Wednesday, December 20, 2017
heello everybody we'll share information about 4 healthy breakfast foods to help you lose weight. Mix up your morning meal and try one or a few of these 4 healthy breakfast foods that help you lose weight.
Healthy Breakfast Recipes to Help You Lose Weight
Eating a morning meal is a healthy habit if you're watching your weight. Research shows that regular breakfast eaters tend to be leaner and dieters are more successful at losing weight—and keeping it off—when they eat breakfast. What's more, people who do typically get more of some important nutrients, like fiber and vitamins.
1. Raspberries
A cup of raspberries delivers a whopping 8 grams of fiber (that's more than double what's in a cup of strawberries and about the same amount in a cup of some types of beans). What's so great about all that fiber? Recent research in the Journal of Nutrition suggests eating more fiber as a way to prevent weight gain or even encourage weight loss. Over the course of the two-year study, the researchers found that boosting fiber by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories resulted in about 4 ½ pounds of weight lost.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal can help you lose weight in two ways. First, it's packed with fiber and it keeps you feeling fuller longer. Second, a recent study in the reported that eating a breakfast made with "slow-release" carbohydrates—such as oatmeal or bran cereal—3 hours before you exercise may help you burn more fat. How? Eating "slow-release" carbohydrates doesn't spike blood sugar as high as eating refined carbohydrates (think: white toast). In turn, insulin levels don't spike as high. Because insulin plays a role in signaling your body to store fat, having lower blood sugar levels may help you burn fat.
3. Yogurt
A recent report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and out of Harvard revealed which foods are correlated with weight change, including the top 5 foods that promote weight loss. Yogurt was one of them! Another reason to eat yogurt: the protein in it may give you an extra edge if you're looking to get leaner. When researchers fed two groups of mice a high-fat diet for 11 weeks, the mice that got water spiked with whey protein (a type of protein found naturally in yogurt and other dairy) packed on 42 percent less weight and nearly a third less body fat than the mice who just drank plain water, despite the fact that they ate roughly the same number of calories. The whey eaters also gained 7 percent more lean body mass (e.g., muscle mass). Save calories—and unnecessary sugar—by choosing plain yogurt. If you need a little extra sweetness, try fresh fruit (maybe raspberries?).
4. Eggs
Eggs deliver protein, which is great for dieters. Compared to carbohydrates and fat, protein keeps you satisfied longer. Plus, in one study, dieters who ate eggs for breakfast felt fuller longer and lost more than twice as much weight as those who got the same amount of calories from a bagel for breakfast. how about our article? Please leave comment or suggestion!!!!
4 healthy breakfast foods to help you lose weight.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
The military diet is currently one of the world's most popular "diets." It is claimed to help you lose weight quickly, up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in a single week.
The military diet is also free. There is no book, expensive food or supplement you need to buy.
But does this diet actually work, and is it something you should try? This article explains everything you need to know about the military diet.
What Is the Military Diet?
The military diet, also called the 3-day diet, is a weight loss diet that can help you lose up to 10 pounds in a week.
The military diet plan involves a 3-day meal plan followed by 4 days off, and the weekly cycle is repeated again and again until you reach your goal weight.
Proponents of the diet claim that it was designed by nutritionists in the US military in order to get soldiers into top shape quickly.
However, the truth is that the diet isn't affiliated with any military or governmental institution.
The military diet goes by several other names as well, including the navy diet, the army diet and even the ice cream diet.
How Does the Military Diet Work?
The 3-day military diet is actually split into 2 phases over a 7-day period.
For the first 3 days, you must follow a set low-calorie meal plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are no snacks between meals.
Total calorie intake during this phase is roughly 1,100–1,400 calories per day.
This is much lower than the average adult's intake, but you can check your own calorie requirements using this calculator.
For the remaining 4 days of the week, you are encouraged to eat healthy and continue to keep your calorie intake low.
Proponents of the diet claim that you can repeat the diet several times until you reach your goal weight.
The Meal Plan
This is the 3-day meal plan on the military diet.
Day 1
This is the meal plan for day 1. It amounts to around 1,400 calories.
Breakfast:
A slice of toast with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
Half a grapefruit.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Lunch:
A slice of toast.
Half a cup of tuna.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Dinner:
A 3-oz (85 grams) serving of meat with a cup of green beans.
A small apple.
Half a banana.
One cup vanilla ice cream.
Day 2
These are the meals for day 2, amounting to around 1,200 calories.
Breakfast:
A slice of toast.
One hard-boiled egg.
Half a banana.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Lunch:
One hard-boiled egg.
A cup of cottage cheese.
