Healthy Food

When it comes to eating the most important meal of the day, healthy breakfast foods are key to ensuring the best start of a morning. The foods you eat for breakfast will kick-off the momentum of your day as you use the energy from healthy breakfast selections to hold you over until lunch. Many advantages come from eating healthy breakfast foods, such as increased strength, endurance, weight control, concentration, and focus. Below, you will find five healthy suggestions to get you going in the right direction.

Oatmeal

Not only will oatmeal fill you up, but it also makes the day much easier to tackle with a new found sense of energy. This naturally supreme breakfast food is cholesterol-free, as well as low in fat and sugar. When it comes to getting the essentials in a diet, oatmeal provides four grams of fiber, as well as five grams of protein per serving. For those trying to boost the health of their heart, the American Heart Association has given oatmeal the official thumbs up. The best oatmeal to select contains 100% whole grain oats.

Fruit: Apples and Bananas, Berries

When pairing low in fat and low in sugar fruits together, you may come closer to satisfying the daily recommended allowances for a wide range of essentials, such as protein and fiber. When it comes to eating one apple, you will consume about 80 calories with a large amount of fiber and protein. Bananas are about 110 calories, offering additional protein, fiber, as well as potassium to your diet. Both healthy breakfast items are also easy to prepare and eat.

For a quick boost of energy in the morning, berries are a delicious treat that are packed with folate, fiber, phytonutrients, as well as vitamin C. In addition to providing just the right start in the morning, fresh berries are also one of the most potent foods that build up a defense against disease. Since preparing berries only require a quick wash and rinse, this breakfast choice makes the perfect companion on an early commute to the job.

Bar Food

Whether you peel back the wrapper of an energy bar, protein bar, or cereal bar, such as Nutrigrain, breakfast food in the form of a bar is a great choice for a morning mini-meal. When extra fat and sugar are absent from the equation, bar food makes a great portable breakfast choice that is quite healthy. Another plus in selecting a cereal bar for breakfast is that there are plenty of fruit choices to choose from.

Yogurt

When you choose your yogurt options carefully, you can supply yourself with a healthy breakfast that offers an array of colorful and fruity selections. Raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, vanilla, blueberry, and lemon are just some of the flavors you will come across. Make sure you read the nutritional facts on the label to make sure you are choosing yogurts that contain the least amount of fat and calories.

Heart Healthy Cereal

Cereals that contain heart-boosting ingredients, such as oats, psyllium, and whole grains are some of the healthiest foods for breakfast because they are high in fiber and low in fat. When shopping for heart healthy cereals, it is important to be on the lookout for key words on the box that highlight 100% wheat or bran, oat bran, or barley ingredients. Whole grain cereals also contain a high amount of B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, and iron.

By: Adrian Adams

Labels: eat healthy food, eat healthy foods, fast healthy food, healthy eating food, healthy fast food, healthy food, healthy food eating, healthy food pyramid, healthy foods, the healthy food

Here’s an anecdote told by Former US President George Bush: “I do not like broccoli. I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. I’m President of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!” Truth to tell, most kids do hate to eat broccoli and not enough cajoling from stressed parents could make them eat the greenest of vegetables. Unfortunately, the worldwide financial crisis also affects what people eat in more ways than one.

Nowadays, with the financial crisis continuing, budgets are really tight—from governments, businesses, companies, charity organizations, and even households. For employees with regular payroll, when the budget is stretched to the limit, they could count on a cash til payday loan against their salaries. Short term loans like these could really help them augment their income, particularly when there are money emergencies to deal with that are outside the household budget, such as car repairs, medical bills, and other food expenses. Today, it is easy and safe to get faxless payday loans online because there are many reputable websites that offer financial services.

However, when it comes to food expenses, even with a tight budget, it is not advisable to cut down the money for food, more importantly, when the food is for a family with growing kids. It is better to save on petrol or energy bills and make little adjustments to the family’s lifestyle in order to cut back expenses from such things, but never on food. When families lessen their food intake because of money troubles, it would not be long before medical bills start piling up, too.

The best way to maximize the food budget is to choose wisely, the food bought and consumed. Picking the right food is not just wise budgeting but also adds to a healthy diet that could protect the family from heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and even depression. There are certain inexpensive but nutritious foods that protect people from the range of disease mentioned. The key is knowing those foods, why they work, and how the average Australian could practice healthy eating at home. And guilt-free, of course.

There are several general principles on eating healthy. The first is to eat fresh food. Sometimes picking fresh food instead of processed products can be a bit expensive but people should think of it as an investment to their health. The old saying, eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away, is true because eating healthy would lessen the possibility of falling ill to debilitating diseases or even the common virus such as the flu. Secondly, get sugar from whole foods like fruits and whole grains.

