Showing posts with label Breakfast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breakfast. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

More Benefits of Chia Seeds

Long before the Ch-ch-ch-chia pet of the 1980�s, the Aztecs and the Mayans used chia seeds as a staple of their everyday diets, alongside corn and beans. �Chia� is the Mayan word for strength, and these ancient peoples understood the important health benefits of these seeds.
The Mayans would grind chia seeds into flour, press them for oil, and drink them mixed with water. Ancient people considered these seeds magical due to their ability to increase stamina and energy for long periods of time. However, once the Spanish conquered Latin America, they introduced their own foods and prohibited the farming of chia.
However, chia seeds have recently made a comeback in modern diets as researchers have discovered the hidden benefits from this ancient super seed. Here are just seven of the various reasons you should add this superfood to your diet today.
1. Pack in your fiber.
The American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, yet most people only consume about half of that. Chia seeds deliver almost 50% of your necessary daily intake, with 11 grams of fiber per ounce. Fiber is necessary for ultimate health, but especially for digestion and weight loss.
2. Trim the fat.
Chia seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight and expand in your stomach, making you feel full and curbing your appetite. Chia seeds help reduce your caloric intake by filling you up and helping lower the energy density of certain foods � ultimately, assisting greatly in weight loss.
3. Get your omega-3s.
Chia seeds are a concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and they actually have more omega-3s than salmon. Omega-3s are critical for brain health, and chia contains five grams per one ounce serving.
4. Build your bones.
One ounce of chia seeds has 18 percent of the recommended daily intake of calcium. Chia seeds can help promote better bone and oral health.
5. Boost heart health.
Studies have shown that chia seeds can improve blood pressure and increase healthy cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol. Chia seeds can help you maintain a healthy heart � a crucial element of your health.
6. Get your phosphorus.
Your body uses phosphorus to synthesize protein and repair cells and tissues. Chia seeds contain 27 percent of your daily value of phosphorus, and can help your body heal and repair itself faster!
7. Fill up faster.
Tryptophan, the amino acid that's popularly known for making you sleepy, is also found in chia seeds. Not only will it make you want to take a nap, but it also helps regulate appetite, sleep and improve mood.
There are plenty of ways that chia seeds can benefit your overall health, and it�s no wonder that the ancient Aztecs and Mayans regularly consumed them. Adding chia to your diet can be a great way to help with weight loss and get your daily vitamins and nutrients!
From the Let Food be thy Medicine - Reversing Disease with Whole Foods - Cooking Demo - Chia seed chocolate pudding with coconut, granola and fresh fruits. Delicious!


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Chia Seeds - Have you heard about their Benifits?

Anti-Inflammatory and Cleansing Benefits:
Chia seeds are a true superfood. Oddly, they are members of the mint family but they taste totally neutral. This makes them a very versatile food. Chia seeds have been used in ancient cultures for many medicinal purposes such as helping to ease joint pain and digestive issues.

Chia seeds are filled with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in nature, as well as being great for the brain. Did you know that Chia seeds contain even more omega three fatty acids by weight than salmon does? These tiny seeds are also a complete protein, meaning that they contain all 8 essential amino acids that your body cannot synthesize on its own, and must get from food.

Chia seeds are able to absorb 9 time their own volume in water.
This ability causes them to help your own body retain needed water and electrolytes. You can use them in place of your morning oatmeal by adding a few tbsp. of Chia seeds to almond, hemp or coconut milk and letting it stand for 15-2 minutes, to give the chia seeds time to absorb the liquid. You can then throw in some fresh or dried berries for a quick cereal.

Chia seeds help to clean out the digestive tract.
They contain high amounts of both soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as drawing water to themselves. This adds bulk and water to the stools, which is important for keeping your system clean and clear. Chia seeds will also help your body absorb the fat soluble vitamins A, C, E and K, which need fat in order to be properly utilized by the body. Chia seeds are great for helping to keep blood sugar levels stable as well as binding to cholesterol and helping to usher it out of the body.

What are some other benefits of eating Chia?

  • Provides energy

  • Boosts strength

  • Bolsters endurance

  • Levels blood sugar

  • Induces weight loss

  • Aids intestinal regularity

Chia slows the impact of sugars on the system, if eaten together. Chia gel creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, which slows the conversion of carbs into sugar. That means the energy from the food is released steadily, resulting in more endurance. This is clearly of great benefit to diabetics in particular.

Try this for a quick and filling Breakfast:

3 tablespoons Chia Seeds

1/2 cup Vanilla Almond milk (Rice, Coconut or plain Almond)
1 tsp Agave

handful of Granola

Fresh fruits

Sprinkle cinnamon

splash of Vanilla flavoring

Instructions:
Add Chia seeds to a bowl with the Almond milk and stir briskly until slightly thickened. Add all other ingredients and enjoy!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Carnation Instant Breakfast Healthy or Not?




Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day because after getting a good night's sleep, it is the meal that we use to break - the - fast! During sleep, our bodies repair and rebuild the very important cells that make up each organ which makes up every body system that keeps us healthy. It is essential to give the body the necessary building materials to complete this process of breaking down and rebuilding our cells everyday and every night. You are Not "what you eat" you ARE "what you digest". Hence, breakfast is the first meal of building blocks you fuel your body with to begin this daily process. It truly is the most important meal of the day!

If you want a quick yet nutritious start of the day and you have been fooled by the marketing department of the famed Carnation Instant Breakfast, let's take a look to see exactly what you are getting...

