Darrens Dieting News & Blog

Good Food Made Simple: Healthy Frozen Food?

2011-09-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

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Our supermarket's frozen food section is filled with frozen foods that are marketed as "healthy" options, but they are usually filled with sodium and preservatives.

Good Food Made Simple recently sent me some samples of their frozen food line. They claim to use all natural, simple ingredients just like someone would make the foods at home.

But, are they really as wholesome as they claim?

They offer three varieties of steel cut oatmeal and since this is one of my usual breakfast choices, I was happy to see how they compared to my homemade version.

Fruit and Berry Oatmeal

Serving Size: 8oz (227g)

Ingredients: Filtered water, steel cut oats, sweetened cranberries, sweetened blueberries, currents, sweetened cherries, vermont maple syrup, brown sugar, sea salt.

2.5 minutes in the microwave and the oatmeal was hot and ready to serve. It was creamy, tasty and I loved the berry combination. As for the ingredients, it is just like I would make it at home minus the vermont maple syrup. However, I use fresh fruit or non-sweetened dried fruit. 15 grams of sugar isn't bad, but I would suggest that if they would use non-sweetened fruit, they could get this number down a tad more.

Vermont Maple Syrup Oatmeal

Serving Size: 8oz (227g)

Ingredients: Filtered water, steel cut oats, vermont maple syrup, brown sugar, sea salt.

Again, same as above and great tasting. I could have still enjoyed it a little less sweet. Perhaps they could eliminate the brown sugar and just use the maple syrup. 10 grams of sugar isn't bad though.

Plain Oatmeal

Serving Size: 8oz (227g)

Ingredients: Filtered water, steel cut oats, sea salt.

If you want to add your own amounts sugar, stevia, or berries, then this plain oatmeal variety is perfect. I would probably pick this one because I like to add frozen blueberries to my oatmeal and just a pinch of brown sugar.

Good Food Made Simple has two types of frozen egg patties available.

Whole Egg Patties

Serving size: 2oz (57g)

Ingredients: Whole eggs, egg whites, whole milk, cornstarch, sea salt, pepper

These took about a minute to heat in the microwave and are just like I would make eggs at home except for the cornstarch. I tried them plain and with some cheese. Even plain, they had a good taste, but the texture was a tad rubbery although impressive for a frozen egg product.

Egg White Patties

Serving size: 2oz (57g)

Ingredients: egg whites, whole milk, cornstarch, sea salt, pepper

For those on a low cholesterol diet, these are perfect. Again, they are a little rubbery, but still tasty even by themselves. I would question 0 grams of fat since whole milk is used. They probably have less than 1 gram so it's not required to be listed.

Good Food Made Simple lives up to their claims as far as I'm concerned with only natural, wholesome ingredients and their products were easy to eat. Should someone with time to make their own oatmeal and eggs at home choose this product? Well, only if you have extra money to burn because making your own is way more inexpensive.

However, for busy people on the go, Good Food Made Simple provides some nice healthy, frozen breakfast options.

Dried Fruit: Health Food or Sugary Treat?

2011-09-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

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Dried fruit is still fruit. The main difference is that there is a very low moisture content resulting in a fruit with a longer shelf life.

Since this fruit is now shrunken to at least half the size, this makes dried fruit a more nutrient dense and higher calorie food.

Does this also mean there will be more antioxidants per serving? Is dried fruit worth eating even though it contains high amounts of sugar?

There are over 300 calories and about 65 grams of sugar in one cup of dried fruit while your average fresh fruit contains about 60 to 80 calories and about 15 grams of sugar. Dried fruit contains similar amounts of vitamin A and C, but other vitamins such as thiamine are lost when the sulfur dioxide (a preservative) is added.Dried fruit has a higher fiber content than most fresh fruits, and most are a good source of B vitamins, rich in potassium, copper, iron, and manganese. Dried fruit has similar antioxidant levels to some fresh fruits. Prunes (dried plums) have the highest antioxidant levels which are about equivalent to fresh berries. A few prunes per day will keep the doctor away! Fresh blueberries, however, still reign supreme with the highest levels.

If your goal is weight loss, I would recommend limiting your intake of dried fruit. A good serving size is about 2 tablespoons. Be careful not to just snack on dried fruit because that is when it can quickly deliver the calories. Try to only use dried fruit as a topping to your food. I like to add a sprinkle to oatmeal, Greek yogurt, or on top of a salad. Or, I like to think of it as an alternative to gummy bears!

Since dried fruit contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals, it can be a great way to get a lot of your nutrition in a few small bites. Just remember that it is not quite as filling as fresh fruits and does have a much higher calorie count. But, for some with specific diet needs, dried fruit is a great choice. If possible, look for dried fruit that doesn't have extra sugar added and that's preservative free.

Do you eat dried fruit? If so, do you add it to other foods or eat it as a snack by itself?

6 Healthy appetizer Dips

2011-09-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

It is the start of football season here in the US and we really like our chips and salsa, as well as other dips while watching football.

What should we do as most of these starters are loaded with calories? Even if you're not a football fan, or a chips and dip food person, I'm sure you can take advantage of healthy snack optionshaving more.

So, I have compiled a list of my top healthy dips and a few Starter recipe ideas.

Spinach Artichoke Dip: This is a classic that we all love. Your average spinach artichoke dip is about 150 calories for 2 tablespoons. This can increase the calories because a typical serving of several tablespoons is quickly! Try this instead: make your own with fat free yogurt, fat-free sour cream, fat reduced reduced fat cheese and cream cheese instead of the full fat ingredients and mayonnaise. Salsa: This is your best choice in the category dips because it all vegetables and herbs. Although salsa your lowest calorie choice is, go easy on the chips and try to get some fried chips to your next meeting.

Another variation on traditional salsa is a chunky salsa with corn, peppers, black beans, coriander and lemon juice. Bean Dips: You can get really creative with bean dips because each race of beans has a different flavor. One of my favorites is a white bean dip with basil, pine nuts, white beans, garlic and a touch of olive oil. Pick up a beet hummus on your local supermarket (or try making your own).

