Best Energy Drink for Energy

The world seems to progress every day with upgrades that become difficult every day to catch up to, causing a lot of chaos, confusion. Amidst all these changes, life turns into a race-like competitive environment to meet deadlines. We stress to the point where we forget to focus on our health and our energy levels give up or become low until we cannot sustain. Unfortunately, the foods that we consume regularly don't give us the nutrients or energy we require, hence slowing down our system even more and leaving us behind while the world goes on ahead.

There are various types of supplements and energy drinks in the market available. All you need to do is choose the right ones which suit your body conditions. We have Vitamin and Mineral supplements, along with protein-based powders for those who work out and need an extra energy boost to build some muscle. The high amounts of sugar and chemicals cause many to worry about prolonged usage. Having to choose from hundreds of brands and types of energy drinks, its hard to actually decide the best health energy drink to suit your needs.

According to popularity, in the year 2018, Complan. Bournvita, and Horlicks based powders were most preferred as the best energy drink for energy. All of which are readily available in the nearest supermarket to you, or easily found online. On the other hand, if you are a person who is trying to lose weight, then it is better to avoid such powders and drinks from the market and opt for fresh juices made from vegetables or fruits along with dry fruits without sugar.

If you're a gym junkie, then the best and easy to make Natural energy drinks for the gym can start with basic coconut water, lemon water with a spoon of honey, milk blended with almonds, honey/dark chocolate, and bananas, or dark chocolate blended in milk with a raw egg for protein can give the boost you need to sweat it out at the gym without losing too much of energy.

Day after day, the world enters into upgrades that humans eventually need to catch up to, the stress and strives to be perfect tends to become more salient. Amidst the chaotic and competitive race in trying to reach deadlines, and struggle to near perfection, we forget to concentrate on our health. The stress that builds everyday causes our body to lose energy therefore, leaving us behind in the race. Without focusing on our wellbeing, and constantly losing energy, we damage our immune system and go weaker by the minute. Though there are uncountable numbers of products available in the market to help us gain energy, not all of them are beneficial or safe to have. Energy drinks that claim to give instant energy and boost our speed contain unimaginable amounts of sugar and preservatives that can damage our system further. The safest and best solution to turn to is a natural recipe that suits to your needs.

Natural energy drinks at home can be made easy and with lesser efforts than you think. Basic lemon/lime water with a spoon of honey, coconut water, green tea, or home-made electrolyte water made by infusing cucumber slices with lemon slices and mint leaves overnight in a bottle are absolutely refreshing and worth the try! So, what are you waiting for? Energize your system for a better you!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Harsh_Na/2584670

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10001354

Superfoods, Exercise and Attitude

The Benefits of Health Goals

Imagine having a well-toned body that radiates strength and vitality.

Imagine a waistline in proportion to your body shape that oozes vibrant inner health.

What you eat, how you think and what you do determine your quality of life.

Unhealthy habits eventually have consequences that undermine the quality of life.

"Exercise is king. Nutrition is queen. Put them together and you've got a kingdom."

Jack LaLanne (American Fitness And Nutrition Expert)

Vitality

People with vitality are innovators.

They have the enthusiasm to achieve their goals in life.

And, they create ideas and opportunities for their future course of action.

"The quality of life is determined by its activities."

Aristotle (Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scientist and Physician)

Principles of Good Health

A strong immune system defends the body against viruses, bacteria and infections which can cause inflammation and illness.

Healthy lifestyle choices that strengthen the immune system include:

*eating a varied diet with moderate portions that nourish the body.

*maintaining the recommended body weight

*exercising to improve circulation, respiration and strengthening the muscles and organs

*the right amount of sleep and relaxation

*daily habits of personal cleanliness

*fresh air and sunshine

*no smoking or use of drugs

*alcohol in moderation

*avoiding junk food

*drinking pure water

*controlling stress

*positive thinking

*having regular health examinations

"All Disease Begins in the Gut"

Hippocrates-Father of Medicine who Lived During the Greek Classical Period

The waistline reflects the body's general health.

An unhealthy waistline is caused by poor lifestyle habits such as over-eating, no exercise, excessive sitting and stress.

Excessive body fat puts extra strain on the heart, kidneys, bones and joints.

