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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Healthy Chocolates
Is that an oxy moron or what?
It would be nice if chocolate was healthy, but really that must be paradise on someone else’s planet. It’s probably the same planet that makes healthy chocolates for diabetics.
Crazy!
Everyone knows the best way of getting chocolate is going down to the local supermarket and buying your favorite chocolate delight. Oh sure, there are those rare days when you actually find yourself in a chocolate specialty store.
More expense for about the same level of health.
That makes sense, right?
Then someone has to mess everything up by trying to make chocolate healthy. Just imagine how that must taste. I’m sure I’d rather eat raw lima beans. That’s why I’m quite confident I’ll not be eating the stuff.
Well, at least I was quite confident till I heard that it was Belgium chocolate. Man, I remember the first time I sunk my teeth into European chocolate. What a treat.
But wait…there not going to take my chocolate alive. Just to prove it I decided I would have one little piece. Yes, just one. Prove to everyone everywhere how damn delicious this stuff is.
Wow!
Delicious…. Healthy…. And chocolate?
Get outta town. Don’t tell anyone but I think this stands a chance of being tastier than my standard store bought alternatives. What’s more, I’ve now watched some outta this world videos that show the incredible power of this stuff.
I don’t know about you, but I start thinking I might just be forced to buy a box or two or three or four. It’s then that I discover that I can actually make money eating chocolate.
No really!
I’m not joking.
Check out the two videos on this healthy chocolates Website and you’ll see I’m not pulling any punches here.
===>http://bodybychocolates.com/Chocolate-Opportunity-LN/J-Z/our-healthy-chocolates-opportunity.htm
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Chocolate and Banana Low Fat Desert Recipes
Chocolate and Banana Low Fat Desert Recipes
Satisfy that chocolate craving with a drizzle of melted chocolate chips or carob chips over banana slices for an easy treat.
INGREDIENTS for Chocolate and Banana Low Fat Desert Recipes
1 tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 banana, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon nonfat vanilla yogurt
DIRECTIONS for Chocolate and Banana Low Fat Desert Recipes
* Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave.
* Top banana slices with the semi-sweet chocolate and yogurt.
Servings: 1 serving
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ease of Preparation: Easy
Health: Diabetes Appropriate, Heart Healthy, Healthy Weight, Low Sat Fat, Low Cholesterol, Low Calorie, Low Sodium
We hope that you enjoyed “Chocolate and Banana Low Fat Desert Recipes.” go to BBAC’s Recipe Section for more great recipes.
Bon Appetit
~The Baby Boomer Queen~
Thanks to Baby Boomer Advisor Club for contributing this Chocolate and Banana Low Fat Desert Recipes.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie
Animal friendly chocolate chip cookies are low fat.
Make some today.
INGREDIENTS For Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes
* 2-1/4 cups all purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon sea salt
* 1 cup Earth Balance, softened (although Earth Balance is the best, you may use any other non-dairy butter/margarine)
* 3/4 cup granulated [white] sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Egg Replacer for 2 eggs
* 2 cups (12 ounce package) semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Earth Balance can be found at Whole Foods, Lakeshore Natural Foods, and other natural health food stores.
ENER-G Egg Replacer is a brand name powder mixture of vegetable starches that simulates eggs in baking. It can be used in recipes calling for unbeaten eggs, egg whites beaten stiff, and egg yolks. It can be found at Whole Foods as well as natural health food stores.
INSTRUCTIONS For Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes
1. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.
2. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl.
3. Add egg replacer one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture.
4. Stir in chips and nuts.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
6. Bake in preheated 375-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Thanks to Baby Boomer Advisor Club for contributing this vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Deficiencies of Magnesium Can Create Health Problems
by Rocky Wilson
Deficiencies of Magnesium, although not a common health problem in the U.S., can transcend into many health issues such as increased risks of coronary heart disease and stroke.
The fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, Magnesium plays a key role in more than 300 biochemical reactions within the physical shells we call our bodies. Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve functions, helps stabilize a steady heart rhythm, supports immune systems, strengthens bones, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes normal blood pressure.
Basic facts about Magnesium include:
* Recommended daily consumption, 400 mgs
* Half of all Magnesium in the human body stored in bone
* Dietary Magnesium is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted through kidneys
* Early signs of Magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
* Although the percentage of Magnesium in human blood is only about one percent, an even lower rate in the blood can result in Type 2 diabetes
* Because foods high in Magnesium content typically are high in Potassium and fiber as well, it’s difficult for researchers to isolate Magnesium’s benefits to the body away from benefits generated by Potassium and fiber
* Foods high in Magnesium include halibut; almonds; cashews; soy beans; pears; leafy, green vegetables such as spinach; plus unprocessed cocoa
* A shortage of Magnesium can lead to cardiovascular diseases and immune dysfunction
* One group of people highly susceptible to Magnesium deficiency is alcoholics
* One important job of Magnesium in the human body is to influence release of the hormone insulin, the hormone that helps control blood glucose (sugar) levels
Deficiencies of Magnesium are avoidable in the U.S. if people adhere to varied, proper diets. Still, there is no documented risk of consuming too much Magnesium per day through one’s diet, although it’s been charted that too much Magnesium consumed through supplements can lead to diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Are You Ready To Improve?
