Showing posts with label healthy lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy lifestyle. Show all posts

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Seasonal Summer Salad

For a quick and easy seasonal dinner, toss together a fresh salad chock-full of good-for-you ingredients. This salad recipe shines the spotlight on garden-fresh veggies, fruits, nuts and cheese for a salad that's light yet satisfying.  Less than 400 calories and full of protein, offers options for a tasty and healthy main dish that's loaded with nutrition.


Ingredients


  • Mixed tender leafy greens
  • Cucumber thinly sliced
  • Walnuts
  • Blueberries 
  • Blood orange slices
  • Diced peaches
  • Fresh blueberries
  • Tomato wedges
  • Hemp Seeds
  • Cheese of your choice
  • Purple grape

Ingredient amounts vary depending on the amount you want - a plate or a family size bowl.
Just mix it up and enjoy.
  
Dressing is whatever you prefer.  I like a light Raspberry Vinaigrette or Light Ranch.  

Angel

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Awesome Smoothie Recipes

I wanted to share some Smoothie Recipes that I've found and the taste is almost to good to be good for you.  My first kale smoothie was undrinkable.  
Let's face it, if you can't stand to taste it you're probably not going to drink it, lol.


Hemp Hearts, Blueberries, Chia Seeds, and Spinach are becoming my favorite ingredients.


Recipes


Sleepy Seeds Smoothie helps facilitate sleep naturally by reducing muscle tension and promoting system relaxation. 

Ingredients
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1⁄4 cup blueberries
  • 1⁄4 cup raspberries
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
Instructions
Place ingredients into a blender, fill to the max water line, and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.



Skinny Blast Smoothie

The Skinny Blast Smoothie naturally promotes weight loss and increases your sense of well being. \

Ingredients
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 orange, peeled
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 tbsp hemp seeds
  • 1⁄8 pumpkin seeds
Instructions
Place ingredients into a blender, fill to the max water line, and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. 


Fountain Of Youth Smoothie

The Fountain Of Youth Smoothie will help you reenergize and reinvigorate, thus providing a more youthful attitude and appearance. 

Ingredients
  • 1 medium nectarine, pitted
  • ½ avocado, pitted and peeled
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • 2 cups kale
  • 10 walnut halves
Instructions
Place ingredients into a blender, fill to the max water line, and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. 



Jolly Green Smoothie

The Jolly Green Smoothie is named for the jovial green giant mascot of the Green Giant vegetable company. 

Ingredients
  • ½ banana
  • ½ orange, peeled and seeded
  • 2 cups spinach
  • ¼ cup raspberries
  • ¼ cup strawberries
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ cup ice
Instructions
Place ingredients into a blender and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. 
Add a few Chia seeds to the top and enjoy.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Superfoods You Should Be Eating

I've decided it's time to get healthy.  I've been working way to much and feeling exhausted all the time.  Last week I put in 89 hours at work and felt like a bus ran over me by the end of the week.  

I had to come to the realization that I'm not 22 anymore and my body doesn't work like it once did. So as lay in bed after another 20 hour day I decided that enough was enough.  I can't control my work hours because of the position I hold but I can control my exercise and nutrition.  

So here's what I'm doing, keep in mind I've only just started this week.

Step 1 :  I purchased this amazing product called 

Magic Bullet NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender/Mixer System

This gadget is like the superhero of blenders.  
  • Busts open seeds
  • Cracks through stems
  • Shreds tough skins
  • Breaks down even the toughest ingredients to unlock the vital nutrition inside


Step 2: Did some research on a few Super Foods

Hemp hearts are the very best and most nutritious part of the hemp seed. By shelling the hemp seed, you get only the center, with its raw nutrition, rich nutty flavor and tender crunch. 

  • So easy to use, eat them straight out of the package or sprinkle on anything – salad, cereal or yogurt – the only limit is your imagination. Unlike some other seeds, there is no need to grind Hemp Hearts to get at the incredible nutrition. They are full of protein with 10 grams of complete (all the amino acids), plant-based protein per 30 gram (3 tablespoons) serving size. Hemp Hearts are also a great way to add omegas or EFAs (essential fatty acids) to your diet. According to the World Health Organization, the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 EFAs is 4:1 and the naturally occurring ratio in Hemp Hearts is 3.75:1. Hemp Hearts contain more protein and omegas and less carbs than a similar serving of Chia or Flax. 

