Foods That Offer Relief or Prevention for Common Ailments

Food has been used for medicinal purpose for centuries and we now know that some old wives’ tales do have some truth in science. Nowadays, food science has progressed so much that many health professionals do offer remedies through foods. I truly believe promoting foods for health (if not I would not have a job) and I do live by these beliefs. I have pulled together some foods that offer relief or prevention for some of our most common ailments.

FOR STRESS
Since magnesium has been shown to reduce your body’s response to stress, pick foods that high in magnesium, during your hectic times. Try: bananas, almonds, artichokes and buckwheat.

FOR ENERGY
Foods rich in B-vitamins will offer great energy boosts by allowing metabolic reactions to occur in the body. Since most B vitamin rich foods are generally high in iron, this can also help you feel less fatigued. Try: lean red meats, pork and eggs.

FOR INSOMNIA
Calcium rich foods boost serotonin levels which calm you and promotes sleep. Mamma was right about that warm milk before bed. Try: Low fat milk, soy milk and yogurt.

FOR UPSET STOMACH
When your tummy doesn’t feel quite right, whether it’s nausea or some gastrointestinal problem, like gas, food can make you feel much better. Try: peppermint tea, ginger, arugula and probiotics like kefir.

FOR PROBLEM SKIN
Studies have shown that a diet low in high glycemic foods and low in refined sugar help prevent acne. Try: whole grains for glowing skin that helps fight free radicals in our environment and helps prevent sun damage, fill up on antioxidants. Try: Green tea and lots of berries-all varieties.

FOR COMMON COLD
There is no cure for the common cold but there are great ways to boost your immunity and get over your cold faster. I have a concoction that makes my friends feel much better. Try: A soup made by chicken broth, hot peppers, garlic and veggies.

FOR LIFTING YOUR MOOD
Omega-3’s have been shown to decrease symptoms of depression. Also when combined with foods that boost energy, the combo is really effective. Try: walnuts, almonds and flaxseed.

FOR HEADACHE
Low blood sugar has been shown to promote headaches, so eat mini meals and eat less refined carbs, so you blood sugar level does not spike then dip. Combine brown foods with high fiber. Try: legumes, high fiber cereal.

Fiorella

Eating Out Does Not Have to Wreck Your Diet

Eating out is part our lives, it’s a great escape, a way to socialize and relax. Whether you eat out once a week or three times a week, there should be no reason that it should ruin your time or diet. As always planning ahead takes precedence in making the right choices when eating out. And always remember there is always that weekly splurge that could be eaten at your favorite restaurant. However my pointers are for everyone who wants to eat out, enjoy their food without guilt without ruining their diet.

I love eating out but always try to check the menu before hand and decide what course I will take. Do they offer great protein choices, grilled without tons of sauces, or great veggies prepared in a way you are not used to? Decide if you want that great pasta; eat it instead of dessert or vice versa. There is so much that can be eaten out that will satisfy your foodie tooth and still not wreck your weight –loss efforts.

Try not going to the restaurant absolutely starving, so you won’t order in excess. Eat a bit of fruit or snack on some veggies, a glass of milk or water will keep you in check. A also eat a little less during the day if you feel you will not be able to stick to your plan. If you think you have over-ordered don’t feel like you have to devour everything on your plate, take home a doggie bag.

Don’t have cocktails before dinner, it will lower your inhibitions and could take your eating out of control. Plus when you’re buzzed, you don’t really get a chance to savor your food and the whole food experience is forgotten the next day. I never eat good food while drinking to get drunk, what‘s the point? You won’t taste the food anyway and waste a hell of a lot of money.

Start with a salad to fill you up, or just order appetizers which are smaller and sometimes the tastiest things on the menu. Don’t waste your calories on fruit drinks, beer or cola. Eat high protein foods with low carb sides, especially if the protein food is high fat. Nix any rice or potato type food, it is a waste of calories and has no nutritional value. If I never eat a white potato or white rice again, it will be too soon. Keep breads, bread sticks or chips off the table before your meal starts, before you know it you talked your way through a basket of calorie filled tortillas before your meal is even started.

With a little planning and taking some smart precautions, you don’t have to avoid those nights out with friends. Remember food brings people together, it is present at every important event in one’s life, it should be appreciated and enjoyed not dreaded. You are in control of what goes in your mouth, don’t be a victim to the food. Take it slow and enjoy every bite. Bon Appetito!

