Showing posts with label fruits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fruits. Show all posts

Monday, July 15, 2013

Foods that are high in fiber!

FruitsServing sizeTotal fiber (grams)*
Raspberries1 cup8.0
Pear, with skin1 medium5.5
Apple, with skin1 medium4.4
Banana1 medium3.1
Orange1 medium3.1
Strawberries (halves)1 cup3.0
Figs, dried2 medium1.6
Raisins1 ounce (60 raisins)1.0
Grains, cereal & pastaServing sizeTotal fiber (grams)*
Spaghetti, whole-wheat, cooked1 cup6.3
Barley, pearled, cooked1 cup6.0
Bran flakes3/4 cup5.3
Oat bran muffin1 medium5.2
Oatmeal, instant, cooked1 cup4.0
Popcorn, air-popped3 cups3.5
Brown rice, cooked1 cup3.5
Bread, rye1 slice1.9
Bread, whole-wheat or multigrain1 slice1.9
Legumes, nuts and seedsServing sizeTotal fiber (grams)*
Split peas, cooked1 cup16.3
Lentils, cooked1 cup15.6
Black beans, cooked1 cup15.0
Lima beans, cooked1 cup13.2
Baked beans, vegetarian, canned, cooked1 cup10.4
Sunflower seed kernels1/4 cup3.9
Almonds1 ounce (23 nuts)3.5
Pistachio nuts1 ounce (49 nuts)2.9
Pecans1 ounce (19 halves)2.7
VegetablesServing sizeTotal fiber (grams)*
Artichoke, cooked1 medium10.3
Green peas, cooked1 cup8.8
Broccoli, boiled1 cup5.1
Turnip greens, boiled1 cup5.0
Brussels sprouts, cooked1 cup4.1
Sweet corn, cooked1 cup4.0
Potato, with skin, baked1 small3.0
Tomato paste1/4 cup2.7
Carrot, raw1 medium1.7
*Fiber content can vary between brands.

Source: MayoClinic Website

FIBER!

I found out something shocking the other day, and I though I would share it with the rest of the world who are misguided like me!

I have always consumed tons of spinach, arugula, and lettuce, thinking that I am getting plenty of fiber! 

As it turns out.... they DO NOT contain as much fiber as I originally thought! In fact, its almost negligible!!!

Here are some facts to set us straight....


1 cup pf shredded lettuce contains less than 1g of fiber!

2 cups of arugula contain 1g of fiber!

1 cup of spinach has only 0.7g of fiber!


You see,  thought you are getting vitamins and minerals, you are not getting much fiber!

So do not be fooled, and add artichokes, brocoli, and carrots to your salads for more fiber!



Saturday, July 13, 2013

Juicing; The Best Drink to Nourish Your Skin!

JUICING!




Forget about any packaged product that you could buy fromt the supermarket including juice!
if it is not in raw and fresh (in it's original shape and form!) do not consume it!

I have fresh juice recipes that will blow your mind away! Do this once to twice a day, and notice an amazing difference to your skin!

PS: invest in a good juicer, you will not regret it! But keep in mind, that when you juice, you take the fiber out, so you will still have to eat plenty of fruits and veggies!

Here is what my husband and I drink on a daily basis!

The Green juice:

- 2 Apples (peeled and cored, without peeling)
- Half a large cucumber (without peeling)
- 3 stalks of celery
- 1 cup spinach, or kale... what ever is available
- 1 inch ginger (peeled)
- 1 lime (peeled)
- Add carrots (if you want) according to taste


Bon appetit!







Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Beauty Rule # 7

Fruit should be eaten only on an empty stomach

Fruits are 'pure' foods that are easy to digest but that are full o nutrients, vitamins, and minerals as well as water! However, WHEN we eat fruit is just as important as EATING fruit.
Try to have it in the morning on an empty stomach, this way, you can digest them in 20- 30 minutes and move on to planning your next meal. So for example, avoid having them (as a fruit salad for example) after your meal as dessert! If the fruits have to sit on top of you previous meal in your stomach, by the time it digests, it will have fermented and acidified!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Snacks: How they fit into your weight-loss plan


Your stomach is growling, but lunch is hours away. Why not indulge yourself with a snack...  just make sure you watch what you eat....
Although you may feel guilty about snacking, snacks aren't necessarily bad. In fact, well-planned weight-loss diets, such as the Mayo Clinic Diet, allow for snacks to help manage hunger and reduce bingeing. Eating a healthy snack of a piece of fruit or some raw veggies can tame your hunger without ruining your appetite for your next meal. 
The key to incorporating snacks into your weight-loss plan is to keep moderation and balance in mind.

