Food For Thought

[ambannon-blog]

The most important meal of the day...

Breakfast has commonly been considered the most important meal of the day to nutritionists. Numerous studies have been done that link eating breakfast to lower body weights and BMI in adolescents and adults. In addition, breakfast gives you fuel to start the day and keeps you focused instead of hungry. People are less likely to binge eat at other meals throughout the day if they have eaten breakfast. A healthy breakfast is usually filled with fiber, calcium, and vitamins, all essential nutrients. Investing the time to make and eat a nutritional breakfast is worth the while! Wake Up to the Benefits of Breakfast.

[ambannon-blog]

Great recipe - fast, easy, and healthy! This kale pasta toss contains protein for energy and essential nutrients and vitamins from the vegetables. Another way to change it up and make the recipe unique is by substituting the kale for any leafy green such as spinach or even broccoli or green beans.

[ambannon-blog]

Blueberries are a tasty snack that will make you think you are snacking on sweets.. only it's loaded with benefits. Blueberries contain antioxidants that are known to slow macular degeneration (failing eyesight), slow aging, boost brain function, and help fend off Alzheimer's disease. Being rich in vitamins, blueberries also boost the immune system. In addition, the fiber they contain aides digestion and helps promote a healthy heart.

[livexhealthy-deactivated2014061]

My oatmeal collection over November

[ambannon-blog]

Oatmeal is a great start to the day! It's low in calories and fat, and it's high in fiber which can keep you full for longer and fight off hunger and cravings. Whole grains in the oats are good for heart health and help reduce cholesterol. Oatmeal also helps regulate blood sugar and is loaded with antioxidants to keep a healthy immune system. Adding fruit on top is an extra bonus!

[ambannon-blog]

An apple a day...

A recent study published in the Journal of Functional Foods linked eating apples - specifically one a day - to a decrease in the risk of strokes by lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL - the "bad" cholesterol) by 40%. For details on the study, take a look at the article that was posted on ScienceDaily.

[ambannon-blog]

Next time you go for a sandwich, ditch the white bread and substitute it for slices of whole grain bread. Even small switches like this can help keep your heart healthy. Check out some more benefits of whole grains.

[ambannon-blog]

Substitute carbohydrate heavy pasta with vegetables. This simple recipe replaces a ravioli shell with thinly sliced zucchini for a delicious chicken and zucchini low-carb ravioli.

[ambannon-blog]

Healthy Holidays

The binge of Thanksgiving is behind us, but what lies ahead is just as dangerous for health-conscious eaters. The holidays offer temptations of over-indulging in holiday favorites like warm apple pie, sugar cookies, and eggnog. Here's some tips to stay on track:

1.) Don't go hungry. Whether you're going to a party or shopping at the mall, make sure you have food in your stomach beforehand. You will be less inclined to cave at the Auntie-Anne's passing by or head straight to the snack table when you arrive at the party.

2.) Pay attention to portions. Most holidays include at least one "smorgasbord" meal. If you are pining to try every dish, take only a half-serving of each. Buffet style meals can easily spin out of control if you're not paying attention to how much you are eating.

3.) Hide the leftover smidgens. Don't leave the chocolates in plain sight where you can nonchalantly grab a handful on your way through the kitchen. Putting them in a more secluded area will be less convenient to intermittently snack on them. You may even forget they're there!