Nut Overdose?

29 06 2009

Don’t Eat Too Many Nuts

Nuts are protein-rich foods. However, protein is not desirable in large amounts. Nuts are actually concentrated with fat rather than extremely high in protein anyway and too much fat is really bad.

Blending nuts with the wrong foods, because of the fact that fat slows digestion, allowing fruits to ferment and cause acid problems, should be avoided.

The Place for Nuts in Our Diets

If you think about it, nuts are seasonal foods. They are only available naturally during specific times of the year. Fresh nuts are only available for a few months out of the year and dried nuts are much higher in fat and protein because they’ve lost their water content.

If you have ever eaten nuts fresh from the tree, you’ll know how much better they taste, how much more satisfying their texture, and how smoothly they grind between our frugivore teeth.

By all means, enjoy a few fresh nuts when they are available. However, limit your consumption to a small quantity and avoid eating them on the same day that you partake in avocado, which is also high in fat.

Children and Pregnant Women

Children have slightly different needs than adults. Children can have some nut products in their diets, but nut milks are the best choice. However, this should be provided to children that are age three or older because nut milk simply doesn’t contain the needed calcium for proper bone growth.

Until three years of age, infants and children thrive on mother’s milk. This is the truly perfect food, designed by nature. Of course, not every mother has the choice of nursing for one reason or another and in that case, animal milk can be used but raw goat’s milk is preferred over other milks.

One of the problems with giving children nuts is ensuring they chew them well. Raw nut butters solve that problem very well. BUT, children should still have most of their energy needs met through fruits and green leafy vegetables so that they obtain all the vitamins and minerals needed for health and rapid growth.

Similar dietary requirements apply to pregnant women because the baby in the womb is growing rapidly.





The Best and Worst Desserts You Can Eat.

26 06 2009

The June/July 2006 issue of Men’s Fitness magazine ran an article chronicling the best and worst of the frozen treats. Here is the rundown:

Fittest:

Rocket Pop

BOMB POPS

  • 70 calories
  • 0 g protein
  • 19g carbs
  • 0 g fat

Whole Fruit Bar

Fruit Bar

  • 80 calories
  • 0 g protein
  • 21g carbs
  • 0 g fat

They claim it counts as a daily serving of fruit if it’s made from 100% juice.

Fudgsicle

Fudgsicle

  • 100 calories
  • 2 g protein
  • 19g carbs
  • 2.5 g fat

Can you believe there is protein in a fudgsicle? Who knew…

Fattest:

Chipwich

Chipwich

  • 250 calories
  • 4 g protein
  • 37g carbs
  • 11 g fat

And I quote, “…the worst mix of calories, carbs, and protein of almost any snack out there.”

Drumstick

Drumstick

  • 260 calories
  • 4 g protein
  • 29g carbs
  • 15 g fat




Watermelon.

26 06 2009

Nutritional Analysis
Advantages:

  • Very low in saturated fat
  • No cholesterol
  • Very low in sodium
  • High in potassium
  • Very high in vitamin A
  • Very high in vitamin C

Disadvantages:

  • Very high in sugar- Although these are natural sugars, they are better for you than concentrated sugars.

What Does Watermelon Contain?

About eighty-eight percent of watermelon is, as you can probably guess by both its taste and name, water. The other twelve percent of watermelon consists of fiber. Of course, both sugar and vitamins can also be found in watermelon as well. Since it is mainly made up of water and fiber, however, this means that you will not be likely to gain any weight when you decide to eat watermelon. It is a lot healthier than many other things which you could be snacking on. With the Weight Watchers diet program, you are able to eat watermelon as a free fruit, meaning you can eat as much of it as you would like. Watermelon is not only free of fat, but it is also free of cholesterol and low in sodium as well.

What Health Benefits Does Watermelon Offer?

Watermelon has various health benefits to offer you. One of the main health benefits of it is the fact that it does consist of about twelve percent fiber. Fiber in itself can provide many health benefits. It works as a weight loss aid, helps lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels, and may even work to prevent your risk of developing colon cancer in the future. Fiber can do a whole lot for your body. The water that is found in watermelon can also help you keep your body well hydrated during the hot days of summer, which is important. The fact that watermelon can quench your thirst on a hot day in summer is the main reason that many find it to be so satisfying. Watermelon offers various other health benefits as well. Some of these include the fact that it is packed with essential vitamins, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Is The Sugar Watermelon Contains Bad For You?