Instead of drinking sodas and sports drinks, try fresh, home-made orange juice. For snacks, busy employees could bring a banana to work to munch on or any kind of berries. Lastly, get salt from natural and unprocessed sources like fish. Low sodium in the food intake would decrease high blood pressure, and at the same time, provide natural vitamin D and omega-3 fats to help in preventing depression.

By Gregory Ellis

Labels: eat healthy food, eat healthy foods, fast healthy food, healthy eating food, healthy fast food, healthy food, healthy food eating, healthy food pyramid, healthy food recipes, healthy foods, the healthy food

Chinese food holds a popular place among the entire population of the world. You can find a Chinese restaurant in every major city and in many smaller areas of the world as well. Why is Chinese food so popular? Is Chinese food healthy? What is the history of Chinese food?

The History of Chinese Food

The history of Chinese food is an interesting one. Unlike many cultures the Chinese believe that the preparation of food is an art and not simply a craft. The art of cooking Chinese food can include dishes and food preparation techniques which are difficult to develop and may require the expertise of a chef with lots of experience. One such technique is noodle pulling (scroll down to the bottom of the page to learn more about this technique). Noodle pulling requires skill and lots of practice and results in a delicious noodle dish. This article will refer to noodle pulling later on, but for now, let’s go back to the history of Chinese food.

Chinese food and the way it is prepared is very much influenced by the two major philosophies, which influence the entire Chinese culture. These dominant philosophies are Confucianism and Taoism. Both have these philosophies have influenced the way that the Chinese people cook and the way that they enjoy their food.

Confucianism and Chinese Cuisine

Confucius was the man behind the Confucianism beliefs. Among many other standards Confucius established standards for proper table etiquette and for the appearance and taste of Chinese food. One of the standards set by Confucius (you might have noticed this at an authentic Chinese restaurant) is that food must be cut into small bite size pieces before serving the dish. This is a custom that is definitely unique to the Chinese culture.

Knives at the dinner table are also considered to be a sign of very poor taste by those who embrace Confucianism beliefs. The standards of quality and taste that Confucius recommended required the perfect blend of ingredients, herbs and condiments--a blend which would result in the perfect combination of flavor. Confucius also emphasized the importance of the texture and color of a dish, and taught that food must be prepared and eaten with harmony. Interestingly enough, Confucius was also of the opinion that an excellent cook must first make an excellent matchmaker.

Taoism and Chinese Cuisine

Those who follow the Taoism beliefs focus on the health benefits of particular foods vs. the presentation of the same. Taoists search for foods that will increase their health and longevity. They search for foods that have healing powers. Many times these benefits were often referred to as ‘life giving powers’. For instance, the Chinese found that ginger, which can be considered to be a garnish or a condiment was found to be a remedy for upset stomachs or a remedy for colds.

Is Chinese Food Healthy?

Chinese food, when authentic is probably the healthiest food in the world. Some restaurants, which are not authentic, prepare their menu with highly saturated fats or with meats that contain unhealthy amounts of animal fat. These Chinese restaurants are not recommended and they are both neither authentic nor healthy.

Good Chinese food however, is prepared and cooked with poly-unsaturated oils. Authentic Chinese food does not require the use of milk-fat ingredients such as cream, butter or cheese. Meat is used, but not in abundance, which makes it easy for those who love authentic Chinese food to avoid high levels of animal fat. Many believe that authentic Chinese food is really the ideal diet.

Chinese Restaurants in Every Part of the Nation

Whether it is in a Tennessee Chinese Restaurant to a New York Chinese restaurant you are going to find culinary dishes that are both healthy and delicious. Savor the flavor with Chinese food!

By June Bhisham

Labels: eat healthy food, eat healthy foods, fast healthy food, healthy eating food, healthy fast food, healthy food, healthy food eating, healthy food pyramid, healthy food recipes, healthy foods

Chocolate is always seen as a luxury food and therefore something rather naughty or even unhealthy - but is that a fair assessment? Along with so many other things in our diets, the supposed negative or positive aspects of eating chocolate are the subject of much controversy. Each time a new report is published it throws the conclusions of the previous one into disarray. This is true for many other foods as well as our beloved chocolate! Perhaps the true answer is not so much in chocolate itself but in the way, and the amount, that we eat. The chemical constituents of chocolate include a flavinoid and as flavinoids are known to benefit the circulation there can be no argument about that aspect of the benefits of eating chocolate. Chocolate also contains anti-oxidants which help remove other harmful constituents from the blood such as free radicals- again that is not in dispute.

