How to Make Caramel French Toast

French toast is a popular breakfast anywhere in the world and whatever season there is. But having it during the Fall when the air is brisk and the leaves are turning yellow somehow completes the concept of a cozy brunch at home or in a vacation cabin. What makes it more special is the idea of adding caramel to it -- another flavor that reminds us of Autumn. 

Image credit: NickyZangess/Pixabay

To make this caramel French toast, you will need to prepare the following ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, cut into cubes
• 1/3 cups light sugar syrup
• 10 thick slices of bread
• 4 medium or large eggs, beaten
• 2 and 1/2 cups liquid milk
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 to 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Here's how:

1. Combine brown sugar, 3/4 cup butter and sugar syrup in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes, or until bubbly. 
2. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan. Arrange the bread slices in this same pan and then set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir and mix everything well. Gradually pour this egg mixture over the bread slices. Cover and chill for at least 7 to 8 hours.
4. When the breads are nearly chilled, combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the bread slices. Melt the remaining butter and drizzle over bread. 
5. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm and with your favorite fruit. 

This recipe for caramel French toast makes 10 servings. Need more ingredients for this recipe? Click on the links below to get deals and discounts from Amazon:

{ Breads & Bakery | Dairy, Eggs & Plant-Based Alternatives | Fresh Meal Kits | Meat & Seafood | Meat Substitutes | Pantry Staples | Grocery & Gourmet Food | Cookware | Kitchen Utensils & Gadgets }

Autumn Faves: Cranberry-Orange Tea

If you are looking for something warm and cozy to drink on a chilly autumn evening, try this simple cranberry-orange tea recipe. Cranberry tea enhances the immune system (to prevent colds and flu), reduces the risk of urinary tract infection, and can flush out fat deposits from the body. Orange tea is rich in vitamin C and aids in digestion. 

You will need:

4 cups white cranberry cocktail juice

4 orange spice-flavored tea bags

Here's how:

Heat cranberry juice in a milk pan. Ladle into 4 mugs and place a teabag in each. Steep for 2-4 minutes, depending on desired tea strength. Serve immediately. 

Check out these most wished for grocery items and gourmet food on Amazon!

Making Healthy Food Choices

Vegetables, fruits, and grains are normally low in fat and have no cholesterol.  Most are great sources of dietary fiber, complex carbs, and vitamins.  The American Heart Association recommends that you eat foods that are high in complex carbs and fiber.

Below are some tips for making healthy food choices:

-  Coconut is high in saturated fat, while olives are high in monounsaturated fats and calories.  You should use these items sparingly to avoid getting too many calories from fat.

-  When vegetable grains are cooked, saturated fat or cholesterol is often added.  For example, egg yolks may be added to bread or even pasta.

-  Processed, canned, or preserved vegetables may also contain added sodium.  With some people, too much sodium (salt) may lead to high blood pressure. There are some food companies that are actually canning vegetables with less salt.  You can look for these in the market area or choose fresh and even frozen vegetables.

-  Nuts and seeds tend to be high in calories and fat, although a majority of the fat is polyunsaturated or monounsaturated.  There are some varieties, macadamia nuts for example, that are also high in saturated fat.

Foods that are high in soluble fiber are a great choice as well.  Examples include oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, and even apple pulp.  

Whenever you are looking for healthy food choices, always make sure you read the nutrition label or information about the food.  Plan your meals for the week. You can then determine what the food contains and how healthy it truly is for your body.  By taking your time and making your healthy food choices wisely, you'll have a lifetime to enjoy the foods that will take care of you.

Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

On busy days when you find yourself longing for a quick meal, this tomato basil soup recipe is the answer. Fresh basil will lend a savory flavoring to this tomato-based recipe. In general, anything tomato benefits from the addition of a few leaves of basil. 

To make this soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 5 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped (alternatively, you may use 3 large cans of peeled plum tomatoes)
• 1 cup of fresh sweet basil leaves, julienned
• 5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper

Here’s how: 

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Sauté garlic. Add the tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes. Add basil leaves and chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot or cold with your favorite bread. 

** Love vegan soup? This book has simple versions of 30 Italian soups that will always be vegan.

Can Apples Prevent Asthma?

Maintaining the an-apple-a-day habit is beneficial in many ways. Apples have been proven to protect people from cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. But did you know that apples can boost your lungs, too? 

