Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Green Tea, Diet and Health

green tea picture
Matcha Green Tea Powder
Green Tea and Health 


Green tea originates from Asian countries, but has been proven to have many health benefits.  According to Wikipedia,  a survey released by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2007 found that Green Tea contains flavonoids-- a group of phytochemicals in most plant products that are responsible for such health effects as anti-oxidative and anti-carcinogenic functions.





Green Tea and Health 

According to Web MD, studies have shown that Green Tea may:
  • Aid in lowering cholesterol,
  • Serve as a fat burner
  • Help Prevent Diabetes
  • Reduce Risk of Stroke
  • Ward of Dementia




Matcha Green Tea Powder Rotating Header Image

According to the  Matcha Green tea blog, Matcha green tea is grown only in Japan and some parts of China.  It is used by the ancient Japanese to help them with meditation and focus.   The ingredient in the green tea, "L-theanine" helps you stay relaxed.

Matcha green tea comes from the same plant as black tea and green tea, however the unique growing and processing makes it very different in flavor and health benefits--it is picked and processed by hand to ensure only the best leaves are used for the tea.  The tea leaves are grown under shade for the last stage of their growth cycle which helps bring huge amounts of chlorophyll to the leaves, making them a dark vibrant green (and filled with nutrients).

Therefore, Matcha Green Tea is VERY high in anti-oxidants, in fact it has 137 times the amount of antioxidants as regular green tea and by weight it has more antioxidants than many of the “super fruits”.   It is also said to boost metabolism and help reduce cholesterol levels when drank regularly.

Green Tea Recipes Instead of Soda

In the summer, why not try Green Tea instead of soda to quench your thirst?

Honey Citrus Green Tea

Courtesy of IrvineHousewife from All Recipes.Com!  

  • 1 (2 inch) piece lemon zest, cut into thin slivers
  • 2 teaspoons boiling water
  • 2 teaspoons green tea powder
  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
Find out more about Green Team on FACEBOOK

Monday, April 23, 2012

Healthy Eating Low Calorie Summer Travel

healthy eating picture
Healthy Eating While Traveling is Key
Eating Healthy on Vacation: Some Restaurants are Listening

Summer is coming, and if you are traveling or on vacation one of the complaints we get is that you are unsure how to eat healthy.  Perhaps you are traveling with others who aren't as concerned about diet or exercise, and their choice of dinner is not what's good for you.

So what can you do if you are easily tempted by fatty foods or fruity drinks which contain a lot of unhealthy calories but your spouse or friends do not have this issue?   Truth be told, eating healthy in top restaurants may be right under your nose.  There's no reason why you can't have an enjoyable meal dining out on the town with all parties involved if you do your homework.

Search for Healthy Restaurant Menu Options When Planning Your Trip

So maybe you can't get them to agree to a tofu cafe' , but a little trickery is key. You can easily do a web search for healthy restaurants to eat at in the area in which you are visiting. Planning in advance and reading reviews is key.

Take for instance if you are in New York for the day, near Greenwich Village in Manhattan, you could stop for a NYC Brunch at Favela Cubana which is a Cuban restaurant that serves healthy Brazilian-Cuban meals in good size portions.  Tasteful creations mixed with healthier choices and high protein options are key here.  Other menu options may be enjoyed by others.  While you are dining on something low fat and low calorie your spouse and friends may be enjoying the all you can drink brunch, a win-win scenario for all involved.

healthy eating
At Favela Cubana, you can be eating healthy and the rest of the group delving into something grand also.


Social Networking with Restaurants Before Your Trip 

Favela Cubana prides themselves in networking to their customers about their healthier options by using Facebook or Twitter.   You can use this prior to traveling to get your spouse or friends hyped about the great menu options, then have them wanting to go and savor the flavors for themselves.

Meanwhile, your heart is set on the low fat salad, and after everyone is happy with the experience, no one knows your trip has been carefully and cautiously planned ahead by healthy dining.  Many restaurants may also substitute a house salad in place of fries or potatoes, you just have to ask them.

Walking to Restaurants 

Another key factor during vacation is planning restaurants within walking distance to sights.  In this case, since Favela Cubana is in Greenwich Village, shopping, sightseeing, and eating healthy never became easier. The extra calories burned walking to destinations will help you stay fit on your trip or vacation.

