Tag Archives: Diet

Calcium and Vitamin D changes LDL & HDL Numbers

“In a recent study, women with low calcium intake were given either a calcium + vitamin D supplement or placebo in conjunction with a 15-week weight-loss program. Those who received the calcium + vitamin D supplement had a greater tendency for beneficial changes in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements enhance health benefits of weight loss
Research has demonstrated that overweight individuals with low calcium and dairy intakes have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Naturally, this suggests that adequate calcium intake could create a healthier metabolic profile ” one more similar to a balanced diet and regular exercise.
In a recent study, researchers explored this possibility by testing cardiovascular health indicators after long-term calcium supplementation in women with usual low calcium intake. Healthy overweight or obese women with a daily calcium intake of less than 800 mg per day were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: group A received two tablets/day of a calcium + vitamin D supplement (600 mg elemental calcium and 200 IU vitamin D/tablet), while group B received a placebo. Both groups completed a 15-week reduced calorie weight-loss program.
Significant decreases in LDL cholesterol levels, as well as improvements in the ratios of total to LDL and LDL to HDL cholesterol were seen the calcium + vitamin D group. These changes were independent of changes due to fat loss and reduced waist circumference. Tendencies for more beneficial changes in HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were also observed in the calcium + vitamin D group.

This study demonstrates that adequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D during weight loss enhances other beneficial effects of body weight loss on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight women with previously low calcium intake. ” Literature Referece:American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85, No. 1, 54-59, January 2007

 

Poolside Silohouette? Flatten your Tummy, Choose your Foods

It’s that time of year which inspires us to get our bodies healthy for three months, so that we can sit poolside and look good.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could take our lessons learned from how to get a flat tummy now and maintain it over a life long period?  I’m not talking about being 104 pounds, but achieving our own healthy weight, so that we live a lifetime of being strong and focused, mentally intact and driven! Many respectable weightloss programs such as USANA’s Macro Optimizer, Reset also provides nutritional supplements so that you can achieve your goal effectively.

Many meals come from awesome summer foods that help to curve our appetite so that we are not tempted to indulge in ice cream and frozen Margarita’s.  The various delicious fruits and vegetables (veggies burn the most calories) will bring new flavors to your palette!  By eating 4-5 fruits and 5-6 vegetables a day, your body will have to make an effort to breakdown the food and that energy will contribute to weightloss!  Treat yourself to something new in your salad by shredding fresh herbs into your salad such as: cilantro, arugula, mint, parsley, 1 Small clove diced garlic, or basil which will become the driving force to try new summer recipes. 

A trick that adds diversity to your salads:  Choose 2 or more vegetables and one fruit dice them to bite size. Add 1/8 c. thinly sliced red onion, cheese of choice, herb of choice, 1 ounce of nuts, sprinkled flaxseed. Drizzle with vinaigrette dressing, or olive oil and balsamic vinegar. (salt and pepper to taste)

Fresh fruit drink.  Choose 2-3 fruits, wash and peel.  4 ounces of orange, pomegranate, cranberry or pear juice.  Place all in a mixer and liquefy.  May drink immediately, served chilled or frozen.

Please read the following clip from “Eight Summer Ultimate flat Belly foods” by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding from Men’s Health who recently had an article posted on Yahoo. 

“Find a way to work these potent super-foods into your diet every day, and you’ll curb cravings before they hit, crowding out much of the junk we turn to when hunger calls. The result? Well, it could mean saving 600 calories or more a day. Couple that with 30 minutes of moderate exercise, and you can shed as many as 12 pounds in six weeks!  Which is in standing with the rule that states, “1-2 pounds a  week to properly shrink lipid cells” Read more on Calorie Shifting Fad and Facts and USANA Nutritional Supplements and Products  

1. Spinach
It may be green and leafy, but spinach is no nutritional wallflower. This noted muscle-builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bonus: Folate also increases blood flow to the nether regions, helping to protect you against age-related sexual issues. Aim for 1 cup fresh spinach or a half cup cooked per day.

SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce

FIT IT IN: Make your salads with baby spinach; add spinach to scrambled eggs; drape it over pizza; mix it with marinara sauce and then microwave for an instant dip.

2. Yogurt
Calcium is a major contributor to effective weight loss.  Various cultures claim yogurt as their own creation, but the 2,000-year-old food’s health benefits are not disputed: Fermentation spawns hundreds of millions of reinforcements for the battalions of beneficial bacteria in your body. That helps boost your immune system, provides protection against cancer, and even does duty as a cavity-fighter. Not all yogurts are created equal, though, so make sure the label says “live and active cultures.” And watch out for high-fructose corn syrup; stealth sugars are worth avoiding in yogurt and everywhere else.

SUBSTITUTES: Kefir, cottage cheese, ricotta

FIT IT IN: Yogurt topped with blueberries, walnuts, flaxseed, and honey is the ultimate breakfast — or dessert. Plain low-fat yogurt is also a perfect base for creamy salad dressings and dips.

3. Tomatoes
There are two things you need to know about tomatoes: Red are the best, because they’re packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene, and processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones, because it’s easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, breast, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for 22 mg of lycopene a day, which is about eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice. Plant some now for a health harvest in July and August. This Men’s Health video will show you how.

SUBSTITUTES: Red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya, guava

FIT IT IN: Dress sliced heirloom tomatoes with torn basil and olive oil; guzzle low-sodium V8 and gazpacho; roast cherry tomatoes and serve over grilled fish or chicken.

4. Carrots
Most red, yellow, or orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids — fat-soluble compounds that are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as a reduced risk and severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis — but none of them is as easy to prepare, or have as low a caloric density, as carrots do. Aim for a half cup a day.

SUBSTITUTES: Sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper, mango

FIT IT IN: Snack on baby carrots; grate raw carrots into salad; toss a carrot into a breakfast smoothie with frozen mango and OJ; roast carrot chunks with olive oil, salt and cumin.

5. Blueberries
Host to more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes (hence the nickname “brain berry”). Studies show that blueberries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, also boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 cup fresh blueberries a day, or a half cup frozen or dried.

SUBSTITUTE: Açai, an Amazonian berry, has even more antioxidants than the blueberry. Mix 2 Tbsp. of açai powder into OJ or add 2 Tbsp of açai pulp to cereal, yogurt, or a smoothie.

FIT IT IN: Mix fresh blueberries into plain yogurt; blend with ice, yogurt, banana, and OJ for a 60-second smoothie; toss with baby spinach, red onions, goat cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette for a summer salad.

6. Black Beans
All beans are good for your heart, but none can boost your brain power like black beans. That’s because they’re full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily half-cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, and is low in calories and free of saturated fat.

SUBSTITUTES: Peas, lentils, and pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans

FIT IT IN: Wrap black beans in a breakfast burrito; use both black beans and kidney beans in your chili; puree 1 cup black beans with 2 Tbsp olive oil and roasted garlic for a healthy dip; add favas, limas, or peas to pasta dishes.

7. Walnuts
Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken, the walnut just needs a cape and we could call it a superhero. Other nuts combine only one or two of these features, not all three. A serving of walnuts — about 1 ounce, or seven nuts — is good anytime, but especially as a post-workout recovery snack. Keep a can of Planters Nutrition Heart Healthy Mix in your desk drawer or glove compartment, and use them to lead you away from temptation.

SUBSTITUTES: Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts

FIT IT IN: Sprinkle on top of salads; chop and add to pancake batter; mix 1 cup walnuts with a half cup dried blueberries and a quarter cup of dark chocolate chunks.

