Green Options » diet and nutrition

Green Options » diet and nutrition http://greenoptions.com/tag/diet-and-nutrition Posts tagged 'diet and nutrition' Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:38:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en Natural Medicine: Healing Benefits of Cranberries-Seasonal and Vegan Recipe Included http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/28/natural-medicine-healing-benefits-of-cranberries-seasonal-and-vegan-recipe-included/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/28/natural-medicine-healing-benefits-of-cranberries-seasonal-and-vegan-recipe-included/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:38:18 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/28/natural-medicine-healing-benefits-of-cranberries-seasonal-and-vegan-recipe-included/

Cranberries, the cousin of blueberries, have long been valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Recent studies show that this berry may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer. Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, a very good source of dietary fiber, and a great source of manganese and vitamin K. Cranberries are also a source of polyphenol antioxidants, which are being researched for their possible benefits to the cardiovascular system and immune system. Fresh cranberries are at their peak during the holiday season between October and December. When in season choose fresh, plump cranberries, deep red in color, and quite firm to the touch. Firmness is a primary indicator of quality. The deeper red their color, the more highly concentrated are cranberries’ beneficial compounds. When the season is over or if you can’t find fresh cranberries but still want all the nutritional benefits, simply look for dried or frozen cranberries at your local grocery store. The recipe included is perfect as a holiday side dish or throw over brown rice to make a complete vegan meal. Trust me, these are not your mother’s Brussels sprouts.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/28/natural-medicine-healing-benefits-of-cranberries-seasonal-and-vegan-recipe-included/feed/ Top 10 Easy Diet & Lifestyle Choices to Boost Your Immune System Naturally This Winter http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/15/top-10-easy-diet-lifestyle-choices-to-boost-your-immune-system-naturally-this-winter/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/15/top-10-easy-diet-lifestyle-choices-to-boost-your-immune-system-naturally-this-winter/#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:47:47 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/15/top-10-easy-diet-lifestyle-choices-to-boost-your-immune-system-naturally-this-winter/

Flue season is coming. With all the concern and worry surrounding the Swine Flu, we may be forgetting that we are also more susceptible to the common cold and other illnesses during the winter months. There are many natural ways you can help to boost your immune system with food choices and healthy regimens. Of course, as you have seen in many articles, the first course of action is to wash your hands regularly for at least 20-30 seconds. By adding the following foods and healthy behaviors to your regime, you can help your body build its resistance to germs and help yourself stay healthy this winter.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/10/15/top-10-easy-diet-lifestyle-choices-to-boost-your-immune-system-naturally-this-winter/feed/ Chew More Weigh Less-5 Tips to Get Reacquainted with The Joys of Eating http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/08/10/chew-more-weigh-less-5-tips-to-get-reacquainted-with-the-joys-of-eating/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/08/10/chew-more-weigh-less-5-tips-to-get-reacquainted-with-the-joys-of-eating/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:29:29 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/08/10/chew-more-weigh-less-5-tips-to-get-reacquainted-with-the-joys-of-eating/

There is so much more to being healthy then simply what you eat. Sometimes, taking a moment to slow down and focus on “how” you eat can actually begin to make a difference in how you feel and possibly even in your weight. Healthy digestion begins in the mouth where the digestive enzymes in your saliva start to break down the food you are eating. When food is easier to digest, your body doesn’t have to work so hard on breaking down the food, and can focus instead on assimilating all those quality vitamins and nutrients you just ate. In order for this process to happen, you have to actually chew your food. Sounds simple right? Unfortunately in the fast paced, rush everywhere, do a million things at once kind of world we live in, most of us are lucky if we are able to scarf down a sandwich, while sending an email, talking on the phone, “tweating” and saving the world all at the same time. The experience of eating has changed and it’s time we stop swallowing our food whole and take back the joys of eating. Ladies and Gentleman let me reacquaint you with chewing and mindful eating.

Eating mindlessly can lead to overeating. When you are trying to accomplish a handful of things all at the same time, including eating, it takes your brain longer to connect with your stomach to register that it has eaten and just may be full. Chewing reduces digestive distress and improves assimilation, allowing our bodies to absorb maximum nutrition from each bite of food. It also allows you to actually taste your food, leaving you and your brain more satisfied, and not looking for that extra something right after a meal. When you slow down and take the time to enjoy the eating experience with all your senses, you just may find you eat less and in the long run, may weigh less as well. Here are tips to help you get started.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/08/10/chew-more-weigh-less-5-tips-to-get-reacquainted-with-the-joys-of-eating/feed/ Meatless Mondays: “Eat This-Not That” Top 5 Vegetarian Foods to Eat Everyday http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/08/03/meatless-mondays-eat-this-not-that-top-5-vegetarian-foods-to-eat-everyday/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/08/03/meatless-mondays-eat-this-not-that-top-5-vegetarian-foods-to-eat-everyday/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:56:37 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/08/03/meatless-mondays-eat-this-not-that-top-5-vegetarian-foods-to-eat-everyday/

