March, 2010

Exercise / Fast Food / Health — No Comments
25
Mar 10

Healthy Eating Pattern and Regular Exercising

Nowadays it is not that easy to live healthy because food that is unhealthy is much cheaper, easier to make and it is all around us. Just take in mind all those commercials about McDonald delicious hamburgers or Dunking Donuts delicious donuts. They are full of sugar and taste great but reality is that those types of food are very unhealthy for you and reason number one why so many people are obese. The sad thing about it is that not everyone knows how unhealthy it is which results in regular lunches at hamburger tents accompanied with extra large soda’s.

Eating healthy will not only help you lose weight but it will also help you feel better about yourself. Science has proved that regular eating of fruits and vegetables will decrease the chance on depression and other disorders like Parkinson and Alzheimer disease. our body needs those essential vitamins and minerals which you can not find in your regular fast food kitchen.

But eating more healthy is not the only way to live healthier and become more happy. Regular exercising will also increase how good you feel about yourself, it will help you lose weight and it also reduces the chances on Depression, Alzheimer, Heart diseases and much more. Off course you do not want to overdo it and immediately start exercising like the pro’s, you want to take it easy and start with as little as 15 minutes exercising a day.

There are many popular ways to start exercising and the best way in doing it is by going to the gym and ask for a personal trainer who will guide you. Not only will he help you to do the right exercises but he will also keep you motivated for coming every few times a week.

But the gym is not meant for everyone and some people just don’t like to exercise with so many people around them. For them an excellent solution might be doing their exercises at home with an ergo meter or an electric treadmill. Advantages of an electric treadmill are that it is very easy to undertake exercising and you can even do it when you are listening to the radio or watching television.

Health — No Comments
25
Mar 10

Guest Post: Do Vegetarian Diets Impact Your Dental Health?

My Salt Lake Dentist is concerned that my teeth are worn down far beyond the expected norm for a 37 year “young” woman. Being stalwart  whole-foods vegetarian, I consume more grains, chewy breads, and raw vegetables than the average 37 year old’s my dentist normally sees. This made me wonder if possibly my vegetarian diet is causing my teeth to wear faster than the average American.

Scientific research on the impact of vegetarian diet correlation to dental health is nearly non existent. The studies that have been conducted establish no scientific evidence to support my theory that crunchy stiff whole foods can cause excess wear on adult teeth. (if you don’t believe me just ask the reference librarian for the American Dental Association [ADA]). Common sense, however, tells me otherwise.

Tooth wear and enamel erosion are divided into two basic types, mechanical and chemical. Mechanical erosion results from rubbing two objects against another (that is at least as hard as itself). Since I have not been chewing on concrete or steel lately, there is nothing I have been eating that could be nearly as hard as my teeth. Dr. Linda Niessen, a consumer adviser for the ADA puts it this way ” [enamel is] 90 percent rock”. Our teeth are strong.

The most common source of mechanical erosion is obviously teeth grinding. The trouble with teeth grinding is that it only happens when you are asleep so you never realize you are doing. I do hope my husband would point that out if it were happening. If you think you maybe grinding your teeth when you sleep there are things you can do:

  • Practice relaxation teeth grinding is usually brought on by stress.
  • Get a fitted with a mouth guard to wear while sleeping.
  • Bite Check-your teeth maybe rubbing against each other while eating. A simple adjustment could eliminate the problem.

Diet-related mechanical erosion is not impossible but it is extremely rare.

On the other hand chemical erosion can actually be linked to the food you eat, however the texture/consistency  of the food is not the culprit. Here is the scientific explanation, “chemical erosion occurs when a substance’s atomic or molecular structure allows it to eat away another’s”. In other words (one we can all understand) water is not nearly as hard as steel, but it can rust steel no problem. Likewise, acidic foods erode tooth enamel. There are studies linking the consumption of citrus fruit to increased enamel erosion.

The Journal of Dental Research (June 1991) indicates consuming more than two servings of citrus fruits per day increases one’s risk for chemical erosion significantly. Also guilty were soft drinks, sport drinks, and apple-cider vinegar. Frequent vomiting is also a culprit of chemical erosion,stomach acid eat away at enamel quickly.

