EAT ME, EAT ME NOT!

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A FLAT BELLY? TIP #7

YOGURT

Yoghurt probably seems like more of a standalone food, but don’t be fooled. Yoghurt can easily be incorporated into everything from soups to salads and even marinades. It can add a tasty, rich flavor to a meal, as well as help to shrink your waistline! 

Diets rich in dairy have been shown to be effective in reducing body fat, especially in the midsection (in part, due to calcium’s crucial role in regulating how fat is stored and broken down by the body).

Dairy products are also rich in the amino acid arginine, which has been shown to help promote fat loss and increase muscle mass. So, start incorporating more yoghurt in your diet today!

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WHO DOESN'T LOVE A FLAT BELLY? TIP #6

HOT PEPPERS

Rich in capsaicin, this spicy vegetable can give your metabolism a boost, helping you to shed unwanted pounds, especially in the midsection. In addition, capsaicin has been found to help relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. Animal studies have also indicated that capsaicin may decrease insulin resistance, which means that this spicy seasoning may help improve blood sugar control, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

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WHO DOESN'T LOVE A FLAT BELLY? TIP #5

GRAPEFRUIT

A recent study found that when obese adults consumed half a grapefruit or 4 ounces of 100 percent grapefruit juice before three main meals, they experienced a significant decrease in both body weight and waist circumference. This may be due to the high water content of the grapefruit helping them to feel satisfied and reduce their portions of other foods.

One extra belly fat–fighting benefit of grapefruit: It contains diuretic properties, helping you shed unwanted water weight, that bloats your belly.

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ENJOY AN OCCASIONAL GLASS OF RED WINE - HERE'S WHY...

For years, researchers have puzzled over the ‘French Paradox’. The French have relatively low levels of cholesterol and less cases of heart disease, despite of the fact that their cuisine has high levels of saturated fat. 

Many studies suggest that that the French are healthy due to the presence of red wine in their diet. So, now that the secret is out, why not use it to the fullest? 

Today, we'll share with you some of the health benefits of enjoying an "occasional" glass of red wine.

#1

PREVENTS TOOTH DECAY

For a perfect set of pearly whites, you should drink red wine. It hardens your enamel which in turn prevents tooth decay and the growth of bacteria. 

Polyphenols, something which is found in red wine, can reduce gum inflammation and prevent gum diseases. 

#2

FOR YOUR FORTY WINKS

Is that presentation at work giving you a sleepless night? Then ditch milk and drink up some red wine. Red wine contains melatonin which can help you sleep peacefully. 

Remember, you should drink it just once in a while. If you are facing sleeplessness regularly, you must consult a doctor. 

#3

PROTECTS YOUR HEART

Resveratrol is one of the most powerful antioxidant compounds which can help reduce the saturated fat accumulated in the arteries. Red wine also contains flavonoids and saponins which protect you against cardiovascular diseases. But this does not mean you go on a drinking spree. Red wine, when drunk in moderation, works best and also raises your HDL cholesterol, which in simple terms is ‘good cholesterol’.

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A FLAT BELLY? TIP #4

RED WINE
Alcohol is an integral part of many celebrations, but it’s also packed full of excess calories that can pack on the pounds. When you’re drinking alcohol, your best option is red wine because it’s rich in Resveratrol. 

High levels of estrogen in your body promote increased fat storage, so suppressing them may decrease body fat while helping to increase lean muscle mass. Keep alcohol in moderation, with no more than one glass per day for women and two glasses per day for men.

                                                                              

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WHO DOESN'T LOVE A FLAT BELLY? TIP #3

SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes are packed full of vitamin C. When the stress hormone Cortisol is chronically elevated in the body, you can experience increased fat storage in the abdominal area.

However, research has shown that vitamin C helps reduce stress levels and return the stress hormone Cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation. This reduction in Cortisol may help to prevent increased belly fat storage. So, mash them, bake them, or even make baked sweet potato fries to gain the benefits!

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SNACK ATTACK - DON'T FALL FOR IT!

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A FLAT BELLY? TIP #2

BLUEBERRIES

These tart little berries are not called “blue dynamos” for nothing! Blueberries contain one of the highest antioxidant levels of all produce, making them terrific at decreasing unhealthy inflammation that may be triggering belly fat storage.

A diet rich in blueberries was shown to help significantly reduce abdominal fat. The same study found that this powerful fruit may lower triglyceride levels and improve insulin sensitivity — in other words, blueberries may help to fight heart disease and type 2 diabetes!

So, don’t be stingy when adding blueberries to your meals. They’re great alone, but they can also be baked into pancakes and muffins, and even added to stuffing. In addition, blueberries make a great topping for pork and poultry dishes.

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WHO DOESN'T LOVE A FLAT BELLY? TIP #1

When it comes to fighting belly fat and achieving the flat belly you’ve always desired, a calorie is not just a calorie. In fact, certain foods can actually trigger your body to store more belly fat!

The good news is that certain foods can also actually help your body to melt stubborn belly fat at lightning speed, helping you to achieve your goals in no time! When you know the best foods to burn belly fat, you can start incorporating them into your favorite breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to maximize your weight loss efforts.

