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Showing posts with label HEALTH. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HEALTH. Show all posts

Thursday, June 7, 2012

BEST TIME TO EAT FOR OPTIMAL DIGESTION

   You've probably heard this many times, "it's bad to eat late", "don't eat before bed", "eat lightly later in the day". The fact is, this is all true. I've done an extensive amount of research on this topic and would like to share my findings with you.
 It's true that we each are different, different metabolisms, different body types, different genes, etc. But, the met
abolism slows down as the day progresses. This is why it isn't wise to eat late at night.


 From my research, i've learned about many different types of eating plans. I've found that just because an eating plan works for you, it doesn't mean it will work for someone else. Our bodies are all made differently, there's nothing we can do about it. But, there is a way to acheive optimal digestion that works for your specific bodily needs.

 First of all, you should always make sure to eat your biggest meal in the afternoon. Why? because this is the time that our metabolisms are at their peak. This means that whatever you eat at this time, whether it's a big or small meal, will have enough time to fully digest before you go to sleep. Secondly, exercising a few hours after your meal will help to burn those calories and make sure it doesn't turn to fat.

 I'm not saying there has to be a specific way to eat, all I'm saying is that as the day goes on, reduce your calorie intake and make sure not to eat just before bed. You don't want to eat at this time because this is the time your digestive system is the slowest. If you eat, that food is NOT going to digest properly and will unfortunately turn into fat.

 Speaking from experience, I know it's difficult at first to change your normal routine, but once you keep doing it, it will come naturally to you. So again, what you want to do is eat your biggest meal in the afternoon, because that's the time your metabolism is at it's highest. Later in the day, you can have a low-calorie protein shake, this is especially effective for a post-workout meal. It's not too heavy on the stomach and will digest quickly.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

DELICIOUS 100% GUILT FREE SNACKS

We all want to be healthy. But most of us don't want to sacrifice our tastebuds. Well, you don't have to. With these delicious and healthy snacks you'll get full satisfaction knowing that the tasty snack your eating is also doing your body good too! Another great thing about these snacks is that they contain absolutely no animal products whatsoever, which makes them even more amazing! My point is that you certainly DO NOT need to eat anything from animals to be completely satisfied with a yummy and filling snack. Being 100% Vegan myself, I do get cravings from time to time for something a little sweet and I let myself indulge a bit. But whenever I do I always buy something healthy. I'm going to give you a list of some of my personal favorite munchies when I have that sweet tooth!

#1  -ORGANIC ACAI SORBET:

**This sorbet is absolutely amazing! It tastes great and is very satisfying. It is also 100% VEGAN, NON-DAIRY, NON-GMO, FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS AND HEALTHY OMEGAS.

#2 - ORGANIC POPCORN:


Super tasty! This is definately something I reach for if I have a salty craving. Completely satisfying, healthy,  and 50% less fat and oil than other popcorn!It's also ALL NATURAL and only 40 calories a cup!  The only ingredients in it are: organic popcorn, expeller pressed canola/safflower/sunflower oil, and salt.

#3 - RICEMILK CHOCO CHOCOLATE BAR:


**Mmmm...Who doesn't LOVE chocolate!? One of my fav chocolate bars. I can honestly say that this will satisfy anyone who loves chocolate vegan or not. If I gave this to you and didn't tell you it's vegan, you wouldn't know! Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, all natural, and delicious. It has organic cane sugar, organic cocoa, and organic vanilla extract. 

#4 - ORGANIC VANILLA ALMOND BUTTER:


**One word, scrumptious. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and delicious. Is there anything more you could ask for?

#5 - WAX ORCHARDS CLASSIC FUDGE:



**A 100% fruit sweeted European chocolate fudge sauce. Definately something you want to have in your fridge when you have that sweet tooth!

#6 - ENJOY LIFE MEGA CHUNKS:


**Calling all chocolate lovers! Rich and chocolatey, these tasty choco chunks are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings! It's also dairy, nut, and soy-free!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

THE TOTAL THYROID

Ok, so most of us know what the thyroid is but do you know what it does? Most people take for granted even having a thyroid. Many people don't realize what a blessing it is to have a thyroid. I know I was one of those people, but ever since i've learned more about it and seen first-hand what my dad and others go through due to not paying close attention, I make sure to take care of myself now. Honestly, I used to not even know what the thyroid was. Now I know that without it, life is more difficult. The thyroid plays a very important part in your health. It is a very important gland in your body, without it you won't be able to function properly. It controls your hormones, metabolism, and heart rate. Due to various causes, partial or all of the thyroid must be removed. Unfortunately, my dad had to get his whole thyroid removed and is still struggling with many problems to this day because of it. So, my point is that you should take care of your thyroid because you don't want the issues that come with a damaged thyroid.  



TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR THYROID:

1) EAT IODINE-RICH FOODS:
Some foods rich in iodine include spinach, walnuts, almonds, mustard greens, asparagus, lima beans, turnips, and brown rice.

2) EAT FOODS THAT CONTAIN HEALTHY FAT:
Nuts and seeds, olives and olive oil, nuts, and avocado.


2) STOP SMOKING:
 Smoking tobacco conatins substances that negatively affect the thyroid. The longer you smoke, the greater your risk of thyroid disease.


3) EXERCISE REGULARLY:
This can increase hormone production as well as boost metabolism and control weight.





Thursday, May 10, 2012

NUT BUTTER HEALTH BENEFITS!

Mmmm... Nut Butters! If you haven't tried them you don't know what your missing. Nut butters are tasty and have many health benefits. One of the great things about nut butters is that they are easy on your digestive system and great for your health. There is so much variety in what kinds you can eat. Also, you can make them yourself which is great if you are on a limited budget. I used to eat whole nuts but now i'm crazy over nut butters. What's great about making your own nut butters is that you get to add whatever you want to them, cinnamon, honey, cane sugar, etc. Each nut butter has it's own benefits and you can make it out of any nut. My personal favorite is roasted almond butter; it gives off sort of a sweet nutty flavor and tastes great. By blending the nuts you also get more benefits because it releases enzymes. Here are some info and recipes of almond butter that is delicious & nutritious:

ALMOND BUTTER: Definately one of the best natural foods on the market today. This superfood is loaded with PROTEIN, CALCIUM, FIBER, MAGNESIUM, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN E, MANGANESE, TRYPTOPHAN, COPPER,  AND POTASSIUM. It's also low in saturated fat and decreases bad cholesterol.
CINNAMON HONEY RAW ALMOND BUTTER


 

What you'll need:

1)Raw Almonds
2) Food Processor or blender
3) Optional: Cinnamon/Honey

Instructions:


Put your desired amount of almond butter in food processor or blender. Blend until smooth(this could take up to 15 min). Add cinnamon or honey and refrigerate. Super simple right?