Fast Food and Vitamins Take Up Some Healthy Habits

If you ask most adults why they don't get the vitamins they need as part of their daily food intake, they'll likely tell you that they just don't have the time to eat like they should. It's true that eating right does take some time and effort, but it's also true that you can develop and maintain healthier eating habits without any drastic changes. Take a look at some facts and some alterations that can make a big difference in how you eat, and how you feel about what you eat.

Think the only healthy food is food that's served on a plate that you eat with a fork? The truth is that many foods that are very rich in vitamins that your body needs everyday are available for your consumption on the go. And with some minor changes, even your fast foods can be healthy choices when you're considering vitamins.

A cheeseburger from your favorite fast food place doesn't have to be something you only indulge in now and then. While there are some other issues to consider (the amount of grease and salt, for example), a cheeseburger can provide you with many of the vitamins you need. A regular cheeseburger with a double patty gives you about 30 percent of your body's B12 needs for the day and the dill pickles are a source of Vitamin K.

Instead of ordering French Fries to go with your burger, choose a salad. That doesn't mean that you have to stop what you're doing and sit down to eat the salad. Pile those veggies on the burger! The tomatoes are a source of Vitamin C, and the lettuce and mayonnaise has Vitamin K. Add it all up and a cheeseburger isn't a bad choice when you're trying to get the daily requirement of some necessary vitamins. Even a fast food taco can be a good source of Vitamin B12.

Sandwiches are generally not associated with healthy eating, but the same "cheeseburger rule" applies to any sandwich. Pile on the jalapeno or bell peppers for Vitamin C. Oils are also a good source of vitamins. Sunflower oil is very high in Vitamin E, for example.

Many foods that aren't naturally high in vitamin content are fortified with vitamins. Most dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D. Taking just the time for a bowl of vitamin-fortified cereal in the morning can provide you with all the vitamins you need for the entire day. The next time you're ready to dismiss a particular food as just empty calories, take a minute to evaluate what you're really eating. You may be surprised to find the vitamin content is higher than you thought, or you may find that some simple changes can rectify the vitamin-poor choices.

Chocolate - The Latest Health Food?

There are now even more reasons for chocolate lovers to rejoice! As more amazing research news comes in about chocolate, the substance is moving from a bad-for-you candy to an important health food. Those of us who had always continued to indulge in occasional chocolate treats can stop feeling guilty and now easily justify our cravings.

You may have already heard that chocolate contains beneficial flavonoids and antioxidents. Flavonoids are naturally-occurring compounds found in plant foods that are full of recognized health benefits. There are more than 4,000 flavonoid compounds, which are a subgroup of a large class called polyphenols. Phenols are believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease by helping prevent atherosclerosis. The flavanols in chocolate appear to help the body use nitric oxide, which is crucial for healthy blood flow and blood pressure, which means that chocolate might help reduce hypertension as well.

Red wine is know for its high phenol content, but an average bar of dark chocolate contains more phenols than 8 ounces of red wine. Scientists at Cornell University and Seoul National University examined the cancer-fighting antioxidant content of hot cocoa, red wine, and tea, and found that cocoa had nearly double the antioxidants of red wine and four to five times more than tea.

Holland's National Institute of Public Health and Environment found that dark chocolate contains 53.5 mg of catechins per 100 grams. (Catechins are the powerful antioxidants that fight against cancer and help prevent heart disease). By contrast, a cup of black tea contains only about 14 mg of catechins and green tea has about 30 mg of catechins.

A study at University of California Davis found that participants who ate chocolate showed a reduction in platelet activity. This means that chocolate has an anti-clotting, blood-thinning effect that can be compared to aspirin.

A Harvard University study of 8,000, with an average age of 65, revealed that those who consumed chocolate lived almost a year longer than those who did not. Those who ate one to three candy bars per month had a 36 percent lower risk of death (compared to the people who ate no candy), while those who ate three or more candy bars per week had a 16 percent lower risk.

A study of older men in The Netherlands, known for its chocolate, showed that those who ate the most chocolate, an equivalent of one-third of a chocolate bar every day, had lower blood pressure and a 50 percent lower risk of death. The researchers also noted the men eating the most cocoa products were not heavier or bigger eaters than the men who ate less cocoa.

And it's not just dark chocolate that is the only healthy type of chocolate. Most studies talk about the benefits of dark chocolate, but some of the most recent news about chocolate includes good news for milk chocolate lovers, who have been left out in the past.

The Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia did a study that shows that milk chocolate seems to boost brainpower. The groups in the test consumed, on different occasions, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, carob and nothing. Then they were tested for cognitive performance including memory, attention span, reaction time, and problem solving.

According to Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, "Composite scores for verbal and visual memory were significantly higher for milk chocolate than the other conditions." The study also found that consumption of milk and dark chocolate was associated with improved impulse control and reaction time. It seems that by consuming chocolate you get stimulating effects from substances found in chocolate, such as theobromine and phenylethylamine, which then lead to increased mental performance.

Chocolate really does make you feel good, too. It is known to stimulate the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the "runner's high" a jogger feels after running several miles. Chocolate also contains a neurotransmitter, serotonin that acts as an anti-depressant. Studies in England show that even the aroma of chocolate gives a bout of euphoria and will help lift the spirits.

And now people are looking at chocolate for skin care. According to Marlies Spinale, director of Tru Spa, "Like many other antioxidants, cocoa polyphenols are thought to offer the skin protection from free-radical damage caused by sun, pollution, stress, alcohol consumption and other factors. I believe that we will hear more about the benefits of chocolate in skin care."

Some people have been avoiding chocolate because one of the main ingredients of chocolate is cocoa butter. It was thought that it was an unhealthy fat, but actually cocoa butter is not unhealthy. It is made up of the beneficial fatty acids-- oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are healthy forms of saturated fat. Plus chocolate contains vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, as well as potassium, sodium, and iron.

So go ahead and indulge in a little chocolate, in moderation of course. I would recommend that you try to find organic chocolate, and stick with darker chocolate because it has more chocolate flavonoids and less sugar. (Sugar weakens the immune system; so don't consume sugar if you are ill.) And a little bit of milk chocolate is alright when you need an occasional milk chocolate brainpower boost, such as before a test. All you students take note!

Chocolate as a health food-- can life get any better?

The Foods You Eat Determine Your Health

Somewhere caught up in your busy lifestyle, between your Palm Pilot or Blackberry, day planner, lap top, the kids sports, piano lessons, traffic, and household duties, being healthy got deleted from your agenda. Instead of planning and taking time to sit down to eat, you're on the go, driving through fast food franchises eating combo meals, forgetting to eat lean protein, fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, the quick and easy foods are loaded with carbohydrates, sodium, sugar and fats. Healthy eating will help you stay healthy.

Here are a couple of tips for healthy eating so you don't ignore your healthy:

1. Don't skip breakfast. Eating in the morning will jump-start your metabolism, giving you energy to get you through the morning. Protein and carbohydrate in the morning is a great breakfast. Breakfast should be your largest meal for the day.

2. Reduce your intake of caffeinated and carbonated beverages. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and is addictive. Caffeine will make you hungry. Carbonation prevents your body from absorbing nutrients. Both caffeine and carbonation will cause your body to be in a more acidic state. The best pH for your balance is more alkaline or slightly over 7.0 which is half way between total acidic and alkalinity.

3. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. I personally drink distilled water and avoid tap water at all costs. Filtered, purified, ionized and reverse osmosis water is also good. Think of water as cleansing the toxins out of your body. Water is water and water is not ice tea, coffee, Crystal light.

4. Eat your fruits and vegetables daily. A diet rich in dark green, orange, red and yellow choices are best. Your body likes variety which comes in all colors. Variety gives your body a greater amount of nutrients. The most overlooked benefit of eating raw vegetables in your diet is the benefits of the enzyme activity in raw vegetables. Eat at least 3 portions of raw vegetables a day.

5. Eat whole-grain products. Your best sources are whole-grain breads, cereals, rice and pasta. Stay away from enriched and white flour products. Read the label. Processed foods are not whole-grains. All the healthy nutrients have been stripped away from processed foods.

6. Cut the "bad" (saturated) fats and increase the "good" (unsaturated) fats. The bad fats include coconut and palm oil, butter, full-fat dairy products and animal fat. Eat the good fats that include olive, canola and corn oils. Read the label. Anything fat which is solid at room temperature is best to avoid.

7. Drink alcohol in moderation if at all. Alcohol has wasted calories and if consumed on a regular basis, adds unwanted pounds. Alcohol also increases your blood sugar levels which is unhealthy for your metabolism.

Just try and make one change a week. Or continue to work on one of these tips until it becomes a part of your healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating takes some planning. It's very difficult to eat healthy on the fly. Spend some time and plan your meals. It's well worth the rewards. You are what you eat. If you are eating unhealthy, don't expect to stay healthy for long. I believe it's easier to stay healthy than to try to get healthy once your sick.

With only a few simple changes, you can make a big difference in your daily eating habits. Use your mind - if you think healthy, you will eat healthy. Think of foods as fuel for your body. Eating healthy foods will produce a healthy body.

Healthy Food Equals Good Skin

Who doesn't want glowing, vibrant, and younger looking skin? Everyone aspires to have a healthy and blemish-free skin. Still, many of us find our skin to be quite impossible to manage especially when you wake up and find a huge zit on your nose or a cold sore at the corner of your mouth. The good news is that there are ways to prevent and treat common skin problems by checking in the food we take.

Did you know that dry skin during the summer might easily be remedied with a handful of nuts? We have all heard the old saying, we are what we eat. Often we ignore how our diets affect problems, such hair loss or oily skin. Most experts say eating a balanced diet is the best way to get your share of good food for healthy skin. Still, a number of specific food can be consumed to bring back the healthy glow to your skin.

