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Organic Gardening for You

You put clean and filtered fuel into your car to make it run properly, but why don’t we do that for our bodies?

Today the world of fast and processed food is what so many of us try to run our hard working bodies on. And we succeed… for a while.

Isn’t it about time we got back to good wholesome and natural food for our bodies.

There are some clear benefits to growing our own good food.

1. Super fresh.

2. Organically grown, it has to be good for you.

3. Save some money.

4. Sell some produce and make some money.

4. You know what you are eating.

5 Sense of satisfaction in growing food for you and family.

The list can go on and on.

So, how to start a successful organic garden?

Consider establishing a small organic vegetable garden.

You can always make your garden larger if you have the space, but you will be surprised at what you can grow in a small area.

Keep all aspects of your vegetable garden free of chemicals.

The whole idea is to produce healthy food for you and your family.

Position your garden and the planting of your vegetables for maximum sunlight.

Plants grow by maximizing the benefits of the sun.

Check that you have a ready supply of water.

untainted by chemicals. Along with sunlight your plants will flourish.

Investigate the quality of your soil.

Make sure that it is free from industrial fertilizers. Spend time and money on building up the quality of your soil as no chemical fertilizers are used to improve your soil and ‘assist’ vegetable growth.

Clear the land in your vegetable patch by hand.

Avoid the residual harm that chemicals used for this task in the past would leave.

Use natural insecticides to reduce the number of unwanted pests.

Some plants produce natural pest repellents. Talk to your local nursery. Encourage insects that prey on pests.

Organic vegetable gardening is becoming popular amongst the most responsible gardeners today. You can become one of them by following these simple, easy steps.

Gardening starts with the seeds you choose. From seed to harvest, you control what goes into your vegetables. After the harvest you can save the best seeds, compost the plants, and prepare for the next planting. All while protecting the environment and increasing your own health. Gardening is relaxing and has been shown to help reduce stress levels.

Composting your kitchen waste and garden scraps also helps to protect the environment and build healthy soil. Turning this waste into compost returns the nutrients to the soil instead of sending it to a landfill.

You can even grow edible flowers without chemicals. Add beautiful color with bright orange nasturtiums or purple pansies. Your salads will really stand out.

The benefits of growing organic food goes on and on. Learn more…

What Are Healthy Foods? My Top 7 Healthy But Tasty Foods

Being a personal trainer, a lot of clients ask me “what are healthy foods?” Well, healthy foods are basically whole, not processed foods that give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs. Examples are fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, all kinds of nuts, milk (if you want to lose fat only once a week), whey and (green) beans.

However beans and vegetables aren’t particularly tasty. And who said there aren’t foods that are good for your health but also tasty? So here are my top 7 healthy but tasty foods:

1) Dark chocolate. Big surprise! Apart from the positive effects on your mood, dark chocolate (high-cacao content) also has positive effects on your heart, circulatory system, brain function and skin. Of course you should eat it in moderation (max. a 1.6-ounce a day).

2) Coconuts. Those nuts are not only tasty but also extremely rich in selenium, potassium and healthy fat.

3) Blueberries. They taste good and are full of antioxidants and fiber.

4) Almonds. Almonds contain about 50% oils (mostly omega-9 fatty acids that are good for your brain). They are also rich in vitamin E, fiber and essential minerals. Try to eat them instead of chips and other snacks but restrain yourself if you can – they have a lot of calories.

5) Avocados. They may not be to everyone’s taste, but they are full of vitamins (B, E, K), minerals, fiber and healthy fat. You can also make a guacamole (mashed avocados with garlic, onion, tomato, pepper, etc.).

6) Salmon. Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (D, A and B) and minerals like Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Calcium and Iron. And it’s delicious.

7) Full-Fat Milk. Milk is not only tastes good but provides your body with calcium, magnesium, selenium and potassium as well as vitamin C, D, A, B and K. Moreover, according to a new study women can slightly increase their fertility by consuming full fat dairy products (consuming low fat dairy products on the other hand may slightly reduce fertility). Athletes should give low-fat chocolate milk a try after workouts as studies show it is even better for muscle recovery than special sports drinks.

