Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The OZ 100

Dr. Oz's 100 Weight Loss Tips

 
  1. Automate your eating by planning your meals ahead of time. That way you're less likely to make an unhealthy last-minute food choice.
  2. Oats are your friends! Eating a cup of oatmeal in the morning will prevent you from gorging in the afternoon.
  3. Foods with healthy fats such as olives, salmon and walnuts help you feel satisfied.
  4. Skipping meals can cause your body to go into a fat-storing starvation mode, making it harder to burn calories.
  5. Got nuts with nuts. Eating a handful of nuts will help you stay full. Try soaking them in water for a different texture.
  6. Use meditation to help you cope with chronic stress, which can lead you to crave feel-good carbs.
  7. You may be used to fried foods but there are other, sometimes healthier, ways to cook including: roasting, steaming, poaching, baking, braising and broiling.
  8. Do your grocery shopping with a list and a time limit; that way, you're less likely to stray into the processed foods section.
  9. Don't confuse thirst with hunger. Drink a glass of water when you feel hungry to see if that's what you're really craving.
  10. When out at a restaurant, ask the server to hold the bread, snack mix or chips and salsa that might come before the meal. If you're hungry, you'll be tempted.
  11. Tired of eating your salad on a plate? Fill a whole wheat pita with salad and a splash of lemon for a twist.
  12. You might do better to replace an occasional dinner with a nice roll in the hay. Healthy sex may help control the amount of food you eat and it's great exercise.
  13. Create emergency packs filled with healthy foods such as nuts, fruits or sliced vegetables to help you avoid unhealthy temptations.
  14. Add red pepper flakes to your pantry. When eaten early in the day, red pepper lowers the amount of food you'll eat later.
  15. Odds are you're eating too fast. Try holding a conversation while having a meal so you're not gulping down more than you need to feel full.
  16. Take a brisk walk before lunch or dinner. Not only will you get in some exercise, you're less likely to choose something unhealthy after a little movement.
  17. Looking for the benefits of salmon but you don't feel comfortable cooking fish? Try canned salmon as a simple and affordable alternative.
  18. Are your dishes too big? A healthy dinner should fit on a 9-inch plate. You may find that kid-sized plates are more appropriately sized to feed an adult!
  19. Never eat any snack food out of the box, carton or bag it came in. You're less likely to overeat if you separate snacks into appropriate fist-sized servings.
  20. Boost your metabolism with some green tea or chili peppers.
  21. Get your Zzzzzs. Sleep deprivation alters levels of hormones in the body that regulate hunger, causing an increase in appetite.
  22. Muscle burns at least four times as many calories as fat does, so try twenty minutes of strength straining two to three times a week.
  23. Decaf coffee is a great low-calorie fluid when you're having cravings (and a great source of antioxidants).
  24. Eating liquid-based foods such as natural smoothies and low-sodium soup can help you cut back on calories yet feel full.
  25. A pedometer can help keep track of your steps. If you're not getting 10,000 steps a day, you're not moving enough.
  26. Natural applesauce is an excellent dip for fruits such as bananas and melons.
  27. Take every opportunity to move around, even in small ways. Studies show fidgety people tend to be skinnier.
  28. Identify the emotional triggers that lead you to seek unhealthy comfort food. Picture your goal weight the next time a trigger strikes to help you resist temptation.
  29. Use a vegetable bean dip such as hummus instead of ranch dressing or a fatty cream-based dip.
  30. People who regularly weigh themselves and keep track of their progress in a journal are more likely to lose weight.
  31. Use a dash of cinnamon to give fruits such as bananas and melons a richer dessert feel without the sugar.
  32. Give your protein extra low-calorie flavor by adding a salsa or chutney instead of a gooey cream sauce.
  33. Distracted dining will get you in trouble. Avoid eating in front of a television or in a movie theater, as you're bound to consume more calories.
  34. Pass on pop. You'll be amazed by how much weight you drop by simply switching to water.
