Monday, March 30, 2015

PORTION TELLER: DESTINY IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND

I’m a big believer in destiny, psychics, and yes I’m guilty of getting my palm and fortune read maybe once or twice!  When I decided to write upon the topic of portion control I discovered shortly that nutrition and destiny are intertwined in the mere palm of our hands. So many people may be skeptical of what their palm says or even the pure act of getting their palm read, however what if I told you that your destiny for health is in the palm of your hand. Forget ever counting calories, the easiest way to start applying basic portion control without obsessing is hands on!  

Please scroll through with a few of my recommended diagrams and pictures from other sites


Picture credit from Staywow.com





Picture and Diagram Credit from Prevention.com




Photo and Picture Credit to healthyeating.org



Photo Credit and Picture by Livestrong.com and Precision Nutrition






 SIMPLY DELISH'S RECOMMENDED  PORTION CONTROL TIPS

  • Go for  only one plate full of food, skip seconds unless you’re a competitive athlete that requires a lot of fuel
  • Fill up plate with larger portions of veggies and protein over starchy carbs
  • When eating out, split a large portion with a friend or ask the waiter to pack up 1/2 the portion to bring home if you had an appetizer before
  • Listen to your body when you start to become 80-85 percent full, and stop eating. Often times we continue to eat even after we are satisfied.
  • It’s important as well to listen to your hunger cues so you don’t overeat.  Plan snacks during the day so you eat within meals to keep blood sugars steady which prevents overeating
  • Master mini meals throughout the day which prevents over eating and keeps blood sugars level, and increases the metabolism
  • Include a lean protein, healthy fat, and complex carbohydrate with every meal
  • Eat more fiber rich foods
  • Drink water with your meal. Add a splash of orange or lime juice to seltzer.
  • Purchase snacks in single serving sizes.
  • Forget the old adage You must finish everything on your plate. Always stop when you start feeling full.
  • Cook more meals at home with healthier ingredients which ensures that you will stick to a clean eating routine
  • Don’t eat as if food is becoming extinct meaning slow down the eating process and enjoy your food. It takes approximately 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain you are full
  • Don’t go for seconds unless you’re a competitive athlete that requires more food intake to fuel energy levels
  • Stay away or limit soda, sugary Drinks, and liquid calories that have no nutrients
  • Cut portions in half if they are beyond a normal portion
  • Limit alcohol intake to one or at most two drinks a few times a week. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol throws blood sugars off which results in cravings for unhealthy foods
  • Eat your calories over drinking your calories. Even though I’m a big fan of smoothies and juices when eating just an orange or grapefruit rather than it juiced down will keep you fuller longer rather than just drinking the pure juice
  • Treat yourself once a week to a cheat food in moderation that is not part of the clean eating program!
  • Always order the small sizes when your out
  • At restaurants always go for grilled items, sauces on the sides, and stay away from fried and refined white carbohydrates
  • Skip on heavy desserts after dinner and go for fruit, Greek yogurt, or a piece of dark chocolate
  • Learn and read food labels so pay extra attention to the number of servings contained in a package
  • Use smaller plates at home
  • If you have a sweet tooth look for healthier recipes that you can bake at home

HERE ARE SOME VISUAL CUES 
  • pasta or rice = 1 cup cooked = small fist
  • meat or poultry = 3 ounces = 1 deck of playing cards
  • peanut butter = 2 tablespoons = 1/2 golf ball
  • pie = 1/8 of pie = 1 computer mouse
  • apple = 1 medium = a baseball
  • margarine/butter = 1 teaspoon = one dice
  • medium potato should be the size of a computer mouse
  • average bagel should be the size of a hockey puck
  • three ounces of fish is the size of an eyeglass case
  • one ounce of cheese should be the size of two dominoes
  • 1 teaspoon of peanut butter or cream cheese is equal to the size of your girlfriend's lipstick cap
  • 1 teaspoon of salad dressing is the size of a half-dollar
    EXAMPLES OF HEALTHY PORTIONS TO FOLLOW












DISCLAIMER: The nutritional and well-being information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional nutritional or  medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or health condition.

