Showing posts with label healthy food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy food. Show all posts

Tuesday, 30 July 2013

5 Best Fat-Burning Foods to Keep You Healthy

The general notion among masses regarding weight loss is that in order to lose weight one needs to cut down on calorie intake and consume as little as possible. Although the notion is right, however, there is a better option available and that is of eating foods that help burn fats.

In order to lose weight and decrease the fat content of the body one needs to know about the foods that aid in the fat loss process. The lines below give the 5 best fat-burning foods that you can use to achieve the weight loss goal of your desire.

1. Avocados:

Although commonly known as a fatty food, however, it’s the healthy monounsaturated fats that avocados contain. Besides that, they are also rich in numerous minerals, micro nutrients, antioxidants and minerals. The ideal amount of different nutrients creates such a combination that balances the hormones, as a result of which the body’s process of fat burning and muscle gain increases. Moreover, avocados are excellent food when it comes to satiating your hunger for longer, therefore, the longer you feel full the more the body burns already present fat instead of digesting and burning new calories. Hence, make avocados a part of your daily diet if you wish to burn more fats.

2. Eggs:

Most of the people today only consume egg white as it is a great source of protein. However, what most of the people do not know is the fact that egg yolks are also rich in nutrition. The major nutritional components present in egg yolk include antioxidants, minerals and a majority of vitamins. However, in selecting eggs you must ensure that you are selecting the organic eggs instead of the normal eggs available in the market. The organic eggs come from hens that are fed natural food, therefore, the nutritional balance in them is ideal for fat burning compared to grocery eggs.

3. Berries:

Berries are a blessing of nature. The minerals, the vitamins, and the antioxidants they contain make them a great nutrition source. Moreover, the fiber in berries helps excessive absorption of carbohydrates by the body, thus controlling the blood sugar levels that cause fat retention. Moreover, the antioxidants in berries keep your metabolism working optimally, as a result you keep on burning fat in addition to feeling full. Therefore, eat a handful of berries no matter blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries as a snack to keep the fat burning process running.

4. Nuts:

Nuts such as almonds, macadamia, walnuts and many more are also considered fatty food, however, in real they help in burning of fat. Although nuts are high in fats, but it’s the good fats they are high in which ultimately help burn the excessive fats. Moreover, the nuts are also rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Moreover, it’s the protein and fiber content of nuts that helps control the blood sugar level and consequently lesser fat retention and more fat burn.

5. Grass-fed Beef:

Like avocados, beef can also help achieve hormonal balance that supports fat loss. However, in order to achieve such balance you need to make sure that the beef you are consuming is from grass fed animals. The meat of grass fed animals is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and low in inflammatory omega 6, while the grains fed beef contains the opposite of both the content ratios. Therefore, in order to keep the fats burning opt for grass fed animal’s beef.

Conclusion:

In short, although the aforementioned foods seem fatty foods, but in actual if selected right they prove to be of great help in the fat burning process. Therefore, when you go to the market next time, include the abovementioned foods in your to-buy list.

Sunday, 5 May 2013

Fitness Food And Style Photo A Day Challenge - Day 5. Smoothie

Today I posted my tummy shot on my social media pages. This was my tummy "before and after" baby number 2. I was 30kgs over weight, depressed and uncomfortable that I couldn't fit into my skinny jeans and always asking Adrian if my bum looked big. So I stumbled upon Fit Yummy Mummy and 6 years later, it's been the 15 minute workout per day that keeps me fit and healthy.

Fit Yummy Mummy transformation 


So if you have that over hang or stubborn weight loss that you just can't seem to get rid of, click here for your exclusive 50% discount for the best fat loss ebook. It will be the best $19.95 you'll ever spend. Or find out more info under my FITNESS tab. 


A relatively cruisey day today. We have so many house reno's started but none are completed. From the kids play room, to the outside skate park and the list goes on. We are working through them slowly every weekend. I look forward to the day when we can style our home and actually place pictures up on our wall. We haven't even painted yet and it's nearly our 4th year in this home, how time flies. Too busy looking after 4 kids will do this to you :-)

Food


We had a beautiful waffle smell roam the house for breakfast this morning. It smelt amazing and it's a quicker breakfast when I am short for time as my crepes take that little bit longer. For my crepe recipe go here.


