Fermented Foods

Enzymes found in fermented foods helps the gut to have a healthy intestinal tract that will absorb needed vitamins and minerals more readily. Fermented foods include kombucha, sauerkraut, cultured vegetables, tempeh, kefir, miso, etc.

Blueberry Banana Delight

1/2 cup blueberries 
1 frozen banana 
1 1/4 cups almond milk 
1 tablespoon ground flax 
1/4 cup ice

Blend and enjoy! Top with fresh blueberries.

Zucchini

What's for dinner? Zucchini was my meal of choice. I added some delicious Tuscan seasoning that a spice company had sent me to try. Also added red bell peppers, vidalia onions, garlic, and olive oil...scrumptious! You can make your meals meatless or with meat; the choice is yours. Just eat clean, exercise and live a healthy long life!

Tomatoes

Tomatoes have lycopene, vitamins C, K, E, B6, and they give you energy. They also have antioxidants, potassium, manganese and good for weight loss!

Glorious Greens

Toss your salad with a variety of greens to elevate your fiber intake and antioxidant levels.  Arugula, chicory, dandelion greens, escarole, radicchio, and watercress offer numerous nutrients and health benefits.

• Beta-carotene – watercress, escarole, and especially chicory and dandelion greens, are excellent sources of this healing pigment, which may help to prevent acne, cancer, and vision loss.
• Folate – one cup of raw chicory provides half of the daily requirement for folate, which helps to protect against cardiovascular disease and birth defects. Arugula also supplies ample folate.
• Potassium – salad greens, particularly chicory, provide appreciable amounts of this cardioprotective mineral. One cup of chopped chicory provides 756mg of potassium.
• Vitamin C – chicory, dandelion greens, and watercress are very good sources of this antioxidant, which may benefit immunity and cardiovascular health.
• Vitamin E – chicory and dandelion greens contain appreciable amounts of vitamin E compounds, which may protect against cancer and vision loss.
  

Six Easy Ways to Add Healthy, Whole Foods to Your Diet

The dietary changes you’re making should not feel restrictive, overwhelming or hard to live with.

Most Americans have grown up on processed foods; I know I sure did! If eating healthier seems like a big change for you, take it one step at time. Pick 1 or 2 changes to make now, and once those are in place, pick 1 or 2 more. This is the best way to make healthy changes a part of your lifestyle, and something you can easily live with, long term.

Transitioning to a healthier way of eating may seem daunting so here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Eat vegetables at most meals. Think salads, side dishes, soups, or even adding veggies to your sandwich or wrap.

2. When you are having a craving for something sweet, opt for a serving of fruit to satisfy your craving. Be sure to keep your favorite fruits in the house.

3. When you eat meat, it’s best to choose organic, grass fed, and hormone-free so you get the maximum nutrients possible without the harmful pesticides residue, antibiotics, hormones, etc.

4. Fill your fridge and pantry with healthy food choices that are ready to eat and go. Snacks like nuts, seeds, or fruit are good for ‘grab and go’.

5. Heading out for a few hours? Grab a healthy snack or meal to take with you. Eating healthy foods on a regular basis will help you avoid unhealthy choices. Example: Make up some of your own trail mix (avoid ready made trail mix as most of them have hydrogenated oils and other undesirable, processed ingredients) or bring a small cooler to keep in the car.

6. Most importantly, don’t be too rigid. Making small changes over time will make a huge difference and it makes the changes easier to stick to.

The Difference Between Being Overweight And Obese

So what is the difference between being overweight and being obese? 

It is the BMI (Body Mass Index) that differentiates between the two; it is the weight above what is generally considered to be a healthy ideal weight for a specific height.

For example:

• For adults whose BMI is between the range of 25 and 30 are considered to be overweight

• For adults whose BMI is greater than 30 are considered to be obese

I remember all those years ago when I was obese at 5′4, a weight of 185 pounds, body mass index (BMI) of 31.8. It wasn't pretty!

You can determine your BMI by dividing your weight by your height in inches.
Sobering isn’t it? The fact that carrying even a little excess weight can have detrimental effects on 

your health and you don’t have to be morbidly obese (my brother died due to complications of morbid obesity) for that to happen.

Most medical professionals consider someone who is 5% to 15% above their ideal weight to be overweight; whereas people who are 20% to 30% above their ideal weight are considered to be obese; anything above 30% and you fall into the range of being morbidly obese.

Remember that you are in control,  and only you can make the necessary changes to a healthy lifestyle!