General Article

How To Eat Healthy in an Unhealthy World

It can be hard to follow a healthy eating plan, especially because there are tasty temptations around every corner! Food is such an integral part of our society, which means that there are unhealthy food choices everywhere we go. This article is going to look at a few ways you can follow a healthy eating plan even when it is hard.

The first (and most important step) is to change your mindset about food. The problem that many people run in to when they follow a healthy eating plan is this: they feel like they are being deprived of all of the “fun” and “tasty” foods that everyone else is eating.

But, you can change your thinking. Instead of focusing on the fact that you are missing out on foods, try focusing on the health that you are achieving and the way that you feel when you eat good foods. Eating healthy will provide your body with the energy it needs to be strong, and you will feel great!

Also, be prepared by always having healthy food available. Sometimes I will eat something before going to a party, or I will bring a healthy snack along when I leave the house. Filling my stomach with healthy food first will prevent you from over-eating when there are unhealthy foods available.

Another great trick to healthy eating is to plan your food choices ahead of time. If you are eating out at a restaurant, take a moment to get online and find the menu before you leave. This way, you can make an easy decision when you order your food because you already know the healthy dishes that are available. And remember that it is OK to ask for substitutions if needed.

The last thing that you need to remember is the fact that no one is perfect. Focus your eating on healthy foods most of the time, but don’t feel guilty if you slip up and eat something that is unhealthy. Instead, focus on the fact that you are treating your body well most of the time and then get right back on track with your eating plan again.…

Cooking With Children in Mind

If you are considering cooking with children, you need to be prepared and make sure you have the proper ingredients on hand before beginning. You will certainly need your patience and you would not want to leave in the middle of things to run to the local grocery store to pick up the missing ingredients.

Another very important rule when it comes to cooking with children is to clean as you go whenever possible. While there is part of you that will want to put off this task, cleaning the mess that is made rather than waiting until the end prevents successive mess to compound each other. Constantly clean throughout the process for the best possible results is my advice. Enlist your children in the cleaning process as well. While it may be easier to do yourself, it is far more important to teach them the basics of cleaning, as a part of the process, as you go. Remember one day they will more than likely invade your kitchen while you’re not looking and good habits will pay in the long-term.

Cooking for toddlers and growing children presents some unique challenges along the way. While you want to provide them with those ever so important nutrients, it is often difficult to get them to eat those foods that are best for their growing bodies, however you make them attractive. Most of us are all probably well aware of the food pyramid and the number of servings our children need of healthy grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and calcium products. Getting them to eat these nourishing products is, however, another matter all together unfortunately.

Cooking healthier meals for kids is now easier than ever before. Fresh fruits and vegetables are best whenever possible and packaging is just as important as a persuasive factor. However, if you cannot manage fresh, you should avoid canned (fruits especially as they are often swimming in sugary sweetness) whenever possible. Frozen is far preferable to canned when it comes to both fruit and vegetables, as there are often fewer additives.

Perhaps the greatest gift you can give yourself (much greater than the help in the kitchen) by ‘forcing’ your little ones to help prepare dinner is that they will learn to better appreciate your culinary efforts and eat peacefully rather than sullenly. They also take some ownership of what they produce. This tactic has met with great success in my house and I’m sure you will enjoy the same.…

What Vegans Should Know Part 1 – MSG

This is the first in a series of planned articles concerning what vegans and vegetarians should know.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has gotten much publicity for several years. One would think that a reasonably intelligent adult would be very familiar with MSG today. Unfortunately, many misconceptions persist. My guess is that if you ask ten people at random why MSG is used in food, eight of the ten would say “it’s a preservative”. Well, the correct answer is “no”, it is not a preservative.

Before continuing, this article presents facts that are available to anyone willing to do some research on the internet. It also presents some of the authors opinions which you can take or leave. The author is not intent on convincing you that MSG or the food industry is good or bad. The goal of this article is to induce you to think about what is in your food, to do some investigation and to decide for yourself. Even vegans and vegetarians who, in general, are more conscience of what they eat, are frequently unaware of MSG in their food (check the label on that can of organic beans).

