More Reasons to Shop online

Tuesday, December 4, 2012Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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How to Shop For Healthy Foods

Tuesday, December 4, 2012Wednesday, October 3, 2012


When you are shopping for your family's food, it is important to consider how the food items you put in your shopping cart can affect your children's nutrition. It is also good to think about how these food stuffs will impact their attitude toward healthy foods. So try to examine your grocery cart before going to the counter. Is it filled with vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious food? Or is it jam-packed with processed food and drinks that give less or have no nutritional value at all?
If you are planning to have a healthy diet for your family, better start by examining the items in your shopping list and changing the types of food you will be buying. Here's how you'll be able to do it:
1.    Prepare a Grocery List
Aside from your grocery budget, this is the most important thing you shouldn't forget to bring when going out for food shopping. The list can keep you on track, particularly if it's based on the weekly meal plan you've made. Remember: your goal is to give your family a balanced diet, so you must focus your meal plans and menus on wholesome ingredients. These include lean meat and poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and cereals, fresh fish, and healthy snacks for your kids.
2.    Go Through a Healthy Path in the Grocery Store
While in the grocery store, go first to the outer aisles because those are the places where healthiest foods such as fish, dairy products, and fresh meat are situated. After getting everything you need, proceed to the inner aisles, where cereals, fruits and vegetables, as well as baking supplies can be found. However, these aisles are also where less healthy foods are placed so it is advisable not to go to these areas first.
3.    Visit farmers' markets and food co-ops
If possible, shop for your food at the local farmers' markets because you can find there freshly-picked fruits and vegetables. Other great sources of healthy foods are food co-ops that buy and sell pesticide-free and organic produce.
4.    Know the Food that are  In Season
Before shopping, find out first the fruits and vegetables that are in season. This way, you not only get low-priced produce but also a good bargain in taste. However, no matter how low the price is, do not purchase more than you can consume. One way to familiarize your kids about seasonal farm produce is to personally take them to a farm and teach them to pick the products themselves.
5.    Be Careful in Choosing Fruits and Vegetables
If you did not pick them off yourself, better be careful in choosing the ones to buy. The good thing about fruits and veggies is that they give hints of their freshness or ripeness. For vegetables, select the ones that are colorful and fresh-looking as well as those that are crisp and firm. Stay away from the veggies that are already limp or with any signs of decay.  When it comes to selecting fruits, keep in mind that a nice exterior doesn't always mean good quality. However, you still have to avoid purchasing bruised pieces.
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The Benefits and Advantages of Eating Healthy Food

Tuesday, December 4, 2012Wednesday, October 3, 2012


One should never underestimate the importance of eating healthy food. There are so many benefits but why are there so many people still not eating right? Why has obesity and heart diseases become such a huge factor? Although the statistics are clear, people still refuse to change their life styles.
Eating healthy food may become a struggle, especially when there are so many fast food restaurants everywhere we turn. Often people make excuses like they don't have time to get healthy food, it's not that accessible, or that they don't know how to prepare it. However, there are just as many supermarkets that stock fresh produce as there are fast foods outlets, so accessibility is a poor excuse.
The rate at which obesity in children is rising is more shocking than that in adults. But what is the root of this problem. One cannot really blame the children as they learn from their parents. Children are more likely to eat unhealthy foods if their parents do.
The benefits of eating a healthy diet include living a longer life, feeling happier, gaining vitality, weight loss, and a healthy appearance. Processed food decrease the quality of our lives, so eating healthy foods means we can better fight diseases and live longer. When it comes to happiness, studies have shown that eating healthy foods is an excellent natural anti-depressant.
When you eat healthy your energy levels tend to rise. Because fatty foods cause weight gain you will also have a better chance of losing weight with a healthy diet. You will not only feel healthier but will look healthier. You'll be surprised at how much healthier your skin, hair, and nails will become.
Sometimes it is not enough just to eat an apple a day. To really gain the benefits of eating healthy foods you need to plan an entire healthy diet and stick to it.
The best time to eat healthy is the morning. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so keeping at least your breakfast healthy is a good start. Drinking a smoothie in morning is a good healthy option. It is packed with goodness and tastes delicious. Yogurt also makes for a healthy breakfast but stick to low fat, unsweetened yoghurt. Eating plain yogurt with freshly cut fruit pieces may be an even healthier option. Eggs and whole wheat bread or bran muffins is more filling. Eating cereals or oatmeal is also better than eating a fatty breakfast or even no breakfast.
During the day you need to eat meals that contain loads of starch because they contain energy. Breads, cereals, rice, potatoes and pasta will do the trick however, stay within the limits. Do not over eat; just eat enough to sustain your energy.
You should also try to eat as much fruits and vegetables as possible throughout the day. One should at least pack in 5 portions. Avoid eating a lot of meats; rather choose fish as a healthy alternative. Stay away from a lot of fatty and processed foods but do not cut it out completely. Lastly, drink loads of water.
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7 Healthy Foods Without Blowing Your Food Budget