One of the main reasons that many people are afraid to eat watermelon is because it does contain sugar and they are afraid that it is bad for you. The most important thing that you should keep in mind is that too much sugar is not good for you. At the same time, anything eaten in moderation is okay. Chances are that you are not going to sit down and eat an entire watermelon is one sitting.

Eating a few slices of watermelon here and there will provide you with the healthy benefits it has to offer and should quench your hunger for the delicious treat. Even though watermelon does have sugar, you should keep in mind that this type of watermelon is the natural type of sugar. It is not artificial sugar, so therefore the sugar found in watermelon is healthier than the sugar found in a candy bar. Overall, you will probably find that the sugar found in watermelon will not hurt you, unless you eat is excessively.

Six healthy reasons to eat watermelon.

  1. Watermelon his rich in lycopenene 40% more than tomatoes!
  2. Get your Vitamin C – 2 cups will give you close to half of daily recommended allowance
  3. Fight infection – 2 cups of watermelon gives you twenty-five percent of daily recommended allowance of beta carotene which helps the body make Vitamin A and without you set yourself up for viral infection (ex. flu) and vision problems.
  4. Heal faster – Especially in the yellow-orange varieties, a rare edible source of citrulline, an amino acid used in wound healing and cell division. FYI: there’s extra citrulline in the white and green part that are usually thrown away or feed to animals
  5. Sooth stress – Also a good for its potassium content which helps control blood pressure.
  6. Quench cravings- Only 96 calories in two cups! The water in the melon makes you full.

APR___05___Watermelon_3_by_holly





Top 6 Super Foods.

23 06 2009

Wheatgrass Juice

  • Wheatgrass contains most of the vitamins and minerals needed for human health.
  • It’s a whole meal and complete protein with about 30 enzymes.
  • It has up to 70% chlorophyll (which builds the blood). It’s an excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
  • Wheatgrass cleanses the body (natural raw detoxer) and it eliminates body and breath odors.
  • The natural value of wheatgrass juice is so high that many people don’t feel the “cravings” that lead to overeating.
  • It’s great for the skin and first and second decree burns.
  • All grasses are edible and that there are over 400 varieties.

Goji Berries

  • Tibetan goji berries are extremely rich in anti-oxidants which help protect the cells in our bodies from diseases like cancer.
  • They’re also an excellent source of Vitamin C and soluble fiber.
  • They have more amino acids than bee pollen, more beta carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach and 21 trace minerals.
  • Goji Berries contain of 13% protein!
  • It’s been used to treat eye problems, skin rashes, allergies, insomnia, liver disease, diabetes, cervical cancer, to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • It’s a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial food.

Maca

  • Maca is a radish like fruit that grows in Peru. It’s one of the top 5 super foods enjoyed by raw foodists.
  • It’s extraordinary rich in nutrients: 10% protein, 60% carbohydrate and full of fatty acids, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals trace.
  • Maca is famous for its amazing health benefits and used to boost, energy, strength, libido, sexual function and fertility in both men and women.
  • It’s a natural viagra with no side effects and it’s said to relieve symptoms of menopause within days.
  • The Peruvian root works gradually, not instantly. You need to eat maca continually to receive the full benefits. For the best results look for organic raw maca powder.
  • Maca balances the body’s systems: it’ll raise low blood pressure and lower high blood pressure as needed. Maca boosts immunity and harmonizes the body’s overall vitality.

Bee Pollen

  • Bee pollen contain more than 96 different nutrients, including every single nutrient that you need to live.
  • It’s made up of 40% protein. It’s a natural energizer, slows down the aging process, and lowers cholesterol levels.
  • This super food reliefs discomfort from PMS, prevents prostate problems, improves sperm count, boosts the immune system, and detoxifies your body. It alleviates allergies, improves endurance, strength and mental clarity.
  • It promotes weight loss: the rate at which your body burns fat and it reduces cravings.
  • It regulates your mood and helps control stress in your life.

Hemp Seed

  • Hemp is one of the purest, most complete plants on earth.
  • It has the perfect balance of Omega 3 and 6 for sustainable human health. This makes raw hemp seeds incredibly powerful against cancer. It might be the single best food to prevent it. It’s a high quality, complete raw food protein and has a massive trace mineral content.
  • It’s the only seed that doesn’t need to be germinated before eating: it has no enzyme exhibitors. Therefore it’s easy to absorb.