So, what is wrong with MSG? It can cause migraine headaches, upset stomach, fuzzy thinking, diarrhea, heart irregularities, asthma, mood swings and has been linked to obesity. Don’t believe it? Go to the website (U S Library of Medicine) and type MSG in the search box. You will get 620 articles on MSG toxicity.

If we assume at this point that MSG is something you do not want to be eating, the question arises, if it is bad, why does the food industry put it food? As mentioned earlier it is not a preservative. MSG is a flavor enhancer. It has the ability to make even tainted food taste good to us. Additionally, it has an addictive effect on the human body. Quite simply, it makes us want to eat more. Is it any wonder the food industry puts it in virtually everything?

So, how do you know if MSG is in your food? First, if you eat fast food, it is in the hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos, chicken and practically everything else served at every major fast food restaurant in America. Nearly everything you eat at Kentucky Fried Chicken is loaded with MSG. So about the only way to avoid it at fast food outlets is not to eat fast food or stick with salad. No wait…there is MSG in the salad dressing.

However, at your grocery store, you can do something about it. Simply read the ingredient label on everything you buy. But, be aware that the food industry does not make it easy for you. MSG is disguised under about forty different names. You will seldom see the words monosodium glutamate. Instead look for:

Anything with the word “hydrolyzed” (like hydrolyzed flour)Anything with the word “…protein” (like textured protein)Anything with the word “glutamate” or “glutamic” (like Glutamic acid) …

Whether it’s a neighborhood get-together, a kid’s birthday party, a picnic, or another event involving food, hosting it can be a great deal of fun. It can also be a headache to plan and prepare, especially when it comes to gathering supplies.

One way to make this easier – and maybe even throw a few other fun events – is to purchase items that you can reuse each time. While each type of event will require some different items, there are a few to keep in your cabinets, such as those listed below.

Serving Dishes and Utensils

If you’re serving food, you need something to serve it in and with. Investing in a durable set of serving dishes and some easy-to-clean serving utensils will serve you well. Choosing clear, white, or black are good ideas as they can match nearly all themes.

Pitchers and Cups

Whether you’re serving water, sweet tea, or mixed drinks, you need a way to dispense them and something to drink from. Clear pitchers make great dispensers, especially as your guests can easily see what’s inside. Glass cups and tumblers are great for grown-up parties indoors, but if you’re hosting kids or doing outdoor events, you can choose plastic that mimics the appearance of glass ones.

Plates and Flatware

You can always purchase paper plates and plastic spoons. And at times, such as a birthday party with 20 five-year-olds running around, that might be the best option. However, there are a few reasons to consider a good set of dinner plates and flatware.

One reason is that they work well for both casual and formal parties. They are also better if you’re serving heavy food. You should also consider the cost. Yes, paper and plastic are cheaper options upfront, but if you’re throwing several events each year, those low costs add up.

Investing time and money in these few items can make a big difference in your future events. They won’t cover every need, but you’re sure to get your money’s worth from each. …

Healthy Eating on a Budget

Who says you can’t eat healthy foods on a budget? This has been the chief complaint of many people who wants to eat healthy but couldn’t. Is eating healthy really that expensive? Well, some foods are truly expensive, like fresh yogurt and some fruits like kiwis and strawberries. Look on the bright side, there are other foods that are healthy but are easily accessible and cheap.

The problem with healthy eating is that you have to prepare it yourself. Why? Restaurants and fast food chains do not serve healthy foods or healthy alternatives. One reason for this is that it is easier to deep fry chicken, rather than mixing up sauces and chopping vegetables for your healthy garden salad. Grease and oil also help in making the food easier to prepare, and they greatly enhance the flavor of the food. These are the main reasons why fast food chains only serve greasy food.