Are You Ready To Improve?
by Clarissa Winchester
I have a question. Why do we make things so difficult when it comes to our health and wellness?
Many of us make the decision to take control of our health issues. But what happens between us making the decision and the point where we give up in total frustration, saying to ourselves that things will never get better for us?
My thought is - we are not really ready to change. Here's my opinion as to why:
1) No reason WHY. If you ask, the primary reason people give for getting in shape is that they want to get cut and toned like the people they see on television. They have a certain body image in their minds, but they do not have a health related goal attached to it. If they do not reach that mental image of themselves, then they give up trying. My personal reason for change? I did not want to continue the family trend of being on tons of prescription medications. When the doctor said I may have to start taking blood pressure medicine because my pressure had shot up to 168/101, that was my turning point. That is when Hip Hop Abs became a part of my new lifestyle. It's time to sit down and really decide on the WHY specific to you.
2) No plan. Getting healthy is a process, and it is important to sit down and map out the direction you are going to take to change. How do you know when you have arrived if you don't know how to get there? It is vital to write down your health and wellness goals, seek out offline and online motivation, figure out how to overcome obstacles and challenges, and find great ways to celebrate your achievements. There are plenty of resources to help you plan your road to health. One great tool is the free virtual supergym called WOWY. Here you can set up your goals, take your "goodbye" photo, set up your workout calendar, and invite other people to come work out with you. There will be tons of motivation with me as your free online fitness coach, and the chance to win up to $1000.00 a day for logging in your workout!
3) No consistent action. Do you know that it takes action every single day to reach goals? You can plan and plan, but if you do not take the time to do something about them, then your plans are a waste of paper and ink. If you say you will workout every morning at 6:00 a.m., then set your alarm, get your workout clothes together, and when the time comes, DO IT! If you say you will have a salad with your lunch each day, then EAT ONE! If you say you will drink more water, or get more sleep, or train for the 5K run, or add more vegetables to your meals, then START! Nothing will happen if you don't become active. Be your own best advocate for health!
If you are truly ready to improve your life, then take the time to figure out why you want to be healthy, make a plan to get healthy, and take the necessary actions for your success. Achieving great health is a journey, but with persistence and desire, change will come!Be blessed with better health! Clarissa Winchester (@mrscwin) is an independent Beachbody online fitness coach, dedicated to seeing you become healthy and fit! She shares fitness and nutrition tips, healthy recipes, and encouragement to keep you on track with your wellness goals. Her passion, like Beachbody's, is to help reverse the growing trend of obesity across this country. Contact her at misscmac@blessingoffitness.com, or visit her website at http://www.blessingoffitness.com.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Antioxidants Key to Improving Kidney Functions
Improving kidney function after damage already has taken place is a tricky thing. Some steps can be taken to relieve symptoms, to some extent by neutralizing free radicals that might have caused the damage initially, but repairing organs as intricate and vital as kidneys is no mean feat.
Free radicals, a common culprit for many health ailments, can be neutralized by consuming antioxidant-rich substances such as some antioxidant supplements, fruits and vegetables, and some healthy chocolate products.
One new medicine, Coenzyme Q10, has been documented in early studies to decrease the creatinine level of patients taking dialysis treatments by 29 percent within 12 weeks, and decrease their blood urea nitrogen levels by nine percent over the same time frame. These improvements were significant enough to remove nearly 50 percent of those in the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine-reported test group from the need for dialysis treatments. Dialysis machines are expensive units built to filter toxins from the blood of patients with failing kidneys, and are associated with many adverse side effects.
Some facts about kidneys and kidney disease include:
* Humans have two bean-shaped kidneys, one on each side of their lower middle back
* Each kidney weighs about one quarter pound
* Each kidney contains about one million nephrons, units comprised of glomerulus and tubules
* Glomerulus are tiny filters, or sieves that remove waste products from the blood
* Tubules, lined with highly functional cells, process what passes through the glomerulus, reabsorbing water and chemicals the body needs
* Creatinine is a waste product in blood generated by muscle activity … Healthy kidneys remove creatinine from the body, but malfunctioning kidneys cause creatinine levels to rise, which can lead to fatigue, loss of appetite, anemia, and heart disease
* There are five stages of kidney risk, ranging from normal to kidney failure
* The standard test for kidney health is the Glomular Filtration Rate, a rate reached after testing one’s creatinine level and pairing it with variables such as age, race, and gender
The key to improving kidney functions is to be proactive and consume large amounts of antioxidants every day. Still, the earlier any kidney disease is detected, the better the chance of slowing or stopping its progression. Periodic Glomular Filtration Rate tests to monitor kidney functions can be a healthy thing.
by Rocky Wilson
Author of Sharene - Death: A Prerequisite For Life
Owner of Healthy Chocolate website
Monday, August 24, 2009
Chocolate For Health
Chocolate for health?