According to the folks over at Eat This Not That, there are certain nutrients you should try to eat every day for optimum health. In case you needed a few more reasons to cut back on overly processed and animal based foods, all of the nutrients just happen to be found in natural plant based sources. Not only will you be helping your body by following these guidelines, but by choosing to eat a diet rich in plant based foods, you’ll be lowing your carbon footprint and saving the environment at the same time. It doesn’t get much better then that. Here’s a list of my top 5 of the recommended plant based foods, along with the nutrients they provide for your body and easy ways to start incorporating them into your diet today.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/08/03/meatless-mondays-eat-this-not-that-top-5-vegetarian-foods-to-eat-everyday/feed/ Vegetarian Sex Health- B is for Bedroom….B Vitamins to Boost Libido http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/20/vegetarian-sex-health-b-is-for-bedroom%e2%80%a6b-vitamins-to-boost-libido/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/20/vegetarian-sex-health-b-is-for-bedroom%e2%80%a6b-vitamins-to-boost-libido/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:22:47 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/20/vegetarian-sex-health-b-is-for-bedroom%e2%80%a6b-vitamins-to-boost-libido/

B vitamins help to regulate the sex organs, which directly correlate with the amount of sex hormone that is released in the body. Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to lethargy and fatigue, which usually means more sleep and rest is needed, not sex. B’s also play a large role in brain function and cognition and may be useful in relieving minor depression and anxiety. Each specific B vitamin offers your body something different in regard to your overall health as well as your sex health. Vegan’s need to pay especially close attention to their B intake, especially B12, to ensure that their entire B vitamin needs is met. Also, as we age, this specific nutrient is not absorbed as well as it is when we are young. Those sexy elders need to keep an eye on their B levels as well if they want to keep the passion alive in the bedroom.

It is quite easy to meet all your B needs with a plant based diet, as long you are paying attention to what you are putting in your mouth. Ideally, you always want to get your vitamins directly from your food, but if you find yourself stranded in the desert, far from a grocery store, you can always supplement with a B complex. Since each B delivers different health and sex related fun to our bodies, here is a breakdown of each with specific sexy veggie food choices for that particular B.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/20/vegetarian-sex-health-b-is-for-bedroom%e2%80%a6b-vitamins-to-boost-libido/feed/ Sexy Veggie Recipe #1 for Sexual Enhancement-Vegetarian Sex Health http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/13/sexy-veggie-recipe-1-for-sexual-enhancement-vegetarian-sex-health/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/13/sexy-veggie-recipe-1-for-sexual-enhancement-vegetarian-sex-health/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:17:33 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/13/sexy-veggie-recipe-1-for-sexual-enhancement-vegetarian-sex-health/

In my article Vegetarian Sex Health- Sexy Veggie Food for Sexual Enhancement, I explained how simple it is to eat vegetarian or vegan and still get all the vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy sex life. I will be posting some “Sexy Veggie Recipes” that incorporate these sexy foods so you can get started cooking healthier, eating greener and getting your groove on tonight.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/13/sexy-veggie-recipe-1-for-sexual-enhancement-vegetarian-sex-health/feed/ Vegetarian Sex Health: Sexy, Veggie Food for Sexual Enhancement http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/10/vegetarian-sex-health-sexy-veggie-food-for-sexual-enhancement/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/10/vegetarian-sex-health-sexy-veggie-food-for-sexual-enhancement/#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:49:10 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/10/vegetarian-sex-health-sexy-veggie-food-for-sexual-enhancement/

Through the ages, food and sex have been linked together, all the way back to Garden of Eden. Today, it seems so simple to fix sexual health issues with a little pill, but when we take a deeper look, your overall health and wellness can have a huge effect on your sex life. It’s important to go back in time, say goodbye to your pharmacist for the time being and reexamine the links between food and sex right there at your local grocery store.