You may have noticed most of the foods on my list are rich in fat. But it is monounsaturated fat, the “good” fat, which can even lower LDL cholesterol in your body. The good fat doesn’t really make you fat. Carbohydrates, especially too much sugar does. The foods mentioned above make you feel full whereas sugar makes you crave for more and thus consume more calories. More important: carbohydrates in general stop your body from burning fat. So if you want to lose fat and don’t have the time to exercise, try to avoid carbohydrates.

That’s why bananas are not on this list. Yes, bananas have some vitamins and taste good, but in contrast to most fruits (for example apples) which contain fructose and glucose, bananas also …

Over the Years Our Diets Changed

Many Americans, especially young Americans think that a perfect diet consists of two all beef patties, tomato, lettuce and cheese all on a sesame seed bun is the perfect diet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Oh yes, don’t forget the sugary 16 ounces of soda that are now super sized for one low price, all to wash down the patties.

Americans have gotten used to the fast food craze. If you look into the window of a fast food restaurant on any given morning or night, you will see young people, senior citizens, families, single people, children and adults alike all piled into a fast food restaurant. I ask, what has happened to our eating habits? Must we eat fast food? What happened to the home cooked meats, fruits, vegetables and desserts that we used to enjoy as we sat down to the dinner table in the kitchen with our families at our sides. Each person, at the table, enjoying a homemade meal topped off with ice cream or a slice of fruit. Has this gone by the wayside like many of the other things of yesteryear that are now just memories?

Our diets have changed to the two all beef patties with a sliver of tomato and a half of jar of mayo. What happened to the two glasses of water we used to drink? This too has become a twenty-four ounce of flavored soda, unfortunately. Diets are no longer an important issue to people because they are always on the run. This is one of the reasons why we are so fat. Instead of compromising our health with fast food, we need to take a look at the abundance of foods that we have here in America. We need to slow down and enjoy it.

With nutrition supposedly being of the utmost importance, we need to start acting like it. We need to consider breakfast as our most important meal of the day and use it to refuel with fresh fruits and grains as we go off on our busy day. We need to pack a lunch for our mid day meal. Probably, Grandma’s homemade stew with a slice of cornbread and a fruit for dessert. Oh yes, don’t forget your thermos of water. Many of us forget that water is life-sustaining and always manage to trade it in for flavored sodas. Our bodies need healthy food for nutrients and fresh water to sustain us. So I say to you, what is in your perfect diet? Could it be two “all beef” patties, mayo, cheese, lettuce on an “all wheat” bun and a sixteen ounce soda or a plate of vegetarian lasagna with garlic bread and a glass of red wine?

Stop stuffing your face with the beef patties and sodas and start on the road to a more healthy and nutritious diet. One that is right for you. A diet that includes nature’s fruits and vegetables.…

The Secret of Learning to Love Eating Healthy With Self Hypnosis For Weight Loss

Is there a specific problem that you find is most difficult about losing weight? If making wise decisions on what food to eat is your problem this article will provide some answers on how to change that. Take that one aspect of weight loss, eating healthy, and once you change that would you be able to get to goal weight? Using the powerful tools you learn with self hypnosis weight loss you will surprise yourself with how you can love to eat healthy food.

Self hypnosis is a pretty simple routine to master. All it takes is your ability to relax your mind and remain focused on a single idea for a set amount of time and you are doing hypnosis. Chances are you are accustomed to doing that already for all the wrong things that you do. For example, when you watch a TV commercial for one of those unhealthy fast food joints, didn’t it make your mouth water? Did it make you want to stop watching TV and search your house for something to eat, or worse go out and get that junk.

There you have a perfect example of bad programming for unhealthy foods. Now if you can do it for the unhealthy foods, how do you think your life would be if you used these tools for your health and wellness? Like if every time food came up in your mind it was only healthy food that you really wanted. That’s an example of the simple forms of self hypnosis. The simple secrets to powerful change will be revealed further along in this article that will make healthy habits routine.

We can begin this process by programming your mind for the healthy foods that will make you thin. go to a comfortable and safe place where you can sit down. Focus on your breathing and take a deep breath in and hold it. As you let it out close your eyes. Relaxing in your chair place your attention on your breathing until it is free flowing.

You want to let your mind know what it is that you want to eat, so bring up an image of healthy foods. In conjunction with those healthy food images elicit feelings of pleasure and comfort. Make sure those feelings are positive for you and then go ahead and connect them with the healthy food images that you have.

