Review - NuNaturals NuStevia Products

I used to use another brand of sweetener in my food and drinks before I discovered NuStevia. I have to thank NuNaturals for providing me all these amazing, natural  and more healthy sweeteners and other products that I can incorporate in my family's meals and drinks. The previous brand that I used has aspartame which is not good for our overall health. So, switching to NuNatural's NuStevia products is a sound choice.

What is Stevia? Stevia is a sugar substitute which comes from the extract of the plant Stevia Rebaudiana. It does not have a very sweet taste but sweet enough to give your favorite meals and drinks a little sweetness in a more healthy way.

NuNaturals is a company from Eugene, Oregon, dedicated in providing you a healthy way to put some oomph in your food without the guilt. And I can't thank them enough for all these products that they provided for my family to try.

Powder and Syrup products

Fibre and Flavored Stevia products

Items provided by NuNaturals (approx $175 in total! Thank you!):
NuStevia White Stevia Powder Box (100 pockets)
NuStevia Cocoa Syrup 16 oz
NuStevia Vanilla Alcohol Free 2 oz
NuStevia Lemon Alcohol Free 2 oz
NuStevia Orange Alcohol Free 2 oz
NuStevia Peppermint 2 z
NuGrain Oat Fiber 1 lb pouch
NuStevia No Carbs Blend 2.75 oz
NuStevia Cherry Vanilla 2 oz
NuStevia Clear 2 oz (plastic bottle)
NuStevia Quick Dissolve Tabs 150 tabs
NuStevia Cocoa Mint Syrup 16 oz
NuStevia Simple Syrup 16 oz


What I like:

• The product comes from natural plant extract.
• It has a non-bitter after taste unlike other sweeteners I have tried in the past.
• The NuStevia products do not have MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) or other chemicals.
• The NuNaturals products do not contain soy, milk, sugar, artificial colors or flavors and synthetics.
• The products are gluten-free.
• These are great for vegetarians too.
• The whole NuNaturals NuStevia products has a wide-array of selections. You can choose flavored NuStevia drops or the syrup form. There is powdered form and also quick-dissolve tabs form.
• They are Zero Calories! Low in carbs too! Great for dieters like myself without feeling guilty.
• The Cocoa Syrup is great for mixing in pancakes, waffles and also usable as syrup toppings on desserts.
• You can use the syrups and the sweeteners in many possible ways, sweeten up your dessert or meal, add in your cooking, top your ice cream or add on your favorite drinks.
• The packaging is very neat. The glass bottles holding the flavored NuStevia sweeteners have a drop applicator so you are ensured that you get the right measurement you need.
• You only need 5-10 drops to achieve the sweet taste you need for your drinks and small portioned meals.
• The syrups are in a clear plastic container with a tight flip-cap and a small opening to avoid over using and spillage.
• The products does not affect blood sugar levels so it is safe for diabetics.

What I don't like:
Nothing at all! I love how they are packaged accordingly and the droppers really help in giving you just the right amount of NuStevia you need in your drinks and meals.


Where to buy: www.nunaturals.com


My recommendation:
Yes. I highly recommend these products whether you are dieting, diabetic, vegan or simply cutting back on sugary stuff. These natural stevia-based products are safe and do not give you a bitter or floral aftertaste. Aside from they are low-carb and zero calories, they are not very sweet, just enough to give your sweet tooth satisfaction.


You can find some of the recipes I have made while incorporating some of these NuNaturals NuStevia products in my Home Is Where The Heart Is blog (Ginger, Lime and Mint Green Tea / Cocoa Oat Fiber Pancake & Oat Fiber Pancake)

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! 

NuNaturals is feeling generous and will be happy to sponsor a giveaway for 4 LUCKY WINNERS. All winners will receive the following in their prize loot!

One bottle of Vanilla Stevia Liquid
A 50-packet box of NuStevia White Stevia Powder Packets
A bottle of NuStevia NO CARBS BLEND
A bottle of NEW COCOA SYRUP
****PLUS A FREE BONUS PRODUCT****

The prizes costs $50 all in all.

Watch out for the giveaway here in my blog.

DISCOUNT ALERT!!!

Try these amazing natural stevia sweeteners and purchase them from NuNaturals. If you purchase online, you can grab this code for an additional 15% discount valid until 31 December 2014.