CHIA  SEEDS

Have you heard of the Chia Pet? Well, these tiny chia seeds are one of nature’s top belly-fat fighters! Chia seeds are among the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to metabolize belly fat, as well as reduce circulating levels of stress hormones that trigger fat storage.

You can add these to everything from smoothies to salads to yogurt. You can add them to your favorite breakfast cereal or even use them to thicken soups and gravies! Aim to consume about 1 tablespoon of chia seeds/day.

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HEALTHY SKIN TIP #7

OATMEAL

Oatmeal helps retain Vitamins in your body. Moreover, Oatmeal also takes longer to break down once it is inside your body. Thus, keeping your blood sugar stable. High blood sugar can increase the level of androgens, which contribute to wrinkles. Oats also have healing properties which keep your skin healthy.

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HEALTHY SKIN TIP #6

KIDNEY BEANS

One of the best foods you can have for healthy skin. They not only keep your skin healthy, but also heal it. Kidney beans have a high content of Zinc. According to most dermatologists, low Zinc level in the body is the main cause of blemishes. As mentioned earlier, Zinc has healing properties and therefore, it resolves problems related to blemishes. A four-ounce serving of Kidney beans is the best way to increase Zinc level in your body. Topical Zinc is also effective against acne. Thus, if you buy lotions, make sure they have a high content of Zinc in them.

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HEALTHY SKIN TIP #5

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Contain high concentration of Vitamin E. As a result, Sunflower seeds keep your skin supple. They protect the top layer of your skin from Sun and thus, also help with tan. Eating a handful of Sunflower seeds daily can be quite beneficial. Sunflower seeds are also rich in essential fatty acids. As a result, they are excellent for parched body parts, like heels and lips. Topical application of Sunflower oil is even better.

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HEALTHY SKIN TIP #4

PEPPERS AND OTHER VEGETABLES

According to dermatologists, people who eat yellow and green vegetables regularly have fewer wrinkles on their skin, especially around their eyes. Yellow, green and orange vegetables are rich in carotenoids. These substances can reduce your skin’s sensitivity to the Sun. Thus, solving all kinds of problems related to tan. Pepper also has the same effect. Two cups of pepper every day can do wonders for your skin.

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HEALTHY SKIN TIP #3

WALNUTS

Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your body. They can improve your skin’s elasticity. Walnuts also contain copper. It enhances collagen levels in your body. A handful of walnuts everyday can do the trick. They can easily improve your complexion and get rid of tough calluses.

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IS SUGAR REALLY AS SWEET AS WE THINK?

We know much more about nutrition than we did 20 or 30 years ago. We've learned to cut back on processed foods, scrutinize labels, and emphasize organic produce. Pat your back if you've done all this! Great job! But then there's sugar. And as we've come to learn, added sugar and health don't mix.

We've known for a long time that sugar is not our friend, but for many people it's as hard to quit as an addictive drug. This is no coincidence. Refined sugar does cause addiction in the brain, making it seem impossible to control our cravings.

Sugar has gone from being a special treat to a daily part of our diet, and it appears sugar is toxic at high levels. And the massive rise in diseases related to unhealthy blood sugar levels, from obesity and metabolic syndrome to diabetes and Alzheimer's, among others, certainly seems to mirror that increase. Is this a coincidence? Hardly.

                                                                   

DO YOU PREFER SUGAR OR INSULIN?

Naturally occurring sugars found in fruits and vegetables are not a real concern. These foods have fiber, vitamins, minerals—the complete package that allows your body to process the sugars in a healthy way. Refined sugar, on the other hand, is basically a chemical extract, separated from all the healthy aspects of the original food, be it sugar cane or sugar beets, from which it was derived.

IS REFINED SUGAR ANY BETTER?

Refined sugar has zero nutritional value, but it can sure wreak havoc on our bodies. First off, it spikes glucose (blood sugar) levels. Insulin, the hormone that tells cells to take in glucose, spikes as well. Increased insulin levels tell the body to form fat and release more cortisol, a stress hormone that damages immunity and increases inflammation. These increases can also lead to insulin resistance in cells, causing excess circulating glucose. And this triggers a cascade of harmful effects, fueling chronic inflammation and wreaking havoc through the body. Left unchecked, this process can directly lead to metabolic syndrome and, later on, to type 2 diabetes. Glucose spikes are one of the reasons sugar is so hard to quit.

HEALTHY SKIN TIP #2

POMEGRANATE

Rich in polyphenol antioxidants. Antioxidants are always good for your skin. Polyphenol antioxidants regulate your skin’s blood flow by fighting free radicals. As a result, they give it a good smell and make it soft. You can drink a few glasses of Pomegranate juice or eat a Pomegranate every day to keep your skin healthy. If you apply this fruit on your skin, it’s antioxidants will moisturize the skin and help remove wrinkles.

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HEALTHY SKIN TIP #1

Beauty literally comes from within and for a healthy looking skin we need to have a healthy bodies. No matter how much cosmetic products we use, we can not get a naturally beautiful skin unless we control what we eat. We'll give you a list of 7 foods for the healthy looking skin we all want to have - one for each day of the week!

