| Did you
know that Calcium is a natural sedative? If you have trouble
sleeping, drink a glass of milk or fortified soy milk
and take calcium supplements before bed.
Did you know that whole grains such as
pasta, rice, bread and cereal, as well as, milk, dairy
and fortified soy foods are high in minerals and can
have a calming effect. Remember to include these foods
as part of your evening meal or snack.
If you feel a headache starting, drink
a glass or two of water or/and eat some fruit. Headaches
can be a sign that your body is dehydrated.
Don't leave good quality fats out of your
daily nutrition program. Eat cold pressed Extra Virgin
Olive Oil and Flax Oil daily to give the body Omega
3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids which, help build
strong immunity and have been known to play a role in
the prevention of heart disease, and cancer. Remember
to include some nuts and seeds, or nut butter in your
nutrition program, if no allergies exist, as they offer
important monounsaturated, good fats, that are also
essential for good health.
Did you know that if a food is labelled
'essential', this means you have to eat it daily because
the body does not manufacture it. For example, Vitamin
C, which is found in all fruits and vegetables is essential
to your daily nutritional intake. The body does not
manufacture it so eat your fruits and vegetables daily
for good health.
Keep your body well hydrated! Drink at
least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids such as pure water,
fruit and fruit teas, and vegetable juices. The body
is made up of mostly water, so keeping it well hydrated
is essential to good health.
Caffeine is a known diuretic so remember
to drink an extra glass of water or juice for every
additional cup or can of caffeinated beverage you drink.
For energy, try some good quality un-pasteurized
honey or some maple syrup. These are natural and often
forgotten sweeteners.
For added nutrition, eat brown rice or
quinoa with your vegetables and protein at a meal. These
are whole grains that offer calcium, protein, iron and
many more minerals, and fiber. These are also good to
add to your meals especially if you are actively training
for a specific sports event.
Did you know that sweet potatoes are a
good alternative to regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes
are often forgotten and yet they have a sweet flavor,
bright orange color and contain minerals and fiber.
Remember to vary your foods because what you may not
get from one food, you just may get from another.
When preparing your meals, bake, steam,
stew or lightly saute your food. Avoid deep-frying your
food as your digestion has to work harder to digest
the food and the added, unwanted fats are retained.
Better to give your body the good quality, pure fats
it requires.
When looking for easy ways to prepare
meals, don't forget one-pot meals such as stews. Lightly
saute onions, celery and garlic in a large pot, then
add some protein, choosing from tofu, fish, chicken,
or beef. Finally add some chopped vegetables such as
broccoli, green beans and carrots, or any other three
you choose. Cook on medium to low heat for a few minutes
until the protein is cooked through. Serve with some
pasta or rice. And there you have a complete meal, in
only a few minutes. ENJOY!
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