Breakfast - Blueberry waffles

Blueberry waffles 

I was so happy to see my fave yogurt CHOBANI post our recent pic on their Facebook page today. You can check that out here. What's your favourite yogurt brand?


We managed to squeeze in our Day 5. smoothie pic. Have you done yours??


Raspberry coconut delight


Ingredients:

Frozen raspberries
Cooked oats
Milk of your choice
Drizzle of honey
180 Nutrition coconut protein powder

NB: please ensure you take up my exclusive 10% discount and use PROMO CODE 264464 at check out for any 180 Nutrition products.


To check out what other May words are coming up this month, click here. I would love for you to join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram. 

Hope you had a beautiful weekend. XxDani


Post sponsored by 1stAvailable.com.au 



Friday, 18 January 2013

Simple is Healthy


Simple is Healthy!

Simple is Healthy ~ Food, Part 1

YES…I have lots to say about keeping it simple and being such a chatter box, and trying not to jump too hard on the soap box, I knew this was going to become a series of SIMPLE.  I came across a quote that struck me “90% of people avoided obesity and diabetes long before anyone knew what a calorie was let alone counted them…let’s make “healthy” healthy again” and it ended with the word…SIMPLE.

WOW, I thought on that and realized just how dynamic and powerful this statement was to me and how true it is for my life.  As a child, my parents modeled living from the land in our back yard and boy do I ever remember how my weekends were spent…pulling weeds from the garden.  Talk about a bitter sweet chore as a child…dirty hands, dirty knees, blisters…and the smell of tomato leaves so strong it could choke you…anyone relate?  Fruit trees adorned our backyard, and my Dad was a master grafter trying to create the perfect blend of fabulous fruit flavors.  I could walk in the garden and pluck a vine ripe tomato or enjoy an apple from one of our many trees…Simple.  What I am trying to say by sharing a small glimpse into my childhood is that food should be simple, and for me…simple is healthy.  Part one of this Blog, I will be covering food and what simple means for my Stay Healthy Life and as it relates to what and how I eat. 

I enjoy food in its’ true, SIMPLE form to this day and believe that the simpler the food, the healthier the food.  If it comes in a box, with a label full of words that I can’t understand, and the ingredient list takes up the entire side of the product, this is not a simple food…it is a bunch of mixed up crap in a box that sits on a shelf and has a shelf life longer than me.  That is what I am talking about, and am I going to put this in my body...A BIG NO on that.  Now, toss me an organic Fuji apple, and this is one happy girl ready to enjoy Simple Real Food, full of nutrients that my body needs.  Keeping food simple eliminates all stress of what I should be eating…how fabulous is that.  Once food becomes complicated, stress over the how much, what, and when  to eat enters the picture…ok…a small soap box…and thanks to agencies that will go un-named, media, marketing, blah blah blah…this world has gone crazy with complicated food and empty promises of pseudo health in a box that has greatly increased illness in this country.  Bringing food back to simple keeps me healthy and I am sure all of America would be healthier too. 




Simple means fresh, simple means I can pick the item up and smell it, and inspect it for the best pick of the produce.  Simple means one ingredient, I can usually eat the item at purchase, and if I am hungry for example, I will enjoy an organic piece of fruit during my drive.  When this concept is truly grasped, it eliminates all questions like…what did she/he eat to look like that? What did they do?  What diet was used…YUCK…diet is a dirty word in my book.  Keeping my food simple is how I maintain ME.  There is no secret this or that and I am hopeful that one day, everyone will wake up and realize this.  A few other foods that I include in my simple line up are organic boneless skinless chicken breasts, wild caught fish, grains, nuts, seeds, strained organic Greek yogurt, and cage free organic eggs…now, check this list in addition to what I shared earlier.  I am eating foods that are from the earth, as fresh as possible when I purchase organic, not processed in a factory and stuffed in a box. 