Probably one of the most important components of skin health is Vitamin A. One can get it from low-fat dairy products. In fact, experts say that the health of our skin cells is dependent on dietary Vitamin A. Low-fat yogurt is also "good skin food" since it is high in Vitamin A and acidophilus, the "live" bacteria that is good for intestinal health.

Aside from milk and yoghurt, fruits and berries are also good for the skin. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums have a lot of antioxidants and phytochemicals that protects the cell from damage that can be harmful to the skin. Other fruits and vegetables with a "high antioxidant capacity" include artichokes, beans (the study cited black, red, and pinto), prunes, and pecans. Salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed all deliver essential fatty acids, and thus are key foods for healthy skin.

The best-known essential fatty acids are Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are healthy ingredients that must be part of our daily diet. Though we all seem to get enough Omega-6, fish, walnut, and flax seed oil are among the best sources.

Eating good-quality oils helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier overall. However, only those that are labeled cold pressed, expeller processed, or extra virgin are the ones to look for. Since any fat, even a healthy one, is high in calories, experts remind us that we don't need more than about two tablespoons a day.

Whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals; turkey, tuna, and brazil nuts are mineral selenium which connects all these foods for healthy skin. Experts say selenium plays a key role in the health of skin cells. Some studies show that even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.

Some beverages like Green Tea also possess beneficial properties that are good for the skin. This drink deserves a category all its own in any article about food for healthy skin. The skin-health properties of Green Tea are amazing. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it protects the cell membrane. It may even help prevent or reduce the risk of skin cancer.

While the exact amount you should drink each day varies, no one disputes the role good hydration plays in keeping skin looking healthy and even young. When that hydration comes from pure, clean water, (not liquids such as soda or even soup) experts say that skin cells actually "rejoice" since the fluid helps flush out toxins and impurities from the body. When we're properly hydrated, we also sweat more efficiently. Doing so helps keep skin clean and clear as well.

Everything we eat becomes a part of not only our inner being, but the outer fabric of our body as well. No skin care solutions or treatments can replace having a healthy diet. The healthier the food we consume, the less stress we feel, and the better our skin will look.

Oatmeal: Neglected Food with Many Health Benefits

People nowadays are being conscious about their health and are beginning to incorporate exercise and different kinds of food programs into their daily routines. In the 21st century where the high protein diet and other food fads have ruled, less attention is given to the health benefits of oatmeal. Oatmeal is one the most nutritious and and quickest meals that can be prepared and packed with necessary nutrients. It is a healthy and versatile food because it can served with fruit, chopped nuts, apple sauce, and many more. In addition, this kind of brain is recommended to individuals who want to lose weight, maintain their weight, and live an active lifestyle. Individuals who wish to maintain an active lifestyle and improved health should include oatmeal in their daily food routines.

Oatmeal is rich in complex, energy-giving carbohydrates, low in fat, and high in water soluble fiber. Soluble fiber may reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or the bad cholesterol. Studies show that five to 10 grams of soluble fiber may decrease the LDL levels by about five percent. Eating one and a half cups of oatmeal significantly reduces one's cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol levels may then significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This is because high cholesterol is linked with the development of plaques in the blood vessels. If these plaques grow too large, they may block the blood vessels and cause heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in the body. Aside from lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, oatmeal also contains selenium. This element works with vitamin E and acts as an antioxidant. Because of this factor, the selenium that oatmeal contains can aid in decreasing asthma symptoms, reduce the risk of colon cancer, prevent cell damage, and aid arthritis.

Other benefits of oatmeal may include the following:

- Oatmeal is a good source of many vital nutrients like vitamin E, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and protein
- It is fortified with B Vitamins which are known to reduce stress
- It is a great source of carbohydrate for diabetics because it raises the blood sugar very slowly by staying in the stomach longer.
- It contains beta-glucan which boosts the immune system and increase its response to fight certain infections.
- It is high in calcium

There are many ill effects that may develop if complex carbohydrates like oatmeal are not consumed. Individuals who neglect these food may suffer from low energy levels and gain unwanted weight and lead to obesity. Studies show that obesity is becoming an alarming health condition because of the fact that obese people have heightened risk of developing heart disease, sleep apnea, colon cancer, and high blood pressure.

Despite the health benefits of oatmeal consumption, this food should also be taken properly because too much oatmeal consumption may cause more harm than good. Some health studies show that high consumptions of oatmeal may cause unwanted build-up and cause unwanted digestive problems. Individuals who wish to engage in healthy diets should consult nutritionists and other health professionals before making drastic adjustments in their eating routines. They may develop an eating program that consists of the right amounts of vitamins and minerals that are necessary to promote overall health.

Food Synergy: The Key To A Healthy Diet

Over the years, people have viewed the health benefits of vitamins and nutrients found in food individually. Most nutrition studies have isolated beta carotene, calcium,vitamin E, lycopene, omega-3, among other nutrients, to study its individual health benefits in the body. However, the disappointing results of various research studies only strengthened the growing belief that there is more to food and diet than just the sum of its nutrient parts. David R. Jacobs, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota, argues in a recent commentary for the Nutrition Reviews journal that nutrition researchers should focus on whole foods rather than only on single nutrients. "We argue for a need to return to food as the source of nutrition knowledge." Dr. Jacobs co-authored the article with Linda C. Tapsell, a nutrition researcher at the University of Wollongong in Australia.

According to Dr. Jacobs, nutrition science needs to consider the effects of "food synergy" --- the notion that the health benefits of certain foods aren't likely to come from a single nutrient but rather combinations of compounds that work better together than apart. "Every food is much more complicated than any drug," said Dr. Jacobs. "It makes sense to want to break it down. But you get a lot of people talking in the popular press about carbohydrates and fats in particular as if they were unified entities. They're not. They're extremely complicated."

When two scientists won a Nobel Prize in 1937 for identifying vitamin C as the essential component in citrus fruit that prevents scurvy, it somehow set the trend for the scientific community to focus on the health effects of biologically active single nutrients in foods. Nutrition researchers are breaking down the nutrients in food to identify its most potent benefits, such as beta carotene from carrots, lycopene from tomatoes, omega-3 from salmon, potassium from banana, among others. Foods rich in vitamin E have been widely considered as being good for the heart.

However, studies revealed that attributing the broad health benefits of a diet to a single compound is considered misguided. The idea that a diet rich in beta carotene and vitamin A can lower many types of cancer had been inaccurate based on the well-known 1994 Finnish study where smokers who took beta carotene were found to have an 18 percent higher incidence of lung cancer. In a similar study done in 1996, researchers gave beta carotene and vitamin A to smokers and workers exposed to asbestos. But the trial had to be stopped because the people taking the combined therapy showed markedly higher risks for lung cancer and heart attacks.

Since then, studies of other vitamins, notably vitamins E and B, have also failed to show a benefit. According to some quarters, vitamins are too often examined in sick people while the real benefit may be in preventing disease. On the other hand, Jacobs notes that the better explanation may simply be that food synergy, rather than the biological activity of a few key nutrients, is the real reason that certain diets appear to lower the risks of heart disease and other health problems.

So, when you are not sure what vitamins to take, just remember to have a nutrient-rich diet.

Healthy Raw Food Diet

Raw food has become very popular these days and for some very good reasons. I will attend several of them in this article. Raw food is a vegetarian food which is not baked, cooked or heated over 48 Celsius, about 120 Fahrenheit, degrees. Raw food can be categorized into four main groups: vegetables and fruits, sprouts of all kinds, dehydrated breads and fruits, and fermented food with friendly germs. In this article I will discuss how one should start to consume raw food for healthy raw food diet.

It is a known fact that since 1500 BC famous people consumed raw food among them you can find: Leonardo de Vinci, Russo, Hippocrates, Tolstoy, and many more. Today many famous people follow their footsteps and consume raw food as a healthier way of life and maintaining great appearance as a bonus.

Before we start consuming raw food we need to better understand the biggest advantage in eating living food. In one word: Enzymes. When the food is heated over 48 degrees all enzymes died and we loose their blessed work. Enzymes are created by our body to support it in some of the most crucial tasks our body performs. They help in adjusting the food and consume less food but enjoy better feeding. Unlike heavy cooked food which is less nutritious.

One of the most important side affects of consuming raw food is maintaining balanced body weight. This is not the subject of this article but over weight problems are well known: blood pressure, heart disease, etc. We can benefit from the following if we keep in normal weight: improved immunity system, better night sleep, higher energy, and better digestion system, avoid skin disease, less fat in your blood, and live longer.

Another important element is consuming the correct blend of foods without mixing wrong types of foods. It is important to avoid mixing of vegetables and fruits, sweet fruits and sour fruits, fat and fruits. The reason is that every food group is digested by a different enzyme. The mixing could relate to a swollen stomach and unpleasant heavy feeling and an urge to take a nap while you have just eaten and should feel a live and energetic.

I hope that by now you are convinced that consuming raw food could change your life for the better. But how should you start consuming raw food? Here are few quick tips on how should you start to change your diet:
* Instead of taking foods out, start with adding raw foods to your diet.
* Drink only natural squeezed juices. Especially green juice made from celery, cucumber, and green leafs. (Try cucumber, celery, green leafs, some ginger, and ¼ of lemon).
* Start your lunch and dinner with a big salad. Add nuts and seeds.
* Start eating nuts, almonds, and seeds as snacks. Or some fruit.
* Start to remove slowly processed food. At start 20 percent raw and 80 percent not and slowly change the relation.

