This is a very informative article for those of you who use low-cal or no calorie sweeteners in your coffee, tea or baking!
Check It Out!
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Supplements, The Perfect Addition!
As promised a little tidbit about Beachbody's supplements which I am a HUGE fan of! I personally take the Slimming Formula and the Performance Formula. I also enjoy the vanilla Whey Protein Powder to make shakes for a snack in the afternoons..perfect for that late afternoon pick me up!
And of course..you can't forget about SHAKEOLOGY!!!
And of course..you can't forget about SHAKEOLOGY!!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Green Coupons
I don't know about you, but I love coupons! I have a fairly large family, and if you include the extended family that comes over at least every other week, I spend quite a hefty portion of our budget on groceries.
Something else that I love...is cooking & eating as healthy as I can. This includes incorporating natural, organic products into our meal plan.
I really thought I had emails & mailings coming from almost every free coupon site out there...until I found THIS!
Mambo Sprouts is a FREE coupon company that targets healthy, natural & organic products. They have savings for brands like Kashi, Stonyfield Farm, and Clif.
I'm SO excited about this site..they even have a recipe & kid section! You just HAVE to check it out...go now!
Something else that I love...is cooking & eating as healthy as I can. This includes incorporating natural, organic products into our meal plan.
I really thought I had emails & mailings coming from almost every free coupon site out there...until I found THIS!
Mambo Sprouts is a FREE coupon company that targets healthy, natural & organic products. They have savings for brands like Kashi, Stonyfield Farm, and Clif.
I'm SO excited about this site..they even have a recipe & kid section! You just HAVE to check it out...go now!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Have A Romantic Valentine's Day!
9 Aphrodisiacs to Heat Up Your Love Life
By Joe Wilkes
Named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, aphrodisiacs have been the stuff of legend and song throughout history. Lovers looking for a leg up in the libido department have gone to their shamans, medicine men, and herbalists for centuries, searching for the magic ingredient that will kick their mojo into high gear. And today the search has gone to the Internet. Anyone with a lackluster spam filter has probably scanned the hundreds of emails that arrive every day, advertising powdered rhinoceros horn or some unpronounceable chemical that promises to goose your or your partner's desires. The efficacy of these miracle products is extremely dubious (and, in the case of the exotic animal parts, illegal), but there are plenty of products that you can find right in your grocery store or farmers' market that can potentially increase the heat between the sheets. Here are some common foods and why they might be able to put a little extra oomph into that special evening. And over half of them are in the top two tiers of Michi's Ladder, so you can have your cake and eat it, too! (Well, not cake, but asparagus and bananas!)
1. Oysters. These are perhaps the classic aphrodisiacs of all time. The legendary lover Casanova reportedly consumed 50 oysters every day to keep his . . . um . . . stamina up. But until recently the powers of these bivalves were only backed up by anecdotal evidence and the testimonials of mollusk-loving Lotharios. Recently though, studies have shown that oysters and their shellfish brethren, including clams, scallops, and mussels, all contain chemical compounds that may aid the release of testosterone, estrogen, and other sex hormones in both men and women. Oysters are also full of zinc, a deficiency of which can cause impotence in men, another reason they can be man's best friend in the bedroom. And then of course there's the conventional wisdom that if you'll eat an oyster, you'll eat anything.
2. Chocolate. What's more associated with Valentine's Day than chocolate? The ancient Aztecs considered chocolate to be an aphrodisiac for both men and women, and when the Europeans got wind of its inhibition-lowering properties, it wasn't long before the candy treat became a must-have when pitching woo. Casanova and famed Louis XV courtesan Madame du Barry were reported to be great believers in the powers of chocolate, and there may have been something to it. Chocolate contains the chemicals phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are also naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, usually released when we are happy or in love. Its chemicals can literally cause your heart to beat a little faster. Add to that a boost of caffeine and sugar, and it can be a pretty good pick-me-up with a small side of euphoria.
