Showing posts with label Food & Drink. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food & Drink. Show all posts

5 Easy Ways to Burn Fat Fast Without Exercise




The human body is a remarkably adaptable machine. Even if years and years of neglect have allowed pound after pound of fat to fill out your frame, you can rid yourself of that lard at a much faster rate than you brought it on board. In that sense, time is your side!
Take these five easy-to-implement tips to heart, and progress will come in a hurry!
Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids
Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids

1. DRINK MORE WATER.

Water is the medium in which most cellular activities take place, including the transport and burning of fat. In addition, drinking plenty of calorie-free water makes you feel full and eat less. Drink at least 1 ounce of water per 2 pounds of bodyweight a day (that's 100 ounces for a 200-pound person). Keep a 20-ounce water bottle at your desk, fill it five times a day, and you're set.

2. EAT A FULL, BALANCED BREAKFAST.

"Your body has been starving all night long, and it needs nutrients to rebuild itself," says Matarazzo. "If you just catch something quick on the run instead of eating a full meal, it negatively impacts your workout, and everything else you do during the day." Eat sufficient protein (30-40 grams), a complex carbohydrate, like oatmeal, and a piece of fruit to start your day off right.

3. EAT 5-6 MEALS A DAY.

Dieters often decrease the number of daily meals in an attempt to reduce calories—a big no-no. "If you eat six meals a day versus three with the same total calories, you can lose more fat because more meals burn more calories [by increasing thermogenesis, the production of heat, in the body]," says Aceto. Calculate how many calories you want to consume per day (see tip 3), and spread them evenly across 5-6 meals.

4. INCREASE YOUR PROTEIN.

Increasing protein intake will increase your metabolism and help to maintain your muscle mass, all of which helps with fat-burning. In fact, your body burns more calories when you eat protein than when you digest either fats or carbs.
This may explain why the fat-burning effects of eating more protein were confirmed in a study published in the American Journal of Physiology. One group was fed a high-protein diet (just over 1 gram per pound of body weight per day) while the second group consumed an amount closer to the lower recommendation of the RDA (recommended dietary allowance). The group eating the higher-protein diet burned the most fat.

5. INCREASE VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION.

Vegetables are nutrient-dense, meaning they pack maximum nutrition value with minimal calories, leaving you more full on fewer calories. Consume five servings a day of veggies, whether as a snack, on a sandwich or on the side of a chicken breast. Order your next burger with fresh vegetables instead of french fries.

8 Tips How to Eat to Manage Diabetes



Diabetes is on the rise, yet most cases are preventable with healthy lifestyle changes. Some can even be reversed. Taking steps to prevent and control diabetes doesn’t mean living in deprivation; it means eating a tasty, balanced diet that will also boost your energy and improve your mood. You don’t have to give up sweets entirely or resign yourself to a lifetime of bland food. With these tips, you can still take pleasure from your meals without feeling hungry or deprived.


Eat regular meals Plate

1. Eat regular meals Plate

Spacing meals evenly throughout the day will help control your appetite and blood glucose levels – especially if you are on twice-daily insulin.



 
Opt for slowly absorbed carbohydrates


2. Opt for slowly absorbed carbohydrates

All carbohydrates (carbs) affect blood glucose levels, so be conscious of how much you eat and opt for carbs that are more gradually absorbed. Try pasta, basmati or easy-cook rice; granary, pumpernickel or rye bread; new potatoes, sweet potatoes and yams; oat-based cereals, such as porridge or natural muesli.






 
Cut the fatcarbs


3. Cut the fatcarbs

Eat less fat – particularly saturated fat. Try unsaturated fats and oils, especially monounsaturated fats like extra virgin olive oil and rapeseed oil, as these types of fat are better for your heart. Use skimmed or semi-skimmed milk and other low-fat dairy products, while grilling, steaming or baking foods is healthier than frying. Remember that all fats contribute similar amounts of calories, so limit your overall intake if you are aiming to lose weight.