Fat around the waistline increases the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

"The Smaller Your Waistline, the Longer Your Lifeline"

The old adage, "the smaller your waistline, the longer your lifeline" has real meaning.

The ideal body-weight, proportional to ones gender, age and height enhances the overall appearance of the individual and lessens health risk factors.

Prevention - Better Than the Cure

It's easier to stop something happening than to repair the damage after it has happened.

Balance is the key to healthy living at every stage of life.

Poor food choices, lack of physical exercise as well as other negative lifestyle choices put your health at risk.

Balance means considering all aspects of life: relationships, work, fitness, as well as emotional well-being and spiritual happiness.

It means making time "to smell the roses" to appreciate the many things that life has to offer.

Its all about:

*carrying a light load without excess baggage

*avoiding the extremes, the unnecessary and harmful

Walk Your Way to Good Health

"Walking is man's best medicine"

(Hippocrates)

For most people, the best exercise is walking for weight control and increased cardiovascular fitness.

A walking program strengthens your heart and lungs, lowers blood pressure, boosts your energy and invigorates your immune function.

Combined with a muscle toning program, it will help firm the muscles and make you look and feel good.

Other activities like jogging, cycling, swimming or aerobics also burn calories and keep you healthy.

Exercise

Regular exercise supports physical and mental well-being, staying youthful and having more energy.

It builds muscle and is a good way of spending leisure time.

It helps control weight, strengthens the bones and immune system, aids in detoxification, accelerates heart and lung action thereby increasing blood circulation that stimulate all the glands, organs and cells of the body.

It also improves your confidence and self esteem.

Just remember to warm up by doing some stretching exercises before you begin.

Any kind of physical activity that stimulates better circulation and deeper breathing is good for your overall health.

It may include walking, skipping, jogging, running, cycling, swimming and aerobics to weightlifting, yoga, team sport and any other forms of enriching practices that an individual may wish to participate.

CAUTION

Before undertaking any program of exercise or change in diet consult your doctor.

You are What you Eat and Drink

Food should nourish the body by getting the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients daily in order to provide the material out of which the bones, muscles, nerves, skin and all the internal organs are formed and the energy we need to get things done.

In addition, nutrient-rich food help to regulate the activities of every organ in the body and provide for its growth and repair.

The body needs six essential nutrients through a balanced, varied diet in the correct portions in order for it to prform its many different functions.

They are:

*protein

*carbohydrates

*vitamins

*minerals

*fats

*water

Nature's Superfoods

Think of your diet in terms of variety, freshness and rich in the essential immune-boosting nutrients that are as close to their natural state.

Avocado

High in monosaturated fats (good fats) that help to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer and to maintain a healthy weight. It also contains vitamins E, B6 and C which are antioxidants that help prevent free radical damage, folate and potassium which help to control blood pressure, maintain a regular heart-beat and a healthy nervous system.

Bananas

High in potassium for maintaining muscle and nerve function and the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates. It also contains biotin, vitamins C and B6 which help to fight infection.

Cabbage (including broccoli, brussels sprouts and cauliflower)

Anti-cancer foods, high in potassium, vitamins A and C, calcium and fiber which help to lower cholesterol, boost the immune system and contribute to weight loss.

Beetroot and Beetroot Juice

Packed with fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, vitamin C, antioxidants and nitrates.

With no cholesterol and very small amounts of fat beetroots have many health benefits that improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Carrots

Carrots are full of vitamins and minerals. The best source of vitamin A essential for good vision, vitamin K1, potassium, fiber, antioxidants and high in beta carotene. They are also low in calories which helps weight loss and have been linked to lower cholesterol.

Cherries

Good source of fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They contain potassium, vitamins C and A folic acid and other health-promoting compounds that reduce inflammation and promote overall good health.

Citrus Fruit (Oranges, Lemons, Limes Grapefruit and Tangerines)

High in vitamin C and other vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and beneficial antioxidants that boost the immune system, aid vascular protection, reduce inflammation and aid weight loss.

Dark Green, Red, Yellow, Purple and Orange fruit and Vegetables

Five or more servings a day eaten raw or lightly cooked, are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and low in calories help maintain a healthy weight and protect the body from heart disease, cancer, and other serious health problems.

Eggs

High in protein for building and repairing tissue, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E, B2, B6, B12 and packed with vital minerals like iron potassium, selenium, calcium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus.