Know which foods to reach for

You can eat more of foods with high water or fiber content and few calories, such as carrots, grapes and air-popped popcorn, for your 100 calories. Choose snacks from these food groups:
  • Fruits and vegetables. Eating fruits and vegetables provides a feeling of fullness and only a small number of calories. Fruits and vegetables also provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. Nibble on cucumber, carrots, celery...etc
  • Whole grains. Whole-grain snacks are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which give you energy with staying power. Look for items such as low-fat whole-grain crackers, whole-grain pretzels and whole-grain crispbreads.
  • Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds provide protein, so you will feel fuller longer. They are high in fat, but it's mostly monounsaturated, a healthy kind of fat. Nuts and seeds are high in calories, however, so don't eat them in large quantities. Why don't you add 2 tablespoons of peanuts on your green salad!
  • Low-fat dairy products. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products are good sources of calcium and protein, plus many other vitamins and minerals. Choose the low-fat versions. Some yogurts have extra added sugar, so look for plain, low-calorie or "light" varieties. 2 small slices of low-fat colby or cheddar cheese never hurt anyone!
  • PS: this was taken from the Mayo Clinic Diet.... because I think it is important that we understand how to snack!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Faisal's modified diet!

It seems that Faisal thinks the diet below is too complicated for his liking. So I will try to modify it to someone, like him, who is continuously eating out, ordering food, and never has to the time to prepare a home made meal for himself/herself.

It is the same diet posted earlier, but with some modifications that makes it 'easier' to follow, at least in his definition!


General Note: Make sure you start your day with 1-2 cups of water as soon as you open your eyes. Remember, your body has been water deprived for the last 8 hours!

Day1: 

Breakfast: cereal with milk or (a low fat energy bar if necessary… read ingredients, many brands are deceiving… and to be honest, I would rather you not rely on them at all, this is in case of emergency…)
Snack 1: fruit (apple, banana, mango… etc).
NOTE: cut down on coffee to one cup a day. Max, and never have it after 5 p.m. at the latest.
Lunch: A sandwich (make sure you add some greens and veggies to it). Avoid real heavy sandwiches like meat ball, steak sandwich, terryaki chicken...etc, you get the picture!
NOTE: avoid chocolates, chips, and bisects for now...
Dinner: vegetables (any non-starchy veg) with protein
Snack 3 (if necessary): green salad, or nibble organic baby carrots (that is what my husband lives on at night)… etc..

Day 2:

Breakfast: Eggs with whole wheat or multi grain bread. You could always include tomatoes or mushrooms with it.
NOTE: always opt for brown/ whole wheat or multi grain bread instead of white bread.
Snack 1: Milk smoothie a little organic honey and 2 types of fruit (max).
Lunch: Penne Arrabiata
Snack 2: Green Salad
Early Dinner: Protein (meat, fish, or chicken) with veggies.

Day 3:

Breakfast: Green smoothie, if not possible, if you cant prepare it, go for cereal and milk.
NOTE: try almond milk, it is healthy and light.
Snack 1: Greek yogurt with berries/ mangos… etc
Lunch: Green salad, and a source of protein (meat, fish, or chicken).
NOTE: do not mix dairy and animal protein together on the same meal, your body is dealing enough with one of them as is…
Snack 2: fruit
Dinner: Green salad.
Note: your Salads do not have to be boring. Change them up a little every day. I will attached different salad recipes at a later stage so you could get an idea of how yummy they can be! But avoid heavy dressings like Caesar and ranch dressings.
Snack 3: Home made pop corn! (and no, microwaved pop corn is not home made even if you make it at home!)

Now you come up with more food combinations and send them my way!

Beauty Rule #2

Do not mix Proteins and Starches...

I was saddened to read this, because the first thing that came to mind are turkey sandwiches, cream cheese and bagels, and many other combinations like stake and potatoes!

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, except that I know that is in your best interest to be aware of this...." (Kimberly Snyder, The Beauty Detox Solution).

To understand why, we must first take a look at the digestion of each in the stomach. While Proteins need an acidic environment in the stomach, Starches need an alkaline medium. Now can you imagine when they are combined together in the stomach? Pepsin (an enzyme that digests proteins) are produced, and at the same time Ptyalin (an enzyme produced to digest starch) is produced. The result?! they neutralize each other! the stomach keeps producing more of each until the food is completely digested, so digestion takes much longer than it should...
Dont forget, that in order to do that, the body needs energy, so instead of getting energy from your food, you will actually be wasting it on digestion!

