Friday, April 21, 2017

  
Eat Good; Feel Good!
“You are what you eat.”

Eating healthy is about feeling good, not looking good. It just so happens that we look better on the outside when we feel good on the inside.  
Human bodies are made up of tiny cells that all work together and function as one living being. Our cells are constantly in cycle. They die off, and new grow. New cell growth is fueled by the food we consume. We literally become what we eat.
Meal planning helps to ensure you and your family consume all of the nutrients you need to grow healthy cells, and feel great from the inside out. Check out this list of the 9 key nutrients our bodies need every day. Some foods that provide these nutrients are listed to help write your next grocery list.
1.      Carbohydrates                                                         
a.       Whole grain bread                                                     
b.      Whole grain cereal
c.       Oatmeal
d.      Beans
e.       Fruit
f.       Vegetables
Don’t believe the hype. Carbs are a necessary source of energy.  Our bodies use carbs first to fuel muscle and brain function.  There are two types of carbs, simple and complex. Simple carbs are made up of sugars. Stay away from simple carbs. Complex carbs are made up of dietary fiber and starches.  
2.      Protein
a.       Meat
b.      Chicken
c.       Fish
d.      Eggs
e.       Nuts
f.       Beans
g.      dairy

Protein builds muscle and repairs tissue. Protein provides energy, and helps our bodies fight infections.
3.      Fats
a.       Oils
b.      Meat
c.       Fish
d.      Nuts
Fat is an energy source along with carbs and protein. Fat is easily stored and it helps our bodies absorb other nutrients properly. Olive oil & vegetables make a perfect match. The fat from the oil absorb the vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and distribute the goodness accordingly. Fat is also good for skin and hair. It acts as a cushion for internal organs.
4.      Calcium
a.       Milk
b.      Cheese
c.       Yogurt
d.      Eggs
e.       Broccoli
f.       Spinach
Our bodies need calcium to grow and maintain strong bones. Calcium helps prevent blood clotting and revive muscle and heart function.
5.      Iron
a.       Red meat
b.      Poultry
c.       Fish
d.      Whole grains
e.       Beans
f.       Nuts
Iron delivers oxygen to cells throughout our bodies. Iron is important to regulate our red blood cells, and keep our blood healthy. Iron deficiency can cause fatique and more uncomfortable symptoms.
6.      Folate
a.       Whole grains
b.      Lentils
c.       Chick peas
d.      Asparagus
e.       Spinach
f.       Black beans
g.      Kidney beans
h.      Brussel sprouts
Folate is important for expecting moms and children. Folate promotes healthy cell development in children.
7.      Vitamin A
a.       Carrots
b.      Sweet potatoes
c.       Squash
d.      Apricots
e.       Spinach
f.       Broccoli
g.      Cabbage
h.      Fish oil
i.        Egg yolk
Vitamin A is beneficial for children’s growth. It also helps our eyes adjust from brigh to dim light. Vitamin A is good for our skin, and helps our bodies fight off infections.
8.      Vitamin C
a.       Citrus fruits
b.      Strawberries
c.       Tomatoes
d.      Melon
e.       Cabbage
f.       Broccoli
g.      spinach
9.      Magnesium
a.       Banana
b.      Avocado
c.       Yogurt
d.      Almonds
e.       Black beans
f.       Pumpkins
Magnesium is good for our digestive system and nervous system. It is also good for our muscles and heart. Magnesium helps the body regulate calcium and sodium levels too.


References

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://draxe.com/magnesium-deficient-top-10-magnesium-rich-foods-must-eating/
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.parents.com/kids/nutrition/healthy-eating/must-eat-nutrients/

Monday, April 17, 2017




Eat Good Feel Good
3 first step

It’s tough being an overweight child; especially being a girl. It sure was not fun in high-school. That is when I began to change my eating habits. When I was 15 years old, I was 180 lbs. in a size 16; I’m 5’2”. Now, at 32 years old I am 135 pounds wearing a size 4 or 6.

 It is not about the size and weight. We women have got to feel comfortable in our own skin. It’s about feeling nourished and energized. It’s about being confident and happy. It's about encouraging each-other as well. I hope to encourage you to creating healthy lifestyle and eating habits so that you  an feel your best. I hope to encourage you to spread the encouragement. Share nutritional knowledge with your mother, sisters, daughters, and friends. 

Balance is key and patience too! If you don’t know where to start, try these 3 first steps to forming healthy eating habits.
1.      Replace pop with lemon water
Ice cold lemon water is cleansing and refreshing. The lemon flavor overcomes the craving for sweet fizzy pop. It washed down meals in refreshing hydrating way. After a short time, you will stop craving pop and start craving lemon water.
2.      Replace salt with garlic, onion, and black pepper
Garlic, onion and black pepper blend a much more savory flavor then salt. If you like a little kick add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Get creative, blend dill and lemon; basil garlic and tomato; cilantro and lime.  
3.      Replace butter with olive oil
Pour a drop of olive oil instead any time you would use butter. It’s delicious when making scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and everything else.