Tuesday, December 4, 2012Wednesday, October 3, 2012


How can a person stretch their food budget without buying cheap, empty calories in processed foods? We all think that fresh lean meats, fish, and fruits and vegetables are the healthiest choices but are not always affordable, right? Wrong! It is a myth that the healthiest foods are the most expensive. With a list and a plan, it is possible to eat healthy without blowing your food budget or sacrificing those hard-earned results.
Healthy Foods #1: Soy
Want the best nutrition for about $3 a day? Invest your money in a meal replacement shake that is soy-based. This is the health communities best kept secret. Not only does it fill you up for hours, but it contains proper nutrition to get your body back to the way it was when you felt proud of it. You can find it in many different flavors and basically, you just add milk and fresh fruit to it. This is what fast food should really be like.
Healthy Foods #2: Beans
Beans are versatile and nutritious, with a variety of flavors and colors to choose from. Beans are one of the best sources of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Beans are also high in protein and low in calories. Since beans can be incorporated into almost any recipe or eaten alone, you will have tons of cheap, healthy meal possibilities.
Healthy Foods #3: Eggs
At about $1 to $2 a dozen, and only 75 calories each, eggs are a healthy bargain. Forget about the worry of cholesterol because egg consumption contributes less than 1 percent to the risk of heart disease when other factors are considered. Eggs have a high proportion of nutrients to calories, which means that they help you stay full and energized while helping you maintain a healthy weight. Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in bakes and omelets, or hard cooked in salads.
Healthy Foods #4: Pasta
Pasta is tasty, filling, and always an economical way to feed one person or a crowd. It is low in sodium and fat and high in complex carbohydrates, which helps you maintain a consistent energy level. Pasta is also fortified with folic acid, an essential nutrient. Since pasta is easy to combine with other foods, including vegetables, meats, and sauces (no...not Alfredo!, you can literally eat it every day and feel as tough you are always having a new dish.
Healthy Foods #5: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes and yams are also versatile foods that are nutritious and economical. They are low in sodium, calories and filling, easy to cook, and loaded with vitamins A and C, iron, and thiamine. They also contain beta-carotene and are a good source of fiber. They can be baked, microwaved, or cooked in boiling water. Start by using them in place of white potatoes.
Healthy Foods #6: Brown Rice
One bag of brown rice can provide as many as 20 servings. Talk about stretching your dollar! The great thing about brown rice is that it can be combined with an assortment of other ingredients so you can get different tastes. Since it is a great source of fiber, vitamin B, iron, manganese, and selenium, it boosts your immune system, lowers cholesterol, and reduces the risks of heart disease and diabetes.
Healthy Foods #7: Frozen Fruits And Vegetables
While fresh, raw fruits and vegetables that are in season should always be a first choice, having a supply of frozen vegetables in the freezer is an inexpensive, nutritious, and versatile backup plan. They retain almost all of their nutritional value, since they're picked and frozen while at their peak nutrition and flavor. It is easy to reach for a bag of frozen vegetables and add them to any meal. Toss them in soy shakes, soups, stews, lasagna, or stir-fries.
Let us not forget to really think about what we spend our money on at the grocery store. If you think salmon, shrimp and steak are too expensive, put back the package of oreo cookies and the half gallon of ice cream and add up your total again. Sometimes we overlook the fact that small devilishly good processed snacks add up in a big way...on your grocery bill as well as your hips! Focus on eating the healthy foods listed above and you will be well on your way to saving money and keeping yourself healthy.
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Making Healthy Food Choices in Your Busy Life

