HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES 101

Benefits of Yogurt

2010-10-30T02:15:00.001-05:00

Benefits of Yogurt

Strengthens the immune system
Helps prevent gastrointestinal, yeast, and urinary tract infections
Helps cure diarrhea
Helps prevent and heal ulcers
Helps prevent osteoporosis

Yogurt has a long-standing reputation as a life-enhancing and life-extending food. Yogurt is believed to help you live longer with plenty of evidence that it can help make the years of your life healthy ones.

Infection Protection

the live Lactobaccillus acidophilus cultures in yogurt are largely responsible for the power of yogurt to prevent infection. A traditional cure for vaginal yeast infections, its powerful positive effects have been proven and scientifically validated: A recent study showed that women who ate 8 ounces of yogurt a day had significantly fewer yeast infections than those who did not. Lactobacillus acidophilus have been shown to help prevent and treat gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections as well.

Immune System Strength

Yogurt's Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures also help fight off other infections by stimulating body cells that fight bacteria. Studies show that people who ate two 8-ounce servings of live-culture-containing yogurt a day had higher blood levels of gamma-interferon, a substance that helps the body fight disease. The yogurt eaters also had 25 percent fewer colds and fewer symptoms of hay fever and allergy than non-yogurt eaters.

Yogurt also speeds recovery from diarrhea. Its beneficial cultures work to overcome the "bad" bacteria, such as E. coli. Yogurt's antibacterial action restores microbial balance, and thus normal digestive activity.

Yogurt works the same way against ulcers, Yogurt’s beneficial bacteria act like antibiotics in the digestive tract, doing battle with the harmful bacteria that cause ulcers, making it difficult for the germs to continue doing harm. Yogurt also contains lactose, a natural sugar that breaks down into lactic acid and helps restore your digestive system to normal.

Osteoporosis Prevention

Plain, low-fat yogurt is a great source of calcium; one cup contains about 40 percent of the RDA. Calcium is essential in helping prevent osteoporosis, the bone-weakening disease that afflicts many older women in particular. Yogurt's a particularly good choice for people who are unable to digest milk.

Tips: Read yogurt labels carefully: Opt for low-fat or nonfat types, and be sure they contain Lactobacillius acidophilus. Try to buy yogurt that's less than a week old; it suffers a precipitous loss of live cultures after it's been sitting on the shelf for a while.

Frozen yogurt doesn't offer remotely as many nutrients as regular yogurt. Low-fat or nonfat frozen yogurt is still better than ice cream, though.