 
Five portions of fruit and vegetables every day


4. Five a day

Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day to give your body the vitamins, minerals and fibre it needs. A portion is: 1 piece of fruit, like a banana or apple, 1 handful of grapes, 1 tablespoon (30g) dried fruit, 1 small glass (150ml) of fruit juice or fruit smoothie, 3 heaped tablespoons vegetables.



 
Eat plenty of beans


5. Eat plenty of beans

Beans, lentils and pulses are all low in fat, high in fibre and cheap to buy. They don’t have a big impact on blood glucose and may help to control blood fats such as cholesterol. Try kidney beans, chickpeas, green lentils, and even baked beans. Include in soups and casseroles, cold in salads, in falafel, bean burgers and low-fat houmous and dahls.

 
Eat more fish


6. Eat more fish

All types of fish are healthy, provided they’re not coated in batter or fried, but oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, salmon and trout are particularly good for you. They are rich in omega-3 (polyunsaturated fat) which helps protect against heart disease, which people with diabetes are at higher risk of. Aim to eat two portions of oily fish a week.,

 
Cut back on sugar


7. Cut back on sugar

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you need to eat a sugar-free diet. You can include some sugar as part of a healthy, balanced diet, provided you don’t over do it. Just aim to have less of it. You can also use other sweeteners as an alternative to sugar. Some easy ways to cut back on your sugar intake include choosing sugar-free drinks, buying canned fruit in juice rather than syrup and reducing or cutting out sugar in tea and coffee. But remember, sugary drinks are an excellent treatment for hypos (hypoglycaemia – low blood glucose level).

 
Reduce your salt


8. Reduce your salt

Having too much salt increases risk of high blood pressure. This in turn increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, which people with diabetes are already at higher risk of. Reduce salt in your diet to 6g or less a day. Try cutting back on processed foods which account for about 70 per cent of our salt intake. You can also try flavouring foods with herbs and spices instead of salt.

Quinoa: 9 Health & Nutritional Benefits


Quinoa: 9 Health & Nutritional Benefits
Quinoa - Health and Nutritional Benefits

"Quinoa is a good source of protein, fiber, iron, copper, thiamin and vitamin B6," said Kelly Toups, a registered dietician with the Whole Grains Council. It’s also "an excellent source of magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and folate." Toups emphasized that a "'good source' means that one serving provides at least 10 percent of the daily value of that nutrient, while 'excellent source' means that one serving provides at least 20 percent of the daily value of that nutrient."

Often used as a substitute for rice, quinoa is commonly considered to be a grain and is usually referred to as such, but is actually a seed. "The yellowish pods are the seed of a plant called Chenopodium quinoa, native to Peru and related to beets, chard and spinach," wrote Nicole Spiridakis in a story for NPR. When cooked, quinoa is soft and fluffy, with a slightly nutty taste. It can also be made into flour, flakes and various foods like pasta and bread, according to the Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council.


White Quinoa, Red Quinoa, and Black Quinoa
White Quinoa, Red Quinoa, and Black Quinoa


1. Contains All Amino Acids
One of the most impressive qualities of Quinoa is its protein make-up. It’s not animal source of protein but boasts some pretty good numbers. The protein alone would be enough to eat it, but it contains all 8 of the amino acids that your body needs to truly function at its best. There are supplements out there that you can buy to get all of those amino acids in one place, or you can start eating Quinoa daily to get them from a natural food source.

2. High in Fiber
The fiber content in Quinoa is what gets many people interested in eating it. If you have trouble thinking of ways to increase your fiber and have resorted to buying and eating fiber bars or fiber fortified cereals to get the job done, you might be better off getting a supply of Quinoa. It contains a fifth of how much fiber you need each day in every one cup serving. That’s pretty impressive considering that most Quinoa recipes are filled with other foods like black beans that have a good amount of fiber so you can get a substantial portion of your fiber needs met in one meal.