Sounds to us, that vacationing and eating healthy never was easier!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Natural Foods Provide Nutrition and Weight Loss


Vitamins

We get asked a lot about natural supplements such as vitamins, and minerals. Truth be told taking your multivitamins every day is a must since today's diet often lacks many required vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy body. Some natural food ingredients can really help you too.  One of the big complaints I hear is people forgot their vitamins. Keep an extra bottle in your drawer at work or in your purse, just in case.

Vitamin Supplements

Lately I've noticed a lot of office workers who have indoor jobs and work long hours telling me they have been noticing a lot of bone pain or tenderness that could be early onset of Rickets.  Basically this a disorder is caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. It leads to softening and weakening of the bones.  Truth be told, we aren't getting enough sunshine when we are working so much indoors.  That is why a nice vitamin D supplement can't hurt and is often recommended when you aren't taking enough.   Feel a cold coming on? Take some extra Vitamin C.  Women who have problems with urinary tracts can take cranberry supplements to help strengthen their systems.  Fish Oil is great for heart health!

Courtesy: Raspberry Ketone Plus, Dr. Oz Says this is the #1 Miracle in a bottle to help burn fat!

Beauty Nutrition and Lack of Aging from Fruits and Vegetables

People who are eating diets rich in fruits and vegetables and living healthier often look younger and radiate a more youthful appearance as those who don't. It's all based on what goes into your body--if you have someone age 50 who works out and eats healthy for the past twenty years standing next to someone who is age 50 but who has eaten fast food, drank and smoked the past two decades, you will visibly see a huge difference in overall appearance. In fact, one may look age 38 and the other 65.  It's no secret that there is a directly correlation between what your body puts in it is how you are going to look.

Many Native Americans lived off the land and consumed only freshly caught meats or naturally grown crops, not the processed foods of today.  Average age range was 80 to 100, many claiming that the best way to eat was naturally.  This is again proof that eating less processed or chemically treated foods and more natural and organic ingredients can benefit you.

Celebrities such as Cindy Crawford  have been using more natural remedies in fact Cindy's Meaningful Beauty product line boasts that "a rare melon" omits powerful antioxidants which helps her look younger and some doctors and scientists agree.  Could it be that the question to reducing the aging clock and the answer to living healthy is in the foods that grow naturally around us?
Courtesy: Raspberry Ketone Pure, all of these ingredients wrapped into one...

Natural Dietary Supplements Do Aid in Weight Loss and Body Health

Recently Raspberry Ketone Pure was the subject on Dr. Oz and has rave reviews all over the internet.  Raspberry Ketone  Supplement is an organic compound that produces the color of raspberries - and recently studies have found that raspberry ketones can help with weight management by increasing the body’s core temperature which helps with metabolism and fat burning abilities. In fact, the Raspberry Ketone Pure (RKP) does contain all the following foods which aid in nutrition and weight loss just as the photograph above says.  RKP also has done a lot of research on the natural foods going into the supplement.


Grapefruit - High in Vitamin C and Fiber , helps burn fat!  There's no mistaking these facts!


African Mango - This is a proven fat burner and appetite suppressant!  RKP says, "Studies have shown that taking African Mango supplements can help to reduce appetite, burn fat, increase energy, and help regulate the efficiency of the hormone leptin. All of the"se properties can have a significant impact on weight loss and weight management efforts.

Kelp -Metabolism booster! According to RKP, "Kelp can also help promote healthy digestion, and it can also help maintain a healthy urinary tract. It is also thought to help boost the metabolism and thus reduces the chances of weight gain. It is often used to promote overall wellness."

Apple Cider Vinegar - Helps the digestive system!  (This was used in a lot of old time natural remedies.) According to RKP, "Apple cider vinegar has also been popularly used for allergies, sinus infections, acne, flue, sore throats, arthritis, and high cholesterol. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can help with decreasing overall body fat."

Green Tea (extract) - Lowers Blood Pressure and according to RKP, "Green tea is thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and eye disease, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol, promote brain health, and even have some anti-cancer properties."