I enjoy the colors, aromas, textures, and flavors of simple foods and when I combine them into a salad…WOW…simple at its’ very BEST!  Of course some of my food items come in bottles and containers such as my Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Vinegars, Honeys, Nut Butters, Quinoa, Brown Rice, Greek Yogurt, Almond Milk, etc…but I research to ensure that they are minimally and organically processed, minimal ingredients and simple stored form.  NOW…this is the thing about eating my simple food…if I do not eat it raw or blend for a green smoothie, I am in the kitchen slicing, dicing, and cooking up a SIMPLE and HEALTHY meal that surpasses any complicated junk- in- a- box non-food item that is being passed off as “good for your health” food. 

Roasted Brussel Sprouts
I enjoy a stress free simple eating life that allows me to enjoy lots of healthy foods throughout the day.  I do not keep a food journal, count calories, grams, ounces, etc…I SIMPLY eat to live.  My body tells me when to eat and that is usually every 2 ½ hours and I eat to satiety, not to feel uncomfortable.  It is amazing how much MORE food I can eat when it is simply healthy…my large salads for example…OH MY…they seem to get bigger instead of smaller with every bite.  One of my favorite simple veggies right now are brussel sprouts….I roast these in the oven with EVOO and spices and OH MY…these nutrient packed baby cabbages are filling. 

So….I will continue to keep my food SIMPLE…it is my LIFESTYLE…and I am happy to know that I am making “healthy” healthy again! Stay Healthy ~


 
 
 
 
Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding! 
 
Stay Healthy~ Darla
 
 
Receive My Stay Healthy Nutrition Guide as a Free Gift and Thank you when you donate to Stay Healthy Fitness...



Thursday, 28 April 2011

Never Too Busy…

Motivation of the Day: Take Time to Smell the Coffee


Off Work & Ready to BLOG :)
What a day…and what seems to be never enough time to do everything that I may think I can accomplish. Is there ever enough time? The answer to that is…a BIG NO. A huge wake-up call for me in my journey of life….I wish more people would catch on. Sometimes I can be an over achiever….another personal share. This can back fire however when I am not able to do everything that I set out to do for the day. I would have to say that this used to bother me….somehow I failed myself or something silly like that. Looking at the glass as always half full is so important to me now. I try not to dwell on those things I did not do and FOCUS on the accomplishments of the day and even in my life. I can think of this and that to do, letters to right, filing, programs, accounting, domestic engineering, etc…the list is endless…don’t you think. I love that phrase….”Life is what is happening while you are busy doing other things”…What are those other things…do they matter in the BIG scheme? REALLY? I think about this and have come full circle to taking time to smell the coffee. Life is such a treasure, a gift, and an honor to live and what is important to me….is living each moment to the fullest. I appreciate the interruptions in life that feed my day in a positive way….an unexpected call from family or friends, visit from my children, or just the beauty of the day. These are all things that provide balance to my healthy life. I could never imagine having as a regret….I wish I would have worked more, done more dishes, laundry, paperwork….OH MY…and hell to the NO. Meaningful regrets like I wish I would have had more quality conversation and time with my husband, children, parents, siblings, and friends…NOW this makes more sense to me. I am working on NOT having any meaningful regrets by living NOW what has meaning in life to me….what is important…My time with my family & friends. Quality of life includes taking care of me, spending time with my family & friends, and taking time to enjoy a nice cup of coffee…and taking in the aroma. My plan is to take care of my health and not miss out on the living….because this is what Staying Healthy is all about;)


Sweat ON!
My Workout of the Day:


45 minutes cardio on my Stair Stepper
Stretching


My Nutrition of the Day: (WATCH THE VIDEO)



Coffee, one and ½ cup…YIKES


1-Post-workout shake
My Protein Balls....YUM!!!
2-Powered Up Steel Cut Oats
3-B/S chicken breast & avocado on sprouted bread
4-2 Protein Balls
5-Grilled Salmon & Spinach Salad
6-Protein Pudding

Stay Healthy ME!
IF YOU ENJOYED THE CONTENT, LIKE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT….AND IF YOU LIKE….OFFER ME A SHAKE;)



STAY HEALTHY!