Tuesday, December 4, 2012Wednesday, October 3, 2012


As you know - I have been on a health kick...so today I've got some tips for making healthy food chioces to help you on your road to a better life!
You'll be pleased to discover that a hectic life doesn't mean that every meal has to be fast food on the run! Sometimes it's difficult to make healthy changes, but with a little planning and know-how, it can be done.
You already know how important it is to make healthy food choices for you and your family. But how can you fit the best choices into your busy life?
Here are some strategies to help you and your family make healthy choices:
1. Make dinner time a social experience.
Dinner should be about enjoying your company and taking pleasure in the foods you're eating.
Dinner becomes a great experience when you're able to enjoy healthy foods together. Take time to eat as a family and enjoy a real conversation with each other. Talking will naturally slow down your eating pace, while also reconnecting you with your family members.
When you begin to look at mealtime as a social experience, it becomes easier to make the right choices about healthy foods. Suddenly you aren't so worried about rushing through and making it quick.
2. Avoid temptation.
It's so easy to walk into the store with good intent, but walk out with bags full of unhealthy foods. Unfortunately, our wills are weak, especially if we've trained ourselves over the years to buy junk foods.
* Think of healthier alternatives to your family's favorite unhealthy foods. Rather than high calorie chips, try trail mixes or rice cakes. Low calorie puddings or frozen yogurts are better alternatives to higher fat ice creams.
* Never shop when you're hungry. This way you won't pick out unhealthy choices because they look good at the moment.
* Get rid of the unhealthy foods in your home. If they aren't around, you won't be tempted to eat them.
3. Eat fast and healthy meals at home.
When you're tired at the end of the day and you realize you still have to feed the family, it's easy to go to a fast food chain and throw fast food on the table. It may save some time, but it won't save your health - or your pocket book!
* Look online for quick and easy recipes made with all natural ingredients. Many recipes can be made in 30 minutes or less and only have 5 ingredients. Taking the time to do some recipe research will save your sanity in the long run. Then once you find a "hit" with the family, store the recipe in a book or on your computer.
* The great thing is that there are many easy, fast, and healthy foods you can make at home. This takes some planning, but you'll be more satisfied, save money, and be healthier as well.
* When you cook, make large batches and freeze the leftovers. This way, you'll already have meals in the freezer that you can just thaw, heat, and serve. No mess, no fuss! This is the opportune way to enjoy "fast" food at home.
4. Eat Slower.
Since the brain takes about 20 minutes to get the signal that the stomach is full, if you eat too fast you'll pack in a lot more food than you need. When you're still thinking you're hungry, it's easy to make the wrong choices about food. If you slow down while you're eating, you'll eat less and you'll still feel full.
* Set a calming mood before sitting down for a meal. Avoid having the television on or eating as you're rushing the kids out the door to another activity. Sitting calmly at the table will allow everyone to relax and enjoy their meal.
Using these techniques will bring all kinds of healthy benefits to your family and teach your children a healthy lifestyle. Healthy food choices are a possibility in your busy life if you take the time to plan ahead and make dinner time a priority in your home.
I'll keep you up to date on my health kick and the benefits I am receiving for making the effort to chooses healthy food. I would love to hear about what you are doing to improve your health and how you are going with your efforts in making healthy food choices - let me know.
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How Healthy Food Changed My Life