  35. Beware of "fat-free" or "zero trans fats" foods as you could be trading fats for huge amounts of sugar or sodium.
  36. Try drinking skim milk at breakfast instead of juice. Overweight people who drank skim milk for breakfast ate fewer calories
  37. Sugarless chewing gum can suppress your appetite in a pinch.
  38. Snack attack! Puree peaches, berries or pears for a sweet spread to go on pita chips.
  39. If you're having trouble getting started, make a small move such as starting an eating log or buying walking shoes. You're three times more likely to follow through if you start with small gestures such as these.
  40. Always have vegetables on hand. Saute a big bag of frozen mixed vegetables in olive oil and garlic. Add some red pepper or turmeric for additional flavor and separate into portion-sized containers for the fridge.
  41. Edamame (soy beans) are a great low-cost snack. Look for them in the frozen foods section.
  42. Soups can be both filling and comforting. Try making a garden or bean soup with low-salt broth and store in portion-sized cups for later.
  43. Save time and money during the week by buying lean protein such as chicken breasts in bulk and cooking a week's worth on Sunday night.
  44. Save the kitchen and the dining room table for cooking and eating. Try not to use it as a place to do work or other activities, or you may be tempted to eat more.
  45. If food was your only source of pleasure, make sure to reconnect with other things you enjoy -- music, sports, volunteer work or movies, for example.
  46. Try to have a little lean protein with each meal, as protein tends to be more satisfying than carbs or fats.
  47. Think ahead to how you'll eat and exercise on the weekends. It's easy to get too relaxed on Saturdays and Sundays, but healthy living is a 7-day-a-week endeavor.
  48. Dump the junk food. If you want to avoid temptation, make sure you clean out the fridge and the pantry
  49. When you eat calorie-friendly fruits and vegetables that are in season, they tend to taste better and you're more likely to enjoy them.
  50. People who eat breakfast have a better shot at losing and maintaining weight loss.
  51. Replace your scale with a tape measure. Aim for 32 1/2 inches or less for women and 35 inches or less for men.
  52. Make sure you check food labels and avoid anything with more than 4 grams of sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, per serving.
  53. Eat a fiber-filled apple before a meal to help you feel full faster.
  54. Opt for peanut butter or almond butter spreads instead of cream cheese or butter.
  55. Remember these five essential smoothie ingredients: frozen berries, a banana, skim milk, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of psyllium seed husks.
  56. Researchers found that dieters who ate eggs in the morning were less hungry than those who ate carb-heavy meals.
  57. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon may dial up your body's ability to burn fat, especially if you add some exercise.
  58. A Mediterranean diet not only comes with heart benefits, studies show it leads to more weight loss than low-fat diets.
  59. Replace your regular pasta noodles with whole wheat pasta for a more filling meal.
  60. When eating out, ask your server to point out the healthiest options on the menu.
  61. You don't have to make a three-digit number your weight loss goal. Aim for a certain dress size or waist measurement.
  62. Go lean with bean protein. Beans are an affordable and healthy alternative to meats and are wonderfully filling.
  63. Energize plain-tasting proteins such as eggs or chicken with metabolism-boosting chili pepper sauce.
  64. Try a plain Greek yogurt with frozen berries for a pre-workout boost.
  65. Turn dinner into a healthy lunch the next day by wrapping your lean leftovers in a whole wheat wrap. Add a little Dijon mustard or curry powder for added flavor.
  66. Eat a rainbow of colors. Have at least one brightly colored fruit or vegetable in each meal, and, if appropriate, eat the skins -- that's where you'll find a powerhouse of antioxidants.
  67. Make an office snack box of your own so you're not tempted by your colleague's candy bowl. Fill it with small individually packaged portions of soy chips, almonds and dried fruit.
  68. For a thicker, creamier texture, choose low-fat, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Loaded with protein, calcium and natural probiotics, it makes for a tasty snack any time.