5 saltine crackers.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Dinner:
Two hot dogs, with no bun.
Half a cup of carrots and half a cup of broccoli.
Half a banana.
Half a cup of vanilla ice cream.
Day 3
Here is the plan for day 3, which amounts to around 1,100 calories.
Breakfast:
A 1-ounce slice of cheddar cheese.
5 saltine crackers.
A small apple.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Lunch:
A slice of toast.
One egg, cooked however you like.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Dinner:
A cup of tuna.
Half a banana.
1 cup of vanilla ice cream.
Feel free to drink as much coffee or tea as you want, as long as you don't add any calories from sugar or cream. Drink plenty of water too.
The Remaining 4 Days
The remainder of the week also involves dieting.
Snacks are permitted and there are no food group restrictions. However, you are encouraged to limit portion sizes and keep total calorie intake under 1,500 per day.
You can find a list of websites and apps to track your calorie intake in this article.
There are no other rules for the remaining 4 days of the diet.
Substitutions are allowed during the 3-day phase for those with dietary restrictions, but portions should contain the same number of calories.
For example, if you have a peanut allergy, you can swap peanut butter for almond butter.
You can also swap 1 cup of tuna for some almonds if you are vegetarian.
All that matters is that the calories remain the same. If you change the meal plan in any way, you need to be counting calories.
Proponents of the military diet encourage drinking hot lemon water, but recommend against artificially sweetened beverages. However, there is no scientific reason why this would be a good idea.
Is the Military Diet Based on Evidence?
There have been no studies on the military diet. However, the average person is very likely to lose a few pounds due to the week-long calorie restriction.
If fewer calories enter your fat tissue than leave it, you lose fat. Period.
However, proponents of the diet claim that it has a certain weight loss advantage due to the "food combinations" in the meal plan. These combinations are said to increase your metabolism and burn fat, but there is no truth behind these claims.
Coffee and green tea do contain compounds that can slightly increase metabolism, but there are no known combinations of food able to do this (1, 2, 3, 4).
And, if you look at the overall foods included in the meal plan, it simply doesn't seem like a fat-burning diet.
Foods high in protein boost metabolism more than other foods (5, 6). But most of the meals in the military diet are low in protein and high in carbs, which is a bad combination for weight loss.
Some people also claim this diet has similar health benefits to intermittent fasting. However, there is no fasting involved in the diet, so this is false.
Is the Military Diet Safe and Sustainable?
The military diet is likely safe for the average person because it's too short to do lasting harm.
However, if you were to follow this diet for months at a time, the strict limit on calories could put you at risk of nutrient deficiencies.
This is especially true if you do not regularly eat vegetables and other quality foods on your days off.
Additionally, eating hot dogs, crackers and ice cream every week has the potential to cause metabolic issues. Junk food should not be a regular part of your diet.
In terms of sustainability, this diet is fairly easy to do. It doesn't rely on long-term habit changes and only requires willpower for a short amount of time.
That being said, it probably won't help you keep the weight off for very long because it doesn't help you change your habits.
This diet became popular because it claims you can lose 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in a week.
Theoretically, this rate of weight loss is possible for overweight people who severely restrict calories. However, most of the weight loss will be due to loss of water, not fat.
Water weight drops rapidly as the body's glycogen stores decline, which happens when you restrict carbs and calories (7).
This looks good on the scales, but that weight will be regained when you begin eating normally again.
If you want to lose a few pounds quickly, then the military diet can help.
But you are likely to regain the weight back very fast too. This is simply not a good diet for lasting weight loss.
The military diet is also free. There is no book, expensive food or supplement you need to buy.
But does this diet actually work, and is it something you should try? This article explains everything you need to know about the military diet.
What Is the Military Diet?
The military diet, also called the 3-day diet, is a weight loss diet that can help you lose up to 10 pounds in a week.
The military diet plan involves a 3-day meal plan followed by 4 days off, and the weekly cycle is repeated again and again until you reach your goal weight.
Proponents of the diet claim that it was designed by nutritionists in the US military in order to get soldiers into top shape quickly.
However, the truth is that the diet isn't affiliated with any military or governmental institution.
The military diet goes by several other names as well, including the navy diet, the army diet and even the ice cream diet.
How Does the Military Diet Work?
The 3-day military diet is actually split into 2 phases over a 7-day period.
For the first 3 days, you must follow a set low-calorie meal plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are no snacks between meals.
Total calorie intake during this phase is roughly 1,100–1,400 calories per day.
This is much lower than the average adult's intake, but you can check your own calorie requirements using this calculator.
For the remaining 4 days of the week, you are encouraged to eat healthy and continue to keep your calorie intake low.