Please note that in time when you start consuming only raw food your body will start to clean all toxics and it could be accompanied by bad breath, gazes, etc. This is normal and a sign that your body is getting one step closer to a healthy clean state.

Please consult your doctor before performing any change to your diet to make sure your diet fits your medical condition.

Making Healthy Food Choices

Vegetables, fruits, and grains are normally low in fat and have no cholesterol. Most are great sources of dietary fiber, complex carbs, and vitamins. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat foods that are high in complex carbs and fiber.

Below are some tips for making healthy food choices:

- Coconut is high in saturated fat, while olives are high in monounsaturated fats and calories. You should use these items sparingly to avoid getting too many calories from fat.

- When vegetable grains are cooked, saturated fat or cholesterol is often added. For example, egg yolks may be added to bread or even pasta.

- Processed, canned, or preserved vegetables may also contain added sodium. With some people, too much sodium (salt) may lead to high blood pressure. There are some food companies that are actually canning vegetables with less salt. You can look for these in the market area or choose fresh and even frozen vegetables.

- Nuts and seeds tend to be high in calories and fat, although a majority of the fat is polyunsaturated or monounsaturated. There are some varieties, macadamie nuts for example, that are also high in saturated fat.

Foods that are high in soluble fiber are a great choice as well. Examples include oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, and even apple pulp.

Whenever you are looking for healthy food choices, always make sure you read the nutrition label or information about the food. You can then determine what the food contains and how healthy it truly is for your body. By taking your time and making your healthy food choices wisely, you'll have a lifetime to enjoy the foods that will take care of you.

10 Top Healthy Foods To Keep You Fit

Healthy eating and physical fitness go together, but there are no magic foods that cause you to be one hundred percent healthy by just eating the one food. No, you need a variety of foods from each of these food groups each day. It's also important to watch the portion size so as not to overeat. Make your mealtimes pleasant and relaxed occasions and your healthy foods will work effectively with your healthy emotions to give you a healthy body.

Berries

You may like all types of berries or just one or two favorites, but you can never go wrong by adding a few fresh berries as a quick energy snack or frozen berries made into a luscious smoothie in place of calorie laden desserts. Berries are high in vitamin C across the board, but some are high in other nutrients as well. Choose ripe blueberries for vitamin C and heaps of anti-oxidants for the health of your circulatory system. Gogi berries are less well-known but are wonderfully rich in many of the nutrients your body needs to be nutritionally and physically fit.

Citrus

The foods of the citrus family are widely recognized as a valuable source of vitamin C. Choose fully ripe citrus fruits for the best nutritional value and choose citrus as near to the tree as possible. Tree ripened fruits picked at the peak of perfection and consumed with hours of picking give you the top nutritional rating. Try grapefruit for breakfast. Add a dash of fresh squeezed lime to your salad as a dressing and enjoy slices of orange with coconut in a light honey dressing for dessert.

Vegetables

The variety of vegetables is amazing. For people who are vegetarian or vegan, choosing vegetables to be part of a nutritionally sound diet is a way of life. Your vegetable group provides many of the minerals required in a good diet. For example, you may realize that potassium is necessary for healthy nutrition. Many people claim the benefits of potassium found in a single banana. But did you know, you can also get adequate potassium in your diet by eating a stalk of broccoli? Try a salad of fresh young spinach topped with pine nuts and stirred with lightly cooked penne'. Feta cheese and a light vinaigrette dressing to create the perfect light luncheon meal.

Whole Grains

Like many other of the best foods, choosing only one type of whole grain for your meals doesn't provide all the variety you need to be nutritionally sound. Often, mixing two or more whole grains together will give you complete proteins. For example, brown rice and wheat kernels with a spicy seasoning are a popular dish in many countries.

Salmon

Salmon is lean fish and nutritionally one of the best fish choices. It is rich in Omega-3 oils that are noted as helping improve the functioning of the brain. Salmon baked whole with just lemon or lime as a seasoning makes a fantastic main dish or a hearty luncheon featured menu item. Salmon is also commonly found in chilled seafood dishes.

Legumes

A legume is the name for a variety of fruits with a single dry seed. Legumes are sometimes called pods. Examples of edible legumes are soybeans, peas, dried beans and peanuts, among others. Legumes are rich in iron and high in fiber, making them excellent nutritional choices. Peanuts are a type of legume that have been used to make hundreds of different products some edible and others with various types of helpful uses.

Nuts and seeds

Nature has packed a lot of goodness into small packages. Most everyone has heard of walnuts and pecans which are very good nutritional products, but did you realize that flax seeds are brain food--containing critical non-meat sources of the Omega-3 oil.

Lean proteins

The keyword here is lean. Americans eat far too much protein compared to the rest of the world. Cut down of portion sizes--three ounces will provide all the needed protein needed for your day. Also, trim all visible fat from your protein source. Alternatively, use non meat substitutes such as the complete proteins found in vegetable dishes like beans and brown rice.

Tea

Depending on the type of tea you prefer, you can get an energy boost from a cup of green tea, or the calming effect of chamomile tea. Get going with mint teas or start your day with Earl Grey Breakfast Tea. Herbal teas are soothing, tasty and good for you. Non herbal teas will help you to stay alert when you need help to function.

Olive oil

Olive oil is probably the healthiest substance you can use to keep fat in your diet. You can use it on your salad, mix it with a little vinegar to create your own, or fry other foods in the hot oil. Just make sure that the temperature is not too hot so that the oil is broken down.

Cheap, Healthy Foods - Watch Your Weight And Your Budget

A major issue for those who are trying to create a healthy lifestyle is the cost of healthy food. There are many products on the shelves of your local grocery store that are healthy,

but most of them have a larger price tag than the unhealthy, high-fat foods. There are options. If you shop wisely, you can eat healthier than you ever have before and decrease your grocery bill at the same time. Nutritious eating doesn't need to be expensive.

Less Junk = More Savings:

In choosing healthy foods, keep in mind that you will automatically be spending less than before due to the absence of junk foods that you may normally purchase such as soft drinks, sugary snacks, and high fat meats.

Less Waste = Less Waiste:

Healthy eating is not just eliminating certain foods from your diet; it is replacing them with healthy foods. And, if weight control is your goal, you will also be reducing your portion sizes, which will mean less money spent on each meal.

Less Meat, More Veggies:

Reducing the amount of meat you eat and replacing it with vegetables is a great way to save money. Fresh vegetables are not nearly as expensive as meat or poultry and your body will thank you for it. Salad is another cheap, healthy food. The pre-packaged salads will cost a bit more than if you purchase the lettuce and other vegetables separately and prepare the salad yourself.

Frugal Fruit:

Fruit can be a somewhat expensive, but if you purchase canned fruits in low-sugar syrup or water, you will pay relatively little in comparison to fresh fruit. Apples and oranges are inexpensive compared to some other fruits and you can often find sales that will further reduce your expenses.

Beans and Rice are Nice:

Legumes and rice are very inexpensive and you can use either or both of these to replace meat several times per week.

Save on Meat:

Canned fish costs considerably less than fresh fish and still contains most of the nutrients. Canned tuna and salmon are very cheap and are very low in fat and calories if you choose the varieties packed in water rather than oil. Chicken is less expensive if you purchase a whole chicken and remove the skin yourself before cooking.

Healthy food does not have to be expensive. You can purchase cheap healthy foods and not only eliminate unhealthy fat and calories, but you can actually save money if you shop wisely.

Seafood has some vitaly important health benefits

Who says there is something fishy on fish oils, shellfish, and other seafoods when it comes to health benefits? That is absolutely a fishy story.

Nowadays, people have come to realize the importance of seafoods in our diet. Various studies and researches have proved that the best sources of good fats, vitamins, and minerals to promote good health can actually be found on different seafoods. The only drawback is that it took so many years for most people to realize the health benefits of having seafoods in their diet.

So for those who still do not understand why most people are into sashimi and grilled tuna these days, just keep on reading and I will let you on for some secret. Here's why:

1. Fish is your heart's best friend!

Undeniably, fishes are exceptional low-fat food. The fats contained on fishes and fish oils are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. These are polyunsaturated fatty acids known to protect the body against heart diseases. These so called "good fats" also aids in lowering cholesterol, decreasing blood clotting factors, increasing beneficial relaxation in larger arteries and blood vessels, and decreasing inflammatory process in blood vessels.

2. One serving of fish two to three times per week keeps arthritis away.

There have been clinical trials that have shown that one serving of fish two to three times a week can actually lessen arthritis symptoms by fighting inflammation, decreasing fatigue and reducing morning stiffness.

3. Some varieties of seafoods were proven to strengthen the immune system.

Studies showed that certain varieties of fishes and shellfishes have very high antioxidant E, aside from vitamins E, C, D, and A. These antioxidants boost the immune system and also lower the risk of heart disease by reducing buildup of plaque in coronary arteries.

4. Seafoods in pregnant woman's diet make smart and healthy kids!

According to several researchers, the Omega-3 fatty acids found in different types of fishes and shellfish can be very vital during an unborn child's development in the womb. It greatly assists in neural development as well as eye development.

There had also been studies showing how these essential fatty acids have a positive effect on Attention deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in children.

Also, a healthy diet for children with two to three servings of fresh seafoods per week can definitely increase their learning ability and improve their health in the future.

5. The fatty acids in fishes can alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also ease the signs of depressions in patients who do not respond to typical anti-depressant medications.

Studies showed that depressed patients who had greater amount of seafoods in their diet, particularly fish, had feasible lower symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, and sleeping problems.

6. Shellfish ensures healthy skin and eyes.

Different varieties of shellfish are rich in vitamins and mineral, aside from being very low in fat content. Hence, these guarantees healthy skin and promotes good eyesight because vitamins contained in shellfish aid in formation and use of red blood cells and muscles.