Old school aphrodisiacs were often chosen as such due to their shape or resemblance to certain body parts, as well as for the chemical reactions that take place in the body when eaten. Today, research shows that certain aphrodisiac foods do contain vitamins and minerals that can help to enhance your overall sexual vitality. As a vegetarian or vegan, getting enough of these nutrients can ensure that your evenings will be filled with excitement and pleasure. There is a plethora of healthy, sexy and vegetarian food for you to choose from to get your groove on tonight.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/10/vegetarian-sex-health-sexy-veggie-food-for-sexual-enhancement/feed/ Portion Control- Just How Much Food is on Your Plate? http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/06/portion-control-just-how-much-food-is-on-your-plate/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/06/portion-control-just-how-much-food-is-on-your-plate/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:50:29 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/06/portion-control-just-how-much-food-is-on-your-plate/

It is very easy to misjudge portion sizes. We get super-sized portions while dining out and most of us do not take the time to measure out what a true serving size looks like when we cook at home. Portion control can be your key to permanent weight loss or weight control. Before your next meal check this list from WebMD of foods, serving sizes and visual clues. Check in with yourself and see how many servings you are actually eating in one sitting.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/07/06/portion-control-just-how-much-food-is-on-your-plate/feed/ Go Fish-The Best Fish for Healthy Eating http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/06/17/go-fish-the-best-fish-for-healthy-eating/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/06/17/go-fish-the-best-fish-for-healthy-eating/#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:41:21 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/06/17/go-fish-the-best-fish-for-healthy-eating/

There has been a lot of talk lately about how many servings of fish is too much and which fish are the best to eat. With concerns like mercury poisoning, eating farm-raised fish or wild fish, genetic engineering and over fishing, it’s important to consider certain things when choosing your next fish dinner or sushi roll.

Doctors and health professionals in general recommend fish because of the high dose of Omega 3’s fatty acids a serving supplies you with. A 6-ounce serving of fish can provide a day’s worth of high quality protein for adults. Eating fish once a week should not cause any concern for most people. For those fish eaters who partake in multiple servings of fish a week, especially children and pregnant women, the main concern can become mercury poisoning. Eating too much mercury-ridden fish can cause certain health problems including impairment in memory and behavior, tingling in the hands, feet, and lips, as well as causing possible damage to the heart and immune system. Aside from the mercury concern, we now have a number of different fish species that are soon to become extinct due to over fishing, or are being caught using environmentally destructive methods. There are some very simple rules to follow to be certain you are not getting a side dish of mercury or hurting the environment with your fish entree.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/06/17/go-fish-the-best-fish-for-healthy-eating/feed/ Natural Menopause Relief-Turn Down Your Internal Thermostat http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/05/27/natural-menopause-relief-turn-down-your-internal-thermostat/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/05/27/natural-menopause-relief-turn-down-your-internal-thermostat/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 14:01:31 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/05/27/natural-menopause-relief-turn-down-your-internal-thermostat/

Women experiencing menopause and peri-menopause often wonder if there is anything they can do alleviate their symptoms naturally. Hot flashes, headaches, mood swings, weight gain, fatigue, sleepless nights and decreased libido are some common symptoms that can be reduced by some simple diet and lifestyle changes. With all the debates on hormone replacement, isn’t it nice to know you have the power to change how you feel naturally.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/05/27/natural-menopause-relief-turn-down-your-internal-thermostat/feed/ Seasonal Foodies Eat This: Asparagus http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/05/05/seasonal-foodies-eat-this-asparagus/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/05/05/seasonal-foodies-eat-this-asparagus/#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 20:01:38 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/05/05/seasonal-foodies-eat-this-asparagus/

Though you can find asparagus at your supermarket almost all year long, asparagus is actually in season from March until June. Asparagus, a member of the lily family, is quite difficult to grow, causing this tasty treat to be a bit on the pricey side. Asparagus has been used since early on not only as a vegetable to eat, but also for medicinal purposes. Asparagus contains asparagine, a special plant compound, which gives it a diuretic effect, aiding in kidney function. Asparagus varieties include green, white and purple. The white variety is typically milder then the green and the purple can have a subtle fruity flavor. One cup of chopped asparagus has around 30 calories, contains no fat or cholesterol, is low in sodium, and comes chock full of vital nutrients. Asparagus is an excellent source of folate and thiamin (important B vitamins) and is also a good source of fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin C and beta-carotene. The quicker the cooking time, the more flavor the asparagus will have. Their unique taste pairs well with everything from mushrooms to seafood to salads. At your local farmers market, look for bunches that are firm, brightly colored and straight.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/05/05/seasonal-foodies-eat-this-asparagus/feed/ Drink Up: Top 5 Reasons to Drink More Water http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/29/drink-up-top-5-reasons-to-drink-more-water/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/29/drink-up-top-5-reasons-to-drink-more-water/#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:27:01 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/29/drink-up-top-5-reasons-to-drink-more-water/

Water is essential. Your body is made up of over 70% water; making water the single most important nutrient, apart from oxygen. Water not only re-hydrates your body, but it moves vital nutrients though out your body, removes waste from your system, aids in digestion and can even help you to lose weight.

