Pregnancy snacks – apple fruit during pregnancy

Apples are considered as very good pregnancy snacks. We have already mentioned about Health benefits of apples on this site. Women who eat an apple every day can protect their children from many complications and diseases in life. It really keeps the doctor away. Many researches have been done on this issue. Researchers have concluded that women who eat four apples a week can half the chance of their children suffering from asthma and allergies and childhood wheezing.

Apple as snacks during pregnancy
According to the research, apples contain polyphenols and flavonoids which protect the body from the occurrence of asthma, bronchial sensitivity and lung functions in adult people. So, eating apples during pregnancy can be very beneficial to fight against asthma and allergies.
Intake of fish is also very good for the pregnant women. It saves the child from skin disease eczema. So, maintain a balanced diet, fresh fruits, meat, and fish to make your child disease-free. There are lots of benefits of eating apples during pregnancy.

Pregnancy snacks – why you should include apple in your snacks during pregnancy?
Apples has lots of health benefits. It is a common proverb, “an apple a day keeps doctors away”. Below mentioned are the benefits of apple if it is consumed as snacks during pregnancy.

Prevention from Osteoporosis – French scientists have found that women, who eat apples on a daily basis, can prevent themselves from osteoporosis after the period of menopause. Apples contain phloridzin and boron which helps to strengthen the bones thus preventing osteoporosis.
Prevention from asthma – A study has revealed that mothers who eat an apple every day can protect their children from causing asthma up to high extent.
Alzheimer’s disease protection – Quercetin in apples prevents brain cells from damage thus preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Helps to lower cholesterol – pectin which is present in apples helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. You should eat two apples a day.
Prevention of lung cancer – A research has reveals that people who eat apples every day can lower the risk of developing lung cancer by 50%. Apples contain naringin and quercetin which prevents lung cancer.
Prevents Breast Cancer – A study on Cornell University has revealed that intake of an apple every day lowers the breast cancer in women. So, to prevent this, pregnant women should eat an apple daily.
Prevention of Colon Cancer – It also prevents colon cancer. Pectin in apples helps to maintain a healthy digestive track thus preventing colon cancer.
Liver Cancer Prevention – Intake of apples also prevents Liver Cancer.
Controls diabetes- Apples contain pectin which supplies galacturonic acid to the body. This acid lowers the need of insulin in the body thus controlling diabetes.
Lowers Bodyweight- a Brazilian study has revealed that women who take apples or peas during their dieting period can lose weight more quickly and easily than those who does not take these.
Prevent Stretch Marks- Women get stretch marks during their pregnancy. Intakes of apples help them to prevent stretch marks to occur.
So, apple is one of the most important menu items that should be included in the snacks of pregnant woman. It protects their unborn child from a lot of diseases. So, what’s now? Go to the market and buy apples and start eating two apples a day. You will be the happiest mother when you will give birth to a healthy, beautiful, normal and disease- free baby.

Healthy Snacks

Now days, snacks have become very common because of our busy schedules. Between activities, work, homework, and chores, we tend to munch on anything than we can get our hands on, which leads to a bad diet and an unhealthy lifestyle if you don’t choose your snacks wisely.
I recommend that you don’t stuff your bag with change so you can buy junk food from vending machines and rather, fill that bag up with nutritious and healthy snacks.
A few examples of good snacks you can pack:
• Apple: Apples are both nutritious and tasty. 180g of apple is approximately 96 calories.

• Bananas: Full of natural sugar and a great energy booster. 118g is approximately 105 calories.

• Baby Carrots: very convenient and stores sell them pre-packaged and washed. 170g of baby carrots is 60 calories.

• Dried peas: They come in various seasonings and taste great. 25g provides you with about 72 calories.

• Raw Mixed Nuts: Some people prefer this snack because it is filling for short periods of time so it is convenient for pre-dinner snacking. 30g are about 178 calories.

Snack healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Almonds – The Food of the Champions

Do you know eating a few almonds a day will keep diseases away? Very few are aware that almonds are a rich source of protein, magnesium, manganese, fiber, copper, riboflavin, phosphorous and vitamin E.

Almonds contain heart-friendly unsaturated fats in plenty. Top sports persons consider almonds as the food of the champions.

