Tag Archives: Serving size

by

Cholesterol the good and the bad


High cholesterol?
High cholesterol? (Photo credit: Boy27wonder)

 Reblogged:from Smart Balance.com                       The good, the bad, and the difference

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance produced by your liver and found in all parts of your body. It is also present in foods, particularly meats, highfat dairy products, egg yolks and certain fish. Your cholesterol level is measured with a simple blood test that breaks down the amount into three categories:

• Low density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) builds up on artery walls and can cause cardiovascular disease. Levels under 100mg are optimal, and under 129mg is very good. • High density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good” cholesterol) carries LDL out of the blood and keeps it from accumulating on artery walls. Levels of 60mg or more are considered protective of heart health. • Total cholesterol is the combination of LDL, HDL, VLDL and other density lipoproteins found in the blood. Ideally this number should be under 200.To optimize your cardiovascular health, you should strive to keep your total cholesterol levels as low as possible and balance your LDL and HDL as much as possible. In addition to reducing your intake of foods high in saturated fats, you should try to eat heart-healthy foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthier blends of fat like those blends contained in Smart Balance® Buttery Spreads.   Our unique blend of fats has been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels when eaten as part of the Smart Balance™ Food Plan.1  Regular exercise and a healthy weight also can help you take control of your cholesterol.  Please see the nutrition information of each Smart Balance® Buttery Spread for fat and saturated fat content.                                                                                                                                                Blood vessel, Calorie, Cholesterol, Dieting, dieting programs, Eating, Fat, Fitness, Food, Health, High-density lipoprotein, Human nutrition, Low-density lipoprotein, Portion control (dieting), Saturated fat, Serving size, Top Weight loss, Very low-density lipoprotein, Weight, weight loss, Weight Loss Tips, weight tips

Related articles
by

Healthy Weight – it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!


English: The graph shows the correlation betwe...
Image via Wikipedia

Assessing Your Weight

How can I tell if I’m at a healthy weight?

Adult Body Mass Index or BMI

One way to begin to determine whether  your weight is a healthy one is to calculate your “body mass index”  (BMI). For most people, BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness. It is  calculated based on your height and weight.

To calculate your BMI, see the BMI CalculatorBMI Calculator. Or determine your BMI by finding your height and weight in   this BMI Index Chart.

  • If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the   “underweight” range.
  • If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, it falls within the “normal” or   Healthy Weight range.
  • If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, it falls within the “overweight“   range.
  • If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the “obese”   range.

“Underweight”, “normal”, “overweight”, and “obese” are all labels  for ranges of weight. Obese and overweight describe ranges of weight that are  greater than what is considered healthy for a given height, while underweight  describes a weight that is lower than what is considered healthy. If your BMI  falls outside of the “normal” or Healthy Weight range, you may want to talk to  your doctor or health care provider about how you might achieve a healthier  body weight. Obesity and overweight have been shown to increase the likelihood  of certain diseases and other health problems.

At an individual level, BMI can be used as a screening tool  but is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual. A trained  healthcare provider should perform appropriate health assessments in order to  evaluate an individual’s health status and risks.

BMI, Body mass index, Calorie, Dieting, dieting programs, Eating, Fitness, Food, Health, Human nutrition, Hypertension, Loss Weight, Nutrition, Obesity, Overweight, Physical exercise, Portion Control, Programs, Serving size, Top weight-loss, Underweight, Weight, weight loss, Weight Loss Tips, weight tips, Weight loss
Related articles
by

Indian Spinach-and-Chickpea Fritters


 I found this great recipe on the Food Network   check it out you’r gonna love it.                                                                                                                           Indian Spinach-and-Chickpea Fritters                                                                                                                Ingredients

Directions

Whisk the chickpea flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cumin seeds, cayenne and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add 2/3 cup water and whisk until smooth. Add the onion, chickpeas, spinach and ginger to the batter and mix to combine.

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325 degrees. Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of batter into the oil (do not crowd the pan). Cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Cool slightly, then gently press each fritter into a small disk, about 1/3 inch thick.

Return the fritters to the hot oil and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 1 more minute. Season with salt and serve with chutney.