Monday, March 16, 2015

FOR THE ENERGY BUZZ OF SWISH4ENERGY MOUTHWASH VS STARBUCKS COFFEE

For all of those who know me, the one thing that is certain is that everyday besides having  my green smoothies or juices is that I must have my glorious Starbucks! Starbucks to me is not just coffee it has been more like a true friend that I have grown up with over the past 15 years. From my first sip of coffee during college to make it through a long tiresome night of studying to my days of slurping caramel frappuccinos in my 20’s around the mall, to even my days of being a slave in corporate of America of getting my morning skinny vanilla lattes to cheer up my spirits, and of course how can I forget the good old coffee dates that are still continuing of grabbing an espresso!  Today my days are a little bit different, and non stop packed with entrepreneurial activities so nothing is the same and it’s important that I have my current bestie, The Starbucks Soy Misto to give me that pick me up buzz of The Enegerizer Bunny that keeps me going and going all day long! So when I was asked to write a review by the the PR Firm of   Swiss4Energy regarding their mouthwash, first thoughts that ruminated through my head was that I was turning my back on my good old friend Starbucks!  However, I took a deep breath and told myself that change is for sure must in life and it's good, because experiencing new things allows one to reach new heights throughout their life. 

With any product especially if it’s not food, it’s important to read and understand ingredients and what’s going to react with your body. Since I’m super sensitive with any product that is not naturally based I was a bit scared.  In spite of what many typical energy products claim to do which is the crash and burn effect and that often includes jitters too, this product does just the opposite. I just loved the fact that it provides just a small boost of energy, is not in a pill or liquid form you have to ingest ,so it’s make it easy to digest, and leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean.  After swishing it around and releasing it within little less than four minutes I felt more alert, wide-eyed and focused in speeding up my morning routine, whereas normally I’m more sluggish until I get together with Starbucks!  As extra bonus points to this product, I noticed that the flavor had tasted better than other mouth washes in the market. Whether you use this mouthwash in the morning when you wake up like I did, or use for intense workouts, business meetings, social events, or studying, the small pocket size bottle makes it perfect to use on-the-go for those that want a healthy boost of energy, alertness, and fresh breath in less than four minutes.


EXACT INFORMATION FROM THEIR SITE CLICK ON LOGO 

 Swish4Energy™ is a science driven oral rinse consumer product with a patent-pending cooling rinse delivery technology designed to enhance cognition, increase physical stamina, and freshen breath in less than four minutes.


Swish4Energy™ mouth rinse is produced using GRAS listed ingredients, Vitamin E and a low quantity of caffeine in a single unit as compared to other products in the market, like premium coffee drinks. As a new trend setting and innovative product, it ensures mouth freshening, cooling, and instant energy with alertness within the first use. The lack of ingestion makes Swish4Energy™ a unique product that stands out from competitors. The pocket-sized unit for convenience makes it easy to carry and use whenever needed. Body response to Swish4Energy™ may vary from person to person. Please do not take more than three units of Swish4Energy™ a day. A 12mL bottle of Swish4Energy™ contains 72mg of caffeine, less than half of the total caffeine in a premium 8oz cup of coffee. In addition, its unique swishing technique allows for approximately 80% absorption of the single unit contents. That's effective!


DISCLAIMER: The nutritional and well-being information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional nutritional or  medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regard





Sunday, March 15, 2015

JEOPARDY: HEALTHA-LICIOUS FOODS THAT BEGIN WITH Z

Are you ready to play JEOPARDY , the healthlicous and fun way?  Is that a #yes that I see? The category is yummy and healthlicious foods that begin with Z. Lets get it going…The French refer to this vegetable as “courgette”, a term that is used interchangeably for yellow squash, it resembles a cucumber in appearance but some varieties are round. It is often picked when it is about 8 cm long and the seeds are soft and immature. Can you take a wild guess what it is? Well it can’t be a cougar because it’s a vegetable, but hypothetically speaking cougars are usually healthy and fit women that look amazing for their age and go after young and immature men,LOL, but I’m thinking more along the lines of a zucchini!   A mature zucchini can reach up to a length of 3 feet, and it is often fibrous in nature and therefore, not fit to eat, similarly cougars don’t like old men that are too mature! Congrats your one step closer to finding out the wealth of information of why you need to start incorporating this awesome veggie into your diet now! 