3. High in Riboflavin
Riboflavin is also known as Vitamin B2, part of the family of B Vitamins and responsible for providing much needed antioxidants to assist the body with a number of functions. It also helps with enzyme performance and oxygen delivery throughout the entire body. It’s a pretty important vitamin. Six percent of your daily needs per 100 grams of Quinoa might not sound like a lot, but many foods contain a bit of riboflavin, so it adds up throughout the day, Quinoa just gives it a nice contributing boost.

4. Contains Lysine
One special amino acid that Quinoa contains is called Lysine. Lysine is usually found in sports supplements by those trying to add lean muscle to their body. It’s been said to also help strengthen the immune system, so Quinoa is great to eat during those months when everyone seems to be getting sick. It’s also been proven to help raise serotonin levels, which is a way to help you feel more relaxed and get into a calm state. Instead of using a supplement to get it, you can simply start eating more Quinoa.

5. Rich in Manganese
Manganese is something you definitely don’t want to go without for any stretch of time, and with Quinoa you won’t have to because it provides almost half of what you need in just one serving. The symptoms of being low on manganese include having high blood pressure levels, high cholesterol levels, neurological problems, hearing impairments, and more. The number one cause of running a manganese deficiency is not eating enough foods that are rich in it. That’s why making Quinoa a part of your lifestyle is a good idea.

6. Has Antiseptic Properties
During the processing of Quinoa there are saponins which are removed from it and then reused as an antiseptic, as well as a detergent. This shows just one more aspect of this superseed. There is some misperception as to what Quinoa is exactly, whether it’s a grain or a seed. The part that is edible is the seed, which makes it great for grain-free diets and diet plans. But the plant that it grows on is grain-like which causes the confusion. There are many benefits to the plant, and it shows just how versatile it can be, much the same way aloe can be eaten, and used to treat the skin.

7. Supports a Gluten-Free Diet
When you’ve gone gluten free either for medical reasons or for dietary ones, you’ll quickly find out that while there may be more GF options than there were a decade ago, there is still a lot of room for more products. In the meantime you can stay gluten-free by using Quinoa. It’s not a grain, it’s a seed, and it doesn’t contain any wheat or gluten in it, so you can feel free to enjoy it in loads of different Quinoa recipes without worrying if it’s going to upset your system.

8. Helps You Avoid Getting Fat
The fiber in Quinoa helps the body get rid of unneeded fat, while also helping you to eat less by making you feel fuller longer. This will help you eat less overall, as well as help your digestive system process. The overall result is that if you have a problem with overeating, or a sluggish digestion, Quinoa can help on both counts. The results of adding Quinoa to your diet can typically be felt right away, as you start to feel lighter both by not eating as much, and having more regularity than you currently do.

9. Helps Lower Cholesterol
It’s the fiber once again that provides the benefits here, this time helping to lower your cholesterol. Many people resort to cholesterol-lowering drugs, and it’s always important to listen to your doctor’s advice. But with dietary changes and you doctor’s guidance you can avoid or reduce the amount of medication you have to take to keep your cholesterol in check. Quinoa makes it easy since it’s can be used in a myriad of ways, and you won’t feel like you’re eating a special diet of any sort, or missing out on the foods you love.


10 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber, and even a little bit of protein, these tiny seeds can elevate just about any meal or snack to a nutritional powerhouse.

Chia seeds have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. Today, they draw the interest of many people for their health benefits and uses in cooking. It turns out chia seeds are a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds' lipid profile is composed of 60 percent omega-3s, making them one of the richest plant-based sources of these fatty acids -- specifically, of alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. The omega-3s in chia seeds can help reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive performance and reduce high cholesterol.

Fiber

Fiber is associated with reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and regulating bowel function. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, with a whopping 10 grams in only 2 tablespoons. That is one-third of the daily recommended intake of fiber per day.

Antioxidants

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer. The high antioxidant profile also helps them have a long shelf life. They last almost two years without refrigeration.

