Quick Healthy Food

By Kelli Shepherd

Quick healthy foods are indeed possible. The most common misconception about healthy food is that it needs to be elaborate and super special. Well, the truth is, it's the opposite.

There is just one rule that you need to remember always and that is to keep it simple and less time-consuming so that you will never go back to your old eating habits and cooking style.

Most ordinary Joes will settle for the microwavable and fast foods rather stir-fried veggies or pan-fried fish. For the busy people, they would most often feel tired already to try to conjure up recipes for the family. That is why the most common food served on the table are Pizzas and sodas... the greatest enemy of healthy eating.

One of the greatest benefit of eating healthy is most often than not, you won't have to rely on recipes to come up with a great dish! Sometimes, my taste might differ from yours, or you might not have the time to prepare them (for now). Therefore the best way to do this is to trust your food instinct.

As I mentioned earlier, making healthy food can be quick and easy. With a bit of imagination, you will be able to conjure up many quick healthy foods.

One of the most important thing to remember in preparing healthy foods is the taste. Mixing bell pepper with celery isn't what I call a mouth-watering food. Who knows, maybe it works for you. But when you mix bell pepper with parsley, that's a salad that is calling my name. And there you are. Salad is one of the easiest dishes you can come up with. Salad comes in different forms as well. You can make it as vegetable salads or fruit salads. If you're more of a meat eater, you can always make a turkey or chicken salad. With these varieties, you already have a lunch or dinner recipe for 4 days.

If you're in the mood for red meat, instead of going for a beef, why not go for venison? You can marinate it like a beef, but healthier. You can grill it, pan-fry it or even make a soup out of it. One of my favorite meats is bison which is become available more readily all the time.

And speaking of soup... instead of putting too much meat in it put more vegetables instead. That way the soup will still have the meaty taste, but have the nutrients of the vegetables.

If you're worried about little children's willingness to eat the vegetables, there's also a quick way of solving that. Pull all the vegetables in the blender or food processor and voilà, you now have a pureed soup!

The possibilities are endless when it comes to eating healthy! All you need is your imagination and instinct. Happy Healthy Eating!

If you're interested in learning more about the value of clean eating and dramatically improving your health, visit my website, where I share what foods I personally recommend.

Visit my website at: http://www.fooduciary.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelli_Shepherd

Fat Food Vs Healthy Food

By Carole Pagan

You know how skinny people seem to eat so much more and never gain weight? Here's an eye-opener for you.

Here is a food comparison so you can see how much more healthy food you would have to eat to consume the same amount of calories you eat with an unhealthy diet.

How about lunch?

Whopper w/ Cheese 850

Fries 370

Med. Coke 210

Total Calories 1430

OR

Turkey sandwich with cheese,

Lettuce, tomato, and mayo on wheat 364

Nacho Cheese Doritos 140

Lemonade (8oz) 90

Total Calories 594

Cut out the mayo, and you'll cut another 100 calories. Or make sure to use a light mayo. Have some fruit instead of the chips and you'll cut another 75 - 100 calories and gotten 3 servings of fruits and vegetables. So lets say your smart lunch is now running about 464 calories. And you'll be running circles around your not so smart comrades.

Imagine how much work it is for your body to process the 710 calories that come from FAT in the Whopper meal. Is it any wonder you're falling asleep at 2:00 in the afternoon?

Plus, using the smart choices, you've only taken in 759 calories for the day. If you are on the recommended weight loss calorie count of 1500 calories, you still have another 741 calories to go. You can still have chocolate and a good dinner. I think everyone should eat chocolate every day. We would have a much happier world.

Don't be tempted to fall into the trap of not eating enough. Eat until you're full. You'll be less tempted to snack on "bad" things.

Plus you'll have more energy to stay active and burn even more calories. Isn't this fun? Once you get better at making smarter choices, you will never have to count calories ever again!

Make smarter food choices every day -

Find more tips to help you live a happier, healthier lifestyle at Sane SuperWoman Club

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carole_Pagan

Food Additives: Safety versus Health Maintenance / Prevention

By Burton Danet, Ph.D.

The topic of food additives is not quickly addressed in one article. Searches on the internet can reveal information that is either pro or con regarding food additive substances.

Depending on one's personal philosophy, it is possible to justify the inclusion or the exclusion of food additives. There are many companies which justify the addition of food additives of one sort or another with various rationales. In fact, some -- or even many -- of the additives can be consumed with no immediate obvious harmful effects.