CANCER PREVENTION 
The vitamin C, folate and beta-carotene content in zucchini helps to protect  cells from the harmful chemicals that can lead to colon cancer. The vitamins both C and A, as well as folate, found in zucchini act as powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress which contribute to many different types of cancer.



ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Zucchinis also have anti-inflammatory agents thereby naturally curing aliments like osteoarthritis, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis, where swelling is immensely painful. The high levels of vitamins C and A along with copper found not only serve as powerful antioxidants but help in inflammation within the body.

GREAT FOR WEIGHTLOSS 
One cup of zucchini has 36 calories and 10% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar and curbs overeating. Zucchinis have high water content (over 95%) and packed with fiber, so they make perfect food for people on diet.


IMPROVES CHOLESTEROL 
Zucchini is a powerhouse food that helps lower cholesterol by having the fiber attach itself to bile acids that the liver makes from cholesterol for digesting fat. Because fiber binds so well with bile acid, therefore preventing its ability to right away digest fat, the liver is forced with producing more bile acid. The liver then draws upon even more cholesterol to produce bile acid, consequently lowering the overall cholesterol level in the body. In addition, the high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A prevent cholesterol from oxidizing in the body's blood vessels, thus hampering the onset of atherosclerosis.



REDUCES HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES 
Known for it’s high  magnesium content which reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In combination with the potassium, the magnesium reduces high blood pressure. 

HIGH IN MANGANESE 
Manganese is a trace mineral and essential nutrient that provides numerous benefits and is responsible in healthy physiological functions. One cup of zucchini contains 19% of the RDA of manganese, which aids the body in metabolizing protein and carbohydrates, aids in the production of sex hormones, and processes the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol.The manganese in zucchini also increases the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is an enzyme responsible for protecting mitochondria against oxidative stress.


IMPROVES EYE HEALTH
The Beta-carotene rich vegetable that is converted into vitamin A in the body improves eye health. The presence of Vitamin A in this veggie helps healthy active cell development in the eyes, which enhance vision and help in preventing age-related medical conditions affecting the eyes such as macular degeneration. Zucchini also contains Vitamin C and lutein, both of which are good for eyes.

GREAT FOR SKIN 
Zucchini has a high water content, which hydrates your skin. Water is beneficial for your skin as it flushes out toxins from your system.  Consumption of zucchini helps to restore the moisture of your skin that gives you a glowing and healthy skin.


PACKED WITH VITAMIN C AND CALCIUM 
Since zucchini is packed with vitamin C, which plays an overall role in one’s immunity to protect against conditions like asthma as well as strengthen teeth and bones. Vitamin C plays a huge role in keeping the immune system healthy and fighting respiratory problems. The anti-inflammatory properties keep the lungs open and clear. Zucchini also contains calcium that helps the nervous system to function properly and gives strength to the bones and teeth. Please note that vitamin C deficiency causes skin diseases like scurvy, therefore  zucchini helps prevent such problems because of its rich content of vitamin C rich.


PROMOTES PROSTATE HEALTH
The phytonutrients in zucchini help in reducing the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BOH). This is a typical condition characterized by enlargement of the prostate gland, leading to complications with urination and sexual functions.


INCORPORATE ZUCHINNI IN YOUR DIET

  • Use in Cupcakes and bread and loaf cakes. Incorporate 1 cup of grated raw zucchini into the batter for a more nutritious bite-USE AS A SWAP FOR WHITE REFINED CARBS
  • Stir fry, sauté or make zucchini chips
  • Use raw in Salads


      RECOMMENDED RECIPE ZUCCHINI BROWNIES 
       FROM  www.theloveofood.com







DISCLAIMER: The nutritional and well-being information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional nutritional or  medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regard

