Promoting healthy lives, diets, minds, and spirits and hoping that you will participate! Healthy starts from within, you are in control of your own destiny! Join in at Cynthia's Health Hut!
Cauliflower pizza for dinner. Steam the cauliflower, drain, and rice (I used a potato masher). Let cool then mix with one egg, mozzarella cheese. Lay out on pan and bake at 350 for 20-30 min. Allow crust to cool to room temperature, cover with sauce and cheese, and toppings. Then broil for 5-10 min (until cheese it melted to liking).
Love It or Hate It… Broccoli is Good for You!
“I do not like broccoli. And I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I’m President of the United States and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli.” –George Bush
The same year President Bush made this statement, Johns Hopkins University published a cancer study showing that broccoli prevented the development of tumors by 60 percent and helped reduce the size of the tumor by 75 percent!
These finding are just a “taste” of the many health benefits of broccoli. Discover these, the trivia and history behind this plant and some awesome recipes. Broccoli is a powerfood. Unless you are in a select group of individuals, (page 3) broccoli is your friend!
9 Health Benefits
1. Cancer Prevention
Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, which the body processes into the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. This compound rids the body of H. pylori, a bacterium found to highly increase the risk of gastric cancer. Furthermore, broccoli contains indole-3-carbinol, a powerful antioxidant compound and anti-carcinogen found to not only hinder the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, but also boosts liver function.
Broccoli shares these cancer fighting, immune boosting properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
2. Cholesterol Reduction
Like many whole foods, broccoli is packed with soluble fiber that draws cholesterol out of your body.
3. Reducing Allergy Reaction and Inflammation
Broccoli is a particularly rich source of kaempferol and isothiocyanates, both anti-inflammatory phyto nutrients. Research has shown the ability of kaempferol to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. Broccoli even has significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well know as an anti-inflammatory.
4. Powerful Antioxidant
Of all the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated source of vitamin C, plus the flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to recycle effectively. Also concentrated in broccoli are the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, other powerful antioxidants.
5. Bone Health
Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.
6. Heart Health
The anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane, one of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) in broccoli, may be able to prevent (or even reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems.
7. Detoxification
Glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin are special phytonutrients that support all steps in the body’s detox process, including activation, neutralization and elimination of unwanted contaminants. These three are in the perfect combination in broccoli. Broccoli also contains isothiocyanates (which you read about in inflammation) which help control the detox process at a genetic level.
8. Diet Aid
Broccoli is a smart carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. Furthermore, a cup of broccoli has as much protein as a cup of rice or corn with half the calories.
9. Alkalizes Your Body
Like many vegetables, broccoli helps keep your whole body less acidic, which has a host of health benefits. Read the dangers of an over acid body at: Balance Your Body.
In this section of Seattle Organic Restaurants they talk about top 10 anti-inflammatory foods that prevent cancer. Among many other chronic diseases millions of people suffer from inflammation and digestive disorders. The main roots of digestive disorders are poor eating hobbits, consuming toxic foods, processed foods and foods that have artificial coloring and additives. Here are top 10 foods that help to improve inflammation and food digestion.
We sometimes eat junk food for a snack; so why not eating fruits instead of processed foods? Pineapple, mangoand papaya are the three main anti-inflammatory fruits that have proteolytic enzymes that have anti-ulcerative and anti-microbial properties. These fruits help with digestion and breaking down other foods.
Avocado is a rich superfood high in omega 3 fatty acids (which is good for you) and fiber. Avocados promote food digestion and healthy pancreas, liver and gall bladder. Avocados are one of the best anti-inflammatory fruits that are digestible by almost everyone.
Cinnamon, basil, cayenne and turmeric are among anti-inflammatory herbs. Cinnamonimproves triglyceride and cholesterol level and helps with better digestion of food. Basil also boosts immune system and is anti-inflammatory.Cayenne is a remarkable anti-inflammatory herbthat helps to prevent digestive disorders, cleans body, promote weight loss and fight allergies.Turmeric is a Middle Eastern spice that is commonly used in Persian, Asian and Indian dishes. Turmeric anti-inflammatory effects are even better than dugs like as Motrin and hydrocortisone without having their side effects.
The complex carbohydrate in kelp and kombu is anti-inflammatory. Kelp and kambu are antioxidant, prevent tumors and high source of fiber and vitamin K that promote weight loss.
