Natural protection for Summer Ailments

When enjoying the outdoors this season, be prepared to protect yourself against common summer ailments. I have found the following to be naturally effective in preventing and treating a variety of summer culprits:


1. Ginger: This may prevent motion sickness or other nausea.

2. Stinging Nettles: By far the best remedy I know for hay fever.
3. Arnica: The tincture of this plant can help relieve the pain and tenderness of sprains and sore muscles.
4. Bromelain: Promotes the healing of soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains and bruises.
5. Geraniol: Products made with this oil are an effective way to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
6. Tecnu: Helps prevent rashes from poison oak, ivy, and sumac.
7. Aloe Vera: For sunburn, thermal burns and any areas of skin irritation or inflammation.

Nuts are good nutrtion and contain heart healthy polyunsaturated fats and Omega-3, a brain food as well.

Almonds, peanuts, pistachio, cashew, walnuts, hazelnuts etc. Who doesn't like nuts?, I only know few people who dislike nuts, Mainly because of health problems and they can't take it. but the rest just all love nuts. When you start eating, sometimes you just can't stop. It's hard to tell yourself. " okay go get 3 pieces only! " We usually end up with a handful or two handfuls or even three. There is nothing wrong with that As long as you have to know when to stop. Nuts are usually high in calories when taken in large amounts. You should at least eat 2 ounces of nuts a week.

You may want to add nuts in your diet but you have to balance it. when nuts are combined with other very healthy foods, The results can be surprisingly remarkable. You can try to switch your unhealthy snacks to nuts, such as potato chips or high calorie cookies and chocolates. Nuts may not cure any diseases directly but its a step or a way to help battle those illness.

Here is the list of nutty benefits you can get 

It has arginine, a substance that may help you improve the function of your blood vessels.
Nuts has mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which is good for the heart. So if you love your heart eat nuts.
the omega-3 usually found in walnuts, another helpful fat that helps heart problems.
And finally nuts may helps you lower cholesterol. Again, good nutrtion works best with a well balanced diet. So don't just grab some nuts and eat as much as you can. Balance it. ! Happy eating!

Foods That Look Like Body Parts That They're Good For! Put a Little Fun Into Teaching good Nutrition. Here are some Teaching Tips that you will love! Wine & Blood? Ginger & Stomach? Sweet Potato & Pancreas?

Red wine, which is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, including powerful resveratrol, looks like blood. "When you drink it, you're really loading up on the healthy stuff that protects against destructive things in the blood, like LDL cholesterol, which can cause heart disease," says Somer. "There's also a blood-thinning compound in red wine, so it reduces blood clots, which are associated with stroke and heart disease." Photos by iStockphoto

Anyone who's ever reached for a glass of ginger ale when they’ve had a stomachache knows about the antinausea effects of ginger. So it's fitting that the herb somewhat resembles the digestive organ. According to Dr. Moulavi, "gingerol, which is the ingredient responsible for ginger's pungent scent and taste, is listed in the USDA database of phytochemicals as having the ability to prevent nausea and vomiting." Photos by iStockphoto

The oblong sweet potato bears a strong resemblance to the pancreas, and also promotes healthy function in the organ. "Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant that protects all tissues of the body, including the pancreas, from damage associated with cancer or aging," says Somer. Photos by iStockphoto

Foods That Look Like Body Parts That They're Good For! Put a Little Fun Into Teaching good Nutrition. Here are some Teaching Tips that you will love! Citrus & Tomato? Breast & Heart??

The similarity between round citrus fruits––like lemons and grapefruit––and breasts may be more than coincidental. "Grapefruit contains substances called limonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in lab animals and in human breast cells," says Dr. Moulavi. Photos by iStockphoto and 3D4Medical.com

Slice open a tomato and you'll notice the red veggie has multiple chambers that resemble the structure of a heart. "Studies have found that because of the lycopene in tomatoes, there is a reduced risk for heart disease in men and women who eat them," says Somer. And, she adds, if you mix them with a little fat, like olive oil or avocado, it will boost your body's lycopene absorption nearly tenfold. Photos by iStockphoto and 3D Clinic

Foods That Look Like Body Parts That They're Good For! Put a Little Fun Into Teaching good Nutrition. Here are some Teaching Tips that you will love! Avocados & Clams ??