Proponents of the diet claim that you can repeat the diet several times until you reach your goal weight.
The Meal Plan
This is the 3-day meal plan on the military diet.
Day 1
This is the meal plan for day 1. It amounts to around 1,400 calories.
Breakfast:
A slice of toast with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
Half a grapefruit.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Lunch:
A slice of toast.
Half a cup of tuna.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Dinner:
A 3-oz (85 grams) serving of meat with a cup of green beans.
A small apple.
Half a banana.
One cup vanilla ice cream.
Day 2
These are the meals for day 2, amounting to around 1,200 calories.
Breakfast:
A slice of toast.
One hard-boiled egg.
Half a banana.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Lunch:
One hard-boiled egg.
A cup of cottage cheese.
5 saltine crackers.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Dinner:
Two hot dogs, with no bun.
Half a cup of carrots and half a cup of broccoli.
Half a banana.
Half a cup of vanilla ice cream.
Day 3
Here is the plan for day 3, which amounts to around 1,100 calories.
Breakfast:
A 1-ounce slice of cheddar cheese.
5 saltine crackers.
A small apple.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Lunch:
A slice of toast.
One egg, cooked however you like.
A cup of coffee or tea (optional).
Dinner:
A cup of tuna.
Half a banana.
1 cup of vanilla ice cream.
Feel free to drink as much coffee or tea as you want, as long as you don't add any calories from sugar or cream. Drink plenty of water too.
The Remaining 4 Days
The remainder of the week also involves dieting.
Snacks are permitted and there are no food group restrictions. However, you are encouraged to limit portion sizes and keep total calorie intake under 1,500 per day.
You can find a list of websites and apps to track your calorie intake in this article.
There are no other rules for the remaining 4 days of the diet.
Substitutions are allowed during the 3-day phase for those with dietary restrictions, but portions should contain the same number of calories.
For example, if you have a peanut allergy, you can swap peanut butter for almond butter.
You can also swap 1 cup of tuna for some almonds if you are vegetarian.
All that matters is that the calories remain the same. If you change the meal plan in any way, you need to be counting calories.
Proponents of the military diet encourage drinking hot lemon water, but recommend against artificially sweetened beverages. However, there is no scientific reason why this would be a good idea.
Is the Military Diet Based on Evidence?
There have been no studies on the military diet. However, the average person is very likely to lose a few pounds due to the week-long calorie restriction.
If fewer calories enter your fat tissue than leave it, you lose fat. Period.
However, proponents of the diet claim that it has a certain weight loss advantage due to the "food combinations" in the meal plan. These combinations are said to increase your metabolism and burn fat, but there is no truth behind these claims.
Coffee and green tea do contain compounds that can slightly increase metabolism, but there are no known combinations of food able to do this (1, 2, 3, 4).
And, if you look at the overall foods included in the meal plan, it simply doesn't seem like a fat-burning diet.
Foods high in protein boost metabolism more than other foods (5, 6). But most of the meals in the military diet are low in protein and high in carbs, which is a bad combination for weight loss.
Some people also claim this diet has similar health benefits to intermittent fasting. However, there is no fasting involved in the diet, so this is false.
Is the Military Diet Safe and Sustainable?
The military diet is likely safe for the average person because it's too short to do lasting harm.
However, if you were to follow this diet for months at a time, the strict limit on calories could put you at risk of nutrient deficiencies.
This is especially true if you do not regularly eat vegetables and other quality foods on your days off.
Additionally, eating hot dogs, crackers and ice cream every week has the potential to cause metabolic issues. Junk food should not be a regular part of your diet.
In terms of sustainability, this diet is fairly easy to do. It doesn't rely on long-term habit changes and only requires willpower for a short amount of time.
That being said, it probably won't help you keep the weight off for very long because it doesn't help you change your habits.
This diet became popular because it claims you can lose 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in a week.
Theoretically, this rate of weight loss is possible for overweight people who severely restrict calories. However, most of the weight loss will be due to loss of water, not fat.
Water weight drops rapidly as the body's glycogen stores decline, which happens when you restrict carbs and calories (7).
This looks good on the scales, but that weight will be regained when you begin eating normally again.
If you want to lose a few pounds quickly, then the military diet can help.
But you are likely to regain the weight back very fast too. This is simply not a good diet for lasting weight loss.
Wow Lose 10 pounds in 1 week
pumpkin-slice
Rethink your comfort foods
They're called "comfort" foods for a reason—they bring back warm memories, tickle your taste buds, and soothe your soul. Though some comfort foods are deep-fried, covered in cheese, or packed with sugar, some can actually help you lose weight. Beat the battle of the bulge with the following cozy eats.