Here in Northwest wild sockeye salmon is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids that is anti-inflammatory. Wild sockeye salmon can also prevent heart disease and cancer. Fish oil is also a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids that promotes brain function, intellegance and eyesight.
The flavonoids in green tea are anti-inflammatory that can prevent the chances of cancer and heart disease.
Shiitake mushroom is an excellent anti-inflammatory that promotes immune system and fight cancer.
Blueberries are incredible source of antioxidantsthat are anti-inflammatory. Blueberries improve immune system and prevent dementia and cancer.Raspberries, cranberries, blackberries andstrawberries also are high source of antioxidants.
Broccoli is a highly nutritious superfood that is anti-inflammatory can prevent breast cancer in women. The phytochemicals in broccoli called “sulforaphane” activates enzymes and throws carcinogen out of cells before cancer can do any harm. Kale is also anti-inflammatory that can clean body and prevent heart disease. Kale is also full of iron, calcium and fiber. Cauliflower also helps with detoxification of body.
In the last few years fermented foods have been disappearing from our diets. Fermented foods are probiotics and have beneficial bacteria that help with food digestion. For example modern pickles are no longer made by lacto-fermentation using salt and are made by vinegar. Most dairy products like cheese and yogurt and alcoholic beverages like wine and beer are being pasteurized by killing most of the good bacteria in them. Since most juices and beverages are pasteurized there are less live enzymes and beneficial bacteria in them to help digest our foods. Some of fermented foods include yogurt, organic raw apple cider vinegar, kimchi, kefir, kombucha and other fermented veggies.
Green Green Smoothie II
Makes 2 Servings
1 1/4 cups cold filtered water
2 handfuls organic spinach
1 organic cucumber, chopped
3 stalks organic celery, chopped
2 organic Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
Small handful fresh cilantro
Small handful fresh parsley
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp cayenne powder (optional)
20-30 drops pure stevia liquid (optional)
2 Tbsp flax seed oil (optional)
2 tsp probiotic powder (optional)
2 scoops plain or vanilla protein powder (optional) (I use Natural flavor Vega O.N.E)
Add spinach, cucumber, celery, apple, cilantro and parsley to blender. Pour water over top. Starting the blender on Low speed, blend until smooth, gradually moving to High speed (that’s the trick for getting a smooth blend). Add lime juice, cayenne, stevia, flax oil, probiotic powder, and protein powder. Combine briefly on Low until all the protein powder is just dissolved. Serve immediately.
Foods can be delicious looking and good for you too!
Heirloom tomato tart
Heirloom tomato tart (makes one 10 or 11inch tart) (inspired by this tomato and mascarpone tart)
Crust
- 1 cup plus 3 Tbs. all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 6 Tbs. good butter (European style cultured butter will give you the best results), cold, cut into pieces
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- about 2 Tbs. ice cold water
- In a smallish mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Working quickly, rub the butter into the flour with your fingers until you have a mixture with pea-sized butter lumps. Make a well and add in the egg and water. Stir together until it forms a messy dough in a bunch of clumps, adding a tiny bit more water if it seems too dry. Scoop the clumps together and press it into a ball. Flatten into a thick disk, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out into a circle about 1 inch larger in diameter than your tart pan. Gently transfer the crust to the tart pan and press it in. Either trim the excess crust or fold any overhanging edges back inward and press them into the crust, reinforcing it and making it thicker. Put the tart shell back into the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350F. Prick the tart shell all over with a fork, then line it with foil or parchment paper or aluminum foil (cover the sides and edges too) and fill the bottom with beans or other weights to weight it down. Place it on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent drips, and bake in the oven for 30 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven, remove the weights and lining and return the crust to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until nicely golden brown. Remove the crust from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Filling
- 4 oz. mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 8 oz. chevre or other soft goat cheese, at room temperature
- 2 Tbs. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 1 packed cup of fresh basil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- a large pinch of salt
- 1 small garlic clove
- about 2 heirloom tomatoes cut into slices
- Blend together the mascarpone, chevre, lemon juice, and lemon zest (either in a blender or by hand with a wooden spoon). Set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, whir together the basil, olive oil, garlic, and a large pinch of salt until blended.
- When the tart crust has cooled to room temperature, spread the cheese mixture in the bottom. Layer tomato slices over it, then drizzle with the basil oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature with a nice green salad. I would recommend that you do not serve the tart chilled. If you refrigerate the tart, be sure to let it come back to room temperature before serving.