DISCOUNT CODE to USE UPON CHECKOUT:  BLG1214

Online order customers may receive free shipping to to the Continental U.S. for products worth $35 after discount.

Hurry, take advantage of this great offer!

Disclaimer:

I was not monetarily compensated in this review. I have received the products for free for evaluation purposes. All opinions and findings expressed herein are 100% mine and may vary from yours. I only review products/services that I like and feel will be beneficial to my readers.

Review - Advanced Probiotic Supplement

I sometimes have a difficulty to "move" regularly because I don't drink as much water as I should to help flush the contents of my stomach after days of eating unhealthy food. I have been thinking of detoxing or at least, removing unhealthy food in my daily meals. It is a hard feat but my health is my utmost concern.


What is Probiotics? 

Probiotics are organisms that help improve our health. Our bodies are already teeming with organisms but Probiotics (for example, yeast) aid in keeping our digestive tract healthy and improve our immune system.

Advanced Probiotic supplement is a good help to get me started in my conversion to a healthy lifestyle. I have derailed my goal to achieve a healthy lifestyle and fulfill my weight loss through proper eating and exercises because I am not as fit as everyone else. This supplement, for one, is helping me improve my immune system so I don't fall sick too easily when I exert too much effort on workouts. Aside from that, I am glad that it helped me "move" regularly which wasn't the case before.

The Advanced Probiotic Supplement comes in 2-step twist cap which is great so it keeps the moisture at bay and safe even when there are children around; so they don't easily open it. The bottle contains 60 white capsules which can be taken daily (twice) with meal as a dietary supplement.  However, before taking any medication or supplement, please always consult your physician.

The supplements contain probiotic bacteria (such as: Bacillus Subtillus, L. Rhamnosus, L. Casei, B. Longum, L. Acidophilus, L. Plantarum, B. Breve), vegetable cellulose and maltodextrin.

This supplement is Made in USA and is manufactured and packaged in a facility which may also process milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish.  So, please check if you have any allergies on any of those mentioned above.

You can purchase the Advanced Probiotic Supplement from Amazon.

This supplement is a product of Number One Nutrition. To know more about the company and their products, please visit their website.




I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Food Should Taste Good - Brown Rice Crackers

Food Should Taste Good is one of my family's favorite brand of snacks. There's so much variety to choose from their product line and so far, we have tasted all the flavours available in their Pita Puffs, Kettle Cooked and now, the Brown Rice Crackers.

There are 3 new flavours under the Brown Rice Crackers line from Food Should Taste Good namely:

• Peppercorn Blend
• Roasted Red Pepper
• Tomato and Basil

The original Sea Salt is one of the flavours we prefer and my favorite is the Tomato and Basil. The latter has that distinct Basil taste which I love and it's not very overpowering and not salty at all. The same goes with the other new flavours. They are not very peppery and spicy. For me, they just have the right blend of pepper to make them tasty.

The texture of the Brown Rice Crackers is a bit crunchy when first bitten and becomes a bit smooth once you're chewing it. I find it quite interesting.

The good thing about Food Should Taste Good snacks is that they are not salty and definitely a better option for a healthier snack as most are oven baked chips compared to the commercial snacks you buy at the grocery.

There are plenty of ways to have these Brown Rice Crackers. I actually love crushing them and topping them on my salad for added crunch and flavour. I also dip them in low-fat cream or flavoured cheese or eat them with a small cut of low-fat cheddar cheese. Yummy!

These snacks are available nationwide and you can find more details in Food Should Taste Good website. You can also order online.

If you want to get the latest about new releases of flavours and products from Food Should Taste Good, follow them here:

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Disclaimer:

I received these treats from Food Should Taste Good for evaluation purposes. My opinion and feedback are all based from my findings and are all 100% mine. It may vary from yours. I only review products or services that I like and will find beneficial to my readers.

Health Benefits of Eating Celery

Photo credit: chinese-food-recipes.net

This leafy and stalky vegetable with a very pronounced taste is packed with nutrients good for our health. It is rich in vitamin C and contains minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium, and potassium.

Aside from it being rich in vitamin C, it is also includes A, E, D, B6, B12 and K as part of its vitamin entourage. It also has thiamine, riboflavin, fiber, and folic acid.