3. Figs. Maybe it wasn't just the apple in the Garden of Eden that got things going. Remember, Adam and Eve ended up covering themselves in fig leaves. And it was also the favorite fruit of Cleopatra, who was certainly no slouch in the ways of love. In ancient Greece, fertility rituals would often follow the first fig harvest, and Greek portrayals of bacchanalia usually also included some fig action. In some European countries, figs are thrown instead of rice at newly married couples (ouch!) as symbols of fertility.
4. Bananas. In the Islamic version of the tale, Adam and Eve covered themselves with banana leaves rather than fig leaves. Bananas are also considered a fertility symbol by the Hindus. Bananas can really get you going with their high levels of potassium and B vitamins, which aid the production of hormones. Bananas also contain the protease bromelain, which is believed to help circulation.
5. Asparagus. It is rich in vitamin E, which is critical to the production of hormones. It also contains a lot of folic acid, which the body needs to produce histamines. And histamines are the chemical compounds that cause muscle contractions. A word of caution though—too much asparagus can cause flatulence, which might make the whole romantic plan backfire (no pun intended).
6. Avocados. The Aztecs referred to the avocado tree as Ahuacuatl or "testicle tree." Apparently, the fruit usually hangs in pairs. There appears to be little besides anecdotal evidence to support its claim as an aphrodisiac, though it is rich in many nutrients, including vitamins B6, C, and E. The California Avocado Commission conducted a Valentine's Day survey in 2000 of experts, 63 percent of whom concluded that the avocado does have some aphrodisiac qualities, some of which could be attributed to recently discovered phytochemicals.
7. Caviar. This fish-egg delicacy has been enjoyed by lovers for centuries, including, of course, Casanova (which increasingly leads me to believe a lot of women were just sleeping with him to get to the buffet). Caviar is known for its silky texture. Naturally, eggs are common fertility symbols, but there may also be some chemical reasons for which they are rated so highly on the love-maker's diet. Like oysters, they are high in zinc and rich in vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids. They also are high in arginine, an amino acid which acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow.
8. Truffles. Not the chocolate kind (although those count under the "chocolate" category) but the expensive underground mushroom kind that pigs and dogs root out of the ground. Unlike other foods, it is the musky scent of the truffle that is believed to be what gets us going. Scientists have recently discovered that black truffles contain the pheromone androstenol. There is some debate over how much human beings are affected by pheromones, but truffles have been considered to be aphrodisiacs for centuries, and this recent discovery could be one explanation.
9. Champagne. When we think of romantic beverages, the list pretty much begins and ends with champagne. Most of the effects of champagne seem to be largely psychological, though. The purchase of an expensive beverage may set the mood for a special evening, and a mystique has been built in the media about the drink and its drinkers, from Marie Antoinette to Marilyn Monroe. But scientifically speaking, its amorous effects seem to come from the same place as most alcoholic beverages. Alcohol appears to have no positive effect on sexual function and, when overindulging, will usually move you in the other direction. It does, however, lead to a loss of inhibition and a decrease in judgment—in other words, a prelude to a kiss.
By Joe Wilkes
Named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, aphrodisiacs have been the stuff of legend and song throughout history. Lovers looking for a leg up in the libido department have gone to their shamans, medicine men, and herbalists for centuries, searching for the magic ingredient that will kick their mojo into high gear. And today the search has gone to the Internet. Anyone with a lackluster spam filter has probably scanned the hundreds of emails that arrive every day, advertising powdered rhinoceros horn or some unpronounceable chemical that promises to goose your or your partner's desires. The efficacy of these miracle products is extremely dubious (and, in the case of the exotic animal parts, illegal), but there are plenty of products that you can find right in your grocery store or farmers' market that can potentially increase the heat between the sheets. Here are some common foods and why they might be able to put a little extra oomph into that special evening. And over half of them are in the top two tiers of Michi's Ladder, so you can have your cake and eat it, too! (Well, not cake, but asparagus and bananas!)