Garlic, Onions, Shallots, Leeks

Help to fight and prevent infections, inflammation and disease, inhibit tumor growth, blood-clot development and enhance immunity.

Kale (Spinach and other leafy greens)

Contain chlorophyll, vitamins A, C and the minerals calcium and magnesium needed for strong, bones, and for nerve and muscle functioning.

Kiwi-Fruit

Rich in vitamin C and E for immunity, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium and dietary fiber for digestive health.

Melons (Watermelon, Cantaloupe and Honeydew)

Help to flush out toxins from the body, are low in calories, fat, sodium and no cholesterol. High in vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals like magnesium and potassium which help to protect against stroke.

Peppers

Very high in vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B6, necessary for releasing energy from amino acids and for the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates.

Pomegranate

Superfood that enhance health and antioxidants that improve gut health, fight inflammation and diseases like type-2 diabetes and obesity. Also contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and folic acid which give overall health benefits.

Pumpkin

Abundant source of beta carotene, fiber and iron as well as vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and folate which delivers of oxygen to cells and strengthens the immune system.

Strawberries

Packed with vitamins, fiber and antioxidants (polyphenols) and are a good source of manganese and potassium and high in vitamin C for enhanced immunity. They are also low in calories, fat and sodium which promotes weight-loss.

Sweet Potatoes

High in vitamin B6 which is beneficial for heart health, vitamins C, D and A, dietary fiber, calcium and potassium which help to lower blood pressure.

Whole Grain Breads, Cereals And Brown Rice

Their high-fiber content helps the digestive system and to control weight.

Probiotics (friendly bacteria)

Additives in processed foods, sugar, stress and antibiotics kill good bacteria and upset your gut bacteria balance. Probiotics in the diet helps the body absorb important vitamins and minerals for metabolism and to maintain healthy colonies of good bacteria for overall good health.

Probiotic food include yoghurt, kefir, milk with probiotics (lactobacillus acidophilus), soft cheeses, sauerkraut, miso, sourdough bread, tempeh, kombucha and kimchi.

Prebiotic Foods

Plant fiber that beneficially nourishes good probiotic bacteria (gut flora) are found in whole grains, nuts, root vegetables, beans and legumes, bananas, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, garlic and onions, chickpeas, lentils, honey and psyllium.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Apples are low in calories, are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C which aids the immune system, phenols, which reduce cholesterol and quercetin which protects brain cells against degenerative disorders like Alzheimer's.

Super Seeds

Packed with many essential immune boosting nutrients like cell-building protein, fiber and low in saturated fat. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc and antioxidants.

Super Seeds include chia seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, wheat germ and pomegranate seeds.

Beans and Legumes

Contain protein, fiber, antioxidants, B-vitamins, folate, magnesium, thiamine and riboflavin. They are found in all the different kinds of beans and legumes like green beans, peas, lima beans, dried beans, split peas, chickpeas and lentils.

Super Berries

High fiber and rich source of antioxidants that protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Super berries include açai berry, acerola cherry, aroniaberries blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, goji berry, maqui-berry, mulberry, noni-berry, raspberry and strawberry.

Seafood

The omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish help to prevent heart disease, are high in protein, vitamins such as vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth, vitamin B12 necessary for growth and the production of energy from fatty acids and minerals including iodine, selenium, zinc, potassium and calcium. Super seafood include salmon, sardines, oysters, herring, anchovies, rainbow trout, pacific halibut, atlantic mackerel.

Meat

Organic and free-range lean meat and poultry eaten in moderation is a healthy part of a well-balanced diet providing protein, and valuable essential fatty acids, iron and vitamin B 12.

Beef, lamb, pork and poultry such as turkey and chicken are high in protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, iron and magnesium.

Organ meats like liver are rich in iron, zinc, copper, choline and inositol as well as vitamins A, E, K, thiamine, riboflavin, folic-acid and biotin which are part of the B complex vitamins helping the body metabolize fats and carbohydrates, maintain proper function of the nervous system and promote healthy nails, skin and hair.

The Power Within

There is a power within that can transform your quality of life.

Goals keep you focused toward healthy lifestyle attitudes, behaviors and choices and provide the motivation through targets to strive for.

*think about the possibilities.

*think about the rewards

My name is Andrew Papas and I am an Internet Marketer and Self Publisher.

