~ ~ ~ Like their nut cousins, sesame seeds are concentrated nuggets of nutritional excellence. They are exceptionally rich in a host of key minerals, and provide two very special and unique phytochemicals, sesamin and sesamolin. Both are super-potent antioxidants from the lignan family that have been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure, and boost the […]
It’s my standard advice to forego a mid-morning snack, especially for those who want to lose weight, and a study supports this is a sound recommendation. In a twelve-month weight loss study involving 123 overweight adults put on caloric restriction diets, those who reported regular mid-morning snacking lost 40% less weight than study subjects who avoided this […]
Edamame is a superstar food that makes a great addition to any meal! The fact that not only is this recipe incredibly healthy but amazingly simple is what makes it one of my favorite edamame recipes. Simple Edamame with Lemon and Olive Oil Ingredients: 1 package of frozen shelled edamame cooked according to package instructions 1 […]
Scientists already determined that eating chili peppers (and other hot foods) can boost mood by triggering the release of the brain’s natural feel good chemicals – and thanks to this lab study, we have another happy reason to eat them. Scientist determined that the chemical capsaicin, which provides chili pepper’s spicy hot kick, can boost the activity […]
I recently reviewed all of the studies I had in my files related to dark chocolate, and I am happy to report the following science-based health benefits: Enhances blood flow, including blood flow to the heart and brain Lowers blood pressure Improves the function and health of blood vessels Lowers triglycerides Raises HDL (good) cholesterol […]
Always include fresh fruit at your breakfast – make this a compulsive act. Frozen berries are especially healthy and easy at breakfast. Always include a piece of fresh fruit as your afternoon snack or as part of your snack. Eat a big colorful salad as part of a meal or as a meal entrée every […]
I’m nuts about nuts. Here are six reasons to include nuts in your diet daily! Regular nut consumption reduces the risk of heart-related death by up to 30-50%. People who eat nuts regularly live longer. People who eat nuts regularly get less type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. People who eat nuts regularly are less […]
If you are looking for a healthier and more wholesome way to replenish your energy during exercise, you may want to go with the classic snack, peanut butter’s best friend, banana. Sounds like a smart snack to me! Exercise scientists at Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab compared eating bananas to drinking a sports beverage as a […]
Nuts are off-the-charts for disease protection and for taste. Here are 5 great reasons to eat them daily: Better weight control Cardiovascular protection Improved metabolic health Vision protection Longevity (longer life) I eat nuts as a snack, and I also love to add them to breakfasts or salads like this one! Plum, Cucumber, and Spinach Salad […]
We all know what it’s like to get that mid-afternoon hunger strike. If you get hungry, be sure to grab (guilt free!) one of my top 10 favorite snacks! A handful (1 ounce) of nuts – any variety, packaged or bulk fresh Fresh veggies (carrots, bell pepper strips, celery, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets) dipped in hummus, […]
A generous handful (1 oz.) of mixed nuts – I love the Kirkland’s Extra Fancy Mixed Nuts® from Costco. 2/3 of a cup of Greek plain yogurt with ½ tbs of almond butter and 1 Tbsp. of blackstrap molasses (I use a ramekin) A large, fresh carrot dipped in hummus Food Should Taste Good® brand […]
Are you looking for more sweet reasons to include dark chocolate in your diet regularly? If so, you will be pleased to know that a new scientific review of 42 former clinical trials supports my strongly held notion that dark chocolate is truly a healthy dessert. In this new report, several benefits were attributed to […]