Okay let's talk about the Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials that are being passed off as a "Healthy Breakfast" choice for our families. First the ingredient list from their website:




Ingredients

NONFAT MILK, SUGAR, MALTODEXTRIN, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKAKI), LACTOSE AND 2% OR LESS OF DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SOY LECITHIN, CARAMEL COLOR, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM ASCORBATE (VITAMIN C), CARRAGEENAN, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE (IRON SOURCE), ALPHA TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (VITAMIN E), NIACINAMIDE, COPPER GLUCONATE, ZINC OXIDE, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE (PANTOTHENIC ACID), MANGANESE SULFATE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (VITAMIN B6), THIAMINE MONONITRATE (VITAMIN B1), BIOTIN, VITAMIN K1 (PHYTONADIONE), FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN D3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL), VITAMIN B12 (CYANOCOBALAMIN).

How Healthy do you think it is now? Everyone knows that the ingredients are listed according to the amounts in each product, from the greatest to the least. In this ingredient list, Sugar is the second ingredient. Sugar for breakfast? Refined, processed Sugar! Caramel color? This is Not a healthy breakfast, this is a heart attack waiting to happen. This is a diabetics worst nightmare. This is Not fuel for a wonderful body that has worked through the night building and repairing cells to keep us healthy.

If we want to offer ourselves the ability to have a quick yet beneficial meal in the morning, then let's consider some alternatives to Carnation Instant Breakfast.

                                      


Contact Higher Healing Herbal Institute for your FREE Consultation and let's Get Healthy!

Chocolate + Almond
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
1 banana
� cup all-natural almond butter
1 cup almond milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon stevia

� cup ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth.
Whip up this nutrition-packed smoothie for an on-the-go breakfast, meal-in-a-glass, or satisfying snack.

Nature's Harvest Benefits:

  • Provides nutrient-dense plants, fruits and herbs for health and energy.
  • Provides 75% of the Daily Value for 18 essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Contains green foods, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, nutritive herbs, fiber and more.
  • Provides 13 g vegetable protein per serving.
  • Supports the intestinal and circulatory systems.
  • Is vegan, dairy-free and lactose-free.

Blackberry + Wheat Germ
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
1� cups frozen blackberries
1 banana
Benefits: Provides 20 grams of vegetable protein per serving. Provides 75% of the Daily Value of 18 vitamins and minerals. Supports the urinary and circulatory systems. Contains a powerful antioxidant blend. Is free from common allergens, dairy, lactose and gluten. Offers a balanced amino acid profile. Is certified vegan.
1 cup orange juice (fresh juiced or squeezed)
2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ
2 scoops Love and Peas
Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth, enjoy.

Love and Peas Benefits:

  • Provides 20 grams of vegetable protein per serving.
  • Provides 75% of the Daily Value of 18 vitamins and minerals.
  • Supports the urinary and circulatory systems.
  • Contains a powerful antioxidant blend.
  • Is free from common allergens, dairy, lactose and gluten.
  • Offers a balanced amino acid profile.
  • Is certified vegan.
Finally, I found this one online and thought it was great. Give any of these recipes a try and please let us know how you enjoyed your Healthy Breakfast Smoothies!



Contact Higher Healing Herbal Institute for your FREE Consultation and let's Get Healthy!






Friday, July 27, 2012

Make Your Own Beauty Products

EGG WHITE
Egg white works wonders on your skin. It helps tighten pores and improves skin elasticity. Separate the egg white from the yolk. Evenly apply the white of the egg on your face, and wash off after 10 minutes or as you feel your skin tighten.

BANANA+HONEY+LIME
Hydrate your skin with this mask. Mash half a banana, a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lime. Apply on face, leave for 10-15 minutes and wash off.
Say goodbye to pimples, naturally!



GARLIC
Take one clove of garlic. Slice it and apply the juice on your pimple. Let it dry and wash it off after half an hour. This works well in case of an occasional pimple or two.  It is likely to cause mild irritation.

NEEM LEAVES+TURMERIC
Wash and grind a cup of neem leaves with a few teaspoons of water, and add a pinch of turmeric. Store this in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Once a week, evenly apply the paste onto your face and wash it off the next morning. Neem and turmeric both have antibacterial properties, and also help control oil secretion.



SANDALWOOD PASTE
You can either get yourself a sandalwood stick or powder. Use rosewater to make a paste and apply a thin coat on your face. Leave it on overnight and rinse with warm water. Sandalwood too is known to have antibacterial properties. It also regulates oil secretion.

Benefits of Waking Up Early

"Early To Bed And Early To Rise Makes You Healthy, Wealthy And wise."

1. Time to Exercise
Waking up early gives you the time to exercise. You can easily go for a jog, do a few laps in the pool, practice yoga or hit the gym with plenty of time at hand.



2. Time to Meditate
There is nothing like beginning the day with a dose of meditation. It will help calm your mind and sharpen your reflexes to keep you going through your busy schedule of work.

3. Experience the Charm of Early Morning
Only an early morning person knows the charm and serenity that those hours offer. The silence, the birds chirping, the absence of cars honking, and the sunrise are all advantages only early rising can offer.

4. Increase Productivity and Efficiency
A study conducted at the Texas University in 2008 revealed that early risers are more prone to be productive and efficient at work. In fact, students who wake up early are known to get higher grades than those who wake up late.

 5. Eating Breakfast
Breakfast is known to be the most important meal of the day. Often, you may land up skipping it if you are running late for work. An early start to the day ensures that this significant meal is never given the slip.



6. Less Stress
Giving you ample time to get ready on time, waking up early ensures that you suffer less stress. Beat the traffic and drive to work at ease.

7. Set Routine
Once you get into the habit of rising early, you are able to set a routine and that obviously leads to better productivity not only at work, but also on the home front and as an individual.

8. Brighter Mood
Early risers are known to be happier and more optimistic than night owls. The latter are known to suffer depression, insomnia and pessimism. The bright start with exercise and optimism is bound to keep you feeling energised and optimistic all day.