8. Oats
The original wunderkind of health food, oats garnered the FDA’s first seal of approval. They are packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Yes, oats are loaded with carbs, but the release of those sugars is slowed by the fiber, and because oats also have 10 grams of protein per half-cup serving, they deliver steady muscle-friendly energy.

SUBSTITUTES: Quinoa, flaxseed, amaranth, pearly barley

FIT IT IN: Eat granolas and cereals that have a fiber content of at least 5 grams per serving; sprinkle 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed on cereals, salads, and yogurt; sub quinoa in for brown rice.”

Thank you to David and Matt for allowing Eat Know How to utilize a portion of their article!

By; Kim Crocker

Getting from depression to”Walking on Sunshine”

Seasonal Affective Disorder is often linked to depression and one of the many pathologies related to lack of sunshine.   However to get through the dreary days a small vacation may help somewhat to overcome the moment, as will an investment into some fluorescent light bulbs that are kept on in the home through out the day or using sun lamps with in your home.  Research has shown that your body only needs 15 minutes of sunshine per day, but psychologically you may be beaten down and looking for other tricks that can be more helpful. Tell your doctor what you are feeling so that he can diagnose and can help you set up a plan by doing any or all of these: prescribe medications, exercise and nutrition.

Your doctor may prescribe various anti-depressants at a lower dose in order to keep the hormone serotonin at higher levels. Serotonin is naturally produced by your body converting a mineral into a hormone. If the body is not able to produce enough serotonin or if it is quickly absorbed by the blood this is called depression.

Exercise is also encouraged during this time to increase the endorphins within the brain so that your response to a grey day may not be no longer dread, but “Spring is around the corner!”  Get the blood pumping! Your body will feel more energized and you will feel more focused.  It can be as simple as a 30 minute walk per day!

Lastly, nutrition is key to helping it all come together.  Tryptophan  is a mineral found in a variety of foods to help fight depression, they include: chocolate, bananas, poultry, meat, whole grain pasta, figs, fish, peanuts, dairy products, especially milk and cottage cheese.  Investing into some shopping time along with a warm glass of milk before bed time will allow the tryptophan to convert to serotonin which directly affects a happier mood when waking up and beginning the morning.

Foods to AVOID.  Any foods or drinks (Diet) with aspartamine (aspartame or phenylalanine) should be avoided.  Multiple studies have shown this artificial sweetener to depress serotonin levels. Those with a history of mood disorders or depression have been linked to a severe reaction after consuming aspartamine.

By Kim Scardicchio

Healing for your skin https://eatknowhow.wordpress.com/category/acne-healing-food/

For Your Entertainment Walking on Sunshine Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-5Xgkzb-f4

Win $25,000! Lipton Tea Video Contest

Healthy, Nutritional.  A Smart Tea that contributes to your longevity!

Lipton is promoting their new White Tea in ready-to-drink bottles and “To Go” packs.  To launch the new line of tea products and highlight that Lipton White Tea is made from young White Tea buds, they have launched the “Free Your Y” (your youth) campaign, and giving away $25,000 through the “Free Your Y” video contest, which will be active through May 17th.  The “Free Your Y” concept is aimed at encouraging people to tap into and express their inner youth, and the contest will ask people to share – via video – what they do to feel young and active.

Relax and Heighten Your Senses

The Kitchen smells of a bouquet of Papaya, Raspberries, Mango and Peaches.  Spring is in the air and the flavorful fruit smells that embrace me, don’t place me in an exotic country, but in my mid western home.  I have three different tea’s in front of me, which have tantalized my tongue and whose perfume has awakened my senses.  Lipton’s white tea has a taste that is light and mild. It is a refreshing way to enjoy a drink made from a combination of natural flavors, orange leaves, lemon grass, rose hips and licorice root.  They are packed with antioxidants to combat free radicals brought on by stress and a fiber reduced diet.  Dentist’s will make this their recommended tea of choice, as white tea’s staining properties are not as intense as other tea’s.