Foods For Health and Beauty

2010-10-29T01:40:00.000-05:00

Foods for health and beauty: Learn to Eat to live! Don’t live to eat

apples	Protects your heart	prevents constipation	Blocks diarrhea	Improves lung capacity	Cushions joints
apricots	Combats cancer	Controls blood pressure	Saves your eyesight	Shields against Alzheimer's	Slows aging process
artichokes	Aids digestion	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Guards against liver disease
avocados	Battles diabetes	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin
bananas	Protects your heart	Quiets a cough	Strengthens bones	Controls blood pressure	Blocks diarrhea
beans	Prevents constipation	Helps hemorrhoids	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Stabilizes blood sugar
beets	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones	Protects your heart	Aids weight loss
blueberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Stabilizes blood sugar	Boosts memory	Prevents constipation
broccoli	Strengthens bones	Saves eyesight	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure
cabbage	Combats cancer	Prevents constipation	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Helps hemorrhoids
cantaloupe	Saves eyesight	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Supports immune system
carrots	Saves eyesight	Protects your heart	Prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Promotes weight loss
cauliflower	Protects against Prostate Cancer	Combats Breast Cancer	Strengthens bones	Banishes bruises	Guards against heart disease
cherries	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Ends insomnia	Slows aging process	Shields against Alzheimer's
chestnuts	Promotes weight loss	Protects your heart	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
chili peppers	Aids digestion	Soothes sore throat	Clears sinuses	Combats Cancer	Boosts immune systemca
figs	Promotes weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Lowers cholesterol	Combats Cancer	Controls blood pressure
fish	Protects your heart	Boosts memory	Protects your heart	Combats Cancer	Supports immune system
flax	Aids digestion	Battles diabetes	Protects your heart	Improves mental health	Boosts immune system
garlic	Lowers cholesterol	Controls blood pressure	Combats cancer	kills bacteria	Fights fungus
grapefruit	Protects against heart attacks	Promotes Weight loss	Helps stops strokes	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol
grapes	saves eyesight	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Enhances blood flow	Protects your heart
green tea	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Helps stops strokes	Promotes Weight loss	Kills bacteria
honey	Heals wounds	Aids digestion	Guards against ulcers	Increases energy	Fights allergies
lemons	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
limes	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Controls blood pressure	Smoothes skin	Stops scurvy
mangoes	Combats cancer	Boosts memory	Regulates thyroid	aids digestion	Shields against Alzheimer's
mushrooms	Controls blood pressure	Lowers cholesterol	Kills bacteria	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
oats	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	prevents constipation	Smoothes skin
olive oil	Protects your heart	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Battles diabetes	Smoothes skin
onions	Reduce risk of heart attack	Combats cancer	Kills bacteria	Lowers cholesterol	Fights fungus
oranges	Supports immune systems	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	Straightens respiration
peaches	prevents constipation	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes	aids digestion	Helps hemorrhoids
peanuts	Protects against heart disease	Promotes Weight loss	Combats Prostate Cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Aggravates diverticulitis
pineapple	Strengthens bones	Relieves colds	Aids digestion	Dissolves warts	Blocks diarrhea
prunes	Slows aging process	prevents constipation	boosts memory	Lowers cholesterol	Protects against heart disease
rice	Protects your heart	Battles diabetes	Conquers kidney stones	Combats cancer	Helps stops strokes
strawberries	Combats cancer	Protects your heart	boosts memory	Calms stress
sweet potatoes	Saves your eyesight	Lifts mood	Combats cancer	Strengthens bones
tomatoes	Protects prostate	Combats cancer	Lowers cholesterol	Protects your heart
walnuts	Lowers cholesterol	Combats cancer	boosts memory	Lifts mood	Protects against heart disease
water	Promotes Weight loss	Combats cancer	Conquers kidney stones	Smoothes skin
watermelon	Protects prostate	Promotes Weight loss	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	Controls blood pressure
wheat germ	Combats Colon Cancer	prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	improves digestion
wheat bran	Combats Colon Cancer	prevents constipation	Lowers cholesterol	Helps stops strokes	improves digestion
yogurt	Guards against ulcers	Strengthens bones	Lowers cholesterol	Supports immune systems	Aids digestion

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

2010-10-26T16:24:00.001-05:00

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

Wheat grass is one of the healthiest substances on the earth and has amazing health benefits.

Celebrities like the stunning and beautiful Angelina Jolie is known to drink wheat-grass juice. At most every juice bar and natural-foods store, customers peek up from mid-day fatigue with a shot of bright-green, pungently wheat-grass juice.

Wheatgrass juice contains most of the important vitamins and minerals which are essential for good health. It contains 70% chlorophyll and also excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur, cobalt, and zinc.

Wheatgrass contains high level of Vitamin C, E, K and B complex (including B12). Adding to these, wheatgrass juice contains 17 types of amino acids.

Nutrient content of wheatgrass juice compared to fruits and vegetables.

1 ounce of fresh wheatgrass juice is equivalent to 2.5 pounds of vegetables in nutritional value.
1 ounce of wheatgrass has more vitamin C than 1 ounce of oranges.
1 ounce of wheatgrass has twice the vitamin A than in 1 ounce of carrots.
It is said that 25ml of wheatgrass is equivalent in vitamins, minerals and amino acids to a kilogram of fresh garden vegetables in nutritional value.

I love the Jamba Juice: home to the famous wheatgrass shot because

it gives me an instant feel good, energetic, positive energy, alive feeling! And weaned me off coffee!