Studies done in Singapore, Europe and North America have all pointed to a powerful antioxidant in apples which helps keep lungs strong and healthy. This antioxidant is known as quercetin. This phytochemical works by reducing inflammation in the airways, resulting to less wheezing and asthma.

Image by Rebekka D from Pixabay 

Quercetin is also found in onions. A research that observed men and women who consumed apples and onions regularly revealed that these people had less wheezing, asthma and bronchitis. Researchers now believe that even pregnant women who eat apples regularly may be able to protect their babies from developing asthma in childhood. 

It’s never too late to start eating apples on a regular basis. Older people who suffer from chronic, congested cough find that daily consumption of apples prevent them from developing emphysema later on. Experts believe that the antioxidants in apples repair damaged lung tissues.

So, as soon as symptoms of coughing and wheezing become apparent, eat apples. Remember to eat the whole apple and its skin. Apple peels are high in fiber and antioxidants. Wash the apple well before eating it to remove dirt and pesticides. 

Easy and Healthy Chickpea Puree

Chickpea is an Asiatic legume that derives its queer name from a phonetic adaptation of the original Latin Cicer and the French pois chiche. It does not have anything to do with young chickens at all! Chickpeas grow one or two to the pod and make a valuable source of calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorous, and protein. In dry form, chickpeas must be soaked in water overnight and then simmered for 3 hours, or until tender, before serving.

Image by djpresc16 from Pixabay 

Many dishes call for these cheap and nutritious legume, but the most popular of them all is probably the hummus or the chickpea puree. Here is a simple recipe for a version of the Middle Eastern hummus which you can use as zestful dip for bread or crackers (though you may end up eating it by the spoonful):

EASY CHICKPEA PUREE (HUMMUS)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked and cooked
• 1/2 cup pure olive oil or sesame seed oil
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup roasted sesame tahini

Preparation:  Into a blender, put all ingredients except the chickpeas. Blend well. Slowly add the cooked chickpeas and blend until it becomes a smooth paste. If too thick, add a little water. If you have no blender, mash the chickpeas thoroughly and mix in the other ingredients until they arrive at a pasty consistency. Garnish with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Serve cold with flatbread or crackers.

More recipes from The Tahini Table: Go Beyond Hummus with 100 Recipes for Every Meal and in Between

Keep Your Lungs Healthy with Beta Carotene Boost

Beta carotene is one of many brightly colored compounds called carotenoids that make foods yellow and orange in color. Eating foods rich in beta carotene can help prevent oxidative damage that contributes to lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.  Research studies conclude that people with the most beta carotene in their blood preserved more of their lung function over eight years. What’s more awesome, these people do not have to worry about immediate lung decline.

Image by RitaE from Pixabay 

To boost your beta carotene intake, consider adding these foods into your diet: spinach, kale, collards, pumpkin, butternut squash, sweet potato, apricot, mango, orange, carrot, tomato, cantaloupe, red pepper, papaya, watermelon.

To easily incorporate these super sources of beta carotene into your meals, try adding them into your favorite dishes. Grating raw carrots, for example, helps release beta carotene for easier absorption. You can prep the healthiest salad piled high with carrots, leafy greens, and other high-carotenoid foods. Use canola oil, balsamic vinegar, or olive oil to add fat to your beta carotene boosting meals.

Get more super salad recipes HERE.

Boosting your beta carotene isn’t as hard as you think. You won’t even have to bother eating foods you dislike as many of your favorites are already packed with it.

© Connie Luayon

10 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea have been present since the ancient times. According to studies, compared to any other drink, green tea gives several benefits to health. The Chinese have the knowledge on how medicinal green tea can be of good use. It can be the answer to almost every ailment – from physical to mental or emotional problems. This has been the secret ingredient for a longer life passed down by the Chinese. Green tea has been helping numerous ailing people for almost 4,000 years now.

Drinking green tea is a traditional treatment. But even so, it’s paving its way into helping out a lot of people regarding their weight, diet and health. There are a lot of studies that show how green tea has inhibited or reduced the growing risk of cancer.

China’s health history was pretty much a breakthrough because of green tea.  It is considered as a very important historical plant that can from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis and is produced through special processing.

