Keep Your Health Tips

When considering what to include in a weight loss diet, there are two factors that you should always consider early. The first is whether or not your chosen diet will be sufficiently nutritious to keep you healthy. The second is if the diet will be tasty enough to maintain your interest, rather than for you to opt out through boredom.

It is possible to address both of these concerns at the same time by considering health food vitamins, and in so doing you may be in for some pleasant surprises. Much will depend in your tastes in food, but with experimentation, you should be able to construct a diet, within the guidelines of your nutritionist and doctor, that is also interesting enough to enable you to not only stick to the diet but enjoy it also.

If you are able to end up with a diet that you can really enjoy, then there is a chance that it will become a lifelong habit. It is possible to make permanent changes; I know that from personal experience. Initially, it can be difficult to make drastic changes, but it can be done much easier if you are enjoying the food you are eating. In many cases, drastic changes may not even be needed, but that is something it is best to discuss with your doctor in relation to your own health and weight problem.

I have selected five of my best diet foods, health foods rich in vitamins and other nutrients, which will provide you with some of the most important nutrients to sustain you during your diet:

Tomatoes

I find tomatoes one of the most versatile and useful foods for cooking, and can be used to add interest to all sorts of meals, such as curries, casseroles and soups. Tomatoes go well with lean meats, or mixed with other vegetables, when used for cooking. They are also delicious raw, if you can find good tomatoes rather than the insipidly flavoured tomatoes you may find in the supermarket.

Tomatoes also happen to be one of the most valuable health foods, rich in lycopene, plus vitamins A and C. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, which is why much scientific attention has been paid to tomatoes in recent years. Lycopene’s ability to neutralize free radicals that cause cell damage has been the centre of attention, due to the possible potential in cancer prevention.

Tomatoes also have one other special asset. That is, that the nutrients are not destroyed during cooking, and even processed tomato products such as tomato sauce or ketchup, and canned tomatoes, retain the nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are therefore my health food super hero.

Garlic

When it comes to making boring foods tasty, garlic is way up there amongst the best. Along with tomatoes, garlic is an important part of the Mediterranean Diet. Like tomatoes, it can be used with just about any other cooked food, so whatever your diet regime is, you should find you can utilize garlic widely to satisfy your palate.

Garlic has some important nutrients too, such as calcium, vitamin C and vitamin B6, phosphorus and selenium, plus antibiotic properties.

Basil

Basil is a humble and popular herb that can be used liberally to bring its distinctive flavour to other foods. What you may not realize is that basil also packs a punch when it comes to calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin C. Also, basil is a good source of iron, potassium and magnesium, and carotenoids such as beta carotene.

How about tomato and basil soup, with a touch of garlic? A super combo of health foods that will fit into most diets.

Strawberries

The mention of strawberries seems like a self indulgence; their flavour to some can seem too good to be true (me included). Well, indulge, because the strawberry is a great health food too, with some nutrients you may not have anticipated. Strawberries contain Vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese, folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Strawberries are best fresh and eaten on their own. (Please read carefully. I did not say strawberries should be eaten laced in sugar with a dollop of clotted cream.)

Spinach

Many may turn their noses up at the mention of spinach; I know I did as a child. However, once you discover its true flavour, spinach does make an excellent food as a side vegetable, in a soup or in a curry. All the old stories about the goodness of spinach were true, as it contains Vitamin C, iron, beta carotene and calcium., plus vitamins E and K, fibre, lutein and zeaxanthin (carotenoids).

Those are just a few ideas for healthy foods, rich in nutrients, that can add flavour and interest to your diet, as you set out to make a permanent lifestyle change to lose weight.

This best diet food article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and part author of the Routes To Self Improvement website. Roy is also owner and author of the health foods website Health-Food-Farvest.com

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When most of us think of fruit we think of a tasty apple, a ripe banana or a juicy orange. We rarely conjure up images of tomatoes, avocados, eggplants or chilies. Yet, they are fruits as well, and require more special care and preparation than their true vegetable counterparts. Here are a few tips for enjoying these delightful fruits:

Avocados

While they are high in fat, avocados are loaded with vitamin C and other healthy elements. When purchased, many avocados are not yet ripe. The optimal way to ripen them is by sticking them in a paper bag on the counter for a day or so, until they have gone just beyond firm. A good way to test for ripeness is to stick a toothpick in the stem end. If it slides in easily, it is ready. Once ripened, store your avocados in the refrigerator. When preparing an avocado, remember to remove the pit immediately, as the flesh of the fruit tends to darken quickly. Don’t throw away the pit if you plan to refrigerate again, however, as the pit will keep the fruit fresh in the refrigerator.

Chilies

Fresh chilies run the spectrum in terms of flavor and degrees of hotness. When working with chilies, be sure to protect your hands with gloves or to wash your hands thoroughly after handling. The oil of a chili pepper can burn the skin and eyes. If your chilies come from a can, be sure to rinse them thoroughly in cold water before using to extinguish a little of the extra fire that is usually found in the seeds and liquid.