Sliced vegetables go well with bean dips, and this makes Bean dips one of the healthiest and most nutritious options.Guacamole: Think of all the healthy monounsaturated fats that you are consuming when you eat guacamole. However, it is still important for portion control this heart healthy dive as it can quickly calorie.Salmon dive: With each dive seafood would be best to make your own so that you can use lighter ingredients such as the reduction of fat cream cheese. Try adding extra celery and green onions for taste and less of the room-based ingredients. Ranch Dip: This is another great vegetable dip. But, try making your own Greek yogurt free with a bold and numerous herbs and spices. This will save you at least 100 calories, and 5 grams of fat per serving!

I hope this has you some ideas for your next football match or together. What are some of your favorite healthy dips or snacks?

7 Rules For Hiring a Personal Trainer

2011-09-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

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A personal trainer can be a fantastic way to help guide you towards your fitness and/or weight loss goals.

The problem is that there are hundreds to choose from in some places.

Here are some things to look for when hiring a personal trainer.

Above knowledge and experience, a true desire to help others must be alive and well in your prospective trainer. This will be evident from the get-go and should permeate in the sessions. Like any other professional, you want somebody who is genuinely interested in helping you achieve your goals.

Personal training is a largely unregulated industry. Virtually anybody can call themselves a "Personal Trainer" and not have to answer to any governing body as would a doctor, registered dietician or physiotherapist. Ask for qualifications. A degree/diploma in a health-related field such as kinesiology or exercise science is always a plus. Additionally, look for your trainer to be certified by a reputable organization such as ACSM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA, NASM or a recognized state or provincial (in Canada) body.

This is what will separate a so-so trainer from an excellent trainer. While a University education and certifications are great, it should be merely the beginning of a never-ending educational journey. Be sure whomever you choose is well-versed in the latest research on exercise and nutrition. You want somebody who is dedicated to constant improvement - especially in an industry that is ever-changing.

Look for a trainer with a minimum of 1-2 year of training experience under their belt. More experience is better, but also look for someone whose experience is applicable to your circumstances. If you have injuries for example, be sure your prospective trainer is well-versed in post-rehab exercise.

Do they offer a complementary session to meet/set goals?Do they perform an assessment? Ask specifically if your trainer performs a postural assessment and movement screen as a minimum. The trainer should know to use the data to put together a program.What will a typical session look like?What kind of plan will I be on?What is the cancellation policy?

Costs for personal training vary greatly. Look to spend anywhere from $50-$85/hr. If they charge less than this, you need to wonder why - it may be a red flag. Conversely, charging over $90/session is outrageous and in almost all cases unjustifiable. "Because that's what people will pay" is not reason enough to charge that much.

This is important and can be overlooked. Even if your trainer is highly educated, experienced, and effective - some personalities simply do not mesh. Look for someone you connect well with and whose style works well with your personality. Some people like the task master/drill sergeant while others prefer a more gentle approach.

Eat The Foods You Love Diet

2011-09-25T13:16:00.001-07:00

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Have you ever thought about eating everything that you want to and still being able lose weight?

I am sure many of us have, but we all know what we need to do. For weight loss, we need to focus on fruits and vegetables and limit our overall calorie intake.

But, what if you could still shed some pounds while eating foods you enjoy?

A diet-blog reader commented on a post saying he eats what he loves and he has never had a weight problem. This struck me as a key idea that we all need to remember. Long term success of maintaining a healthy weight is often due to having a healthy relationship with food, enjoying what you eat, but not overdoing it either.

This is a hard concept to grasp for many people because food is tied to emotion, mood, stress, a person's schedule, and habits. But, I believe that everyone can get to a point where you enjoy food and do not have to worry about weight gain.

80% of the time it is important to eat clean and healthy. The other 20% of the time, it is OK to feel as if you are indulging.Research has shown that some of the best long term weight loss comes from cutting only 200 calories from your diet per day. This is low enough to trick the brain into still feeling satisfied while it is just enough to cause gradual weight loss.Portion size is crucial for long term success. Re-evaluate your mealtime and snack-time portions. Even if you have chosen a richer food, focus on keeping your portion of that food smaller in comparison to other foods on your plate. The first few bites of any food are going to be the best tasting bites. Only put a few spoonfuls of the higher calorie foods on your plate to help keep yourself satisfied without loading up on calories.Learn to love your fruits and vegetables. Sometimes we get stuck in a boring routine of cooking the same vegetables and fruits. Shop in season and be open to trying new produce. This will help keep those nutritious and waistline friendly foods delicious and exciting. Do you have any tips you have found helpful in achieving long term success maintaining a healthy weight while still eating your favorite foods?

Grape Seed Oil: Healthy or Just Hype?

2011-09-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

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Over the last few years, grape seed oil has become popular as a dietary supplement and for its use in cooking.

Grape seed oil is perhaps even more popular for use in cosmetics! But, for dietary purposes it is considered a healthy unsaturated fat.

Is grape seed oil really worth all the hype?

1 Tbsp. of Grape Seed Oil:

120 Calories
13.6 g Fat
1.3 g Saturated Fat
9.5 g Polyunsaturated Fat
2.2 g Monounsaturated Fat
3.9 mg Vitamin E (19% of your Daily Value)
24.3 mg Phytosterols

Grape seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats--mainly, the omega-6 fatty acids called linoleic acid. Grape seed oil contains plenty of antioxidants. However, the antioxidants are not stable, and are fewer upon consumption. Grape seed oil is unique in that it contains phytosterols which can significantly help to reduce cholesterol. Overall, grape seed oil is considered a healthy fat because it is plant-based and contains plenty of unsaturated fats.

Grapeseed oil is an excellent frying or sautéing oil since it can be heated to high heat without smoking. The oil is very mild and lightly flavored so it works well in most dishes.

However, many people like to get their nutritional benefits in a pill form rather than adding to foods. Grape seed extract is very concentrated so the pill form is high in vitamin E, omega-6 oils, and antioxidants. This is one case where the supplement may provide more benefits than the actual oil.