Related articles
by

Monounsaturated fats or MUFA


Space-filling model of the α-Linolenic acid mo...
Image via Wikipedia

Reblogged: from en.wikipedia.org, www.mayoclinic.com , www.heart.org

monounsaturated fats or MUFA (MonoUnsaturated Fatty Acid) are fatty acids that have one double bond in the fatty acid chain and all of the remainder of the carbon atoms in the chain are single-bonded. By contrast, polyunsaturated fatty acids have more than one double bond.Fatty acids are long-chained molecules having an alkyl group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at the other end. Fatty acid viscosity (thickness) and melting temperature increases with decreasing number of double bonds. Therefore, monounsaturated fatty acids have a higher melting point than polyunsaturated fatty acids (more double bonds) and a lower melting point than saturated fatty acids (no double bonds). Monounsaturated fatty acids are liquids at room temperature and semisolid or solid when refrigerated.Common monounsaturated fatty acids are palmitoleic acid (16:1 n−7), cis-vaccenic acid (18:1 n−7) and oleic acid (18:1 n−9). Palmitoleic acid has 16 carbon atoms with the first double bond occurring 7 carbon atoms away from the methyl group (and 9 carbons from the carboxyl end). It can be lengthened to the 18-carbon cis-vaccenic acid. Oleic acid has 18 carbon atoms with the first double bond occurring 9 carbon atoms away from the carboxylic acid group.

Although polyunsaturated fats protect against cardiovascular disease by providing more membrane fluidity than monounsaturated fats, they are more vulnerable to lipid peroxidation (rancidity). On the other hand, some monounsaturated fatty acids (in the same way as saturated fats) may promote insulin resistance, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids may be protective against insulin resistance.[1][2] In contrast to this, the large-scale KANWU study found that neither dietary monounsaturated nor supplemented polyunsaturated fats (in the form of fish oil) affected insulin sensitivity while increased consumption of saturated fat significantly decreased insulin  sensitivity.                                                                                                                                                                            Foods containing monounsaturated fats reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while possibly increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.[4] However, their true ability to raise HDL is still in debate.Levels of oleic and monounsaturated fatty acids in red blood cell membranes were positively associated with breast cancer risk. The saturation index (SI) of the same membranes was inversely associated with breast cancer risk. Monounsaturated fats and low SI in erythrocyte membranes are predictors of postmenopausal breast cancer. Both of these variables depend on the activity of the enzyme 9-d delta 9 desaturase.[5]In children, consumption of monounsaturated oils is associated with healthier serum lipid profiles.Monounsaturated fats are found in natural foods such as red meat, whole milk products, nuts and high fat fruits such as olives and avocados. Olive oil is about 75% monounsaturated fat. Canola oil and Cashews are both about 58% monounsaturated fat. Tallow (beef fat) is about 50% monounsaturated fat and lard is about 40% monounsaturated fat. Other sources include macadamia nut oil, grape seed oil, groundnut oil (peanut oil), sesame oil, corn oil, popcorn, whole grain wheat, cereal, oatmeal, safflower oil, sunflower oil, tea-oil Camellia, and avocado oil.Monounsaturated fats can have a beneficial effect on your health when eaten in moderation and when used to replace saturated fats or trans fats.  Monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.  They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells.  Monounsaturated fats are also typically high in vitamin E, an antioxidant vitamin most Americans need more of. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can have a positive effect on your health, when eaten in moderation.  The bad fats – saturated fats and trans fats – can negatively affect your health. Monounsaturated fats – like all fats – contain nine calories per gram. The fats in the foods you eat should not total more than 25–35 percent of the calories you eat in a given day…and, for good health, the majority of those fats should be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.  Eat foods containing monounsaturated fats and/or polyunsaturated fats instead of foods that contain saturated fats and/or trans fats.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For practical tips, check out the Nutrition Center                                                                                                                 Also  see: High density lipoprotein,Saturated fat,Unsaturated fat,Polyunsaturated fat.                                             Dieting, Eating, Fatty acid, Fitness, Food, Health,Calorie, High-density lipoprotein, Human nutrition, Monounsaturated fat, Olive oil, Polyunsaturated fat, Saturated fat, Serving size, Top Weight loss, Weight Loss Tips, weight-loss