The lightbulb shape of an avocado looks like a uterus, and it supports reproductive health as well. "Avocados are a good source of folic acid," says Elizabeth Somer, registered dietician and author of Eat Your Way to Happiness. "Folate has been found to reduce the risk for cervical dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition." Photos by iStockphoto and Shutterstock

Studies have offered evidence that clams, which bear a resemblance to testicles, are actually good for the male sex organs. "Research from the Netherlands has suggested that supplementing your diet with folic acid and zinc—both of which clams are high in––can have a significant effect on improving semen quality in men," says Dr. Moulavi. Photos by Shutterstock and 3D Clinic

Foods That Look Like Body Parts That They're Good For! Put a Little Fun Into Teaching good Nutrition. Here are some Teaching Tips that you will love!

Long, lean stalks of celery look just like bones—and they're good for them, too. "Celery is a great source of silicon, which is part of the molecular structure that gives bones their strength," says Dr. Moulavi. Another funny bone coincidence: "Bones are 23 percent sodium, and so is celery."  Photos by iStockphoto

Foods That Look Like Body Parts That They're Good For! Put a Little Fun Into Teaching good Nutrition. Here are some Teaching Tips that you will love!

Carrot & Eye
Learn how you can stay healthy by noshing on anatomically shaped eats. Every child has heard the healthy-eating mantra "You are what you eat." But there may be a closer resemblance between good-for-you grub and your body than you thought.


We found several foods that mirror the body parts they provide nutrients for—for example, brain-boosting walnuts actually look like a brain. Coincidence? Maybe. Though these healthy foods are beneficial to the whole body, the list below is a fun reminder of what to eat to target specific areas.
Slice a carrot in half crosswise and it's easy to see that the veggie resembles an eye—look closely and you'll even notice a pattern of radiating lines that mimic the pupil and iris. And the old wives’ tale is true: Munching on carrots will actually promote healthy eyes.
"Carrots are filled with vitamins and antioxidants, like beta-carotene, that decrease the chance of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older people," says Sasson Moulavi, MD, medical director of Smart for Life Weight Management Centers in Boca Raton, Florida. Photos by iStockphoto



Walnut & Brain

The folds and wrinkles of a walnut bring to mind another human organ: the brain. The shape of the nut even approximates the body part, looking like it has left and right hemispheres. And it's no surprise walnuts are nicknamed "brain food"—according to Lisa Avellino, dietitian for Focus28 Diet, "they have a very high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support brain function." Photos by iStockphoto

Keep your eyes peeled for more food fun.  I hope you get a chuckle as I did. For identifying vitamins and associating them with foods refer to the easy to use "Vitamin Wheel" at the bottom of this site. It is a very quick reference and fun to use as well.

Berries a Super Food

Berries are loaded with vitamin C, folate, fiber and phytonutrients.

Indeed, fresh berries are some of the most powerful disease fighting foods available.

Food Choices based on the Dietary Guidelines

http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/index.html

One size doesn't fit all. “MyPyramid “ offers personalized eating plans and interactive tools to help you plan/ assess your food choices based on the Dietary Guidelines for everyone



MyPyramid Tracker is an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides information on your diet quality, physical activity status, related nutrition messages, and links to nutrient and physical activity information. The Food Calories/Energy Balance feature automatically calculates your energy balance by subtracting the energy you expend from physical activity from your food calories/energy intake. Use of this tool helps you better understand your energy balance status and enhances the link between good nutrition and regular physical activity. Keep track of your energy balance history and view it up to one year.

Top 20 Wise Sayings For Life

1. A man’s health can be judged by which he takes two at a time – pills or stairs


2. An ounce of prevention is better than a ton of cure.

3. If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep.

4. The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention.

5. Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

6. The best vitamin for making friends....B1.

7. The 10 commandments are not multiple choices.

8. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

9. Minds are like parachutes...they function only when open.

10. Ideas won't work unless YOU do.

11. One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

12. One who lacks the courage to start has already finished.

13. The heaviest thing to carry is a grudge.

14. Don't learn safety rules by accident.

15. We lie the loudest when we lie to ourselves.

16. Jumping to conclusions can be bad exercise.

17. A turtle makes progress when it sticks its head out.

18. One thing you can give and still keep ...is your word.

19. A friend walks in when everyone else walks out.

20. The pursuit of happiness is: the chase of a lifetime

An addition to our top 20..From Cheryl's mom  as:
 #21.."It's better to burp and bear the shame, than not to burp and bear the pain."

Thanks Cheryl

March is National Nutrition Month

Nutritional Tip

Did you drop potatoes from your menu back when they became the carbohydrate villains of the low-carb diet fad? That's really a shame, because when you prepare them properly, they're very good for you. Potatoes are good for your health because they contain fiber, vitamins B6 and C, lots of potassium, plus phytochemicals that help keep your blood pressure normal. Potatoes are also low in calories.