Who knew the tiny seed of the grape had all this nutrition! However, I will personally stick to my omega-3 fish oil supplements and olive oil for my fat choices in my diet. I prefer to get more of the omega-3 than omega-6. We still need more research to prove that grape seed oil can outshine or at least match the benefits of those omega-3's.

How about you, have you tried grape seed oil?

Simple steps to grab a healthy Lunch

2011-09-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

We all know that a lunch every day bring us will save money and calories, but it's all about sticking to it and to make healthy choices.

You must plan ahead, spend an extra five to ten minutes and then the packed lunch packaging, safe transport.

Lunch to work I spend my almost every day, so I will share with you some quick tips that I have learned.

Decide what you will eat for lunch. A few of my favorite lunches garbanzo beans are: salad with tuna and a light vinaigrette dressing or High fibre wrap with hummus and vegetablesLeftovers of dinner in a reheatable container or leftovers placed on top of salad or soup/greensHomemade stewSandwich thins whole wheat bread with a thin spread of Turkey and pesto nitrite freeInterchange your snacks or sides. Try Greek yogurt, fruit, small handful of nuts, baby carrots/raw vegetables, beet hummus, whole grain crackers, reduced fat cottage cheese and low fat string cheese.Creating a laundry list of items that you need for your lunch. Per on your shopping trip, make sure to obtain the necessary objects.Pack your lunch the night before. You will much more likely to stick to the packing of your lunch, you do not have to do it during the morning rush.Use a lunch bag that is isolated and always grab a ice pack. Food will remain safe for up to four hours left in the temperature danger zones. Using an ice pack and insulated lunch bag will help to extend this time somewhat. I use a collapsible lunch bag that I can fold up and put in my wallet for convenience.

These are just the basics. The hardest part is changing your habits and behaviour. Please bear in mind that there is a greater payoff for the setting up your lunch to work is every day. If your goal is weight loss, can give you a few hundred calories, resulting in lost a pound by the end of the week. If your goal is to pack a lunch to eat healthy, can help to increase your fruit and vegetable intake.

You pack a lunch, and if you do, do you have any idea of the lunch for the rest of us?

Tips for recording of lentils In your diet

2011-09-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Lentils, where you've been hiding all my life?

In the last six months, I have discovered how awesome lentils are and have started including them as a large part of my food healthy lifestyle.

They taste great, are very nutritious and very versatile. If you don't have a lentil-eater, here are some reasons that you might want to be.

There are several different types of lentils available, but the most common are brown lentils. The varieties vary only slightly nutritional value and it's fun to experiment with the different types.

Brown lentils Serving size: 1/4 cup dryCalories: gramsProtein: gramsFat: 170Carbs: 29 13 1 gram Fiber: 15 gramsGI Index: 21Lentils also have some impressive amounts micro-nutrients including; folate, choline, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and are rich in potassium 731 mg. they are also high in beta-sitosterol that a plant is noted for his ability to plant sterols reduce bad cholesterol inflammation.

Lentils are a great source of protein, but the protein is not complete. However, if you eat a nutritious grain such as brown rice with lentils, the meal contains all amino acids needed to build of tissues in the human body. The high fiber content of lentils also makes them a winner with even more fiber than oat malt.

My favorite way to eat lentils is by making a simple, but delicious, Indian curry with them. Here is the recipe. Also, lentils can be added to most soups and salads for added taste and texture.

This lentils and roasted beet salad recipe is also great, but a little more time to make. You can also to some marinara sauce for large vegetarian spaghetti or lentils for use in other pastes Add.

The possibilities are limited only by your creativity, but one thing that you will find is that lentils not only healthy, but cheap. I can make a big pot of lentil curry and long grain brown rice for around $ 7 or less, which usually takes at least 8 meals and keeps well in the refrigerator.

If you're a lentil-eater, how you take them in your healthy diet?

What Type of salmon should I buy?

2011-09-20T01:49:00.000-07:00

When I'm standing in line at the seafood Department of the supermarket, I get so confused about what type of salmon to buy. I know I need to wild Alaska salmon, but apart from that I am lost.

Salmon is such a great omega-3 fatty acids of source and we want to eat often, but we must also sustainable fishwe choose a.

Imports of farmed Atlantic salmon: Most all salmon found in the Atlantic, farmed, and the wild population has been overfished. Although the farms remain in-demand, the total population of the Atlantic salmon is dwindling. Additionally, when this farmed salmon escape their confinement, they disturb the habitat of the endangered wild salmon.

The scary part is that these farmed salmon contain more toxic chemicals and pesticides than wild salmon. However, many experts agree that these risks may be seen in the context of the high amount of omega-3 's that you will be taking.

Wild Atlantic salmon: Never buy this type of salmon, since there is now an endangered species!
Organic salmon: Pay no attention to this. Organic doesn't always mean that "the best". Just check to see if the free or farmed game.
Alaska salmon: This is often the best choice if wild Alaska salmon fishing techniques are environmentally friendly and the population is said to grow. Search wild Alaska Sockeye, Coho, Chum, King, pink, red, silver, or Sake salmon breeds.
Pacific salmon: This is probably the next best choice if you can't get Alaskan.

I would not recommend buying an Atlantic salmon, especially since the General Atlantic farmed salmon the wild population in great danger. The best case would be for all of the fisheries to changing their practices. Some countries are already working on this, so we'll see what happens. But for now I'm eating steelhead salmon which, like in taste and nutrition, but a much more sustainable choice.

Source:Monterey Bay Aquarium website to find sustainable fish.

Re-proportion your plate to lose weight

2011-09-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

We all know that We need to eat more whole foods and fruit and vegetables to stay healthy. But servings , to know the exact food for each one there can be daunting.

Last summer, introduced the USDA (US Department of agriculture) a useful Visual to easily make life. MyPlatethey call it; I call it the half plate plant line.

