As most parents know, children don’t always want healthy snacks — especially when they have the option to eat sugar-loaded snacks instead. What parents may not realize or think about too often is just how bad those sugary snacks are for their children. Not only will they affect a child’s weight, but they also can ruin a child’s teeth. No parents like to have to go back to the children’s dentist because they are dealing with rotted teeth and cavities. Here is some advice from a children’s dentist on some teeth healthy snacks for kids.

A Healthy Diet For Healthy Teeth

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good oral health in children. When too many foods that contain starches and sugars are eaten, plaque is able to thrive on the teeth. The plaque mixes with the sugars and starches that are found in foods to produce an acid that attacks the enamel on the teeth, causing tooth decay. When a child has a nutritious diet, the chance of plaque forming and causing tooth decay dramatically decreases. A balanced diet for children is not just about meals, but also includes healthy snacks. In fact, snacks are usually the worst foods in a child’s diet, as often they are quick, unhealthy, ‘on the go’ treats.

Healthy Snacks To Consider

There are plenty of nutritious snacks that a children’s dentist would recommend. Teeth healthy snacks don’t have to be complicated but can be just as easy as grabbing a chocolate bar. Some quick nutritious foods for healthy teeth include: sliced fruit, raw vegetables with dip, string cheese, and yogurt. Your children’s dentist will be able to recommend plenty more teeth healthy snacks as well.

Snacks To Limit Or Avoid

Snack foods such as chocolate bars, candy, cake, cookies, and potato chips should be avoided or at the very least limited to special occasions. These foods contain too many sugars and starches that lead to tooth decay in children. Another recommended tip from a children’s dentist is to limit the amount of fruit juice that is given to a child. Most fruit juices contain a large amount of sugar. Instead, give your child milk or water and have them eat a piece of fruit. It is a good idea to avoid even buying these non-nutritious foods or beverages so that they are not readily available to your children.

The other types of snacks that should be limited in children are the ones that tend to stick to children’s teeth. A children’s dentist may recommend avoiding these types of foods since the longer that a food sit on the teeth, the more likely the acids in the sugars will start attacking the tooth, causing tooth decay to start. Examples of these types of snacks are: raisins, fruit snacks, white breads, peanut butter and dried fruit.

No matter how hard you try, though, it is usually inevitable that both children and adults will occasionally eat sweets. It’s sometimes simply too hard to pass up a piece of celebratory birthday cake or special holiday cookies. However, it is especially important to brush after consuming sweet snacks. If brushing is not possible, even rinsing your mouth out with water will help.

If you are having any trouble picking out a balanced diet for your little ones, your children’s dentist will be able to help you select the best foods to keep your children’s teeth healthy for years to come.

Christine O’Kelly is a writer for Big Smile Dental, a leading Chicago dental office led by Chicago dentist Dr. Theodore Siegel. The practice is committed to educating children and parents on the importance of good oral care.

Article Source: Teeth Healthy Snacks For Kids: Advice From A Children's Dentist

Vitamins are something we must have in our diet if we are to follow healthy eating guidelines but do we actually know what those all important vitamins do? Do we know why we should eat some daily and some less often? The main reason for that is that some vitamins are soluble in water and some in fat. Those which are water soluble such as Vitamins B and C need to be eaten daily because the body finds it very difficult to story them in the body. The fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K are stored in the liver so you don’t need to have them daily, once or twice a week is adequate in most cases.

Knowing how often you should eat them is one thing, but what is their actual function. Vitamin A is essential for normal growth, good vision, a healthy skin and is part of the requirements for renewing the body tissues. It is manufactured in the body from carotene which is in all those green leafy vegetables we know are part of a healthy diet, as well as in yellow and red vegetables. Retinol, which is found in eggs butter and liver amongst other foods also contains a very pure form of Vitamin A which has been manufactured in the body of the animal from which it came.