Good to try: Organic Japanese Sencha Green Tea | Numi Organic Jasmine Green Tea | Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder

What so special about green tea? The secret lies in catechin polyphenols which contains a very powerful antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCE). This specialized antioxidant not only inhibits cells causing cancer but also kills them in the process without even harming adjacent healthy tissues. It has also been proven that green tea can be very effective in decreasing cholesterol levels and inhibiting  the abnormal accumulation of blood clots.

Aside from those mentioned above, here are some of the numerous benefits derived from green tea.

1. Researchers have claimed that green tea can be the reason for cancer prevention and even the treatment of disease.

2. Can be able to treat cardiovascular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Reduces the risk of the effects of esophageal cancer.

4. Used traditionally to treat multiple sclerosis.

5. Treat immune function that is impaired.

6. Used to prevent having Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

7. It is claimed through intensive research that daily consumption of green tea can prevent tooth decay. It is found out that green tea can fight and kill bacteria that are one of the leading causes of plaque.

8. It can result to decreased risk of heart attacks and heart diseases by reducing thrombosis formation.

9. Improves the ratio of good cholesterol against bad cholesterol.

10. Lastly, it is said to increase fat oxidation and metabolism inside the body. That is why it is used by many who wanted to lose weight without even compromising the health.

The difference of green tea apart from other Camellia Sinensis plant extracts is the way it is processed. Leaves of green tea are steamed or brewed that gives more reason for EGCG not to be oxidized. Black tea, on the other hand, is made through fermentation. The process of fermenting the leaves of black tea can covert EGCG into compounds that aren’t even close to the effectiveness of the original compounds found in green tea in terms of fighting and preventing numerous diseases.

What about caffeine in green tea?

Aside from its many advantages, green tea can have one slight so-called "disadvantage" and that is its caffeine content. Caffeine can cause a sleeping disorder that makes a person experience difficulty in sleeping which is also known as insomnia.

However, compared to coffee, green tea has less caffeine. With proper consumption, people can decrease the undesired caffeine content in their green tea.

Post-Workout Smoothie Recipe to Cleanse and Detox

You know that feeling right after you finish a workout, like you can take on the world? Sure your muscles might be taxed, but the gratification you feel for pushing yourself, for having a great yoga session, for beating your bestie at tennis — whatever it is — can't be bottled. But you can fill up a glass with goodness to make sure you don't let your workout go to waste. Fuel up with this fantastic hydrating post-workout smoothie packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants and a whole bunch of goodness that will help you give yourself a post-workout hug. Ready to blend? 

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Harvest Bay Coconut Water
• 2 scoops of Epic Protein by Windy City Organics
• 1 T It's Moringa Green Superfood Powder
• 2 T Happy Hemp Seeds
• 1 T Rich Nature goji powder
• 1 banana
• Handful of kale

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients together
2. Pour into a Greenware disposable cup (made from 100% plants) for easy on-the-go transport. 

Recipe for Gluten Free Mocha Brownies

This recipe from Abe's Market is for people who have the Celiac disease and those who simply wish to go gluten-free. You can find more green and eco-friendly cooking and baking products at GreenProductNotes.com



Brownie Ingredients

• 15 Medjool dates, pitted, soaked and drained
• ¼ cup water
• 9 T raw cocoa
• ¼ cup agave syrup
• ¼ cup coconut oil, soft, not liquid
• 1 can garbanzo beans, drained
• 4 eggs
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 T espresso, ground fine

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Blend dates (in a blender) and ¼ cup water on high until it becomes a paste
3. Add eggs, cocoa, agave, coconut oil, baking powder and espresso; blend until smooth
4. Add garbanzo beans; mix on high until entire mixture is well incorporated, thick and smooth
5. Evenly distribute mixture into mini muffin tins (fills 30-32)
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes (until it passes the toothpick test); remove and cool on a wire rack

Several Healthy Meal Ideas When You Don't Feel Like Cooking

by Lauren Johnson

Although healthy nutrition usually requires quite a lot of preparation in the kitchen, there are several quick and simple meal ideas available for those of us who are trying to lose weight. Given that we don't have the time to cook a delightful dinner each and every day, in this article I will provide several ideas which will help you create a low fat meal in a snap.