Related articles
by

Shrimp Scampi with Linguini


Shrimp Scampi with linguine

Ingredients

Directions

For the pasta, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. When it has come to the boil, add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the linguine. Stir to make sure the pasta separates; cover. When the water returns to a boil, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is not quite done. Drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm. Add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil. When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked pasta. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over a bit more olive oil and serve immediately                                                                                    Black pepper, Butter, Calorie, Deveining, diet, dieting programs, Eating, Fitness, Food, Health, Human nutrition, Olive oil, Pasta, Physical exercise, Portion Control, Serving size, Shallot, Shrimp,

Related articles
by

Weight Loss Success: Hattie Montgomery Let Go Of A Painful Past And Lost 300 Pounds


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Reblogged: from Huffington Post.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                by,http://mytopweightloss.wordpress.com                                                                                                                                                           Age:  34                                                                                                                                                                                    Height  : 5’8″                                                                                                                                                                                               Before Weight: 500+pounds                                                                                                                                                                                                                               How I Gained It: I came out a big baby. From day one, “plump” and “chubby” were common names for me. I was an active child, running and playing with my friends, and I thought that I ate the same as my family. Looking back, I now see that wasn’t the case; I ate the same foods, just a lot more. By elementary school, I was already developing. The bullying started then and didn’t stop. As the pain grew heavier, food became more comforting.

There were times during high school that I would try to lose weight, but it always came back. By the end of high school, I was already over 300 pounds. I excelled in school and loved singing. These activities were my way of escaping, the times where the pain was gone, and I could just be happy.

I carried on this way into my early 20s. At 24, I was sexually assaulted by a friend’s friend. The little bit of spirit and fight that was in me suddenly was nowhere to be found. I turned to my best friend — food — for comfort. When I was sad, I ate. When I was afraid or angry, I ate. I eventually could no longer deal with the pain and started eating to die. I was begging to be taken. I didn’t understand how my life had any purpose if all I was to people was a punching bag.

Breaking Point: I will never forget the day when I cut my leg and, instead of blood, clear liquid came out. I had such severe edema, apnea and high blood pressure that I knew my time was short. Then a few simple words changed everything. Simple kindness reminded me that I was loved and important. It suddenly made me see that giving up was not an option. I knew that it was an uphill battle because at this point I was 31 and weighed over 500 pounds, but I was ready to do whatever it took to survive. I decided I was going to save my life.

How I Lost It: A big turning point for me was letting go of the past. I had to forgive the people who hurt me, let go of the pain and sadness I felt and make my life priority number one. I started a diet program which consisted of eating 750 calories a day of specific fruits, vegetables and proteins. I was monitored closely by my doctor to make sure I was okay.

I became very dedicated to journaling my food intake and really paid attention to the quality of the food I was eating. I gave up soda, fried foods, ice cream, chips — all those wonderful foods that we think make us feel so good. It was so hard. I often found myself crying, almost mourning the loss of my old friend.

Eventually I started adding exercise into my routine. When I first started, I could walk maybe 10 minutes a day. As I continued to push harder, that increased more and more. I took up tennis, started yoga and eventually tried jogging. Today I work out with a personal trainer who has been an amazing supporter and wonderful friend. He and I have been working together for over a year now, and he has forever changed my life. I resistance train three days a week and have such amazing balance and strength. I am also training to participate in my gym’s indoor triathlon this month.

I still have more to my journey and also have some excess skin from the weight loss to deal with, but I can’t express how lucky I feel to wake up each day and know that I am alive! Three years ago I was thinking about how my family would no longer be burdened by me once I died, and now I’m going to do an indoor triathlon in less than a month! I have an amazing support system of friends and family who have made my success possible, cheering me on every step of the way.

I don’t know many people who get a second chance, and it is my wish to be able to take this wonderful opportunity to reach out and help people realize that it’s never too late to make a change. Yes, it’s hard. This will be a life-long journey for me, but I gave up all those foods I loved for all those years so that I could finally live.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After Weight: 211 pounds 2012-02-08-hattie2.jpg                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Loss Weight, Nutrition, Pain, Physical exercise, Portion Control, Programs, Serving size, Shopping, Top Weight loss, weight loss, Weight Loss Tips, weight tips,diet, Dieting, dieting programs, Eating, Fitness, Food, Health, Human nutrition,

Related articles
by

Gastric Bypass Surgery (Not A Healthy Choice)


US Navy 110511-N-CW427-002 Cmdr. Gordon Wisbac...