1. Oysters. These are perhaps the classic aphrodisiacs of all time. The legendary lover Casanova reportedly consumed 50 oysters every day to keep his . . . um . . . stamina up. But until recently the powers of these bivalves were only backed up by anecdotal evidence and the testimonials of mollusk-loving Lotharios. Recently though, studies have shown that oysters and their shellfish brethren, including clams, scallops, and mussels, all contain chemical compounds that may aid the release of testosterone, estrogen, and other sex hormones in both men and women. Oysters are also full of zinc, a deficiency of which can cause impotence in men, another reason they can be man's best friend in the bedroom. And then of course there's the conventional wisdom that if you'll eat an oyster, you'll eat anything.
2. Chocolate. What's more associated with Valentine's Day than chocolate? The ancient Aztecs considered chocolate to be an aphrodisiac for both men and women, and when the Europeans got wind of its inhibition-lowering properties, it wasn't long before the candy treat became a must-have when pitching woo. Casanova and famed Louis XV courtesan Madame du Barry were reported to be great believers in the powers of chocolate, and there may have been something to it. Chocolate contains the chemicals phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are also naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, usually released when we are happy or in love. Its chemicals can literally cause your heart to beat a little faster. Add to that a boost of caffeine and sugar, and it can be a pretty good pick-me-up with a small side of euphoria.
3. Figs. Maybe it wasn't just the apple in the Garden of Eden that got things going. Remember, Adam and Eve ended up covering themselves in fig leaves. And it was also the favorite fruit of Cleopatra, who was certainly no slouch in the ways of love. In ancient Greece, fertility rituals would often follow the first fig harvest, and Greek portrayals of bacchanalia usually also included some fig action. In some European countries, figs are thrown instead of rice at newly married couples (ouch!) as symbols of fertility.
4. Bananas. In the Islamic version of the tale, Adam and Eve covered themselves with banana leaves rather than fig leaves. Bananas are also considered a fertility symbol by the Hindus. Bananas can really get you going with their high levels of potassium and B vitamins, which aid the production of hormones. Bananas also contain the protease bromelain, which is believed to help circulation.
5. Asparagus. It is rich in vitamin E, which is critical to the production of hormones. It also contains a lot of folic acid, which the body needs to produce histamines. And histamines are the chemical compounds that cause muscle contractions. A word of caution though—too much asparagus can cause flatulence, which might make the whole romantic plan backfire (no pun intended).
6. Avocados. The Aztecs referred to the avocado tree as Ahuacuatl or "testicle tree." Apparently, the fruit usually hangs in pairs. There appears to be little besides anecdotal evidence to support its claim as an aphrodisiac, though it is rich in many nutrients, including vitamins B6, C, and E. The California Avocado Commission conducted a Valentine's Day survey in 2000 of experts, 63 percent of whom concluded that the avocado does have some aphrodisiac qualities, some of which could be attributed to recently discovered phytochemicals.
7. Caviar. This fish-egg delicacy has been enjoyed by lovers for centuries, including, of course, Casanova (which increasingly leads me to believe a lot of women were just sleeping with him to get to the buffet). Caviar is known for its silky texture. Naturally, eggs are common fertility symbols, but there may also be some chemical reasons for which they are rated so highly on the love-maker's diet. Like oysters, they are high in zinc and rich in vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids. They also are high in arginine, an amino acid which acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow.
8. Truffles. Not the chocolate kind (although those count under the "chocolate" category) but the expensive underground mushroom kind that pigs and dogs root out of the ground. Unlike other foods, it is the musky scent of the truffle that is believed to be what gets us going. Scientists have recently discovered that black truffles contain the pheromone androstenol. There is some debate over how much human beings are affected by pheromones, but truffles have been considered to be aphrodisiacs for centuries, and this recent discovery could be one explanation.