Affiliate Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Solo Build It! My goal is to bring together the best resources available and legitimate Online Business Opportunities that can work for you.

Food Tours to Europe http://www.efoodtours.com

The SiteSell Home Page (sitesell.com) "https://". http://www.sitesell.com/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrew_Papas/526690

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10398488

Why Eat Whole Grains? Understanding Their Health Benefits

Grains in seem to be having a hard time lately, with gluten being blamed by some for major health problems and new grain-free diets springing up every year. So one can easily wonder: why eat whole grains, as recommended by health authorities everywhere.

However, according to Dr. Frank Hu, Professor of nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and author of two long-running studies, eating 70g of whole grains per day could reduce your risk of dying by 5%. With each additional 28g serving, the risk of dying of heart disease is reduced by 9%. The study also found that replacing refined grains and red meats by whole grains in equal amounts could potentially increase your lifespan by 8% to 20%.

There is so much to explain about whole grains that I have split this subject in two. Part 1 covers Why eat whole grains, and Part 2 deals with ways to eat more whole grains. 
1. What are whole grains? 
Grains, also called cereals, are the seeds of some grasses, which are cultivated for food. The following are all grains you're likely to come across in the shops, although not all in the form of whole seeds (alternative names in brackets): 

• Amaranth
• 
  Barley
• Buckwheat (or kasha)
• Corn (hominy, popcorn, maize)
• Millet
• Oats (oatmeal)
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Rye
• Sorghum
• Spelt
• Teff
• Wheat (triticale, semolina, seitan, farro, kamut)

Wild RiceWhole grains vs. refined grains 
A whole grain will contain the whole kernel, i.e.: 

• The bran - the outer layer, which contains vitamins, minerals, and fibers.
• The endosperm - the main part of the grain, which can be ground to make flour. Initially destined to feed the embryo, the germ, when it develops into a new plant. Contains carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
• The germ - the smallest component of the kernel, which is supposed to germinate if planted. Contains proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fat.

100% whole grains will contain all 3 parts of the kernel (the bran, the endosperm, and the germ). To obtain refined grains, whole grains are milled to remove the bran and the germ. The end result is of finer texture and keeps for longer. The process removes, however, a lot of the nutrients, in particular, fiber.

Whole grains can still be milled, rolled, crushed or cracked. As long as the whole of the kernel is present in the end product, they are still "whole grains".

Note - when we eat refined grains, our bodies actually use nutrients to digest these nutrient-poor foods, which leaves us poorer in nutrients than before eating them!

Note 2 - This is why you might come across the terms "enriched grains" and "fortified grains". "Enriched grains" means some of the nutrients lost during the milling stage are replaced, such as vitamins. "Fortified grains" means that some nutrients that were not initially in the kernel have been added. 
2. Whole grains and fibers 
As you can see from the Nutritional info above, one of the main nutrient to be removed during the refining process is fiber. It's the part of a plant food that the body cannot digest. As it moves through our digestive system, it absorbs water and helps the body eliminate food waste quicker.

A higher consumption is linked with a lower risk of heart disease, as it helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and stabilizes blood sugar. It also fills you up and is an essential tool for weight loss and weight management.

There are 2 varieties of fiber: insoluble and soluble. Good sources of insoluble fiber in grains are whole wheat and popcorn (minus any added butter or sugar), but also teff, spelt and millet. Barley and oatmeal, as well as amaranth, contain soluble fiber. The body needs both in equal measures for optimal health.

The current recommended intake of fiber ranges from 21 to 25 grams for women and 30 to 38 grams for men. However, the vast majority of us only get to about half of that amount per day, mostly thanks to our highly processed diet of refined grains and our low intake of high-fiber food such as fruits and vegetables.

