When Is the Best Time to Start Eating Whole Foods?

There is no time like the present to begin eating more whole foods. In fact, there’s really not a BAD time to start eating them. The sooner you can begin serving whole foods to your children, the easier time you’ll have encouraging them to continue to eat these foods when they grow older. Perhaps a better way to explain why it is better to start children eating whole foods is that the longer they eat processed foods, the harder it will be for them to change their eating habits when they’re grown.

Eating whole foods does not require you to become a vegetarian or a raw foodist. That isn’t the reason you’ll want to add whole foods to your diet. The point is to feed your family – children included – a diet of foods which are as close to nature as possible. If you choose to become a vegetarian, vegan or one who eats only raw, whole foods, that is a decision only you can make as a family.

Beginning with a diet consisting of whole foods will help your children establish good eating habits from the start rather than having to break bad food choices. Obviously you can’t give your newborn a raw carrot when their body requires liquid sustenance. However, if you choose to breastfeed, you can pass along extra nutrients to your child by eating a diet of healthier food choices and avoiding processed foods as much as possible.

When your baby is ready to start eating solids, search for baby foods which contain only one ingredient. You can also puree whole fruits and vegetables in a blender. By using the same foods you eat, you’ll know exactly what your baby is eating.

Scientific reports indicate that children who are raised eating a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes are more likely to be slimmer and healthier than those eating processed foods. Whole foods provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and protein. A diet of whole foods, or even a vegetarian diet, provide all of the nutrients your children need from the time they begin eating solid foods to the time they are teenagers.

Offer your family whole foods – raw, cooked or dehydrated – during any meal of the day. Have these foods readily available for snacks after school. Prepare whole foods regularly and you may find your family prefers meals which consist mainly of these items. Provide a variety of foods, even those you’ve never tried before, when using whole foods in your menu plans and it is unlikely there will be any nutritional deficiencies. 

Next time we will discuss “How Do You Eat Whole Foods on a Budget?”

The above is extracted from a report, “Eat Whole Foods - For the Health of It” and offers the following disclaimer: This report is written for entertainment purposes only. The author is not, nor does she claim to be, an expert in nutrition or health. The report is written in an attempt to share knowledge based upon what was learned during research and by incorporating some of the information contained in it with her family. It is by no means intended for medical advice nor should it be followed as such.

How to Have More Energy

By Kardena Pauza
http://scrnch.me/oa9d6

If you eat a larger than normal meal or a calorie dense meal, do you notice how tired you feel afterwards?

This is what I call FOOD COMA.

This is where you get extremely tired and you start to regret stuffing yourself, but it’s too late the DAMAGE is done. You can barely keep your eyes open and all you want to do is crawl up into a ball and go to sleep. You can’t focus or concentrate on work and even a simple conversation takes effort. All you want to do is lie down.

So many people have this experience on a daily basis. In fact, I was just like this during high school when I would gorge on fast food and pizza and junk.

But this is not how your body should feel after meals.

With the Vegetarian Lifestyle, you won’t be sleepy after you eat. In fact, you’ll be alert, mentally sharp, and physically ready to take on the world.

By eating high nutrient low calorie foods, you will eliminate the side effects from food comas. I guarantee you’ll have more energy with the Veggie Meal Plans diet than you have on any other diet – simply because you will NOT be restricting your calorie or nutrient intake – in fact, you’ll be able to fill yourself up with our delicious foods.

I love making smoothies because they give me so much ENERGY in the morning.

I’ll blend different fruits and vegetables with a little protein powder to make easy to digest and energizing drinks. I’ll also add a tiny bit of fresh ginger to give it a zing and anti-inflammatory properties. You won’t get the same energy or health benefits from a plate of bacon, eggs, and white-flour pancakes!

I also love to make fresh, flavorful soups. And it’s easy too.