Acai Berries - Antioxidant and Vitamins that have been classified as a "super food" according to some doctors and celebrities because of their "anti-aging" processes.

I must agree with Dr. Oz that RKP may be a miracle in a bottle because it contains all these SUPER FOODS in one and would be beneficial to your system in helping aid the fat burning process.

Exercise is a Must 

As a personal trainer, I will add that in addition to eating healthy, taking vitamins, or natural supplements, you should follow this up with proper exercise.  Your body is your vehicle which moves you through life. Keeping it well oiled and in good shape will be beneficial to you. . If you need help, call me personally at 410-256-3662 and I'll be happy to help design a workout plan to aid you in your weight loss and fitness goals.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Holistic Health Exercises : Tai Chi Stress Relief

Many people come to a personal trainer between two and three times per week for their individualized workouts. So what do they do on the other days when they aren't with a trainer?  They should be staying active, moving, doing cardio or exercises. I hear many people state they can't get motivated on their own, or they are bored with the regular routine (which is why they come to a trainer, since each workout is different all the time.)  So what about holistic health exercises? Chances are you've heard of Yoga, which originated in India, but have you considered the ancient art of Tai Chi? 
This Tai Chi DVD is great for beginners.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a leader in holistic health exercises. It has been recognized as one of the top ways to reduce stress and tensions and has been called "meditation in motion". Web MD website explains, "Tai Chi is a centuries-old Chinese practice designed to exercise the mind and body through a series of gentle, flowing postures that create a kind of synchronized dance."

It is also recognized by the Mayo Clinic as a good exercise and health benefit because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — connecting the mind and body.  It's no secret that with reduced stress come reduced health risks.


What are the Benefits of Tai Chi?


You can read articles under Medical Research and News of Tai Chi Page, which explains how Tai Chi has been associated with helping motor function and arthritis in adults, helps fibromyalgia, increases heart health, enhances immune functions and helps chronic fatigue syndrome. 

How to Begin Tai Chi:

If you are a beginner, no worries, anyone can go to the Tai Chi DVD website and to get the instructional Tai Chi DVD that is perfect for beginner or intermediate alike.

If you are worried that you will end up with another DVD collecting dust, don't be. This website keeps you learning because there is also has a free downloadable e-workbook and e-lesson guide to help people easily structure their learning process.

Learning about the exercise and implementing it into your life can reduce stress, build muscle tone and increase overall health.




Monday, April 9, 2012

Protein Recipes for Whey Crisps


Whey Crisp Cooking: The High Protein Solution

Have you ever tried Whey Crisps to make energy bars or other healthy recipes? If not you are missing out.  In case you don't know,  this is the best way to sneak protein into your day! Whey Crisps are basically the same exact product as a whey protein powder but in solid crisp form!  I like to think of them as the solution to being sick of drinking whey powder shakes.  In crisp form, the whey is perfect to bake and cook with !  (Easier than soy powder too.)

What are Whey Crisps and Who Uses Them? 

Let's back up.  Whey Crisps are a protein food amplifier.  If you’re like the rest of us, trying to build muscle and lose fat,  you must make sure to get the right amount of protein. This is hard in the every diet and when you are on the go.  These are ideal for anyone and everyone! Whether you are into fitness, or just starting to diet.  If you are a sports athlete and bodybuilder, or just a busy mom who wants to have healthier options in her household.  Whey Crisps are for you!


What do you do with Whey Crisps? 

Simple, you can make high protein foods such as bars, cereal, cookies, pudding, and anything else you can think of. Here are some ideas:

  • In fact we hear that moms love them to bake the Orange Cranberry Muffins for the family!
  •  Sports gurus make their own energy bars, such as this lovely Peanut Butter Energy Bar.  
  • People craving a yummy meal at a cookout can turn an ordinary chicken burger into a 70 grams protein super burger.  
  • The waist watcher can now have a yogurt parfait with 40 grams of protein.  
  • People who are very active can add it to any cereal for a post-workout meal. Dieters: sprinkle it on your salad and turn it into a protein packed meal.  
  • Want to fool the kids? Make Taco Salad from Whey Crisps for the whole family and it's a kid friendly healthier option! They will be eating good without even knowing it!