If you are like me and love acidic foods, drink a lot of water to wash away the acid before it can do any damage. To be clear with all of this research it is apparent that vegetarians do not need take extraordinary measures to preserve their teeth. My diet is not the source of my dental plight.

Nutrition — No Comments
24
Mar 10

Apple Cider Vinegar – Nature’s Health Elixir

The health benefits of vinegar have not been overlooked by history. Ancient cultures have touted the benefits of apple cider vinegar as a tonic and an elixir.

The health benefits of apples are clear. They are nutrient rich containing dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants without fat or sodium. When raw apple cider vinegar is made, the goodness of the apple is carried over into the vinegar into which it is transformed. Nutrients are preserved during the fermentation process.

Some take apple cider vinegar as a tonic. It provides easily absorb-able forms of pectin, magnesium and minerals. Mix two to three teaspoons of ACV into an 8 ounce glass of pure water. Consume this prior to every meal for the most benefit. When consumed regularly, this tonic will help to maintain the acid/alkaline balance in your system. An alkaline environment is important to retaining good health. It keeps your body balanced.

However, if you are not fond of the idea of consuming a tonic prior to each meal, there are other ways to enjoy apple cider vinegar that will also benefit your health. Instead of other types of vinegar, use it in recipes or homemade salad dressings. I prepare a simple vinaigrette: crush one clove of organic garlic to it add some Himalayan sea salt to taste. Add a squeeze of organic fresh lemon, 3 tablespoons of organic cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and black pepper to taste. Blend together the ingredients with a spoon until well mixed. Pour it over your favorite salad or vegetables.

Apple cider vinegar can benefit us in so many ways. It can improve some common ailments that plague so many of us including: insomnia, weight loss, yeast infections, asthma, fatigue, acne, eczema, fungus, headaches, warts, sore throat, heartburn, ulcers and varicose veins.

It is easy to find apple cider vinegar in health food stores and more and more in supermarkets. As part of a healthy regime, it is an inexpensive ingredient to include in your overall recipe for good health.

Drinks — No Comments
24
Mar 10

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice has been touted for its benefits for some time. It has been used externally for its healing and soothing properties for minor burns, cuts and scrapes. What is even more profound is the benefits that aloe vera can provide when it is consumed in a beverage. Ailments such as ulcers, poor circulation, constipation, regulation of blood pressure and the itch of psoriasis, to name just a few, can be addressed and relieved using aloe vera.

Not only can it provide relief from some nagging health issues, but it has also had impressive success in strengthening the immune system. When consumed, aloe can help prevent the onset of disease and illness acting as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent.

It is easy to find aloe vera juice. It is available in health food stores. To have fresh aloe around the house, it may make sense to grow it right in your home. The most nutrient rich form of aloe can be found by clipping the plants leaves and squeezing the gel right out of them.

The benefits of aloe vera juice when ingested can be achieved when one consumes between two to four ounces each day. It is a great addition to juice or smoothies as some do not like the taste of it on its own. If you consume it daily, it will aid in proper digestion and help to detoxify your system.

Aloe has also been known to stimulate the liver’s metabolic rate setting the stage for weight loss. When our metabolic rate is increased, we burn more calories. More fat and carbohydrate stores are burned as a result of this process. For this reason, aloe has been associated with achieving ideal body weight. In some cultures it is known as the dietary plant.

Aloe vera is rich in vitamins and minerals. The risk of side effects are present but rare. When aloe is consumed in the proper amounts (2-4 ounces per day), side effects can be avoided. Some symptoms to watch out for if you do consume too much aloe vera is nausea, liver dysfunction, dermatitis and discolored urine. It is possible to have an allergic reaction to aloe vera.

The health benefits of aloe vera juice far outweigh its risks. These potential side effects should not deter you from trying aloe as part of your daily supplementation program as they are typically seen only when one consumes too much.

