Tomatoes, a great tasting super food

Have you been enjoying the great harvest of tomatoes? Boy, they sure taste good this time of year, don’t they? And locally grown tomatoes that haven’t been commercially grown and shipped across the country are chock full of nutrients that will keep your heart and immune system strong, and your skin looking younger.

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants to keep you healthy and looking younger. Antioxidants are a group of nutrients that protect your cells from damage.

They improve your immune system.

They keep your skin looking younger. 

They may slow degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Tomatoes help your body produce carnitine, an amino acid that helps you burn fat.

Tomatoes are high in Lycopenes, which are toxic to cancer cells, and helps stop cholesterol from being deposited on artery walls - but tomatoes must be cooked or processed to release the lycopene. Tomato sauce, ketchup, and tomato juice, are great examples of lycopene rich foods.

For some great tomato ideas – just click on recipes in the menu to your right >>>

Plan to stop by the farmstand!

Quiz – What one food does not have to be cooked to release Lycopene?

You can find the answer in the Super Foods Section, or in your copy of High Energy Eating.

Happy Eating!

Carole

Still eating packaged foods? Find out what you’ve been missing.

Berry Good For You

I asked my daughter what kind of fruit she might like this week. She said cantaloupe. UGH, no more cantaloupe for a while!

She said, OK, watermelon, kiwi, strawberries and bananas. I had to ask, right?

Since I’ve already written about watermelon, I looked up kiwi. It didn’t make my superfood list. That doesn’t mean that it’s not nutritious, it just wasn’t in the super category.

So, let’s go on to strawberries. They’re pretty amazing.

Strawberries increase memory and protect your brain from age related decline.

Helps body get rid of excess fluids.

And talk about anti-oxidant - They also protect normal cells from cancer, and help kill cancer cells. One study showed that strawberries or black raspberries dramatically reduced the growth of precancerous esophageal cells and tumors.

Eat one cup of fresh or frozen berries per week. You can handle that, can’t you? Yum! Go ahead, put whipped cream on them! Seriously. It’s OK. Go back to this post and see why.

Have a berry good weekend!

I know – groan…

This is the kind of information you can find inside High Energy Eating by the way…

Eat Your Watermelon

I have to admit, the grocery sale papers weren’t very inspiring this week. But there’s one really yummy thing that is totally abundant this time of year, and cheap.

Watermelon. Cool, sweet, juicy…

Now I don’t want to spoil the fun or anything, but did you realize how healthy watermelon is? Yep, watermelon is a super-food.

Ø       High in Vitamin C (1 cup gives you 25% of your daily vitamin C), Vitamin A, potassium and carotenoids

Ø       Watermelon is low in calories.

Ø       It has high water content, but it’s a diuretic- helps your body remove excess fluids.

Ø       Helps relieve constipation.

Ø       Has 60% more lycopene than tomatoes, helping you keep a healthy heart – and you don’t have to cook it to release the lycopene like you do tomatoes. Lycopene is also toxic to cancer cells.

Ø       Watermelon helps you keep cool and avoid heatstroke in hot summer weather.

Ø       Melons also contain silicon - which stimulates collagen production for healthy bones and great looking skin.

Ø       And it just plain tastes good!

Eat up!

Carole

P.S. If you always wanted to be that thin and healthy person who has tons of energy and is always having more fun than you >>>

In Heaven With Garlic

This has been a week from ‘you know where’.

Car problems. 7 inches of snow on the ground with another 4 on the way - starting now. A job from… well - the same place, getting home to walk the dog through all that snow, shoveling all that snow (I live on a hill - snow blower isn’t viable) a cat that’s been leaving deposits all over the house today, pet sitting for the neighbors, when it’s not snowing - it’s frigid - 4 degrees when I left for work this morning, and did I mention the car problems? Afraid to go too far, even if it was nice out.

So tonight after work, I had to go to the bank, then to the pet store to get stuff to clean up the little problems, run home, feed all the animals in the 2 houses and let the dog out. Then off to the auto parts store to get the part needed to fix the car this weekend, then to the grocery store for some important items that you don’t want to be left without during a snow storm. Then make phone calls to coordinate the weekend - Lord willing and the snow doesn’t rise. Then walk the dog and shovel snow.

Eat?

I almost gave in and pulled in to Micky D’s. Almost.

But everyone around me is getting sick and dropping like flies, and I’m already stretched well beyond my limits - so I talk myself into eating better.

While at the grocery store - I see 1/2 a roasted chicken. Perfect. I have salad fixings, and a sweet potato at home. Cool.

When I bit into the chicken, there was enough garlic to kill all vampires in a 10 mile radius! After the inital shock, it was really good.

Did you ever notice how great you feel after eating garlic? Pizza, lasagna, garlic bread? Yum!

