Your Breakfast - Some Healthy Ideas For You

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There are a lot of people who will try to skip the breakfast. However, you have to understand that it is the most important meal in a day. You have not been eating anything for something like 10 to 12 hours after your dinner. And it is not healthy to skip your breakfast.

In fact, people nowadays are very busy and this is probably the reason for them to skip breakfast. However, the fact is that if you do not have a good breakfast, you will not have the energy to work. You may always feel tired when you are working. One of the reasons for this is that you do not have a good breakfast. As a consequence, this article aims at giving your some tips on a healthy breakfast.

There are people who eat breakfast. However, maybe because they have to rush to work, they will buy a donut and have it when they are traveling on the vehicles. However, I have to tell you that you should never have donuts for your breakfast. It is only a kind of food which is loaded with sugar. The only thing you can get is calories and you may gain weight if you eat donuts every morning. Eventually you may even become overweight. Remember, you should not take too much sugar, especially for your breakfast!

There are people who will try to eat fried food in the morning. Do you think two fried eggs in the morning will be good for you? Certainly they will not. They are just of too much fat content and again, this is not good for your health. You need to have something healthy for your breakfast.

In fact, eggs can be good for you. You can make some egg sandwiches yourself and they can be very healthy and good breakfast.

You may also eat some fruit salad for your breakfast. Fresh fruits are always good for our health and they also taste good.

If you would like to drink something in the morning, you should try to avoid drinking coffee. Some people tend to think that a cup of coffee in the morning can bring them energy. However, you should not have them if it is possible. Instead, you can have some fresh juice. This is a lot healthier.

So, remember to have a good breakfast starting from tomorrow. You will find that you will become healthier after a few months.

The author has a website on Health, Fitness and Wellness. Be sure to check Weight Loss Plans and the article Lose Weight With a Gluten Free Diet.

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Dig In: We’ve Got 5 Diet-Friendly Desserts

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caramel cake slice for four
Image by Chewy Chua via Flickr

Goodbye sweet days of chocolate cake, sayonara my beautiful banana split, farewell my flavorful flan and hasta la vista my scrumptious apple pie. I know we’ve shared some savory mouthwatering memories together but there’s just no room for you in my new balanced healthy diet. It’s time for me to buckle down and ignore my sweet tooth from sending me back your way.

Did you know that the word desserts spelled backwards spells stressed? For many of you out there that’s exactly what it brings. Trying to stop yourself from your favorite temptations can trigger a terrible amount of tension. It’s no wonder that something as delicious as treats can turn into a dieter’s worst nightmare.

Put away your handkerchief because it’s time to kiss and eat up! You don’t have to reach for the sky to get to your pie. It is possible to dig into delicious desserts without damaging your diet. You shouldn’t feel restricted from eating foods you enjoy. Depriving yourself will most likely just lead you on the road to dieting disaster when willpower runs out. Instead of giving up your favorite treats, think about what goes in them and use some imagination.

The most common diet destroyers in desserts are dairy and fats. Other nutritional factors to consider may include how much sugar, cholesterol and sodium the product contains. It’s important to always check the nutritional facts on the sides of packages. Don’t let the words low fat or low carb fool you. It’s always good to compare items and read the labels carefully. Make sure you know what you are buying. Simple substitutions can make a world of difference.

An average ice cream bar can contain 180 calories and 12 grams of fat — not exactly a dieter’s friend. And some of the best-known brands are significantly higher than that. A Dove Bar has 350 calories and 22 grams of fat, while the new Breyer’s Magnum Bars pack 14 grams of saturated fat (20 grams total fat) each!

What’s the alternative, you ask? How about a rich, smooth pudding pop? The store-bought versions average 100 calories and 2 to 3 grams of fat, but you can cut the fat even further and add a little nutrition by making your own.

Susan Burke, eDiets VP of Nutrition Services, says: “You can modify any recipe, especially desserts, to make it healthy. The recipe section on our site can give you great ideas. It can be as simple as using egg whites instead of a whole egg or reducing the amount of sugar in a recipe. If the recipe calls for a cup of sugar, use only one-third cup instead. There are even fat-free chocolate chips so you can replace the full-fat ones.