Minerals

Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 18 percent of the DRI for calcium, 35 percent for phosphorus, 24 percent for magnesium and about 50 percent for manganese. These nutrients help you prevent hypertension and maintain a healthy weight, and are important for energy metabolism and a part of DNA synthesis.

Satiety

Satiety is the feeling of being full and satisfied, which helps lower food cravings between meals. The combination of protein, fiber and the gelling action of chia seeds when mixed with liquids all contribute to their satiating effects.

10 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Gluten-Free

Chia seeds contain no gluten or grains. Therefore, all of the nutritional benefits of chia seeds can be obtained on a gluten-free diet.

Egg Replacer

The outer layer of chia seeds swells when mixed with liquids to form a gel. This can used in place of eggs to lower cholesterol and increase the nutrient content of foods and baked goods. To make the egg replacement, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 15 minutes.

Can Be Digested Whole

Unlike flaxseeds, which are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and minerals, chia seeds do not need to be ground in order to obtain their nutrient or egg- replacement benefits.

Dyslipidemia

A study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" showed that chia seeds as a dietary fat source can lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels while increasing HDL or "good" cholesterol. The study also found that when substituting chia seeds for other fat sources, such as corn oil, the ALA was able to prevent high triglyceride levels and reduce central obesity.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Chia seeds can play an important role in regulating insulin levels. They can reduce insulin resistance and decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood.

15 Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

15 Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar


An apple a day keeps the doctor away is a very famous saying. Now, you can add a new twist to this saying by replacing the apple with apple cider vinegar. A daily dose of apple cider vinegar is also very effective in keeping the doctor away. It is a quick and effective ingredient for your hair, skin, cleaning coffee makers, removing coffee and tea stains from ceramic cups, polishing armor, killing weeds, making pickles as well as used for salad dressing. Apple cider vinegar is such a useful ingredient that you cannot resist the use of this ingredient every single day. It is not just used for helping you out in the kitchen and for cleaning things, but it also has many natural benefits. It is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, sodium and fluorine. It is also rich in vitamins like A, B1, B2, C, E, pectin and bioflavanoid. It is such a useful ingredient that you need to use it in your daily routine.

Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

1.    Detoxifying Your Home

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the apple juice to form hard apple cider. Then it undergoes a second fermentation process where it becomes apple cider vinegar.
•    Using the apple cider vinegar in place of other products in your home will help you to decrease the consumption and dependence on unnatural chemicals in your homes every day.
•    Regular use of apple cider vinegar will provide a healthy environment and surrounding in your home.

2.    Regulates Skin pH

Apple cider vinegar is found to be an excellent ingredient that will help in removing age spots, ace scars, and warts apart from toning your skin.
Procedure:
•    Use two parts of water to dilute one part of apple cider vinegar and spread this mixture all over your face with the help of a soft cotton ball.
•    You can apply this at night before going to bed or even use it in the morning before applying your moisturizer.
•    It will help in reducing age spots.
Warts Treatment:
•    Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and then using a band aid seal this soaked cotton ball over the wart on your face.
•    Leave it there for overnight and there are chances for the skin to swell when the apple cider vinegar solution reacts with the wart.
•    The wart will fall off and repeat this treatment for a few more days so that wart does not reappear.

3.    Use It For Shiny Hair

If you love to see your hair shiny and full, then you need to rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar after a good shampoo. It is also an excellent remedy for dandruff.
Procedure:
•    Add half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of cold water and mix it well.
•    Apply this solution over your hair after a good shampooing process and leave it there for about half an hour and then rinse it off.
•    Repeat this process several times a week to see quick and effective results.

4.    Removes Teeth Stains

If you are finding it difficult to flaunt your yellow teeth, then apple cider vinegar is the cheapest and simplest ingredient that will help you to restore the natural white color of your teeth. It will also work effectively on the bacteria in your mouth and gums.
How To Use?
•    Gargle every day with apple cider vinegar the first thing in the morning and then brush your teeth like you do normally.
•    Also, brushing your teeth with apple cider vinegar will help in reducing the yellowness of your teeth.