Hot chocolate
Cocoa is packed with antioxidants, which reduce your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that causes your body to cling to belly fat, says Tara Gidus, RD, a nutritionist based in Winter Park, Fla. In fact, one Cornell University study found that the concentration of antioxidants in hot chocolate is up to five times greater than it is in black tea. Hot chocolate's combination of carbs and protein can also help your muscles recover faster from a tough workout, according to research in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Adding a dash of cinnamon boosts your treat's health benefits even more—it contains compounds that keep insulin out of the blood stream and from storing fat, says Gidus.
Collard greens
A single serving of this hearty veggie adds up to a mere 46 calories. A serving also packs more than your daily-recommended doses of vitamins A and K, which can strengthen your immune system for a healthy metabolism, says Jonny Bowden, PhD, a nutritionist and the author of The 150 Healthiest Comfort Foods on Earth. Plus, a cup of collard greens contain 7.6 grams of belly-filling fiber. Research from the US Department of Agriculture shows that eating fiber-rich foods can lower your body's absorption of calories from carbs.
Chicken noodle soup
"People who eat a broth- or vegetable-based soup before their meal consume fewer calories overall," says Rania Batayneh, MPH, nutritionist and author of The One One One Diet. "The water in the soup helps fill you up and boosts satiety, and just the act of eating soup helps slow your eating down so that your body has time to notice feelings of fullness." One Penn State study found that people who ate soup before digging into their entrees reduced their total calorie intake by 20%. Plus, chicken noodle varieties pack the protein, vitamins, and fiber you need to rev your metabolism even after your meal.
Coffee
Your old friend joe can boost more than your mood. It can also boost your metabolism, thanks to a healthy dose of the antioxidant chlorogenic acid (CGA), which increases your body's use of fat for energy, Bowden says. Research has also shown that the chemical compound can slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal while lowering insulin resistance to prevent weight gain. Opt for the strong stuff: Several recent studies have found that caffeine in small doses before exercise can improve performance and help your muscles recover in record time.
Pot roast
The moment protein passes your lips, it starts fighting fat. Your body has to work harder to break down protein and use it for energy, which means you burn more calories as you digest it, Gidus says. It also takes more time to leave your stomach, literally keeping your belly fuller for longer. In one study published in the journal Nutrition Metabolism, dieters who increased their protein intake to 30% of their total diet ate about 450 fewer calories a day. Over 12 weeks, that equals 11 pounds lost—without doing anything else!
Oatmeal
One cup of warm, gooey oatmeal contains 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein, a combination that slows the digestion of carbs, reduces your insulin response, and keeps you fuller for longer, says Batayneh. In fact, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition evaluated 38 common foods and found that oatmeal was the third most filling. When possible, opt for steel-cut oatmeal, which goes through less processing than other varieties and as a result has a lower Glycemic Index score, a measurement of how much a food increases your blood sugar.
Roasted carrots
As a side or mixed in with your favorite meats, the high water and fiber content in carrots fills you up fast. Roast them for a better calorie burn: University of Arkansas researchers found that carrots roasted at 104 degrees contain three times as many antioxidants as raw carrots.
Red wine
In addition to being a heart helper, red wine may be a weapon against excess weight. A 2009 report from the University of Ulm in Germany suggests that resveratrol—the renowned antioxidant found in grape skins—inhibits the production of fat cells. What's more, a substance found naturally in red wine called calcium pyruvate helps fat cells burn more energy, says Gidus. Meanwhile, in a 2011 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, women who had one or two drinks a day were 30% less likely to gain weight than teetotalers. So drink up, but stick to just one glass—each 6-ounce serving contains about 150 calories.
Pumpkin
Don't let the pies fool you. One cup of this good-for-you gourd contains a mere 46 calories and 3 grams of fiber, according to the USDA. Plus, pumpkin is an excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which fights the oxidative stress and inflammation in the body that's linked to increased fat storage, Gidus says.
Try this recipe: Pumpkin Ravioli
Chili
If soup is filling and protein builds muscle, then chili has all that and more. The combination of the fiber from the tomatoes and the protein from the beans and beef and prevents overeating. Plus, capsaicin, the compound that gives cayenne, chili peppers, and jalapeƱos their heat, can also torch fat, says weight-loss specialist and board-certified internist Sue Decotiis, MD. Spices trigger your sympathetic nervous system—which is responsible for both the fight-or-flight response and spice-induced sweating—to increase your daily calorie burn by about 50 calories, she says. That equals about 5 pounds lost over a single year.