This is the point at which opinions begin to differ, as the argument for chocolate in terms of flavinoids and anti-oxidants is negated for many people by the presence of the sugar and fat in chocolate. The potentially harmful effects of these are seen as outweighing the benefits of the others, particularly as flavinoids are available in other food and drink such as vegetables, fruit and tea. As with many things, common sense has to play a part. All things are harmful when taken in excess, even foods which are generally believed to be beneficial to our health. Moderation is the key in every aspect of life and eating chocolate is no exception.

Where sugars are concerned, from a health point of view complex sugars are deemed to be better as they take a longer time to break down within the body. However simple sugars are also carbohydrates and will furnish energy on demand, enabling our bodies to function efficiently. Fats in small quantities perform necessary functions within the body, helping to modulate some hormones within the brain and as a carbohydrate it also provides energy quickly when required. However it must be said that one of the fats found in chocolate is stearic acid, which is a saturated fat and thus can lead to an increase in cholesterol.

Again, moderation is the key. There are many chemical compounds in chocolate that are far more beneficial and should be taken into account when worrying about any possible negative effects of the fats and sugars. For example caffeine - though harmful if taken to excess, is thought to be a positive influence on health if taken in small amounts. The quantity of caffeine in chocolate is less than that in coffee so having a cup of hot chocolate is less of an issue than having an equivalent cup of coffee - though I have to confess to a personal weakness for a dash of coffee in my hot chocolate or even a dash of chocolate in my coffee!

There is no doubt that chocolate has a 'feel good' factor, and is much loved by many women when PMT strikes. In fact there are times when it isn't safe for any male to enter our house unless they carry a bar of chocolate in front of them like a shield! Tryptophan, one of the compounds that develops into Serotonin, is found in chocolate. Serotonin is a chemical within the brain that helps us to handle the effects of stress and combat depression so there is another benefit there. Serotonin is created within the brain when we are sleeping so if you are short of sleep chocolate can be of great help in keeping you on an even keel.

Research has also indicated that chocolate causes the release of endorphins within the brain which give you a 'high' in the shape of a feeling of well being and relaxation. Combined with the mild stimulant effect of Theobromine, chocolate can produce a feeling of alertness and generates a much more positive outlook that some of the other stimulants we occasionally take on board like alcohol.

Better quality, high cocoa solid content chocolate, the so called gourmet chocolate, has far less fat and sugar, and provided that, like all good things, we take it in moderation there is little harm done. In short, chocolate makes us feel good and that has to be beneficial to our sense of health and well being.

By Cherrie Carew

Labels: eat healthy food, eat healthy foods, fast healthy food, healthy eating food, healthy fast food, healthy food, healthy food eating, healthy food pyramid, healthy food recipes, healthy foods, the healthy food

Most of us are aware of the benefits of a balanced diet and healthy eating. But being aware of the benefits is only half of the solution. You also need to know how to choose the foods that will be best for your health. Depending on your daily routine, you may or may not eat at home most of the time.

Start your day with a healthy and well balanced breakfast. Studies have shown that people who don’t eat a full breakfast tend to seek carbohydrate snacks all throughout the day, and are more prone to gaining weight.

Eating at home usually involves more meal preparation time, this is important because preparing a good meal takes a lot more time than simply eating some junk food. If you can afford to prepare your meals at home, this can dramatically increase the quality of your meals, not only can you choose exactly what you eat, but you can choose how it is prepared and pick out the quality of the items yourself.

Any meal you eat, whether at home or while out should consist of all the basic food groups, balancing proteins, starches, greens and vegetables is a key factor to a healthy diet. Your body needs all the different food groups in order to function properly, by balancing your meals you are ensuring your health and the quality of your life.

Choosing the food you eat based simply on the label at the supermarket is not always the best choice. Sure, a low fat or diet version of a favorite snack, treat or dessert may be a better option than the regular version, but is it the best option. Look for healthier alternatives for snacking in between meals, low fat cereal bars and natural products, fruit and juice. It is not so much the amount you eat but rather what you eat that makes the difference.

Avoiding fatty foods and food with high quantities of sugar is also very important. Choose baked food instead of fried food, and adopt this healthier alternative when cooking at home as well.

When away from home and eating out, look for healthy alternatives. Fast food offers speedy advantages but often has no real nutritional value. Stuffing yourself with useless calories will fill you up momentarily, but you will soon find you are hungry again, and this can often lead to a vicious cycle, leading to high levels of junk food intake per day. Choose full meals whenever possible; look for whole wheat and organic products whenever you can. If you are on the run and need to eat as quickly as possible, look for the healthier alternatives to hotdogs and burgers. Try natural sandwiches made on the spot, there are many natural fast foods that can be just as quick as the conventional ones, while providing much better quality to your diet.