Fiorella

Sneaky Ways to Add Activity to Your Day

Have you ever driven to the gym, or taken the train (as my fellow New Yorkers do)? You have officially defeated the purpose. The gym is not the only place that you can have a great workout. I have always endorsed dance classes, videos, and even FIT TV, as great sources for heart thumping exercise. But there are also some sneaky ways to add extra activity to your day, without too much effort.

The key is to find tiny segments of time throughout the day to work in some mini- workouts make choices in transportation and incorporate some sculpting moves during downtimes. The following tips have been part of my day no matter what. Start slow and try something new every day and soon they will be part of your lifestyle.

1. WALK OR BIKE TO WORK- city dwellers have absolutely no excuse for this one. You could not imagine how effective this is in kick starting some weight loss. The beauty of it is it is not only effective but it gets you where you have to go anyway. Forget crammed subways or tons of traffic: walk, walk, walk. If it is too hurried to walk to work, then walk from work to home.

2. CHORES AND STUFF- when you are running errands you generally tend to carry things, packages, groceries, etc. Use this extra weight while walking to intensify your walk. Don’t take shortcuts, walk with your groceries. You should see me on my days off; I look like a pack mule! It’s not cute but it works.

3. LUNCH TIME- use your hour wisely, pick up your food and brown bag it to same time. Use at least 15 minutes of your lunch hour to take a brisk walk, or go up and down stairs in your building. You can even do the activity before eating your lunch so you can relax with your food in the last 45 minutes. Others prefer to eat first and use the walk to help digestion. Over an entire week it really adds up!

4. WATCHING TV- ahh, some downtime after work, nothing can come between you and your remote, but how about some weights? You are too tired for some heart thumping cardio but how about something a little low-key, like a few reps with small weights, or some lunges or even some stretching. The key is sneaking some type of activity without interrupting your viewing pleasure; soon you won’t even have to think about it.

5. HOUSEWORK DAY- all those tedious chores at the house can be spiced up with some base blasting music and a mop. Whether its meringue (like me) or 80’s music, find what you love and have a blast. Dance your way through the house from chore to chore. Time will fly, you have worked out and your toilet will sparkle. That sounds like a day!

I am sure that if you think about your daily routines you will be able to find more creative ways to find some activity time. Make it part of your day and it will become a mainstay. Soon you will see some great results and have had some great fun!

Fiorella

Tummy Blasters That Will Keep You Looking Sleek and Taut All Summer Long.

The summer brings sun, sand and surf and for us cityslickers, sun, concrete and humidity. However, the lack of scenery does not keep us from living out our summer fantasies, most involving minimal clothing and figure hugging clothes. So whether you plan to live at the beach or in a concrete jungle, you want to look great.

Last week, I wrote about getting a BIKINI BODY in one week, mainly through banishing bloat. This week, I have added to my list of tummy blasters that will keep you looking sleek and taut all summer long.

EAT THESE FOODS….

KEFIR OR YOGURT- probiotic foods are key, and PINKBERRY does not count! These foods have strains of good bacteria that maintain a balanced flora in your gut. You will keep this moving along (if you know what I mean) and get rid of belly bloat.

BERRIES- with ellagic acid and ton of fiber, these sweet goodies will keep you flat as can be. Try raspberries, and strawberries.

ARTICHOKES – are filled with fiber and aid digestion. These prickly veggies are gorgeous and delicious. Grill them and drizzle with olive oil.

SALMON- food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, including walnuts are anti –inflammatory, which reduce stress hormones and cortisol levels in the body. Studies show that high cortisol levels are linked with belly flab.

BANANAS- filled with potassium gets rid of water retaining sodium. You would be surprised at how people are scared of bananas because they tend to be one of the most sugary fruits, but fret not, have you seen any overweight monkey! Eat right after a salty meal.

LEAN PROTEINS- like chicken and egg whites are clean foods with great versatility. Toss in salads, or grill without adding salty or greasy dressings.

GREEN TEA- reduces water retention and sparks your metabolism. It is a lighter morning drink instead of coffee and packs an antioxidant punch. Can be chilled with lemon wedges.

FIBER- whole grains and very high fiber cereals are the way to go when eating carbs this summer. You will temporary bloat , but do not fret your belly will be svelte and flat. Do not eat fiber on the day you plan to be in a swimsuit!

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL-the liquid gold of Italy, can enhance any meal. Studies show that women who use extra virgin olive oil at least three times a week have less belly fat.

GINGER- has gas reducing properties, is an anti-inflammatory and calms and upset stomach. Eat with food or steep and enjoy great ginger tea!

Fiorella