5.    Treats Sunburnt Skin

If you feel that your skin has been sunburnt due to excessive heat outside, then you can always think of having an apple cider vinegar bath to soothe your skin.
Procedure:
•    Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar in a bucket of water and bath in this water. Leave the water to react on your burnt skin for some time before patting it dry.
•    You can also add one or two cups of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub filled with water. Soak yourself in this water mixture for about half an hour and then have a quick bath. All your discomfort due to sunburn will vanish instantly.

6.    A Natural Aftershave

If you find the regular chemical aftershaves to cause skin irritation, then you can think of replacing it with natural apple cider vinegar.
How To Use?
•    Add equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and mix them well.
•    Apply this mixture over your face after a good shave and you will never experience skin irritation after a shave.

7.    Promotes Weight Loss

If being overweight or obese is a problem, then you have a good solution with you in the form of apple cider vinegar. It has been found that regular consumption of apple cider vinegar that is rich in acetic acid will help in significantly reducing abdominal fat, body weight, triglycerides and inches around your waist.
Procedure:
•    Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 16 ounces of water. Mix it well and drink it every day for 12 weeks in the morning.
•    You will find that you have reduced your weight by 2 to 3 kilos after 12 weeks.

8.    Natural Massager

Massaging apple cider vinegar on hands and feet gives relief to tired hands and feet. It helps to reduce joint pains and inflammations due to arthritis, when applied to the bone joints.
How To Use?
•    Rub your hands and feet with apple cider vinegar and massage it lightly before going to bed, to get rid of tiredness and pain in the joints.

9.    Maintains Body pH

Apple cider vinegar helps to maintain healthy pH levels in the body. High level of acidity in the body leads to higher risk of infections. Apple cider vinegar helps to lower the acidity level.
How To Use?
•    Mix 2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water and drink it once or twice daily to boost your immune system.

10.    Body Detoxification

While balancing the pH of the body, apple cider vinegar does the overall detoxification of the body. Studies have shown that consuming apple cider vinegar helps in improving the cardiovascular circulation and detoxifying the liver.
How To Use?
•     Sip some vinegar few times a day

11.    Cleanses The Lymphatic System

Apple cider vinegar helps in the breakdown of mucous in the body and clears the lymph nodes. It can fight allergies as it reduces mucous formation and reduces sinus congestion.
How To Use?
•     You can sip the apple cider vinegar few times a day or you can use 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar added to one glass of water and drink it in empty stomach.

12.    Fights Yeast Infections

Apple cider vinegar has anti fungal properties. It contains natural enzymes which help in fighting Candida or yeast infections in humans.
How To Use?
•    Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water
•    Apply this mixture to the yeast infected areas of the skin several times a day
•    Repeat the procedure for a few days or till skin is cleared of infection.

13.    Reduces Heart Burn

The hydrochloric acid present in the stomach is the reason for heartburn. Apple cider vinegar reduces the acidity of the stomach as it is a very mild acid. This helps to correct the acidity level of the stomach.
How To Use?
•    Take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar followed by one glass of water to get relief from heartburn.

14.    Repels Fleas On Pets

•    Mix one part  of vinegar and one part of water
•    Spray this mix on the fur of your pet and rub it into the skin
•    Continue this for a few days to remove flea infestation

15.    Cleanser

•    It can be used for cleaning the toilet-pour apple cider vinegar into the toilet and keep it overnight.
•    It can be used for cleaning dishes instead of dish washing liquids.
•    Mix half cup of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water and use this mixture to wipe microwaves, kitchen counters, glass windows, mirrors etc.
Are you looking for a natural product to keep clean your home, to increase your body immunity? Do you want to know about natural methods to keep your hair and skin clean? Are you looking for a natural alternative to chemical dishwashers and toilet cleaners? Then you can start using apple cider vinegar for these purposes. You will find that apple cider vinegar is the ultimate natural method to keep clean your home and to maintain your body health.  You can also use it in many other ways according to your need.