Monday, 24 January 2011

The 4 Best Foods To Boost Your Immune System

By Angel Rose

The season of getting colds and flu is eminent this time of year; and the busiest at that. If you're a workaholic, there isn't any spare time in your busy schedule to get sick. So how can you cure or prevent getting these dreaded colds and flu without compromising any of your planned events? Since prevention is better than cure you have to find ways of combating these bacteria by increasing your immune system.

1.Vitamin D. Many researches have shown that unwanted and toxic cells like bacterias in the body are being combated by Vitamin D. Although there is not enough evidence for this theory, it is still a helpful vitamin that can reduce infection and improve immunity. If you're not a pill-drinker you can also get a dose of this supplement from fatty fishes and fortified milk products.

2.Probiotics. Usually, these probiotics are found in certain juices, soy, and fermented and unfermented milk. These "good" bacteria can actually suppress the growth of "bad" bacteria and can activate the immune system to fight off diseases, as such it is a good idea to consume probiotic-fortified products once in a while. In having these, you get to hit two birds with one stone. You get healthy food and you are getting a healthy body.

3.Soluble Dietary fiber. Soluble fibers are abundant in citrus fruits, apples, carrots, bean and oats which are delicious and at the same time helps fight inflammation. Although insoluble fibers are also necessary for your health, it doesn't have the same impact on immunity as does the soluble fiber.

4.Green Tea Extract. This herbal tea contains a large amount of polyphenol which is a potent plant antioxidant. According to research, polyphenol contains certain components that can help boost the body's immune system. The downside of this product though is its taste. Its bitter taste doesn't appeal to a large number of people as such they are seldom being drunk. You can maximize the benefits of green tea and reduce its bitterness just by steeping the herbal product no more than a minute or two in just-below-boiling water. This way you'll get the nutrients you need without being disgusted by it.

Monday, 27 December 2010

3 Super Foods To Get Rid Of Cellulite For Good

By Sean T Mcdade

So, you aspire to cure cellulite without going to the gym, without cream, and without expensive surgical treatments -- is that right? Well, then you've come to the right place! Right below here you'll discover three amazing foods which can not only cure cellulite into submission, they'll actually keep it from ever coming back too!

3 Foods That Protect Against & Cure Cellulite...

1. Fish: Fatty fish and fish oils consist of a plethora of essential amino acids that work on strengthening and fortifying skin cells. Stronger, more fortified skin cells will lead to improved tone & texture for your skin. In layman's terms, ingesting fatty fish and fish oils daily can minimize the appearance of cellulite (dimply skin).

2. Peas & Beans: Weakened connective tissue is a MAJOR reason why cellulite bumps and dimples start showing up. What beans, peas, & legumes do is they improve these tissues extensively. When they get strong enough, cellulite will no longer be able to push through and produce that dimply look, referred to as "orange peel". Add beans or peas to every one of your daily meals to give an extremely big boost to your connective tissues.

3. Nuts: Healthy fats, protein, and fiber are what makes nuts an incredible anti cellulite food. 1 or 2 handfuls every day -- Pecans, Walnuts, Peanuts, Almonds, etc. -- ought to be good enough. It's also necessary to keep in mind that most kinds of nuts can be VERY fattening if you do not control yourself. The last thing you'd want to do is to trade your cellulite deposits for REAL fat, right?

Are these the only three foods which can cure cellulite? No, of course not. There are at least a dozen other foods that can be eaten in order to protect against & get rid of cellulite deposits, but these are three of the best.



Looking for information on the absolute best ways to reduce cellulite? Then head on over to http://www.celluliteremovalmethods.com, one of the most trusted and informative cellulite treatment websites on the web.

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

Stay Healthy Turkey Burgers and Baked Steak Fries

YOU CAN MAKE THIS......
A HEALTHY BURGER WITH FLAVOR THAT WILL KEEP YOU COMING BACK FOR MORE!!!!!!


Hi Readers!!!

This recipe is so easy to put together, fun, fresh, healthy, and with so much wonderful flavor...YES...cooking and eating healthy TASTES DAMN GOOD!!!

Ready, Set, Let's Go!!!!!