Check my next post on How to eat more whole grains to figure out how to increase your fiber intake the easy way. 
3. So why eat whole grains? 
The higher fiber content of whole grains is linked with lowering your general risk of mortality, but that's not the only reason why eating whole grains is beneficial to our bodies. The bran and germ of grains also contain a whole range of phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals, as well as proteins, all playing a beneficial role. Let's list a few of the main benefits here: 
1. They slow down digestion, 
... stabilizing your blood sugar and insulin levels. When ingested, refined grains break down immediately into glucose, much the same way as pure sugar. This sends your blood sugar rocketing, then plummeting, later on, causing sugar crash and cravings. 
Whole grains are broken down more slowly, keeping you full for longer. 
2. They have been found to help with weight management 
... by not sending you reaching for the next sugar or starchy fix, three servings per day being associated with a less abdominal fat. 
3. Whole grains, therefore, help with preventing type 2 diabetes 
... through healthy weight control and stabilization of your blood sugar levels. Those benefits kick in from only two servings per day (read my post on How to eat more whole grains to figure out what a serving is). This could be due to their high-fiber and high-magnesium content, both linked with better carbohydrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity. 
4. Whole grains can help lower blood cholesterol, 
... oats being a real champion in this category. Their higher soluble fiber content helps with eliminating cholesterol, by binding the cholesterol and its precursors together in the digestive tract and eliminating it quickly. The antioxidants found in oats also play a role. 
5. They can help decrease your blood pressure, 
... in particular, whole grains with a high soluble fiber content, such as barley and oats. Their antioxidants help improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. 
6. Numerous studies on more than 20 types of cancer 
... have found a link between eating three servings of whole grains per day and a reduced risk of cancer. This is in particular valid for gastrointestinal cancers and cancers of the oral cavity, such as pharynx, esophagus, and larynx. 
Whole grains offer protective nutrients, such as fiber, antioxidants (vitamin E and selenium in particular) and phytochemicals which can help suppress the growth of cancer cells, block DNA damage and prevent the formation of carcinogens.

And if the benefits of whole grains start at just two servings per day, research has shown that the health improvements increase with each extra serving, to reach the 3-4 servings of whole grains recommended daily by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 
The take-home message: load up on whole grains for optimal health 
How to do this? There are a lot of easy ways to identify whole grains in your food and increase your intake. Read up on those in my next article on How to eat more whole grains.

If tips and resources about Eating a Cleaner diet for Better Health is what you're looking for, SimplyGoClean.com is your answer! Come, read, and share your story and tips with us

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Isabel_Lira/2579921

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9994094

Omega 3 Benefits

Omega 3 Benefits:- 

Forever Arctic Sea is a great source of Omega 3, Omega 9, and Omega 6. Omega-3 is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid found in salmon and other seafood. Omega-9 is the unsaturated fatty acid found in vegetable products, like olive oil. And all of them have taken great care of quality.

 Unsaturated fatty acid omega 3 is very useful and beneficial for our entire body, and many countries have made it unsuitable to include omega 3 in their diet. And there are more other things to understand the Forever Omage3 Benefits. Not all omega-3 is the same. Scientific research has added the consumption of saturated fatty acids, mainly found in animal fat, increased levels of cholesterol and high risk of heart attack, whereas unsaturated diversity is not affected by vegetable oils. 

Forever has created a unique nutritional supplement product with a new technology. combining with omega 3, omega 9 and omega 6. Which removes many problems in our body and stops by coming, such as Heart Problems, Keeping Blood pure, Skin Problems, Hair Protection, Keeping Joints Healthy.

 • Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acids can help support healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels 

• Forever created the Forever Arctic Sea with a unique ingredient formula, in which the calamari, salmon and tuna fish oil is available in which omega 3 is in the richest form and also Mercury-free omega-oil. However, there are several companies in the market that sell omega 3 oil with mercury but Forever Arctic to Omega 3 is therefore unique to all of them. 

• Obtaining omega 3 due to lack of nutrition in eating and eating in the life of the present day, it has also been very difficult in the right quantity. But Forever has solved the problem of all of us for Forever Arctic delivering 33% more DHA and also providing balance of DHA and EPA fatty acids. 

• Forever Arctic Sea, Omega 3, is the cellular membrane in our entire body cells and helps in maintaining it as a healthy, which includes the brain, skin, eyes, heart, blood vessels, lungs and joint.

 • Forever Artic Sea Omega-3 fats are Promotes Cardiovascular Health critical for the heart and blood vessels to perform optimally.

 • Salmon is the best source of omega 3 Benefits. This fatty acid is a great source of Vitamin D, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6 and Selenium.

 • Whenever it comes to omegas, a lot of people do not understand how much omega's opinion should they take. Historically, nutritiously balanced diet of omega 1: 1 to 1: 4 DHA: EPA. 