Its health benefits:

Reduces blood pressure – it contains phthalides which are organic chemical compound that can lower the level of stress hormones

Reduced cholesterol – it helps reduce cholesterol

Helps keep joints healthy – it is great for people who have arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.

It is a diuretic – helps remove uric acid crystals

It is an antiseptic – helps in the eliminations of uric acid because it is stimulates urination which also makes it good for people who have problems in their bladder, kidneys.


And here are more:
Can prevent cancer
Improves immune system
Reduces asthma symptoms
Improves cardiovascular health
Relieves migraine


Incorporate celery in your regular meals now and boost your health.

10 Great Habits to Beat RA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakes and attacks its own tissues as foreign invaders, like viruses and bacteria. RA is systemic—it can affect the entire body> RA can affect the heart, the lungs, the eyes and even the vascular system, but most often it affects the joints and the soft tissues surrounding them.

RA’s symptoms can be devastating. Along with fatigue, low fevers and a general malaise, it can cause inflammation, swelling, pain, and permanent disability in the joints. There is no cure. But today there are many medications that treat not only the symptoms—the inflammation and pain—RA causes, but which also slow the disease down to a crawl and keep it from causing joint and organ destruction

Here are 10 great habits to help you live well with rheumatoid arthritis:

1.     Eat a healthy diet. Choose fresh, colorful vegetables; lean meats, chicken and fish; whole grain breads, pasta, and brown rice; low-fat dairy like cheese and yogurt, unsaturated fats like olive and canola oil, and for a treat, fruit.

2.     Get plenty of sleep. Your body can fight and heal better when you’re well-rested. Get up and go to bed at the same time every day. Use your bedroom for sex and sleep only: ban your TV, computer, tablet and smart phone from the room. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. And if you still suffer from insomnia, talk to your doctor.

3.     Move your body. Gentle, moderate exercise every day, like range-of-motion stretching and brisk walking strengthen the muscles that support your weight-bearing joints—the hips, knees, ankles and feet. Exercise can help decrease RA pain by helping you reach and maintain a healthy body weight, too.

4.     Be a voracious learner. Absorb everything you can learn about RA. One good source of information is your doctor. Another is the Internet—but use care. The best sources of RA information are the CDC, the NIH, and the ArthritisFoundation.

5.     Live mindfully. Instead of worrying about the future or regretting the past, focus on the now, the present moment. Pause, often, to look for the gifts each day brings all of us. Consider learning mindfulness meditation—a very easy, amazingly effective method to de-stress, re-energize, and manage pain.

6.     Remember to play. RA can stress you out. Give yourself a break! Go out and see a movie, or spend time with good friends. Do things that you enjoy: listen to or make music. Read a book. Pursue a hobby. Have fun.

7.     Put your health first. It’s easy to put off taking care of other aspects of your health when you have RA. But when one part of you is off, it may affect another. Be on top of things: get regular medical and dental check-ups.

8.     Stick to your medication game plan. Your RA medications need to be taken on a regular schedule—and with care. A multi-compartment pill box that you can fill with a week’s worth of morning and evening doses can help you keep track.

9.     Keep pain remedies handy. Even with well-controlled RA, pain can be a real problem. Keep ice packs in the freezer, heat-packs near the microwave. Put salves and lotions where you can get them easily.

1.  Focus on others. When you’re in pain, it’s hard to empathize with others. But empathy works, first by distracting you from your own pain, and second, by reminding you that others might need you as much as you need them.

For more information about RA or other medical subjects, click here.

Leslie Vandever is a professional journalist and freelance writer. Under the pen-name “Wren,” she also writes a blog about living well with rheumatoid arthritis called RheumaBlog (www.rheumablog.wordpress.com). In her spare time, Vandever enjoys cooking, reading and working on the Great American Novel.

References:

·      Rheumatoid Arthritis. (2012, Nov. 19) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on January 29, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid.htm

·      Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis. (2013, April) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on January 29, 2014 from http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp

·      Rheumatoid Arthritis. (n.d.) Arthritis Foundation. Retrieved on January 29, 2014 from http://www.arthritistoday.org/about-arthritis/types-of-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/

·      Meditation: An Introduction. (2010, June) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on January 29, 2014 from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm

·      Mediterranean Diet. (2012, Sept. 6) National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on January 29, 2014 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000110.htm

Health Benefits of Pineapple

Photo credit: wiki-fitness.com

To be honest, pineapple is the least fruit I want to eat because it can make my tongue very itchy and there's always no guarantee that what I'll buy from the supermarket is sweet. So, I always pass this up when I buy my fruits in the produce section.