Image via Wikipedia

I recently received a comment on this subject,so I decided to check it out a bit more. And no matter how hard I looked I could not find anything good to say about it.I am totally against it,I feel this procedure is as unnecessary as it is unhealthy.If your struggling with your weight, I suggest you stick with the basics.Control what you Eat and stay Active. Gastric Bypass Surgery is offered as a weight loss surgery option, for patients looking to dramatically reduce their weight. Weight loss surgery, also known as barbaric surgery, They want us to believe that it will provide the longest period of sustained weight loss in patients who have tried other approaches of diet and exercise without success.But yet they go on to say something about weight loss surgery will only work as well as the amount of time you invest in adopting a healthy and active lifestyle.

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric Bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), slows the absorption of food and decreases calorie intake by creating a small stomach pouch. The pouch holds 3 to 5 ounces of food. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach pouch.  The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the middle portion of the small intestine, thus bypassing calorie absorption and the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine).

Frequently Asked Questions About Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

What are some of gastric bypass surgery results?

Restricts Eating: During gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch is created with staples which limits how much you can eat and diminishes appetite.

Decreases Calorie Intake: The intestine is rerouted in such a way that calories are not absorbed in a small segment.

Dumping Syndrome: Another effect of gastric bypass surgery is a condition called dumping syndrome. Because the intestine is re-routed after bariatric surgery, certain foods, such as those high in sugar, are emptied quickly into the intestines. Although this does not happen to everyone after gastric bypass surgery, it is a common side effect causing people to avoid foods with sugar and is generally felt to be a benefit of the surgery and not a complication.

This can’t be Healthy,WHY would anyone want to put themselves through this when there’s no guarantee that it will help you at all.You CAN accomplish the exact same goals with a Well Balanced Healthy Eating Plan,Regular Exercise,and of course Portion Control.  Gastric Bypass Surgery is not a solution, So where is the guarantee,It lies within you. because you’re the one that has to commit yourself to a Healthy Eating Plan, A consistent Regular Exercise Routine,and you are the one that has to practise Disciplined Portion Control.Which is actually one of the hardest yet most important keys to your success along  your weight loss journey. It is important to remember that weight loss surgery, just like any other weight loss program or service you only get out of it, what you put into it.Another words it will only work as well as the amount of time you invest in a healthy and active lifestyle.It’s all up to you,you’re the only one that can guarantee your success just like anything else you have to really want to.I know some of you might be saying it’s not that easy, and your right it’s not that is why you need to practice Discipline.If you follow a realistic Healthy Eating Plan,exercise,watch your Portions,be consistent,and you Discipline yourself when and were needed you can succeed. Here is a link to a store about a man who died a few weeks after having gastric bypass surgery http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/21/earlyshow/contributors/melindamurphy/main668323.shtml A study from the  University of Washington found that men are more likely to die than women. However, the study also found that if a patient survived more than a year after the surgery, then the benefits to their long-term health far outweigh the risks of the procedure.I don’t know about that.I don’t think the RISK is worth it!                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Loss Weight, diet, Dieting, Weight Loss Tips, weight loss programs, dieting programs, Top Weight loss, Health, Portion Control, Food, Human nutrition, Eating, Nutrition, Physical exercise, Fitness, Programs, Calorie

Related articles
by

Secret Wieghtloss Tips


Eat less do more

Image via Wikipedia

The  secret to successful weight loss is to eat less and move more.But it also has to do with how you eat you eat and the amount of my fiber in your diet.Recent research in the journal of Nutrition suggests eating more fiber as a way to prevent weight gain or even encourage weight loss. Over the course of the two-year study, the researchers found that boosting fiber by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories resulted in about 4 1/2 pounds of weight lost.These are five fiber-rich foods that will help you lose weight. Green Beans,Sweet Potato,Pumpkin,Apples and,chickpeas,One cup boasts 4 grams of fiber and a quarter of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin K.So adding these foods to your is a must if you are serious about losing those unwanted pounds.There are several things you can do with these five foods like make healthy treats such as breads,muffins,cakes,pies,even doughnuts.But at the same as you indulge in these tasty treats,working them into your daily eating plan don’t forget about your portion control,and stay consistent with your exercise routine so you will be sure to get the best results.I will try to find some good recipes to post,In the mean time see what cool recipes you can come up with.