“However, some desserts are easier to modify then others. For example, it’s hard to modify angel food cake because of its high sugar content. But there are sugar substitutes, such as Splenda, that are great for baking. The key to staying healthy is making healthy choices wherever you go. The best thing to do is EXPERIMENT, EXPERIMENT, EXPERIMENT!”

There is nothing wrong with digging into your favorite delights. But even diet-friendly desserts can become hazardous to your waistline. Moderation is the key to enjoying treats every now and then. Remember to always check the serving size. What you eat is important. But understanding how much you’re eating is crucial. Creativity is also essential. Try new recipes and satisfy your sweet tooth using sensible substitutions. After all, as Forest Gump once said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”

Here are five deliciously divine desserts that are low in guilt and high on flavor. Go ahead… indulge!

Apple Cider-Caramel Cake

Cider “syrup” is folded into this cake for a rich caramelized flavor.

2-1/4 cups apple cider, divided

2-1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided

1 Tbsp. stick margarine or butter

3 cups sliced peeled cooking apple (such as Braeburn, Rome or McIntosh)

Cooking spray

2-1/2 Tbsp. dry breadcrumbs

1/2 cup stick margarine or butter, softened

1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind

1 (8-oz.) block fat-free cream cheese

3 large eggs

6 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup low-fat buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 Tbsp. powdered sugar

1. Bring 2 cups cider to a boil in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat. Cook until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 20 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-high; stir in 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Cook five minutes or until sugar dissolves and cider is thick and dark-colored, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool one minute. Stir in 1 tablespoon margarine. Stir in apples; cook 15 minutes over medium-high heat or until the liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; cool. (If apple mixture hardens, place it over low heat until softened).

2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

3. Coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray; dust with breadcrumbs.

4. Combine 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup margarine, lemon rind and cream cheese in a large bowl; beat at medium speed of a mixer until well blended (about five minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fold in apple mixture. Pour into prepared pan; bake at 325 degrees for 1-1/2 hours or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

5. Combine 1/4 cup cider, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup lemon juice and vanilla; let stand until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Cool cake in pan five minutes, and pierce with a wooden skewer in several places. Pour cider mixture over cake in pan, and let stand 10 minutes. Remove from pan, and cool completely on a wire rack. Sift powdered sugar over top of cake.

Makes 18 servings. Nutritional values per serving: 286 calories (22 percent from fat), 7.1g fat (1.6g sat, 3g mono and 2g poly), 5.8g protein, 50.1g carbohydrate, 1.2g fiber, 39mg cholesterol, 1.4mg iron, 253mg sodium and 94mg calcium.

Recipe Copyright © Cooking Light Magazine

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Chocolate Fudge Meringues

3 egg whites

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/2 package (6-oz. size) reduced-fat semi-sweet chocolate morsels, chopped

1. Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt to soft peaks in medium bowl. Then beat to stiff peaks, adding sugar gradually. Fold in cocoa, and then fold in chopped chocolate. Drop mixture by tablespoons onto aluminum foil-lined cookie sheets.

2. Bake at 300 degrees until cookies feel crisp when touched (20 to 25 minutes). Cool sheets on wire racks.

Makes 24 servings (serving size 1 cookie). Nutritional values per serving: 58 calories, 0.8g fat, 0mg cholesterol and 34mg sodium.

Instant Tiramisu

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

3/4 cup (6 oz.) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

24 ladyfingers (two 3-oz. packages)

1/2 cup Kahlua (coffee-flavored liqueur)

1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa

1. Combine the ricotta, cream cheese and sugar in a food processor; process until smooth. Split the ladyfingers in half lengthwise. Arrange 24 halves in a single layer in an 11″x7″ baking dish. Drizzle with half the Kahlua and let stand five minutes. Spread half of cheese mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat procedure with the remaining ladyfingers, Kahlua and cheese mixture. Sprinkle with cocoa.

Makes 10 servings. Nutritional values per serving: 216 calories, 6.9g fat, 6.8g protein, 27g carbohydrate, 0.2g fiber, 55mg cholesterol, 0.7mg iron, 244mg sodium and 10mg calcium.

To try two FREE Issues of Cooking Light, click here [http://www.southernprogress.com/circ/pages/ck/ck04160201.asp?ek=CKA4JQ6].

