How to Pack Healthy Lunch Boxes for the Whole Family

May 28th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

Many of us find ourselves packing the same things in our lunches day after day. If you don’t have access to a fridge or a microwave, you don’t have a lot of choices. Eating a sandwich and some chips for lunch every day is not a healthy choice, though. You may need to come up with some out of the box ideas for healthy and tasty lunches for you and your family. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Main Dish Ideas

  • Pasta salad, either homemade or store bought, can be a healthy and delicious lunch. You can add your favorite spices and vegetables to make it more interesting but still keep it healthy. Kids might like pasta shaped like letters and numbers or their favorite TV characters.
  • Use the meat, vegetables and tortillas from leftover fajitas to make a roll that you and your family will love. Add some cheese and salsa or other sauce for even more flavor.
  • Make yourself a BLT with turkey bacon instead of the unhealthy kind of bacon. It will taste just as good but be a lot healthier for you.
  • Make a delicious grilled chicken salad with leftover chicken or chicken you grill the night before. With some lettuce, vegetables, and cheese and the chicken, you will have a tasty lunch that will leave you satisfied.
  • Bring soup or chili that you made from scratch in a thermos, which will keep it warm if you can’t heat it up at work or school. This will warm you up on a cold day!
  • Instead of bread for your sandwiches, use a bagel. Not only are bagels very filling, they are better for you than bread in most cases.

Side Dish Ideas

  • Bring some vegetables like carrots or celery and a low fat ranch dip or hummus to snack on.
  • You and your children both will love yogurt mixed with fresh fruit and granola as a snack. This healthy food is full of protein, vitamins and carbohydrates.
  • Any kind of fresh fruit you have around the house is a great addition to the lunch box for your whole family.
  • Make a quick fruit salad with canned fruit cocktail mixed with nuts, marshmallows and fresh fruit like a banana that has sat in lemon juice to avoid browning.
  • Create your family’s favorite trail mix with dried fruit, nuts, granola and whatever else you all enjoy.

You don’t have to eat that same old sandwich for lunch every day. You can easily create healthy and delicious lunches for you and your family. Everyone will love their new healthy and exciting lunches.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How to Get a Natural Energy Boost

May 14th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

We all experience a lack of energy from time to time. Our energy levels go up and down all day long. Many of us think that drinking coffee, soda with caffeine or eating chocolate or other candy will improve our energy levels. They may make you feel better for a short time but you will lose the burst of energy quickly and may feel worse after you eat these poor food choices.

You can find snacks to give your a natural energy boost. There are many foods that increase your energy level. The following are some ideas to get you started:

  • Bananas - Bananas great especially when you’re on the go. Bananas offer a lot of energy and are delicious. The carbohydrates and potassium in bananas are good for your health and give you a natural energy boost.
  • Whole Grain Cereals - Fiber is one of the main ingredients in whole grain cereals. The benefit to eating fiber filled cereal is that the energy will last you all day since it releases over a long period of time. You won’t get a rush of energy followed by a crash with this snack. You will have consistent energy for the entire day.
  • Bran Muffins - Like whole grain cereal, a bran muffin gives you the fiber you need to have a slow release of energy throughout the day.
  • Nuts - Nuts are a good source of a natural energy boost because the carbohydrates, protein and fat in the nuts release energy slowly to last all day and gives you an initial boost of energy.
  • Crackers with Peanut Butter - The combination of peanut butter and crackers gives you the carbohydrates, fat and protein you need to get a great natural energy boost.
  • Trail Mix - The nuts and fruit in trail mix gives you the protein and carbohydrates you need to feel energized and have the added benefit of being a very portable snack.
  • Spinach - Often low energy levels are related to a lack of iron. This is especially true for females. Spinach is very high in iron and other vitamins so it provides a good natural energy boost.
  • Yogurt - The magnesium in yogurt raises your energy levels and also is good for your metabolism.
  • Dark Chocolate - Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate is lower in calories and sugar but higher in antioxidants. That means it is a better energy source than regular chocolate. You don’t want too eat too much dark chocolate, though, because that could be unhealthy.

We all need a natural energy boost from time to time. Instead of drinking a cup of coffee, try a snack that will raise your energy levels and keep them up for a long time. That way you avoid the crash that happens with many foods that increase energy.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Five Power Breakfast Ideas You Can Fix in a Hurry

May 13th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

It is very important to eat a healthy breakfast every day. A good breakfast energizes us so we can start the day off right. It boosts metabolism and gives your body the nutrition it needs. A lot of people don’t eat a healthy breakfast or don’t eat breakfast at all.

It can be hard to fit breakfast into our busy morning routines. There are so many things to do like get the beds made, the house has to be tidied up and we have to get ourselves and our children ready to start the day. We all need to make time for breakfast, though.