How to eat healthy on a budget? It is easy. First, you have to know what healthy foods are. Then, you must incorporate these foods into your daily diet. Come to think of it, healthy foods are in plain sight and are readily available, not to mention accessible. The following foods can be found in your local fresh market: fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, lean meats, and other natural foods, as these can be very cheap.

Making these healthy and delicious at the same time it is all about how you prepare the ingredients. Avoid deep frying and using a lot of unhealthy oils, and avoid using sauces that are high in sugar and salt. It is how you cook the food that makes it healthy. Also, eating a lot of fresh fruits and veggies that are readily available in the market is one of the ways to eat healthy.

The secret in buying fresh fruits and vegetables that are cheap is to make sure that the fruit or vegetable you are about to buy is natural and in season. If the fruit or vegetable is in season, you can make sure that it is natural with no fertilizers added, since the fruits or vegetables are in the prime of their growth. When these foods are in season chances are the market will be filled with them. With the law of supply and demand the prices are going to drop like a rock. It is just a matter of choosing the one that is in season, and you are in for healthy, delicious and cheap meals.

The following are some foods that are healthy, cheap and delicious.

Brown rice – if you eat white rice, then brown rice is a healthier alternative. It may be a bit more expensive compared to white varieties, but brown rice contains more fiber, which will keep you full longer.

Whole wheat pasta – this is a very good alternative to pasta, and it contains added fiber.

Whole wheat bread – white bread has about as few nutrients …

Healthy Food For the Heart – Making the Right Choices

Heart disease is one of the main causes of death among adults worldwide. All of us know there is good healthy food for the heart. Healthy eating is all about enjoying a variety of foods from the different food groups. Unfortunately, when it comes to our health and nutrition, our society seems predisposed towards making us choose the unhealthy options. Why should you consume healthy foods for your heart? Learning to eat healthy foods is not a science reserved for the elite. For a healthy and sound body, all you need to do is substitute harmful food with healthy food alternatives.

A recent study discovered that nearly one third of the people today studied have got undetectable amounts of omega 3 fatty acids within their blood stream, putting these people at more significant possibility for heart problems, stroke, being diabetic, and cognitive complications. Omega 3 also reduces the risk of heart attack. While being a very popular and heart-healthy food rich in omega 3 fatty acids, salmon is also a very tasty food. Consistently seafood is described as “brain food” and of late experts have included “rich in Omega 3” and “heart healthy” on labeling. To prepare a heart-healthy food, try baked salmon steak with vegetables and a salad dressed with lemon juice (instead of a vinaigrette sauce which is too rich in calories)

Brazil nuts contain mono-saturated fats that make it a healthy food for the heart. Parsley contains several important flavonoids, and this makes it a healthy food for the heart. Enjoying some dark chocolate bars is similar to obtaining the identical antioxidant content provided by a couple of glasses of burgandy or merlot wine or three servings of Asian tea extract. If you miss milk shakes, try a low-fat fruit smoothie, instead. Soluble fiber also helps keep your digestive system healthy. Apples, nuts and oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber. Eat an apple with a handful of walnuts or almonds as a healthy treat or add slices of apples to salads. In addition Nuts lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Research shows that if you lower your blood cholesterol levels, you lower your risk of coronary disease and stroke. Whole grains are another source of soluble fiber and provide vitamins to help maintain a healthy heart. The soluble fiber binds with cholesterol, which is then shunted out of the body, and their level falls. These good fats will also keep your cholesterol levels low.

In spite of what the thousands of seemingly “healthy” products claim, the truth is there are no shortcuts to becoming fit and healthy. It is a conscious effort and choice. Our purpose is to help make the healthier alternative easier to choose. Most people can lower their cholesterol by choosing an active lifestyle, achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, and eating better. Eating healthy for your heart is something everybody should attempt to do, particularly …

Clinicians must use the research and medical data available to choose the most appropriate cannabinoid therapies for their patients. This will ensure that they select treatments that deliver consistent results with maximal patient benefit and minimal side effects.