Visit Potato Goodness from the US Potato Board for lots of tips and recipe ideas to help you add this healthy vegetable back into your diet.

Heart Health - Potatoes and Potassium


http://www.potatogoodness.com/




Potatoes rank the highest for potassium content among the top 20 most frequently consumed raw vegetables and the top 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits.


One medium potato with skin contains at least 18% of your daily requirement of potassium - more than a banana!


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that diets containing foods high in potassium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.


In addition to being a great source of potassium, potatoes are also sodium and fat-free and contain just 110 - 150 calories per serving.


A serving of potatoes is just 25 cents - one of the most cost effective ways of meeting your daily potassium quota.

Will Veggies Make You Live Longer?

Some scientific studies show that in communities where elders live the longest—they eat less meat than the rest. It’s hard to say if it’s their greens or their genes. But, there’s no question that  we as a people and our planet would be healthier by eating  more veggies and less red meat, generally.


Growing livestock for meat production and processing requires an immense amount of water and land—more than any other form of food. To produce 1 pound of feedlot beef requires about 2,400 gallons of water and 7 pounds of grain. Cornell University scientists estimate that the U.S. could feed 800 million people with the grain that livestock eat.
Meat production is also one of the top contributors to our most serious environmental challenges—from deforestation to air and water pollution.

Last year, even the World Bank scientists came out against the meat industry, estimating that meat production is responsible for at least 51% of greenhouse gases.
If you're still looking for ways to go green for 2010, doing the veggie thing once a week may be a great next step. Find your local Farmers Market and support a few local organic farmers. You'll be making better choices for our planet. And, you might even live longer. :)

The Agricultural Bill HR 2749 had passed in the House in July 2009, but has yet to pass in the Senate under a different name, "Food Safety Enhancement Act."



The Obama government and others, including John McCain, are trying to enact this bill to micromanage every bite of food you take, lower dosages for vitamins and minerals, prosecute anyone who grows or sells Rosemary and Thyme, hand over all pharmaceutical business to the global players such as Monsanto (for one) and basically disallow anyone who holds a pen of chickens in their yard to provide eggs for their family. The "organic" label in the market will disappear and be unlawful to produce.

There is much more to this bill so please research it for yourself and consider what this means for ourselves , our children and quality of life.

Please write your Senators and Congressman regarding this Agricultural Bill. If we do not speak out now then when??

Thank you for your research Cheryl

Here is more information on HR2749:

* HR 2749 would impose an annual registration fee of $500 on any “facility” that holds, processes, or manufactures food. (Hmmm...I think I am storing and processing food in my home kitchen. I occasionally make my own bread or jam or salads. Guess I'd better register with the Federal government and hand over $500 buckaroos.)



* HR 2749 would empower FDA to regulate how crops are raised and harvested. It puts the federal government right on the farm, dictating to our farmers. ( I think the Feds have already been doing this to some extent. This just hands the FDA more power on steroids....instead of at the point of market, it is on the private property of the farm.)


* HR 2749 would give FDA the power to order a quarantine of a geographic area, including “prohibiting or restricting the movement of food or of any vehicle being used or that has been used to transport or hold such food within the geographic area.” (You better not drive your SUV to the Farmer's Market to transport that food to your home...the food police are on your tail. Martial law for Farmer's Markets)


* HR 2749 would empower FDA to make random warrantless searches of the business records of small farmers and local food producers, without any evidence whatsoever that there has been a violation. ( You're screwed. Don't even think about taking that pie to the wake of your friend's dead relative.)


* HR 2749 charges the Secretary of Health and Human Services with establishing a tracing system for food. Each “person who produces, manufactures, processes, packs, transports, or holds such food” [Is this not every home in the US?] would have to “maintain the full pedigree of the origin and previous distribution history of the food,” and “establish and maintain a system for tracing the food that is interoperable with the systems established and maintained by other such persons.” 

* HR 2749 creates severe criminal and civil penalties, including prison terms of up to 10 years and/or fines of up to $100,000 for each violation for individuals. (Punishment by fiat? Who enforces this? The FDA now assumes the right to implement fines and penalties without judicial review? Are we having fun yet?)

Please  Make your calls to your Congressman but most relevent  to your Senators.

**Make Your Call Now**

For contact information use this link:


http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=NY

Great Suggestions For Your Grocery List

•Fresh vegetables and fruits should make up the largest part of your healthy foods grocery list. Vegetables and fruits have vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and they are usually low in calories. We all need at least five or more servings of vegetables and fruits every day. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables that everyone in your family will enjoy.