Know Your Chilies

If you like it hot and are willing to experiment with chilies, head down to your Spanish or Mexican supermercado. A few of the most common medium varieties include ancho chilies, mulato chilies, pasilla chilies and chipotle chiles.

Peppers

Red, yellow, orange and green, bell peppers are full of flavor and they are also packed with vitamins C, A and potassium. Choose peppers that are firm and bright and use them within a few days for maximum appeal. A great way to store peppers for a longer term is to roast a large batch at a time on the grill or by broiling them in the oven. Once charred, seal the peppers in a bag for 10 minutes. Then, slice and store the peppers in a jar in the refrigerator to be used in vegetable dishes, salads and antipasto.

Tomatoes

This plentiful treat comes in all shapes and sizes. If they need ripening, place them stem down in a warm location, like your windowsill, for a few days. Then store them in a cool place and wash just before using. If you just can’t wait that long, toss them (gently) in a paper bag with an apple for quicker results.

Eggplant

Look for a giant that is deep purple and glossy when choosing the best eggplant. It is best stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before use. Any bitter juices can be removed before cooking by cutting the eggplant in cubes and sprinkling on a heavy hand of kosher salt. Place on towels for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Healthier living can make a person feel like they have a new lease on life. Stop by ModernSage.com today for more tips on tips on healthy food a and an an inspired spirit!

Victoria Jerman Dravneek, a.k.a. “The Office Coach” began her corporate career as an Administrative Assistant for children’s book publisher, Scholastic Inc. in 1994. Within six years, she was the Vice President of the NYC-based web developer Affinity Online. She is Director of Editorial and Marketing on Modern Sage,a Women’s Natural Health Magazine She has served as the Assistant Managing Editor of iVillage.com and has been a producer and consultant for such well-known women’s brands as Women.com and the National Organization for Women.

Looking for more articles by Victoria? Visit Fresh Contents.Com now, where she is authoring more articles like this.

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Eating healthy is fast becoming a way of life. American’s are living longer, however, the goal of many is not to simply live longer, the goal it is to live a longer and healthier life. Simple everyday fruit can help.

Recent studies have indicated that the antioxidants in fruit provide a whole host of health benefits: the anti-aging power of blueberries and the joint pain relieving properties found in cherries to name a few.

The multitudes of health components found in fruit are truly a gift from Mother Nature. Here are a few everyday fruits for healthy living in 2005:

Cherries - The Supercharged Fruit:

Are cherries truly fruit for a healthy you? Recent studies have revealed that cherries offer an assortment of health benefits including the ability to offer natural relief from joint pain caused from gout, arthritis and joint inflammation.

The wonder of the cherry is the anthocyanins. According to research from Michigan State University tart cherries contain anthocyanins and bioflavonoids, which inhibit the enzymes Cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, and prevent inflammation in the body. These compounds have similar activity as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen.

Further investigations revealed that daily consumption of cherries has the potential to reduce the pain associated with joint inflammation. Many are choosing to drink cherry juice, eat cherries or consume tart cherry pills for relief of gout, arthritis and joint pain.

Linda L. Patterson is a living testimony of the soothing affects of cherries on her joint pain. “I enjoy crocheting and lately my hands have been so painful, I couldn’t crochet for more than about 30 minutes.”, says Patterson. In an attempt to find relief from her pain, she located Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules, (www.fruitadvantage.com)
a supplement made from red tart cherries. “Within the first week of taking the tart cherry capsules my hands felt so much better.”, says Ms. Patterson. “I am now able to crochet without the pain in my hands.”

Blueberries - Nature’s Top Antioxidant Fruit:

Blueberries emerged as the top antioxidant capacity fruit in a laboratory testing procedure called ORAC - Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity developed by the USDA*. ORAC has become the definitive measurement of antioxidant capacity.

James Joseph, Ph.D, Chief of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston, is working with blueberries to examine their potential to help improve motor skills and reverse the short-term memory loss that comes with aging.

“The blueberry has emerged as a very powerful food in the aging battle,” said Joseph. “Given the possibility that blueberries may reverse short-term memory loss and forestall other effects of aging, their potential may be very great.”

Terry Johnson, a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan, munchies on dried blueberries for the convenience and taste. “I work behind a computer for eight hours a day and I like to snack. I began eating dried blueberries instead of a candy bar from the vending machine. Now I feel good when I snack because I am eating fruit instead of candy.”

Strawberries:

Studies have shown that strawberries can help promote a healthy digestive system and help lower blood cholesterol. A handful of strawberries can go a long way to a helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

According to Jennifer LaPointe, Director of Marketing for Traverse Bay Farms, www.traversebayfarms.com “many of our customers are looking to eat healthier and our gourmet fruit product fit this trend. It’s certainly better than fast food.”

Traverse Bay Farms sells Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules, cherry juice concentrate and a variety of dried fruit products including: cherries, blueberries, red raspberries, strawberries. The company may be contact for additional information or interviews at 1-877-746-7477 or www.traversebayfarms.com

Andrew LaPointe is a writer, entrepreneur and consultant.He enjoys spending time with his family, writing and traveling.

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