7. Children who eat oily fish may have lower risk of getting asthma.

Studies showed that children who were able to receive at least 300mg of fish oil a day had undergone noteworthy improvement of asthma symptoms. This is because fish oils aid in controlling food allergens and environmental allergens in the body.

8. Fish heaters have lower risks of getting cancer.

The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are the essential components responsible for protection against cancer. In fact, there had been reports that people who eat fish regularly have low risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, lung, breast, and prostate.

9. Fatty fish are best natural source of Vitamin D.

In areas like the North America were people do not get enough Vitamin D, a nutrient important for stronger bones, substituting foods can be difficult because of a lack of vitamin D rich options.

However, after some careful studies, most nutritionist found out that fatty fishes are excellent sources of vitamin D. They said that a serving of fatty fish a day can provide 90% of today's recommended dietary requirement for vitamin D.

10. Essential fatty acids found in most seafood variety may reduce the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Various reports have recommended that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly those of the omega-3 family, can actually slow mental decline and even reduce the development of Alzheimer's disease in older people. These kinds of polyunsaturated fatty acids are structural components of neural membranes and are linked to some aspects of nervous tissue functions.

With these kinds of fatty acids in the body, inflammation and proinflammatory substances in the brain are reduced from which Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia, is linked.

With all these viable health benefits of seafoods, no one can ever smell something fishy when eating fish and shellfish. Undeniably, seafoods are remarkable creatures marvelously made just for the health of it!

Kosher Food Popular With Health Conscious Of All Faiths

Until recently, it was close to impossible for the kosher or health conscious traveler to keep his religious or healthy meals while in transit. Now developments in the kosher food industry are making this challenge much easier.

The health conscious and dieters are finding Kosher food is better for you and offers a very wide range of items and dishes, and this trend is spreading rapidly.

Keeping kosher means following dietary laws handed down through the centuries among the Jewish faithful. Kosher has its roots in the Old Testament. Kosher laws are generally more strict than U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards.

Religious inspectors also rule out sick or injured animals that would be normally be accepted in non-Kosher markets.

In our modern world where most animals are often treated roughly, keeping Kosher means eating a much healthier grade of meat.

Kosher tradition features a major group of foods known as Parve. Parve includes a huge variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains in their natural, unprocessed state. This is exactly what many people who are trying to eat a healthier, low-fat, high-fiber diet are looking for.

These days Kosher food is widely available and often can be ordered pre-packaged via the Internet or mail. This makes a perfect option for anyone who wants to try Kosher, eat Kosher occasionally, or needs a stash of good Kosher meals when traveling.

Options include a wide variety of vegetables and salads along with meat, chicken, and fish dinners. Also available are salt-free meals and veggie dinners for people with special dietary needs. You can chose from menu items with traditional Jewish names to items that might seem to come from your average neighborhood restaurant. The difference is that everything is prepared with very high Kosher standards for ingredients and preparation.

People everywhere are starting to view Kosher certification as a mark of a food's superior quality, cleanliness, and healthfulness.

How to Make Healthy Food Choices!

It's Thursday afternoon, you have thirty minutes to get from work, go by the house and pickup Heath, Jamie's already at basketball practice, oh, and what about dinner? Does this scenario seem familiar? If you're a working Mom, I can promise that it is a familiar scene.

So how do you make healthy food choices, when you only have fifteen minutes to prepare your meals? Well, the first thing you should realize is that quite often, healthy choices do not necessarily equate to two hour meals. You can make healthy food choices that are as quick to prepare or pickup as the unhealthy ones.

For example, sub sandwiches are a healthier alternative than pizza or burger and fries, but do not really take any longer to pickup. Salads can be prepared in just a few short minutes, and provide for the necessary vegetable daily requirement. Don' care for the usual salad? Make a Waldorf or fruit salad, either way you've changed it up a bit, and still provided a health choice. As for the dressing, oil based or vinegar based dressings are much better for you than the cream based, and are really more tasteful.

Okay, suppose salads aren't what your kids like. What about other prepared foods that are also healthy foods? Healthy Choice is a brand of frozen entrees or meals that take only a few minutes in the microwave to prepare, and are still healthy alternatives. Baked rather than fried is always a better choice, and many supermarkets today offer baked products fresh from their bakery, ready to go.

Still aren't satisfied? You want a place to go and actually sit down and eat. There are still many healthy alternatives for a family when going to eat at a restaurant. Restaurants that offer buffet style meals are great choices. Thanks to many of the health conscious consumers out there, buffets have added baked, broiled, and fresh food choices to the display.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are usually always available on food bars, along with broiled or steamed vegetables. Meats are just about as varied, with many of the choices being offered in a fried and baked option. And if you're up for dessert, watermelons and grapes are just as satisfying as the Boston cream pie.

You can always throw up objections when it comes to healthy eating, the real trick is in realizing it's your body that will suffer. Or your children that will suffer from the unhealthy choices you make. Why not start with healthy options, set the right example, and you will have children that make health conscious intelligent decisions about their eating.

Okay, now back to our Thursday afternoon juggling act. You've dropped Heath at baseball practice, picked Jamie up from basketball, and you have exactly fifteen minutes to make a decision about dinner. As you sit at the red-light contemplating your options, there is a Subway, a Pizza Hut, and a grocery store with a deli in the same shopping center. How can this still be a difficult choice to make?

DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read. Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

The 12 Super Foods That Better Your Health

There are 12 foods that, if eaten on a regular basis, do wonders for your health. Do you know what they are?

If you're reading this than you already have some knowledge of how important good nutrition is. I'm a big advocate of "you are what you eat." Meaning, what you put in your body largely determines what you look like on the outside.

And if you make a serious effort to improve your eating habits, you will notice a positive change in how you look and feel. It's not about perfection though. Thrive to make small changes to your diet over time and you'll eventually be amazed at the will power you develop.

There are 12 foods that you should be eating on a regular basis. All have their own unique health benefits and if you mold your diet around the majority of these foods, you'll notice an improvement in your health.

The list is as follows:

1. Almonds and other nuts- a great source of good fat.

2. Beans and legumes- a great source of fiber and protein.

3. Spinach and other green vegetables- a great source of phytonutrients and antioxidants.

4. Low-fat dairy- a great source of calcium and protein.

5. Oatmeal- a great source of fiber and protein.

6. Eggs- a great source of vitamin E and protein.

7. Turkey and other lean meats- a great source of protein.

8. Natural peanut butter- yes, this can be included under #1, but natural peanut butter makes eating nuts easier because you can spread it on wheat bread, bananas, celery, etc.

9. Olive oil- a great source of good fat.

10. Whole-grain breads and cereals- a great source of fiber.

11. Extra protein- a great source of protein!

12. Raspberries and other berries- a great source of antioxidants.

All 12 foods above have a high nutritional value and should be incorporated into your daily snacks and meals.

I personally bring the list with me food shopping and you might want to consider doing the same.

Healthy Breakfast Foods

It is always surrounded by silly excuse of lack of time. And still no one denies that fact that "breakfast" is the most important meal of the day.

Why such a hullabaloo about this early morning meal? Well, for starters, this meal comes after a break of 8 - 10 hours; hence your blood sugar level will be low. Since your body has gone with out food for such a long time, it needs nourishment to kick-start its day. Therefore "breakfast" is considered to be an important and essential meal of the day.

Breakfast benefits both, young and old. It is the key to jump start your muscles and your day. People who eat breakfast (healthy) daily are more likely to

- Consume more vitamins, minerals and less of fat and cholesterol.
- Increased strength and endurance.
- Better concentration and productivity all day long.
- Control over weight
- Low cholesterol = no risk or little risk of heart disease

Children who eat breakfast are likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination. They will be alert, creative, and less likely to miss days of school.

If you think skipping this meal, will help you lose weight, think again. By passing over this meal, your body will go in the starvation mode and make you crave for snacks especially sweets. Impulsive snacking on unhealthy foods can lead to weight gain. So you motive of losing weight by skipping breakfast stays unachieved.

Try to choose healthy foods from at least two food groups each morning

- Fruits & Vegetables
- Grains
- Dairy
- Proteins

A glass of pure fruit juice, bananas, yoghurt, low-calorie muesli with semi skimmed or skimmed milk, fresh fruit salad with few spoonfuls of low fat yoghurt, fresh and raw veggies mixed with flavoured yoghurt, a slice of toast or plain bread with eggs, boiled or poached are some of the options for breakfast. Kids can enjoy a Smoothie with their favourite fruits; add dash of yoghurt or honey to make it more delicious.

If you look forward to eating different kinds of healthy foods for breakfast, you are less like to skip this meal. If time is your hurdle, think about packing your breakfast or eating on the 'run', its better than skipping it altogether.

Five "Health Foods" That May Be Making You Sick!

There are many of us who are dieting and trying to live a healthy lifestyle. We exercise and go out of our way to eat the best foods we can. Most of us already know that trans-fats, white sugar and white flour are not the best health choices, especially if we want to keep our weight down.

Unfortunately some of the very foods that we think are healthy are ones that can cause a lot of trouble for our bodies, and even make us ill. Below is a list of some surprisingly unhealthy “health foods.”


Artificial Sweeteners
Many people who are dieting, whether it is low calorie or low carb diets, will opt for beverages with artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. Admittedly sugar is certainly a troublemaker and should be avoided, but artificial sweeteners are actually worse for you and could even be dangerous to your health.

All the artificial sweeteners are bad, but one of the worst sweeteners for us is NutraSweet (Equal, aspartame). There are over 92 different health related side effects associated with aspartame consumption, including brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures. There are more adverse reactions to NutraSweet reported to the FDA than all other foods and additives combined.