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

THE DATING DIARIES OF MR. AND MS. DETOX

The concept of both dating and detoxification are practically attached to the hip! For many, both dating and detoxification can be quite exhausting, scary, uncomfortable, and leave one with disappointment and disbelief.  On the flip side, dating could be pure bliss if you find a match or two that clicks! The act of detoxification doesn’t have to feel like your dying as said by the King of Comedy himself, Steven Harvey, rather it can be quite rejuvenating finding the perfect program. In both the game of dating and detoxification it’s important to understand your ultimate goals.   If your goal in dating is to find a lifetime partner who shares the same dreams and values, or to get married and start a family then it’s important to find matches that work. Likewise, if your goal in detoxification is to lose weight or provide a deeper cleanse of your organs in order to eliminate any health issues it’s important that you know thy self and what works with both your mind and body. Detoxification is the aim to remove toxins or harmful things in your body to improve one’s overall wellbeing. Whether you focus on detoxification in one specific organ or the whole body, figuring out what type of Mr. or Mrs. Detox fits with your life is half the challenge! Lucky for you, I have done my research and found some tips to make your dating diaries of Mr. or Ms. Detox a rather enjoyable experience, than a disaster!


FOCUS ON A FIBER RICH FOODS
Eat fiber rich foods will help aid in digestion and allow toxins to be excreted more easily when it comes to moving them out of the body.

ADD LEMON TO YOUR WATER
Adding a lemon to your water will help flush out toxins faster and alkalinize the body.

EAT CLEAN WHOLE FOODS
Remove all refined sugars, white flour, wheat and alcohol from your diet. This will reduce inflammation going into the liver. The easiest way to do this is through eating only whole foods and nothing from a box.

DAILY GREEN JUICING OR VEGGIES
Green juicing or green eggies are known to have properties that aid in detoxification.  hey allow the body to become more alkaline and reduce the build up of toxins and acid within our bodies.

TRY A PALEO DIET FOR A WEEK
This would emphasize lean meats and non-starchy vegetables and fruits. Avoid processed and prepared foods, as well as dairy, grains, legumes, refined sugar, salt and alcohol.

USE HERBS TO CLEANSE AND PROTECT THE LIVER
Use herbs, such as dandelion root, burdock, and milk thistle, and drinking green tea to protect and clean the liver.


GET YOUR SWEAT ON
Besides going to the bathroom, sweating is one of the fastest way to remove toxins.  Focus on exercises that are going to get your heart pumping and your skin sweating.  Infared Saunas and Bikram Yoga is a great way to induce sweating and get rid toxins.

INCREASE VITAMIN C FOODS
Adequate amounts of vitamin C help the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER
Drinking at least two quarts of water will clean out your system and help flush out toxins

DETOX FOOT SPA/FOOT BATHS
Toxins tend to store in our feet, the easiest way to get rid of them is through a detox bath.

START YOUR DAY WITH A PROBIOTIC
Start your day with a probiotic supplement or food.  This beneficial bacteria kills harmful bacterial and yeast and helps keep the lining of the intestine in a healthy ph balance, and detoxifies heavy metals. It’s great for your overall immunity and in protecting against inflammation and diseases.

AVOID RED FLAG FOODS
These so called "red flag foods" cause stress and inflammation in the liver. This means avoiding processed sugar, gluten, white flour, corn, alcohol, caffeine, and saturated animal fat from dairy and red meat.  

ADD LIVER BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS
Look for herbal teas or supplements that focus on detoxification of your liver.

CONSULT A HEALTH PRACTITIONER  
If you are looking for more of a serious detoxification program always consult a medical practitioner who specializes in this area.

REST AND RELAXATION
Sleep really does a body good! Aim for seven to nine hours every night.  Sleep supports and maintains a healthy brain, and overall health. Try to change your response to stress, and learn to tune into what makes you happy, while also learning to let go of those things you can’t control. Practicing transcendental meditation and the art of being present will allow you relax if your worrying and stress is causing inflammation within your body.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE AND FIND POSITIVITY
Be positive every day even if you are facing obstacles, and practice gratitude by reminding yourself of three things as the day goes on that you are grateful for.

RECOMMENDED RECIPE 



DISCLAIMER: The nutritional and well-being information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional nutritional or  medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 


For more information go to www.simplydelish4u.com