Whey Crisps are made with whey protein isolate, are low in carbohydrates, and contains no soy.  Go to Whey Crisps website to check them out.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Banana Recipe YouTube's Sweet Healthy Treats




We found a press release which led us to a great YouTube video channel feating this Banana Recipe with host Stan Starsky of Peace, Love and Snacks website,  We really enjoyed watching this video, and noticed Stan has other videos too.  This particular one  just proves something can be healthy for you, low cost to make and sweet to eat!.  So, if you are craving sweetness, instead of reaching for unhealthy treats, go for fruit, smoothies or something that's good for you? (We love this since it's lost cost to make. Note: The Banana earned a grade "A" here on Calorie Count.)


Connect with Stan on Facebook or on Twitter.



You May Also Like: 

Our Smoothie for Breakfast Recipe!



Monday, April 2, 2012

Coffee and Health Benefits Cold Brew



There are so many mixed reviews on coffee.  Is it good for you or bad for you?

Cons and Myths Debunked

It is no secret that coffee contains acids  which can irritate or make a mild heartburn worse. Is there any solution? Sadly decaffeinated coffee also contains acid. There may be a partial solution: along came Cold Brew Coffee which provides up to 67% less acidic taste, which may be less irritating.

Doctors have instructed people for years who have high or borderline high blood pressure to watch their coffee intake due to caffeine, which can lead to increased heart rate, heart attack or stroke. Now I am totally in shock because WebMD released this study of  130,000 Kaiser Permanente health plan members; people who reported drinking 1-3 cups of coffee per day were 20% less likely to be hospitalized for abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) than nondrinkers, and they go on to talk about coffee preventing strokes in women.

Is there something we just don't know or perhaps is it not the coffee itself but what you put in it?  According to the USDA a 6 ounce cup of coffee is only about 7 calories. That is amazing! The problem occurs when you load it with more half and half than coffee, and add tons of sugar or unnatural sugar substitutes. 

Some Like It Hot or Not?

If you are one of those (and we do understand) who likes their hot coffee looking like milk, why not consider trying to wane yourself and onto good black java by downgrading to low fat milk or fat free creamers?  Unnatural sugar substitute can be replaced with small amounts of natural sweeteners.  Eventually you want to shoot for black coffee but if you are not used to it , this may take you some time.  Why not consider the Cold Brew Coffee below and see if you enjoy that better than hot? It is sweeter and needs less additives because it contains 67% less acid and tastes altogether different than hot coffee.

Pros

I read up on "Health Benefits of Coffee" from Neil Osterweil on WebMD and a few other articles.  I was shocked to hear recent studies stating that pregnant mothers can consume coffee in small amounts.(When did that change?)  In recent medical studies, coffee consumption has been associated with :

  • Lowering Prostate Cancer
  • Decreased Risk of Liver Cancers
  • Decreasing Risk of Type 2 Diabetes which in turn Stalls Heart Attack and Stroke
  • Lowering risk of Dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease
Not to mention countries like Canada, believe organic coffee enemas can cure hepatitis and other health concerns and conditions.  One of my clients swears this worked for them, but the coffee was shade-grown and ordered from SA Wilson's in Canada and doctors here in the US won't recognize these herbal remedies (yet.)

Image used w/permission coldbrewcoffee dot com

Cold Brew Coffee: Daily Coffee Alternative With Less Acid

Cold brew or cold press refers to the method of steeping coffee grounds in room temperature water for an extended period (usually 12-24 hours) of time.  No heating element is ever introduced to the process brewing coffee.  The benefits of this are that you get a coffee that comes out with tastes a little sweeter because of its lower acidity, but can be just as full bodied yet often smoother than heat brewed coffee.  In essence, you are producing a sweet cold coffee concentrate with up to 20% less caffeine and up to 67% less acidic taste. 

A lot of people prefer the cold brew process and enjoy drinking the coffee in it's natural black state without the use of creams and sugars.  It also saves money because you can use the grounds twice since they are never heated, meaning you get more bang for your buck. 

Find out more about Cold Brew Coffee here. including recipes and instructions !


Direct questions on cold brew to @foodchatter on twitter!


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