There are eight B vitamins, Thiamine is needed to metabolize carbohydrates, and is found in wholewheat, pork, liver, yeasts and pulses. It is badly affected by cooking and particularly by Bicarbonate of Soda. Riboflavin allows energy to be released from other foods and is essential for healthy eyes and skin. Again it can be found in liver, red meat, milk and cheese. It can be damaged by exposure to light. Pyridoxine is particularly important for the maintenance of nerves, skin, body tissue and hormone production. This can be found in cereals, pulses, liver, avocados, fish eggs, nuts and bananas. Folic Acid is part of the Vitamin B complex and is hugely important during pregnancy, again it can be found in many foods but leafy vegetables, liver, pulses, rice and eggs are among the best sources. It does not respond well to cooking.

Vitamin C is critical for the maintenance of bones and connective tissue, helps the body absorb iron and is crucial in aiding swift healing and resistance to infection. The richest source is Rosehips but it can also be found in all citrus fruits, leafy vegetables and liver. It is very vulnerable to heat and can be destroyed by cooking.

Vitamin D enables the body to absorb calcium and is vital for the growth and repair of body tissue. A good source is oily fish but best of all is sunlight. Vitamin E is found in found in wheatgerm, wholewheat and sunflower oil. Many claims are made for it in terms of healing and sexual performance but these have yet to be proved.

One is unlikely to be deficient in Vitamin K because it is manufactured in the intestines by bacteria. It is used by the liver to produce chemicals which allow the blood to clot. It can also be found in green leafy vegetables and cereals.

A well balanced diet following normal healthy eating guidelines should provide an adequacy of most vitamins and you should not need supplements unless there are other health issues involved, or unless you have a very restricted diet.

Annie Horthorne grew up in the catering business and has always been an enthusiastic and highly regarded cook. She has a special interest in healthy eating and how to make it tasty and fun. Annie’s delicious healthy eating recipes can be found at The Healthy Eating Guide

Article Source: Healthy Eating Guidelines - Why Vitamins?

If you are going to have a successful diet then you know the importance of have a balance of fruits and vegetables in your diet. They are the key to a healthy lifestyle with more energy

In addition, fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants, Which are important part of maintaining a healthy diet. Antioxidants help prevent all types of diseases. Things such as antioxidants and micro nutrients are not going to be found in your everyday over the counter vitamin.

Tips for choosing the best fruits and vegetables

Be sure to stick with fresh fruits and vegetables
Be careful when cooking vegetables. If you over cook the vegetables they will loose all of the nutrition, so quickly steam the veggies for best results

Adding a pound of butter to your vegetables is not healthy. You need to watch the amount of butter and oil you use.

Understanding portion sizes

We have all heard the government recommendations that we eat 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. This talk of servings and portions can sometimes be confusing, so lets take a look at just what a serving consists of.

Some tips for healthier living
Do not store junk food in your house but rather stock the fridge with snacks like celery sticks and carrots that are a healthy choice

Keep a bowl of fruit, stocked with healthy attractive fruits like oranges, apples and bananas, on the kitchen counter and dining room table

Be sure to consume at least one glass of juice a day

Salads are packed with nutrition and you should eat a salad at least once a day. If you are bored with salads try new thinks, add chicken breast, different dressings low fat of course, and different vegetables.
Snack on fruits like apples and oranges.

Dried fruits like apricots and raisins also make handy and nutritious snacks

Be sure to try to have to servings of vegetables with every meal that you serve. This will help your from overeating on fatty meats

Spice up the grill with vegetable and fruit kabobs
Think of low fat dessert ideals with fruits.

Add vegetables like carrots, cabbage, onions, lentils and peas to soups, stews and casseroles.

If you adjust the way you look at fruits in vegetables and modify your diet you can live a healthier better life. So, get in the kitchen and start thinking of creative ideas for some healthy dinners.

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Article Source: Eating Healthy With Fruits And Vegetables

In order to eat healthy we must follow some very basic rules and stay away from foods that are full of fat, sugars, and preservatives. What we tend to forget is that the same should be done for our pets. Too often you will see a dog that is overweight from too much fat or underweight because there isn’t enough nutrition in the food and they burn what they eat too quickly.

Nowadays, the issues that surround what you are feeding your pet can range from problems with food allergies to food that is harmful and needs to be recalled, or simply just does not have any ingredients in it that will provide a healthy diet for your dog nutrition. Let’s first take a look at food allergies.