Make your half plate vegetables on meal, or combining fruit and vegetables on the half of your plate. This will help add fibre to your plate, the filling limit calories and add some quality nutrition to your meal.A quarter of your plate should a protein choice. This could be something that significant protein as lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes, beans or tofu. To add this protein will help make sure you read the amino acids that you need in the day, and help to keep you fuller for longer.The other quarter of your plate should be a high quality source of carbohydrates. An example is a brown rice, whole wheat pasta, more beans, peas, legumes, or whole grain bread. This will help to add carbohydrates around your meal, keep it balanced and help you satisfied.Use of added fats on the plate and make sure they are healthy fats such as oil, nuts, seeds, or avocado.Fat-free or low-fat dairy products can be included in moderation. An example is a cup of skimmed milk or 6 grams of a fat free yogurt.The plate line can be very useful for those who don't have time to create meals for the family, or for those who do not want to have to worry about all the details involved in counting calories. It is also simple and easy to remember when eating out. You can apply the principle everywhere--all you have to do is be determined to keep!

You have no plate portion techniques that you use to keep your healthy meals?

5 Pillars of Effective Goal Setting

2011-09-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

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People with goals succeed because they know where they are going. It's as simple as that."

- Earl Nightingale

Have goals? Here is a blueprint of sorts on how to properly set them to propel you towards success.

"I want to lose weight" is vague and arbitrary. Specific goals give you a platform from which to launch and some clarity to help you better act and create accountability. Instead of "I want to lose weight", try "I want to lose 25 lbs in 4 months" or "I want to run a 10k in under 45 min in 6 months".

Can you empirically keep track of your goal? Some goals are more tangible than others. For example a weight or inches goal is tangible. "More energy" is hard to quantify but a great goal all the same. You may measure this on an "energy scale" from 1-10 measured at certain intervals in the day.

This is where many fall off the wagon. Through celebrities, sketchy advertising and an "instant" mentality, we've been unwittingly lulled into believing that 10 lbs a week weight loss is reasonable to expect. Look at the changes you are willing to make, how much time you can dedicate to your goals and then set them. If you have quite a bit of fat to lose, aim for 2-3 lbs initially and then settle into a 1-2 lbs/week goal.

Life happens. We can be pulled off track for so many reasons. If you haven't met your goal or have backslidden a bit, re-calibrate, re-focus, and re-commit - immediately! Our culture appears to be one of all-or-nothing. It's not the end of the world if you don't reach your projected goal. Just get back on the horse right away.

We have a preoccupation with scale weight. For most this seems the only number that matters. It should go without saying that using girth measurements (waist/hip), body fat and simply how your clothes fit should be used concurrently with scale weight when it comes to body composition. I'm going to take this a step further, however, and propose looking at goals outside the fat loss "box".

Setting what I call "foundational" goals entails mindset and eating/exercise goals. Whether it's eating an extra serving of veggies or eating out 2 less times per week or adding more activity, setting these foundational goals will give you the give you the means to accomplish your larger goals.

Write out your goals, paste them to your fridge/ipad/bathroom mirror/inside of your wallet, and never take your eye off it.

You. Can. Do it.

Image Credit: Socialmediatools.ca

Baked Classics: a healthy Snack?

2011-09-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Snacking can often make or break a person's healthy food resolution. Afterall, most packaged snack choices are full of fat and sugar, white flour.

I Baked classics was recently created by classical quantity shipped food to them to persevere in our healthy food test. This all natural, gluten-free chips look promising, but we know labels can cheat. So, let's see what's on the inside.

Taste wise, these chips faired quite well. Both the taste and texture was fun and I easily done with the bag. In my experience, fried "healthy snacks" can sometimes seem a little cardboard-like, but this was not the case. They seemed a little too salty for me. I reduce the salt think that if they could, they would still be a little good taste, but this would reduce the sodium content, which now is similar to some regular chips.

Power Supply: A 1 ounce (28 g) serving contains;
110 Calories 3.5 g of trans fat (really zero) fat0g and 0 mg cholesterol 260 mg of total carbohydrates 1 g of sodium19g of fiber2g of sugar2g proteinThe ingredients are all natural and nothing stands out as a red flag. The only thing I wonder is the oils that are used. They list oilseed rape, maize, sunflower, Safflower and/or as possibilities. canola would have the lowest amount of omega-6 fatty acids that questionable health effects. I think they would be a little healthier if they only use canola would make.

For those who prefer a sweet snack, apply these the Bill. Again, the taste and texture were nice and I'm ready with easy one portion of the bag. They tasted sweet, but not too sweet and I was amazed at the low sugar content.

Power Supply: A 1 ounce (28 g) serving contains;
120 trans fat (really zero) and Calories4g of fat0g cholesterol60mg of sodium19g of total 0 mg of carbs2g fiber4g of sugar2g of proteins
The ingredients are all natural with brown rice flour and whole grain corn flour is the primary ingredients, which are both good choices. Again, I question the use of multi-types of oil and suggest that they go with just canola oil. They use the vanilla flavoring, maltodextrin ingredient in which starch is a sweet sweet taste, and is probably why the chips but only 4 grams of sugar frosting. Maltodextrine is absorbed as fast as glucose, so it may still spike insulin levels, but it is not clear how many grams are actually in the product.

His baked classics as well as snacking on some vegetable sticks or a piece of fresh fruit? Of course not, but they are an excellent alternative to chips and cookies. If you just for some chips or cookies are baked classics die, I think would be a good replacement. It will satisfy your craving and with just 100 calories, a bit more than they will not break your diet.

They would not be suitable for someone on a low carb diet and I thought it was a bit high in the BBQ taste sodium, but other than that, they are made with ingredients that you can feel good about eating and are perfect for those on a gluten-free diet.

Fresh food of the Fig: rediscovery of Fruit

2011-09-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

I saw some beautiful looking figs in the shop the other day and was intrigued with this gem of a fruit.

The crop each year so it is never very large fig, the fig more of a unique and rare fruit in some regions of the world. For most areas is the fig in season during the late summer to early fall.

And, I've found that even figs can be grown in my own backyard here in the hot weather of Georgia, U.S.