Out of curiosity, I went to my food guide in High Energy Eating and looked up garlic. Here’s what it says -

Garlic
Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. Also thought to actually destroy cancer cells, kill viruses and bacteria, and of course, keep vampires away. It binds toxic minerals such as lead, and carries them out of the body. Has been used for centuries to heal many ailments. Ancient Egyptians used garlic to help them sleep. They also used a mixture of garlic and olive oil to cure earaches. Russians used it as an antiseptic during World War II, using the juice directly on wounds. Also good for sinus and respiratory problems, fights off colds. Onions, leeks, chives and scallions are also in the same family. Unfortunately, cooking destroys some of its power.

So, if the Ancient Egyptians used it to help them sleep, it must have some soothing qualities. I know I felt a lot better after eating, and it will fortify my body against all those sicknesses!

For a little extra insurance, I’m going to take my vitamins, drink some green tea, and get a good night’s sleep so I can get up and shovel more snow before heading off to work!

There’s a lot of great tasting healthy food you can make in minutes. You’ll feel so much better, and you’ll be much happier because what you ate tastes so much better than those ‘other’ fast choices.

I’m always much happier when I’ve eaten well. Follow my lead and talk yourself out of the bad choices, and you’ll be a lot happier too. I promise.

Looks like it’s going to be a long hard winter. Take care of yourself!

Carole

a.k.a. – ‘Mother’

P.S. The food guides in High Energy Eating are a lot of fun. You can discover all kinds of things about the foods you eat.

Eat! It’s the Healthiest Meal of the Year!

Everyone is always all stressed out over eating Thanksgiving dinner. All that food, all those calories, so much fat, yada, yada, yada.

Baloney! This is one great opportunity to stuff your family with tons of good for you foods, and they won’t suspect a thing.

That’s right. I’m here to tell you that Thanksgiving dinner is one of the healthiest meals of the year. Now doesn’t that ease your guilty conscience a bit?

Don’t believe me? OK, lets take a look at the most traditional Thanksgiving dinner foods –

Almonds
Used since the middle ages to relieve heartburn. A one-and-a-half ounce handful of almonds, is a great source of antioxidants, vitamin E and magnesium and contains protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. Almonds and other nuts contain phytochemicals –that have been shown to protect against heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. The following nuts are included in the new claims: almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts and peanuts. Almonds contain ALA, and can reduce cholesterol as well as prescription drugs and reduce triglycerides. Almonds contain more calcium than any other nut. Nuts also contain L-Arginine, which helps reduce blood clotting that causes clogged arteries, helps your body repair tissue, and supports your immune system.

Vitamin E and C have been shown to reduce your number of colds. I haven’t had a real cold in years.

Broccoli
High in fiber, vitamin c, vitamin A, carotenoids, calcium, and folic acid. The isothiocynanates stimulate the liver to break down pesticides and other carcinogens. (colon cancer) Cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane which is said to not only prevent changes that can lead to cancer in breast cells, but also has been found to stop the growth of malignant breast cells by stopping the cancer cell’s ability to divide. A famous John Hopkins study in 1992 found that broccoli helped prevent the growth of tumors, and reduced the size of the tumors that did grow by up to 75%.

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) help to remove excess estrogens from your body. See the Warning under Soy to learn why this is important.

Broccoli also contains alpha-lipoic acid, or A.L.A., which strengthens cell metabolism of liver and heart cells making them better able to withstand our abuse.

Broccoli is high in magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is linked to eyesight problems, bone loss, heart disease, colon cancer, and even MS. Also contains indole-3-carbinol, which makes it harder for estrogen to bind to breast tissue, which reduces monthly type breast pain. BUT – broccoli must be exposed to heat to release it’s full chemical power house, which is a disappointment to us – we like it raw. Place in the microwave with just the water left on it from washing for just a couple of minutes.
There’s nothing worse than mushy broccoli.

Carrots
Carotenoids for reducing risk of heart disease and skin cancer. New studies show not as effective as previously thought in preserving eyesight. Has been used in many cultures to reduce menstrual pain. Carrot juice helps to relieve diarrhea.

Chocolate
Natural mood enhancer, now also thought to help reduce risk of heart disease and high blood pressure (maybe something to do with being in a good mood?). Dark chocolate contains a high amount of Flavonoids - antioxidants that fight heart disease, reduce plaque build up in arteries, reduce blood pressure, and increase good cholesterol. Dark chocolate also contains trace amount of A, B1, C, D, and E, iron and magnesium. Chocolate also contain L-Arginine which helps reduce blood clotting that causes clogged arteries, helps your body repair tissue, and supports your immune system. Choose higher quality for lower fat and sugar content. 1 ounce of dark chocolate has 10 times more antioxidants than a strawberry.

But strawberries dipped in dark chocolate would cover all the bases, wouldn’t it? J

Coffee
Good news! Coffee seems to prevent type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. It reduces your risk of colon cancer by keeping you regular. Research says it reduces the risk of kidney stones, though my sister who is a heavy coffee drinker still had kidney stones. Coffee contains theophylline with acts as a bronchodilator-, which helps asthma symptoms. It may also help prevent cirrhosis of the liver, skin cancer and gallstones.