•Most of your grain and cereal products should be made from whole grains, not from refined flours. This part of your list includes whole grain breads, whole grain pastas, and whole grain breakfast cereals. Whole grains are important for vitamins, minerals, and for fiber, which is often lacking in modern diets. Read labels to look for 100% whole-grain or 100% whole-wheat to be sure you are getting whole grain products.


•Your protein and meat choices should consist mostly of fish, poultry and lean meats. Eggs, nuts, seeds and legumes are also good protein choices. Choose fresh and frozen unbreaded meats and fish. Avoid breaded, deep-fried convenience foods that you put in the oven. They are high in fats and sodium.

•Beverages should be kept simple. Water, low-fat milk, juices and herbal teas are all good choices. If you opt for soft drinks, choose diet sodas and soft drinks to avoid extra sugar.


•Dairy products should include low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. If you do not want cows' milk, choose soy and rice beverages, calcium-fortified orange juice, or goats' milks and cheese.


•Be careful with dressings, cooking oils and condiments. They are sneaky sources of refined sugar and poor quality oils. Read labels to choose dressings made with olive oil, canola oil or walnut oil. Choose low-fat mayonnaise for your sandwiches and choose canola oil and olive oil for cooking.


•Frozen foods are a convenient way to keep vegetables on hand. There are also prepared meals that you can pop into the microwave or oven. These can be convenient and healthy if you choose low fat versions with good portion sizes. Read labels and chose frozen foods wisely. Avoid frozen pizzas, pocket-sandwiches, deep-fried appetizers, and breaded foods.


•Foods in cans and jars are also very convenient. Look for low-sodium soups, vegetables and sauces. Avoid high-fat gravies and high-calorie foods like canned spaghetti and ravioli products.


•For sandwiches, choose peanut butter or other nut butters, low-fat turkey slices or sliced roast beef. Avoid processed lunch meats, sausages and hot dogs.


•Don't load up on high calorie treats and desserts. Choose fresh fruits, healthy nuts, seeds and whole grain crackers for snacks.

American Heart Month

American Heart Month

Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. To urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month." (Note this is not "Heart Month" or "National Heart Month.")
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is also one of the main causes of death in Canada and is killing more and more people throughout the world.

Olive Oil is good for the heart

Dietary advice for reducing heart disease risk includes eating a balanced diet with less saturated fat from red meats, more fresh fruits and vegetables, more fish, less sugar, more fiber and for many people, fewer total calories. Then you can make your heart and the rest of your cardiovascular system even healthier by adding more of these foods:


Salmon


Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that protect your heart by reducing both inflammation and the risk of blood clots. These fats also work to keep your cholesterol levels healthy. Eat salmon or other oily ocean fish like tuna, sardines or herring at least two times per week. For a heart-healthy meal, try grilled salmon steaks with a green vegetable and a side salad with a sprinkling of lemon juice instead of high-calorie salad dressing.


Olive Oil


Olive oil reduces your risk of heart disease by lowering your LDL cholesterol levels. Choose olive oil for cooking, or make a nice dip for whole grain bread by pouring a bit of olive oil in a small bowl and add a bit of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of oregano.


Oats


Oats contain a soluble fiber called beta glucan that helps reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Soluble fiber also helps keep your digestive system healthy. Enjoy oatmeal with just a small amount of brown sugar and plenty of strawberries and walnuts for breakfast. Cold cereals made with oats are also great with low-fat milk or soy milk plus slices of fresh fruit.


Apples


Apples contain a phytochemical called quercetin which acts as an antiinflammatory and will help prevent blood clots as well. Apples contain vitamins and fiber, come in several delicious varieties and are portable. Eat an apple with a handful of walnuts or almonds as a healthy snack or add apple slices to your healthy salads.


Almonds


Almonds and other nuts contain healthy oils, vitamin E and other substances that will help keep cholesterol levels in check. Almonds are also a good source of protein and fiber. Almonds make a great snack on their own, or sprinkle slivered almonds on green beans or asparagus with lemon juice as a deliciously healthy side dish.


Red wine


Red wine contains a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol. Resveratrol has been shown to be good for your heart. Be sure to enjoy red wine in moderation. Studies show that only 4 to 8 ounces of red wine is needed each day.


Whole Grains


Whole grains provide vitamins and fiber that will help to keep your heart healthy. Make a deliciously healthy sandwich with two slices of 100-percent whole-grain bread, three ounces of lean turkey breast, lots of sliced tomatoes and avocado, plus lettuce and a bit of mustard. Switch from white pasta to whole grain pasta too.