White Tea Facts

“White tea comes from is chiefly produced in Fujian Province in China with only limited or negligible production outside and more commonly just known as Yinzhen. Amongst white teas this is the most expensive variety and the most prized as only top buds are used to produce the tea. Most Yinzhen is made from the Da Bai or Large White tea tree race, however there are exceptions such as the big bud teas from Yunnan. Yinzhen tea is considered to be good for health. According to the researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, white tea may be used to fight cancer as well as acting as a deterrent.  The tea is nowadays mostly grown in the Fujian Province and there are generally two major producing counties, Zheng He and Fuding.”

  1. Lipton Tea Contest http://www.areyouyoungenough.com/

  2. http://youtube.com/results?search_query=lipton+tea&search_type=

  3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bai_Hao_Yinzhen_tea

By:  Kim Crocker

 

Down Shift to 1350 Calories

Many people are interested in Calorie Shifting.  Not knowing how to properly reduce certain nutrients makes it a dangerous diet.   A 2000 calorie diet is what the average person is recommended to eat on a daily basis.  This provides an individual with an optimal diet, in which the body receives an adaquate amount of nutrition to keep going throughout the day. 
However, 2000 calories can also seem like alot to a smaller frame individual, or someone who is not active, both which would require less caloric intake. There is a healthy way to determine your caloric intake by removing certain foods without bringing on long term detrimental results to your organs, muscles and bones.              Design your 1300-2000 Calorie Meal Plan…Cut calories and stay healthy!  Eat 5 meals a day and have something to drink with and between meals.  Fluids are equally important to a successful diet.

Add 1-2 glasses of water with 1/2 to 1 whole lemon each day.  One may also drink 1-2 cups of tea each day. (Oolong tea burns over 157% more fat than Green Tea and has become the most popular tea designed to accelerate weigh loss). Also read about if you should Avoid Sports Drinks?.

Typical 2000 Calorie Recommended Meal Plan

  • 4 Fruits- 240 calories,  (approx. 60 calories each)
  • 6 Vegetables- 290 Calories, (approx. 48 calories each)
  • 5 servings Bread -200 calories, (Aunt Milles bread has 80 calories per serving)
  • 3 Milk/Dairy -300 Calories, (Approx. 100 calories per serving)
  • 2 Meats or Fish -600 Calories, (Approx 300 calories per 3 ounces)
  • 3 Fats -360 calories.   (Approx. 120 calories per tablespoon)

  • Breakfast
  • Aunt Millies Bread** (whole/multi-grain) or Oatmeal,
  • fruit,
  • 1% or skim milk, 1 tsp healthy fat (Olio butter)
  • Snack
  • fruit,
  • 1 bread (2 graham crackers)
  • Lunch
  • 3 ounce fish or lean meat, 
  • 2 slices of (bread whole or multi-grain), 
  •  salad with 1-2 vegetables Salt/Fat free dressing,
  •  bread, 
  • fruit
  • Snack
  • Vegetable, 
  • Nuts 1 oz (optional protein)
  • Dinner
  • 3 ounce fish or lean meat,
  • 2 vegetables,
  • fruit, pasta/rice (bread), 
  • skim milk, 1 oz no fat cheese (milk), 
  • low fat dessert,
  • Healthy Fat used for cooking i.e. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

**Bread: Recommend Aunt Millies Bread 2  slices is only 1 serving and 80 Calories and will save 200 calories on this Meal Plan!

 Meal Plan with reduced caloric intake. 

NEW Total: 1350 Nutritional Calories, may Reduce Calories by Removing:  

Any 3 Bread servings –160 calories,

1 Meat serving –300 calories,

1 Fat Serving –120 calories,

1 Milk/Dairy –100 calories.

Total removed Calories  -640. 

For more great articles on Nutrition Facts, Health Hints, Dietary Intake and Recipes Eat Know How.

Great Link to Check out for additional help. http://www.montana.edu/health/nutrition/healthyway.html