Are you starting to see why it is better to avoid mixing Proteins and Starches?

It is sad fact, but one that must be done....


PS: I hate plagiarism, so I want to make it clear that many ideas and concepts here are taken from Kimberly Snyder and her "The Beauty Detox Solution". Read her book, it could change the way you eat...

Beauty Rule # 1

Our bodies are not meant to digest all kinds of foods together...

There is a difference between foods depending on the water content. What does this mean?
Basically, "concentrated foods are foods that do not contain any water. They include all proteins and starches. Non concentrated foods are water-containing foods." (Kimberly Snyder, The Beauty Detox Solution).

Non Concentrated Foods: Ripe fruit, Non-Starch Vegetables.
Concentrated Foods: All Starches (grains, starchy vegetables, breads... etc) and All Proteins (fish, chicken, meat, seeds, nuts... etc).

So how does this apply to your every day diet?
Since the stomach produces specific juices to digest concentrated foods that differ from non-concentrated foods, we should be careful not to mix a large combination of concentrated foods together, especially if the meal does not contain any non-concentrated foods!

Dont get me wrong, "we can handle most concentrated foods pretty well, but we can only eat one type at a time in order to maximize digestion"(Kimberly Snyder, The Beauty Detox Solution).

Monday, December 31, 2012

Faisal's 1 week food schedule


My brother is over for a visit, and while he was here, I got to watch his diet and eating habits. After seeing how conscious I have become about my own health and eating habits, he asked for some advice regarding his. After some observation and consideration, I have put together the schedule below.

The point of it is not loosing weight per say, but to get him to eat more often, less quantities, and 'healthier' (in comparison to his current diet) foods. He currently lives on his own and is always on the run, so I know that he does not have the luxury of preparing meals. As a result, I tried to make it as simple and 'on the go' kind of schedule as possible. 

The idea behind is is to get him to realize that eating healthier does not mean he has to starve, eat boring stuff, or live off of celery sticks! Just make sure to focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and having one portion (preferably not more) of animal or dairy protein a day. 

If you are like him, and in need for a rather 'healthier' eating schedule (than your current one at least), try this and let me know what you think...  :)

Day1: Make sure you start your day with 1-2 cups of water as soon as you open your eyes. Remember, your body has been water deprived for the last 8 hours!
Breakfast: cereal with milk or (a low fat energy bar if necessary… read ingredients, many brands are deceiving… and to be honest, I would rather you not rely on them at all, this is in case of emergency…)
Snack 1: fruit (apple, banana, mango… etc).
NOTE: cut down on coffee to one cup a day. Max, and never have it after 5 p.m. at the latest.
Lunch: Green salad, a source of carbs (brown/ wild rice, potato, quinoa..etc), and a source of protein (meat, fish, or chicken).
Snack 2: another fruit (different type than snack 1).
Dinner: vegetables (any non-starchy veg) with a tiny portion of protein if necessary! (Leftovers from lunch for example)
Snack 3 (if necessary): green salad, or snack on carrots… etc..

Day 2
Breakfast: Eggs with whole wheat or multi grain bread. You could always include tomatoes or mushrooms with it.
NOTE: always opt for brown/ whole wheat or multi grain bread instead of white bread.
Snack 1: Milk smoothie a little organic honey and 2 types of fruit (max).
Lunch: Green salad (add some nuts to it), a plant based protein (any legume; chickpeas, any type of bean, lentil… etc). 
Snack 2:  Greek yogurt with berries/ mangos… etc
Early Dinner: Green salad with a source of carbs (brown/ wild rice, potato, quinoa..etc), and a source of protein (meat, fish, or chicken).
Snack 3: green salad, or snack on carrots, or non-microwavable popcorn… etc..

Day 3.
Breakfast: Green smoothie, if not possible, have a fruit salad or 2 separate ripe fruits.
Snack 1: nibble on a variety of vegetables with a light dip (carrots, celery, broccoli, cherry tomatoes…etc).
Lunch: Green salad, a small source of carbs (brown/ wild rice, potato, quinoa..etc), and a source of protein (meat, fish, or chicken).
NOTE: do not mix dairy and animal protein together on the same meal, your body is dealing enough with one of them as is…
Snack 2: fruit
Dinner: Green salad.
Note: your salads do not have to be boring. Change them up a little every day. I will attached different salad recipes at a later stage so you could get an idea of how yummy they can be!
Snack 3: Mixed raw vegetables.