It is always wise to consult with a qualified health care professional prior to beginning any supplementation program

weight loss — No Comments
21
Mar 10

How to lose weight for vegetarians

The percentage of people who are vegetarian and overweight or obese is much lower than the percentage of people who are not vegetarians. This is because vegetarians avoid meat which is the main source of calories and fat. Regardless that there are cases where vegetarian people need to learn how to lose weight and this is what this post is all about.

Be careful on carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are among the group of foods you need to be careful when you want to lose weight. Over consumption of these can literally destroy your weight loss efforts. On the other hand you do not need to completely avoid them but minimize the intake of carbs in your diet. Suggested items that can aid your efforts are whole grain cereals, brown rice, green salads and of course plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Find alternative sources of protein

Many people believe that protein is just in meat but this is not the case. There are many alternative sources of protein that you can utilize in your diet and accelerate your weight loss efforts and at the same time help your body build more muscles. Perfect examples of great protein sources are soy, eggs, beans and peanut butter. There are also food supplements, like protein bars that can give you the protein you need without the unnecessary fats and sugars.

Water and more water

Water is by far the best tool you have for losing weight. It has no calories and can help you control your calorie intake while offering many benefits to your health and body organs. All you have to do is drink a glass of water every 2-3 hours. You can start in the morning with a glass of water when you wake up and then you can arrange to drink one glass of water every 2-3 hours until bed time. Water will keep your stomach full for longer time, will raise your metabolism, will help you detoxify and will make you feel better.

Skipping meals will not help you lose weight

This may sound like a paradox but it’s the truth. If you want to lose weight you need to eat more often! The catch is on the type of food you eat and in what quantities. Try to follow a balanced diet, avoiding items that are full of fat and sugars and try to control the size of your food portions. Do not choose drastic measures like not eating anything or eating too little. Make sure that you eat the right type of foods in moderation. This is the key for a successful and long lasting weight loss.

Blenders / Smoothie — No Comments
21
Mar 10

Smoothie Blenders For Healthy Drinks

When you think of a smoothie, you instantly think fruit, and this is just one of the many healthy drinks a smoothie blender can whip up in a matter of just seconds. From fruit smoothies to creamy protein shakes to even vegetable smoothies, a smoothie blender opens up a whole world of possibilities when it comes to healthy, tasty, and satisfying beverages all year round.

Now, many smoothie blenders come in large party-sized versions, so you can whip up a large batch of something and serve a crowd. But if healthy drinks are your aim, then a smaller, personal mini blender is probably a better choice for you. In fact, some smoothie blenders even blend directly into the cup you drink from, which is not only convenient, but saves you dish-washing time (and cabinet space) all in one.

Healthy drinks come in all stripes, just like the healthy ingredients they’re made of. A few of the tastier healthy drinks you can make with your smoothie blender include fruit smoothies, creamy shakes, and vegetable based smoothies.

For fruit smoothies, start with a base of juice that you like (orange juice works well) and add any combination of fruits that blend up well. Bananas and berries are very popular. You can also add a dash of milk (or soymilk or even silken tofu) to cut the juiciness and acidity in a healthy way. To keep the smoothie cold, you can either add ice (which adds body but not much flavor), or freeze the fruit first, so the fruit itself is what makes your smoothie chilly, keeping plenty of flavor around.

To use your smoothie blender for a creamy protein shake, simply make a shake as usual (milk, frozen yogurt, and some favorite such as chocolate) then add protein powder and blend.

For a vegetable smoothie, try blending tomatoes, celery, and even leafy greens like kale along with water. Or, add a little green to your fruit smoothie, where the powerful smoothie blender helps cut up the greens into small pieces where they are masked by the sweetness of the juice and fruit that make up the rest of the smoothie.

To learn more about smoothie blending and blenders go to Smoothie Blender World.

Diet / Fast Food — No Comments
10
Mar 10

10 Amazing Vegetarian Fast Food Choices

Eating at fast food joints can be quite the hassle for selective eaters.  However, there are vegetarian fast food options at most national chains.  Some are only good enough to get you to the next meal, but many are legitimately tasty!

As an experienced fast food restaurant scrounger, I’ve experienced both the good and the bad.  Take a look at the list below for the best vegetarian fast food choices.