• A great meal substitute when you simply don't have time is a smoothie made with fat-free milk, frozen fruit, and wheat germ.
• A quick and nutritious meal can be simple. Try a peanut butter sandwich made with whole wheat bread. Along with that have an apple and a glass of 1% milk.
• Scramble some eggs. Consume them with whole wheat toast and your choice of a green vegetable.
• A bag of frozen veggies topped with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan and some chopped nuts.
• Salad is always a quick and delicious meal. All you need is a pre-bagged salad and canned tuna, tomatoes, and your favorite low fat dressing. You can even use pre cooked chicken strips (as long as they are not fried!).
• Make a quick and delicious sandwich. Be sure that you always have whole wheat bread, sliced turkey meat, reduced fat cheese, mustard, and other low fat condiments.
• Remember that cereal with low fat milk and fruit is a great meal no matter what time of the day it may be!

These are just a few healthy meal ideas for those of us who don't always have time to cook. If you are serious about attaining weight loss you can also try all natural appetite suppressing hoodia, various herbal remedies and delicious whey nutrimelt protein shakes.

Lauren S. Johnson writes health articles about fitness and nutrition.
Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies, diet pills.

Organic Diet During Pregnancy - How Important is It?

by Patty Evans

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is always important, but following an organic diet during pregnancy is essential. Many pregnant women are not sure which foods they should be eating to ensure their baby is getting the proper nutrition and doctors don't always provide enough nutritional guidance.

When you are pregnant, you need to eat a variety of foods from all food groups in order to get the required nutrients and vitamins to your baby. Avoid eating all fast food and processed foods. This also means avoiding the foods which contain pesticides, preservatives, additives, hormones and other toxins - in other words, you should eat an organic diet during pregnancy.

Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without pesticides or fertilizers, and the crops are minimally processed with no artificial ingredients, preservatives or irradiation. Most people think of organic foods as being fruits and vegetables, but you should also be eating organic meats. Organic meats and dairy products come from animals that are only fed organic grains and they are not given antibiotics, hormones or any other medications. During pregnancy, it is vital that you eat an organic diet of both meats and fruits and vegetables.

It has been found that people who eat non-organic fruits and vegetables consume over a gallon of toxins from pesticides each year. In a study in which samples from the FDA's records were analyzed, there were major discrepancies in their contamination figures. It showed that nearly half of the contaminates were illegal pesticides which had been outlawed because of their toxic properties. So our foods contain not only legal toxins, but also many illegal, banned toxins as well.

Following an organic foods diet during pregnancy is critical, but because of the higher cost and limited availability of organic foods, some non-organic foods can be eaten if necessary. Below is a list of the fruits and vegetables which are lower in pesticide levels and can be purchased non organic if necessary:

Avocado, Bananas, Blueberries, Grapefruit, Kiwi Fruit, Mangoes, Papaya, Pineapples, Plantains, Plums and Watermelon.

Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Okra, Onions and Radishes.

Although eating an organic diet is preferable during pregnancy, these non organic foods are okay to eat without too many added toxins. On the other hand, some organic foods contain more toxins than others. The below list contains the fruits and vegetable that have been shown to have the highest levels of pesticide residue, so they should always be purchased organic. When you are eating an organic diet during pregnancy, it is important to never consume these if they are not organic.

Apples, Cherries, Imported Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Red Raspberries and Strawberries.

Bell Peppers, Celery, Hot Peppers, Potatoes and Spinach.

You should purchase meats, poultry, and dairy that don't have antibiotics and growth hormones added. When you consume meats and dairy products that have these added, it is just like taking the hormones and antibiotics themselves and is very dangerous to your baby.

Following an organic food diet during pregnancy is better for you and better for your baby. It should be incorporated into your healthy lifestyle forever.

I highly recommend an organic cookbook which is way more than a cookbook - it contains everything you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn which cookware is safe, improve your immune system, and is filled with delicious organic recipes.

If you want to get healthier and look younger, then you should take a look at this book at NutritionHealthyEating.com.

For additional information visit Organic Pregnancy Diet

I hope this information on an organic pregnancy diet has been helpful to you.
Author - Patty Evans

Father's Day Discount Coupons from Cheryl & Co.

It's time for Dad's to step into the limelight! Cheryl&Co. has delicious gifts for all the favorite men in your life, for Father's Day. Not only do they offer Free Ground Shipping on all our Gift Towers, but also some great Father's Day SAVINGS for their customers.