Day 4.
Breakfast: cereal and milk
Snack 1: fruit
Lunch: Green salad, a small source of carbs (brown/ wild rice, potato, quinoa..etc)/
NOTE: Snack 2: mixed vegetables (non starchy).
Dinner: brown bread pizza with one type of protein.
Note: once a week, you could change up the routine a little, but remember, stick to fruits and vegetables, and small portions but multiple portions.
Snack 3: another type of fruit.

Day 5
Breakfast: fruit
Snack 1: turkey or beef sandwich with veggies in brown or multi grain bread.
Lunch: Green salad
NOTE: if you have a heavy breakfast (with protein) skip a big lunch
Snack 2: fruit
Dinner: Green salad with grilled chicken breast.
Note: avoid Caesar or ranch dressings at night (though you like them), the dressing would have tons of calories on it’s own!
Snack 3: Mixed raw vegetables with a light dip.

Day 6
Breakfast: Labaneh with olives, tomatoes, and thyme.
OR: cheese with honey, grapes, apple, or berries.
Snack 1: fruit
Note: you already had a portion of animal protein in the morning. Avoid having it again at lunch.
Lunch: A BIG green salad.
Snack 2: baked potatoes or another starchy plant based snack like brown rice.
Dinner: a small grilled chicken breast or fish with vegetables.  
Snack 3:  a fruit (if necessary).

Day 7: You now get the hang of it. Design your meals for this day on your own and show me ;)
Breakfast:
Snack 1:
Lunch:
NOTE:
Snack 2:
Dinner:
Note:
Snack 3:  


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Foods to eat for a healthy balance of minerals and vitamins...


Silicon: Silicon has incredible beautifying properties. It makes our hair thick, our nails strong and it strengthens connective tissues and bones to improve flexibility. Silicon can improve the appearance of wrinkles, and increase the resilience of your skin. It makes the skin glow and the eyes bright by targeting the connective tissue in your body. This beautifying mineral is essential for radiant vitality and health.
Foods: Cucumber, Bell peppers, Radish, Light leafy greens (cabbage, romaine lettuce), Tomatoes, Apples, Onions, Unrefined grains.

Calcium:
Calcium is a strengthening mineral in that it helps keep our bones strong and it prevents osteoporosis. Calcium maintains healthy teeth, keeps our posture upright, and it enables us to move with poise. In addition to bone benefits, calcium cleans our digestive tract and eases premenstrual syndrome. 
Foods: Dark leafy greens (such as collard greens, turnips, kale, dandelion greens and spinach), Dried herbs, Sesame seeds, Flax seeds.
Zinc: Zinc is a powerful mineral that works with the skin to keep it healthy by reducing acne and quickening the healing process for cuts or burns. It plays an important role in rebuilding collagen to make skin radiant, smooth and healthy. Zinc is known to prevent signs of aging and skin damage such as wrinkles and stretch marks. 
Foods: Dried watermelon seeds, Organic raw dark chocolate, Raw pumpkin seeds, Pine nuts, Sesame seeds, Pecans, Rolled oats
Magnesium: Magnesium is an important mineral for human nutrition in that it serves the body in several metabolic processes. Over 300 different enzymes in the body rely on magnesium to keep your bowels regular and to cleanse and detoxify the body. It is found in your bones, muscles and bodily fluids and is not made naturally in our bodies.  Along with the beauty value, magnesium relaxes and calms you while keeping your blood circulating smoothly.
Foods: Raw broccoli, Plantain, Spinach, Sea vegetables, Banana, Cooked lentils, Avocado, Squash, Arugula, Swiss chard
Potassium: The essence of Potassium is all about balance. This mineral is integral in balancing pH levels, maintaining proper fluid levels and the balancing of other minerals, like sodium- which in excess amounts can dry out your skin or make it look puffy. Potassium-rich foods are important for good health because healthy levels of potassium encourage responsible waste elimination from the body and the assimilation of glucose for muscle energy.
Foods: Dried apricots, Brussels sprouts, Cantaloupe, Kiwi, Pear, Dried dates, Dried figs, Banana
Iron: Iron oxygenates blood, stimulating healthy blood circulation and resulting in a highly attractive glow in the skin. Iron also energizes you because it is responsible for transporting oxygen, (our cells’ “gasoline”) throughout the body. If iron levels are low, our body is not operating at the optimal level, resulting in a lagged and tired feeling.
Foods: Spinach, Artichoke, Squash Seeds, Dried Apricots, Pistachios, Raisins, Walnuts, Asparagus, Quinoa, Mushrooms, Beans