Thinking of its health benefits, I must admit that I do have to consider having pineapple regularly as it packed in nutrients with very little calorie. It is also cholesterol-free and fat-free and is very rich in Vitamin C which helps in lowering your risk in heart disease, cancer, gout, cataracts and stroke.

Since it is packed with vitamins and nutrients, it is good in improving your immune system and strengthen your bones and connective tissues because of its manganese level which is a trace mineral that helps in building and strengthening bones and tissues.

Include pineapples in your snacks or meals daily for a more healthy and nutritious diet.

Foods That Boost Your Eye Health

We tend to overlook one of the important senses we have been given - our eyesight. A lot of the younger generation now are wearing spectacle for poor vision caused by eye-strain due to prolonged looking at TVs, smart phones, gadgets, etc.

For the lucky ones who are still not wearing glasses because of their good eyesight, we can improve our eye health more by eating foods that are good for our eyesight. Here are some food we can include in our daily meals so we can get enough Vitamins A, E and D, lutein (an antioxidant which helps in preventing macular degeneration and cataracts), zeaxanthin (another form of antioxidant),  zinc (a mineral that helps the body produce melanin which protects our eyes from the harmful effects of UV light), omega-3 fatty acids,

carrots

egg

kale

milk

oyster

salmon

sunflower

(photo credit: ivillage.com)

Avoid The Holiday Binge-Eating

photo credit: oxypowder.dk

It's party season and you may be one of those very sociable people who has so many invitations for holiday parties, Christmas parties, New Year's Day parties and even your own family and friends' circle parties. It cannot be avoided but you will be in one or many of those parties mentioned above. And you know what is in a party? Not just merriment and cheers but also loads of delectable food and tasty cocktails for you to eat and drink respectively.

Holiday season is one of the biggest pitfalls of those who are on diet or at least, trying to cut back on their calorie intake. It is quite a feat to stay in a healthy eating habit during this time because of the delicious temptations around. Do not worry! These simple tips will help you avoid the holiday binge-eating phenomenon.

Be conscious of the food you will eat

The holiday season is not your ticket to throw your proper eating habits to the wind.  There is nothing wrong about eating but try not to over-stuff yourself. Fill your plate with healthier selections like steamed vegetables, salads, roasted or grilled entrees and fruits as dessert.


Eat only what you can

While every dish on the table looks sumptuous, it does not mean you have to eat or taste all of them. If you are curious and just would like to have a bite, then get a small amount and not a plate-full.


Pick out the food that you want in very small servings

You have been making a beeline in the desserts section and been battling it out with your will-power to resist it. Hey, do not punish yourself as you will only make your cravings worse. Go ahead, pick a sliver of the pie or a very small serving of that yummy pudding but that is it.


Say not to second servings

So that roasted duck was tasty or that pot roast was divine and you think you didn't even have enough serving. Stop right there. You have already eaten and do not even attempt to get a second serving. Move on to the healthier options of fruits and salad greens if you like to satisfy your craving.


Choose water or tea over cocktails or sugary juices

Drink plenty of water or sip hot tea instead of cocktails or sugary juices. Water does not contain sugar nor any bad calories so don't pile those calories by drinking more bad drinks. Besides, it is nice to come home remembering what happened to that nice party than coming home drunk and waking up with a major hang-over.



The holiday season is a wonderful time to socialize, see old friends and get-together with families but it also means, you have to make healthier choices with your food selections come eating time. Don't beat yourself up by not attending those parties because of your fear of binge-eating. Enjoy the moment but be responsible "eater" and "drinker."

Have fun and enjoy the holidays!

Save Big on Nutrisystem This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for celebration and merriment. Naturally, food is an important part of the celebrations and most people end up putting on a few extra pounds before the year ends. While there is no reason for you not to celebrate, you should still be careful about the weight gain. Following a weight loss program is one way to keep your weight in check while ensuring that you don’t miss out on the fun and excitement of the season. One of the leading weight loss programs you can try is Nutrisystem.