Use these coupons to get discounts:




Wishing you all the very best with your Father's Day efforts!

10 Health Benefits of Mulberries

by Laura Fenamore


I'm a huge fan of dried berries of all kinds, but I'd never had a mulberry until recently. I saw a bag in my local Whole Foods and decided to try them. They are soooo good, it's hard to stop eating the--and I am not even addicted to food anymore! I do love them and think you should consider this healthy snack the next time you are looking for a sweet, healthy snack.

The taste delicious and they're full of nutrition. They are considered an important food remedy in Chinese medicine. Here are ten health benefits. It should be noted that many of these benefits have not been scientifically verified but are traditional folk remedies that have developed in countries where mulberries have been eaten for hundreds of years. I totally am on board with these benefits and wanted to share them with you.

Cancer Prevention: Mulberries are a good source of resveratrol, a potent phytonutrient also found in grapes that researchers believe can prevent cancer and aid in the fight of existing cancers.

Life Extension: Because of their resveratrol content, mulberries may be a tool in one's life extension arsenal, as resveratrol has shown in several studies to extend the life of mice.

Blood Tonic: In Chinese medicine, mulberries are considered a blood tonic, meaning that they cleanse the blood and increase its production, strengthening the entire system.

Kidney Strengthener: In Chinese medicine, mulberries are believed to strengthen the kidneys.

Liver Cleanser: In Chinese medicine, mulberries are believed to be effective in cleansing the liver.

Better Hearing and Vision: In China, tea made with mulberry paste is believed to strengthen one's hearing and vision.

Constipation Cure: In Turkey, a treatment for constipation is to eat white mulberries on an empty stomach with a glass of water.

Anemia Treatment: Because they are quite high in iron, mulberries are a great food to use in the treatment of anemia.

Cold and Flu Treatment: In Turkey, mulberry molasses is used as a treatment for colds and flu. Their effectiveness in this way may be due to their high vitamin C content.

Premature Gray Hair Remedy: In several countries, mulberries are considered an effective remedy for prematurely gray hair.

Laura Fenamore, CPCC, is a gifted Body Esteem and Life Coach.
Laura's company OnePinky is devoted to helping others find balance in their lives as well as celebrating their bodies and their health. Her vision is living in a world where health and body image are celebrated. Please visit http://onepinky.com to receive a free gift today.

5 Secrets to Portion Control

by Becky Fox

You may be exercising, watching what you eat, doing all the right things and yet for some reason the pounds just don't seem to be coming off. The culprit may not be what you are eating, but about how much you are eating. If your portions are too big, then you are taking in too many calories, which can lead to weight gain rather than the desired weight loss. So here are 5 ways to decrease those super-sized portions.

1. Know what a serving size is. Here is a quick guide to determine the true size of a serving. Keep this in mind next time you reach in the fridge or cupboard.

A Tennis Ball = A medium sized fruit
A Baseball = A cup of salad greens or cereal
A Golf Ball = A 1/2 cup of cooked pasta or potato
A Ping Pong Ball = 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
A Deck of Cards = 3 oz of meat, fish, or poultry
A Shot Glass = 2 tablespoons of salad dressing
Size of your thumb = 1 oz of cheese
Size of your thumb tip = 1 teaspoon of oil

2. Read nutrition labels. Not sure how many of those goldfish crackers really equal one serving? Read the nutrition label to find out. Compare it to how much you've been eating and you may be surprised to find out how small a serving really is.

3. Only eat half. When you go out to a restaurant only eat half of your meal. Most restaurants bring out supersized portions enough for 2 or even 3 meals. To avoid overeating, have the waiter bring half of your dinner in a to go box before you even get started or you could even split the meal with another person.

4. Avoid all-you-can eat. Avoid buffets or all-you-can eat situations like the plague. As much you think you will have total self control and that you will only eat until you are no longer hungry, it is near impossible. We all know this is not the case and that you will be leaving bloated with your pants unbuttoned. Rather choice restaurants where you can order your meal and have a plan in place for social events.

5. Don't let yourself get hungry. One reason we may tend to eat a lot in one sitting is because we are so hungry. If you are going long periods without eating you are bound to binge. Instead, make sure you are eating something every 3-4 hours, even if it is a small snack. This way when your next meal comes around you won't be tempted to eat more than you need.