It’s ideal to drink at least 8 glasses of water though out the day to ensure you are getting all of the amazing benefits water has to offer. Don’t wait until your body tells you are thirsty, by that point you are already dehydrated and may be feeling false hunger pangs. Our brains can’t decipher the difference between being thirsty and being hungry. The stomach growl you experience at 3PM may actually be your body telling you that you have not had enough water today.

Headaches, poor concentration, fatigue, constipation and dry skin are signals that you are not drinking enough water. Your body may also retain water, holding on to the small supply it is getting, if you do not give it enough water. When you begin to drink more water daily, these symptoms should begin to alleviate.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/29/drink-up-top-5-reasons-to-drink-more-water/feed/ Sleep Naturally: 12 Steps to a Restful Nights Sleep http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/20/sleep-naturally-12-steps-to-a-restful-nights-sleep/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/20/sleep-naturally-12-steps-to-a-restful-nights-sleep/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:32:19 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/20/sleep-naturally-12-steps-to-a-restful-nights-sleep/

Most of us have experienced a sleepless night, spent tossing and turning, begging sleep to come. A night or two of lost sleep, though not ideal, shouldn’t have any major affect on your health. When one sleepless night turns into several in a row, you may be facing a sleep problem. Several nights of missed sleep can affect your emotional and physical wellbeing. Insomnia can affect everything from your productivity to your relationships. If you have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, without a medical condition causing this, there are many natural ways to begin to alleviate this problem without prescription medication.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/20/sleep-naturally-12-steps-to-a-restful-nights-sleep/feed/ Fountain of Youth-The Anti-Aging Top 8 http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/14/fountain-of-youth-the-anti-aging-top-8/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/14/fountain-of-youth-the-anti-aging-top-8/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:10:34 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/14/fountain-of-youth-the-anti-aging-top-8/

We are bombarded everyday with images of what we are supposed to think is beautiful. A young, super skinny, airbrushed model is what many of us compare ourselves to on a regular basis. In a world where youth is idolized and aging is seen as something, well, less favorable, we are all searching for that magical fountain of youth. How about writing off the plastic surgeon for a while and starting from the inside out. According to the Real Age website, maintaining your weight and body mass index at a desirable level can make your Real Age as much as 6 years younger. What you put in your body can not only help to maintain a healthy weight, but can slow down the aging process and even reverse the damage that has already been done. Based on that, I’d say Nutrition is the real fountain of youth.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/14/fountain-of-youth-the-anti-aging-top-8/feed/ Eat Green: Seasonal Cooking for Spring http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/07/eat-green-seasonal-cooking-for-spring/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/07/eat-green-seasonal-cooking-for-spring/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:25:21 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/07/eat-green-seasonal-cooking-for-spring/

Spring is here. In order to eat seasonally your food focus should be shifting to tender, leafy vegetables that represent the fresh new growth of this season. The color green is associated with spring, which is a time of renewal and refreshing, vital energy. The greening that occurs in springtime should be represented by greens on your plate, including items like swiss chard, spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, fresh parsley and basil.

Leafy greens are some of the easiest and most beneficial vegetables to incorporate into your daily routine. Kale, for example, has more nutritional content and few calories than almost anything else. Although it can be found throughout the year, it is in season from the middle of winter through the beginning of spring when it has a sweeter taste. Kale is part of the Brassica family, which is known for their health promoting benefits and cancer fighting properties. Kale boosts the body’s detoxification enzymes, thus helping to clear potentially carcinogenic substances more quickly. Research shows that diets high in cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, are associated with lower incidence of a variety of cancers, including lung, colon, breast and ovarian cancer. One cup of kale contains just 36.4 calories, but provides 192.4% of the daily value for vitamin A, 88.8% of the daily value for vitamin C, and 7.0% of the day’s needs for manganese which helps produce energy from protein and carbohydrate. Kale also contains calcium, fiber, vitamin E, iron and B vitamins. Here is an easy and delicious kale recipe to get you started on eating for Spring.

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]]> http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/07/eat-green-seasonal-cooking-for-spring/feed/ Eat Colorfully-6 Colors to Eat for Vibrant Health http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/02/eat-colorfully-6-colors-to-eat-for-vibrant-health/ http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/02/eat-colorfully-6-colors-to-eat-for-vibrant-health/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:48:17 +0000 Rachel Venokur-Clark http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2009/04/02/eat-colorfully-6-colors-to-eat-for-vibrant-health/

Most of us know that we are supposed to eat our greens in order to stay healthy. However, eating fruits and vegetables in every color of the rainbow is the real key to making sure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs. By eating a colorful palette of produce every day, you’ll be giving your body phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are a plant-based substance that is shown to help prevent disease, cancer and the effects of aging. The brighter and more intense the color, the stronger the phytonutrients are. Each color group provides us with different important nutrients. How many colors did you eat today?

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