Nutrisystem has been around since forever. People started following the program before weight loss became the ‘in’ thing. Having been in business for over 40 years, Nutrisystem has its fair share of supporters as well as critics. A common criticism of the program has been its price. Most people aren’t able to afford Nutrisystem to lose weight. However, there is a way you can follow Nutrisystem without breaking the bank: promo codes. You can look for discounts online and save big bucks on Nutrisystem.

Among the best websites for finding Nutrisystem deals and discounts are www.WeightLossTriumph.com  and Weight Loss Diet Help. Both websites have a variety of coupons, vouchers and promo codes you can redeem and save money on Nutrisystem products. You can choose any deal you like. This way, you can follow the weight loss program for an affordable price. If you don't find a deal of your liking, you can look up further coupons and vouchers on Deal Catcher.

How to Make a  Nutrisystem-Friendly Turkey Burger

(photo by Meagan)

Christmas is turkey time. If your diet plan forbids you from enjoying the traditional turkey dinner on the day, you can make up for it by having a Turkey Burger. Now, you may wonder that how can you eat something that is not on your diet plan. Well, the fact is that this recipe has been created keeping in mind the dietary requirements of people following the Nutrisystem program.


Ingredients

• 4 extra lean Turkey Burgers
• 4 whole grain Burger Buns
• 1 medium Onion
• ¼ ground Cumin
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 medium julienned Red Bell Pepper
• 1 medium quartered Apple (peeled)
• Lettuce and Tomatoes, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Apple Sauce

Instructions

• Place your grill over high heat. Apply pan spray on the onion, apples and peppers and put them on the grill. Cook until they are slightly charred.
• Put the grilled items in a bowl. Let them cool before mincing.
• Mix black pepper, cumin and apple sauced with the minced ingredients. Toss the ingredients to ensure they are mixed properly.
• Put the burgers on the grill and cook until the meat is tender.
• Place the burgers in the buns. You may heat the buns slightly if you want.
• Add tomato slices or lettuce to the burgers if you like.

This is the recipe for a Turkey Burger that does not conflict with your dietary requirements under Nutrisystem. Enjoy it with ketchup or any fat-free and sugar-free sauces you like. So, no need to feel bad about not eating Turkey during the holiday season. So, make following the Nutrisystem diet plan fun and exciting by saving big and devouring Turkey burgers.

Foods To Eat For a Healthy Kidney And Liver

The kidneys and liver are important organs of the body. They act as filters for vital minerals required by the overall health and body system. These organs also eliminate toxins to ensure that the body are free from harmful radicals.

To help us keep our liver and kidneys healthy, it is important to take have a healthy diet. Here are foods to eat to help the kidneys and liver remain healthy even as we age:

• Fruits high in antioxidants and fibre such as apples, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.

• Eat food rich in omega-fatty acid which have anti-inflammatory properties and a good source of healthy fats like salmon and egg whites.

• Use olive oil instead of other oil when cooking your food. Olive oil is high in omega-3 fatty acid which is good cholesterol.

• Include vegetables such as bell peppers, cabbage, garlic and onions in your staple as they are great renal foods.

The Natural Energy Boosters

I sometime hope I am like that rabbit in the Duracell battery commercial where it keeps going and going and going. Just like any other mortals out there, I also conk out and when it happens, there is not much I can do but rest and take a nap.

There are actually natural foods out there that can help us energize. Some of these foods like apples, sesame seeds, avocado, lean meats from chicken and turkey, fish, tofu, eggs and plenty of water to hydrate yourself.

Studies show that food sources of quercetin (a plant-based phytochemical linked to athletic endurance) can boost your energy levels.

Foods rich in magnesium can turn the food that you eat as natural energy boosters that the body can utilize.

Also, complex carbs can be eaten as they are slowly digested and can prolong your energy level. Complex carbs are foods rich in fiber like beans, brown rice, whole-grain breads, brussels sprouts and other leafy vegetables.

So, the next time you feel weary and need a perk-me-up food, grab some fruits and snack on fresh vegetables for a quick energy boost.