Benefits of including wheatgrass juice in your regular diet:

Here are the major health benefits of wheatgrass:

An Energizer:
Wheatgrass and wheatgrass juice increase the energy level. Drinking wheatgrass juice can make you refreshed and energized throughout the day.
Builds Blood: Hemoglobin molecule in human blood and the chlorophyll molecule in wheatgrass are very similar. This similarity helps human body to transform chlorophyll into hemoglobin increasing the red blood cell count. Chlorophyll builds blood cells quickly
and also normalizes the blood pressure. Thus it is very good to reduce anemia.
Detoxify: Wheatgrass has great cleansing capabilities. Because of wheatgrass is a great source of Vitamin, B, C, E and beta-carotene, it helps to destroy and eliminate the free radicals. Regular consumption of wheatgrass juice is great for detoxifying of the lymphatic system.
Weight Loss:
Complete nutrition in wheatgrass relieves your body of
cravings resulting in the reduction of unnecessary over eating.
Anti-Cancer:
Wheatgrass works as powerful anti-cancer agent. Chlorophyll and beta-carotene in wheatgrass juice
help to prevent cancer. According to a study by University of California, wheatgrass helps to reduce side effects during chemotherapy.

Anti-inflammatory: The high alkalinity property in wheatgrass is very good for the people suffering from inflammatory ailments, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Good for Skin: Chlorophyll in wheatgrass is very good for the treatment of various skin diseases. For first and second-degree burns, the use of chlorophyll has been established as an outstanding aid. Chlorophyll also reduces the foul odor associated with burns.
Eliminates Body And Breath Odors:
Wheatgrass juice reduces body and breath odors. It is very effective to naturalize the odor form physical exercise, menstrual odors, and also from food, beverages, tobacco etc.
Body building:
Amino acids are building blocks of protein. Wheatgrass juice contains high amount of amino acids that are great for body building.
Immune system:
Wheatgrass and wheatgrass juice, both are very good to build strong immune system.
Candidiasis:
Wheatgrass creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria.
Regular consumption of wheatgrass juice prevents bacterial growth.
Mental Problems:
Wheatgrass is very good to prevent any mental memory deterioration and Alzheimer's disease
Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will eliminate toothaches
and will firm up and tightens gums.
The
insoluble fiber in wheatgrass: gently cleanses your digestive tract and promotes regularity.
Wheatgrass juice
keeps hair from graying & removes dandruff.
Wheat grass juice increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure.
Wheat grass juice washes drug deposits from the body.
Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin exfoliation and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Apply the wheatgrass juice on your body and let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with water.
Wheatgrass juice can
dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs
from breathing acid gasses.
Wheatgrass juice can remove heavy metals and other toxic (mercury, cadmium, nicotine) from the body.
Wheatgrass juice restores fertility.

Calorie Content of Wheatgrass (Juice): 100g of Wheatgrass have 23 calories. Calories from fat are 0.

Other Health Benefits of Wheatgrass (Juice): Wheatgrass juice is good for curing asthma, hair and skin problems and throat infection. It also cures constipation, improves digestive system, prevents diabetes and heart disease, tooth decay, detoxifies the blood, helps manage menopause and improves the overall health due to the nutrition. Chlorophyll in wheatgrass soothes and heals tissues internally and stops development of harmful bacteria in the body.

2010-10-16T01:41:00.002-05:00

Benefits of Sauna & Steam Rooms

Sweating should not be avoided or considered gross, it can make you beautiful and keep you Healthy!
The steam room helps the body eliminate toxins by forcing them out through your pores in the form of sweat. The skin will be cleaner, softer, and healthier; an exfoliating scrub can used in the steam room to remove the outer layer of dead skin

Sweating helps your body do some very important things, first it helps regulate body temperature and second it helps your body rid itself of toxins and waste material.

Sweat contains most of the same elements as urine; which is why the skin has been referred to as the third kidney, because as much as 30% of bodily wastes can be eliminated through perspiration.

Things like Anti-perspirants, harmful environment toxins, smog, synthetic clothing, and a sedentary lifestyle all help clog up your skin pores and block the healthy flow of sweat.

Steam or sauna’s sometimes referred to as sweat bathing assists in preventing or reversing the damaging side effects of toxins that enter the body thru these types of circumstances. A steam room has a physiological effect on the body that is similar to that of a sauna. A steam opens up the pores, increases the metabolism, elevates the heart rate, and the body begins to sweat. After working out, the steam room can help to keep the body muscles feel relaxed and flexible, and keep lactic acid from building up. A steam room can help to reduce joint pain and the symptoms of arthritis.

Steam rooms are also very helpful for people who suffer from asthma and respiratory conditions. Although the dry heat of a sauna is sometimes too intense for the lungs to handle, and the gentler moist heat of a steam room helps to relax and open up the lungs and bronchial tubes.

