The seemingly simple task of going to the store to pick up a loaf of bread can sometimes turn out to be a lengthy and confusing process. Chances are, you’ve remained faithful to the same type or brand of bread for years, assuming that what you were feeding your family was healthy and nutritious. However, with clever marketing and a great deal of misconception surrounding what constitutes a healthy bread, you may need to consider the possibility that what you’ve been buying is actually little more than white bread in disguise.
If you haven’t been successful at ditching the bread in light of increasing advice to reduce carbohydrates and substitute bread for lettuce leaves, or you just can’t imagine a world without bread, you may want to keep reading!
Most of us are aware of the nutritional differences between white and wheat bread but sadly that isn’t where the differences begin and end. Just because a bread is brown and the packaging states wheat, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. Many times, what the bread claims to contain on the front of its packaging, doesn’t correspond with what’s stated in the nutrition facts information. [click to continue reading…]
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. A nutritious breakfast is linked to many health benefits including weight control and improved mental and physical performance. Eating a breakfast high in fiber and in protein will keep hunger at bay until lunch time and help reduce mid-morning snacking!
As the name implies, breakfast literally means to “break one’s fast,” following a good nights rest. According to the American Dietetic Association, the body uses breakfast to refuel its glucose stores and provide the brain and muscles with energy to function throughout the day. However, this doesn’t permit us to indulge in bottomless bowls of sugary cereal to meet our glucose requirement. Instead, look for breakfast options that are high in protein and fiber and low in calories, fat and sugar. Rest assured, following these guidelines doesn’t mean sacrificing taste!
Oatmeal: Top of the list for a reason, oatmeal is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Oats offer many benefits to the body, including improved heart health, bowel function and even a reduced risk of certain cancers and obesity. Instant oatmeal is just as nutritious as regular oatmeal and it’s easier and quicker to prepare!
Mix 1 sachet of instant oatmeal with 1/2 cup of low-fat milk, heat and drizzle with honey. Enjoy! 
English muffin with peanut butter: A good source of dietary fiber and calcium, a whole-wheat English muffin is an excellent alternative to traditional bread. It’s low in calories, low in saturated fat and low in cholesterol. Opt for all-natural peanut butter that’s free of added ingredients and preservatives. Adding banana not only makes for a fantastic flavor combination but also adds 1 fruit serving.
Toast 1 light, whole-wheat English muffin and serve with 1 Tbsp of peanut butter and 1 small banana (sliced). [click to continue reading…]
Forget forbidden fruits. Avocados shouldn’t be off limits in your quest for optimal health, wellness and weight loss. Avocados are a great source of vital vitamins and minerals.
Half a medium avocado (about four ounces) provides a whopping 500 milligrams of potassium, more than 1/3 of the RDA for folate (folic acid), 10% or more of the RDA for iron, magnesium, betacarotene, Vitamins C, Vitamin E, and B-6. Listen to this pregnant moms; avocados contain more folate than any other fruit.
But that’s not all. Avocados possess powerful antioxidant and disease fighting phytonutrients. For this reason, researchers are now considering them true “phyter-fruits” Improving your diet can be a satisfying experience when your taste buds are treated to the rich taste of this creamy fruit. Avocados fit great within an anti-inflammatory, paleo type diet. Don’t be fooled by the fat. Avocados contain heart healthy monounsaturated fats that should be included in every healthy diet. Far too few people who try to lose weight understand that they need to Eat Fat to Lose Fat
. [click to continue reading…]
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