Becky Fox is the owner of Fox Fitness, an in-home personal training and boot camp company in Knoxville, TN. Fox Fitness also offers online training to those around the globe. You can learn more about her at http://www.foxfitness.com

Combat the Junk Food Blues With Healthy Nutrients

by Rosalie Moscoe

You may not want to hear this, however, while junk foods are fast, convenient, and tasty, they rob you of energy and a healthy mind and body. Each cell in the human body is powered by healthy nutrients; proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthful fats and their vitamins and minerals that are inherent in natural foods.

The body doesn't know what to do with chemically engineered foods. These 'frankenfoods' do not hold the promise of the real thing - nutrition health benefits. These benefits include: healthy skin, nails, teeth, emotional and mental balance, better energy and health and the possibility of less disease..

Within the past 75 years, the denigrated state of our food supply is unprecedented in human history. The majority of foods in the grocery stores are now treated. For the purpose of longer shelf life, oils are often heated to high temperatures that destroy nutrients. White flour crackers with little nutrients have added sugar and salt and are beautifully packaged. Margarines are often pumped with hydrogen, making the product more saturated and less healthy. Chemicals are added to many products to enhance flavoring; coloring is added to make foods look and taste pleasing. We must not forget processed sugar, excess salt, nitrates and pesticides that are added to the chemical mixture. Are these highly processed foods the making of a healthy diet or dietary deficiencies?

Our polluted world has spread to our food supply - our lifeline, and it's time to wake up and take charge of what goes down the gullet as much as possible.

Too Busy to Shop Wisely or Prepare Food?

• Keep it simple. Shop for organic produce as much as possible or at least use organic dairy products, since pesticides tend to reside in the fat of an animal.
• Become a label reader. If there are many items on the package that you cannot understand - don't buy it! Look for natural products, meats, fish, or even peanut butter without added salt and sugar.
• Use more fresh or frozen vegetables each day. Use fruit as snacks, 2 - 3 pieces a day.
• Use brown rice, sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, whole grain breads and pastas..
• Make an oil change. Take a cue from those who live long and healthy lives in the Mediterranean. Use olive oil as your chief oil. Add raw almonds, walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds for a quick and healthy pick-me-up.
• Cut out soda pop. Resist store bought baked goods. Make your own muffins or buy healthier products.
• Brown-bag-it, instead of eating at fast food outlets. You'll save the added fat and calories.

Junk food blues? This all too common syndrome doesn't have to happen to you.. Rather than a pasty, tired, down-in-the-dumps life fuelled by fast food or processed food, choose an enriched life with a dietary intake of whole foods. The payback? An energetic, healthier, happier you.

Rosalie Moscoe helps people manifest productive, interesting and energetic lives. Stress Relief and Nutritional Consultant, she is author of print and e-book, Frazzled Hurried Woman! Your Stress Relief Guide to Thriving...Not Merely Surviving. Visit:
http://www.healthinharmony.com/default2.asp?active_page_id=82
http://www.healthinharmony.com

Foods That Encourage Hair Health

by Lauren S. Johnson

Every woman wants a healthy head of hair. She wants her hair to be shiny, glossy, bouncy and the envy of every other female. However, it seems that no matter what we do, our hair remains brittle, dry, and out of place. We try the most expensive hair treatments and use the most scientifically proven shampoos, yet our hair still remains the same. Why is that? Well, healthy hair starts with healthy nutrition. If you are not feeding your body valuable nutrition, a hundred dollar shampoo will not make a difference. In this article I will list some of the most hair healthy foods.

1. Salmon. This particular fish is laden with omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B-12 and iron. The omega 3's found in salmon support scalp health.

2. Dark green vegetables. These yummy veggies are laden with vitamin A and vitamin C which helps your body produce sebum (also knows as a natural hair conditioner).

3. Beans. Yes, believe it or not, beans are good for your hair. They are rich in protein, iron, zinc and biotin. The protein which is present in beans promotes hair growth.

4. Nuts. Brazil nuts are some are the best for promoting a healthy scalp because they are rich source of selenium.

5. Eggs. Although it is not recommended to consume too many eggs, every now and then an egg is ok. This affordable breakfast treat is laden with protein, biotin and vitamin B-12.