Luscious Low-Fat Chocolate Mousse

1/8 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup fat-free egg substitute

1 tsp. almond extract

4 tsp. granulated sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

3/4 cup fat-free milk, divided

1 tsp. gelatin

1. Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4-cup milk to soften and set aside.
2. Purée cocoa powder, egg substitute, extract, sugar and salt in a blender until combined. Heat remaining 1/2 cup milk over low heat until just boiling; remove from heat and pour into blender with other ingredients. Blend for one minute. Pour into large bowl and stir in gelatin mixture. Stir until dissolved. Pour into serving dishes and chill for one hour or more.

Makes 4 servings. Nutritional values per serving: 100 calories, 4g fat, 8g protein, 20g carbohydrate, 8g fiber and 130mg sodium.

Chocolate Banana Pudding Pop

3/4 cups fat-free milk

1/4 cup fat-free half and half

2 medium bananas

1 package fat-free sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix

1. Combine milk and half and half in a bowl and mix. Whisk in pudding mix and stir one minute or until dissolved; combine with banana in blender and puree until smooth. Pour into ice pop molds and freeze overnight.

Makes 4 servings. Nutritional values per serving: 100 calories 4g fat, 8g protein, 20g carbohydrate, 8g fiber and 253mg sodium.

Carolina Diaz-Bordon

eDiets.com Staff Writer

At eDiets, there’s something for every body. Click here [http://www.ediets.com/start.cfm?media=depot&code=24250] to choose from more than 20 personalized diet plans!

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Broccoli - The Blood Sugar Miracle

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A simple broccoli recipe
Image by churl via Flickr

Well, the former President of the United States may not have to eat all his broccoli if he doesn’t feel like it, but if you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes, you should consider consuming the little green tree vegetable - broccoli - the blood sugar wonder. Even without research regarding diabetes, every mom has known for ages that broccoli is just plain good for you, but in case you don’t put much stock in what mom used to tell you, science is ready to back her up.

Research has shown that broccoli has all sorts of wonderful properties that can help you live a longer and healthier life. It is full of antioxidants, is packed with vitamins and minerals, and is full of fiber; at the same time, it has very few calories. All those things are just plain healthy. Now, added to that list, scientists are telling us that an ingredient in broccoli - sulphoraphane - may just help to reverse or prevent some of the damage that diabetes can cause.

One of the big problems that diabetes can cause is damage to the blood vessels; that is why many diabetics have problems with circulation to their feet and lower legs and hands, and it is also why people with diabetes tend to be at higher risk for heart attack and stroke. But broccoli - the blood sugar wonder - is here to help with those issues. Sulphorophane, a phytochemical that is found in large amounts in broccoli, can help. And it is not just beneficial for diabetes; there is some research that shows it may help fight colon cancer and breast cancer as well.

So, I don’t care what the ex-President thought about broccoli. When I fill up my plate, I’m going to include some beautiful green steamed broccoli - the blood sugar wonder. Diabetes runs in my family, and I want to be the one who doesn’t get it.

Learn More About Blood Glucose Levels

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Healthy Restaurant Choices: Eating Nutritious Meals While Dining Out

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Healthy restaurant dining has become an explosively popular trend over the past few years. As health care costs continue to spiral out of control, a growing number of people are looking for ways to trim a few pounds and shed their excess weight. The Fast Food Nation is aggressively searching for an alternative to the grease-laden and calorie-filled entrees to which they’ve grown accustomed. As a result, there are more opportunities than ever for eating smart at a healthy restaurant.

Below, you’ll discover how to find a healthy restaurant in your city that matches your style and culinary tastes, including gourmet foods and fine dining restaurants. We’ll explain how to make the most of your experience dining there as well as the virtues of enjoying healthy takeout foods.

How to Find a Healthy Restaurant

Dining out is a challenge if you’d like to stay fit and healthy. Restaurant dishes that seem wholesome on the surface sometimes hide hundreds of calories. For example, wraps were once considered light and nourishing, but often contain over one thousand calories and more than their share of fat grams. It’s far more effective to dine at a healthy restaurant that specializes in dishes that are good for your heart and figure. The challenge is finding them.