By Wisam Abdulaziz

Labels: eat healthy food, eat healthy foods, fast healthy food, healthy eating food, healthy fast food, healthy food, healthy food eating, healthy food pyramid, healthy food recipes, healthy foods, the healthy food

When you have no time to cook your own food, what do you do? The answer is obvious, of course. You go out to your local fast food outlet (in deference to your kids’ preferences), you go out to the food strip at the mall, or you order take out. It is convenient and you can eat your fill at these joints. What’s not so obvious, however, is what such a practice is doing to you and your children’s health.

Healthy eating habits are crucial to achieving a healthy mind and body. Healthy eating habits refer to eating meals regularly, eating well-balanced meals, and eating only what’s necessary. Healthy eating habits do not involve eating burgers and fries for lunch.

The Fast Food Culture

Unfortunately, some people do think that it is healthy to have burgers and fries for lunch. Advertising spiels have a lot to answer for this. In a world filled with fast food and restaurants, it is but natural that the companies serving up this food have to undermine people’s preference for home-cooked meals or they will become redundant and not make any profit.

As such, big food corporations put millions of dollars into TV commercials that assert in not so many words that a meal eaten at a fast food is special while eating at home with your family the meal your mother cooked is nothing but ordinary.

Such a reversal of values was helped along by the faster pace of life, where people have no more time to devote to preparing home-cooked meals. People are always driving or commuting to work, attending business meetings, or maybe holding one or two jobs. You cannot expect someone who has already been working 12 hours straight to come home and prepare a lengthy meal. It makes more sense to buy some take-out or bring the family out for a meal.

People are aware that they need to eat healthy food. However, what do you do if you are misled into thinking that restaurant fare and fast food taste better than home-cooked food? Sadly, there’s also an underlying effort to make people think that food in restaurant and fast foods are all healthy, that there’s really not much difference when you eat in or out. It’s all the same, but eating out is more convenient.

As people continue to be bombarded with mass media advertisements advocating the value of fast food and eating out, and as people become even more busy trying to hold on to their jobs, more and more people stop cooking and begin taking these commercials to heart. People have deserted home-cooked and nutritious meals that need hours of preparation for big servings of calorie- and fat-rich food that gets served up within minutes.

The Diseased Nation

The success of the fast food industry in establishing a culture that thrives in fast food and meals eaten out, our people’s health has been placed on the balance. Thus, America is now an ailing nation. Incidence of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure continues to rise as obesity becomes even more prevalent.

I am not saying that fast food is to be avoided at all costs. What I am saying is that a trip to the fast food should be made only very infrequently, not three times a week as most people now are wont to do. A change should be instituted to bring back the days when there’s no doubt about what healthy food is and where to find it.

By A Bohart

Labels: eat healthy food, eat healthy foods, fast healthy food, healthy eating food, healthy fast food, healthy food, healthy food eating, healthy food pyramid, healthy food recipes, healthy foods, the healthy food

The American Academy of Dermatology advises us that, “A healthy diet is important for improving raw materials for healthy skin.” The basis for having healthy skin is a well-balanced diet that includes essential vitamins that aid in the important functions of your body's system.

The following are food for healthy skin...

Vitamin A is one of the vitamins you need to maintain good skin. This vitamin minimizes oil (formally known as sebum) production, makes the protective tissue of your skin stronger and aids in the repair of tissues. Vitamin A can be found in foods such as carrots, spinach, parsley, tomatoes, peaches, mangoes and apricots.

A complex of B vitamins can help to maintain a healthy skin tone, with the added benefit of reducing stress. Vitamin B complexes are in foods such as eggs, meat, liver, fish, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, avocados and peanuts.

Another important vitamin for your skin is Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and prevents certain cell damage. This vitamin can be found in foods that include almonds, broccoli, wheat germ and vegetable oil. Vitamin C is another antioxidant and is in citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits. An additional antioxidant is Zinc, which can be found in whole grains, brazil nuts, pumkins seeds and brewers yeast.

An essential part of a well-balanced diet is drinking plenty of fresh, clean water. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day aids in transporting fluids throughout your entire body to maintain healthy, hydrated skin.

Foods to avoid include fatty foods, white flour, sugar and caffeine. This foods contain little nutritional value and can aggravate your skin.

Incorporating a fitness routine into your schedule three times per week or more can improve your circulation and aid in having healthy skin, especially when combined with proper diet choices.

A well-balanced diet and lifestyle will reflect on your skin and give you a healthy complexion.

By Ryan Cote

Labels: eat healthy food, eat healthy foods, fast healthy food, healthy eating food, healthy fast food, healthy food, healthy food eating, healthy food pyramid, healthy food recipes, healthy foods