6. Whole grains. Whole grains are a rich source of zinc, iron and B vitamins.

These are just a few of the hair healthy foods. Consuming a healthy diet can also help you lose weight. People who have a difficult time managing their appetite are encouraged to try various herbal remedies, such as appetite surpassing hoodia.

Lauren S. Johnson writes health articles about fitness and nutrition. Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies and diet pills.

Health Benefits of Grassfed Beef For You and Your Family

by Jeff Clear

When you consider the six primary health benefits you receive each time you eat a mouthful of grassfed beef, you won't want to ever go back to eating feedlot, grainfed beef ever again.

Benefit #1. Appetite Restored

It's easy to lose one's appetite, especially during times of stress. However, that's the time when we need to be nourished the most. And nothing compares to the aroma of a grassfed beef steak cooking on the grill flavored with a little garlic, oregano and basil! It's enough to break through the stressed-out mindset and allow one to enter into the mind's pleasure zone once again!

Benefit #2. More Nutrients with Less Food

A few decades ago, no one knew that organic foods contained more nutrients than store-bought fruits and vegetables grown with pesticides. Our taste buds knew it, though. Eating 'wild' foods, foods raised that are close to their original Garden of Eden state, have more benefits than what we realize.

Similarly, we are now finding that grassfed beef is higher in nutrients than grainfed beef. Specifically, grassfed beef is higher in healthy fats such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3 fat. The higher amounts of vitamin E help prevent the body from harmful free radicals that contribute to aging.

But there's more to the picture than just these healthy fats and vitamin E. Undoubtedly, phytonutrients will be discovered in grassfed beef that do not exist in grain-fed beef. So you can rest assured that your taste buds are telling you the truth - that grassfed beef is something to be excited about.

Benefit #3. Shuts Off Hunger

Perhaps the best news of all is that when we eat foods packed with nutrients, those nutrients end up activating the satiety center in our brain that shuts off any desire to gulf down large amounts of food that we don't need. It's one of the best internal checkpoints against overeating a parent could ever use to win the battle of childhood obesity.

Benefit #4. Less Risk of Degenerative Diseases

Every parent wants their children around them for many years to come, and they want them to be the picture of health during all those years. Life has enough obstacles to solve without overcoming health issues.

The addition of grassfed beef to the diet provides a great source of iron and vitamin B12, which builds blood and prevents fatigue so you can keep up with the kids. Its omega 3 fat content that helps strengthen cells so they aren't susceptible to attack from microbes while preventing biochemical pathways to run rampant causing inflammation. This prevents infections and allergies. The omega 3 fat content also is crucial for children's developing brains and an adult's maintenance of full memory power. The CLA found in grassfed beef is helpful in reducing the risk of cancer, as is the high vitamin E content.

When you consider these types of benefits that only occur from regular consumption of the food, grassfed beef is almost like an insurance policy against several different diseases and a way for you to maintain energy levels and vigor of youth.

Benefit #5. Satisfaction from Eating

Eating a large bag of potato chips won't allow you to feel the deep sense of satisfaction that you receive from food grown on a farm, especially grassfed beef. Filling up on pure wholesome foods does wonders for the mind, soul and belly all at the same time.

Benefit #6. Excellent Source of Protein

Eating a good protein source shuts off the hunger mechanism in the body and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Eating candy bars, cakes and other processed foods on the other hand, ends up shifting the body's biochemical pathways to store fat and raises havoc with blood sugar levels. Too much of these types of foods for too long can contribute to diabetes. But not with grassfed beef.

Benefit #7. Feeling Like You're the King of Your Home

Grassfed beef is the best type of beef on the market. Sitting down to a nice grassfed steak sends the message to your subconscious that you're worth it! There's no low self-esteem associated with eating a meal fit for a king!

To your health,

Jeff Clear

Lasater Grasslands Beef

Proudly selling great tasting grassfed beef online at http://www.lgbeef.com for over 10 years

Sign up for our special report about grassfed beef and receive:
• Cooking Tips
• More Health Benefits
• Learn about the low carbon footprint of grassfed cattle
• Learn why grassfed cattle live a more humane life than grainfed cattle
• Why grassfed beef tastes so great

Sign up today at http://www.lgbeef.com

Your Healthy Guide to the Restaurant Menu - How to Choose Good Food Without Sabotaging Your Diet

by Faviano Torres 


For dieters and the weight-conscious, cutting calories is most important. However, what often concerns them is how to make healthier choices when it comes to eating in fast food restaurants. More often than not, the hardest part is choosing from a menu and not sabotaging a diet.

