Being Marge: January 2017

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Part 3 of 12 Essential Foods to Stock in Your Healthy Kitchen




If you missed Part 1 of 12 Essential Foods to Stock in Your Healthy Kitchen, you can check it out here:  http://beingmargebrown.blogspot.com/2017/01/12-essential-foods-to-stock-in-your.html

If you missed Part 2 of 12 Essential Foods to Stock in Your Healthy Kitchen, you can check it out here:
http://beingmargebrown.blogspot.com/2017/01/12-essential-foods-to-stock-in-your_19.html



1      Berries   
                           
  
  
When berries beckon in the spring and summer, it’s time to buy them fresh. It’s also a good idea to stock frozen berries year-round for their health benefits and delicious taste. Berries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are anti-inflammatory compounds that may boost heart health and keep you mentally sharp. The high fiber content in berries can help your digestive system. Berries satiate you, so they can aid in weight control. Incorporate berries in your daily diet in meals or snacks for their health benefits, taste, and visual appeal.


      Honey    
                           


Honey, one of the oldest sweeteners known to man, is an important staple for your healthy kitchen. Buy raw and unfiltered honey, to get the maximum nutritional benefits. Although it’s anti-bacterial, fat-free, and sodium-free, honey is high in fructose, so it should be consumed sparingly, especially for people monitoring their sugar intake. Honey makes an excellent cough syrup; it’s an energy-booster and can enhance athletic performance; it can be used to treat wounds and ulcers; it can reduce dandruff; and honey can control allergy symptoms. Warning: Never give infants honey out of the bottle due to risk of botulism.


1      Garlic
                                           


Part of the onion family, garlic is not only a tasty food flavoring, but it has been cultivated and consumed for its health benefits for centuries. It’s best eaten in its raw state or semi-cooked to get the maximum health benefits. Garlic has high levels of a Sulphur compound called Allicin, which has antioxidant properties to help lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It helps to keep the digestive system free of toxins and helps to build immunity against colds and the flu. Note that garlic is not recommended for asthma patients. Others will benefit from its low-calorie count and high levels of Vitamin C and other vitamins.
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P.S. How about 70 Super Foods for breakfast?
And, if you want to learn more about why I jump start my day by drinking 70 super foods in Shakeology, go here: http://fitsolutionsblog.com/shakeology/#!1872.

 

Thursday, January 19, 2017

12 Essential Foods to Stock in Your Healthy Kitchen - Part 2




            
           If you missed Part 1 of 12 Essential Foods to Stock in Your Healthy Kitchen, you can check it out here:  http://beingmargebrown.blogspot.com/2017/01/12-essential-foods-to-stock-in-your.html

          To continue setting your kitchen up for a healthy year ahead, make sure you stock the following ingredients.

          Quinoa 



Quinoa is indeed a very big deal, so much so that the United Nations declared 2013 the International Year of Quinoa. Quinoa seeds are among just a few vegetarian protein sources that include the full range of essential amino acids in the correct proportion humans need in their diet. It’s also low-calorie, a good source of fiber, gluten free, inexpensive, easy to store, easy to prepare, and, because it doesn’t have a strong flavor of its own, it can be mixed with many other ingredients for satisfying breakfasts, salads, and main courses.


2   Nuts




Heart-healthy nuts are good snacks, which are best eaten in small portions due to their high calorie count. Many nuts are high in protein and contain fiber and good levels of healthy mono-unsaturated fats. All nuts are not equal, and some are better than others, depending on your health goals. For instance, almonds are high in calcium and relatively low in calories; pistachios contain fewer calories and more potassium than other nuts; cashews are low in fiber and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Overall, nuts are nutritious, versatile, tasty, and there is a variety for countless cooking options.

     Oats
     
 

Most often people eat oats in the form of oatmeal, but this naturally gluten-free grain is also commonly used in breads and healthy snacks. There are only good things to say about oats. They’re not only inexpensive, but they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, providing health benefits related to heart disease, blood sugar levels, weight-loss, and digestion. Oats are very filling and they promote healthy gut bacteria levels. Try a bowl of oatmeal with dark berries and grated almonds for breakfast to combine three healthy ingredients from your healthy kitchen!

P.S. How about 70 Super Foods for breakfast?



And, if you want to learn more about why I jump start my day by drinking 70 super foods in Shakeology, go here: http://fitsolutionsblog.com/shakeology/#!1872.