• Forever Arctic Sea keeps our blood cells healthy and does not allow cholesterol to stop there so that we do not have to face the problem of heart. 

Forever Arctic Sea is also known as brain tonic, that it keeps feeding our brain Neurons. 

@These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ajay_Kumar/2570680 

4 Quick Vegan Snacks That Will Make You Want To Eat Healthier

You don't have to be vegan to eat vegan food. In fact, it's great to try healthy snacks from time to time, especially if your diet mainly consists of meat and fast food. You'll be surprised at how delicious and fulfilling healthy food can be and if it doesn't make you change your eating lifestyle altogether, it will help you make more nutritious choices in your diet.

Try these 4 awesome vegan snack recipes:

Quick Cinnamon Apple Chips

What you need:

• 2 red apples, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

In a bowl, sprinkle apple slices with sugar and cinnamon, tossing to coat fruit evenly. Arrange apples in a baking sheet so that they don't overlap. Bake in a pre-heated oven (200F) until dried and crisp (but still pliable), about 2 to 3 hours. Serve immediately.

Garlic, Lime and Avocado Hummus

What you need:

• 2 ripe avocados, cored and peeled
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups canned chickpeas
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro for garnish
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish

In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lime juice and olive oil. Season with kosher salt. Blend until mixture is smooth. Transfer mixture into a serving bowl then top with chopped cilantro and red pepper flakes. Best served with whole wheat bread or chips.

Healthy Trail Mix Snack Balls

What you need:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, melted
• 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup mini M&Ms
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Kosher salt

Mix together the old-fashioned rolled oats, peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, M&Ms, peanuts, raisins and honey. Season with kosher salt (depending on your desired saltiness). Stir until ingredients are well-combined. Scoop into small balls (about a tablespoon in size) and arrange in a plate. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1 to 2 hours.

Green Apple Nachos

What you need:

• 2 green apples, cored and sliced into wedges, chilled
• 1/4 cup all-natural peanut butter, warmed
• 2 tablespoons granola
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries

Arrange apple wedges on a serving plate. Using a spoon, drizzle generously with warmed peanut butter. Top with granola bits and dried cranberries. Serve immediately.

Whether you're a vegan or not, these quick vegan snacks will surely want to make you eat healthier!

Adrian T. Cheng is a food blogger and a BBQ expert. Through years of grill experience, reviewing various grilling accessories and trying delicious and unique recipes, he is sharing his knowledge with everyone through his blog. For more grilling secrets, tips, recipes and more, head over to Adrian's website where he has other interesting grill-related products and posts.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Adrian_T._Cheng/2109020

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9980071

Why Is Weight Loss Never "One Thing"?

 People often tell me stories about how they lost weight. The stories begin with, "All I did was... " and end with something like: become vegetarian (or vegan); eliminate gluten; "go raw"; or cut out sugar.

A couple of these make sense, but others don't. Let's look at each one.

Becoming Vegetarian or Vegan

The two are different, but I'll cover them together because my observations are the same in both cases.

Depending on which animal products someone was eating before changing her/his diet - and how they were prepared - eliminating animal products might result in considerable weight loss.

But there may be more to this story. Maybe the new vegan/vegetarian has eliminated dairy products, for example - and given up that pint of Ben & Jerry's every night. Getting rid of all the fat and sugar in the ice cream could very well have had a profound effect on weight loss.

That change might even have helped by itself. So maybe it wasn't just about animal products.

Eliminating Gluten

My first question is always, "How much gluten was this person eating before?"

It's logical to blame gluten if the now-lean person was eating a stack of pancakes for breakfast, a large submarine-type sandwich for lunch, and a mountain of pasta with his dinner.

Cutting moderate gluten intake - say, a standard sandwich on 2 ordinary slices of bread per day - might not yield the same dramatic results.

But again, is there more to the story? The butter and syrup on the pancakes, high-fat sauce on the pasta, mayo and who-knows-what-else on the sub sandwich? Those changes would factor in just as much as the gluten.

Giving Up Sugar or "Going Raw"

Okay, in this case, I can definitely believe we may have found the "one thing" that helps someone lose weight - especially if the switch covers all sugar.