You may be surprised to hear that dog’s have food allergies just like we do. So it is very important that if you have to change their regular brand of dog food, to keep an eye out for any changes in them. The changes you should watch for are in their coat as well as changes in their behavior like being lethargic. When a dog is lethargic it means that they seem limp and lifeless, seemingly too sick to get up and move around. If you notice any issues like this after giving them the new food, you should consult with your Veterinarian to find out what they think you should do. More than likely they will recommend you keep them on a bland diet until they are recovered. But what happens when a food brand is recalled?

We have all heard the headlines over the last few years about the pet food recalls. Some animals were just made sick by the food while others died. It is a very scary idea to not be able to trust the food you buy for your pets. However, with this onslaught of food recalls, the FDA is reported to be working harder to regulate the issue’s surrounding these problems.

What many people are turning to now in order to regulate what their pet eats is to make their own food. Yes, that is right they buy and prepare homemade meals for their best friend. And what’s more, you will be amazed to learn that often times this alternative is cheaper in the long run. The reason behind this is because it will require less money in vet visits, and because what you make is more filling and healthy, your pet requires less of it. In fact, making homemade food is what many people who own hunting dogs have done for years.

These pet owners know that their animal needs to be in peak condition and they know how to ensure this. Figuring out a balanced diet that you can make yourself is a great way to have piece of mind, and can be a much healthier way to feed your pet if you do it correctly. For idea’s on good pet recipes, check online or ask your veterinarian.

Lizzie Novotny R.N has an informative website about dogs, especially the hunting dog breeds. She raises, trains and shows dogs and horses, and is familiar with all aspects of their care. Find answers to your dog-related questions by visiting her website at http://www.the-hunting-dog.com

Article Source: Healthy Food For Healthy Dogs

Eating with friends and family is a common way to interact socially. However, the main purpose of eating should be to keep us alive and healthy. Despite the fact you may not be able to follow these 5 healthy eating tips all the time, you’ll be much healthier if you at least follow them most of the time.

A healthy diet needs to consist of fruit, vegetables and fish and less saturated fat, salt and sugar. Unfortunately with our hectic pace of life it is much easier to hit the fast food joints than it is to keep a healthy eating schedule in place.

Price is also a factor. Cheap food just happens to be the same food that clogs your arteries and makes you fat. Try getting a nice fresh salad sandwich for the same price as a McDonald’s cheeseburger and chips (oh and for an extra 10c you’ll also get a coke!).

Here are some tips to get you on the road to healthy eating.

1. Eat a good breakfast
How many times have you heard it’s the most important meal of the day? And that is because it is! Don’t skip it! Have some cereal with low fat yoghurt at the very least.

2. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and veggies
Eating healthy is all about routine and finding things that are healthy but tasty as well. Fill up on this healthy food instead of scoffing cakes and donuts. Try eating raw veggies such as carrot and capsicum with a hommus dip. Yum! When having bread wholegrain is much healthier than white. You’ll get used to the taste.

3. Eat regular meals
That way you won’t get hungry and just eat the nearest most convenient thing.

4. Eat moderate portions
If you do want to keep eating unhealthy food occasionaly, keep the portions small. There is also evidence that suggests it is healthier to have regular small portions throughout the day rather than a large meal in the evening.

5. Change your cooking method
Try steaming and stir frying instead of deep frying. Totally eliminates the fat and/or oil while cooking.

To make things easier initially, reduce your intake of unhealthy foods instead of completely eliminating them. It is possible that unhealthy eating has made you addicted to sugar and to eliminate sugary food all together almost guarantees failure.

Start by replacing the two donuts for morning tea to one donut, eventually substituting the donut for an apple. Have a donut occasionally if you must, but save it for special occasions.

These simple 5 healthy eating tips should get you on the path to healthy eating. It’s not that difficult, is it?

Sharon Reid is creating a self improvement website for those wanting to create abundance in their lives. Visit her website here.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

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Does eating chocolate really cause acne? This is the big question that almost everyone asks about acne and it has been much disputed for many years. There is hardly anyone who does not like chocolate, that is why we have always wanted to know if it actually can cause acne or not.