Flax seeds are one of the oldest foods known to man.  Remnants of flax seeds were found in an excavation in southeastern Turkey dating back to early biblical years.  

  • Today, flax seeds are gaining consumer interest because of their high nutrient content. Flax oil derived from Golden Flax Seeds is one of the highest known vegetarian sources of soluble fiber, magnesium, zinc and linolenic acid (an Omega-3 fatty acid). The Omega-3 content of the oil is typically 52%. Flax seeds also provide protein, mucilage, phytosterols and plant lignans. 


Chia seeds are a Nutrient-Dense Superfood - rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants and essential vitamins such as vitamins A, B, D and E, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese and iron. Without caffeine jitters, chia seeds sustain energy levels, while helping you stay fuller longer.

  • • Neutral Taste - chia seeds are virtually tasteless and can be added to your favorite foods. For added texture and protein, we recommend sprinkling chia seeds over oatmeal or adding them to smoothies, salads or yogurt for a satisfying and filling snack.
  • • Hydrophilic Properties - these mighty seeds hold up to 12x their weight offering powerful thickening abilities. Make a vegan egg substitute using 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to 3 tablespoons of water.
  • • Suitable for All Diets - this omega powerhouse supports all dietary restrictions considering they are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, raw, low-carb and paleo-friendly.


Goji berries are Soft and Chewy!! Delicious, nutrient-rich. Enjoy by the handful as a healthy snack or use in recipes like oatmeal, cookies, cereal, and trail mix
• Goji berries also have compounds rich in vitamin A that may have anti-aging benefits.
• Improves circulation - supports distribution of nutrients and quality
• Increases metabolic activity - burns fat and aids digestion.


Sunflower Seeds 

  • • High in Fiber, Antioxidants, Omega Fats, and loaded with Protein. Low Carb's. Naturally Heart Healthy & Cholesterol Free. Essential piece to any healthy life style!


Pumpkin Seeds

  • High in Fiber, Antioxidants, Omega Fats, and loaded with Protein. Low Carb's. Naturally Heart Healthy & Cholesterol Free. Featured Ingredient on Dr. Oz.


Coconut Oil

  • Coconut oil is a natural energy source because it contains MCTs (medium chain) "good fats" the body uses to produce energy. As a dietary supplement, Coconut oil is a good addition to physical activity, exercise and weight loss programs.

Acia
Acai (ah-sigh-ee) is a small, dark purple berry that grows on a species of palm tree that thrives throughout tropical regions of South America. To create Navitas Naturals Acai Powder, organic acai berries are sustainably harvested in the Amazon rainforest, freeze-dried, and then milled into a dark purple powder that retains the vital nutrients and flavor of the fresh fruit. 

  • Acai is very low in sugar, but it’s not low in flavor. It has a bold tropical fruit taste that is a hybrid of blackberries, raspberries, and dark chocolate. Acai powder is an ideal addition to yogurt, smoothies, chocolate, drinks, and desserts.Acai provides exceptional amounts of omega fats, protein, and fiber. The nutrient-dense superfruit also contains a vast array of vitamins and minerals including B-vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, and manganese.  



Cacao Powder and Nibs
Mayan Superfood
Known as the "Food of the Gods” by ancient South American cultures, raw cacao is cherished now in modern times as a healthy and delicious form of dark chocolate.  “Nature’s chocolate chips” have a pure dark chocolate flavor, and they’re a healthy source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Enjoy them in recipes just as you would conventional chocolate chips, or snack on them straight out of the bag.

  • Raw cacao contains a naturally rich supply of antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, and it’s an excellent source of dietary fiber. Cacao is also known to be one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium and it possesses many other essential minerals in significant quantities including iron. 
  • Gluten-Free and Kosher.  

Walnuts
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of walnuts has moved this food further and further up the ladder of foods that are protective against metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular problems, and type 2 diabetes. Some phytonutrients found in walnuts—for example, the quinone juglone—are found in virtually no other commonly-eaten foods. Other phytonutrients—like the tannin tellimagrandin or the flavonol morin—are also rare and valuable as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. These anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytonutrients also help explain the decreased risk of certain cancers—including prostate cancer and breast cancer—in relationship to walnut consumption.
I am feeling much better and my energy level is already through the roof.

Next time I'll share some of the Super Healthy and Delicious Smoothies I've learned to make.  It's been a lot of trial and error but I've found some awesome new drinks.

P.S. Kale smoothies take a lot of practice, lol.  

See you soon,

Angel