Optimum Body Sculpting's FitBlog » healthy diet

A Secret Supplement For A Flatter Belly?

cdunlop — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 07:00:17 +0000

I’ve been telling you forever that there are NO shortcuts. Now, I can’t say for certain, but there’s a good, good chance you’ve been down the “magic pill and potion” road before. Hey, don’t feel bad, most people have.

And with all the deceptive marketing and lies those companies tell you, well, it can be easy to believe them. You know as well as I do that exercise and proper nutrition are the way to go. But as my partners over at Prograde Nutrition show you in this article, there are ways to supplement that can really make a difference with your results.

Bottom line: If you’re serious about that dream body you need to devour this article ASAP:

Stay Fit,
Carol

PS – Again, there are NO shortcuts, but there is SCIENCE behind the worthwhile supplements. Be sure to read this article to see for yourself:

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How to Make Healthy Summer Smoothies

cdunlop — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:58:24 +0000

Nothing is more refreshing on a hot summer’s day than a cold, frozen treat. And smoothies with their perfect blend of healthy fruits, low-fat yogurt and a few other add-ins are a nutritious way to beat the heat.

But not all smoothies are created equal. In fact, these fruit blended shakes can contain just as many calories as a milkshake. For instance, a small Peanut Butter Moo’ed smoothie from Jamba Juice contains 530 calories and 11 grams of fat! After a few of those, bikini season will definitely lose its appeal.

But smoothies, just like any food, whether it’s a salad or pizza, can be healthy and low-cal. Here are a few basic guidelines to keep in mind when the urge for a summer smoothie strikes:

Homemade is best: It’s better for your waist and your wallet if you can make your smoothie at home in your kitchen. You control the ingredients and the amounts. The only downside is that you have the responsibility of cleaning out the blender.

Choose a lean base: Skim milk, low-fat and unsweetened yogurt, and light soy or almond milks make great bases for summer smoothies. Not only do they add creaminess, but they are much lower in calories than frozen yogurt, ice cream or reduced-fat milk. Your smoothie base does not need to be sweet; it will get plenty of sweet with the natural sugars from fresh fruit.

Select healthy add-ins: Many smoothie shops add calorie-dense ingredients into their smoothies like chocolate syrup or peanut butter, which send them off the charts in regards to calories and fat. Keep your smoothies lean by choosing add-ins that are as close to Mother Nature as possible. Think fruit and more fruit. Berries, pineapple, mango and bananas are virtually fail-proof in making your smoothie delicious and nutritious.

Here’s recipe from a Mixed Berry Smoothie straight from the Biggest Loser Ranch.

Don’t over look herbs: Mint, basil and cilantro pair super well with summer fruits and add a surprising flavor twist. And wheat germ and flax seeds add fiber-rich nutrients and a nutty texture to your cool summer treat.

Whipping up healthy summer smoothies can be just as creative as they are healthy. Pour them into a fun glass, add a curly straw and let the healthy sipping begin!

Bio: Heather Darling, MPH is a health writer for DietsInReview.com, a site which provides the tools and information needed to shape a healthier you.

If you would like to apply to be featured as a guest blogger, please contact us.

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Add superfoods to your diet

cdunlop — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 07:00:47 +0000

Try including some of the following “super foods” into your diet. Each food contains vitamins, nutrients and/or minerals that are believed to contain special properties for health, disease prevention and/or longevity.

Food	Serving Size	Properties/Benefits
Broccoli	2 spears	Contains vitamins C, A, Beta Carotene and Fiber.
Carrots	2 medium	2 carrots every other day provide enough beta carotene to reduce stroke risk by half for men who already have symptoms of heart disease
Chili Peppers	1 or more peppers	The heat source in chilis, capsaicin, is an antioxidant. Contains blood thinning properties to prevent strokes, lowers cholesterol, protects DNA against carcinogens, may stimulate release of endorphins (“natural high” chemicals)
Spinach	1 cup uncooked	Contains vitamins A and C, folic acid and magnesium which help control cancer, reduces heart disease and stroke risk, blocks free radicals and may help prevent osteoporosis.
Mushrooms	1/4 cup dried Shitakes or other exotic mushrooms	Contain beta-glucan, which stimulates immune system. Shitake, enoki, zhuling and reishi all have anti-cancer and antiviral effects
Tomatoes	1 med. tomato	Contain lycopenes – an antioxidant more potent than vitamin C. Stimulates immune function and may slow degenerative diseases
Strawberries	1/2 cup	Contains ellagic acid, which contains anti-cancer properties
Papaya, Pineapple & Kiwi	one papaya, 1 cup pineapple, 1-2 kiwis	High amounts of enzymes that help combat everything from autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer to AIDS
Mangoes	1 mango	Contains bioflavonoids that aid the immune system
Citrus Fruits	1 lg. orange or equivalent	Contains vitamin C which helps your body fight cancers (lung, cervical, esophagus & stomach). Rich in bioflavonoids.
Apricots	3 fresh	Fresh apricots are high in beta-carotene. Also contains vitamin C and fiber.
Bananas	1 medium	Rich in magnesium (helps protect circulatory system), potassium and slowly-absorbed sugars. Good source of pectin (a soluble fiber). Prevents radical swings in blood sugar
Garlic	2-3 cloves fresh or 1 tsp. Garlic Powder	May lower cholesterol and blood pressure. May contain chemicals capable of destroying cancer cells
Green Tea	1 cup	Green tea contains polyphenols, which may reduce heart disease, cancer and stroke risk
Beans	1 cup	High in protein and complex carbohydrates. Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Contains phytochemicals and protease inhibitors that may help prevent cancer
Soybeans & Tofu	4 ounces tofu or equivalent soy product	Lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in bloodstream which reduces heart disease risk. Studies have shown that people who regularly eat soy products have reduced risk or lower rates of prostate, colon, lung, rectal and stomach cancers.
Salmon	3 ounces	Contains omega-3 oils to fight heart disease. Contains calcium, magnesium, protein and B-vitamins.
Oats	1 cup oatmeal, 1-1/2 packets instant oatmeal, or 1-1/4 cup oat flakes cereal	Oat bran lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. May reduce risk of colon cancer. Oatmeal contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.

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General Mills Presents Benefits of Whole Grains