Green leafy vegetables


Green leafy vegetables contain folate, which helps to keep homocysteine levels down, and vitamin E. Green leafy vegetables have also been associated with better retention of memory as age. Try using fresh spinach leaves or other greens for your favorite salad instead of iceberg lettuce.


Tomatoes


Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and lycopene, which has been shown to reduce heart disease risk. Add thick slices of tomatoes to sandwiches and salads or enjoy tomato sauce on whole wheat pasta. In fact, cooked tomato sauce and canned tomato sauce that you buy in the store both contain more lycopene than raw tomatoes.


Soy


Soy protein has been shown to prevent heart attacks and soy makes an excellent protein substitute for red meat, which will reduce your saturated fat intake. Add tofu to your favorite stir fry or pour soy milk on your morning cereal.

International Heart Study Reveals...

After an exhaustive review of the research literature, here's the final word on nutrition and health:


1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than in the US.
2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than us in the US.
3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks
than in the US.
4. Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart
attacks than in the US.
5. Germans drink beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer
heart attacks than in the US.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you!

Antioxidant rich spice

Rosemary

Another herb that is antioxidant-rich is "Rosemary". According to research, rosemary contains powerful antioxidants that may help to inhibit free radical damage to cells. Rosemary was been revealed to have even greater health benefits than paprika. Using rosemary to season fish, vegetables, egg-white omelets, and salads will give your system an antioxidant boost.

Rosemary is an excellent accompaniment to pork and chicken. In Mediterranean cuisine, rosemary is most often associated with vegetables sautéed in olive oil such as zucchini, tomatoes and eggplant. Sprinkle dried rosemary on charcoal when grilling for a delicious, aromatic treat.

Rosemary is very good with apricots, cabbage, cream cheese, eggplant, eggs, fish, lamb, lentils, mushrooms, onions, oranges, parsnips, pork, potatoes, poultry, rabbit, tomatoes, veal, and winter squashes

Rosemary combines well with bay leaves, chives, garlic granules, oregano, parsley, sage, savory and thyme.

Don't Trust Calorie Counts on Menus

According to researchers at Yale University, including calorie counts on menus seem to affect diner's choices. But what use is that if the reported calorie counts are wildly inaccurate?



A report in next month's Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that the published calorie counts for so-called "reduced calorie" meals served at various chain restaurants were wildly inaccurate. On average, the actual calories were almost 20% higher, but the range of discrepancy was huge.


Some of the tested entrees contained fewer calories than advertised. For example, a slice of thin-crust cheese pizza from Domino's was listed at 180 calories but actually provided only 141. Several others were within 5% of the menu listings. A Taco Bell Crunchy Beef Taco was exactly as advertised: 191 calories.


However, an order of Szechuan-style asparagus from P.F. Chang's, which was listed at 260 calories, actually contained 558. And the Taco Bell Chicken Taco Salad, listed as 326 calories, was actually 607 calories.


In some cases, the serving size was the culprit. A side order of grits from Denny's is listed at 86 calories on the menu, for example. However, the 262-gram serving delivered to the table was twice as large as the 113-gram serving listed on the menu. Total calories: 258. Always be careful of SUPERSIZING specials.


Another problem was that low-calorie entrees often come with free side dishes that are not included in the posted calorie counts for the dish. For example, the petite sirloin steak served at Ruby Tuesday's weighed at 118 grams, exactly as advertised and, at 244 calories, actually came in slightly under the posted calorie count of 271. However, it came with a side of broccoli and a baked potato, which added another 667 calories to the meal.


Obviously putting calorie counts on menus is only going to help diners moderate their caloric intake if they bear some resemblance to reality. In the meantime, I'd take them with a grain of salt. If what arrives at your table looks like way too much food for the advertised calorie counts, it probably is. Be familiar with and pay attention to portion sizes. For example, do you know what a 118g (4-ounce) steak looks like? Check out this Portion Control Slide Show from WebMD( link is proved on this post located by the arrow). And finally, be aware of extras and sides that aren't included in the posted calorie counts.

YOU Have To Eat!!

You can stop smoking, drinking, abusing drugs, biting your fingernails, etc. However, you cannot stop eating. No matter how much you want to lose weight, you have to eat. The secret is to slowly but permanently change your habits. Continue to enjoy eating and the social interaction that eating usually involves. Don't be too hard on yourself or feel guilty about eating. Do follow some very common sense tips about healthy eating. These tips are available in so many places. Practice some of these methods and stay away from fads.

* See Vitamin Wheel at the bottom of this site.

* Follow links provided for futher information on a healthy diet.

Think "Balance" & "Moderation"