9. Champagne. When we think of romantic beverages, the list pretty much begins and ends with champagne. Most of the effects of champagne seem to be largely psychological, though. The purchase of an expensive beverage may set the mood for a special evening, and a mystique has been built in the media about the drink and its drinkers, from Marie Antoinette to Marilyn Monroe. But scientifically speaking, its amorous effects seem to come from the same place as most alcoholic beverages. Alcohol appears to have no positive effect on sexual function and, when overindulging, will usually move you in the other direction. It does, however, lead to a loss of inhibition and a decrease in judgment—in other words, a prelude to a kiss.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Their Fate Rests In Your Hands
Yesterday was my Cheat Day, and I had been craving my favorite Southwestern Chicken Taquitos out of the frozen food aisle. I decided to pick some up for lunch while I was out grocery shopping yesterday morning. I did my whole week worth of shopping and had my cart full of veggies, whole-wheat this, whole-wheat that, lean meats, Kashi cereal, mixed berries for my protein shakes; lots of good foods. So when I hit the frozen foods aisle, first I grabbed a couple of boxes of chopped spinach and then turned towards the frozen meal/snack aisle to grab my cheat food.
I don't pay much attention to that section of the store so I was sort of oblivious to all of the frozen snacks that have popped up over the last few months. Needless to say, I was shocked. But because I am focused on eating right, I wasn't tempted to load up my cart, nor have I ever been. I know the benefits of cooking meals from scratch. I have always fed my family homemade meals, not packaged junk. Even when I wasn't cooking very calorie-conscience meals, I at least knew better than to go the deep-fried/frozen route.
Unfortunately, not everyone does. There was a family shopping in the same aisle, and with the exception of the cookies, blocks of Velveeta, and cans of ravioli, they were filling up their cart with Hungry Man meals, and Pizza Rolls. Their daughter who was very noticeably overweight, and could not have been over 8, was running up and down the aisle looking at every option as though she could not get enough.
"Can we get these 4-cheese Hot Pockets? What about THIS? This looks SO good!", she shouted as she pulled out a arm-load of frozen burritos.
I was appalled and just wanted to shake the mother and father. What was wrong with these people? THIS was what they were going to feed their daughter for the week? This is what they fed her everyday?
Unfortunately, this is not a rare thing in this country. We are so "blessed" with abundance of food choices, many do not know how to make the correct decisions. And if you are a parent, it is YOUR obligation to feed your children food that will fuel their bodies, not kill them. That's right I said it. If you are allowing your children to eat unhealthily every single meal, and not teaching them proper nutrition, you are setting them up for a life of obesity, many health problems, and ultimately death at a younger age. This is a form of child abuse and it makes me so sad to know that it happens more than we could ever imagine.
What are YOUR thoughts on this issue? I'd love to hear about it.
For information on how to fuel your children's bodies, visit the USDA's Food Pyramid website for kids.
I don't pay much attention to that section of the store so I was sort of oblivious to all of the frozen snacks that have popped up over the last few months. Needless to say, I was shocked. But because I am focused on eating right, I wasn't tempted to load up my cart, nor have I ever been. I know the benefits of cooking meals from scratch. I have always fed my family homemade meals, not packaged junk. Even when I wasn't cooking very calorie-conscience meals, I at least knew better than to go the deep-fried/frozen route.
Unfortunately, not everyone does. There was a family shopping in the same aisle, and with the exception of the cookies, blocks of Velveeta, and cans of ravioli, they were filling up their cart with Hungry Man meals, and Pizza Rolls. Their daughter who was very noticeably overweight, and could not have been over 8, was running up and down the aisle looking at every option as though she could not get enough.
"Can we get these 4-cheese Hot Pockets? What about THIS? This looks SO good!", she shouted as she pulled out a arm-load of frozen burritos.
I was appalled and just wanted to shake the mother and father. What was wrong with these people? THIS was what they were going to feed their daughter for the week? This is what they fed her everyday?
Unfortunately, this is not a rare thing in this country. We are so "blessed" with abundance of food choices, many do not know how to make the correct decisions. And if you are a parent, it is YOUR obligation to feed your children food that will fuel their bodies, not kill them. That's right I said it. If you are allowing your children to eat unhealthily every single meal, and not teaching them proper nutrition, you are setting them up for a life of obesity, many health problems, and ultimately death at a younger age. This is a form of child abuse and it makes me so sad to know that it happens more than we could ever imagine.