As per research, consuming a few almonds a day will lower LDL or bad cholesterol in your body. Further, almond skins said to contain several powerful antioxidant flavnoids which are vital for maintaining good health.

Almonds are also consumed as good dietary supplement for increasing libido, and for improving sperm count. Taking raw almonds is advisable so that its nutritious contents are not lost.

Undoubtedly, almonds are extremely good for health. Moreover, almonds are rich in vitamin E which is an important source of antioxidant that is helpful in strengthening the immune system; it also guards cell membranes and helps in making red blood cells.

Almonds are the favorite of sportsmen and women for achieving better performance in the championships. A few raw almond pieces are soaked overnight in water and consumed in the early morning. These soaked almond pieces are taken as breakfast first in the morning.

Indeed, almonds are the food of the champions.

Healthier Alternatives for Favorite Valentine’s Day Treats

The average American eats about 26 lbs. of candy a year, and Valentine’s Day is one of the worst offenders. Here are some lighter options for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Desserts:
Eat some chocolate covered strawberries. At about 250 calories a serving, they are better for your waistline than a slice of cheesecake (averaging about 900 calories), or something similar.

Chocolate:
Opt for dark chocolate. A 2 oz. serving only contains 290 calories, while a serving of white chocolate (eww!) has over 350 calories and 30 g of sugar.

Appetizer:
Instead of deep fried anything, choose a raw-bar assortment, with cocktail shrimp and oysters. Most are under 200 calories a serving.

Dinner:
Choose a lean protein (think chicken or beef) with vegetables or a salad on the side, as opposed to a fat, calorie, and carb-laden dish.

Valentine’s Day is the most romantic night of the year, and making smart food choices can leave you with enough energy to enjoy your evening.

Plan your meals right

 

 

We should never forget the importance of nutritional values when planning the meals but usually we do so. We find it easier to visit a fast food restaurant and eat our favorite food and deserts. Are we doing justice with the natural requirement of body with respect to nutrition and health?

 

Everyone knows they should eat healthy foods and plan their meals which can take care of all nutrition needs of the body but some how we are not sure how to start. Here are some things to take care when trying to plan healthy meals.

Fruits and Vegetables: Normally we take food 5 to 6 times a day which should include 2 to 3 cups of fruits and equal amount of green vegetables. Fruits and green vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fibers required for good health. Dark green colored vegetables contain more nutrients than light colored vegetables.

Grains and Cereals: Grains and cereals are rich in fiber and provide carbohydrates and proteins for main energy requirements. Whole grains are more beneficial than refined ones.

Never skip breakfast: Never sip breakfast and have it on regular time every day. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A breakfast should be comparatively heavier than lunch and dinner should be lighter than lunch.

Eat Wide Variety of Foods: To get all essential supplements to body eat all variety of foods including nuts, beans, fish protein, meat, dry fruits, all varieties of fruits and vegetables, etc. It will keep on enhancing flavor and maintaining requirements of body.

Drink plenty of water: Three forth of our body contains water hence water becomes the most essential part of our diet. Drink at least 12 to 15 glasses of water every day not even during hot climate but during winters also. Water is required to detoxify the whole body.

Do we need fat: Organs of our body have a protective layer of fats that makes fat an essential part of our food. But extra fat is dangerous which comes from non consumed portion of our diet. When we take extra calories and don’t burn it results into fat deposition resulting into obesity.

Moderate amount of salt sugar and alcohol is also required. Requirement of these also depend on existing body needs but higher consumption is always harmful.

Regular medical check ups are required to find out any ailments or requirement of body in very initial stage.

Trail Mix

You can make your own trail mix. Sure, you can buy a prepackaged one at the store but there is a sense of health when you take the ingredients and create something to call your own. Here are some suggestions to put in your trail mix:

Pumpkin seeds
Pepita seeds
sunflower seeds
cashews
dried pineapple
raisins
crasins
cranberries
orange cranberries
dried blueberries
almonds
chocolate chips
peanut butter chips
white chocolate chips
macadamia nuts
dark chocolate chips
brazil nuts

and many more!