It's Flu Season Again

The season is changing and we are bracing ourselves health wise because it is flu season once again. Just the other day, I was sneezing my lungs out. Today in the office, my colleagues are sneezing and coughing, one is even experiencing the progression of flu. And when I came home, my daughter is sneezing like crazy.

I definitely know what to do when the weather change. Here are tips my family follow to keep the flu at bay and be fit enough to get through the seasonal transition:

1. Drink plenty of water and fruit juices
2. Eat fresh fruits especially those high in Vit. C and vegetables
3. Take daily supplements of multi-vitamins
4. Regular exercise
5. Wear warm clothing
6. Sip green tea
7. Have plenty of sleep
8. Have inoculation for flu/influenza

Keep yourself and family healthy and build your immune system especially this time of the year when the cold season is approaching.

Favorite Cooking Techniques for Healthy Food

Cooking healthy food can sometimes be challenging to others when in fact, it will only require you some minor changes, which you have to deal with in exchange of healthier food. By using items or ingredients instead of the ones that you are used to, with the combination of various techniques, you’ll definitely end up having your tummy full of healthy and nutritious food.

So what are the cooking techniques to consider for you to produce healthy recipes? Are there special ingredients or substance to use or are there proper or alternative ways to cook meals?

One of the healthiest techniques is to add herbs to your food. Herbs are rich in vitamins and minerals with fewer calories. By adding these to your food, you are increasing the flavor of your dish, thus making it more exotic. You don’t have to become a professional chef to do this because just by experimenting, you’ll be able to cook different meals that will surely tickle your palate.

Next thing to consider is to lessen salt intake. Increasing the amount of herbs will not be enough if you won’t be able to lessen your salt consumption.  Remember that herbs have natural flavors, which make salt less necessary. By doing so, you will be able to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and other heart diseases.

Another is to steam the vegetables that you eat. Letting the vegetables boil in the water will drain the nutrients out into the water, making it somehow useless or less nutritious. So instead of boiling, try steaming. Just put a little amount of water in the pan, insert the basket filled with veggies, cover and heat. You can add the spices at the last minute and you will surely enjoy the better taste of steamed vegetables.

Opt for monounsaturated fats. Avoid fats such as fatty acids, trans and saturated fats because these are all unhealthy especially to your heart. Start using peanut oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, sesame seed oil or olive oil in cooking, as this is one of the best cooking techniques that will help you provide healthier meals.

Never forget to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits every time you take a meal. This will definitely add more nutrients in your body, thus making you healthier and it will help strengthen your immune system.

In addition, reducing the amount of red meat in your healthy recipes is also a big factor. It would be hard for some not to eat steak or the like but what you can do is to slowly reduce the size of the meat you eat from time to time. After a while, you won’t be able to notice that there is no meat present in your food.

Furthermore, nuts can substitute your craving for chips. Nuts are rich in protein and you can combine it with fruits and vegetables like apple, celery, cucumber, and tomatoes then add some mayonnaise or salad dressing and you can have an appetizing salad.

Talking about salad, you can also have it on a burrito and just make sure that it’s a whole grain burrito. Finely chop the veggies and chicken, put it on a burrito wrap then put your favorite dressing. This can be perfect if you are also on a diet or trying to lose weight.

Remember that these various techniques will make your cooking hobby a lot more challenging, fun and as well as interesting. Cooking healthy recipes will provide you a lot of benefits such as reduce fat contents, improve digestion and destroy harmful bacteria and toxins, which are usually the main causes of infection. Surely, this will allow you to have a healthy lifestyle that is free from harmful diseases.

Health Nut - Avoid The Bad Snacks

Two of the worst snacks in the world are chips and soda or those fizzy drinks. They are very high in sodium and sugar which are bad for one's health and weight.

If you are craving for sugary food and empty-nutrient chips, instead, snack on crunchy baby carrots, cucumber slices or throw in some celery sticks for good measure.

Drink green tea instead and enjoy it hot or cold. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to your beverage, just add a teaspoon of honey.

No Exercise Lately

I am such a big slacker! Seriously! I was really very good with my healthy eating last year due to my hypertension and lost some weight. I cannot believe I am heavier than I was last year prior to the onset of my hypertension.