Stay Healthy Turkey Burgers and Baked Steak Fries

Baked Steak Fries:
Cook these first so they can bake while preparing the Burger

Heat oven to 400 degrees
Line cookie sheet with foil for easy clean up
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Johnny Garlic Seasoning (or any seasoning you like)

Wash 1 large potato and pierce with knife. Put in microwave for 3 minutes. Place on cutting board, and slice into wedges leaving the skin on.

In a bowl, pour 2-3tbsp of olive oil and mix in the Johnny Garlic Seasoning. Dip each wedge into oil mixture and place on baking sheet. Put into oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until browned the way you like. I prefer a bit of a crispy outside and soft center. Continue to watch the cooking on these while making the burgers, and remove when browned the way you like. Set aside
The Burger:
Prepare griddle with Pam and set heat on medium high

1/2 lb ground lean turkey meat
Yoshidas gourmet sauce
Grill Mates Hamburger Seasoning
Crushed Red Pepper
Oroweat 100% whole wheat Sandwich Thins

Place the ground turkey into a bowl and pour 2-3tbsp of Yoshida Sauce over meat, sprinkle with 1-2tsp seasoning, and use your hands to mix together thoroughly. Form the meat into 2 patties and place on the hot griddle. Turn after browned, and continue to cook through, about 8-10 minutes.

The Toppings (have them ready to go!!!):

Fresh Avocado
Fresh Baby Spinach
Sliced Jalapenos in the jar (you choose your heat level)
Sliced Tomato
Sliced Red Onion (if the onion is not sweet, I grill mine for a bit)
Sweet Heat Mustard

Toss the Oroweat Sandwich Thins into the toaster to warm or if there is room on the griddle heat next to the burgers after they have been turned.
Spread mustard on both sides of the Oroweat Sandwich Thin, and top the bread with the cooked turkey patty. Start layering your burger with the toppings...I start with the Baby Spinach, Onion, Tomato, Avocado, and end with the Jalapenos. This is a messy burger so be prepared with a fork on the side.


Grab your plate, your burger, and a few fries.....You WILL LOVE THIS!!!


Stay Healthy!!!
Darla Benfield, LCPT, LCMT
http://www.stayhealthyfitness.com/












Eat to Live!!!!








Thursday, 5 November 2009

Stay Healthy Published Recipes in Natural Muscle Magazine......Happy 14th Anniversary!!!

Hi Readers!!!


You have seen them on my Blog.....now see them in Natural Muscle Magazine!!!! Enjoy four fabulous Stay Healthy Recipes all in one Blog Post and as featured in Natural Muscle:) The November issue marks the 14th anniversary of Natural Muscle Magazine and I celebrate being part of such a wonderful publication and for all there support in helping me spread the Stay Healthy Lifestyle!!!!























































Stay Healthy!!!!
Darla Benfield, LCPT, LCMT
































































































Monday, 19 October 2009

Stay Healthy Tostada....LIVE VIDEO

Hi Readers....

I am attaching my LIVE video for preparing my Stay Healthy Tostada. I will be posting the written instructions soon...but in the mean time...join me in my kitchen, grab your food items, and let's cook an absolutely delicious healthy meal.....


Stay Healthy!!!!

Darla:)

Friday, 28 August 2009

Why You Should Go Organic

benefits of organic food, organic food, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, nutrition, healthy food

In today’s society – with an ever vigilant eye towards health consciousness – we are forever in search of those factors that will give us the edge in achieving maximum health. As we’ve learned, a healthy diet, a consistent regime of physical activity, and plenty of rest all has a profound impact on our overall vitality. Subsequently, there has been an overwhelming group of people that swear by the benefit of organic food.

Produced by organic farms, organic food is grown under strict government supervision. Under these guidelines, organic produce is grown and packaged without the use of any chemicals or pesticides. Traditionally grown, non-organic produce is subjected to a myriad of chemicals – most of which are have not been studied thoroughly enough to understand or contemplate their long-term effects on the human body. Researchers are still undecided as to whether or not these chemicals can be linked to everything from food allergies to certain types of cancer. The benefit of organic food is that they are not subjected to these unreliable substances.

Meat and dairy produced under organic guidelines are also chemical free. Traditional agricultural farmers often subject livestock to a bevy of chemical supplements designed to speed their growth and weight. Further, dairy cows are often given chemicals to increase their milk production. The benefit of organic food is that livestock is given only organic feed that is chemical and supplement free.