All you need is a little curiosity and a wise decision-making. There are so many mouth-watering dishes on the menu and it is important to make careful selections. Pay attention to the descriptions and labels of different dishes in the list, and if necessary, ask for fat or calorie information.

Always keep an eye on saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium, which means avoid dishes that are deep-fried, basted, pan-fried, batter-dipped, creamy, crispy, breaded, scalloped, au gratin, Alfredo, or in cream sauce. Watch out for too much salt and sugar. If you want to be certain about it, you can always make a special request to have your meal done the healthy way you want it.

Consider healthy substitutions. Skinless chicken that is broiled, steamed, or roasted instead of fried is a good choice. A vegetable for your appetizer and a fruit for your dessert would be great. Say a no-no to sodas; drink water, unsweetened tea, or hot tea with your meal instead.

Choose a smaller portion size if possible and never supersize anything. If the restaurant does not offer half-size orders, you can always share it with others at your table or take a box home. On the other hand, many restaurants allow you to order smaller portions of your heart-healthy meals at lower prices.

Therefore, you do not have to worry sabotaging your diet in a restaurant. You can definitely plan and check the menu for what fits into your meal plan.

Now you want to have more energy, be Healthier, look Younger, lose weight, and cleanse your body, right?

Do this with Oprah's Dynamic Duo of Acai Berry & Colon Cleanse by Clicking Here Now!
Acai Berry is the #1 "Super Food" because it has so many different elements that help your body, so you can't go wrong with Acai Berries & Colon Cleansing.

Vitamin C - Keep the Sunshine Vitamin in Your Life

by Anna Ruth


In terms of awareness, Vitamin C is one of the most popular vitamins around. Many people take Vitamin C supplements or drink juices rich in the vitamin. But what exactly does Vitamin C do? Well, the vitamin, which is also called ascorbic acid, can help repair and prevent damage to cells, heal wounds, boost the immune system, and help make your teeth and gums healthier. It also helps the body absorb iron. It is also possible that in its role as a natural antioxidant, Vitamin C can help slow down the aging process by scavenging free radicals, preventing a build up of cell damaging toxins that accelerate aging. It's not the only the antioxidant vitamin and unlike an antioxidant like l-glutathione it isn't manufactured within our bodies.

When it comes to vitamins, there are two types: those that dissolve in water and those that dissolve in fat. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that travels through the body's bloodstream. Whatever Vitamin C the body does not need to absorb is simply removed via urine. This means two things: first, we must always supply our bodies with Vitamin C since the body doesn't store it, and second, it's very hard to actually overdose on Vitamin C because the body doesn't absorb more than it needs.

Recommended: Liposomal Vitamin C 1200mg - High Absorption, Fat Soluble VIT C, Powerful Antioxidant & Immune System Support

How much Vitamin C do we need each day? It is recommended that we get 60 milligrams of the vitamin, although that can change depending on several factors. Those who smoke may need between 110 and 125 milligrams of Vitamin C because smoking can cause the body to have trouble absorbing vitamins.

It is possible to end up with too little Vitamin C in your body. This was quite common years ago during long sea voyages. This lack of Vitamin C results in scurvy. If you manage to intake over 2,000 milligrams of Vitamin C in a day, you may feel flushed and suffer from diarrhea, nausea, increased urination, and vomiting.

Where can we get Vitamin C from? In addition to supplements, the vitamin is found naturally in fruit, citrus juices, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, red and green peppers, and potato skins. As is often the case, good nutrition is all you really need to keep your body in shape by providing the vitamins and minerals we need for good health.

Anna Ruth is a self confessed health nut and recently became involved at Whole Earth Health dot com with MAX GXL. For people who are always tired this product has been shown to help some restore their energy levels and "get their lives back. Because glutathione supplements are of questionable value, MAXGXL takes a different approach, instead helping the body to manufacture its own glutathione.

This information is not designed to diagnose or treat a disease or ailment. If you have a medical condition or question always seek the advice of a qualified physician.