You now want to rehearse this connection between the positive feelings and the healthy foods. So imagine you are seeing these images repeat in front of you over and over again. Each time you see the images of healthy food you feel those positive feelings growing inside.

This process is mental conditioning for the directed responses that you want to install. You have already been guilty of allowing others to program you mind in this way for those unhealthy foods. think of all those TV commercials you …

How to Adopt Healthy Eating Habits

We all want our children to eat healthy food… We know how important good food is for proper growth and development. To ensure they pick up this habit, we have to adopt a healthy diet plan for the whole family and pass on certain lifestyle values to our children.

To function properly, our body requires a balanced amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, calcium, and nutrients. Each component is essential as it caters to different body needs.

We require calcium for bone development. This is especially required in young, growing children and older people who tend to suffer from osteoporosis. Proteins are the building blocks of cells. Amino acids and Omega 3 fatty acids are equally important. Not all fats are bad, and the trick is to pick healthy foods and eat well.

Our meal should be comprised of a wide variety of foods that will give us our daily dose of nutrients. Our body requires more than 40 kinds of nutrients. This may sound mind boggling, but it is quite easy to ensure that you get all these components through foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, lean meat, and poultry. Our diet should also have low sodium content.

Plan healthy meals for your family; instead of three large meals, try to have four to five small meals. This aids the digestion process, as large meals need more time to digest. It takes about 4-5 hours to metabolize one meal, so keep adequate gaps between two meals.

Drink lots of water. It will help digestion, flush out toxins, and keep our bowels clean. Avoid high fat or high sugar food. Junk foods like French fries and the like contain trans fats, which stay in our intestines for long periods. These are harder to break down and lead to digestive problems and weight gain. You can have cakes, chocolates and desserts, but make sure you consume them in moderation.

Cut out all saturated and trans fats from your diet. Instead, opt for nuts and seeds and fulfill the fat content requirement from fish and vegetable oils. Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines contain Omega 3 fatty acids which greatly reduce the cholesterol and triglyceride levels. For the vegetarians, Omega 3 is found in abundance in flaxseeds and flaxseed oil.

Keep away from aerated drinks. They are rich in calories and provide no nutrients. Instead, try out fresh fruit smoothies, which are not only delicious, but also very nutritious.

Ask your kids to help you plan and execute a healthy meal. This will make them feel involved and geared to eat healthy food. If they are reluctant to eat their fruits and veggies at first, don’t be discouraged. Kids generally need to see a food 3-4 times before they try it. Don’t try to bribe them with candy or junk food to make them eat their veggies. This will tell them that veggies are bad.

By keeping to the aforementioned points, you can make …

When it comes to BBQ, there’s something undeniably irresistible about the flavors that dance on our taste buds. From tender, smoky meats to tangy and savory sauces, BBQ has a way of satisfying our cravings like no other cuisine. But what exactly makes BBQ taste so good? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the secrets behind the mouthwatering appeal of BBQ, exploring the art of cooking, the magic of smoke and fire, the role of marinades and rubs, the importance of quality ingredients, and the social experience that enhances the enjoyment of BBQ near me Cullman AL.

The Art of Low and Slow Cooking

One of the key factors that contribute to the exceptional taste of BBQ is the cooking technique known as “low and slow.” Unlike grilling, which relies on high heat for quick cooking, BBQ involves cooking meat at low temperatures over a long period. This slow cooking method allows the meat to become incredibly tender, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify. Whether it’s succulent ribs, juicy brisket, or pulled pork, the low and slow cooking process results in a texture and taste that is unmatched.

The Magic of Smoke and Fire

Another element that sets BBQ apart is the infusion of smoky flavors. Traditionally, BBQ is cooked using wood or charcoal, which generates smoke when burned. The smoke permeates the meat, adding a distinctive smokiness that tantalizes the senses. Different types of wood, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, impart their unique flavors, enhancing the taste of the BBQ. The combination of the natural sweetness of the wood and the caramelization of the meat juices over the open flame creates a magical and irresistible aroma and flavor.

