Slow down on shaking the salt
How much salt or sodium should yoube getting each daY?
2,400 milligrams(mgs)or less per day of sodium is recommended and less than 2,000 mgs or less per day is recommended for people with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or kidney disease.
What does 2,400 mgs of salt look like? About a teaspoon. Now remember that includes not only the salt you shake on your food and cook with but also the salt or sodium added to processed, prepared and restaurant foods.
You can cut bak on the amount of sodium you eat by eating more fresh foods. Foods found in their most natural state are lower in sodium. Canned foods may be high in sodium so read the food labels. Look for lower salt options or rinse your canned beans off with fresh water to remove half the sodium.Use spices and fresh herbs in cooking to amplify the flavors and decrease your need for added salt.Cook more meals at home and use leftovers for lunch instead of eating out so often.
By watching the salt or sodium in your diet, you'll decrease the amount of fluids your body retains and improve your heart and kidney health.
Post by fdh_slmindoro on 03/16/2009 08:49AM
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Is sugar bad for me?
I often get asked if sugar is good or bad. The answer isn't as black and white as people would like it to be.
A teaspoon of sugar has 16 calories and no fat but it doesn't contain any vitamins or minerals.
In small amounts, sugar is not bad for you. Unfortunately, many foods have lots of added sugar. A can of regular soda contains 11 teaspoons of sugar. Even if you only drink 1 can a day, in a month that's over 300 teaspoons of sugar.
The important thing to remember with sugar, is to save those foods with a high sugar content for special occasions to minimize your calorie intake.
Post by fdh_slmindoro on 03/11/2009 09:09AM
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Cool Kids' Lunches
Need some new ideas for kids lunches or battling with your kids to even take lunch from home? Check out Laptop Lunches (www.laptoplunches.com).
No only do they have healthful lunch ideas that kids and parents love, they sell cool containers that make packing lunch fun!
Get your kids involved. Go to MyPyramid.gov and check out their kids section for more healthful meal ideas.
The American Heart Association has great kids' cookbooks that you can check out from the library and get them involved in meal selection and preparation. The more they participate, the more likely they are to try new foods.
Not only will your kids eat healthier, you'll be saving money in the long run.
Post by fdh_slmindoro on 02/01/2009 10:00PM
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New online calorie counter-www.newcaloriecounter.com
This new online calorie counter is free and was created by Max, who has a Master's degree in Computer Science, and 18 years experience in IT. Max says, "At one point in my life I was overweight, started to study all I could find about diets, nutrition, food, body chemistry, etc. I developed a diet for myself, lost lots of fat, became my current weight. As a byproduct of my weight loss I created www.newcaloriecounter.com as I could not find anything good on the Internet. All the information and formulas used are public information provided on different American government websites.
Tracking what you eat can be a very effective tool in managing your weight and health. So check out www.newcaloriecounter.com and get started on better health.
Post by fdh_slmindoro on 01/23/2009 10:42AM
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Transition away from Trans fats
Trans fats are in more products than you think. They are found in processed food, fast foods and convenience foods. Those ramen noodles that got you through college contain trans fats. Eating microwave popcorn as an afternoon snack? They probably contain trans fats even if the nutrition labels says 0 trans fats.
Look for the words "partially hydrogenated" under the ingredients. If it's there, you're eating trans fats. If the label says 0 trans fats, that means it has less than .5 grams per serving. Doesn't sound like a lot, does it? The American Heart Association recommends you limit your trans fat intake to less than 1-2 grams per day. You could easily be exceeding your day's maximum amount of trans fat while eating something you think is trans fat free.
Why should you care about trans fat? Trans fats and saturated fats(animal fats and palm oils)increase your bad cholesterol which can lead to blocked arteries, heart attacks and strokes.
So to minimize your exposure to trans fats, eat less processed foods. Food found in it's natural state: fish, chicken, lean beef and pork, rice, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried beans and low fat dairy contain 0 trans fats (really!).
By eating out less and preparing more healthful foods at home, you can begin to transition away from trans fats.
Go to wwww.finddiethelp.com for more nutrition ideas and to work with a nutrition expert- a Registered Dietitian.
Post by fdh_slmindoro on 01/14/2009 06:17AM
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The Winning Combination for Permanent Weight Loss
Feeling overwhelmed trying to lose weight? Cut the calories and exercise more is the winning combination for permanent weight loss. America on the Move (www.americaonthemove.org) provides hundreds of tips to save 100 calories in your diet each day. By giving up your high calorie drinks, leaving the cheese and mayo off your sandwich or substituting carrots for chips, you'll slowly cut your calorie intake back and in a year that could translate into 10 pounds of weight loss!
America on the Move also suggests you buy a pedometer and increase your steps by 2,000 more per day. That extra mile you walk each day over time can lead to additional 10 pounds of weight loss.
Combining changes in eating habits and being more active is the winning combination to help you reach your weight loss goals.
Consider working with a Registered Dietitian(RD) from our national directory at www.finddiethelp.com to personalize a meal plan for you.
Post by fdh_slmindoro on 01/08/2009 09:46PM
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New Year's Resolutions than you can keep
Thinking about making another New Year's Resolution? Worried you won't be able to stick with it again this year?
Consider making daily resolutions to take care of your health instead of monumental resoultions that you won't be able to keep.
Here are some ideas to consider:
Drinking more glasses of water each day.
Increasing your daily steps by 2,000 more each day.
Eating one more piece of fruit each day.
Cutting down how often you eat out to no more than twice a week.
Eating something for breakfast each day.
Cutting back on caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
Cutting portions sizes back by 25%.
Pick one lifestyle change YOU can live with for the entire year and don't be suprised when you see life long improvements.
Post by fdh_slmindoro on 12/28/2008 11:21PM
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Holiday Gift ideas that are Cheap, Easy and Healthy!
Running out of gift ideas? Looking for thoughtful gifts that don't break the bank? How about healthful gifts to start off 2009. Here are a few ideas:
Herbal tea and some local honey, placed into a festive mug or cup.
Candles and bubble bath to inspire a relaxing evening.
Coupons to your best friends to watch their kids while they enjoy a rare evening out.
Freeze a favorite meal for busy loved ones to heat up on a cold winter's night.
Coupons for a movie rental along with popcorn to be enjoyed after a long week at work.
Collect favorite recipes and quick and easy meal ideas. Print them out on holiday paper and share them with friends and co-workers.
Create your own trail mix with a variety of nuts, dried fruits and just a bit of chocolate. Placed in seasonal containers, it's a great treat for all to enjoy.
Holiday gift ideas don't have to be expensive or boring. Feel free to add your own holiday gift ideas and suggestions.
Post by fdh_slmindoro on 12/15/2008 09:24PM
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