1. Bean Burrito, Taco Bell
The bean burrito is a staple of my fast food diet.  It’s cheap, not that bad for you, and tasty.  It now comes with a fresco alternative (which is vegan) that substitutes peppers and onions for the cheese.  Taco Bell is a solid eating location for a veggie on the go.

2. Veggie Delight, Subway
It’s just like making a sandwich at home except you don’t have to stock your fridge with twenty ingredients.  Mix your custom bread with your custom toppings, and a custom sauce or dressing for a quality treat. My personal favorite includes American cheese, banana peppers, and yellow mustard combined with the typical sub toppings.

3. BK Veggie, Burger King
When your omnivorous friends proclaim that they ‘MUST’ have a burger,  the BK Veggie is your way to get a full meal. It’s a tasty veggie burger, although I’m personally not thrilled with the occasional, giant water crest that’s inside.  Pro-tip: go sans mayo.

4. Side Salad, Hardees
Figuring any grease-loving, monster burger restaurant would treat a side salad as a second class citizen, I was honestly surprised by the Hardees side salad. The lettuce was fresh and crispy and the toppings were pretty solid.  Not the best salad, but really good for what it is.

5. Grilled Cheese, IN-N-OUT Burger
This is more or less a cheeseburger without the burger.  You can get all the normal burger fixings on a bun, grilled, with cheese.

6. Mandarin Oranges, Wendy’s
A delightful cup on mandarin oranges might be just what you need to brighten your day when you’re out and about.  Although not nearly a meal in itself, a cup of oranges is nice to see making its way into the fast food market.

7. Caesar Salad, Boston Market
Boston Market is a bit of a fast food stretch in my opinion, but they have quite a few meatless options.  The Caesar salad probably isn’t all that healthy, but in my experience it’s fresh and tasty.

8. Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto, Panera Bread
This is a relatively new soup at Panera.  I love the combination of flavors, especially when combined with a lovely slice of french baguette.  There are a couple other veggie soups too.  I can’t speak for the tomato yet, but I find the black bean to be way to salty.  If all else fails, the bakery is stocked full of delicious breads and pastries.

9. Apple Slices with Caramel, Sonic
Much like the mandarin oranges at number 6, it’s nice to see fruit making it to the menus.  The apple slices seem much fresher than their McDonald’s equivalent and they come with a great caramel dip.

10. French Fries, Everywhere
Purists will scoff at the inclusion of fries on this list, but purists always do.  French fries are a debated food in the meat-free circles because they’re cooked in the same pans as the burgers and most restaurants will not come out and say whether they contain any meat products.  However, they’re delicious and I don’t think any of the ingredients are actually animal derived so I’m okay with them.

Honorable Mention: Thickburger-no meat, Hardees
This is a thickburger sans burger.  I haven’t personally tried one, which is why it didn’t make the list of ten.  But I hear good things and it’s on my “To Eat” list.

Cooking / Diet — No Comments
5
Mar 10

A Vegetarian Diet is Boring (but doesn’t have to be)

Well, it doesn’t have to be…but mine is. I’m not a good cook and I feel like I don’t have time to learn. No one else in my family is a vegetarian so any recipe that I try is a shot in the dark.  The result is that I pretty much have 10 meals that I rotate through based on what I feel like eating each particular night.

I don’t feel like this is a vegetarian problem; it’s more of a lifestyle problem.  Luckily, I think my problem is solvable.  I just need to be open to new ideas and trying new things.

If you’re suffering from the same dinner plate boredom, here are 6 ideas to spice up your vegetarian meal plan!

1. Try a new recipe from a book you already own

You know, the books over there gathering dust.  You purchased them with the best of intentions, but after an occasional glance the first couple days you never mustered up the courage to give that daring recipe a try.  I’m not the stocked kitchen kind of guy, but I’m sure that you can find one in there that you already have the ingredients to.