A much better alternative to chemically derived sweeteners is stevia, which comes from a plant. It has been used for centuries with no know side effects. It can be purchased in most health food stores in the United States.


Sports Drinks
Although marketers would have us believe that sports drinks are what the body needs when exercising heavily, the truth is that sports drinks are filled with sugar (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and salt (potassium and sodium) as well as artificial flavorings and colorings. Add a little salt to Cool-Aid and you have about the same thing. You would be much better off drinking spring water or diluted freshly squeezed juices while exercising.


Most Energy and Sports Bars
Most sports and bars are also filled with things that are not the best for our bodies, and are little better than candy bars. Many of them contain sugar or artificial sweeteners, chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic nutrients. Check the ingredients before you buy an energy bar. Try to find one that is made with whole foods, such as oats and flax seeds, fruits, and natural sweeteners.


Soy Products
This is one of the most surprising ones of all, after all soy has been used for countless generations in Asia. But the way we now use soy is very different than the way the Asians have traditionally used it. The ancient Asians knew that the soybean was hard to digest, so they had extensive fermenting processes that broke down most of the indigestible components, making it much healthier to eat. Examples of this would be products like soy sauce, tempeh, and miso. These were used in small amounts as condiments and flavorings, not as a meat replacement.

But the way we use soy as a meat alternative (texturized vegetable protein or TVP) can be very unhealthy, since soy contains large amounts of toxins or anti-nutrients. Some of the problems the anti-nutrients in soybeans cause are conditions of the pancreas, cancer and thyroid problems. Soybeans also can block the body’s absorption of essential minerals.


Granola (and Other Unprepared Grains)
For the last 30-40 years granola has been synonymous with heath food. But eating unprepared grains, or grains that have not been soaked, fermented or sprouted, has only come about in the last 50-100 years. People who lived before our time understood that unprepared grains could cause dietary distress.

There are anti-nutrients in grains (like there are in soybeans), such as phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors, that make them harder to digest. These antinutrients can cause serious problems like Crohn's disease, colitis, and even mental disorders. Our failure to prepare our grains properly is one of the reasons that celactic disease is so prevalent now.

So, stay away from the granola. Oatmeal is an excellent addition to our diets, but use whole rolled oats (not instant) and soak them overnight before boiling them for breakfast. Go to our recipe blog at http://coconut-recipes.blogspot.com for a good recipe for coconut oatmeal.

Good breads to eat are those that have properly prepared grains, including whole grain sourdough and sprouted grain breads. You can usually find these in specialty grocery stores and health food stores.


If you are trying to lose weight and/or eat healthier, remember that just because a company markets a “healthy” product well or a health food store sells it, it doesn’t mean that it is really healthy for you. Do some research before you grab that sports bar, or better yet, reach for an organic apple, cherries, or some other natural (not processed) food. Your body will thank you and reward you for it.

Chocolate Is My Favorite Health Food

Finally, the medical world has caught up with what the rest of us have known all the time, namely, chocolate is good for us. And I for one think it is about time.

According to recent medical research, chocolate has marvelous benefits for the human body. Who in their right mind did not know this? As a subscriber to the Old England Journal of Homemade Cures and Potions, I have known for a very long time that the consumption of chocolate carries with it healthy advantages. For years, this journal carried many delicious articles touting the benefits of chocolate. And I have eaten it all up not to mention several boxes of chocolate.

This introduces me to a disturbing thought. I’m grateful for the advancement of modern medicine and science but what I want to know is simply this: if the medical world was mistaken about chocolate, what else are they mistaken about? Could it be that my long-time suspicions about broccoli are right? Has the medical world, which boasted for years about the dietary benefit of broccoli, been wrong all these years?

With recent discoveries, I think this is a real possibility.

I have been saying for years that broccoli was bad for you and chocolate was good for you. It seems I have been half right and I suspect another few years will prove I am 100 percent right on both subjects.

Because I have been right about chocolate, I’m not going to take the chance I’m wrong about broccoli. I propose to eat as much chocolate as possible and avoid broccoli in any and every form.

In light of these recent discoveries concerning chocolate, I thought I would lend my expertise on the subject of how to eat chocolate. Because many people have for so long been under the delusion that chocolate was not healthy, most people do not know how to eat chocolate.

I offer myself as an expert on the art of eating chocolate and I have the empty boxes to support my boast.

Before giving my tips on eating chocolate, let me just say that the chocolate chip cookie is the basic host for chocolate for the novice chocolate eater. Each chocolate chip cookie carries the proper amount of chocolate for the person denied chocolate all these years.

So, start out with a chocolate chip cookie to make sure you’re on the safe side of this issue. To know the proper amount of cookies, take your weight divided by your height (in inches) and multiplied by your age. This formula never fails.

Because chocolate is rather a new food category for most people, let me offer a few tips as you begin the marvelous discovery of the chocolate world.

1. When you begin eating chocolate, make sure you do it one bite at a time. This is important. Do not succumb to the temptation of taking double or triple bites as you begin. Down the road as you become more adapt at eating chocolate you might grow into this facet of chocolate eating.

2. If you have a wrapped chocolate bar, remember, it must be unwrapped and allowed to breathe like a fine wine. Many people yield to the temptation of ripping open a candy bar and immediately taking a bite. This is wrong. Chocolate is delicate and must be nurtured carefully in order to enjoy its flavor to its fullest for the longest period of time.

3. When it comes to chewing chocolate, a person must be very careful. Each bite of chocolate must be chewed no less than 12 times out of respect for the cacao seed that sacrificed itself for your toothsome treat.

Eating chocolate is a slow, reverent and loving experience. Perhaps the reason so many thought chocolate was not good for a person is that they ate it too fast.

I once tried chewing a chocolate bar only 11 times and choked. I learned my lesson the hard way and I now wholly respect the delicate nature of chocolate.

4. One final tip I feel is quite important. Chocolate should always be eaten when you are alone for a very important reason. When a person is eating chocolate, his full concentration should be on the process of eating and enjoying the rich chocolaty flavor. Any distractions, even the presence of a loved one, diverts from the whole experience.

When you stop to think about this whole chocolate business, it is almost like a religious experience.

As religious experiences go, the only genuine experience centers on knowing God, as he desires to be known. When it comes to religion, most people rush through without giving it much thought. And of course, they really never get to experience the full benefit of their religious experience.

David understood this concept when he wrote, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalms 46:10 KJV.)

In this rat race of a world, it is almost impossible to find the time or the place to get still enough to really experience the presence of God. We have time for everything but this.

Perhaps God gets a bad rap from people for the same reason chocolate for many years was given a bad rap. To really know chocolate is to love chocolate.

I honestly believe the same can be said for God. For the person who takes the time to get to know God he begins to understand God and consequently loves God.

Great Health Benefits Of Seafood

Seafood contains essential oils that are an important part of your diet. Oils provide the source of energy we need and they are also great flavor enhancers. More importantly, they are a source of significant fatty acids.

Seafood oils are unique and have great nutritional benefits to our body. This oil contains the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Our body only produces small amounts of these important fatty acids; therefore we need to rely on other sources for this essential nourishment. Seafood is one of the best sources of these nutrients. In fact, oils are the second biggest components in most seafood.

Eating seafood just once or twice a week can provide good health benefits. Eating fresh seafood is a great way to obtain your required dose of these essential oils. Oils extracted from seafood are also available as nutritional supplements.

Oils derived from seafood help prevent some of the most deadly diseases today, including Alzheimer's disease, asthma, arteriosclerosis, bipolar disorder, bronchitis, cancer, heart diseases and more.

The omega-3 oils decrease the risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis. They are also beneficial to infants' brain and eye development.

The oils in seafood can also prevent osteoporosis. This is because the oils improve calcium absorption in our bones and can prevent the bones from becoming brittle.

According to recent findings, Omega-3 also helps improve people's immune functions, thereby reducing infections.

Seafood oils are known to have properties that lower blood pressure, benefiting especially those suffering from hypertension.

Another kind of oil found in seafood is the omega-6 fatty acid. This is important for growth and plays an important role in people's health and well-being.

Eating a seafood diet can also help you reduce weight. For years, seafood has been part of many weight loss programs. This is because, unlike diet pills, seafood is natural and has beneficial properties to people.

However, fish can rot quickly. Therefore, you should cook it the day you buy it. Here are some tips for preparing seafood:

* If you do not plan to cook the fresh seafood the day you buy it, you should store it for no longer than two days at very cold temperatures.

* If you are going to thaw the fish, keep it in the refrigerator or thaw it under cold water. Do not leave it to thaw on your kitchen counter. This is because the nutritional value of the seafood may diminish.

* You can prepare many delicious seafood dishes from great seafood recipes. You can fry or grill seafood. You can combine it with fruits and vegetables to make it even more delicious. You can marinate it and further enhance its flavor and get rid of its unique smell.

* Some people do not want to eat seafood for fear of choking on the tiny bones. In this case you can request the fish store to help you remove these fish bones.

Remember that seafood is not only delicious; it can also provide wonderful benefits to your health.

Can Fast Food Be Healthy?

It is possible for people to make healthy food choices even if they only have a short time in which to prepare their meals. The first thing to realize is that it is often that healthy choices do not always mean a need for two-hour meals. A person can choose healthy foods that are quick and easy to prepare at home or to pickup from a takeout place. Cities often provide restaurant guides in their telephone books that display full-page menus indicating what a particular restaurant or drive-thru offers. Many of these food vendors now include healthy alternatives to their usual fast-food selection.