  69. If you're 'cooking' food in the microwave, chances are you're eating unhealthy packaged foods. If you must microwave, consider soy chicken patties, veggie burgers or steamer vegetables and brown rice.
  70. Make your wardrobe match your goals. As you lose weight donate the clothes that no longer fit you as an incentive to stay on track.
  71. Pick up a 5- or 10-pound weight at the gym and visualize that weight coming off. Holding the weight in your hands helps bring home just how heavy even 5 pounds of extra fat can be.
  72. If you find yourself at a weight loss plateau, up the duration of your exercise routine by five minutes.
  73. Pounding out your meat will help healthier portions go a longer way visually, and it's good stress relief.
  74. Silken tofu makes a wonderful replacement for cream in some recipes.
  75. Save 85 calories just by swapping mustard for mayonnaise in a sandwich.
  76. Do your best to ensure you're not eating after 7 o'clock at night. You're more likely to make unhealthy choices and less likely to sleep as well after a late meal.
  77. Try a pasta-less spaghetti by mixing shredded zucchini, veggie meatballs and raw tomato sauce seasoned with a dash of zesty oregano.
  78. Fresh herbs can really zing up a healthy meal. Try growing some in the kitchen using a strawberry pot. Preserve the flavor by adding fresh herbs at the end of the cooking process
  79. Fast food is salty food. If you cut back on the salt, in a few weeks you'll be able to better taste the natural salts in food and may not crave the junk as much as you used to.
  80. The rub on ground turkey is that it's dry. Add some olive oil and finely blended onions to a turkey burger or turkey meatball to enhance its juiciness.
  81. If you're trying to lose weight with your significant other, pack each other's lunches. The lunchbox surprises will keep the both of you motivated.
  82. If you're eating out, make salad the appetizer. Most starters are fried and come with unhealthy dips or sauces.
  83. Savory 'umami' ingredients such as mushrooms, low-sodium soy, asparagus and olives can help you feel full and add an earthy, home-y quality to your healthy-dishes.
  84. Make it a point to use the steps whenever possible. Use the bathroom on a different floor at work, take the stairs at the bus station, the airport or the mall.
  85. Try baking apple slices as a healthy alternative to potato chips.
  86. Eating water-rich foods such as melons, tomatoes and celery can help fill you up without adding too many calories to your day.
  87. Avocados can be your secret weight loss partners. They're high in fiber and healthy fats, giving you a meaty-tasting meat alternative.
  88. A handful of unsalted pumpkin seeds make for a healthy mid-day snack. They're rich in magnesium, which helps lower blood pressure.
  89. Keeping good posture will not only strengthen your core, but will also add a small extra-calorie burn, because you're working slightly harder to maintain the position.
  90. Cravings can sneak up on you when you're tired. Try taking a nap if you feel yourself wanting some junk food.
  91. Share your weight loss goals with your friends and family. Make it a positive life change and ask for their encouragement.
  92. Take a photo of yourself each week so you can see your physical transformation.
  93. Store-bought salad dressings can be packed with calories. Make your own vinaigrette and store it in a small spray bottle to coat your greens without over-dressing them.
  94. Yoga may be relaxing but you can also get a good workout. An hour of yoga can burn up to 350 calories.
  95. Get familiar with quinoa -- a wonderful grain that's easy to cook and goes great with sauteed vegetables or mushrooms.
  96. Ditch the mayo, cheese and top bun if you want to scrape off 250 calories from a restaurant sandwich.
  97. Resistance bands are a comfortable and affordable at-home exercise option for strength straining.
  98. Use the freezer to add some extra oomph to summer foods. Freeze grapes for some bite-sized delights. Or get a popsicle mold and freeze some Greek yogurt with berries.
  99. Wrap up any extra food you've cooked before you sit down to a meal so you're not tempted to get seconds.
  100. Take a 30-second break in the middle of your meal. Evaluate just how hungry you still are before getting back to your food.