Giving up sugar would include giving up pastries, cookies, cakes, brownies, candy bars, ice cream, and more. Those so-called foods often contain fat, white flour, and yes, gluten - plus other junk, along with the sugar.

Someone switching to a raw diet would also eliminate most foods on the list above.

The drawback with a raw diet is that there are two "tracks." The healthful track emphasizes vegetables. The less healthful track emphasizes fruit, various concoctions that contain fruit or fruit juice, and even cookies that look like Oreos, with some sort of creamy fruit puree filling between 2 cookies made of crumbled nuts.

I recommend the veggie track, but that may be a topic for another post.

Of course I'm in favor of anything that helps someone make a change for better health. But it may take a few things, not just one. And that's not a bad thing.

That being said, the decision to eliminate sugar can, and often does, have far-reaching benefits: cardiovascular health, blood pressure, mood, appetite, focus.

So if you are still looking for the One Thing that helps you lose weight... giving up sugar might be that thing.

And if you're looking for help with eliminating sugar - for weight loss or other health issues - perfect! That's what I do. Just visit http://www.FoodAddictionSolutions.com and grab your FREE copy of "3 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Trying To Quit Sugar." Find out how you can make a big shift in your health with small changes that are easy and do-able.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9668658

Top 5 Tips for Dining Out the Healthy Way

If you're like me, you have the best intentions when it comes to cooking meals for yourself and your family, but it seems that time gets away from you and you end up deciding to dine out instead. Eating out can be a time saver but it can also be a challenge to make healthy choices when you're not cooking things yourself.

The good news is, with a little planning you can make educated choices before you even leave your house! Here are my top 5 tips for dining out.

1. Plan ahead. This applies to both where you're eating and what you're ordering. Have a list of go-to restaurants where you know the menu well so you don't have to spend a ton of time deciding what to choose. Have your family create a list of several places everyone likes and use that as a rotating list of places to go in a pinch. You can even add a new place you want to try once in a while. Many restaurants have their menus posted online so you can determine if it's the right choice for you before you head out.

2. Read the menu carefully. Either online or in the restaurant, take your time when reviewing menu options. Be selective with what you're ordering and consider balancing your meal - if you choose a heavier entrée, select a side of steamed vegetables. If you know you're having dessert, choose grilled or broiled chicken or fish with a salad for your entrée and appetizer. If you're truly craving something, order it and savor it while you relish not having to do the dishes after dinner.

3. Don't hesitate to make special requests. Restaurants are often very flexible with their menus, even with methods of preparation. Ask if that sandwich you're interested in can be made with grilled instead of fried chicken. Skip the bacon or mayonnaise on the sandwich and choose a baked potato or salad as a side. Requesting sauces and dressings be served on the side is an easy way to make sure the food is seasoned to your particular taste.

4. Pay attention to your alcohol consumption. Alcohol tends to lower inhibitions and you may not be as in-tune to your fullness cues. If you do choose to drink, alcohol guidelines recommend one drink per day for women and two for men.

5. Volumize your meals. Increase the nutritional profile of your meal by adding volume. Ask for extra vegetables in your primavera, choose vegetarian fajitas, or pile your burger with extra tomatoes, lettuce, and other vegetables. This not only makes your meal more nutrient-dense, but it also helps you feel satisfied and stay satisfied for longer.

If you're still finding it difficult to fit a relaxed meal into your busy schedule, tuck portable foods into your purse or kids' lunchboxes for an easy way keep everyone from becoming ravenous. Try nut butter and an apple, trail mix, and single serve packages of whole grain cereal or crackers paired with a cheese stick.

The good news is, if you find yourself pressed for time for meals once in a while, there are a few ways around it. With a little pre-planning, when the time crunch hits, you'll already have steps in place to find an easy way to dine out. Plus, you have the added bonus of not having to clean up after, giving you even more time to spend as a family.

Bonnie R. Giller helps chronic dieters and people with medical conditions like diabetes take back control so they can get the healthy body and life they want. She does this by creating a tailored solution that combines three essential ingredients: a healthy mindset, caring support and nutrition education.

Bonnie is a registered and certified dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes educator and certified intuitive eating counselor. Learn more about Bonnie and her nutrition services at http://www.BRGHealth.com.
Get your Free Guide "5 Steps to a Body You Love without Dieting" at http://www.DietFreeZone.com.Author *Bonnie R Giller

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9935791