Are you lucky enough to find on your local market figs in the warm weather months, that you want to select of Figs that feeling ripe and soft, but not overly ripe. Fig be picked when they are ripe, if they do not much after picking mature. They should be eaten within a few days after purchase or they will quickly go bad. It is much more common to find of dried figs, because the fresh varieties are extremely perishable. A good way to the use of Figs that something that is a fig jam, overripe poach them or cook them in a mixed dish. To eat a fresh fig, just wash, and cut. Figs couple well with cheese, on salads, or garnished with nuts. Save each eaten figs in the refrigerator, covered, until you eat them. Potassium figs are a good source of manganese and fibres, and an excellent source of. That extra fiber with weight loss can help as well! Surprisingly, figs contain calcium and enough to be considered one of the highest plant sources of calcium. Figs are high in antioxidants, but have a laxative effect so don't go too crazy.

100 grams of fresh figs would contain:

74.3 g of sodium17mg of fat1mg of magnesium232mg Calories of carbs 15.9 g of potassium 19.2 g of sugar 3.3 g of fiber. 75 g of vitamin A2mg Calcium protein142 IU vitamin C35mg. ironWhen 37mg I was a kid, was all I knew about Figs that they Fig Newton cookies! I was so surprised to find out which tasted and looked like a fresh fig. They are tough on the outside and more soft, sweet and crunchy (because of all the seeds) on the inside.

There are fruits that you have rediscovered as an adult?

California fresh fig source:

Sprouted Grain Bread or Whole Grain Bread?

2011-09-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

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So the last couple trips to the grocery store I've bought sprouted bread instead of the normal whole grain bread I usually buy.

Sprouted grain bread seems like it's gaining popularity, but I wanted to see if it's really more nutritious than breads made from dormant grain.

Personally, I found both varieties of the sprouted grain bread I purchased to be a little dry and chewy for my liking, but the bag tells me that sprouted bread is a "miracle" and that it contains more nutrients than standard whole grain bread.

Well, I'm not sure if I would call any bread a miracle, but I can easily compare it nutritionally to non-sprouted grain bread.

(Ezekiel 4:9 Sesame) Serving size: 1 slice (34g)

Ingredients: Organic Sprouted Wheat, Filtered Water, Organic Malted Barley, Organic Sprouted Rye, Organic Sprouted Barley, Organic Sprouted Oats, Organic Sprouted Millet, Organic Sprouted Corn, Organic Sprouted Brown Rice, Fresh Yeast, Organic Wheat Gluten, Sea Salt

Source: Food For Life

(Roman Meal 100% Whole Grain Bread) Serving size: 1 slice (32g)

Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Whole Wheat, Vital Wheat Gluten, Brown Sugar, Whole Rye, Yeast, Honey, Molasses, Soybean Oil, Salt, Cultured Wheat Flour, Yeast Nutrients (Ammonium Sulfate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Dough Conditioners (Malted Barley Flour, Calcium Sulfate, Enzymes), Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate (Iron), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and Folic Acid, Soy Lecithin.

Source: Schwebels

I know there are probably healthier whole grain breads out there, but comparing these two popular brands, it's easy to see which one is the better choice. Not only does the sprouted bread fair better nutritionally, but ingredient wise it is much healthier. The whole grain bread contains three types of added sugar and has to artificially add many of the nutrients. Sprouted bread also is a complete protein source because of the combination of grains and legumes used.

Miracle or not, I think I will continue to buy sprouted bread even though it tends to be less moist than I prefer.

Have you tried sprouted bread? What do you think of it?

Who has the healthiest Grilled Chicken Sandwich?

2011-09-15T15:24:00.001-07:00

If you, on, and starving, there are 100 's of restaurants to choose from. I think I could eat here, three meals a day, in San Diego and never repeat a restaurant for at least a whole year!

Healthy choices up are key when eating out, so we wanted to let you know what major fast-food chain has the healthiest grilled chicken sandwich.

I'm only looking at four great players as there are just too many fast food chains are where a roll chicken from each. So, it would be McDonald 's, Burger King, Wendy 's, Chick-fil-A enter the arena.

Serving size: 200 gramsCalories: 350Fat: 9 g (2 g sat. and 65 mg cholesterol) sodium: 820mgCarbs: 42 g (8 g sugar) fibreMcDonald's : 3gProtein: 28 g standard with their sandwich that serves Mayo of total calories. It mentions zero grams trans fat, but this is not exactly true if hydrogenated oils are included in the liquid margarine used to prepare. It is low in sodium and cholesterol.

Serving size: not listedCalories: 470Fat: 18 g (7 g sat. and 85 mg cholesterol) sodium: 1100mgCarbs: 40 g (7 g sugar) fibre:Burger King's sandwich 3gProtein: 55 g is a bit bigger than the other, but also quite high in fat, saturated fat and sodium. The zero grams trans fat lists, but it is unclear what oils are used for the chicken cooking and I had no luck find out by calling their consumer line of the.

Serving size: 230 gramsCalories: 360Fat: 7 g (1.5 g sat. and 80 mg cholesterol) sodium: 1110mgCarbs: 42 g (9 g sugar) fibre:: Wendy's 2gProtein: 33 g chicken sandwich fairs pretty well, but is high in sodium, provide about half of the maximum daily intake. It is unclear how the chicken is prepared or the oil used to cook it, but it makes a zero grams trans fat list.

Serving size: not listedCalories: 290Fat: 4 g (1 g sat. and 80 mg cholesterol) sodium: 1030mgCarbs: 36 g (9 g sugar) fibre: 3gProtein: 29gThe "inventor" of the chicken sandwich also fairs pretty well. Chick-fil-A does not use hydrogenated oils in their store, so it would be completely free trans fat. They also serve the product that reduces calories and fat free dressing on some, but only if you do not click yourself. However, this sandwich is high in sodium, delivering almost half of the maximum recommended daily intake.