What are YOUR thoughts on this issue? I'd love to hear about it.
For information on how to fuel your children's bodies, visit the USDA's Food Pyramid website for kids.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Peanut Butter Recalls
Unless you have not watched even 5 minutes of any news program over the last month, you are fully aware that there is another round of peanut butter recalls due to salmonella. Fortunately, this time my family did not have any of the contaminated items in our pantry, unlike in 2007 when we had a nice full jar of peanut butter that was on the list!
If you haven't already looked over the list of contaminated items you can go to the FDA's website to read all about the recalls and items that are being taken off the shelves. If you have pets, make sure you check the pet food section too!
That being said. Let me assure you that if you use or are thinking of using any Beachbody products...they are safe! Here is the statement released on the 23rd by the company:
Fans of the Clif bar, which was most definitely recalled, you may want to consider contacting me so I can help you with ordering some of Beachbody's Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein bars. They also come in other flavors as well!
Now that I got the serious out of the way, let me take a moment to thank Nikki, from Becoming Ms. Health Nut. She awarded me with the Honest Scrap award! I am a few days late in thanking her, but let me assure you I am very happy about it! My first blog award, yey!
If you haven't already looked over the list of contaminated items you can go to the FDA's website to read all about the recalls and items that are being taken off the shelves. If you have pets, make sure you check the pet food section too!
That being said. Let me assure you that if you use or are thinking of using any Beachbody products...they are safe! Here is the statement released on the 23rd by the company:
Understandably there is concern about the recent peanut butter-related salmonella outbreak. Rest assured that all raw materials used in the manufacturing of our P90X® Peak Performance Protein Bars: Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor—and all of our nutritional products—have been microbiologically tested and certified free of salmonella. So enjoy these delicious bars worry-free.
Fans of the Clif bar, which was most definitely recalled, you may want to consider contacting me so I can help you with ordering some of Beachbody's Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein bars. They also come in other flavors as well!
Now that I got the serious out of the way, let me take a moment to thank Nikki, from Becoming Ms. Health Nut. She awarded me with the Honest Scrap award! I am a few days late in thanking her, but let me assure you I am very happy about it! My first blog award, yey!
Monday, January 19, 2009
How Much Do You Eat?
When you eat does your plate tend to look like it could feed your entire family? I know mine has at times! Especially if it's pasta, pizza, ice cream, ect! But even when I am eating healthy, I have the tendency to overeat. Too many calories=minimal results from my workout program.
It's hard to know what a normal portion looks like when we are surrounded in our culture by "Super-Sized" fries, and restaurants that serve platters of food that are enough for 2 or more meals!
Weighing foods is one way to make sure that you are eating a proper portion of something, but I for one do not have the time or patience for that! I have 3 kids, a husband, and a dog who all need fed too! If I have to take the time to measure my food, no one would EVER eat! So I eyeball it. I may not have EXACTLY 6oz of chicken on my plate or 1 cup of lettuce in my salad, or 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter on my carrots, but it's close enough.
Here is a list of some common foods & what they look like measured out to get you started on "eyeballing":
1 cup cereal.....................Baseball
1 serving of meat or chicken.....deck of cards
3 ounces fish....................checkbook
1 ounce cheese...................4 dice
1 teaspoon butter................Thumbtip
2 tablespoon peanut butter.......pingpong ball
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta.....1 cupcake liner
1/2 cup cooked veggies...........tennis ball
1 cup raw leafy veggies..........2 tennis balls
1 small baked potato.............computer mouse
And if this doesn't help you or you have other foods that you're concerned about; weigh or measure them out a few times until you have a good idea of what a proper serving looks like and then you'll be all set to eyeball it as well!
How do you go about "portion-control"?
COMING TOMORROW: My Favorite Foods
It's hard to know what a normal portion looks like when we are surrounded in our culture by "Super-Sized" fries, and restaurants that serve platters of food that are enough for 2 or more meals!