Dr. Oz Ten Healthy Tips

  • In honor of National Nutrition month, we asked Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon, author, and host of the Dr. Oz Show, to share with us his top 10 musts when it comes to eating for better health, weight loss, and overall wellness. We were surprised to learn a few of these!
    • 1) Eat this #1 cancer-fighting, cleansing produce item
      What ranks at the head of the class when it comes to the produce department? "Broccoli is the best produce option, because it cleanses the liver and helps to fight cancer," says Dr. Oz.
      2) Stay in shape by eating these
      Think you’ll stay slim by just sticking to salads and fat-free foods? Think again! "Nuts are the number-one food for staying in shape," says Dr. Oz.
      3) Don’t just cut calories to drop lbs.
      "Losing weight isn’t all about cutting calories. The brain looks for nutrients, not calories," says Dr. Oz. Yet another reason to focus on whole, unprocessed foods to help speed up weight loss!
      See the rest of the tips after the break
      4) Don’t indulge your sweet tooth right after dinner.
      Try not to reach for that piece of chocolate immediatelyafter you eat, wait about 2 hours after to enjoy your dessert. "Avoid sweets directly after a meal," says Dr. Oz. "Sugar disrupts the absorption of nutrients."
      5) You can still have chocolate – just make it dark.
      Don’t worry, Dr. Oz says we can still indulge in some dark chocolate! "The flavonols, found in cocoa, improve circulation and increase blood flow to the brain which helps you see more clearly."
      6) The fastest way to lose weight is . . .
      Ditch the empty, refined calories. Dr. Oz says the quickest way to lose weight is to cut out white foods, like white bread, pasta and rice, since they are refined.
      7) Sip on this!
      Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Skip that second cup of coffee and sip some green tea instead. "It contains the highest concentration of the powerful antioxidant catechins, and studies show green tea may help lower risk for some cancers," says Dr. Oz.
      8) Eat breakfast.
      You’ve heard you shouldn’t skip breakfast, but do you know why it’s so important? "Skipping the first meal of the day can increase risk for obesity more than fourfold," says Dr. Oz. Sounds like a great reason to have a good healthy breakfast to us!
      9)The best way to successfully maintain weight loss is by doing this.
      "Automate your meals,” says Dr. Oz. "Studies show that people who’ve successfully maintained at least a 30-pound weight loss for a year or more tend to consume a diet with limited variety. They eat similar meals over and over which lead to them feeling fuller faster and eat less overall."
      10) Snooze to lose!
      Trying to lose weight? "Get more sleep," recommends Dr. Oz. "The brain craves carbohydrates when you’re hungry, so you could unknowingly sabotage best laid plans."
    For more healthy tips from Dr Oz - Visit his page here - http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-ozs-100-weight-loss-tip.
  • Foods that kill/contribute to Candida

    Sunday, October 28, 2012

    Honey Herb Flavoured




    Honey has many healing and nutritional benefits. Add a medicinal herb or flower to honey and infuse it for a few weeks and you’ll have wonderful flavor plus additional healing properties.

    Stove Top method

    1 pint of Honey 

    1/8 C dried herbs

    Warm honey over lowest possible heat setting (Use a double boiler or bain marie if possible)

    When honey is warmed through add herbs and stir

    Continue to heat on lowest setting for 20 minutes stirring occasionally

    You can either leave the herbs in the honey until you are ready to use it for a stronger infusion or you can strain right away (Much easier to strain warm).

    Store in a sterile jar and seal. Label, date, and store in a cool dry place.

    Honey should keep for up to 18 months.

    Solar Method 

    1 Pint of honey

    1/8 C dried herbs

    Place herbs in jar

    Pour honey over top

    Stir

    Place in a sunny window for 2 weeks

    Gently turn jar daily to stir up the herbs as they will float up in the thick honey

    At the end of two weeks strain and seal in a sterile jar. You can allow herbs to continue to steep until you are ready to use them. Remember though that honey is much easier to strain when it is warm. 

    Note: You can adjust herbal amounts depending on what herb that you are using. A strong herb like thyme you may want to use less of, but something light like violets you may want to use a little more. Use your best judgement. These amounts are just a basic guideline.
     

    Wednesday, October 24, 2012

    Beet and Berry Smoothie

    Can’t Beet This Smoothie


    Ingredients



    2 apples, juiced (2/3 cup apple juice)
    1 large beet juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
    1 cup mixed berries
    ½ banana


    Instructions



    Place all ingredients in your blender in the order listed and blend for 30 seconds or until smooth.



    Don’t have a juicer? Try adding pomegranate juice to this smoothie instead of beet juice and use a not-from-concentrate apple juice. Alternatively, there are many farmer’s markets that supply fresh-pressed juice. Add extra protein or fiber to this smoothie by throwing in a couple of scoops of protein powder of your choice, or 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed or chia seed