Chickpeas
Whether you call them garbanzos or chickpeas, a half-cup serving of these hearty legumes provides about 40% of your daily protein needs and 70% of your daily fiber intake, helping to stabilize blood sugar, control cravings, and prevent overeating, Gidus says. They're also a great source healthy unsaturated fats that can whittle your waistline. A 2009 study from the University of Newcastle in Australia found that participants who consumed the most unsaturated fats had lower body mass indexes and less belly fat than those who consumed the least.
Rethink your comfort foods
They're called "comfort" foods for a reason—they bring back warm memories, tickle your taste buds, and soothe your soul. Though some comfort foods are deep-fried, covered in cheese, or packed with sugar, some can actually help you lose weight. Beat the battle of the bulge with the following cozy eats.
Hot chocolate
Cocoa is packed with antioxidants, which reduce your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that causes your body to cling to belly fat, says Tara Gidus, RD, a nutritionist based in Winter Park, Fla. In fact, one Cornell University study found that the concentration of antioxidants in hot chocolate is up to five times greater than it is in black tea. Hot chocolate's combination of carbs and protein can also help your muscles recover faster from a tough workout, according to research in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Adding a dash of cinnamon boosts your treat's health benefits even more—it contains compounds that keep insulin out of the blood stream and from storing fat, says Gidus.
Collard greens
A single serving of this hearty veggie adds up to a mere 46 calories. A serving also packs more than your daily-recommended doses of vitamins A and K, which can strengthen your immune system for a healthy metabolism, says Jonny Bowden, PhD, a nutritionist and the author of The 150 Healthiest Comfort Foods on Earth. Plus, a cup of collard greens contain 7.6 grams of belly-filling fiber. Research from the US Department of Agriculture shows that eating fiber-rich foods can lower your body's absorption of calories from carbs.
Chicken noodle soup
"People who eat a broth- or vegetable-based soup before their meal consume fewer calories overall," says Rania Batayneh, MPH, nutritionist and author of The One One One Diet. "The water in the soup helps fill you up and boosts satiety, and just the act of eating soup helps slow your eating down so that your body has time to notice feelings of fullness." One Penn State study found that people who ate soup before digging into their entrees reduced their total calorie intake by 20%. Plus, chicken noodle varieties pack the protein, vitamins, and fiber you need to rev your metabolism even after your meal.
Coffee
Your old friend joe can boost more than your mood. It can also boost your metabolism, thanks to a healthy dose of the antioxidant chlorogenic acid (CGA), which increases your body's use of fat for energy, Bowden says. Research has also shown that the chemical compound can slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal while lowering insulin resistance to prevent weight gain. Opt for the strong stuff: Several recent studies have found that caffeine in small doses before exercise can improve performance and help your muscles recover in record time.
Pot roast
The moment protein passes your lips, it starts fighting fat. Your body has to work harder to break down protein and use it for energy, which means you burn more calories as you digest it, Gidus says. It also takes more time to leave your stomach, literally keeping your belly fuller for longer. In one study published in the journal Nutrition Metabolism, dieters who increased their protein intake to 30% of their total diet ate about 450 fewer calories a day. Over 12 weeks, that equals 11 pounds lost—without doing anything else!
Oatmeal
One cup of warm, gooey oatmeal contains 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein, a combination that slows the digestion of carbs, reduces your insulin response, and keeps you fuller for longer, says Batayneh. In fact, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition evaluated 38 common foods and found that oatmeal was the third most filling. When possible, opt for steel-cut oatmeal, which goes through less processing than other varieties and as a result has a lower Glycemic Index score, a measurement of how much a food increases your blood sugar.
Roasted carrots
As a side or mixed in with your favorite meats, the high water and fiber content in carrots fills you up fast. Roast them for a better calorie burn: University of Arkansas researchers found that carrots roasted at 104 degrees contain three times as many antioxidants as raw carrots.
Red wine
In addition to being a heart helper, red wine may be a weapon against excess weight. A 2009 report from the University of Ulm in Germany suggests that resveratrol—the renowned antioxidant found in grape skins—inhibits the production of fat cells. What's more, a substance found naturally in red wine called calcium pyruvate helps fat cells burn more energy, says Gidus. Meanwhile, in a 2011 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, women who had one or two drinks a day were 30% less likely to gain weight than teetotalers. So drink up, but stick to just one glass—each 6-ounce serving contains about 150 calories.
Pumpkin
Don't let the pies fool you. One cup of this good-for-you gourd contains a mere 46 calories and 3 grams of fiber, according to the USDA. Plus, pumpkin is an excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which fights the oxidative stress and inflammation in the body that's linked to increased fat storage, Gidus says.
