Spices can be an effective replacement for high calorie additions, like sugars and fats. Try adding lots of garlic, pepper, chili powder, basil, oregano, and other flavorful spices to dishes, as you cut down on unhealthy additions, like butter and cheese. Spices can make a healthy meal, very satisfying.
Puree vegetables to add into spaghetti sauce and other vegetable based dishes. Most people need more vegetables in their diets but it can be tricky to add more in because of lack of preference or the inability to chew vegetables. Pureed vegetables increase the nutrition of a dish without adding a lot of bulk, fat or calories.
People often try to consume high amounts of protein in their diet in order to gain weight and muscle. But the truth is that the average American already consumes enough protein on a daily basis to gain muscle mass, and the extra protein provided from protein drinks is sometimes wasted and unnecessary.
If there is something really unhealthy that you just absolutely love try to find a good substitute. For example, for people who love white pasta there is a great substitute made from squash. When you put sauce on top of it it becomes almost impossible to tell the difference from the real thing.
Avoid using excess salt when seasoning your foods. When salt is used heavily in foods, it can increase blood pressure, which can cause a heightened chance of strokes and heart attacks. Instead of using salt on your food, try using other healthy season alternatives for flavorful results when cooking.
If you feel like you don't have enough energy to get through the day, try eating more fruits, vegetables and grains. These foods are filled with vitamins and minerals. They also have a very low fat content and are a great source of complex carbohydrates. They will help you get through your tired part of the day.
To help you keep your acne under control, make sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day or two liters, will ensure your skin does not become dehydrated. Skin being dehydrated is a key cause of pores becoming blocked and so not allowing this to happen, will keep acne at bay.
A good nutrition tip is to stay away from muffins and bagels when you're eating breakfast. Muffins and bagels tend to be high in sugar, and their glycemic index is pretty high. This means that they'll more than likely be stored as fat. Try eating oatmeal instead.
Make sure to eat protein at every meal. Protein helps you feel fuller and will increase your metabolism to help you lose more weight if that is your goal! Protein is also great for your muscles and mind.
Vitamin E is often overlooked in the realm of skin care. It is a rich oil that can be taken internally or applied externally to the face and body. In a pinch, the pills can be broken open and used on the face or body. It is a fantastic facial mask and works well as a deep moisturizer.
When considering your nutrition, be sure to watch out for foods that may appear healthy but end up being quite the opposite. There can be a lot of hidden fat and sodium in otherwise healthy looking snacks. Smoothies can end up having a lot of fat calories and sugar depending on the ingredients used. Energy bars can be a hidden source of a large amount of calories. Fat free foods can contain the same amount of calories as regular versions.
Sometimes salads are best when they are all green! Just include a variety of lettuces and spinach. Add some edamame and some chickpeas, maybe some sliced bell peppers, and whatever else you can think of that is green. Finish it all off with a low-fat dressing, and rest assured you are eating very healthy indeed.
Did you know that you can fight fatigue that is experienced after eating? You can snap out of the tiredness you feel after lunch by drinking a tall glass of water and eating a small high-antioxidant food such as a prune. This will help revitalize your lethargic feeling and help fire up the mind.
Eat a small snack before working out. About 30 to 60 minutes before you start exercising have something that is carbohydrate rich and easy to digest. Good examples would be a banana, low fat yogurt, or oatmeal sprinkled with sliced fruits. You will have energy for your workout and not be distracted by hunger pains.
Legumes: Choose a variety of beans (chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, great northern beans) as well as soymilk, tofu, tempeh, and textured vegetable protein. They are not only high in protein (about 7 to 10 grams per serving), but also rich in complex carbohydrate, fiber, iron, calcium, and B vitamins.
Omega 3 fatty acids not only assist in growth, development and brain function, they also help to protect against Alzheimer's disease. Consuming Omega 3's, has proven effective in its ability to protect the body against accumulating a certain protein believed to be linked to Alzheimer's disease. Studies have been quite encouraging.
Nutrition is a comprehensive and sometimes exhausting topic. That said, you can make learning about nutrition fun by keeping your 'lessons' small and succinct. Literature such as short news articles, website blurbs, and other factoids can act as guides for your nutritional needs. If your facts come from reliable sources, you can rest assured that you'll find your new information useful!