To steam safely, you should take a warm shower before entering the steam room. Stay seated in the steam room for up to 15 minutes before exiting to cool off with room temperature air and cool water in the form of a shower or plunge. (Jumping in a cool pool feels invigorating!) Allowing the body to return to a normal temperature before returning to the steam room, and do not steam more than three times in one session. Be sure to consume lots of water throughout the process and you should listen to your body and exit if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortable at any point. As a steam room is not healthy for some medical conditions, a doctor should be consulted before using one.

Skin Brushing & Exfoliation

2010-10-04T02:32:00.003-05:00

What is a Dry Brush Exfoliation?

A dry brush exfoliation involves the use of a soft, dry brush to gently brush the skin. It is recommended by holistic practitioners to remove dead skin cells, improve the circulation of blood and lymph, and enhance detoxification through skin. The gentle pressure is also thought to have a calming effect.

The detoxifying power of exfoliation

Your skin is the body’s largest organ and the body’s first line of defense. In addition to exercising and/or getting massages, skin brushing will enhance and speed up the body’s release of toxins by also encouraging exfoliation, blood circulation and new cell growth.
The purpose is to stimulate blood flow (bring oxygen and fresh nutrients), and to remove noxious gases and toxins from the body. Skin brushing also benefits your lymphatic system.

For best result, exercise before brushing. Preferable do it in the morning. You will see the difference immediately.

ALWAYS Skin Brush towards the Heart. Do Circular Counter-Clockwise Strokes on the Abdomen. Do LIGHTER Strokes over and around Breasts, but do NOT Brush the Nipples.

Brush the Soles of the Feet FIRST, because the Nerve Endings there affect the WHOLE Body, next Brush the Ankles, Calves, and Thighs, then Brush across your Stomach and Buttocks and lastly Brush your Hands to the Arms.

Brush each part of the Body several times VIGOROUSLY, COMPLETELY Brushing the WHOLE Body.

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing Explained:

It’s easy, inexpensive and invigorating!

1. Removes cellulite -A regular vigorous daily dry skin brushing will over time break through cellulite buildup and tighten up the skin. After about 3-6 months of regular brushing to see a difference.

2. Cleanses the lymphatic system - If the lymph didn't flow then the body wouldn't know there was foreign potentially harmful material

3. Removes dead skin layers - get smooth, tight, glowing skin

4. Strengthens the immune system - Lymph system transports important vitamins like A, D, E and K and since dry skin brushing increases the flow of lymph it helps us to absorb these vitamins where our body needs them the most!

5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands - Dry skin brushing stimulates the hormone producing glands (pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, ovaries, testes and adrenal glands). Hormones largely maintain metabolism, and levels of chemicals in the blood
.

6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging

7. Tones the muscles

8. Stimulates circulation - The skin is the largest detox organ of the body. Sloughing off the dead cells rejuvenates the skin and allows it to move more toxins out of the body.

9. Improves the function of the nervous system

10. Helps digestion

The Mediterranean diet

2010-10-04T01:51:00.002-05:00

The Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet has been long associated with, long life, reduced risk of heart diseases and an eternally slim and figure.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on meal plans from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Morocco, Greece, Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel and Malta. It is based on the Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid that has been the basis of healthy living in these Mediterranean countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.

The traditional Mediterranean diet that consists of grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, cheeses, olive oil, legumes and yogurt which is the daily based intake. While red meats are not consumed often, red wine almost always accompanies most meals on a basis of one to two glasses a day.

Secrets of living a healthy life needs to include vegetables, fresh fruits and grains which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that are influential in preventing cancer and heart diseases along with boosting the immune system. Mediterranean diets suggest using lots of onions and garlic which help to lower blood pressure and fights infections. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat that lowers blood clogging and LDL cholesterol. Olive also lines the stomach helping to prevent ulcers.

Almost all Mediterranean dishes use feta cheese or are sprinkled with it. Feta cheese is nourished with riboflavin, calcium, zinc and Vitamin B12 which makes your bones and teeth strong and boosts the immune system it is made from goat’s milk and contains 8 grams of fat in 1.33 ounces of feta.