Below are some frequently asked questions about CBN products.

Why Do You Recommend Using Full-Spectrum CBN Instead of a Specific Form?

Broad spectrum CBN therapy is the preferred treatment in cases where a more targeted approach may be ineffective or contraindicated, such as in children and patients with complex comorbidities. There are also cases where a more nuanced degree of CBN dosing may not be clinically appropriate. For example, some patients experience severe nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and their appetite may not be optimal. In these cases, the ability to use high-dose CBN oil without inducing nausea is preferable.

What Are Some of the Reasons Patients Prefer Full Spectrum CBN?

Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including that full-spectrum extracts are typically dispensed at a lower volume making the cost per milligram of CBD less expensive. Another is that full-spectrum extracts can provide a wider range of therapeutic benefits that may be beneficial for specific patient conditions.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Full-Spectrum CBN?

Some clinicians have expressed concern about purified forms of CBN being non-FDA approved or containing hidden active ingredients. In reality, though, the only difference between a purified form of CBN and a full-spectrum extract is concentration. It is important to note that all forms of CBN, whether they are isolated or full-spectrum extracts, have undergone extensive safety testing for purity and potency.

Why Is the Use of Full-Spectrum CBN More Preferable When Treating Children?

Children are often given liquid extracts, making it easy for patients to dose themselves quickly. Since children’s doses can vary between each administration, being able to dose without any added ingredients is critical in ensuring that they get their proper medication. CBN can treat many conditions. However, it is important to note that there are also some conditions for which CBN may exacerbate symptoms.…

Healthy Food Options for Men

We are what we eat. The reason for this fact is simple. We eat in order to nourish and nurture our bodies and the same food is broken down to release energy that keeps us active throughout the day. The food requirement of both the genders is unique, according to their body structures and its needs. Men need food which helps them in building stronger muscles and a solid body. According to studies, there are certain types of foods that can help men in building their bodies and sustaining their wellness charts, while reducing the chances of obesity. One such food for men that is proven to provide antioxidant properties is the berries. Nutritionists say that men should serve themselves with these fruity delights which include blueberries, cherries, and other from the same group to sharpen the performance of their brain and memory.

The berries are known since the ancient times to contain health sustaining powers. This power has been identified in the light of the modern studies as forty thousand different compounds, which are found in these fruits. This is the reason most of the men are advised to eat these bursting with health berries up to five times in a day. Another important food group is that of the whole grains. Those men who rely on the whole grain diet plan get a better intake of the essential minerals, fiber and the vitamins which help in building leaner muscles and improvises stamina and the immune system. Some of the options of the food rich in whole grains include; whole grain pasta, oatmeal, barley and quinoa etc. The food rich in whole grains help in reducing the bad cholesterol and curb the problems related to digestion.

One of the most vital mineral required by the male body is Zinc. It is one of the most crucial mineral that helps in the formulation of the DNA, numerous body processes and maintenance of the body cells. A healthy dose of the zinc can be obtained from consuming up to eleven milligrams of legumes, lean beef, and shellfish etc. The performance of the male reproductive system and its various issues ranging from lower sperm count to lower motility can be tackled consuming the right proportion of the food groups containing this essential mineral. To reduce the risks of strokes, blood pressure and other several diseases it is advised to eat one banana in the morning at breakfast, which will help not only in providing quick energy and assist protein metabolism but also, regulate the nerves as well. Most of the men forget to drink water throughout their everyday responsibilities, a habit, which should be changed to drink up to three liters of water every day to flush out the harmful components from the body.…

Truth About Fast Food Restaurants

A lot of us have shows about fast food and how they are abundant in low income restaurants, and how they contribute to obesity in many people that live there. The truth about fast food is that it is not at all healthy for these people.