I’m sure that you heard at least one person, or more, say that chocolate can cause acne. Well there are a lot of people that do believe this myth and do indeed try and stay away from chocolate and you are probably not sure if its true or not, otherwise you would probably be eating a bar yourself whilst reading this article.

Well there are actually two answers to this, the shorter answer is “no” and the longer one is “not really, chocolate does not cause acne”. More confused are you? I guess that probably does not explain much so I will give you a little more detail on the causes of acne so you would be able to understand. The sebaceous gland under the skin produces an oil called sebum which travels up hair follicles taking off dead cells and then moisturizing the skin.

Acne starts when the sebum oil gets trapped beneath the skin, this can be caused from various reasons such as an overproduction of the oil causing the follicle to block up, dead cells that have not been cleared up properly or the pore might be blocked from the top of the skin.

So chocolate cannot cause acne on its own but a bad diet can however cause acne. Too much fat, too much sugar and any other food that can affect your individual hormone production can affect your sebum oil production which can result in acne. So basically chocolate really does not cause acne but your entire diet can. Chocolate can either be a part of a healthy diet or an unhealthy diet it all depends on you and the quantities of fatty/oily foods.

You will probably always hear personal stories from all sorts of people where they claim that some of their acne problems are actually connected to chocolate in some way or another, where in fact this is probably not caused by the chocolate itself but from their entire diet in general or it could possibly be their genetics, or the acne can even be the result of an allergic reaction to chocolate which would really be bad because almost everyone loves chocolate.

For more helpful tips and resources on acne visit http://www.understandingacne.net/ a website offering tips, advice and resources on topics such as acne problems, acne alternative medicines, aloe vera, alternative acne treatments and even acne rosacea treatments.

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Now that you have a new life growing inside you, you must pay careful attention to what foods to eat when pregnant. Your pregnancy diet has a large effect on the growth, development and health of your baby.

Now that you are pregnant, how must your diet change? If you are used to a healthy diet every day, there isn’t really much to change when talking about foods to eat when pregnant. There will only be a few minor changes needed to meet the special nutritional needs of you and your baby. In fact, a pregnant woman only needs 300 more calories a day than needed pre-pregnancy.

This means that an average pregnant woman should take in 2,500 to 2,700 calories a day - all of which should come from healthy foods. What you must pay attention to is your intake of extra vitamins, minerals and other nutrients through a variety of food sources. You must make sure that you get your daily supplementation through prenatal vitamins and healthy natural foods from the basic food groups.

What other nutrients do you need in your pregnancy diet? When you choose which foods to eat when pregnant, make sure that you are getting enough of the following very important pregnancy nutrients:

Folic Acid - You need at least 400 mcg (micrograms) of folic acid in order to prevent birth defects. Folic acid is a B vitamin that prevents defects in your baby’s spine and brain, and can also prevent cleft lip and congenital heart disease. The easiest way to get enough folic acid is to take it through your prenatal vitamins. Alternatively, breakfast cereals, spinach, legumes and orange juice are also good sources of folic acid.

Iron - You need to double your intake of iron when pregnant - you need 30 mg per day. You can get your required iron through an iron supplement, which your doctor should be able to recommend. Pregnant women need extra iron due to the increased amount of blood in the body and to supply the needs of the baby. Rich iron sources include red meat, fish, poultry, whole grain breads and iron-fortified cereals.

Calcium - Another of the important foods to eat when pregnant include non-fat and low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt and other sources rich in calcium. Pregnant women need at least 1,000 mg of calcium a day (young pregnant women need 1300 mg a day). Getting enough calcium is important for the proper development of your baby’s teeth and bones.

Knowing the right foods to eat when pregnant can go a long way in making sure that you and your child stay healthy throughout the pregnancy. It is also the best way to prevent possible congenital problems for your baby.

Find all the essential facts right here about foods to eat when pregnant <= Click the link NOW! Also here is another excellent article on foods to eat when pregnant.