If you have friends or family members who are actively pursuing a healthful lifestyle, ask them for recommendations. Chances are, they’ll have a small list of favorite places they can share with you. Otherwise, look for reviews online. There are websites that review healthy restaurants that are located throughout the country. These sites will not only direct you to restaurants with free wireless and healthy takeout in your city, but they’ll also provide a personal review of the foods offered there.

The Virtues of Healthy Takeout

A lot of people would prefer to avoid dining in and instead, take their meals home with them. Unfortunately, many of them cut corners and opt for fast food, rationalizing that the sacrifice to their health is temporary. You can enjoy a better alternative. There are a growing number of restaurants that offer delicious healthy takeout for their clients. They realize that a dining experience isn’t always desired, but also understand that their customers still crave wholesome meals. To fulfill that need, they go to great lengths to provide healthy takeout that is both tasty and nutritious.

Choosing a Healthy Restaurant Begins At Home

There is likely at least one healthy restaurant in your area. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or healthy takeout choices to enjoy at home, look in your town. If you live in a larger city, search online for high-quality reviews that provide insight about the experience you can expect to enjoy. Reading reviews from other diners is one of the best ways to find a local healthy restaurant that suits your preferences. They can detail certain meals, their nutritional value, and even which dishes to avoid. What’s more, you can search for these reviews from the comfort of your home.

Tips for Eating At a Healthy Restaurant

It’s important to be aware of the factors that add unnecessarily to the calorie and fat count of your meals, even when dining at a healthy restaurant. It is perfectly acceptable to special-order dishes without mayonnaise or heavy salad dressings. Consider drinking water rather than sodas and other sugared beverages. Limit the salt content and watch your portions; even a "light" meal can contain 500 calories. You’ll find some healthy restaurants that will even offer deep-friend or battered foods, often to attract new diners who are wary of the unknown. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or looking for an alternative to the fast food lifestyle, search for healthy restaurant reviews online.

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How to Make Healthy Food Substitutions

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Cow juice or milkshakes
Image via Wikipedia

Starting a diet doesn’t have to be a total change in the food you normally eat, but by making healthy food substitutions you can get started the next time you go to the grocery store. I’ve met many people who believe that low fat foods are going to taste terrible, but from my experience many are very difficult to tell from the original. In this article I’ve listed some suggestions that I use often on how to start making healthy food substitutions in your diet.

Try a turkey or a veggie product instead of the of the beef or pork version. I’ve been doing this for many years now and the alternatives are quite good as well with less than half the calories and fat, sometimes even less than that. Products out there are sausage, bacon, burgers, pepperoni, and so many others.

If you drink milk try to scale down from whole milk. Switch to 2%, 1%, or if you like the taste skim milk. I’ve been drinking skim for a long time to and now I really don’t like the fat in the others, it’s just too thick. There is enough fat in the foods most people eat every day that having fat in your beverage is unnecessary.

Switch to diet soda or cut out soda all together if you can. Let’s say you drink 5-6 12 ounce cans a day, that can be anywhere between 500 and 700 calories in regular sodas. That is a large portion of your calories for the day, and it is all sugar. If you will cut out soda and you will see some weight lost.

Try eating salsa instead of other fatty dips or cream based spreads. Salsa is delicious and comes in about countless different varieties. Most types have no or little fat, low calories and contain vitamins. Next time you are at the store compare a container of french onion dip to a jar of salsa. Salsa is much better for you.

Deep frying foods can turn something healthy into something very bad for you. Take a chicken breast for example, naturally they are quite healthy, but all that oil used in frying just won’t allow it. Instead of deep frying take that that same piece with some lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper, bake it and now it’s still tasty as well as good for you.

If you buy canned produce make sure you read the label first. Many of the vegetables will have salt added to them and many of the fruits have additional sugar. When in doubt buy fresh or frozen produce. Frozen produce can be just as beneficial as fresh with the bonus of having a longer shelf life. If you buy canned tuna make sure to get the kind packed in water not oils, as the oil adds plenty of extra fat and calories that are unnecessary.

These are just a few substitutions you can use in your diet to replace some foods that aren’t very good for you. Remember don’t change everything at once; try to find substitutions you really do like, and then experiment with new ones. Start making these healthy food substitutions and your body will thank you for it down the road.

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