At places like McDonald’s and Hardee’s, it is possible to find consumers who are concerned about their carbohydrate consumption. This has prompted the restaurants to provide other options in their hamburger choices. Hamburgers can be ordered without the bun, for example, and fruit and yogurt are included on the menu along with fresh salads. Many restaurants provide salad choices either as side orders or as complete meals. Often, a salad of fresh vegetables with chopped ham, roast beef or chicken is more attractive than regular menu items. Salads are especially appealing in the summer months because they are lighter on the digestive system.

Restaurants that feature foods in season cultivated by local farmers offer very healthy and affordable choices. Some of these kinds of restaurants will create their own recipes for healthy food options. This provides the consumer with a totally new choice and encourages them to visit the restaurant again.

If home preparation of food is preferred, the options for healthy choices increase. Visiting a local grocery store or supermarket emphasizes the number of healthy choices that are available. Fresh fruits and vegetables are more varied than ever before due to improvements in transportation and preservation methods. All types of cuisine can be prepared quickly because of the choices of fresh goods rather than frozen foods. There are numerous choices among frozen foods as well. The demand for healthy frozen dinners and other meals has increased along with demands for more variety in frozen food offerings. Any frozen food aisle in any supermarket will show as many healthy food options and poor choices. The decision is up to the individual.

People can either choose to eat a healthy diet or an unhealthy one. Time and availability of healthy choices are no longer problems for a person who is trying to eat better and healthier foods.

Healthy Food On A Tight Budget

One of the easiest traps to fall into when money is tight is to eat unhealthy foods. Healthy foods seem to be so expensive, after all. However, there are ways to save money while eating healthier foods. Yes, you can skip the ramen noodle section of your grocery store and still feed your family well.

What’s the trick? Planning!

Whether you work at home or outside the home, your life can often be so hectic that it just seems simpler to order pizza or cook prepackaged convenience foods. However, these are typically much less healthy for you than foods you cook yourself.

Start by picking out the recipes you would like to make. Deciding on what you are serving ahead of time can keep you from deciding on something less healthy but easier to make just because you don’t feel like taking the time to cook the healthier food.

If time is a major issue, consider recipes where you can prepare it partially or fully in advance. There are people who do an entire week’s cooking in one day, storing the meals in the refrigerator or freezer. Even if you can’t entirely prepare the meal in advance, consider chopping the vegetables in advance.

Planning your meals in advance also helps with your grocery shopping. Use your plans to create your shopping list. You may even want to plan your meals at the same time as you plan your shopping list by taking a look at what is on special at whichever grocery stores you plan to shop at. Buying items that are on special can save you quite a bit of money. You may even want to stock up.

To save as much as possible, limit yourself to what is on that list. No impulse purchases! It takes self discipline, but cutting back on impulse items can be a huge help.

They may seem expensive, but fruits and vegetables that are in season are actually quite affordable, and can be an excellent alternative to sugary or salty snacks. Their frozen counterparts are also quite good for you and may be quite affordable.

If you have space in the freezer, buy meats when they are at their best discount. You will want to keep track of what a good price is for each kind of meat. You will also want to be aware of when products get marked down. I know that my local Albertson’s, for example, generally marks their ground beef from the butcher department to $1/pound somewhere around 9 o’clock every evening. Guess what time I shop there when I need ground beef?

Make the most of your leftovers. It’s all to easy to forget them and have to clean out the fridge several days later. Wasted food is money you’re throwing out. Pull those leftovers out for lunch!

Finally, pay attention to how you’re cooking your food. You may not need as much oil as you’ve been using, for example. Stir frying can be a great way to mix your meat and vegetables up with a delicious sauce. Drain the grease when you cook ground beef to make it a little healthier. Trim excess fat from other meats to make them just a little better for you. And don’t forget to eat your vegetables! Try mixing them up with some spices rather than butter... there are wonderful ways to bring out the flavors of vegetables.

Fake food : top 10 most deceptive foods that everyone thinks are healthy but are not

1. Pasteurized Milk

Milk is touted as a healthy food, and most people assume that it does a body good. But pasteurization destroys active enzymes and denatures the fragile proteins in milk. It also kills beneficial bacteria and lowers the vitamin content of your milk.
A better alternative?
Raw milk is milk that hasn’t been pasteurized. Why raw milk?
Supporters of raw milk say the pasteurization process kills most, if not all, micromilk organisms, including the beneficial ones that aid in digestion and metabolization. They also promote good health by crowding out bad bacteria and help prevent yeast overgrowth in the intestinal tract.
The Campaign for real milk says that raw milk comes from cows that are properly fed. Cows that eat green grass provide milk with nutrients like vitamins A and D. They argue that pasteurization enables the milk industry to raise cows in less-expensive, less-healthy conditions.
They also say that pasteurization destroys enzymes and diminishes vitamin content. Pasteurization, says the group, is associated with allergies, increased tooth decay, colic in infants, growth problems, osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease and cancer. Many calves fed pasteurized milk die before maturity.
Raw milk will sour naturally due to the bacterial production of lactic acid and still be healthy, while pasteurized milk, which lacks the essential bacteria, will putrefy.

2. Fruit Juice and Sodas

Fruit juice may be delicious, but it’s often loaded with even more high-fructose corn syrup than actual juice! High fructose corn syrup has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, blood clots, and impaired immunity. Sodas are no better as we all are well aware.

Fructose reduces the affinity of insulin for its receptor, which is the hallmark of type-2 diabetes. This is the first step for glucose to enter a cell and be metabolized. As a result, the body needs to pump out more insulin to handle the same amount of glucose.
The annual ‘Liver Meeting’ of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases which took place October in Boston reported results linking high intake of sugar (specifically fructose) to liver disease.
“The research team concluded that consumption of high fructose can have negative effects on liver through overfeeding, as well as damage the liver by inducing increased oxidative stress.
A better alternative? Delicious, healthy and convenient Dong Quai and Coco-Biotic, both of which you are strongly urged to learn more about and try today!



3. Whole Grains

Many foods from bread to breakfast cereals advertise that they are now made with whole grains. Despite earlier reports discounting fiber’s role in colorectal cancer prevention, two recent studies say fiber from fruits, vegetables, and grains may indeed slice the odds of getting the disease. One study, surveying more than half a million people, found a 25 to 40 percent risk reduction from 30 grams of fiber daily (five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables). Fiber in food may be the key, since those earlier studies focused on fiber supplements.
If you have digestive problems or suffer some of the classic autoimmune reactions (e.g. allergies) consider the possibilities that grains may be problematical. Look at your family members and your family history for clues about dietary problems. Adjust the ratio of cereal grains to meat, vegetables, and fruits and see if the adjustment has physiological and psychological effects. In my opinion one should supplement with vitamins, minerals, protein, and free fatty acids. Above all, eat a varied diet and not too much of one thing.
Conventional whole grains lack vitamins and minerals, can be difficult to digest, and often cause allergenic responses, contributing to autoimmune disorders like Celiac disease.
A better alternative? Grain-like seeds millet, quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth are gluten free, do not feed candida act as prebiotics, have a calming effect and are full of vitamins and minerals.



4. Cereal

Cold cereal seems like a convenient and healthy meal, but combined with pasteurized milk, it can be a bowl full of nutritionally damaging food. Cereal itself undergoes a process called extrusion that denatures its proteins (making them toxic) and destroys the grains’ naturally occurring fatty acids. The result is a nutritionally void carrier for sugar and sodium.
For more on cereal and healthy alternatives, read: The Four Major Health Risks of Conventional Grains and the Healthy Weight-Optimizing Grains to Choose Instead.
A better alternative? Make your morning meal green! Try Vitality SuperGreen or a Good Morning Greens Smoothie to start your day off right.



5. Processed Cheese

Processed cheeses, especially individually wrapped slices, have little nutritional value. They are pasteurized and often have fillers and preservatives.
A better alternative? Make Young Coconut Kefir cheese or on stage two of the Body Ecology diet, once your gut is populated with dairy-loving microflora, try cheeses made from fermented raw milk to flavor your salads.



6. Protein Bars

Protein bars now compete with candy bars in convenience stores and grocery aisles, butproteine these quick snacks are not necessarily healthy. Many protein bars use soy protein and count sugars in their top 3 ingredients! Instead of offering you a healthy option, they actually contribute to fungal infections.
A better alternative? Soaked almonds and other nuts are easy and delicious snacks for those on the go! Or try RenewPro for an energizing, gut-healing source of protein. You can mix it in water or even eat a scoop between meals. You’ll love the delicious taste of this truly healthy source of protein.

7. Energy Drinks

Their labels say they contain various herbs, minerals and the amino acid taurine, specially designed to boost your energy by the time you reach the bottom of the can. But if you look at the ingredients, you’ll find that the main ingredients in most energy drinks are actually caffeine and sugar making them hardly more than high-priced soft drinks.
Yet their glitzy designs and claims to improve your performance, concentration and reaction speeds seem to be working. In 2004, energy drinks overtook bottled water as the fastest-growing category in the beverage business. Similar products have even been introduced for kids as young as 4 years old. A better alternative? Drink healthier fluids like water or tea, and if you must have a jolt of energy, a good old-fashioned cup of black coffee will at least spare you the sugar.



8. Fast-Food Salads

Yes, you went to that fast-food joint near your office for lunch, but all was not lost you ordered a salad! Most fast-food chains have jumped on the health bandwagon and are nowsalates offering salads, wraps and other healthy menu choices for just such nutrition-minded customers.
And while some won’t come right out and say they’re healthy (McDonald’s, for instance, no longer uses the word because our consumer research shows people don’t understand it and it’s actually a turn off when it comes to food items.), it is certainly implied in their ads featuring fit, active people and catchy nutrition slogans.
But all salad is not inherently healthy.
In fact, most of the salad ingredients that most fast food chains use make most of them no more healthful than a burger without the bun, dipped in salad dressing, said the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which conducted a nutrition analysis of 34 fast food salads.
One of their more startling findings: McDonald’s Crispy Bacon Ranch Salad has more fat and calories and just as much cholesterol as a Big Mac.
Culprits that make good salads go bad are fried meats, additions like croutons and crispy noodles, bacon, and high-fat salad dressings. Many even have added sugar.
A better alternative? Create your own fresh salad using lots of veggies, some lean protein (egg, chicken), a few nuts or seeds or a small amount of cheese, and a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.