What can you do with it. Well, you can put it in smaller containers or baggies and grab one on the go or carry them around with you or in your car for when a hunger stike happens. You can also sprinkle some on your salad for a sweet and salty crunch that is also healthy. You can put them in your children’s lunch boxes or take them while shopping so they aren’t hungry.

Trail mix is also a fun way to get the family involved on creating healthy snacks and they will know what they are putting into their body.

You can also do a similar version with granola. The possibilities and varities are endless.

Running a vital tonic

Why should you run?

The golden rule says – you should run because it helps in preventing the chances of developing cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

A little amount of running everyday keeps you fit mentally and physically. Research proves that a combination of diet and exercise is an effective way of reducing weight and increasing lean tissue. Running helps a person to burn on an average-500 to 600 calories per hour.  An average human being can burn around 2000-2500 calories a day by doing simple, everyday things. If you run five miles a day, it will reduce an additional 500 calories

 

Benefits-

 

Good Health

 

Lowers blood pressure and maintains elasticity of the arteries.

 

Keep’s the lung’s strong and powerful.

 

Decreases the incidence of the bone loss disease and anxiety.

 

Allay stress, depression and anxiety.

 

Promotes the release of mood enhancing endorphins.

 

Lifts up your spirits and enhances your sense of focus and confidence.

 

Running keeps you relaxed and you can eat and sleep well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Positve Thinking and Peace of Mind

Positive thinking changes life. Be positive. You get “Peace of Mind” because of positive thoughts. If your mind is peaceful, positive thinking increases. Thereby you will get happiness naturally in all things of your life.

You have to make a habit or to practice for achieving positive thinking. Once you get success in doing positive thinking, you never turn towards negative thinking. If don’t like your current job or work, change it. You need to create positive atmosphere around you. You can change your life by constructive positive thoughts.

Mind becomes weak when it comes under pressure of negative thoughts. Then, it tend to wander here and there in search of support.  It does not try to see behind it. It can’t let you to enjoy your life if you come under control of your mind .Remember, you and only you can control your mind until you want. Though, you do not get results what you want by positive thinking, it makes your mind strong to accept new challenges of life without losing peace of mind.

Raw Chocolate

This raw, organic chocolate is a fantastic food for chocoholics everywhere! You can now turn cravings for cooked chocolate into super nutrition. All chocolate is made from the cacao bean! The raw cacao bean is one of nature’s most fantastic superfoods due to its wide array of unique properties, many of which are destroyed or corrupted by cooking.

Cacao is remarkably rich in sulfur and magnesium.

Cacao seems to be the #1 source of magnesium of any food. This is likely the primary reason women crave chocolate during the menstrual period. Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is associated with more happiness. Magnesium is the most deficient major mineral on the Standard American Diet (SAD); over 80 percent of Americans are chronically deficient in Magnesium!

Cacao is high in the beauty mineral sulfur. Sulfur builds strong nails, hair, beautiful, shiny skin, detoxifies the liver, and supports healthy pancreas functioning. Anecdotal reports indicate that cacao detoxifies mercury because it is so high sulfur.

Raw Food Diet

As one might expect, the raw food diet consists primarily of plant foods including fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, seaweed, and dried fruit. Raw foodists believe that heating food above 116 degrees F. destroys the naturally occurring enzymes that assist in digestion and absorption—and saps vitamin power to boot. Therefore, cooked foods are out, as are all processed foods, refined sugars and flours, caffeine, and acid-forming foods, like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy.

To make their meals more digestible and palatable, raw foodists employ preparation techniques including sprouting, juicing, soaking, blending, and dehydrating. In general, raw diners aim for a diet of at least 75 percent raw foods; hardcore enthusiasts shoot for 100 percent raw.

Many people who’ve gone raw rave about the raw food diet’s numerous health benefits, especially noticeable in the first few months or years.

The raw food diet has many apparent health boons. Because it is low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, fiber, and phytochemicals, it can help dieters to easily shed pounds and can also help fend off diseases like diabetes and cancer, particularly colon cancer.

Studies show that the raw food diet, having little or no saturated fat and trans fats, can also be extremely heart healthy. A 2005 Journal of Nutrition study found that a long-term raw food diet can lower and balance serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

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