I am getting very concerned and I am starting to think that I am just fooling myself. I have not committed to my goal to exercise regularly. I still run once a week but I will not lose weight even if I drink tons of lipozene if I do not get my act together in terms of eating much healthier food and exercising regularly.

I don't want to promise. I just want to do it. Everyone's starting to notice how pudgy I am becoming and I am getting a little conscious now. I cannot fit on my clothes!

It's now or never. My hypertension is in full throttle again and I have to do this for health's sake. Oh dear God, please give me strength to commit on a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Eating this 2011

Okay! I am super guilty for being a slacker. I was already on track and bam! I got derailed. Blame it on low "will-power" and short attention span. Yup! I have been through a rough patch this 2010. So I don't know what 2011 brings but one thing for sure - being healthy is still one of my top priorities.

I cannot stress enough the value of eating healthy food. I am not a big muncher of junk food but neither a saint. Ok, I gorge every once in a while and that is about it. I told myself (not as part of a new year's resolution which I habitually break) that I would make myself more healthy by eating properly and exercising.

So, fresh veggies and fruits are the top of my list when I go to the market. I am done with binge eating during the holidays. It was so difficult to say no to "home-cooked" meals I dearly missed.  Now it's time to be serious because it's hard to get sick and pay for medical bills. Besides, it is frowned upon where I work to be sick. 

I have already made a list of food to buy this weekend and hopefully I stay on track. Here are my food list (for the most part) of 2011.

1. Fresh fruits

2. Fresh vegetables, mostly green because I love eating salad. 

3. More oatmeal during breakfast (without milk and just a teaspoon of sugar)

4. Green tea instead of soda fizz

5. Water, water, water

6. Turkey breast

7. Chicken breast

8. Salmon or other fish high in omega 3 (but not much on the deep sea kind because I cannot stand the taste of salty fish)

9. Brown rice (once in a while)

10. Low fat yogurt (why does Pink Berry always come to mind?!?)

11. Low fat milk (great for bones and teeth especially when you're pushing 40!)

12. More tofu

Have you noticed the absence of red meat on my list? Well, I am not much of a meat eater so I was thinking of skipping the red meat all together. It's not something I am going to miss, really.

So, want to join my food wagon of healthy stuff?  It may look very boring to some who are used to eating savory food. I love eating bland stuff so it is easy for me to adapt to varying food tastes be it bland or not.

Make your list and stick to it. Let's all be healthy this 2011!

Health Nut - Smart Treats

According to studies, these 3 treats can make you smart when you indulge on them regularly. The line up is as follows:

Wine, Chocolate and Tea - These trio are high in flavonoid which has a memory boosting punch, fights free radicals and enhance communication between brain cells.

Great Party Food Ideas

My daughter will turn 13 early next year. I am already preparing her mini party as early as now. It is only mini because we are inviting her close school friends and our friends here in Dubai. I would love to have the party in Manila but my daughter has classes in February. We might as well stick here in Dubai since most of her friends are from her school here anyway.

She loves whimsical themed party so I am thinking of setting up a party to that effect. First of, I am still searching for Party Food Ideas which will be acceptable by both teenagers and the adults. I am looking for light and healthy meals. The party is going to be a small gathering with activities so the food must not be that heavy. I want the guests to enjoy all the fun games after.

I am searching great recipes for the birthday celebration. I am thinking of finger food like crudites or cocktail-sized frankfurters for appetizers. For the light main course, my family loves grilled chicken and sausages as part of the selection. Another food that comes to mind for the main course is California Vegetable Wraps. This can be sliced so it can be a great finger food selection too. The desserts will have customized cupcakes which my friend will make as a gift. Bless her! Apart from the cupcakes, there will be various kinds of bread served. I saw this recipe from iVillage.com and thought it appropriate for the purpose. It is called Italian Panzanella Bread Salad. It will be good for the young and young at hearts. Last selection for the dessert is the candy buffet which I will make myself. I am sure that this will be a big hit for all the kids and probably even the adults too.

There are so many recipes to find from iVillage.com which I am considering for the party. My only concern at the moment is finding all the time and extra help I can get to be able to whip up great meals which are healthy too. I know it is still early but I can test the other recipes there and see how long it will take me to prepare them.

I am already excited and it is still months away. Thank goodness for resources we can find in the Internet because they are really helpful in terms of planning and suggesting food ideas for parties.