CHOCOLATE

Cocoa is an important ingredient in chocolate, which keeps your skin hydrated. Thus, it makes your skin more supple and firm. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonol, which is an excellent antioxidant. According to most dermatologists, flavonol are essential for healthy skin. Eating chocolate which contains 70% cocoa provides maximum flavonol content. In order to improve luminosity, just a couple of squares every day will be enough. If you apply dark chocolate topically, it may reduce puffiness on your skin. As strange as it may sound, most dermatologists advise applying dark chocolate on your skin.

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HEALTHY BITES #7

SPINACH

Like kiwi, spinach is loaded with vitamin E. But that’s not all. Spinach really packs a huge nutritional punch. it has loads of beta-carotene, folate and vitamins A, C and K, as well.

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THE SUBWAY DECEPTION!

We are all aware of Jared’s incredible transformation from “blimptom” to normalcy by eating Subway sandwiches and the resulting “Eat Fresh” slogan that put Subway on the top of the map.

Being a vegan, I only ate a foot-long Veggie, no mayo or cheese, with mustard and some oil and vinegar, on toasted whole wheat. When they offered avocado I got a bit skeptical because when Quiznos added avocado it was a paste and not what I had hoped.

So, one day at my local Subway, I asked the woman behind the counter if the avocado was fresh. Her reply, and I really appreciated her honesty despite her lack of marketing skills, was, “Yes, we opened the can this morning.”

That got me to thinking, “what else?”

I have come to learn that every one of their “6 grams or less” items contains preservatives to keep it, if you will pardon the expression, “fresh.”

Okay, they make the sandwich in front of you, but behind the scenes they get boxes of already cut up and pre-packaged processed foods, with chemical additives, that are shipped from Big Food factories to all their locations.

Did you know that the 9-grain whole wheat bread that looks and smells freshly baked contains around 50 ingredients including refined flour, conditioners, MSG, refined sugar and more? Me either! How can a bread so processed ever come close to being a real food?

Did you ever hear of a chemical ingredient called azodicarbonamide? Me either. It’s banned as a food additive in the U.K., Europe, and Australia. But not at Subway. Interestingly enough, if you get caught using it in Singapore you get up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $450,000.

And why? Because it’s primary use is in the production of foamed plastics. But in the good ole U S of A, it can be used as a food additive, a flour-bleaching agent, and a dough conditioner because it improves the elasticity of bread.

The U.K. has found that azodicarbonamide is a potential cause of asthma if inhaled, and for people that have sensitivity to food dyes and other allergens in food, this can increasingly aggravate the symptoms.

Somebody should inform Subway that to make real whole-wheat bread all you really need is whole-wheat flour, yeast, salt, water, and maybe some honey. But that doesn’t really do anything for shelf life or the fact that the stores do not bake their breads.

HEALTHY BITES #6

KIWI

Kiwifruit is a great natural source of vitamin E, a key nutrient for your immune system. Vitamin E helps protect your body from viral and bacterial infections. Though the jury is still out on whether or not vitamin C helps boost immunity, kiwifruit does have more of the stuff than most citrus fruits, including oranges!

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HEALTHY BITES #5

GARLIC

People have been using garlic to ward of disease for thousands of years. And, more and more research suggest, it’s more than just folk medicine. One prominent study (PDF) found that people who took garlic supplements got few cold symptoms, and, if they did get sick, they were ill for less time than the placebo group.

If you can handle it, try eating a clove of garlic every day. But it does not just have to be the hard way — adding some minced garlic, fresh or cooked, is beneficial.

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HEALTHY BITES #4

CARROTS

Though they probably won’t help you see in the dark, carrots might just help you ward off seasonal colds and flus. Like sweet potatoes, carrots are full of beta-carotene. For the best immune system-boosting results, stick to eating raw carrots.

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DAIRY MILK OR OSTEOPOROSIS?

Dairy milk, that one chocolate that most of us love  is singled out as the biggest dietary cause of osteoporosis because more than any other food it depletes the finite reserve of bone-making cells in the body.

So although milk makes bones stronger in the short term, in the long term it erodes bone-making cells, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This explains a paradox: black people are known to be less tolerant to lactose in milk, and consequently they drink less milk, yet they get much less osteoporosis than white people. This new research resolves the paradox because by consuming less milk you are less likely to get osteoporosis.

Growing evidence is showing that calcium in milk does not protect against osteoporosis. For example in a 12-year Harvard study of 78,000 women, those who drank milk three times a day actually broke more bones than women who rarely drank milk. Similarly, a 1994 study in Sydney, Australia, showed that higher dairy product consumption was associated with increased fracture risk: those with the highest dairy consumption had double the risk of hip fracture compared to those with the lowest consumption.

HEALTHY BITES #3

MUSHROOMS

Mushrooms are one of, if not the best, vegetarian foods for preventing and fighting disease. That’s because mushrooms help the maturation of your white blood cells, and, as some research suggest, might actually help them ward off disease better!

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