Try this recipe: Pumpkin Ravioli
Chili
If soup is filling and protein builds muscle, then chili has all that and more. The combination of the fiber from the tomatoes and the protein from the beans and beef and prevents overeating. Plus, capsaicin, the compound that gives cayenne, chili peppers, and jalapeƱos their heat, can also torch fat, says weight-loss specialist and board-certified internist Sue Decotiis, MD. Spices trigger your sympathetic nervous system—which is responsible for both the fight-or-flight response and spice-induced sweating—to increase your daily calorie burn by about 50 calories, she says. That equals about 5 pounds lost over a single year.
Chickpeas
Whether you call them garbanzos or chickpeas, a half-cup serving of these hearty legumes provides about 40% of your daily protein needs and 70% of your daily fiber intake, helping to stabilize blood sugar, control cravings, and prevent overeating, Gidus says. They're also a great source healthy unsaturated fats that can whittle your waistline. A 2009 study from the University of Newcastle in Australia found that participants who consumed the most unsaturated fats had lower body mass indexes and less belly fat than those who consumed the least.
12 Comfort Foods That Burn Fat
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Photograph courtesy of Allison Young
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl
This chocolate ready-to-serve treat is made out of a banana base (not cream), so there’s no guilt. Top with mini chocolate chips for a sundae spin.
SERVINGS: 3 to 4 / MAKES: 3 cups / 1½ pints
½ c plain Greek yogurt
4 frozen bananas
¼ c maple syrup
⅓ c cocoa powder
2 Tbsp natural peanut butter
1. COMBINE first 4 ingredients in a blender and blend until thick and creamy.
2. DRIZZLE in the peanut butter and pulse 2 to 3 times to incorporate.
3. SERVE immediately.
NUTRITION (per serving) 242 cal, 7 g pro, 47 g carb, 6 g fiber, 30 g sugars, 6 g fat, 1.5 g sat fat, 44 mg sodium
2. Coconut Ice Cream
Photograph courtesy of Allison Young
Coconut Bliss
This coconut party in your mouth is deceptively creamy—yet dairy free (it uses coconut milk, not cream)! Scoop and roll in flaked coconut for extra texture and fiber.
SERVINGS: 3 to 4 / MAKES: 3 cups /1½ pints
½ c canned coconut milk
¼ c unsweetened flaked coconut
¼ c maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla
2 frozen bananas
1. COMBINE all the ingredients in a blender and blend until thick and creamy.
2. TRANSFER to a loaf pan and freeze at least 4 hours.
NUTRITION (per serving) 195 cal, 2 g pro, 29 g carb, 3 g fiber, 21 g sugars, 9.5 g fat, 8 g sat fat, 9 mg sodium
3. Green Tea Pistachio Ice Cream
Photograph courtesy of Allison Young
Green Tea Pistachio Ice Cream
This creamy vegan confection has healthy written all over it, thanks to the double dose of antioxidants from matcha powder and pistachios.
SERVINGS: 3 to 4 / MAKES: 3 cups 1½ pints
1 c cashews
¼ c maple syrup
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ c canned coconut or almond milk
1 Tbsp matcha green tea powder
2 frozen bananas
⅓ c pistachio pieces
1. COVER cashews in water and soak overnight. Rinse and drain.
2. BLEND together cashews and remaining ingredients until thick and creamy.
3. TRANSFER to a loaf pan and freeze 4 hours before serving.
NUTRITION (per serving) 357 cal, 9 g pro, 41 g carb, 4 g fiber, 25 g sugars, 20 g fat, 5.5 g sat fat, 15 mg sodium
4. Cherry Swirl Ice Cream
Photograph courtesy of Allison Young
Cherry Swirl
This tart, tangy treat is a swirlicious blend of antioxidant-rich sweet cherries and protein-packed Greek yogurt.
SERVINGS: 2 to 3 / MAKES: 2 cups / 1 pint
2 c frozen cherries
½ c plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ c plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp honey
1. BLEND together cherries, ½ c Greek yogurt and vanilla until smooth.
2. TRANSFER to a loaf pan.
3. MIX together remaining ½ c Greek yogurt and honey and drizzle over loaf pan. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the mixture.
4. FREEZE for at least 4 hours.
NUTRITION (per serving) 135 cal, 7 g pro, 24 g carb, 2 g fiber, 21 g sugars, 1.5 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 25 mg sodium
5. Mint Chip Ice Cream
Photograph courtesy of Allison Young
Mint Chip
Mint chip lovers rejoice! This healthy version combines avocado, banana, and Greek yogurt for a creamy finish that leaves you totally satisfied, thanks to a hefty dose of protein and monounsaturated fats.