The Flavorful Power of Marinades and Rubs

Marinades and rubs play a crucial role in enhancing the taste of BBQ. Marinades are typically liquid-based mixtures that tenderize and infuse flavor into the meat. They often consist of a combination of ingredients like vinegar, oil, herbs, spices, and even fruit juices. The marinade helps to break down the fibers of the meat, resulting in increased tenderness and flavor absorption. On the other hand, rubs are dry mixtures of herbs, spices, salt, and sugar that are applied directly to the meat’s surface. Rubs create a flavorful crust on the BBQ, adding depth and complexity to the taste profile. The combination of marinades and rubs elevates the flavor of the meat, creating a mouthwatering experience.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When it comes to BBQ, the quality of the ingredients used cannot be overlooked. Starting with the meat itself, opting for high-quality cuts ensures a more flavorful end result. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients make a noticeable difference in the taste and overall experience. Additionally, using fresh herbs, spices, and sauces that complement the flavors of the meat enhances the overall taste. For the best BBQ experience, it’s worth seeking out quality ingredients and supporting local BBQ establishments to enjoy authentic flavors.

The Social Experience of …

Smoked Fish: What Exactly Are the Benefits?

Fish in general has always been regarded as a very healthy type of meat that wouldn’t hurt anyone’s diet. But what about the smoked variety… what are the health implications? Some may believe that smoking the fish would reduce the nutritional value of the fish, but in actuality this is not the case.

Fish that are generally smoked tend to be those with a higher concentration of oil in them. These fish tend to be the ones that contain high levels of Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are one of the most beneficial elements contained in fish. These Omega 3 Fatty Acids form the foundations of many of the hormones stored in your body and have been associated with improved mental health, reduced risk of certain cancers and lower rates of heart diseases. Smoked fish is also extremely high in protein whilst at the same time being low in unsaturated fat maximising the benefit you get from eating it.

However there are also certain negative aspects that smoked fish can also bring with it. The first is that the smoking process involves salt and if your diet is already heavy in salt then this can cause problems. Too much salt can cause problems for those with high blood pressure, low bone density and osteoporosis.

However like with any food, eating is bad if not had in moderation. The same is true of smoked fish and when eaten in moderation there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating smoked fish. So next time you have the choice of eating smoked fish don’t have any qualms about eating it, but remember don’t go overboard.

For those wanting to order large quantities of smoked fish, numerous seafood suppliers can be found that will deliver to a location of your choosing. Even better yet some of these suppliers even offer food service line facilities as well which can be perfect when hosting an event.…

Homemade Dog Food – Uncover 7 Facts and Upgrade Your Dog’s Diet

Have you heard enough about homemade dog food that you just had to find out what it’s all about? I’m sure you remember the tainted pet food scandal a few years ago. It’s the main reason so many dog owners turned their backs on the industry and began making their dog’s meals themselves. In this article you will get some important facts about homemade dog food so you can give your dog’s health a boost.

1. What homemade dog food doesn’t contain

Meals you make for your dog will not contain any preservatives, additives, chemicals, or anything artificial. Commercial brands have these aplenty. These are very unhealthy ingredients. They may be why most dogs get illnesses and diseases that cut their lives short.

2. Homemade dog food is healthier

The dishes you prepare in your own kitchen will have all natural, healthy ingredients if you choose the right recipes. Most contain foods that you will be familiar with and can easily find. In fact, most of the meals you make for your dog will be suitable for you to eat yourself.

3. Foods that are good for dogs

Dogs can have almost anything we eat, so some of these homemade dog food ingredients may look familiar. Healthy foods you can use include chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, beans, potatoes, brown rice, eggs, celery, carrots, spinach, cabbage, cucumber, and zucchini. Do you see how healthy it all is? Just think of all the tasty meals you can make for your dog using these ingredients. Stick to this list when searching for recipes.

4. Ingredients that homemade dog food should never have

There is a good sized list of foods that are bad for dogs. You should avoid using onions, garlic, chives, corn, milk and milk-based products, chocolate, alcohol, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, raw meats, and raw eggs.

5. It’s easier than you think

Of course it’s not as convenient as opening a can, but it’s not very difficult either. Even if you don’t have much cooking experience, following a recipe is no harder than following any written instructions. And the more you prepare your dog’s meals at home, the better you’ll get at it. You might even think up some good recipes yourself.

6. Homemade dog food doesn’t have to cost a lot or be time consuming

There are many remedies. For price, you can buy items when you see them on sale or you can go to bulk stores. And to save time, you can also prepare the homemade dog food in bulk. Whatever you don’t use, you can freeze for another time.

7. Tons of health benefits

Dogs on a homemade dog food diet are healthier and have a lot more energy. They also don’t get sick as much, if at all, and they have less risk of disease. And, of course, they live happier, longer lives.