I make soups in the blender or food processor, such as a simple tomato gazpacho soup, or Mexican green soup, or an Asian inspired coconut curry soup. These soups can be warmed on the stove or eaten at room temperature. These foods are full of life! I use everything from carrots, celery, broccoli, cilantro, basil, onions, coconut, apples, oranges, lemon, and a variety of spices.

I make these really great wraps using a low-carb tortilla, romaine lettuce leaf, or a collard green leaf as the wrap shell.

Each wrap is lovingly filled with fresh veggies like spinach, sprouts, green onions, cilantro, avocado, tomatoes, and then I add hummus, salsa, or herb seasonings/salt.

I also make a pate from sunflower seeds and spices, tempeh, or seitan, which makes the wrap filling, very nutritious, and energizing!

These are just a few ways in which you can fill up on nutrient-rich foods that will leave you energized and feeling great day after day.

 

There are some important health benefits we can enjoy by eating durian fruit

In our quest to learn about different fruits and vegetables, we have discovered an unusual fruit from the area of Southeast Asia. The fruit, known as the “king of fruits” has some very distinct qualities. Many who have become familiar with this exotic Asian fruit admit it is definitely an acquired taste, and smell. Let's take a look and see what you think.

What is it?

The durian fruit grows on trees, which begin to bear fruit after four or five years of cultivation. These trees grow anywhere between about 85 feet to 130 feet. The fruit has a tough, thorny outer husk or shell. It is is about as large as a pineapple, sometimes growing up to a foot long, with an oblong shape consisting of several “pods.” The flesh, pulp, and seeds are edible at various stages of the fruit's maturity.

The edible flesh of this fruit is a pale yellow color, and has been described as having a creamy, custard texture with a mild almond type flavor. One of its most distinctive features is the odor of the fruit itself, inside the husk. It is a strong smell that many have described as offensive or overpowering, like sulfur.

History

Durian are native to Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Borneo and Sumatra and are found growing wild or semi-wild in Lower Burma (Myanmar) and the Malaysian peninsula. This fruit tree is commonly cultivated in Southeastern India, Ceylon, and New Guinea. The coastal inhabitants of Malaysia, Brunei, and neighboring countries have long considered durian a delicacy that is used in many recipes.

The Western world has known this fruit for only about the last 600 years. This fruit is either loved or loathed, there seems to no middle ground. Because of that, the importation to the United States has not been aggressively pursued. When you do find durian in the States, it is often expensive.

Health Benefits

There are some important health benefits we can enjoy by eating durian fruit. It is a good source of fiber and is actually used successfully as a colon cleanser. Durian provides a wealth of minerals and vitamins, and the simple sugars in durian produce a powerful natural energy boost. Although high in fat, durian does not contain cholesterol.

Durian is rich in vitamin C as well as the B-complex vitamins. Important minerals found in durian include copper, iron, potassium, and magnesium. The iron and copper found in durian are utilized in the body to produce red blood cells, and potassium helps regulate blood pressure and promotes heart health.

Another healthy component found in durian is tryptophan. This is used by the body to create melatonin and serotonin, which you might recognize from drug commercials as relaxing agents or as natural sleeping aids, but these are found naturally in durian.

Fun Facts

The odor of a freshly opened durian fruit has been compared to the smell of natural gas. This is probably due to the high sulfur content in the fruit. This is one of those cases where the fruit tastes nothing like it smells. Be aware that people have been known to be asked to leave areas when eating durian because of the odor. This is one fruit that's best eaten at home, and probably alone.

In Singapore, the mass transit line prohibits, by law, passengers boarding with a durian in their possession. But, Singapore has also paid homage to this “King of All Fruits” by constructing a building in its honor. Don't even attempt to eat durian on an airplane.

The older the durian tree is, the higher the quality of durian it will produce. But watch out while you stand and admire those old trees. Standing underneath a durian tree can be dangerous, as falling durian fruit have been known to be fatal upon impact with the unsuspecting gawker.