Chocolate

  • Although controversial, many find raw chocolate a super food.
  • It’s rich in anti oxidants and magnesium. And as long as you’re healthy and use is sensably it’s a super, tasty and healthy addition to your recipes.

The benefits of raw chocolate?

  1. It’s a major source of magnesium. Therefore a great laxative, it releases PMS symptoms, it’s good for the brain and heart.
  2. It’s the number 1 anti-oxidant source. 30X as much as green tea and 10X that of blueberries.
  3. It does not contain caffeine.
  4. However, it does contain theobromine (a sister molecule of caffeine). This makes raw chocolate the best medicine against asthma.
  5. It contains serotonin and triple defense. Together they protect us from the damage of stress.
  6. Chocolate is the number one weight loss food. It’s so nutrient dense. If you eat a few beans you feel fantastic and satisfied. You won’t feel hungry and you can go for hours without food.




Advantages and Disadvantages of a Raw Food Diet.

22 06 2009

Advantages:

  • Promotes the intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Avoids the rigidity and nutrient deficiencies that are often associated with strict raw food vegan diets by allowing the inclusion of raw cheese, eggs, fish, and meat.
  • Does not require calorie counting or portion control.
  • Does not eliminate entire food groups.
  • Promotes health over weight loss as a motivation to adhere to the diet.

Disadvantages:

  • Very restrictive and will require major restructuring of the diet for most individuals.
  • Dieters may experience quite severe detoxification symptoms if they are not careful to gradually transition into the diet.
  • The safety of consuming raw animal products is questionable. If handling and storage is not impeccable there is a risk of exposure to dangerous bacteria.




Advantages and Disadvantages of a Macrobiotic Diet.

22 06 2009
  • The Advantages:

The macrobiotic diet is high in natural, unprocessed foods, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables. It is low in saturated fats, whilst providing the essential fats. It could be considered a weight loss diet, due to these factors, and the potential lower calorie count. However Macrobiotics is more of a way of life, than just another weight loss fad.

There are a number of claims made about the healing properties of the macrobiotic diet. Conditions such as cancer and heart disease have apparently been aided by this diet. However some claims are unsubstantiated.

  • The Disadvantages:

The macrobiotic diet can be fairly strict. Where a diet is strict there is a potential for nutritional deficiencies – particularly calcium and iron.





Advantages and Disadvantages of Certain Foods.

22 06 2009
Food Pros Cons
Refined Foods
(including sugars and flour)

  • Taste

  • Empty calories
  • Detrimental effect on blood sugar levels
  • Excess fat build up in the body
  • Fatigue
  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  • Lowered sex drive
Meat
(from mammals only)

  • Taste

  • High in animal protine
  • High in heme-iron
  • Immune system
  • High in saturated fats
  • Heartburn
  • Halitosis
Fowl Meat

  • Taste

  • High in animal protine
  • High in heme-iron
  • High in saturated fat
  • Heartburn
  • Halitosis
Fish Meat

  • Taste
  • Low in saturated fat

  • High in animal protine
  • High in heme-iron
  • Depending on variety can be high in mercury and other harmful agents
Dairy Products

  • Taste

  • High in animal protine
  • Can be high in saturated fat
  • Immune system
  • With some exceptions, high in fat
  • Over 75% of the human population is lactose intolerant
Eggs

  • Taste
  • Vitamin B12
  • Low in saturated fat

  • High in animal protine
Fruits and Vegetables

  • High in vitamins
  • High in fiber
  • High in antioxidants
  • Immune system boosters
  • Heart health
  • Zero saturated fat
Nuts

  • High fiber
  • High in antioxidants
  • Good fats
  • Heart health
  • Zero saturated fat

  • Can be high calorie
Grains and Seeds

  • Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids (i.e. flax)
  • Low fat
  • High fiber
  • Vitamins and minerals

  • Can be high calorie
  • Not part of human optimal diet (consumption coincides with onset of agriculture – can not be consumed in their raw state)
Legumes

  • High in vitamins
  • High in minerals
  • High in fiber
  • Good source of folate
  • High in antioxidants
  • Stabilize appetite

  • Flatulence
  • Not part of human optimal diet (consumption coincides with onset of agriculture – can not be consumed in their raw state)
Mushrooms

  • High in fiber
  • High in vitamins
  • High quality protein
  • Unsaturated fatty acids
Insects

  • High in quality protein
  • High in B12
  • Low fat

  • Lack of appeal in Western Countries (more than half of the world’s population consumes insects)