Now that you know these homemade dog food facts, you …

Miami, Florida Boasts To Some Of the Best Healthy Restaurant Choices

In case it’s crossed your mind to not ditch your healthy eating lifestyle while dining in Miami, there are numerous kinds of restaurant options and choices to help you not fall off your “health nut wagon”. You may want to consider a few of these while you’re around town or stopping in Miami for a vacation. Just cause you are vacationing doesn’t mean you need to eat unhealthy food on your trip. Here are some of the greatest health food dining establishments in Miami.

The Last Carrot

If you like carrots and other vegan fare, The Last Carrot is the place for you. At The Last Carrot, you could get pita sandwiches, refreshing pre prepared salads, and spinach pies, to name a few things. Most of the sandwiches and salads come with a variety of crisp vegetables as a side item. You may also get a delicious bean soup, smoothies shakes, and handmade peanut butter. This is definitely among the many truly healthier food destinations in Miami.

La Vie en Raw

La Vie en Raw is yet another one of the better healthful eating spots in Miami. At La Vie en Raw, you’ll be able to enjoy a selection of all-vegetable specialties and organic and natural foods. They promise that close to 90 percent of their food is organic, that may be pretty tricky to do in the dining business nowadays. You can find sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas, finger foods, whole grain noodles, as well as a range of other food. They even have a buffet that you could indulge in during the week, Monday through Friday from noon till four P.M. Their food selections are yeast and milk free. Almost all of it is also gluten-free, except for a few of the sandwiches choices.

Salad Creations

Salad Creations is one of the health food eating places in Miami that you’ll definitely need to check out while you’re around. With Salad Creations, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you savor the top healthy food in Miami. At Salad Creations, you are able to work together with salad chefs that can make you an entirely personally tailored salad. They provide very delicious ingredients, and make it easy for you to get almost any variety of salad that one could imagine. You will also find tasty soups and smoothies at Salad Creations.

Green Table

Green Table is known as a balanced/healthy eatery within the Miami region. They have organic, refreshing and healthy food that you can enjoy. They feature soups, sandwiches, and delicious grass-fed beef hamburgers.

These restaurants should give a good place to start when you find yourself craving some healthy eating choices in Miami, Florida.…

New Effective Weight Loss Strategy

When you’re dying for a sweet treat… a salty snack… or another treasured indulgence, there’s a new weight loss strategy you might try to keep from giving in. Postponing it. Those who do end up finding that the snack they were craving is actually less desirable according some experts.

Often, when you get a craving you think you have two choices – give in or resist. If you give in, you end up feeling guilty. If you manage to resist, you feel deprived and may well over-indulge the next time. The third option researchers propose is to tell yourself, “I can eat it later.”

Postponing the indulgence gives your mind a chance to cool down, and acts to remove you from a conflict mode before you either feel guilty for giving in, or deprived for not.

Postponing indulgences also appears to have you eating less of the particular food over the following week according to the latest research. The key is to put off eating the desired food until some vague future time. This will help the cravings for the food go down. If you were to give a specific time, you’ll likely find yourself watching the clock… obsessing over the treat that’s been denied you.

To understand more about postponing, researchers got 99 volunteers to view clips of films and put a bowl in candies within reach of each subject. The first group was told to eat the candy if they liked, another group was instructed not to have the candy, and a third was directed not to eat them, but they could have the candies later on.

After watching the clips, the researchers asked the subjects questions not related to the clips, to take their mind off the study. All the subjects were then told they could then eat the candy, but were unaware that the amount they ate was going to be measured.

As you might expect, those told not to have the candy during the film clips ate the most – a full 1/3 of an ounce. Those who ate freely or postponed eating both consumed half as much as the group not allowed to eat… with the postpone group consuming just a bit less than those who had eaten freely.

What’s more, those who were in the postponing group only had chocolate candy once during the following week. Those who ate freely during the screening had chocolate three times that next week, and the ones told not to touch the candy at all had chocolate over 4 times during the following week.

The next step for the team was to see if the same results came when allowing subjects to choose the eating strategy. So they gave just over 100 high school students (average age 15) a portion of chips and either randomly assigned an eating plan or allowed the subjects to choose the one they wanted.

Once again, the group who postponed the snack ate the least, whether they …