Pages Navigation Menu

Health Foodie. Wife. Mom.

How To Read Produce Stickers

Posted by on Apr 23, 2012 in Health, Nutrition | Comments Off on How To Read Produce Stickers

Price Look-up (PLU) Code Did you know that the numbers on produce stickers can help you identify whether or not you are buying organic, conventionally-grown, or genetically modified produce? Now you can learn how to decipher the code! As you can see, it’s pretty easy to determine what type of produce you are getting now that you know the code! I suggest you take a look at those little numbers next time you go grocery shopping so you can make sure you are buying the premium quality produce you are looking for! Feel free to follow us, however you like: Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest...

Read More

Health Benefits of Chromium

Posted by on Apr 16, 2012 in Nutrition | Comments Off on Health Benefits of Chromium

Chromium plays a major role in the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Chromium helps to stable the levels of blood sugar, it minimizes the body’s need for insulin and improves glucose tolerance in those who suffer from type II diabetes. It is also involved in the development of nucleic acids DNA and RNA, performs an important function for the storage, transfer and implementation of genetic information. When interacting with iodine, it supports thyroid function. Chromium deficiency in the body leads to developmental delay and disruption of nervous activity, reduces sperm fertilizing capacity. Chromium deficiency increases the amount of triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood. Chronic lack of this trace element impairs memory, reduces vision, causes the development of skin diseases – acne, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Chromium rich blueberries strengthens the retina and improves visual acuity. This berry...

Read More

Do You Splurge Too Often?

Posted by on Mar 19, 2012 in Nutrition | Comments Off on Do You Splurge Too Often?

Every day we have to make the decision about what we are going to eat. We have to plan and think about what we will eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and any snacks in between. With so many meals to consider, it’s easy to justify eating junk food now and again. Problem is, we often distort our reality of what “occasional” means. It’s easy to eat a candy bar every day, considering it’s just one of the many meals you ate that day. Unfortunately, those empty calories in the candy bars really add up overtime. What you consistently eat, matters. So how often is too often to splurge? I think it just really depends on a couple of important things. Calories and Portion Size How many calories do you need each day? Once you have figured this number out,...

Read More

Why You Need The “B-Team”

Posted by on Mar 1, 2012 in Nutrition | Comments Off on Why You Need The “B-Team”

Through the years we have heard a lot about the so-called “B Vitamins” and all of their wonderful health benefits. To make this simple for everyone, I would like to break it down by listing the B Vitamins, listing the top sources where you can provide a bunch of B Vitamins into your body – naturally, and mention some key health benefits associate with B Vitamins. Top Sources of B Vitamins There are a lot of “B Vitamins” out there, with multiple names, too! I have listed them off as how they are numbered, plus how they are most commonly listed as in nutrition labels. If you look at Vitamin B9, you’ll see that I have listed “folate” instead of “folic acid”. Folate is the natural form of Vitamin B9, found in whole food sources, while folic acid is the...

Read More

Hungry? Healthy and Filling Foods

Posted by on Feb 27, 2012 in Nutrition, Weight Loss | 2 comments

If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it’s important to find the right kind of foods to keep yourself full. These include high-protein foods, high-fiber foods, and healthy fats. Here are five ideas that will keep you feeling full longer: Eat your veggies Vegetables are key to feeling full longer. They are low in calories, and high in fiber. Try adding extra veggies to your meals or start substituting a salad for those high calorie dishes. This is a great way to help you stay slender! It’s time to go nuts! Nuts are filling, and have plenty of healthy fats in them. They are also high in protein. Remember to keep the serving size reasonable because they are high in calories – healthy calories! Try making a trail mix with dried fruit or use them...