Comparison of the four sandwiches with regards to how the stack nutritionally, how they are prepared, and finally on how they taste, I the Chick-fil-A Sandwich as the healthiest choice Chargrilled would choose. The only downfall is the sodium content, but otherwise grants nutritionally better. Chick-fil-A Marina their chicken in the shop, so it's not a pre-frozen item and taste wise, I think it is a step above the others.

If you have to eat fast food, are looking for a Chick-fil-A, but make sure you pass the waffle Potato Fries.

Diet-blog was anyway not compensated for by Chick-fil-A to recommend of their product. We are paying customers like everybody else.

Thrive foods: 200 vegetable recipes

2011-09-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

A few The thrive diet reviewed months ago Nicole by triathlete, Brendan Brazier.

In a few weeks, will Brendan companion release to his vegan diet titled thrive foods.

If you want to eat more plant based meals can have than the 200 recipes provided by this new recipe book you get off to a good start.

The book begins with a Hugh Jackman forward from, who got his Brazier of diets for the last few years, as well as to rely on to prepare for his film roles.

Thrive foods focuses heavily on the environmental impact of our food choices. Brazier developed what he calls the "nutrient resource ratio". This takes into account the amount of resources it takes to the food, in comparison with the amount of nutrients that may be obtained from the source of to produce food.

Brandon Brazier says that if a person just a plant based breakfast every day for one year would eat, it would reduce CO2 emissions by the amount that would be produced from a person of a medium-sized car drive to Tijuana, Mexico basis, BC.

All 200 recipes this account by 100% plant based, that are high in nutrients density, and the formation of alkaline. He along with some award winning chefs make what he thinks are delicious recipes that align with the thrive diet principles.

Brendan Brazier of recipes use ingredients such as legumes, maca, chia, amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, hemp, wild rice and chlorella, while eliminating ingredients such as wheat, yeast, gluten, soy, dairy and grain.

The information provided recipes include suggestions for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as recipes for snacks, appetizers and desserts.

I think thrive food contains a lot of good information on making wiser food choices not only for the health, but also for the planet. I can see this book appealing to those who already care about their bodies and the environment, but it would be a hard sell to the many who do not seem to care about both. However, it is a great resource for those already produced on the way to eat more aware about the eating of meat, whatever their position.

Brendan also promotes its line of Vega, bars, gels and other products in the book, which to me, a tad damage its credibility. I would love to see him just focus on whole foods, such as processed foods are part of the problem, including the energy it takes to create them. This seems a bit contradictory to be "nutrient resource ratio". However, I'm not sure how much energy does it take to convert of hemp in hemp protein powder, but I would suggest that it would spend some.

Thrive foods releases on September 6 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.

A diet book for little girls: Is this right?

2011-09-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Maggie is about a diet is about to be released.

The book is addressed (according to Amazon) children of 6 years and up to. The story is about "a 14-year-old girl who goes on a diet and has changed to a normal size of extremely overweight and insecure girl who is the star football school. By the time, exercise and hard work, Maggie becomes more and more trust and develop a positive self image. "

I can now say-I will not buy this for my daughter. She has already picked enough posts about diets-albeit of ads, TV shows or bugged conversations with her colleagues. It's not a message that I will strengthen.

We talk about the need to try when we can eat well, and to try our best to keep active and moving our body. She needs soft encouragement in these areas.

I've seen the results of young girls on diet are very early, and the results are not good-with food becoming the object of obsession and control later in life.

We must by all means to educate our children on good eating habits, and enjoy exercise. But Maggie really have to slim down so they can fit into that Mom bought for her dress? I don't think so.

Maggie goes on a diet available at Amazon.

Dannon Activia yogurt: a healthy choice?

2011-09-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

Dannon recently rolled out both Greek and French versions of their Activia ® line.

I Was sent a few examples to try out and despite my Monday through Friday no sugar diet, I put them to the test.

Dannon Activia ® is the healthy yoghurt marketed as an that your digestive tract if eaten will daily for two weeks. I will not be review of that aspect, but I regularly if I already have a brief look at the ingredients of these two new yogurt will take.

I was sent the strawberry variety and taste has a very sweet, strawberry flavor with a thick and creamy texture. I noticed a slight, almost granular texture at the finish of every bite. On the ingredients list is milk protein concentrate, so it is likely that the cause of the grain.

This Greek yogurt is not in the traditional sense as it is thickened with starch and carrageenan, as well as the food be complemented by additional whey protein. The sugar content of Activia ® Greek yoghurt is very high with 29 grams of sugar/6 oz container. This is the same as eating about 7 teaspoons of sugar.

Greek Activia ® is fat-free, but a few ingredients such as sodium citrate, potassium sorbate, and for the preservation and his Malic acids. While these chemicals are safe in General, they are necessary in yogurt? The usual natural yogurt that I eat has none of these.

I was sent the blackberry/rasberry taste of this variety and it had a sweet, but beautiful berry taste to the texture is very smooth. This was not as sweet as the Greek, but still clocked in at 23 grams of sugar/6 oz container, which is like eating just under 6 teaspoons of sugar.

The French has 6 grams of fat and starch and pectin is thickened with food. It contains artificial flavors and preservatives; Sodium citrate and calcium citrate. Again, really does not have to be in yogurt.

Dannon Activia ® 's number one health claim is the regulation of the digestive tract by the consumption of their product. Three active cultures are included in Activia ®. The first two; L. Bulgaricus and s. Thermophilus are found in most yogurt. The third, Bifidobacterium Bifidus Regularis Lactus is what they have trademark ®. This is just a subspecies of b. Lactus, which is also found in many foods and yogurt. There is no evidence to support that the subspecies is better than b. Dannon Lactus relating to probiotic effect.

As I sit here typing with my heart beating quickly from all the sugar I just ate, I wonder the need for 7 teaspoons of sugar in a small tub of yogurt. Do people really need to be that sweet yogurt? It would be hard to find someone who would sit and eat 7 teaspoons of sugar back to back, so then why would anyone do disguised in 6 grams of yogurt? This is almost as much sugar as a regular Snickers candy bar (30 grams).

