JUICE, “IS IT REALLY THAT BAD, IT’S MADE OUT OF FRUIT?”

If your child eats fruit everyday, she doesn’t need to drink any juice at all.  Yes 100% fruit juice is a quick and easy way to fit in a fruit serving and get a day’s worth of vitamin C. but it does not offer any nutritional advantages over fruit.   And when your drink juice instead of eating fruit, you miss out on the fiber, something your kids need more of.   One apple with skin offers more then 4 grams of fiber, but a cup of apple juice has less than 1 gram.  It is not hard for a child to meet his/her  vitamin C requirements without juice, sliced strawberries or a half a cup of broccoli … [Read more...]

ADHD and Diet

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A recent study proved that a restricted diet resulted in decreased symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  100 children ages 4 to 8 diagnosed with ADHD were put on a restricted elimination diet of unprocessed rice, meat, vegetables, pears, and water, for five weeks.  Professor Buitelaar and his team found that ADHD symptoms reduced in 78% of the children.  In addition, when processed foods where re-introduced to the diet, there was a 63% relapse in behavior. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.  Many professionals note the trend in … [Read more...]

Vegetarian Food and Mood

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We all know we are what we eat…we also feel what we eat.  A recent study in Nutrition Journal found that vegetarians report lower levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.  They reported overall superior mood levels than meat eaters.  Author Dr. Mary noted this can be attributed to vegetarians consuming more omega-3 fats in their vegetables than meat eaters obtain from an occasional fish dinner.  Besides elevated mood, a vegetarian diet is often associated with other physical health benefits including reduced risk of heart attacks, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes … [Read more...]

Farmers Market Report for March

March is upon us, and whether it comes in like a lion or a lamb, it for sure triggers Spring Fever in everyone!  It's a great time to get out to the Farmers Markets to check out the fresh new seasonal produce, and you may find some early-bird surprises from those farmers who use coldframes and greenhouses! Examples of cool-season crops that may now be available at your local or state Farmers Market include: Asparagus Beets Leafy Greens Green onions Leeks Parsley Radishes Strawberries Turnips Of course, many varieties of produce may also be available that are shipped … [Read more...]

Healthy Eating Tips

It is time to understand the importance of nutrition in your lifestyle change. Quality nutrition is just as vital as the exercise techniques you will learn (Exercise is the spark. Nutrition is the fuel. Without both, there can be no flame – no results). In order to maintain a lifetime change of health, a protein-plus, low-fat and moderate carbohydrate diet (low GI carbohydrates which are slow – releasing) is very important. PROTEIN   Protein is important for muscle development and repair from damage. Protein – rich foods will keep you feeling fuller which helps with weight … [Read more...]

ZERO CARBS FOR FAT LOSS: HOLY GRAIL OR SURE TO FAIL? Part I

For the last several years there has been a lot of intense discussion, controversy and disagreement amongst bodybuilders, trainers, nutritionists and coaches within the fitness industry regarding whether avid exercisers looking to decrease body fat, while gaining/maintaining muscle,should utilize a zero-carb approach to dieting for the best results (also known as a “keto diet”). As a professional natural bodybuilder myself who has prepared for about twenty competitions, as well as one that has coached hundreds of clients, at all levels, whose main goal was to strip off fat without losing … [Read more...]

Cada minuto de nuestras vidas es una oportunidad de entrenar. Parte I – ¡En cualquier lugar, en cualquier momento!

Andamos buscando, siempre, muchas maneras de entrenar. En el gym, en la casa, por la calle, en el parque, con videos, solos, con amigos, con entrenadores, ¡de todo! El proceso de buscar lo que mejor se adapte a nosotros, puede  crearnos algún grado de frustración. Tal vez, porque llegamos a pensar que el cambiar constantemente de formato de entrenamiento es señal de fracaso. La realidad es que no deberíamos sentirnos así. En la mañana, estírate, oxigénate. Dedica unos minutos para realizar movimientos sencillos de la filosofía del yoga. Armoniza tu ser: mente, cuerpo, espíritu. Movimientos … [Read more...]

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

Now days we all have become creatures of habit. We all get into a comfort zone and dislike the thought of change for the simple fact that we believe it will cause disorder. Change can present us with improved opportunities in life and it is a must to step out of that comfort zone in order to improve and progress in life. I have always said that something seems so difficult it must then build character. Fitness for mom’s can seem like an added task to their never ending agenda. This very aspect is where the problem lies. If we have an outlook on exercise as a choir then we will never truly … [Read more...]

Green Tea-Oatmeal Pancakes

This makes a big batch of pancakes, which may be more than you’ll need. But prepare the whole recipe anyway and freeze leftovers for a delicious breakfast in a hurry. Simply remove from the freezer and pop into the toaster. Top with fresh fruit and yogurt, and in minutes you’ve got a healthful way to start the day. 1 ½ cups vanilla soy milk 2 flavored green tea bags, such as pomegranate or acai berry 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup buttermilk 1 tablespoon light olive oil 2 eggs ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ … [Read more...]

Turkey Cutlets w/ Avacado Salsa

Because avocados are so high in fat, recipes often use just half of one. To keep the remaining half from browning, remove the seed and spray the flesh with cooking spray, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Ingredients : 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved ½ avocado, halved, pitted, and chopped 4 scallions, chopped 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon lime juice ½ teaspoon ground cumin 1 pound turkey breast cutlets ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper Directions: 1. In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, avocado, scallions, oil, lime … [Read more...]