Related articles
by

Teen Weight Issue


Ok today I would like to talk a bit about weight issues our teens are dealing with.Well there are several different issues with weight our youth has to deal with. First you have the teens that have always struggled with their weight, This could be for several reasons such as, being taught poor eating habits,or allowing them to eat what ever they want when ever they want. This  leads to over weight teens with low self-esteem,which causes deppression.comfort eating,and other health problems. Then you have the teens that no matter how thin they are they still feel they are over weight.Which leads to lack of eating,anorexic,or bullimia.This kind of weight issue is commonly caused by low self-esteem,depression, or the need to pease other with their appearance.In both cases these are serious problems,but now there is a whole different categories of teens that are struggling with weight issues in a very different way. These teens are under an overwhelming amounts of stress,which is commonly caused by problems at home,or problems with their peers.Which leads to lack of appetite,depression,nausea,and rapid weight loss.These are all very serious problems our children are dealing with and they don’t know what to do.That is why I feel it is very important to teach children how to take better care of themselfs.Such as having a healthy eating plan,as well as portion control.So they will have the tools they need to manage a healthy weight,and a healthy life style.And as for the stress we need to keep our children talking,that’s the only way you are going to know something is wrong,because our teens are so good at keeping things from us,if you are not paying close enough attention you will miss the signs.My daughter has been struggling with this for some time now,she lost like 12 pounds in less than two months.She hasn’t been able to eat without feeling sick,she didn’t want to talk about anything,very short-tempered. I had no idea so I took her to see a doctor to see why she loss so much weight,but they couldn’t find anything wrong.I knew she was having some problems at school but I didn.t realize how bad it had gotten.I was a parent that missed the signs.My daughter is doing much better health wise,and she feels comfortable talking to me about things she deals with now. I am very lucky because I got my daughter back,and I was so close to loosing her.So I guess the point i am trying to make is you have to keep your children talking, pay close attention to them,and if a time comes when they stop talking to you.TRY HARDER.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Loss Weight, diet, Dieting, Weight Loss Tips, weight loss programs, dieting programs, Top Weight loss, Health, Portion Control, Food, Human nutrition, Eating, Nutrition, Physical exercise, Fitness, Programs, Calorie

Related articles
by

Vita Coco 100% Pure Coconut Water


English: Coconut Français : Noix de coco
Image via Wikipedia

I found this great coconut flavored water Used to supplement ones diet, exercise routine, sports activities,ect. as well as your  general well-being! To increase ones strength and endurance in their workouts, exercise program or during any sport related activities. you get a Pack of twelve, 17- Ounce Aseptic Boxes, for like $ 32.00.They have Convenient resealable packs, take them to the gym, yoga studio, basketball court or wherever else you need resealable hydration.Looking for a healthy, delicious all-natural drink.Vita Coco 100% Pure Coconut Water.Made with the pure coconut water taken from young and naturally full of potassium and four other essential electrolytes to enhance the hydration process, this fresh, clean-tasting beverage will help replenish your body as it quenches your thirst.Serving Size 8.5 fl.oz. Servings Per Container 2 Amount Per Serving % DV Sodium 30.00 mg 1% Potassium 515.00 mg 15% Total Carbohydrate 11.00 g 4% Calories 45.00 Vitamin C 0.00 0% Magnesium 0.00 0% Phosphorus 0.00 0% Calcium 0.00 Natural Coconut Water Loaded with the five essential electrolytes that your body craves  including potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous.Vita Coco has what it takes to keep you hydrated and refreshed throughout your busy day.So I think you should definitely check this out it will give you a boost which will in return give you a better workout plus it will replenish your body at the same time. Why not most of us drink water when we exercise anyway right.I never was much of a water drinker unless it was bought from the store I wouldn’t drink it. Weird I know but I never like the taste of water from the falcet.So i figured if i was going to buy water why not try this and it is definitely better than plain water.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Loss Weight, diet, Dieting, Weight Loss Tips, weight loss programs, dieting programs, Top Weight loss, Health, Portion Control, Food, Human nutrition, Eating, Nutrition, Physical exercise, Fitness, Programs, Calorie                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   .

Related articles