2. Get creative with a potato

Start with a baked potato.  Take a look in your cabinet and assess the situation. Select one can of beans of the type you have the most of.  Select a vegetable that will also accompany the meal.  This is where you get to be creative. Beans aren’t creative, but the type of vegetable you pick can be.  Go wild, choose something you don’t think will go well on a potato.  Now that you’ve made your selections, cook all three items separately, spicing as desired, and then top the sliced baked potato with your beans and vegetable.  Add other potato toppings as desired.

3. Focus the meal around an unusual item

The problem new veggies have with cooking is that they used to prepare a meal by thinking of a main item (that being the meat) and then thinking of items that go with it.  You can still think the same way, you just have to focus on a different center item like I did with the potato above.  For example, imagine three of the most delicious slices of tomato lying in the center of a plate. What two or three other items could you mix in or add on the side.  Personally, I think I’d chop the tomato and mix it with spinach, chopped potato, and a small amount of salsa.

4. Add flare to one of your regular meals

Choose something that you eat fairly regularly, but haven’t had in a couple of days. Substitute one of the regular ingredients or add in something extra.  I quite often eat spaghetti with marinara sauce.  It’s easy to make and cheap, but it’s not exciting anymore.  To spice it up I could add veggie crumbles (a vegetarian ground beef substitute) or do something as simple as switching to spiral noodles.

5. Speaking of which, don’t be afraid of meat substitutes

…to create your old favorites. Although I in no way crave animal products anymore, I still have brushes of desire for specific meals that my mom prepared when I was growing up. Use substitutes to try to recreate the recipe.

6. Trust your instincts

Remember when your grandmother would just grab a pinch or handful of something and throw it in the pot?  I was always baffled, but she had the confidence to know that it would turn out well. Pretend as if you absorbed that ability.  Don’t be afraid to toss some corn into that pasta dish or add a spice that isn’t on the recipe card.  The worst that happens is you learn not to do it next time :)

Nutrition — No Comments
2
Mar 10

5 Reasons Protein Isn’t a Concern for Vegetarians

It seems the first thing people complain about when they learn that I’m a vegetarian is that I can’t be eating enough protein.  Where could I possibly get it if I don’t eat meat? Oh…I don’t know, only like a thousand other places.  Here are 5 reasons why getting enough protein is not a problem for vegetarians.

  1. A large amount of protein is actually unhealthy–especially from meat sources
    High protein diets have been linked to health problems in multiple studies.  In addition, high protein diets obtained from meat sources commonly contain a large amount of saturated fats and colesterol.

    “Funded by the National Cancer Institute, the study also associated red meat intake with higher cancer and cardiovascular mortality rates, the two leading causes of death in the U.S.”
    Red Meat Study


  2. Americans eat too much meat already
    Most Americans eat between 1 and 2 times the recommended amount of protein each day.  Protein deficiency is so rare in the US that most physicians wouldn’t even recognize the symptoms.

    “The average omnivore eats twice as much protein as the USDA recommends.”
    Why Americans Should Eat At Least 50% Less Meat


  3. There are plenty of protein sources for vegetarians
    With the rise of imitation meats, it’s easier than ever for a vegetarian to compensate for the lack of meat, even though it’s not really necessary for the sake of protein.  Almost all foods have some protein, so it’s really hard to not get enough each day.

    “I’ve compiled a list of great, enjoyable food sources to meet the daily requirements.”
    Vegetarian Proten


  4. Some vegetarian foods are ‘complete proteins’–mainly quinoa and soy
    Quinoa and Soy are naturally complete proteins, meaning they contain all of the essential amino acids. In addition, many foods are added to processed foods like cereals forming complete proteins by fortifications.

    “The old world grain and super food, quinoa, was believed by the South American Indians to give them super human powers.”
    How to Cook Quinoa


  5. A low protein diet is easier on your organs
    While a low protein diet is probably not something that should be continued long term, it can temporarily reduce the stress on many organs.  A high protein diet can stress the kidneys, so it only makes sense that a low protein diet can be a short term benefit.

    “Low protein diets (4-8% protein) are used routinely to treat patients with liver disease, kidney (renal) failure.”
    Low Protein Diet

So what reasons did I miss?  I’m sure there are a few that somehow I missed.