The reader is referred to the Natural Ovens Bakery / Nutritional Resource Foundation (http://naturalovens.com) article which details all of the many food additives: "Toxin Additives in Food and Drink: Toxic compounds in your foods:"

In this reference, Paul Stitt, CEO, Natural Ovens Bakery, makes the statement that his company will NEVER use any of those additives in their products as they are listed here:

[http://www.naturalovens.com/lib/content/]

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Toxin_Additives_in_Food_and_Drink.PDF

It is a professional decision for A Better Community For All (ABC4All) to screen info/products/companies/ingredients and work only with those companies, like Natural Ovens Bakery, that do NOT include in their products anything that is known to be harmful as much as possible.

At the same time, anyone can be allergic to anything at any time. So one simply needs always to proceed with caution, be alert and on the lookout, and then deal with whatever reactions are manifesting should they occur.

Prevention may be the best approach, and this area of focus is becoming very much more explored in health circles. The information posted about the scientific development of "Plasma Activated Water (PAW)" at http://ABC4All.net/paw.htm may provide future protection against many bacteria/viruses that are being avoided, supposedly, with the additives.

Many so called health supplements/products that contain additives can be shown via sound research to be beneficial over time. That does not mean the last word is in. It is a well known fact that long-term harmful, even dangerous, effects can emerge over time. Those companies preferring to avoid the possibility for allergic and other harmful reactions to substances like sodium benzoate (and so many other food additives, as referenced by Paul Stitt above) are at least attempting to watch out for the consumer to the best of their ability and are offering that much more protection against potentially harmful influences.

The final answer, possibly, will lie with those who are interested in health maintenance first and in the protection of others, not in allowing business decisions to come first or in earning the dollars associated with the lucrative health supplement industry that so often includes unhealthy ingredients in spite of all the claims, testimonials and even scientifically conducted research.

Respectfully submitted,

Burton Danet, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist (retired)

Founder, A Better Community For All (ABC4All): “Maximizing Charitable Contributions on the Internet”

http://ABC4All.net

Burton Danet, Ph.D., Co-Founder of A Better Community For All (ABC4All) was interviewed by Holistic Junction: "Glimpse of a Remarkable Health League of its Own: Burton Danet, PH.D. & ABC4ALL:" http://www.holisticjunction.com/displayarticle.cfm?ID=2990

Through a collaboration with Huck-Fin Environmental Education (HFEE), San Diego, California, ABC4All/HFEE have originated a comprehensive solution to the obesity epidemic ("globesity"): Community Health, Exercise and Nutrition for All (CHEN4All): [http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/11/prweb178191.php]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Burton_Danet,_Ph.D.

What's Healthier, Broiled, Grilled, Or Fried Food?

By Bernard Duke

Co-Author: Nancy Duke

Americans love fried foods. While it's not always good for us, it does happen to be a fact. There is nothing that we don't love to deep fry, including even ice cream. While the taste is out of this world, it's not necessarily good for you. So is broiling any better than frying and why? Would it help to grill our foods?

Which cooking method actually adds the least amount of fat to your food and are there any other surprises that we need to know about?

Realistically, common sense says that adding fat to a deep fryer or a frying pan adds fat to something that is already fatty, namely meat, which is the most commonly fried item. The lowest amount of fat that will be added is when the food is broiled, because the flames, or the electric broiler are going to cause the fat to melt away from the food.

In a test done at the University of Pennsylvania, the differences were quite incredible. Three samples were done, one broiled, one lightly sautéed and the third deep friend. The broiled sample of meat, done under a broiler had about one percent added fat, while the sautéed variety was about twice that much, but shockingly it was nearly exactly the same as the deep fried variety.

Where the problem comes in is that we generally put a great deal of the deep fried meats and other things into batter. The meat doesn't honestly absorb that much fat on its own, but the breading and other factors take in a vast amount of it.

Now using a lean fat, we see that frying may not be as heinous as you actually thought, but... and there is always a but in the equation isn't there, many of us are not content with just frying, we pay little attention to the kinds of oils that we fry with, often times purchasing the cheapest variety rather than the one that is best for us.

There are good fats and there are bad fats. Butter can be taken in moderation and if you fry your food in it you're asking for heart disease in your future. Vegetable oils, pure corn oil perhaps are the way to go if you're going to fry and forget that flour or breading. Fry without it to keep the fat absorption to a minimum.

Clearly, broiling is the best way to cook your food, provided that you do it on the kitchen stove. Some of us however thought that grilling our food outdoors was the answer.. It does lower the fat but t there are some considerations to the grilling factor too.

California scientist James Felton studied the effects of cooking over barbecue coals, the traditional variety and he believes that some barbecued foods may actually cause cancer.