Another benefit of organic food is its advantage to the environment. Traditionally grown produce are treated with chemicals; naturally the chemicals are then in the soil, changing the landscape and contaminating the ground and surrounding water supplies. The benefit of organic food is the ground in which it is grown is left unchanged.

Making a commitment to organic food means making a commitment to your health; the benefit of organic food lies in the chemical free enjoyment of natural whole food. Further, the benefits to the environment are varied and long lasting. The decision to go organic is a healthy and responsible one.


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Saturday, 8 August 2009

Why Seafood Should Be A Part Of Your Diet

Lobster meal, healthy eating, healthy diet, healthy food, seafood, omega 3 fatty acids, food and related products, nutrition

By Shannon Linnen

No matter what anyone says, seafood is healthy and should be
a part of everyone's diet. Seafood in general is high in
nutrients and vitamins, which no other food group can
provide. However, you have to be careful about where you get
your fish from. Local waters, like lakes and rivers, can be
contaminated and your fish could contain chemicals like
mercury or PCBs. The easiest way to obtain a healthy serving
of fish is to eat at your local restaurant or do some online
shopping. Online vendors, located in coastal regions, can
usually guarantee overnight shipping and freshness you
cannot get from anywhere else.

One of the reasons that seafood is healthy has to do with
the biochemistry and lifestyle of the fish. Fishes, in order
to breathe, must swim constantly. Their entire body is lean
muscle, the delicious seafood fillets that wind up on your
plate. Compared to the chubby unattractive cow, the life of
a fish is one constant streamlined marathon.

The simplest way to prepare salmon, for example, is to rub
it with some spice - simply salt and pepper will do - and
pan fry it in a quarter-sized drop of olive oil. 6 minutes
on the skin side first, then 3 to 4 minutes on the flesh
side should cook an average-sized salmon fillet through. A
side benefit to eating healthy seafood is that it is so
delicious and simple to prepare. Unlike unpleasant "healthy"
choices like algae goo and grass juice, seafood tastes
wonderful. You can't go wrong preparing fish dishes.

Lobster meat can by steamed by boiling lobsters in the
shells, but dealing with fresh live lobster can be
unnerving, and the best addition to lobster is drawn butter
- not as healthy as pan seared salmon. Serve it with
sauteed or steamed vegetables, and you've got a healthy and
filling meal.

Another healthy substitution is to grill tuna steaks instead
of greasy hamburgers, at your outdoor grill party. They
prepare exactly the same way. Your guests will agree that
seafood is healthy, and it also seems classier than humdrum
burgers, when arranged on nice plates with a colorful
garnish - maybe grated carrots and a lemon wedge.

The healthful features of seafood are the magical omega-3
fatty acids
, found mostly in salmon, and reputed to clear up
skin problems like acne, rosacea, and age lines.Fish is
important for many near-vegetarians, who rely on fish for
protein. These vegetarians are far healthier than those who
eat no meat at all. Also "good" cholesterol and "good" fat,
and a number of essential vitamins.

To conclude, fish is utterly beneficial to your health. It
is full of substances that are good for you, and unless the
fish is from some unsavory source, it is free of substances
that are bad for you.Eat some fish today, I know I will.Fish
can be prepared very easily, and it takes little seasoning
to make seafood taste good. Fish also has the added benefit
of being classier than red meat or poultry.

As recently as 5 to 7 years ago, finding good quality
seafood for people living far away from the coast was almost
impossible. The good news is that this is no longer the
case. You can now get very good quality seafood sent
straight to you, even if you life in Utah or Arizona. Fedex
and UPS both offer overnight delivery so when you choose an
online seafood vendor make sure they offer this shipping
option. If your not sure where to start, just search for
Quality Fresh Seafood, they are an excellent choice.

You can easily get
(http://www.qualityfreshseafood.com/decl3lblo.html) lobster
clambake if you live close to the coast, but if you live
inland, it may be much more difficult. Of course the best
place to always get high quality seafood is from
(http://www.qualityfreshseafood.com) Quality Fresh Seafood.




Reblog this post [with Zemanta]