How to Eat

Cutting open a durian fruit requires considerable care and attention to avoid puncturing yourself on the pointy outer layer. Look for a line, slit, or seam running lengthwise down the fruit. This is a natural opening. Take a knife, or your hands if you dare, and gently pull the fruit open at this seam. You will be separating the durian into “pods” each of which contains little pockets of a creamy substance which you can eat (but is not very sweet) and little solid fleshy, creamy fruit pieces.

Asian cultures make good use of the durian flesh in their diets, using the natural sweetness in milkshakes, ice cream, juice, and sauces. The seeds can be boiled, fried, or roasted for a healthy snack. Even the leaves and flowers are occasionally cooked and eaten in Indonesia. Durian is also sold in neighborhood shops in the form of delicious pudding, cakes, and crepes in Singapore.

Durian should be stored well sealed and away from other foods as the odor will permeate anything in the same container, such as the refrigerator. Durian and carbonated drinks do not mix well in the stomach and has been known to cause serious complications. In the United States you are most likely to find frozen durian that has been thawed. This is fine (and cheaper than fresh) just as long as the thorny spines are not dried and brittle.

If you're looking for a truly different culinary adventure, durian would definitely be something to try. Do an online search for sources and check to see if you have an Asian marketplace in your community. Yes, the popular saying about durian is it “smells like Hell and tastes like Heaven” but that's just one more reason to be inspired to try this exotic fruit... if you dare!

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Food of the Week: Kale

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Top 10 Food and Nutrition Affirmations

When you have "convenience" food bombarding you from every direction, it can be difficult to choose options that give your body the nourishment it needs.

However, if you have daily reminders and effective tools at your disposal, you just may find that eating the right foods and feeding your body the best fuels becomes a lot easier.

Of course, there will always be temptation, but when you equip yourself with anti-temptation tools, you will be able to quickly re-focus your mind on your greater goal of getting healthy!

Using Affirmations to Make the Healthy Food and Nutrition Choices

When everyone around you at the office is indulging in burgers, fries, and sugary drinks, it's awfully tempting to join in, isn't it?

But what if you could stop that temptation in its tracks and actually choose to make a healthy choice? You don't need me to tell you that fatty and sugary choices are not the kinds of food that your body needs - you need to tell yourself!

It can be hard in moments of temptation to make the right choice, but with the help of positive affirmations, you can re-train your brain to replace the desire for junk food with healthy choices.

Affirmations can help you stick to your diet, say no to temptation, and eat nourishing and satisfying foods. How? By replacing the negative spiral of thoughts in your mind with powerful, positive ones.

But first you have to believe that it is possible to gain control over your thirsts, desires, and cravings. The first step in making a lasting change in your life is to make the commitment to success. Are you committed? Do you believe that you can overcome your cravings?

Once you've set your commitment in stone, you're ready to learn the top 10 affirmations to get you through moments of weakness.

Top 10 Food and Nutrition Affirmations

Before reading the list below, you should know that affirmations are most successful when you internalize the saying and repeat it frequently. Whether you're having a good or bad day, you need to be constantly repeating these positive statements in your mind. Temptation will strike when you least expect it, so it's better to be prepared!

1. I can neutralize bad habits with good food, exercise, and healthy living.

2. I am proud to reach out to my support network instead of leaning on food for comfort.

3. I am losing weight for me because I love me.

4. I set aside time just for me.

5. My good health and productivity are the rewards for the nourishing foods I eat.

6. Weight gain happens over time, so my weight loss equally requires time, patience, and lifestyle changes.

7. I use self-care, not self-control.

8. The more I take care of myself, the better I feel.

9. I am firmly committed to staying active and healthy.

10. I deserve a healthy body and mind.

When you look at these food and nutrition affirmations, they may seem like ideals - behaviors and thoughts that you only wish you could have - but each time you reaffirm them by saying them aloud, you're slowly changing your mindset. Over time, these ideals will become a reality through your thoughts and actions.