Dannon, you might have two fun products here if you would cut back on the sugar and preservatives. Either product I can't recommend as a healthy choice. People would be better off choosing a all natural, plain yogurt and interfere in their own fresh fruit.

If you don't believe me and want to try Activia ® for yourself via facebook, they give free coupons.

Enjoy diet: Meditation for Weight Loss

2011-09-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Last week mindful eating , I wrote about that makes me to another diet book called thinking, "Mindful eating, mindful life enjoy:" by Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh and doctor and dietitian Lilian Cheung.

The book combines Buddhist spirituality with nutrition facts. Religion and science in a book? Let's see how well they gel.

Nhat Hanh reviews mediation techniques in the book to us to take more account, slow down, and think more about what we put in our bodies to help. The meditations center around the core of Buddhism, which is all about fully aware of themselves and your environment.

The book gives detailed instructions on how to find out what blocks you are not completely take into account when you eat and how to overcome these obstacles. Nhat Hanh discusses stress and emotional eating as well as becoming aware in everyday life.

The nutritionist, Lilian Cheung, advises specific guidelines of diet and exercise to go along with the meditations. She gives readers an idea of how to shopping in the supermarket to and some simple recipe ideas. Vegetarian the diet approach is based and scientifically supported. However, this part of the book is a bit basic and you can access this information almost everywhere.

The authors also get the reader to think about where food comes from when you eat it. Maybe if we require more time to think and where our food comes from, choose, we become more aware and appreciative of our food in the process.

Enjoy the diet may not for everyone. Those who strictly follow a different religion or that can not be willing to explore a more spiritual side of the diet, not like this method. But, for many of us, I see this book as a great tool to explore an entirely different dieting method that can prove to be very effective.

The book herecan be found on Amazon.

7 Tips for healthy food safety

2011-09-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

We are constantly trying to discover the latest diet foods that will help us this last few pounds lost, but we do not stop to think about the safety of that food that we eat. In particular in the preparation of meals including fresh fruit and vegetables.

Worldwide food-borne disease there are new cases on each month. Food safety must be the first thing to keep in mind before preparing your food.

Good temperatures: Keeping food at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 60 degrees Celsius) at times extended is unsafe. These temperatures danger easier for bacteria to grow. Cooking temperatures: Depending on the type of meat or fish, the correct end temperature must be determined by a thermometer. A food that you heat up again should be heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Timing: Never store food to this unsafe temperatures for longer than four hours. The longer you have bacteria from food, the longer the time to multiply.Cross-Contamination: Never mix raw meat and raw vegetables, unless they are cooked together is thoroughly. Do not mix raw and cooked meat either. That is why it is important to wash and clean. Always clean the wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds and always tool and cutting boards after each use. Also, don't forget to keep the meat, eggs and products in the supermarket, and separated when when storing in the fridge.Rinse and repeat: it is important to wash your products and your hands, tools, and cutting boards. Even if you're not going to eat the outer skin of the fruit or vegetable you are preparing, you must wash it. When the knife cuts through the skin, it can also be harmful bacteria by means of drag. Storage: Make sure that the storage of perishable food from the temperature danger zones and don't be afraid to throw out food that has been sitting around for more than a few days. Use your sense of smell not as an indicator of whether or not something bad. Thaw: Finally, always thaw food in the fridge. If you desperately need something faster to thaw, let it sit in a bath with water and the water change frequently.

Cholesterol by eating the right foods

2011-09-07T01:37:00.000-07:00

Those who both overweight and a normal healthy weight can suffer from high cholesterol.

Sometimes high cholesterol is purely genetic and is difficult to change by changing diet and exercise. Others may find that a change in diet and an increase in cardiovascular exercise helps to lower their levels.

Most would know what foods are unhealthy, I now to help the foods that lower cholesterol can probably will be revised.

Soy protein: Foods like edamame, tofu, soy milk, and soy-based meat alternatives has shown that reduce something your LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Studies have shown that this as a more important when you approximately 25 grams of soy protein consumed.High Fiber grains: Oats , barley and bran are the upper granules for reducing cholesterol. An easy way to eat more of these is in a side dish of oatmeal in the morning or dinner Cook for barley. Linseed: this small seed so is fibrous, full of soluble fiber and healthy fats that it is a great addition to a diet. All these soluble fiber in the whole grains and seeds helps to flush out bad cholesterol. Legumes: Beans and lentils are also excellent sources of fiber.: Root Vegetables Some of these something starchier vegetables such as radishes, carrots, sweet potatoes and contain higher amounts of soluble fiber in comparison with other vegetables.Plant sterols and Stanols: Studies are strong showing that plant sterols and stanols might help to reduce cholesterol. You can find sterols and stanols in some margarine as Smart balance and some companies are now making enhanced muesli bars and enriched orange juice.Fruit: Plum showed dried-fruit-such as to help to keep the heart healthy.Don't forget to food high in saturated fat such as red meats, full fat cheese and creamy spices. It is important to limit trans fat actually as good as it can increase your cholesterol and LDL. Cutting of added sugar in your diet would also help to keep your triglycerides low, and therefore help your cholesterol level.

Finally, don't forget to get your cholesterol checked annually and visit with your doctor to see if your diet and exercise routines to keep your cholesterol levels healthy enough.

How do Stevia sweeteners?

2011-09-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

Stevia In the last 5 years is getting a lot of steam in the alternative sugar market.

The fact that stevia is "all natural" and in combination with the marketing power of two multinational companies, stevia based sweeteners are fast to gaining market share.

But all stevia-based sweeteners are created equal?

The FDA approved stevia, but they still have not officially detached from their hard attitude with regard to the sweetener that they embraced originally. This has a lot of stevia products be sold for the huge population of mass alternative sugar users allowed.

Truvia ®
This sweetener stevia is based on the marketed by the Cargill Company, but the giant Coca Cola is behind Truvia ®. This version is powdered and is not pure stevia extract, but mixed with erythritol (a sugar alcohol) and natural flavors that are not listed. 40 packages cost about $ 4.