Poor people tend to have less to choose from when it comes to eating out. Therefore, it’s hard to entirely fault them. It may sound ironic when you think about the fact that some of the cheapest foods are the ones with the most calories. Doesn’t this go against the logic of what one would expect? Why is it so easy to fill ourselves up for such a low cost? Regardless of the situation, this is how the world works these days when it comes to nutrition. Many times, those without the financial means to buy whatever they want as a means of survival will choose to chase the lowest price and a nearby location purely out of the necessity since they have no other options. As a result, that cheeseburger they bought for a buck seems like a great buy, but it is loaded with calories and it is not at all healthy.

Not only has there been a documentary on the issue, but government has taken interest in fixing this problem as well. The New York City Council has recently passed rules that require fast food restaurants to label their food with nutrition data that shows people what they are really eating.

Sadly, even with the new labeling regulations, a survey showed that New York’s poor haven’t really changed their eating patterns, and continue to make unhealthy choices with their food.

Stores like KF and McDonald’s argue that the survey is incorrect and their customers really are making healthier choices in their eating habits. Why the inconsistency? What can explain the discrepancy between their figures and the surveys?

One possibility for the inconsistency in the numbers is that the unhealthy chains include the figures from the healthy ones. This means that places like Subway, which offer healthy food are being combined with the data from places that don’t serve healthy food. This makes the scores inconsistent and influences the results.

What New York City does is take data from the wealthier neighborhoods and combine that with the results from the poor parts of the city. This make the numbers look better, but nothing is really changing with regards to safety.

In the end, the city is being pointless in labeling their fast food stores because nobody is really changing their habits.…

Healthy Kid Snacks for Busy Parents

After a long day of school, nothing is more refreshing than coming home to a snack on the table. A child’s life rotates around the food they eat. Even the snacks consumed by a child can and should be healthy. Storing vitamins that they get from their food is part of any child’s day. Healthy foods are universally necessary, even though children’s tastes change from day to day. Adapting to healthy eating is a challenge for some and a breeze for others. Though snacking may be considered an inconsequential part of a diet, it is actually very important. With these few simple tips, snacking can be made healthy and fun for everyone involved.

While giving a child a steady source of energy, healthy kid snacks also provide them with crucial vitamins and minerals. Peanut butter can be replaced in healthy kid snacks for nut butters such as almond butter that instantly boost the rate at which a child is getting healthy omega fatty acids. Few kids will notice the difference, as nut butters taste almost exactly like normal peanut butter does. Many healthy kid snacks utilize these butters in bars, shakes, and dips. With the addition of nut butters to the simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this classic lunch item becomes much more healthy. The connective tissues of our brain use omega fatty acids, as well as the nerves in our eyes. A great idea for healthy kid snacks is apple slices with these delicious nut butters for an astounding combination.

Making healthy kid snacks is a relatively simple task. Many healthy kid snacks use a tiny amount of time in preparation, as they use mostly raw ingredients. Reheating and cutting are two of the very limited cooking requirements for these types of snacks. A large number of healthy kid snacks are made from fresh sliced fruit and vegetables. Great diets start from the bottom with vegetables and fruits as the base. Frozen fruit chopped and placed in Ziploc bags are a great summer takeaway item, and with a dollop of sprinkles, can be enjoyed as dessert. Overdoses of sugar come in the form of popsicles, but blending your own smoothies and freezing them in cups with Popsicle sticks for handles is another great option.

Trail mix made from items at home is also very popular as well as cheap. Dried fruit, nuts, and pretzel pieces can be tossed together and kept in a large freezer bag in bulk for later use. With just a few delicious chocolate chips, the trail mix becomes a fan favorite with the kids as well. The appeal of trail mix is universal as well as healthy. Many different healthy kid snacks employ the use of whole wheat versus bleached white wheat. The ratio of vitamins and minerals in whole wheat as compared to bleached white wheat is phenomenally different. Lightly salted sweet potato chips are a great substitute for the usual salty and unhealthy variety. The sweet …