You can make a healthy breakfast faster than you think. The following five power breakfast suggestions will give you some ideas on how it can be done:

  1. A bowl of cereal in reduced fat milk with raisins and bananas - Cold cereal is a quick meal and provides the fiber, carbohydrates and proteins you need to start the day off right. When you top your cereal with raisins and bananas, you are getting one of your fruit servings for the day. You can prepare this meal in no time and it will keep you full until lunchtime.
  2. A whole-grain waffle with fruit and yogurt - Everyone loves a hot waffle for breakfast and you can find healthy options at the store so you won’t have to make them from scratch every morning. All you have to do is put the waffle in the toaster and then top with yogurt and some fruit like strawberries and you have a healthy breakfast.
  3. A bran muffin and an apple with skim milk - This is a great breakfast if you don’t have time to sit down and relax in the morning because you can take it with you wherever you have to go. Bran muffins are filling and tasty and readily available at most stores. If you have no time in the morning grab a muffin, an apple and a container of milk and you have a healthy breakfast.
  4. A breakfast smoothie - A breakfast smoothie is another great idea if you are on the go in the mornings. You can whip up a healthy breakfast drink that you can take with you. All you need are some yogurt, milk or juice and fresh fruit. It only takes a second to chop the fruit and mix everything up in the blender.
  5. An English muffin with apples and peanut butter - Peanut butter is not only filling, it is nutritious. A little peanut butter and some bananas on an English muffin is easy and fast to make and is a filling and healthy breakfast that everyone will enjoy.

When you don’t eat breakfast, your day is not starting off in a healthy way. It is easy to have some breakfast foods available that you and your family can whip up in a few minutes so you can all have a great, healthy day.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The New American Heart Association Cookbook by American Heart Association

August 8th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Healthy Cookbooks

New meal combinations and new tastes help to keep anyone interested in healthy eating. If you love the bestselling American Heart Association Quick & Easy Cookbook, you’ll definitely enjoy its updated version The New American Heart Association Cookbook. This cookbook contains all-new recipes using low-fat and non-fat ingredients its predecessor is known for.

The New American Heart Association Cookbook

600 easy and delicious recipes for:

  • 51AASCKQHJL._SL160_ The New American Heart Association Cookbook by American Heart Association Appetizers, snacks and beverages
  • Soups, salads and dressings
  • Seafood, poultry and meats
  • Vegetable entrees and side dishes
  • Sauces and gravies
  • Breads and breakfasts
  • Desserts
  • Menu plans for holidays and special occasions
  • Shopping and cooking tips
  • Key nutritional information for each recipe

This cookbook is for:

  • Health conscious individuals
  • Homemakers
  • Those with dietary restrictions

About the Author

The American Heart Association is a non-profit organization consisting mainly of health volunteers. Its main mission is to reduce deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases. It was responsible for creating guidelines for CPR and other first aid measures.

Tags: , , , , ,

Healthy Cookbooks: Gi High-energy Cookbook by Rachael Anne Hill

August 8th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Healthy Cookbooks

Low-GI Recipes for Weight Loss, Health And Vitality

It’s good to know that most health issues can be addressed by simply changing the food we eat. Low energy levels, excess weight and diabetes are just some of the problems that a diet that registers low on the glycemic index (G.I.) can fix. You may not know which foods are high or low glycemic index foods, but you can still prepare low-G.I. recipes with the help of Gi High-energy Cookbook.

Gi High-energy Cookbook: Low-gi Recipes for Weight Loss, Health And Vitality

This one-of-a-kind cooking guide contains:

  • 510W63RPNFL._SL160_ Healthy Cookbooks: Gi High-energy Cookbook by Rachael Anne HillBasic information on foods with high and low glycemic index
  • Easy-to-follow recipes covering:
  • Breakfasts
  • Main courses
  • Snacks
  • Appetizers

This cookbook is for:

  • Those with diet restrictions
  • Those who suffer from diabetes and other illnesses
  • Those who want to lose weight
  • Those who want to boost their energy levels
  • Those who want to feel well in general

About the Author

Rachael Anne Hill is one of Britain’s leading diet, fitness and nutrition experts. She writes regularly about health topics in leading magazines and publications in Britain. She is also a regular guest of television shows in the U.K.

Tags: , , , , ,

Enlitened Kosher Cooking by Nechama Cohen

August 3rd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Healthy Cookbooks

Fad diets have promoted either a low-fat or a low-carbohydrate regimen. What works for one may not necessarily work for another body, due to differences in the health concerns of each body. Whether your body needs a low-fat, low-carb or sugar-free diet, Enlitened Kosher Cooking is for you.

Enlitened Kosher Cooking

Over 200 easy-to-follow and delicious recipes divided into:

  • 31XB33MH1SL._SL160_ Enlitened Kosher Cooking by Nechama Cohen soups
  • salads
  • dips
  • dressing and spreads
  • vegetables and side dishes
  • dairy
  • fish
  • meat and poultry
  • baking LITE
  • pies and desserts
  • snacks and beverages
  • special recipes for Passover
  • key nutritional information for each recipe

This cookbook is for:

  • those with dietary restrictions
  • those with diabetes
  • those who want to lose weight
  • health conscious individuals

About the Author

Nechama Cohen is the founder and executive director of the Jewish Diabetes Association. Cohen is also a Jewish woman who has Type 1 diabetes. Her health condition motivated her to study nutrition and find ways to deal with it. She shares her experience and knowledge with others who are similarly situated.