But remember, you must first believe you can change. Once you make the commitment to your success, you will change your attitudes about food and you'll be thankful you did!

Why are Organic Foods So Expensive?

Is there a downside to purchasing organic foods? One of the biggest reasons more people don’t buy organic foods is that they believe the cost to be considerably more than traditionally grown foods. Part of the reason for the higher cost is that organic farmers usually grow smaller crops and are under the strict guidelines required to be labeled as being “USDA Organic.” Because they have smaller farms, they don’t produce as much as larger, commercial farms. This will also affect the price organic farmers will charge.

The other thing you want to consider when considering organic fruits, vegetables and other foods is that they aren’t treated with waxes or preservatives. They may spoil quicker than fruits and vegetables in the non-organic section of your grocer’s produce department. You may also find organic foods are not perfect. They may vary in color or size as well as some being an odd shape. This won’t affect the quality of the food so don’t be afraid to purchase them; they are completely safe to eat.

No matter if you choose to add some organic foods to your family’s diet or not, you’ll want to follow these tips:

Buy fruits and vegetables while they’re in season. Local farmers markets or roadside fruit and vegetable stands will often have the freshest foods possible. Some places also allow you to pick your own fruit (such as strawberries). Ask your grocer which day new produce arrives so you can be sure you’re getting the freshest foods possible.

Choose a good variety of foods from different sources. Purchasing foods from different sources will reduce your chances of being exposed to single pesticides. Domestically grown foods are likely to have fewer pesticides than foods grown out of the country.

Wash all fruits and vegetables with running water before you eat them. A good wash will remove dirt and bacteria which may be on the skin. If necessary, use a small nail brush to clean fruits or vegetables whose skin you might eat such as apples, potatoes or cucumbers. Even though organic foods are not grown using pesticides, it is a good practice to wash all fruits and vegetables first.

Take time to read the labels on the foods you purchase. Foods with organic or organic ingredient labels aren’t necessarily always going to be your best choice. These foods can contain high levels of sugar, salt, calories or fat just like non-organic foods. If your goal is to provide your family with the best possible foods, reading the labels will ensure you’re doing just that.

What many people don’t realize is that the government subsidizes traditionally grown foods. This allows the farmers to offer their food at a lower rate. If the farmers weren’t subsidized, there’s a good chance their food would be more expensive, too.

Finally, organic foods are not allowed to have chemical preservatives when they are packaged. Without these preservatives, the foods will have a much shorter shelf-life which means they will have to be replaced quicker. If you don’t use organic items before that date, that money will have been lost.

Next time we will discuss “When Is the Best Time to Start Eating Whole Foods?”

The above is extracted from a report, “Eat Whole Foods - For the Health of It” and offers the following disclaimer: This report is written for entertainment purposes only. The author is not, nor does she claim to be, an expert in nutrition or health. The report is written in an attempt to share knowledge based upon what was learned during research and by incorporating some of the information contained in it with her family. It is by no means intended for medical advice nor should it be followed as such.

Raw food made easy (free report)

I've got a brand new report for you today that will help you transition into raw foods more easily.

==> Download it here (instant PDF download)

In this FREE report, you'll discover:

- Why you NEED to eat more raw food (especially if you want to lose weight),

- The truth about getting PROTEIN on a raw food diet,

- 3 simple TRANSITION tips to the "raw side", and

- 6 deliciously EASY raw food recipes that you can enjoy this weekend

But that's not all.

In fact, there are several other "golden nuggets" that you'll pick once you get through this information.

I guess you'll just have to check it out for yourself.

==> Download the NEW Raw Food Report Here

Happy reading.

Arthur M.

Yuri

PS. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to succeed at eating healthy. And I'm tired of people (maybe even you) having to struggle with ridiculous suggestions and overly complicated gourmet recipes that take longer than a flight around the world to prepare.

That's why you should READ THIS.