February 2008 - Posts

• Nutrition Bars- Only Second to a Wholesome Meal!

  All of us want to live a healthy lifestyle! We think and we plan, but it is only some who work towards an active, healthy and long life that incorporates regular physical exercise, and balanced nutrition. Circumstances, such as medical conditions or busy schedules may not permit regular exercise. Similar reasons, accompanied with lots of traveling, continuous involvement with work, family, and more, may not allow you to eat as healthy as you'd like to. Hence, you end up not exercising, and eating unhealthy! With no further preaching, let me present a solution: Nutrition bars! Why? Because, bars are dietary supplements, most being low in saturated and hydrogenated fat, containing as much as five grams of fiber and a handful of vitamins and minerals, just like a bowl of breakfast cereal. Contents of a nutrition bar may vary from high-fructose corn syrup and grape and pear juice concentrate, with added fiber, vitamins and minerals to adding real food—like oats, nuts, and fruit. Bigger in size than snack bars or candy bars, nutrition supplement bars have a high protein content. From athletes competing in sports events to the average slogging worker and the stay-at-home mom, Nutrition bars are for everyone! There is no dearth of variety either. From nutrition bars targeted especially at women to high-protein bars that help build muscles; nutrition bars that stake a claim on soy to going the natural route, and bars rich in herbs and vitamins, the options are endless! You can take your pick from "high protein bars," "low carb/diet bars," "energy bars," and "meal-replacement bars." However, you have to be careful while purchasing snack bars as not all of them contain what is stated on their labels.  Don't fall for claims that say "Natural." "Nutritious." "Wholesome ingredients." "Packed with protein." Check how substantial are their health claims  and go with nutrition bars that have been proven to be a good, occasional source of nutrition. One bar may differ from the rest, and it is the consumers' responsibility to identify which is best for them. Find the bars that fit your needs by ●         Reading labels to check for herbal supplements or carbohydrate blockers, and sources of caffeine or other stimulants. ●         Selecting bars that are low in saturated fat and do not contain palm oil or other hydrogenated fats. ●         Looking for bars that are fortified with vitamins and minerals Please note that nutrition bars are not a replacement for wholesome food. They make for an occasional alternative when you are too busy to stop for lunch, are traveling or even out shopping. In such scenarios, instead of reaching out for a candy bar or a box of cookies, it’s better to have an energy bar. Choose from a scrumptious range of nutrition bars that are not only tasty and fulfilling, but supply the human body with all the necessary nutrients. Drink a lot of water along with your energy bar, and eat the bars in moderation, as they are a supplement to a well-balanced meal plan, not their own food group. All said, there would be nothing better than reworking your eating plan, and sitting down to actual meals, as often as you can. Posted Feb 27 2008, 09:14 AM by Shikha with no comments Filed under: power bars, energy bars, nutrition supplement bars, nutrition bars

• Flax Seeds: Good Things Come in Small Packages!

  Call it the wonder seed, Lin seed or Flax seed, the tiny brown or golden grains that look like an apple pip, are surprisingly a powerhouse of nutrition! The oil that is extracted from these glossy seeds is known as linseed oil. It is nature’s richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for the over all well-being of the human body. However, eating the whole seed provides superior benefits than the extracted oil. Flax seeds are no miracle food, and have been known to Man since the Roman Empire. It was then used extensively for its healing properties. Flax seeds are rich in protein and soluble fibre. The combination of oil and fibre makes linseed a perfect laxative. Other than that, the seed contains vitamins B1, B2, C, E, and carotene, Iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium. Flax seeds also contain a phytonutrient called Lignin, which in turn has anti-cancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.   Flax seeds have several other benefits. They lower the risk of a heat attack, LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, blood triglyceride and blood pressure. They help ease skin conditions such as dryness, eczema and sun-sensitiveness. Flax seeds help lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels. Flax seed oil increases the body's metabolic rate, helping to burn the excess, unhealthy fats in the body. It is used in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, and to improve the mental functions of aged people. Flax has been scientifically proven beneficial in the treatment of depression cases and Schizophrenics. In women, Flax seeds are known to relieve Premenstrual Syndrome A research conducted to reveal the benefits of Lin seed discovered that children supplemented with less than half a tea spoon of flax oil on a daily basis, have much fewer instances of respiratory infections. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to supplement their diets with a daily tablespoon of flax oil. Incorporate Flax seeds in your diet. Grind and sprinkle on your salads, juice and cereal, and make them a part of your sandwich or muffins. Do not buy split linseeds, as their exposure to the sun, rips them of their nutrition. Also, avoid large intakes of the seeds, as they can contribute to the back up in your colon; and it contains Prussic acid, which is toxic when present in large amounts. With numerous benefits, preventative and restorative abilities, big nutrient payload, low cost, and easy availability, there is no reason for you to not give Flax seeds a try! The Flax seed epitomizes the blessings of nature, where “all good things come in small packages”. What else than this tiny but mighty seed could prove the old saying true? Enjoy Flax seed and profit from the positive impact on your overall health. Posted Feb 25 2008, 12:01 PM by Shikha with no comments Filed under: Linseed oil, Flax seeds

• Family Meal Time: All About Making it Healthy, Nutritious and Fun!

  Family meal time is not just about sitting and eating together, it is a positive experience for families. However, if planning an elaborate family meal stresses you out, simply serve your family favorites. While every family member enjoys their favorite food, conversations and sharing easily follow. A family meal could be a Sunday brunch or any other meal that the entire family plans and enjoys together. It could be sitting down to chit-chat over take out Chinese food, or together preparing a multiple course home-cooked meal, with all the trimmings. Keep the time such that it is convenient for all the family members to gather at meal time.   Good nutrition and a balanced diet are important of course, and regular family meals are perhaps the best strategy to improve nutrition and encourage smart eating habits. This can be done by serving a variety of healthy foods, and more importantly, eating healthy yourself to set an example for the kids, who generally tend to emulate their parents at an early age   Stock up on healthy foods and work fruits and vegetables into the family meal. Serve lean meats and other good sources of protein, such as fish, eggs, beans, and nuts. For more fiber, choose whole-grain breads and cereals. Avoid serving deep-fired foods; instead broil, grill, roast, or steam food. Limit fast foods to “once-in-a-while” foods at your family meal. Serve water or low-fat milk instead of soda and fruit-flavored drinks. So, while you're incorporating all these healthy foods into your family meal, you're also preparing for a chance for catching up with your kids. Get kids involved in decided the menu for your family meal. Teach them about chalking out a balanced meal by making healthy choices. Allow them to help shop for ingredients, and perform age-appropriate tasks in the kitchen, so they feel involved in the process from start to finish. And, don't forget to praise them for all their help! There is no better way than a family meal to introduce your children to new foods, to reconnect with teens, and render the much needed advice and counsel. Teens are most likely to sneer at the idea of a family meal, but consider allowing them to have a friend over for dinner, encourage them to participate in the family meal planning and execution, and strictly avoid scolding or arguing, thereby creating an agreeable family atmosphere. Once the family meal is planned and prepared, it's time to enjoy being together as a family. Share your day's experiences, encouraging every member to participate in the conversation flow, all the time keeping the interactions positive. With all this, your family is sure to appreciate the opportunity of a family meal! Posted Feb 25 2008, 11:46 AM by Shikha with no comments Filed under: Family meal