9. Soy products

Soy products, including soy milk and soy protein have been linked to digestive distress, immune system breakdown, PMS, endometriosis, reproductive problems for men and women, allergies, ADD, higher risk of heart disease and cancer, malnutrition and loss of libido.1
Soy milk has some negative aspects which are as follows :
-It contains a lot of phytic acid
-It contains hemagglutinin which causes the red blood cells to clump together. However, it is believed to be harmless unless soy milk is taken intravenously
-The genetic modification involved in the process of preparing soy milk may cause lysinoalanine or even nitrosamines
-It contains aluminum
-It contains trypsin inhibitors
A better alternative? Fermented soy products like miso soup, natto and tempeh.



10. Oatmeal

For many people who suffer wheat and gluten allergy or intolerance, oatmeal also becomes and unsafe option. While oats themselves do not contain gluten, they do contain a protein which is relatively similar and current farming techniques create concerns as well. It is not uncommon for a farmer to rotate his oat crops with his wheat, rye or barley crops from year to year, and millers often encounter kernels from volunteer wheat when processing the oats.
Oatmeal seems harmless enough and doesn’t actually contain gluten. But oatmeal can be unsafe if you have a wheat or gluten sensitivity2 because farmers often grow oats in fields that previously had grains like barley and wheat. The other grains can contaminate the oats and could be dangerous for anyone with gluten sensitivity.
A better alternative? For a warm, convenient morning meal, try Body Ecology’s Hot Breakfast Porridge recipe.

Super Foods For Super Health

We all hear about the many wonderful foods that are good to eat, and good for us. We always hear about eating fruits, and vegetables, and nuts. But that’s a big list to sort through, and wouldn’t it be simpler to have a few super foods that you can always turn to? To help you in your endeavors to lead a healthy lifestyle and a healthy life you can use the list compiled below as quick reference list of 9 super foods. These super foods and 14 others can be found in SuperFoods Health-Style, by Steven G. Pratt M.D.

Apples

Apples are a great food for many reasons including the ability to reduce the risk or heart disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure, and type-2 diabetes. They also benefit the respiratory system by preventing lung cancer and asthma.

By consuming apples your body gets fiber, potassium and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and polyphenols. Studies show that the real benefit comes from the synergistic interaction between these ingredients.

To take best advantage of apples for your health, eat a wide variety and make sure that you eat the peel, which contains several times more antioxidants than the inside. As they say, eat an apple a day.

Avocados

When you want to help you body absorb more nutrients from the foods you eat, have an avocado too. Fat soluble phytonutrients, like beta-carotene, are more easily absorbed by the body because of the monounsaturated fat in the avocado.

Avocados also help you keep your weight down because they help you feel full, which triggers your body to stop eating. They are calorie rich at 48 calories per ounce, so for best results eat one-third to one-half an avocado two to three times a week.

Dark Chocolate

When you want a little indulgence with your health food, try dark chocolate. It contains lots of polyphenols which lower blood pressure and is a natural anti-inflammatory. You should keep in mind that blood pressure lowering qualities are only in dark chocolate, but not in its cousin, milk chocolate.

In 2000 a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that the affect on blood flow from high flavonol cocoa was similar to taking a low-dose aspirin. These means that dark chocolate could possibly be used to treat ailments like minor pains or headaches.

For the best results use Newman’s Own Sweet Dart Chocolate, as Dr Pratt has found it has more polyphenols than any other dark chocolate he has found. Like avocado, chocolate is high in calories, so shoot for no more than 100 calories a day.

Olive Oil

There has been much discussion lately about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Well olive oil is one of the main components of that diet and its benefits are outstanding. It is a great substitute for other oils and fats and has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer, lower blood pressure, and improve the health of your cardiovascular system.

For best results take a tablespoon a day of extra virgin olive oil that is cold pressed and greenish in color. This green color helps you spot high levels of polyphenols.

Garlic

Another component of the Mediterranean diet, Garlic is great for your cardiovascular system. By eating garlic regularly you can reduce your blood pressure, triglyceride levels and your LDL(bad) cholesterol. Garlic also has anti inflammatory agents and antibiotic properties.

To grab all the health benefits of garlic eat one clove several times a week. Raw garlic is best, but cooked is good too. Keep in mind that dried garlic and garlic supplements don’t have the same benefits as fresh garlic.

Honey

Honey is not often seen on many lists of healthy foods, but don’t let that fool you. Eating honey daily increases the amounts of antioxidant in the blood, helps to prevent constipation, and reduces cholesterol and blood pressure.

If you are running low on energy, reach for the honey, not sugar. Honey does a better job of maintaining blood sugar and energy than other sweeteners. And choose dark honeys over light ones, because they are higher in antioxidants and flavor. One to two teaspoons several times a week should do the trick.

Kiwis

If you want extreme quantities of Vitamin C and E that can reduce risk of asthma, osteoarthritis, and colon cancer, and boost your immune system, then grab a kiwi or two. An interesting point to keep in mind is that dietary vitamin E appears to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, and by consuming kiwis, you get vitamin E without the calories that most other vitamin e rich foods contain, like nuts and oils.

Another stellar ingredient is lutein, which lowers the risk cataracts and macular degeneration. To get all the above benefits and reduce the risk of blood clots, then consume one kiwi, two to three times a week.

Onions

For the benefits of onions, you can just reread the benefits of garlic, because they are pretty much the same.

Try to eat dishes containing onions at least three times a week, and make sure that you let the onion sit for 5 to 10 minutes after you cut it open. If you apply heat too soon you will deactivate the thiopropanal sulfoxide, which is the substance in the onion that gives us the most heart benefits. And remember the more pungent the onion, the better it is for you.
Pomegranates

Pomegranates are packed with tons of phytochemicals like potassium, which is great for lowering your blood pressure. Studies also suggest that pomegranates can slow the progression of prostate cancer and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Instead of fighting with the little pulpy seeds to get your dose of pomegranate, try four to eight ounces of 100% juice several times a week. Be sure to stay away from juices with added sugar.

The Healthiest Foods You Can Get

The following is a list of the healthiest foods that you can get. This will help you get an idea as to what foods are the best for your body.

Fruits

Apricots
Apricots contain Beta-carotene which helps to prevent radical damage and also helps to protect the eyes. A single apricot contains 17 calories, 0 fat, and one gram of fiber. You can eat them dried or soft.

Mango
A medium sized mango packs 57 MG of vitamin C, which is nearly your entire daily dose. This antioxidant will help prevent arthritis and also boost your immune system.

Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes contain 117 GG of vitamin C, which is almost twice the recommended dose. Half a melon contains 853 MG of potassium, which is nearly twice as much as a banana, which helps to lower blood pressure. Half a melon contains 97 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 2 grams of fiber.

Tomato
A tomato can help cut the risk of bladder, stomach, and colon cancers in half if you eat one daily. A tomaton contains 26 calories, 0 fat, and only 1 gram of fiber.

Vegetables

Onions
An onion can help to protect against cancer. A cup of onions offers 61 calories, 0 fat, and 3 grams of fiber.

Broccoli
Broccoli can help protect against breast cancer, and it also contains a lot of vitamin C and beta- carotene. One cup of chopped broccoli contains 25 calories, 0 fat, and 3 grams of fiber.

Spinach
Spinach contains carotenoids that can help fend off macular degeneration, which is a major cause of blindness in older people. One cup contains 7 calories, 0 fat, and 1 gram of fiber.

Grains, beans, and nuts

Peanuts
Peanuts and other nuts can lower your risk of heart disease by 20 percent. One ounce contains 166 calories, 14 grams of fat, and over 2 grams of fiber.

Pinto beans
A half cut of pinto beans offers more than 25 percent of your daily folate requirement, which protects you against heart disease. Half a cup contains 103 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 6 grams of fiber.

Skim milk
Skim milk offers vitamin B2, which is important for good vision and along with Vitamin A could improve allergies. You also get calcium and vitamin D as well. One cup contains 86 calories, o fat, and 0 fiber.

Seafood

Salmon
All cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which help to reduce the risk of cardiac disease. A 3 ounce portion of salmon contains 127 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 0 fiber.

Crab
Crab is a great source of vitamin B12 and immunity boosting zinc. A 3 ounce serving of crab offers 84 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 0 fiber.

Here's Help in Making Healthy Food Choices

Eating healthy is something we all would like to do, although it can be hard. In order to eat healthy, you must first make the right food choices. Eating healthy is all about what you eat, which makes the choices very crucial to your results.

Grains
You should consume 6 ounces of grains per day. To do this, you can eat 3 ounces of whole grain cereals, breads, rice, crackers, or pasta. You can get an ounce of grains in a single slice of bread, or 1 cut of cereal.

Vegetables
These should be varied, as you should eat 2 1/2 cups of them each day. You should start eating more of the dark vegetables, such as broccili and spinach. Carrots and sweet potatoes are good as well. You should also eat more dry beans such as peas, pinto beans, and even kidney beans.

Fruits
Fruits are very important. You should try to eat 2 cups of them each day. Focus on eating a variety, such as fresh, frozen, canned, or even dried fruit. You can drink fruit juices as well, although you should use moderation when doing so.