Tuesday, December 4, 2012Wednesday, October 3, 2012


Often, developing healthy food habit is not as restrictive or as confusing as several individuals imagine. The first and foremost principle of healthy nutrition is simply eating a wide range of foodstuff. This is more important, since varied foodstuff make varied dietary contributions.
Secondly, vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains are necessary, since these foods are high in carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and low in fatty substances and are cholesterol free.
It is also better to balance between calorie expenditure and calorie intake. That is, avoid eating more foodstuff than what the body can consume. Otherwise, there is a possibility of gaining additional weight. Therefore, the more the active an individual is, the more he can eat and uphold this balance.
It does not mean that aforementioned three fundamental steps suggest an individual to sacrifice the favorite food. As long as, an individual's diet is rich in fiber and nutrients and well balanced, there is nothing improper.
Individuals also can view healthy foodstuff as a chance to expand range of alternatives by trying some healthy food such as vegetables, fruits or whole grains. A healthy nutrition does not have to imply eating foodstuffs, which are unappealing or bland.
Benefits of Healthy Food:
Nutritious and healthy diet is very much significant for maintaining a healthy body. Healthy diet involves timely and regular food, snacks, nuts and juices. A balanced meal and appropriate food habits are essential for leading a healthy life. In due course of life, everyone forgets to take essential nutrition for proper body function, hence fall under several life-style diseases. Hence, it is necessary for an individual to understand and know about the benefits of healthy food such as vegetables, fruits and nuts.
Below discussed are some of the benefits of healthy food:
o Beetroot: It has good amount of potassium, manganese and foliate. It also contains fewer calories and helps to cure skin problems.
o Cauliflower: It is extremely nutritious and is much effective in curing several ailments. It is rich in folate and apt for pregnant women.
o Mangoes: They are very popular and largely available fruit. They are rich in potassium and good for healing wounds.
o Nutritional Values of Banana: It aids in the healing of anemia, depression, brainpower, blood pressure and constipation.
o Egg: It is nutritious and healthy food. Eggs lecithin prevents the absorption of egg's cholesterol and other sources as well.
Overview:
Research has witnessed that, those who eat less processed food and saturated fatty items live longer and healthy life, and are very less prone to disease and illness. Good health food along with proper exercise gives tons of energy and makes feel stronger and healthier.
Good health food can assist individuals in maintaining a healthy weight. The phrase Healthy Weight is not only important for those individuals who are overweight, but also for individuals who are underweight as well. With eating healthy food, individuals can control their body weight without being underweight or overweight.
Healthy livelihood is all about understanding the body requirements and rendering it with good supplies for proper body function. Unhealthy eating habit can affect the individuals' body severely, hence intake healthy foodstuff to avoid such consequences.
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How You Can Present Healthy Food For Dogs Through A Raw Food Diet

Tuesday, December 4, 2012Wednesday, October 3, 2012


Just like for humans, there are certain foods and diets that won't go good for your dog. There are several different variations of diets that can be put together, but a raw food diet is some of the best healthy food for dogs. As strange as it may sound, the more raw food you can give your dog the better the pet's health will be.
Some people who are not completely sold on the entire raw food diet for their pet's health will opt to go for a half raw food and half dry food diet, which is good as well. Just as long as you include some amount of raw food it will be extremely beneficial for a number of reasons.
Raw food diets have been found to help the body of your dog deal with common ailments such as flea infestations, allergies, immune disorders, continual shedding and much more. The kind of diet that you present to your dog and the healthy foods that you give to your dog will create a long-lived life. By providing healthy food, it will help your dog build immunity, heal quicker from illness and overall just become a healthy canine.
The worry that people have regarding raw foods, especially raw meat, is e. coli and salmonella. What most people don't know is that the way dog's digestive systems are designed they are made to accommodate raw meat unlike humans.
There is an array of different kinds of healthy food for dogs that are raw, which most dogs like because of the variety. As mentioned above, raw meat is the best kind of food to build up a healthy canine. Things like raw chicken and turkey necks are great, as well as raw poultry bones. Raw poultry bones are very beneficial because they are healthy and it is a great way to clean your dog's teeth. The best kind of raw meat is naturally raised, hormone and antibiotic free or organic meat.
Whenever you change your dog's diet, especially when you begin feeding healthy food for dogs, you want to start small. Having a different diet will take time for the dog's digestive system to adjust and you may notice either diarrhea or constipation at first. Over time, you will be able to gradually build up until you are feeding your dog only raw foods. If you dog can handle it, a combination of raw foods and hard foods is ok.
While there are a number of different healthy foods for dogs, putting them on a raw food diet can be extremely beneficial. Just remember to gradually introduce the food to their digestive system because it will be hard at first. The end result though will be a healthy canine with a stronger immune system.
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