Read More

When Organic Isn’t Healthy

Posted by on Feb 23, 2012 in Nutrition | Comments Off on When Organic Isn’t Healthy

Having a product labeled as “USDA Organic” doesn’t mean that you should automatically consider the product to be “healthy”. You  need to take a deeper look… Definition of Organic That Organic label just means that the food is grown, processed, and packaged without the use of agricultural chemicals, artificial colors or flavors, genetic modification, irradiation, or other synthetic ingredients. Simply put, the term “organic” doesn’t mean that a product is automatically “healthy” or good for your body. Unhealthy Organic Products There are a lot of unhealthy products out on the market today that are considered by many to be nutritious and healthy, partly due to marketing campaigns and an “All Natural” or “Organic” label on the front. I have hand picked a couple of Organic products out on the market today that are about as guilty as the non-organic...

Read More

No Surprise: Heart Attack at Heart Attack Grill

Posted by on Feb 16, 2012 in Health, Nutrition | 3 comments

An unidentified man (described as a “normal” guy in his 40’s) had a heart attack while he was eating a Triple Bypass burger at the Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas this last Saturday. Perhaps he was warned? Heart Attack at the Heart Attack Grill.  Oh, the Irony. Someone at the Heart Attack Grill gets a…(gasp!) Heart Attack. Sad? Yes. Surprised? No. Every day we choose how we are going to eat, and every day those choices matter. Bad food choices on a regular basis have a negative affect on your overall health. An average 40-something doesn’t just get a heart attack! Those customers who weigh 350 pounds or more eat free at the Heart Attack Grill – perhaps this particular client (or as they call it, “patient”) was one of those who received a free meal? Caution: This Establishment is Bad for...

Read More

Top Sources of Calcium

Posted by on Feb 6, 2012 in Nutrition | Comments Off on Top Sources of Calcium

There are plenty of easily accessible sources of calcium that will benefit your body. Health Benefits of Calcium • Bones and teeth contain 99% of the calcium in the body, which makes it no surprise to know that calcium is a huge factor in maintaining healthy and strong bones. • There have been studies showing that calcium may help prevent colon cancer. • Prevents osteoporosis, which is a disease that is characterized by brittle and porous bones. •  In 1999 a study revealed that calcium was a “sound treatment” for women who experienced symptoms of premenstrual syndrome(PMS). • Helps with blood clotting, muscle contraction, regulation of enzyme activity, cell membrane and proper nerve function. • Calcium is heart healthy! In studies, it has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Top Sources of Calcium • Yogurt (44%) • Tofu (39%) • Sesame Seeds...

Read More

10 Steps To A Healthier Heart

Posted by on Feb 2, 2012 in Fitness, Health, Nutrition | Comments Off on 10 Steps To A Healthier Heart

Your heart is constantly working, so why not give your heart a “break” by focusing on a lifestyle that will promote a healthy heart!? 10 Steps To A Healthier Heart 1. Keep your Cholesterol low, aiming for less than 200 milligrams/deciliter and keep your Blood Pressure below 120/80. Garlic has been shown to reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure levels. 2. If you smoke, it’s time to quit the habit. Three years after a person quits smoking, their chance of having a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked before. 3. Eat more heart healthy fats such as  wild salmon, nuts, avocados, olive oil, and flax seeds. Studies show that consuming two or more servings of fish per week is associated with reducing the risk of developing coronary heart disease by 30 percent. 4.  Reduce the stress in your life. Take...

Read More

Benefits and Sources of Vitamin A

Posted by on Jan 9, 2012 in Nutrition | Comments Off on Benefits and Sources of Vitamin A

There are two main sources that you can obtain vitamin A naturally. 1) Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from animal foods such as calf liver. 2) Vitamin A comes from Carotenoids (alpha-, beta-, and gamma- carotene) which our bodies convert into Vitamin A and comes from many fruits and vegetables. Check out the many health benefits of Vitamin A and find out how to get more of it in your healthy lifestyle! Health Benefits of Vitamin A • Vitamin A has been shown to help fight against age-related ocular diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Vitamin A helps to improve night vision by allowing the eyes to more effectively distinguish between light and dark. • Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and can help protect us against skin diseases and some cancers. • Vitamin A plays an important role with...

Read More