Although fun and life-giving and joyful and love-filled right now, if I had to choose a single word to describe life these past two weeks (and thank goodness I don’t have to choose just one word – a world where you use only one word when you could spout off a string of five to ten would be a sad world indeed, far too Hemingway-ian for the verbose among us), it would be chaotic.
Totally chaotic. Connecting with old friends and nabbing as much quality time with family as possible on top of working on a dissertation on top of that ultimate relaxing free time activity of, ahem, starting a business, turns out not to be a recipe for order and quiet. We did expect this, but you never fully appreciate these things until you’re in the middle of them.
But I love it! We love it! We love everyone…
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I can relate to this alot, I keep going up 5 lbs, down 5 lbs.
You’re eating the same kind of foods, about the same amount and exercising about the same amount you always have, but suddenly you notice that it’s harder to keep the weight off or lose those few extra pounds.
Nothing has changed you tell yourself, except your a bit older than you used to be. What you may not be aware of is that your body has changed making weight loss more difficult.
Over 40 Weight Loss
As we age, our metabolism slows down which means you are burning fewer calories than when you were younger. There is no magical age in which this happens, but seems to occur more often when people reach 40 to 50 years of age. The secret to weight loss at any age is actually a very simple formula; consume fewer calories than you burn.
The problem is that as we age, we often fail to…
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I personally try to drink 1/2my body weight in water.
Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. Although most of us take for granted, water may be the only true “magic potion” for permanent weight loss.
Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.
Here’s why: The kidneys can’t function properly without enough water. When they don’t work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver’s primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But if the liver has to do some of the kidney’s work it can’t operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat more fat remains stored in…
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Image Reblogged from MotiveWeight.Blogspot.com
We all get stuck in ruts and have times when it is hard to motivate ourselves. How do we keep the interest, create new healthy habits and keep eating foods that are good for us when there is so many bad food choices and it is easier to watch a movie then to exercise? I’ve been in a holding pattern and not doing my exercise and eating too much sugar. I go through this when STRESS enters my life and people that I love try to manipulate me or a death in the family. I recently lost my father and cat of 28 years. So fighting off the depression has been a challenge. The POSITIVE is that I do continue to eat healthy foods mixed in with the bad ones and I keep up with deep breathing meditations for lots of great oxygen to circulate through my system.
I love food, especially veggies and fruits, so I create lots of tasty combinations and do the 6 small meals per day to keep me from grabbing a bag of chips or carton of ice cream. It helps that I snack on small pieces of 85% dark chocolate or Cacoa Nibs – YUM and Almonds are a good snack too.
I have been upping my Vitamin B Stress supplements and Vitamin D as well, I have found through the years that I need more of these just to keep myself from going down the road of doom and gloom.
The challenge is the exercise – which is one of the best things I have found for fighting off the depression. I am looking focusing on creating new habits to try and help me get motivated. I find that I have to up my ratio of happy tunes and movies or shows so that I don’t fall deeper into depression. I have found that using the MaxT3 surge system can be done in small increments of time so that you are on 20 seconds off 20 seconds and you can start with just 5 minutes a day. So currently my goal is to motivate myself and to not expect myself to do more than 5 minutes a day and if I do more great! Part of creating new goals and Healthy Habits is to know when you are expecting more from yourself than you can give. If I set a goal and fail at it, it only adds to the depression and makes me want to eat more Sugar. So I try not to set myself up to fail. But the big question still is what new way can I motivate myself to get off the couch and move my body when the stress/depression has me so tired that all I want to do is sleep. Sometimes a buddy system helps where I help each other because it’s not all about me. I think I will call my buddy and ask her to give me that verbal butt kick to get me moving.
Do You Have Any Suggestions? What are your ways to motivate yourself and create new habits I’d love to hear them! Love, Light and Happiness to you all have a great day/night!
Ingredients:
1-2 scoops Vanilla Perfect Whey Protein Powder (Purchase here)
3-4 tablespoons Organic Yogurt
½-1 cup Berries
½ teaspoon Stevia or Xylitol (To taste-most do not need any additional sweetening if using perfect protein)
Add water to desired thickness
Ice cubes
*Suggestion – for a twist on flavor you can use Chocolate Perfect Protein for a Chocolate Raspberry smoothie!
Directions:
Add all ingredients except for water in blender, add a small amount of water and a few ice cubes, blend in blender adding more water and ice until you achieve the desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh raspberries or blueberries
Cynthia's Health Hut 