Chicago Vegan Mania

2010-10-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

Chicago has a vibrant and exciting vegan community. And now we’re taking the opportunity to really show it off. EarthSave Chicago presents Chicago VeganMania: a joyous celebration of Chicago’s vegan culture, commerce, community, couture and cuisine. Chicago VeganMania gives you a chance to sample great vegan food from a dozen different restaurants, watch a wide array of live music and dance, attend workshops and presentations from some of the nation’s leading vegan thinkers and doers, see the latest vegan fashion and the best vegan products and crafts, catch a vegan art show, learn Chicago’s hidden vegetarian history, and so much more!

All this for FREE!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
10am-6pm

Pulaski Park Fieldhouse
1419 W. Blackhawk
(between Division and North Avenue at Noble)
Chicago

Best No-Diet Tips Ever

2010-09-08T23:24:00.005-05:00

9 Best No-Diet Tips Ever

Tip No. 1: Drink plenty of water or other calorie-free beverages.

Before you tear into that bag of potato chips, drink a glass of water first. People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger, so you can end up eating extra calories when an ice-cold glass of water is really all you needed. If plain water doesn't cut it, try drinking flavored sparkling water or brewing a cup of fruit-infused herbal tea.

Tip No. 2: Be choosy about nighttime snacks.

Mindless eating occurs most often after dinner, when you finally sit down and relax. Snacking in front of the TV is one of the easiest ways to throw your diet off course. Either close down the kitchen after a certain hour, or allow yourself a low-calorie snack, like a 100-calorie pack of cookies or a half-cup scoop of low-fat ice cream, an apple,
Yogurt Smoothie, raw almonds no more than 28 a day, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, celery, cucumbers, bananas, oranges, grapes, ¾ cup Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal, ¾ cup Quaker Crunchy Corn Bran, Luna minis, Orville Redenbacher Smart Pop 94% Fat-free Butter Microwave Popcorn, Individual fruit cups, 1 Pepperidge Farm whole-wheat mini bagels, Reduced Fat Triscuits by Nabisco, Rice Crisps with cheddar cheese and other flavors, pumpkin seeds

Tip No. 3: Enjoy your favorite foods.

Instead of cutting out your favorite foods altogether, be a slim shopper. Buy one fresh bakery cookie instead of a box, or a small portion of candy from the bulk bins instead of a whole bag. You can still enjoy your favorite foods — the key is moderation.

Tip No. 4: Eat several mini-meals during the day.

If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you'll lose weight. But when you're hungry all the time, eating fewer calories can be a challenge. "Studies show people who eat 4-5 meals or snacks per day are better able to control their appetite and weight," says obesity researcher Rebecca Reeves, Dr PH, RD. She recommends dividing your daily calories into smaller meals or snacks and enjoying most of them earlier in the day — dinner should be the last time you eat.

Tip No. 5: Eat protein at every meal.

Protein is the ultimate fill-me-up food — it's more satisfying than carbs or fats and keeps you feeling full for longer. It also helps preserve muscle mass and encourages fat burning. So be sure to incorporate healthy proteins like lean meat, yogurt, cheese, nuts, or beans into your meals and snacks.

Tip No. 6: Spice it up.

Add spices or chilies to your food for a flavor boost that can help you feel satisfied. "Food that is loaded with flavor will stimulate your taste buds and be more satisfying, so you won't eat as much," says American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Malena Perdomo, RD. If you need something sweet, suck on a red-hot fireball candy. It's sweet, spicy, and low in calories.

Tip No. 7: Stock your kitchen with healthy convenience foods.

Having ready-to-eat snacks and meals-in-minutes on hand sets you up for success. You'll be less likely to hit the drive-through or call in a pizza order if you can throw together a healthy meal in five or 10 minutes. Here are some essentials to keep on hand: frozen vegetables, whole-grain pasta, reduced-fat cheese, canned tomatoes, canned beans, pre-cooked grilled chicken breast, whole grain tortillas or pitas, and bags of salad greens.

Tip No. 8: Order children's portions at restaurants.

Ordering a child-size entree is a great way to cut calories and keep your portions reasonable. This has become such a popular trend that most servers won't bat an eye when you order off the kids' menu. Another trick is to use smaller plates. This helps the portions look like more, and if your mind is satisfied, your stomach likely will be, too.

Tip No. 9: Swap a cup of pasta for a cup of vegetables.

Simply by eating less pasta or bread and more veggies, you could lose a dress or pants size in a year. "You can save from 100-200 calories if you reduce the portion of starch on your plate and increase the amount of vegetables," says Cynthia Sass, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.