Pure Via ™
The Pepsi company is behind this sweetener. This version is also not pure stevia powder form and. It has mixed with dextrose (a form of glucose), cellulose (fiber), and natural flavors. 40 packs of Pure Via ™ costs about $ 4.

Sweet Leaf ®
Created by wisdom natural brands and available in both liquid and powder form. This product is made with stevia extract and inulin (fiber), but the liquid version would be pure stevia extract. 50 packages explains how to use about $ 7.

Steviva ™
This product stevia is created by company Steviva, but can also be distributed under the names Kehe, tree of life, and best of nature. They have different mixtures, but may include erythritol, FOS, fructose (a kind of sugar made with fructose). 50 packages cost about $ 4.

There are many other store brands available as well, so just be conscience of which additives which brand is cutting into the product. Pure stevia will cost more than other products in cheaper additives cut.

I think that stevia can be a good alternative to sugar or artificial sugar, but I recommend choosing a variety of pure stevia. However, in the long term it would be much better to retrain your taste buds from sweet foods. A sweet food, or just a few times a week as a treat, but not as a daily ritual drinking.

Are Spray Butters a healthy choice?

2011-09-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

Spray butters have always been a mystery for me.

They have calories or not? Using spray butter really helps save calories? And what are the real ingredients in this diet products? They even have spray Dressings at the supermarket now.

I have examined all brands of spray butters and will share with you my findings.

The notion of a spray butter or spray condiment is great because hopefully it will help us use less of the product. However, when we get some twenty or more sprays just to taste from the product, you should start off as the calories are added.

Most zero calories, zero fat, spray butters advertise zero and everything. That is the only nutrition facts for one to five sprays (depending on the product). Each spray contains on average almost a calorie actually. Sodium , Plus approximately 15 mg for each add five sprays.

So, these are not really zero calorie products. A whole bottle of spray can be anywhere from 600 to 1000 calories (depending on the brand and the size) and 80 to 100 grams of fat. The catch is that food producers are allowed to call something "zero" when it is less than one calorie per serving or what they decide to call a portion.

The first ingredient in butter sprays water is usually followed by oils (usually soybean oil), buttermilk, thickeners, preservatives and flavourings. So, butter sprays are not a natural product. I cringe at the thought of spraying chemicals on my food. FoodFacts.com Check out if you want to see what the chemicals are exactly and any associated health risks. The decision of or non-use of butter sprays comes down to personal preference. If you only use a few sprays and if it helps you cut back on calories seems a reasonable choice, then butter sprays. However, you are more in clean eating, I would choose a natural whipped cream butter contains only contains cream and salt, but for less calories.

Finally, if you're in the third category of consumers who like to use 30 or more sprays at a time, I would try other ways to get the taste of food. Try adding lemon juice, garlic, onion, or other herbs.

John's inspiring 250 pound weight loss

2011-09-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

I was always great. As the years went on, I just larger by eating anything and everything.
Unfortunately, my health got worse as the years pass went also. I had my first child at the age of 23, and if the pregnancy went I kept getting bigger and bigger. After my 3rd child came, I was close to 350 pounds.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was placed on numerous medicines. After my fourth child, I topped out as much as 400 pounds! My health was so bad that I couldn't even 3 steps without losing my breath and feel like I was going to die.
My life changed one day when I call when I'm at work. My wife at the time said that my father had a massive heart attack and had passed away. I went to see my doctor a week later because I had chest pains. She said that one thing that completely changed my mentality. She said: "John if you want to see your kids have their own kids, then you have to lose weight, if not there was a space next to your father."
I started by changing my diet. I went from white rice, white bread, all oily and fatty foods to salads, wheat bread and brown rice. After 6 months I started to run. I went from 400 pounds to 375 lbs. I started feel good about weight loss and said to myself that I could do this. After a year, I fell to 325 lbs and went from a 62 waist to a 48. I felt better and decided to go for £ 25. After 20 months, I was walking to 270 pounds and I was more than a mile per day. I started to get hooked on dieting and exercising.
I went through a divorce and started to get depressed. I started again to unhealthy eating and I quickly found myself lonely and depressed. Food was my only source of happiness. Then one day I went to the Mall and I ran into my first real love of school. We spoke and went out to dinner. She was going through the same thing as I did. Her son's father left her and she was her only son. We started dating and spending a lot of time together. I started to diet again hard.
I went walking about 3 times per day and started my salad and browns again. I got myself to 225 pounds and thought that was enough, but I was wrong, that I was now addicted to dieting and exercising. I had my 5th child and quickly was to 175 pounds and run a full 6-7 miles twice a day. I looked in the mirror and said: "damn I have this, I can lose another 25 pounds"! I was on a strict 1100 calorie diet, which no soft drinks or sugar involved. Strictly water or if I wanted to taste a little, I had some Crystal light.
After 3 years and many trials I beat my all time low weight, 132 pounds. My doctor said the funniest thing I've ever heard. She said: "John, you need to be a little weight"! After all the years of being bold words in the book and all the burden of everyone's fat jokes, I had someone tell me that I had to gain weight. My doctor told me that she was surprised when they did my diabetes test, as it was as if I never had diabetes.
Now I'm a weight of 147-150 pounds and 11% body fat company. My life has changed, my health is great, and I have a new lease on life. I am never tired as I was before and my cardio levels become unreal. It is as if God gave me a new me.

My words of wisdom: anything can be achieved if you put your mind and soul. If I can do, anyone can! Always remember that life is precious and that life begins with you!!
The 3 most important things that I would like to say to everyone who is struggling with their weight and health.
A target, start with a small goal, then work from there.Get support from loved ones, if it wasn't for my wife and children, I would never have at this point. They understand that you do for yourself, so you can make around for them.Love yourself ... because I discovered that if you don't love yourself, then you will not care enough to help yourself.
By John Toledo III

Anything Goes Diet- Weight Loss Without The Rules

2011-09-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Tried & Tested

Freshest new product in the diet market. The "real-life" diet. Great conversions. Low refund rate. Try it or get in touch for more info. 2011 on the rise.

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