Tags: , , , , ,

Healthy Cookbooks: The Secret of Good Health-Olive Oil by Nikos and Maria Psilakis

August 2nd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Healthy Cookbooks

Advice on the correct use of Olive Oil

One of the reasons why the Mediterranean diet is said to be the healthiest in the world is because of its regular staple: olive oil. A diet rich in olive oil is known for its anti-aging and heart healthy benefits. It is used in many tasty dishes and can easily be incorporated into one’s existing diet. The Secret of Good Health-Olive Oil reveals everything you need to know about olive oil.

This complete cooking guide shows you:

  • 31WKXDKWHTL._SL160_ Healthy Cookbooks: The Secret of Good Health-Olive Oil by Nikos and Maria PsilakisBasic information about the history, health benefits, and uses of olive oil
  • 150 recipes where olive oil is used in:
  • Salads
  • Sauces and dips
  • Main dishes
  • Desserts

This cookbook is for:

  • Health conscious individuals
  • Homemakers
  • Gourmets

About the Authors

Nikos Psilakis is an award winning author and journalist. Together with his wife, Maria, the Psilakis have spent a lot of their time traveling to Crete to learn and collect unique and traditional recipes.

Tags: , , , , ,

Healthy Cookbooks: 5 a Day by Elizabeth Pivonka and Barbara Berry

August 2nd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Healthy Cookbooks

The Better Health Cookbook; Savor the Flavor of Fruits and Vegetables

Any healthy diet should have enough fruits and vegetables in it. But just how much of these foods should we take in everyday to stay healthy? The answer is 5 a Day. Getting 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily is what we all need to fight illnesses, boost energy levels and feel good all over. Authors Elizabeth Pivonka and Barbara Berry show us how to get our daily requirements with a variety of tasty recipes.

5 a Day: The Better Health Cookbook; Savor the Flavor of Fruits and Vegetables

This valuable cooking guide contains:

  • 41PQKCZKTTL._SL160_ Healthy Cookbooks: 5 a Day by Elizabeth Pivonka and Barbara BerryBasic health information about eating fruits and vegetables
  • Tips on gradually incorporating fresh produce in an existing diet
  • Easy-to-follow and refreshing recipes covering:
  • Breakfasts
  • Salads
  • Side dishes
  • Fish and shellfish
  • Key nutritional information

This book is for:

  • Health conscious individuals
  • Homemakers

About the Authors

Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D is the president of the Produce for Better Health Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at creating a healthier America by promoting an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Barbara Berry is the vice president in charge of the Foundation’s programs in education, marketing, communication, and research.

Tags: , , , , ,

Candida Albican Yeast-Free Cookbook by Pat Connolly

July 28th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Healthy Cookbooks

51Td%2B9vKPQL._SL160_ Candida Albican Yeast-Free Cookbook by Pat ConnollyA health condition like yeast infections can be treated with the right kind of food. Luckily, there is the Candida Albican Yeast-Free Cookbook to show us how. This rare cooking guide also gives you recipes that can alleviate symptoms of asthma and allergies.

Candida Albican Yeast-Free Cookbook, The

This comprehensive cooking guide contains:

  • Basic information on the connection between yeast infections and nutrition
  • More than 150 easy-to-follow and delicious
  • “Rainbow Meal Plan” - vegetable and meat combinations used for fighting yeast and fungal infections

This cookbook is for:

  • Those prone to allergies, yeast and fungal infections and other health disorders
  • Health conscious individuals

About the Author

Pat Connolly is a nutritionist who developed recipes in association with the Associates of the Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation.

Tags: , , , , ,

Healthy Cookbooks: Men’s Health Muscle Chow by Gregg Avedon

July 28th, 2008 | 1 Comment | Posted in Healthy Cookbooks

51HyduigOCL._SL160_ Healthy Cookbooks: Mens Health Muscle Chow by Gregg AvedonMore Than 150 Meals to Feed Your Muscles and Fuel Your Workouts

Proper nutrition is the best supplement to a fitness routine. Every fitness goal has an appropriate diet. To build muscle, Men’s Health Muscle Chow recommends eating small meals throughout the day with foods that are high in protein.

Men’s Health Muscle Chow: More Than 150 Meals to Feed Your Muscles and Fuel Your Workouts

This complete nutritional guide for muscle building contains:

  • Eight diet strategies
  • More than 150 easy-to-prepare recipes for:
  • Breakfasts
  • Main courses
  • Light snacks
  • Desserts
  • Quick reference of ingredients and kitchen tools
  • Kitchen troubleshooting tips
  • Suggested 2-month meal plan
  • Other tips and tricks for muscle building

This meal guide is for:

  • Fitness enthusiasts
  • Health conscious persons
  • Men of all ages

About the Author

Gregg Avedon is a male fitness model and a Men’s Health cover model.

Tags: , , , , ,