Category Archives: Health Benefits
Health benefits on your winter windowsill
Fall is in full swing and winter is quickly approaching. There are very few gardens still growing vegetables. Farmers are becoming fewer and fewer at the local farmers markets. There are a few foods you can still enjoy during the winter months in your winter windowsill garden. I want to pass on an idea of growing a winter garden in your home. I know this sounds strange and there will never be a way to grow all of the great summer vegetables in your home. However, with the use of a rich composted soil, compact planting and consistent harvesting you can grow these nutrient filled foods in a small area right in your home and with very little work.
Give Halloween Treats without GMOs and additives
Halloween is a fun holiday for children as well as adults. When else can a persons imagination soar so high. You can be anyone or anything you can imagine. This is one time of year you may see a dead president walking your streets, see a dog walking upright on two legs, see a monster walking around, or maybe a sweet little angel walking the earth. Even people sitting at home passing out treats and watching all the goings and comings of these creatures are having a good time. Of course as with any activity or holiday you will find a scrooge or two who hates all the activities. As adults we are responsible for making sure the little creatures have a safe and fun time. One way we can assure this happens is to pass out safe happy treats.
GMOs in your chips defeat the Healthy Guacamole
Guacamole is probably one of my favorite snack foods. I have pretty much stopped eating it since I have been on my weigh down plan. The reason I do not eat it much is because of the added calories, fat and GMO’s in the chips that guacamole calls for. I do enjoy chopped avocado’s in my salad and sliced ones on my sandwiches. Avocados, the main ingredient in guacamole, are actually quite healthy. The fat content is a healthy fat so no problem there. Avocados are low in cholesterol and saturated fats. They offer heart health benefits and are very high in potassium and protein. So basically guacamole is a tasty way to receive healthy benefits from the avocado fruit. Lets figure out how we can cut out the not so healthy chips.
Breast Cancer is # 1 health fear
Breast Cancer is the number one health fear of most women. This fear is especially great if there is a family history of breast cancer. When I found out my sister had breast cancer it brought on panic attacks, nightmares, depression, questions and FEAR. If we all sit down and think of eight women in our life statically one of them will develop breast cancer. This statistic alone can bring on fear and depression.
Olive oil is good for your health and your skin
I have used olive oil for years to cook with. I only use other cooking oil when making cakes. You can purchase virgin, extra virgin or non virgin olive oil. The extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest one. It is the one that has had less chemical refining. Extra virgin is the one that is in its most natural form. Most cooks know that olive oil is the best cooking oil for heart health. It helps to lower your cholesterol and also helps control blood sugars. It actually gives protection from heart attacks and strokes. I am not saying that if you cook with olive oil you are exempt from heart disease. I am only saying it does have heart health benefits. Did you know olive oil is also good for your skin?
It really is the Great Pumpkin for you and your pet
Pumpkins at the road side stands and at every market you go into is a sure sign fall has arrived. Seeing a pumpkin for some reason just makes me happy. It makes me think of family being together, of laughing kids making jack-o-lanterns, of baking and of having loved ones at your table. It also brings back a good memory of my two sons. They were probably in fourth and seventh grades of school. They decided they wanted to plant pumpkins to enter in the “County Fair best pumpkin competition”.
Your Honey is so Good to you
My husband eats oatmeal every morning sweetened with honey. I drink hot tea every morning sweetened with honey. Honey can be used in several dishes as a sweetener. In addition to being a sweetener you can make sandwiches, cookies, cakes, drinks and candy with honey. I have a couple of ways I enjoy honey. Peanut butter and honey with crackers is probably my favorite. I also enjoy apples dipped in honey. Honey has been used for its medicinal values for generations. Honey is known for the cough relief it offers. Most everyone has heard the theory of buying local honey for allergies. I have also heard that local honey helps with painful arthritis. Honey is very versatile.
Risk of Breast Cancer has Risen to 1-8. Ways you can help prevent it
There is no good cancer. Cancer of any type is bad. Since 1987 October has been Breast Cancer Awareness Month. People also know this October as pink month. October is the month leaves change to orange and gold. Light bulbs, soda cans, hair, plastic cups are a few items that change to pink. Just about anything we use in our daily lives is made in pink for breast cancer awareness. Pink has become the one color associated with breast cancer. Instead of breast cancer awareness I want to learn about breast cancer prevention.
Reduce Calorie Intake for longer life
On my MAJOR WEIGH DOWN journey I have been on a portion control plan. A portion control plan would be be the same as caloric restriction in my opinion. With my portion control I am indeed restricting my calories. I know reducing my calories will enable me to lose weight and improve my health. With improved health, I hope to be able to enjoy a longer, more active and productive life.
Recently the National Institute on Aging conducted a study. This study was on the safety and benefits of calorie restriction on slightly overweight people in their thirties. These people reduced their calorie intake by 25% for 6 months. Of course the people in the study had a decrease in their weight as well as health improvement. They showed less liver fat, improved DNA damage, better blood pressure, reduced triglycerides and better insulin numbers.
Pain during or After Exercise? Try Potassium
Shin splints, calf pain, feet and toes hurting. Sometimes exercise can really be painful. I stretch, I soak, I rest, I switch up movements and I got new shoes. I have not tried increasing potassium. Since I am on a major weigh down plan, I have increased exercise and have experience quite a bit of discomfort. I recently realized I have cut down on potassium packed foods. Could the discomfort and pain during and after exercise be from lack of potassium?