Coffee contains a multitude of nutrients – riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, zinc, niacin, folate, sodium, thiamin, protein, calcium, and vitamin k. Coffee is full of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and for many people, coffee is their main source of anti-oxidants.

Coffee can cause anxiety, headaches, heartburn, high blood pressure, yellow teeth, and possibly heart attacks, so be aware of your sensitivity to caffeine. If caffeine sends you bouncing off the walls, increasing your coffee intake would not be a good idea for you.

Corn –Ok, for years I considered corn a non-food, but now it appears that canned corn, or steamed fresh corn contain a phytochemical called ferulic acid, which may help prevent cancer. The antioxidants are released once the corn is exposed to heat. The study did not mention frozen corn. Canned corn was shown to contain 44% more antioxidants than raw corn. OK, canned corn it is.

A former school nurse just informed me that corn and beans form a complete protein – for the vegetarians.

Cranberries
A super powerhouse! Reduces cholesterol, and flushes bacteria that causes urinary tract infections. May also help reduce dental plaque and the bacteria that cause stomach and intestinal ulcers. Contains flavonoids called oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs. These help stop the oxidation of bad cholesterol. They may also help prevent plaque build up in the arteries, which helps ward off heart disease, stroke, and varicose veins. Cranberries have the highest antioxidants of any fruit.

Lemon
Aromatic qualities calm you. Thirst quenching. High in Vitamin C. In the south, they used a slightly salted lemonade to quench thirst and replace salt lost through perspiration. I found pages and pages on the lemon- keeps your liver functioning properly, helps asthma, colds, flu, rheumatism, constipation, diarrhea, dissolves uric acid, removes bacteria, cleanses the system of impurities, contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, reduces hemorrhage, (including heavy menstrual flow), reduces heart palpitations, soothes heartburn, soothes sore throats when mixed with honey, reduces fever … and that’s just the high points. Also contains a compound called flavones, which reduce your risk of breast cancer. I will be squeezing fresh lemon into all our water pitchers a lot more often. My daughter loves it. Must be fresh lemon. Bottled juice does not contain the same qualities.

Olive Oil
Can reduce cholesterol. Contains oleic acid - which reduces cellular inflammation. Saturated fats on the other hand, such as butter – increase cellular inflammation, which cause a whole slew of ugly chain reactions. The one you’ll notice the most is that they drain your energy. Heating olive oil takes away it’s nutritional benefits, but it’s still healthier than using saturated fats to cook with.

In Italy, they dip their Italian bread (French and Italian bread is lower in fat than white bread to begin with) in olive oil mixed with herbs, and maybe some Parmesan cheese. Yummy!

Why not put out a variety of olives?

Pickles –
The vinegar in pickles can reduce your blood sugar spikes after meals. It can also help you lose weight by preventing your body from digesting some carbohydrates.

Potatoes
High in potassium and antioxidants. You know, it’s what you put on it that makes it unhealthy.

Pumpkin
Besides the obvious carotene, pumpkin also contains Lutein, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, and age related macular degeneration.

Sage
Improves memory, behavior, and attention. When combined with Lemon Balm it improves memory and mood. Sage is helpful in managing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sweet Potato
It’s orange, so you know it’s full of beta-carotene – which you know is converted into vitamin A, which is good for eyes and skin. Also high in vitamin C, carotenoids, potassium, and fiber.

Turkey
Very high in protein! High in selenium which helps repair DNA damage to your cells, regulates your thyroid, and strengthens your immune system. High in niacin and B6 to help your heart, and helps all of the functions that regulate sugar in your system. And it’s low in fat.

Walnuts
A healthy fat source. Also contains alpha-lipoic acid, or A.L.A., which strengthens cell metabolism of liver and heart cells making them better able to withstand our abuse, and helps to reduce triglycerides. Nuts also contain L-Arginine, which helps reduce blood clotting that causes clogged arteries, helps your body repair tissue, and supports your immune system. But only a handful – nuts are high in calories.

Wine
Some varieties contain a cholesterol fighting chemical called saponins. Zinfandel has been found to have the highest saponins. All wines, when limited to about 5 glasses a week, helps raise good cholesterol. Good cholesterol helps your body get rid of the bad cholesterol.

In Germany they alternate sips of wine and cold water. The water helps flush the system, and cold water burns more calories as the body warms it. The combination is also said to boost metabolism. German wines naturally contain less sugar because of the way grapes grow in that cooler region.

Red Wine also contains resveratol – a compound that blocks a key protein that cancer cells need to survive – actually starving them to death.

And it does the same thing for colds and flu viruses. I can personally attest to this. If you’re feeling like you’re coming down with something, have a glass of wine and get 8 hours sleep.

Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can raise blood pressure by as much as 40%.

Whew! And that’s not to mention onions, parsley, nutmeg, tea, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, green beans, cinnamon, or many other foods that you might traditionally serve.

You didn’t know healthy eating was so great, did you?

Grab your copy of High Energy Eating to find out more about great healthy eating! It’s not as dull and boring as your thought, is it?