Right.
When I was introduced to healthy chocolate I was skeptical to say the least. I’ve seen things come to market and then leave just as fast when their real secrets are uncovered.
I figured this healthy chocolate business to be just another disappointment in a long string of “get rich quick schemes.” All were the same minus the fact that my son somehow found something in this chocolate. That was different.
Oh, he had been involved in his share of multi level businesses in the past. The difference this time was his energy and enthusiasm for the product. Quite contagious, so much so that I decided to bite, no pun intended.
However, before I share my own personal testimony it is important that you understand a bit about my past.
My history with automobiles has been rough to say the least.
* 6 car wrecks
* 2 total outs
All as passenger with knees slamming into glove box. Ouch!
My knees have always taken the worst of the beating. As a result I have very little cartilage left in my poor knees. Thus when I walk up or down stairs my knees have a mind of their own by deciding when they will or will not collapse on me.
At least they did, and then chocolate.
Yes, healthy chocolate is indeed making the difference for me. I decided to give healthy chocolate a try just to prove that it did not work, unfortunately, or should I say fortunately it did. My buckling knees no longer are buckling in my four-story house and the pain? Well, the pain is gone.
To know that glucocameen is a thing of the past for me is reason enough to stay the course with this healthy chocolate. However, that is just the start of my story, not the end.
I went to the dentist recently. Yes, the dentist.
What does that have to do with this awesome product?
Well, he recently told me that I would need to have a root plaining. That didn’t sound fun, though it did sound downright painful.
I put it off as long as I could. Hey, I know when to procrastinate. Finally I decided I needed to take care of my teeth and went back. I was told that the deep pockets I had had were gone.
I was then informed by my son of the dental report on chocolate that was available on YouTube. There is a direct correlation between this chocolate and improved dental hygiene. Yes!
The procedure was no longer necessary.
Eat chocolate instead of experiencing painful dental drills? Where do I sign up? Oh, yeah, I already am.
I’d tell you about the energy that this product has brought to my life but I have to run.
Bottom line for this 75 year old is that eating chocolate for health works. If it works for me just think of the possibilities for you.
By Sally Sturman
===> http://BodyByChocolate.com
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Chocolate for Kidneys
My biggest health issue prior to chocolate was my kidneys.
Prolonged use, more than 20 years, of a drug doctors thought was beneficial to my body came to a head in 2000 when it was discovered how much damage that drug had done to my kidneys.
The use of the drug was stopped immediately, but the damage was done.
My nephrology doctor is amazed how my kidneys have stabilized, but the side effects remained for about nine years. Primarily it was the exact problem many expect of older guys, where we simply have to stay close to bathrooms. Road trips were taken with constant vigilance for Rest Areas, and good movies in theaters regularly were interrupted because I'd have to leave for the bathroom. Knowing my weakness, I'd often leave earlier than I needed in order to be back in my seat when the best action took place.
I don't know when the change came, but I do know after consuming healthy unprocessed chocolate for about four months, I drove 210 miles to visit my father in Oregon and only had to stop once to go to the bathroom. Too, staying through my seat throughout an entire movie no longer presents a problem.
I'll have some news to tell my nephrology doctor when next we meet.
By Rocky Wilson
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Recipe Makeover: Chicken Salad
Recipe Makeover: Chicken Salad
by Clarissa Winchester
I have found a new love for chicken salad during my personal weight loss journey. However, sometimes the chicken salad that we purchase at restaurants or at grocery stores can be laden with additional calories, sodium, and cholesterol that we really do not need. I have been playing with the recipe for months, and now have found one that I truly enjoy (and my family and friends love, too)!
Here's what I did:
The final recipe: Clarissa's Favorite Chicken Salad
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 tablespoons McCormick Montreal Chicken Seasoning (with 25% less sodium)
1/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt - use more if you like it creamier
1/4 cup dill relish
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1 (6 ounce) can crushed pineapples, drained
3 tablespoons slivered almonds (optional)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tablespoon seasoning. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Chop chicken into very small chunks and place into glass bowl. Add remaining seasoning and all other ingredients. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Delicious on whole grain bread, or topping mixed salad greens.
Be blessed with better health! Clarissa Winchester (@mrscwin) is an independent Beachbody online fitness coach, dedicated to seeing you become healthy and fit! She shares fitness and nutrition tips, healthy recipes, and encouragement to keep you on track with your wellness goals. Her passion, like Beachbody's, is to help reverse the growing trend of obesity across this country. Contact her at misscmac@blessingoffitness.com, or visit her website at http://www.blessingoffitness.com.
