being so many oils and butter products
claiming to be the best, it can be quite difficult
to know which ones to use and which ones to avoid.

1.  Canola oil
Canola oil is a popular oil, with many physicians
claiming that it has the ability to lower the risk
of heart disease.  The oil is low in saturated fat,
high in monounsaturated fat, and offers the best
fatty acid composition when compared to other oils.

You can use canola oil in sauting, as a marinade
and even in low temperature stir frying.  It has
a bland flavor, which makes it a great oil for foods
that contain many spices.  Unlike other oils, this
one won't interfere with the taste of your meal.

2.  Olive oil
olive oil offers a very distinct flavor with plenty
of heart healthy ingedients.  The oil is rich in
monounsaturated fat, helps to lower cholesterol
levels and reduce risk of cancer.  It's also rich
in antioxidants and has a very long storage life.

Even though it can be used in cooking, it's the
healthiest when uncooked, such as with a salad or
dipping sauce.  When you use it with cooking, you
should heat it on low to medium temperatures, making
sure to avoid high heat.

3.  Butter
Butter is one food that has been around for many,
many years.  Butter tastes good, and offers sources
of Vitamin A and other fat soluble vitamins such as
E, K, and even D.  Butter is also made from natural
ingredients and not chemically or artificially
processed.

You can use butter with cooking, baking, or even as
a spread.  You can also pair it with creamy sauces,
marinades, baked dishes, or even bread.

4.  Margarine
Margarine was first introduced as an alternative to
high fat butter.  When it was first created however,
it was loaded with trans fat, a substance that we
now know raises bad cholesterol.

As a cooking oil, margarine tastes good, it's lower
in fat than most oils and butter, and it's quite
easy to spread.  It's available in a variety of
different products and a good source of vitamin E.

When it comes to cooking with oils, there are
several at your disposal.  There are many more than
what is mentioned here, although the ones above are
the most popular.  Eating healthy involves cooking
healthy food - which is where your cooking oil really
takes center stage.

Read More