Milk
Milk is your calcium rich friend. For adults, 3 cups is the ideal goal. For kids 2 - 8, 2 cups is where you want to be. When choosing milk products or yogurt, you should go for fat-free or low-fat. Those of you who don't like milk or can't have it, should go for lactose free products or other sources of calcium such as fortified foods and beverages.

Meat and beans
Eating 5 ounces a day is the ideal goal, as you should go lean with your protein. When eating meat, always bake it, grill it, or broil it, as this will prevent grease from adding to the equation. You should vary your protein as well, with more fish, beans, peas, and nuts.

When cooking your food, you should also limit solid fats such as butter, margarine, shortening, and lard. These foods may add flavor to your dishes, although they can also help raise your cholesterol as well. Therefore, you should try to add these foods and any foods that happen to contain them.

To help keep your saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium low, you can check the nutrition facts label. This label can be found on the food package and will tell you all the information you need to know about the food item.

By picking your foods wisely and watching what you eat, you'll help control your lifestyle. Exercise is great as well, as it goes along perfect with a healthy eating lifestyle. No matter what your age may be, eating healthy will help you keep your active lifestyle for years and years - even help you and your health in the long run as well.

My Feelings on the 10 Healthiest Foods

For many years, I have learned about different foods and their nutritional content in an effort to be as healthy as I can possibly be. I have found that the 10 healthiest foods for me are all easily accessible, tasty and affordable.

Potatoes are one of the 10 healthiest foods you can eat because of the folate and potassium they contain. They are very nutritious and should be a staple of any diet.

Strawberries are one of the 10 healthiest foods that you can eat, as well, as they are packed with Vitamin C and are good sources of fiber and Manganese.

Another great food that should be included in the top 10 healthiest foods is the lemon. Again, lemons are a great source of Vitamin C, and there is evidence that shows they could reduce a person's chances of developing cancer.

Salmon is another great food because of the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids it contains to help with heart health, and walnuts should be included for the same reason. Plus, both foods are great sources of protein.

Milk would definitely make the list of the 10 healthiest foods, even though it is not really a food at all, simply because of the calcium it provides. There are also links between calcium intake and weight loss.

Avocados are also a great food that should make the list, because they are a great source of dietary fiber and help with the absorption of such nutrients as beta-carotene. Avocados are also shown to reduce cholesterol.

Garlic could be included among the 10 healthiest foods for the same reason as avocados in that it is shown to lower cholesterol, and it has also been shown to fight the growth of such bacteria as E. coli.

Another food that I would count among the 10 healthiest is eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein, as well as riboflavin and B-12. The only thing to watch for with eggs is that they are a little high in fat and cholesterol.

The final food on my list of 10 healthiest foods is spinach. Besides being an easy vegetable to find in practically every supermarket, spinach is shown to produce anti-oxidants that contribute to good eyesight.

There are many more foods that have just as much nutritional value as many of the foods that I have named. I realize that my list of the 10 healthiest foods would not necessarily be the same as everyone else's list, but I have found that by including these foods in my weekly diet, I am a much healthier and happier person.

What are healthy diet foods? It's a little more complicated than you might think ...

During the summer, we tend to be more active. The sun's out and it's nice and warm! We want to look good in our abbreviated versions of winter wear. Bathing suits, sleeveless dresses, shorts and sandals do absolutely nothing to hide fat, cellulite and just plain flab! So, to get or maintain that trim figure throughout the summer, you need healthy diet foods on the menu every day. However, there is some confusion on exactly what healthy diet foods are. Let's see if we can nail down this terminology.

Not all diet foods are up to snuff when it comes to labeling them healthy as well. Processed and refined foods, such as you find in the freezer aisle, may be low in calories, but full of additives with names you can't even pronounce, much less know what they are. My policy is if I can't pronounce it, it's probably not good for me. If you doubt this, take a look at one of those little pocket books which list all possible food additives, for a real eye opener. So, diet foods do not necessarily equal healthy diet foods. The same goes for diet sodas – check the labels to see what we mean. Try herbal teas and flavored waters as an alternative beverage.

Healthy means it's good for you, nutrient rich and hopefully loaded with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and all of those good things. 'Diet food' implies that it's low in calories. So, when you're looking for healthy diet foods, you want to become a label-reading expert. Healthy means no trans-fats, low in sodium and sugar, those favorite 'taste enhancers' so beloved of the commercial food processors, as well as rich in nutrients and fiber, as applicable. Once you start reading the labels, you'll find that the most direct path to healthy diet foods lies in the 'fresh' or 'fresh frozen' columns.

When you shop, buy only what you'll use within the next several days when it comes to fresh produce. Produce loses some of its nutritive value as it oxidizes and when cooked, so minimize this loss with more frequent purchases, storing the fruits and veggies in paper bags in the frig and eating raw, as possible.

When it comes to healthy diet foods in meat, we all know about choosing lean cuts and adding lots of fish for those Omega-3s. However, there is a caveat here as well. Animals raised for meat are often fed a variety of antibiotics and hormones, which find their way into your system – unless the meat is labeled 'organically raised with no antibiotics and hormones'. You've got to get a little nit-picky when defining what is truly healthy diet food.

While you may not be in to a lot of bread or pasta while dieting, when you do indulge, choose whole grains, which are far healthier than those made with refined flours.

Olive oil is pricey, but it takes so little to cook with, it's really a bargain in the end, with health benefits for your heart not provided in most other oils. It also adds a delicious flavor.

You've now completed 'Healthy Diet Foods 101'!

Shop and Save at an Online Health Food Store

I pretty much live out in the middle of nowhere. My nearest neighbors are several minutes away (by car), and it takes me nearly an hour and a half to drive to the closest town for supplies such as groceries and gasoline. The solitude suits my temperament, so I have no complaints on that front. But this isolation does have a downside: it's never easy to buy the kinds of products I want. For instance, there's no health food store anywhere in the vicinity, so I've had to look for an alternative means of purchasing the items I need to keep my body in tip-top shape.

Fortunately, I'm able to grow many of my own fruits and vegetables on my land. The produce is completely organic and pesticide free, which are things that I know a lot of city folks have to pay good money for. But I still need some stuff from the health food store, such as herbal teas, organic pastas and sauces, mercury-free fish, and various vitamin and mineral supplements. I've been eating these healthy foods since I was in college, and there's no way I can give up now just because I live in the boonies.

All I have to say is thank goodness for the Internet! Many health food stores are now online, which gives me plenty of shopping options. I've been ordering from different websites for the past year or so in an effort to identify the online health food stores that offer the best combination of product selection, prices, and customer service. The experiment has been working very well thus far, and I've now got a list of four or five sites that I go to again and again for everything I need.

Not only is shopping at an online health food store convenient, but it's also cost-effective. I can sit right here at home and fill my virtual cart with all the products I need, then click a few buttons and have everything shipped to my doorstep within a few days. How could the process be any more convenient than that? Moreover, I know that I'm saving money by shopping this way. Online health food stores have a built-in pricing advantage because of lower overhead costs. Plus, a lot of these types of websites offer additional coupon codes and special discounts, along with the usual seasonal sales and so forth. As a result, I'm able to maintain my healthy lifestyle for a lot less than I used to pay when I lived in the city.

Sure, it would be fun to have a physical health food store in the vicinity so I could take my time browsing through all the wonderful products as I make my choices. But since that's not possible, I'll gladly continue to order online for all my grocery needs!

Simple Overview of 10 Healthiest Foods

While the old adage "you are what you eat" perhaps isn't quite strictly true, what you eat definitely affects how you feel. Your overall health and fitness is to a large degree determined by the food you put in your body. After all, putting chemicals and additives in your body is hardly making things easy for it. To help you out, here are arguably the 10 healthiest foods you can put into your body to get the most out of it.

Broccoli. Yes, the vegetables have it. Broccoli is one of the best things you can feed yourself and your family to put you well on the way to health. It's definitely at the top of the list of the 10 healthiest foods. This tree-like vegetable is extremely high in a variety of vitamins, including iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc. It's also great as an antioxidant.

Berries are another great one. They're high in antioxidants, and are full of vitamins such as vitamin C. They're also much lower in sugar than many other fruits, making them a good choice for those on low sugar diets. Half a cup a day will make a huge difference to your health.

Garlic. Grandma was right when she tried to force feed it to you. Garlic is great for keeping germs and viruses at bay, so try it fresh and raw, or chopped up in your cooking.

Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, and mandarins. Not only do these taste wonderful, but they're excellent for you, too. They're very high in vitamin C, fiber, and folic acid. Try squeezing a lemon on your salad instead of a thick dressing.

Nuts are also great for your health, although they are high in calories, so use portion control. Nuts are very high in protein and good fatty acids, so it's a good idea to add these to your diet.

Seeds. Like nuts, seeds are high in protein and healthy fats. Sprinkle some on your breakfast or your salads.

Fatty fish. Fatty fish such as salmon is very high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are great for keeping your brain on track. They're also good for your hair and nails. Salmon is also high in protein.

Tomatoes. That old salad favorite, tomatoes are very high in vitamin C, and are a great addition to any meal.

Eggs. Eggs have come out on top after being debated in the media for their health benefits. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, iron, and B12, as well as essential fatty acids. Don't skip the yolk, as that's where almost all of the vitamins are.

White meat. Try low fat meats such as turkey. These are high in protein without the fat content of some other meats. You'll also be able to ensure that you meet a number of daily vitamin and mineral intake requirements by eating turkey. Put some on toast, roast it, or add it to a salad, and you'll have a well balanced meal that will keep you feeling full, and fit.

Make an effort to fit these 10 healthiest foods into your diet, and you'll feel much healthier.