Apples September 2, 2010
Do you know your apples? Did you know some cook better than other? I got this quick guide from the Ocean Beach People’s Newsletter. Don’t forget to buy organic 
Flight the Flu with Food October 6, 2009
Fruit Fights the Flu
If you’re not eating the recommended 5 fruits and vegetables a day, here’s a new reason to head to the produce aisle
By: Amy Palanjian
Fruit fights the germs we’re exposed to in the winter. “The vitamin load keeps your immune level high, allowing you to fend off colds and flu,” says Amy Howell, Ph.D., a research scientist at Rutgers University. Fruits also reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Try the five below to give your immune system a boost.
Apples
The most popular source of antioxidants in our diet, one apple has an antioxidant effect equivalent to 1,500 mg of vitamin C. Apples are loaded with protective flavonoids, which may prevent heart disease and cancer.
Papayas
With 250 percent of the RDA of vitamin C, a papaya can help kick a cold right out of your system. The beta-carotene and vitamins C and E in papayas reduce inflammation throughout the body, lessening the effects of asthma.
Cranberries
Cranberries have more antioxidants than other common fruits and veggies. One serving has five times the amount in broccoli. Cranberries are a natural probiotic, enhancing good bacteria levels in the gut and protecting it from foodborne illnesses.
Grapefruit
Loaded with vitamin C, grapefruit also contains natural compounds called limonoids, which can lower cholesterol. The red varieties are a potent source of the cancer-fighting substance lycopene.
Bananas
One of the top food sources of vitamin B6, bananas help reduce fatigue, depression, stress, and insomnia. Bananas are high in magnesium, which keeps bones strong, and potassium, which helps prevent heart disease and high blood pressure.
I got this from the Men’s Health Magazine, however, we can all benefit from this info! Remember it is better to eat a whole orange than to have a glass of OJ!
Have a healthy day!
Water does a Body Good February 9, 2009
Did you know that water is more important than food? We can go weeks without food (although it is not recommended), but not more than 48 hours without water! You are probably wondering why… well water isn’t something out body can store. Instead it is something we constantly need otherwise we will not be able to function. It has been figured out that an average adult loses approximately 2.5 quarts (10 cups) a day! It is probably why you hear people say you need to drink 8-10 cups a day. We need to replace what we have lost.
Personally, I don’t think 8-10 cups is enough. 8-10 cups only replaces what we have lost, whether it is through perspiration, respiration or urination.
Below are some key reasons to up your water intake:
- Water carries nutrients to our cells
- Water aids digestion
- Water flushes out our body of wastes and keeps our kidneys healthy
- Lubricates and cushions our joints
- Water reduces inflammation
- Water regulates body temperature
- Studies have also shown that drinking water can reduce our risk of colon cancer
- Water fights fat (helps the body metabolize fat)
- Drinking water is also key to reducing water retention (you retain water when you don’t get enough water)
Now that we know the low down on water you probably want to know how much water you should drink a day. Well, if you don’t really drink water to begin with I suggest you start with the 8-10 cups a day. (Yes you may be running to the restroom more frequently, but your body will appreciate it). 
Once you are a pro at 8-10 cups a day I sugguest that you should take your weight and divide it in half and that is the minimum amount of ounces you want to drink a day.
What if you don’t really like water? Try adding lemon to your water for a lil flavor. You could also get a lil fancy and add cucumbers for a refreshing taste or even apples! Don’t be afraid to experiment! Find something that will work for you.
It also helps to have a water bottle at your desk or at home that will remind you to drink water. Next time you go out to eat have a glass of water instead of soda. For every cup of caffeine you have you should drink an extra cup of water.
Cheers!
Fiber January 8, 2009
Do you know how much fiber you consume a day? Did you know that your daily fiber intake should be between 20-30g a day? Most Americans today don’t even consume half of that.
If your fiber intake is low I urge you to add more fiber to your diet. Fiber does a body good for many reasons. Fiber is known to fight diseases and help prevent many others such as heart disease, colon cancer, breast cancer, hemorrhoids, constipation and other intestinal problems. Fiber also helps control diabetes and reduces risk of diverticulosis. Fiber also prevents us from over eating because it adds bulk to our diet, therefore, it helps us feel full longer.
So what foods have fiber in them? Here are just a few below.
- beans
- peas
- apples
- blackberries
- avocados
- oat bran
- oatmeal
- corn
- broccoli (cooked)
- lentils
- pears
- lima beans
One thing to think about is that when we had fiber to our diets we also need to make sure we drink more water. Fiber binds with water and causes the body to eliminate more water. If we increase our fiber intake we also need to increase our water intake to prevent dehydration.
Lastly, there are supplements out there, but it is way better and to get your fiber from food. Supplements cause us to miss out on important nutrients we get from food.