Weighing foods is one way to make sure that you are eating a proper portion of something, but I for one do not have the time or patience for that! I have 3 kids, a husband, and a dog who all need fed too! If I have to take the time to measure my food, no one would EVER eat! So I eyeball it. I may not have EXACTLY 6oz of chicken on my plate or 1 cup of lettuce in my salad, or 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter on my carrots, but it's close enough.
Here is a list of some common foods & what they look like measured out to get you started on "eyeballing":
1 cup cereal.....................Baseball
1 serving of meat or chicken.....deck of cards
3 ounces fish....................checkbook
1 ounce cheese...................4 dice
1 teaspoon butter................Thumbtip
2 tablespoon peanut butter.......pingpong ball
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta.....1 cupcake liner
1/2 cup cooked veggies...........tennis ball
1 cup raw leafy veggies..........2 tennis balls
1 small baked potato.............computer mouse
And if this doesn't help you or you have other foods that you're concerned about; weigh or measure them out a few times until you have a good idea of what a proper serving looks like and then you'll be all set to eyeball it as well!
How do you go about "portion-control"?
COMING TOMORROW: My Favorite Foods
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Cheat Day Is My Friend
I know that when trying to lose weight, get into shape, maintain the shape you're in...whatever, none of it is possible without a good diet. I eat 5x/day. Three meals and 2 snacks and no snacking before bed. I am always reconfiguring my caloric intake based on what exercise program I am doing. I figure my cals by using the tools that I have because I am a Beachbody Club Member. But I have a small problem. I LOVE junk food. I love pizza with extra cheese, homemade chocolate chip cookies, corn dogs at any fair or festival; pretty much if it's gooey or greasy, I would love to devour it! But if I want to be healthy and fit, well I have got let go of all of that...or do I?
I have learned, from my lovely coach, a little hint to help me stay on my path of healthy eating. CHEAT DAY! Oh how I live for cheat day! I eat Kashi Go Lean for breakfast, turkey wraps for lunch, lean proteins, vegetables, low-fat dairy, protein shakes, ect. all week...but when cheat day comes. I can have WHATEVER I WANT ALL DAY! I'm talking poptarts, McDonalds, pizza, milkshakes..whatever!! But the best part is, I can do this guilt-free!
The truth of the matter is, I have to allow this day for myself otherwise my cravings will consume me and I'll just throw in the towel. I'm sure many of you know exactly what I'm talking about! And truly, sometimes my cheat day really only consists of 1 meal because after eating right for so long my body gets used to the foods I'm putting into it and doesn't "need" the other junk.
Cheat Day is something that anyone on any diet plan needs to allow to themselves to keep them motivated and committed to their weight loss and health! (And if you really need it, you can always add a "cheat snack" in on another day during the week to help you pull through until cheat day comes around!)
Tell me, what are you eating on a daily basis that should be reserved for your own personal "cheat day"?
COMING TOMORROW: Nothing! Sunday is my day of rest!
I have learned, from my lovely coach, a little hint to help me stay on my path of healthy eating. CHEAT DAY! Oh how I live for cheat day! I eat Kashi Go Lean for breakfast, turkey wraps for lunch, lean proteins, vegetables, low-fat dairy, protein shakes, ect. all week...but when cheat day comes. I can have WHATEVER I WANT ALL DAY! I'm talking poptarts, McDonalds, pizza, milkshakes..whatever!! But the best part is, I can do this guilt-free!
The truth of the matter is, I have to allow this day for myself otherwise my cravings will consume me and I'll just throw in the towel. I'm sure many of you know exactly what I'm talking about! And truly, sometimes my cheat day really only consists of 1 meal because after eating right for so long my body gets used to the foods I'm putting into it and doesn't "need" the other junk.
Cheat Day is something that anyone on any diet plan needs to allow to themselves to keep them motivated and committed to their weight loss and health! (And if you really need it, you can always add a "cheat snack" in on another day during the week to help you pull through until cheat day comes around!)
Tell me, what are you eating on a daily basis that should be reserved for your own personal "cheat day"?
COMING TOMORROW: Nothing! Sunday is my day of rest!
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