There are two ways that it can happen but the most traditional way, according to Felton is when the fat from the meat drips down onto the hot coals, causing a chemical reaction when the flame flares up to blacken the meat. If you move the hot coals to the one side so that the fat doesn't drip directly onto the coals it tends to prevent this. Cooking on gas grill may also be some help in this battle.

You might also try cooking at a lower temperature as well as moving the coals if you're going to grill over your traditional coals and also try using regular wood as opposed to charcoal to barbecue your meat.

If none of that appeals to you, the reality is that broiled foods seem to be the best bet. Firstly, the flame comes from above and the fat drips to a pan below, secondary to that, there is less fat than with frying, and thirdly, the grill just may be doing things to your body that you're not ready for.

Do we need any better reasons to broil your meat or fish?

Duke Catering was started in 2000, by Nancy and Bernard Duke, both of whom are very experienced and well educated food service and catering professionals. They have quickly become one of the largest and fastest growing diversified caterers in the Southern New Jersey area. Duke Catering provides school food service to over 1800 school children per day in South Jersey and also provides event catering for businesses and individuals.

Bernard and Nancy Duke are proud members of the School Nutrition Program and attend seminars regularly. They are focused on promoting "wellness" among the many children who enjoy their lunches daily. They plan their menus carefully focusing on adding tastier, lighter, and more nutritious meals to their healthy lunch offerings. For more information on the services offered by Duke Catering visit http://DukeCatering.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bernard_Duke

Top Five Super, Sexy, Strong and Fit Foods!

By Lauren Jacobsen

Enter 'Super Foods' and their supply of antioxidants to the rescue! Antioxidants can work to decrease the harmful effects of oxidative stress, caused by free radicals, which are the damaging molecules that are the result of metabolic processes occurring in our bodies - whether induced by stress, exercise, environment, and every woman's fear - aging! Antioxidants can work to halt the damage caused by free radicals by binding to active receptor sites scavenging and neutralizing free radicals damaging effects. Incorporate a few of the following antioxidant rich 'Super Foods' into your daily diet and become a 'Super Woman' in no time!

Citrus Fruit: Citrus fruit is a source of the powerful antioxidant Vitamin C, which can help protect our lean body tissue, and help to generate other antioxidants. Multiple studies have found that levels of vitamin C are diminished in the body of those who exercise regularly. Vitamin C can help regenerate reduced vitamin E back to the active state. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce lean muscle damage when compared with those deficient in the vitamin. Another study found that vitamin C does control reactive oxidant species formed during exercise. If not controlled these species have the ability to react with cell membranes and damage them, initiating a series of other damaging reactions. In addition to its antioxidant properties Vitamin C is needed for absorption of iron, which is necessary to help oxygen bind to haemoglobin in the blood. Oxygen is critical for proper muscle performance, and keeping energy levels high. Vitamin C is also involved with amino acid metabolism and the formation of collagen, which makes up connective tissue, and is essential for holding your bones and muscles in place, not to mention keeping our skin looking its best.

Broccoli: Contains many potent antioxidant micronutrients including lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin C, selenium and di-indolylmethane. Di-indolylmethane is a potent modulator of the innate immune response system. This extract is also an excellent source of indole-3-carbinol, which can boost DNA repair in cells! Add this high fiber veggie to your salads and stir frys!

Berries: Packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A and C, their phytochemical properties may also help reduce the risks of some diseases. Blueberries and strawberries are great berry options, but acai berry, is considered to have the highest antioxidant property of any other berry! Try adding a few tablespoons of this super berry to shakes or even oatmeal.

Spinach: This 'Super Food' is extremely rich in flavonoids and carotenoids that provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well as antioxidant benefits. Given the fact that spinach is an excellent source of the antioxidant nutrients-including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and manganese-as well as a very good source of zinc and a good source of selenium-it's no wonder that spinach helps lower risk of numerous health problems related to oxidative stress. Spinach also provides vitamin K, E, B6, B2, folic acid, folate, niacin and the minerals magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, and copper. This wonder food can be used as a base to leafy green salads, to omelets or even a green-based shake!

Tomatoes: Studies have shown that a diet rich in lycopene, the antioxidant found in tomatoes can help decrease the risk of certain cancers, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease. Fit tomatoes into your nutrition plan by using tomato salsa as a condiment, or even cherry tomatoes to your salad.

Lauren Jacobsen hosts a fitness, nutrition and weight loss site where she provides her 15 plus years of insights to women through her blog and books. To find out more, visit http://www.lifestylesbylauren.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_Jacobsen