MORE: The Healthy Fat You've Probably Never Tried
SERVINGS: 3 to 4 / MAKES: 3 cups /1½ pints
½ c plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 avocado
3 frozen bananas
1 tsp peppermint extract
⅓ c mini chocolate chips
1. COMBINE the first 5 ingredients in a blender and blend until thick and creamy.
2. STIR in the chocolate chips.
3. TRANSFER to a loaf pan and freeze at least 4 hours.
NUTRITION (per serving) 247 cal, 5 g pro, 35 g carb, 7 g fiber, 20 g sugars, 12.5 g fat, 4 g sat fat, 15 mg sodium
6. mango
Photograph courtesy of allison Young
Mango Madness
This 3-ingredient tropical treat is like the perfect summer day in your mouth. Top with berries for extra zing and dose of antioxidants and fiber.
SERVINGS: 3 to 4 / MAKES: 3 cups /1½ pints
¾ c plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2½ c frozen mango
1. COMBINE all the ingredients in a blender and blend until thick and creamy.
2. SERVE immediately.
NUTRITION (per serving) 93 cal, 4 g pro, 17 g carb, 2 g fiber, 16 g sugars, 1 g fat, 0.5 g sat fat, 15 mg sodium
7. Peach Orange Ice cream
Photograph courtesy of Allison Young
Peachy Orange
Think: sophisticated creamsicle. This simple concoction is a peachy-orange scoop of perfection.
SERVINGS: 2 to 3 / MAKES: 2 cups /1 pints
⅓ c canned coconut cream
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 c frozen peaches
1. COMBINE all the ingredients in a blender and blend until thick and creamy.
2. TRANSFER to a loaf pan and freeze at least 4 hours.
NUTRITION (per serving) 199 cal, 1 g pro, 39 g carb, 1 g fiber, 37 g sugars, 5.5 g fat, 5 g sat fat, 13 mg sodium
7 Healthy Ice Creams
Monday, December 11, 2017
Stress reduction is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, just like diet and exercise. These tips will help you keep your stress levels under control.
When you're stressed, your head may start to hurt, or you may feel nauseated, dizzy, or just plain overwhelmed. Stress can have a huge impact on every aspect of your life, so stress reduction is necessary for maintaining both your physical and emotional health. Since you can't simply wish stress away, managing stress is a vital skill to develop.
Whether you experience a sudden stressful situation, such as a major issue at work or a crisis at home that needs to be addressed right away, having a plan for stress in place is a good idea, says Larry Kubiak, PhD, a psychologist and the director of psychological services at the behavioral health center of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare in Florida. "Stress can occur at any time or place, and we do our best when we have tools at the ready to deal with it," he explains.
If it's an urgent problem that requires your immediate attention, managing stress is important so that you can think clearly. The same is true with ongoing, nagging concerns about your job, health, finances, or family members that create a steady buildup of stress. "Know the kinds of things that are available to you on short notice so you can utilize them, such as listening to music, going for a short walk, or guided imagery," says Dr. Kubiak.
Try these tips to help you with general stress reduction as well as specific anxiety-provoking experiences.
1. Step Back and Put the Problem in Perspective
Maybe you're disappointed that you didn't get a promotion you were up for or concerned that money is a little tight this month because of an unexpected medical bill. Feeling stressed is a natural reaction. But try to take a step back and ask yourself: Will this issue still matter in a year? In five years? If the answer is no, take a deep breath and try to move forward. Keeping things in perspective is crucial to managing stress.
2. List Some Solutions and Come Up With a Plan
If there's a specific problem you need to fix, make a list of all possible solutions and pick the best one for your situation. Realizing that you have options and coming up with a concrete plan will have a direct effect on stress reduction. "Break the task into smaller parts so you can try to accomplish what you need to in an hour, a day and then next week so the problem becomes more manageable," suggests Kubiak.
3. Accept Those Things Beyond Your Control
Some circumstances are simply beyond our control, and we have to learn to cope with and accept them. Fortunately, you do have control over how you react to stressful situations. Staying calm and being willing to accept emotional support from others can help in managing stress.
4. Give Yourself a Break to Relax and Recharge
Daily stressors can creep up on you before you realize it, so treat yourself to at least one relaxing activity every day. Listening to music, meditating, writing in a journal, or enjoying a soothing bubble bath are all great ways to relax and relieve stress. "Meditation allows us to clear our minds and be able to see things in a more realistic perspective," notes Kubiak. Taking time for yourself is important for both preventing and managing stress.