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It’s often been said that eating chocolate will give you acne, and as someone who can get acne at any time, and loves chocolate, the question ‘does chocolate cause acne?‘ is a question I’ve long asked!

There’s a short answer and a long answer.

The short answer is ‘No.’

The long answer is ‘No it doesn’t,’

Ok, I know that’s a bit cheeky, and it wouldn’t make for a very long article either, so let me go through how acne develops, and then we can see if we can connect it to chocolate.

Under the skin, the sebaceous glands produce an oil called sebum, which travels up hair follicles taking off dead cells as it goes, and then moisturises the skin.

Acne starts when the sebum gets trapped beneath the skin.

This can be due to a few causes -

1. The dead cells have not been cleared properly, leading to a blockage.

2. There has been an overproduction of oil which has cause the follicle to block up.

3. The pore is blocked from the top of the skin, again leading to the blockage.

Once trapped, the sebum reacts with the bacteria which is always found on the skin, and the result is a build up of fatty acids.

The white blood cells then come to break down that fat, hence the build ups and inflammation.

Ok, now we know all that, can chocolate be a culprit in these causes.

Well, no.

There have been scientific tests to see if a direct relationship can be found between eating chocolate and developing acne, and so far there is no medical evidence to back the claim.

Here’s an important question though - can diet in general affect acne?

The answer to that is absolutely yes!

Too much fat, too much sugar, any food that affects your individual hormone production can affect the sebum production.

Eating chocolate can be part of a healthy diet which doesn’t result in acne, and likewise chocolate can be part of an *unhealthy* diet which does result in acne!

That’s why you will always get personal stories of acne being connected to chocolate, where in fact it’s probably more of a general diet issue.

As for chocolate on its own, the science says -

‘Does chocolate cause acne?’

‘No.’

Read more about this, and see Gordon Bryan back an acne cure with his own money at:

http://www.gordonbryan.com/does_chocolate_cause_acne

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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

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

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

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Want to get a well toned figure by avoiding costly methods such as cosmetic surgery and tummy tuck? Then you should opt for the high protein foods which can help to build the muscles of your body and burn excess fat at a steady rate. In fact healthy diet coupled with certain workouts would necessarily help you to tout your desired size within few days.

How can protein be important in building your muscles?

Proteins essentially contain amino acids which act as the building blocks of the body. Thus, foods which are very rich in proteins can effectively make your strong and increase the rate of metabolism.

How is protein helpful ion shedding the excess fat from your body?

As proteins are rich in amino acids it ensures that the metabolism rate of your body increases. Thus, increased rate of metabolism helps you body to burn the excess fat at a steady pace.

The top sources of protein rich foods for building a well toned figure:

1) Chicken: This low fat food would satisfy both your taste and concern of weight loss. Further, if you are more conscious regarding the fat intake then you can opt for the white meat available in the drumsticks and thighs of the chicken. This is particularly because these portions very less fat content.

2) Fish: Though fish contains some high level of fat it is very rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. It helps your body to avoid heart and coronary diseases. Most importantly, this item can effectively promote weight loss.

3) Beef: Though beef is rich in fats it comes loaded with compounds which are necessary for building quality muscles. However, you can minimize the fat content in beef by selecting the leanest cuts.

Apart from the high protein food one can opt for the low crab diets also to lose weight at an accelerated pace. The perfect examples of low crab diets are Atkins and Zone diet and Protein Power. A typical low crab diet chart would include poultry, fish, non starchy vegetables and whole grains. If you follow low crab diet regularly then you would lose weight also at a steady pace.

The top four factors that help you to lose weight with low-crab diets are:

* Lowers your appetite

* Reduces the calories

* You rarely feel hungry

* Retention of water

Along with these diets, you can also regularly opt for:

* Acai berry and Goji berry diet

* Green tea

* Colon cleansing supplement

* Cardio workouts

* Drink plenty of water

* Yoga to learn the breathing techniques

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Healthy eaters know that easily the best way to please someone dear to you is to make him a Romantic Dinner. We’ve gone one better and prepared a special collection of Romantic Dinners.

See pictures of delicious recipes and other details at:

Romantic Recipes They Love