5. Try to Get Some Regular Exercise Every Day
Exercise is one of the best methods for managing stress because it can relieve both the physical and emotional effects of stress. Consider fitness choices that also deliver specific stress-reducing effects like yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or one of the martial arts, all great ways to get rid of pent-up stress and negativity. "Exercise can help regulate and dissipate in a productive way those 'fight or flight' stress chemicals in the brain," says Kubiak.
6. Open Up to People and Express Your Feelings
If something's bothering you, don't keep it to yourself. Talk to people you trust, like friends, family, or coworkers, about what's on your mind. Even if you're not looking for specific advice, it usually feels good just to get your feelings out into the open.
7. Set Reasonable Expectations in Your Daily Life
Being busy is sometimes inevitable, but regularly taking on more than you can manage can cause unwanted and unwelcome stress. Tell yourself that it's okay to say no to activities at your child's school or to extra projects at work — you are not obligated to accept every request made of you. Additionally, don't take on more financial responsibilities — such as a new car or a bigger house — if you think they'll be a stretch. Being realistic about your finances is an important strategy for managing stress.
When you're stressed, your head may start to hurt, or you may feel nauseated, dizzy, or just plain overwhelmed. Stress can have a huge impact on every aspect of your life, so stress reduction is necessary for maintaining both your physical and emotional health. Since you can't simply wish stress away, managing stress is a vital skill to develop.
Whether you experience a sudden stressful situation, such as a major issue at work or a crisis at home that needs to be addressed right away, having a plan for stress in place is a good idea, says Larry Kubiak, PhD, a psychologist and the director of psychological services at the behavioral health center of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare in Florida. "Stress can occur at any time or place, and we do our best when we have tools at the ready to deal with it," he explains.
If it's an urgent problem that requires your immediate attention, managing stress is important so that you can think clearly. The same is true with ongoing, nagging concerns about your job, health, finances, or family members that create a steady buildup of stress. "Know the kinds of things that are available to you on short notice so you can utilize them, such as listening to music, going for a short walk, or guided imagery," says Dr. Kubiak.
Try these tips to help you with general stress reduction as well as specific anxiety-provoking experiences.
1. Step Back and Put the Problem in Perspective
Maybe you're disappointed that you didn't get a promotion you were up for or concerned that money is a little tight this month because of an unexpected medical bill. Feeling stressed is a natural reaction. But try to take a step back and ask yourself: Will this issue still matter in a year? In five years? If the answer is no, take a deep breath and try to move forward. Keeping things in perspective is crucial to managing stress.
2. List Some Solutions and Come Up With a Plan
If there's a specific problem you need to fix, make a list of all possible solutions and pick the best one for your situation. Realizing that you have options and coming up with a concrete plan will have a direct effect on stress reduction. "Break the task into smaller parts so you can try to accomplish what you need to in an hour, a day and then next week so the problem becomes more manageable," suggests Kubiak.
3. Accept Those Things Beyond Your Control
Some circumstances are simply beyond our control, and we have to learn to cope with and accept them. Fortunately, you do have control over how you react to stressful situations. Staying calm and being willing to accept emotional support from others can help in managing stress.
4. Give Yourself a Break to Relax and Recharge
Daily stressors can creep up on you before you realize it, so treat yourself to at least one relaxing activity every day. Listening to music, meditating, writing in a journal, or enjoying a soothing bubble bath are all great ways to relax and relieve stress. "Meditation allows us to clear our minds and be able to see things in a more realistic perspective," notes Kubiak. Taking time for yourself is important for both preventing and managing stress.
5. Try to Get Some Regular Exercise Every Day
Exercise is one of the best methods for managing stress because it can relieve both the physical and emotional effects of stress. Consider fitness choices that also deliver specific stress-reducing effects like yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or one of the martial arts, all great ways to get rid of pent-up stress and negativity. "Exercise can help regulate and dissipate in a productive way those 'fight or flight' stress chemicals in the brain," says Kubiak.
6. Open Up to People and Express Your Feelings
If something's bothering you, don't keep it to yourself. Talk to people you trust, like friends, family, or coworkers, about what's on your mind. Even if you're not looking for specific advice, it usually feels good just to get your feelings out into the open.
7. Set Reasonable Expectations in Your Daily Life
Being busy is sometimes inevitable, but regularly taking on more than you can manage can cause unwanted and unwelcome stress. Tell yourself that it's okay to say no to activities at your child's school or to extra projects at work — you are not obligated to accept every request made of you. Additionally, don't take on more financial responsibilities — such as a new car or a bigger house — if you think they'll be a stretch. Being realistic about your finances is an important strategy for managing stress.
7 Smart Tips for Successfully Managing Stress
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