Archive for ‘health’

May 18, 2012

Feel Good Friday

It’s Feel Good Friday! Here’s an incredibly motivational video on a disabled veteran’s transformation from obese and assisted-walking to.. well you’ll see!

Never underestimate what you can accomplish when you believe in yourself. Never give up. Thanks MB for the share.

I can’t wait for Yoga on the Mall tomorrow! Happy DC Yoga week!

May 18, 2012

[WWND] 10 Foods for Better Skin

According to Women’s Health:

  1. Almonds
  2. Carrots
  3. Dark Chocolate
  4. Flaxseeds
  5. Green Tea
  6. Safflower Oil
  7. Spinach
  8. Sweet Potatoes
  9. Tomatoes
  10. Tuna (canned/packaged)

The only one that I don’t consume/use on the regular is Safflower Oil. What’s that?! Here’s what they say about it:

Safflower Oil: The omega-6 fatty acids found in safflower oil can be the ultimate moisturizer for people who suffer from painfully dry, flaky, itchy skin. They keep cell walls supple, allowing water to better penetrate the skin. Scientists have found that this oil may help people who suffer from severe conditions like eczema. So shoot for an amount that gives you 5 to 10 percent of your daily calories.

I’ve had eczema for as long as I can remember so I will probably give it a try. Cooking wise, it has a higher smoke point than other cooking oils and a lower saturated fat content. Win win?

While the above list was created to provide tips on healthier skin, if you’re incorporating them all into your daily diet, your overall health will surely improve as well. It’s called CLEAN eating!

March 26, 2012

[Meatless Monday] Vegetarian Chili with Quinoa

It’s Meatless Monday! Here’s a great chili recipe from ONE Medical Group. I tried it out last week and, trust me, it makes way more than 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups tomato juice, divided
  • 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 large carrots (or 3-4 medium carrots), cut in 1/4in rounds
  • 15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 28oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 jalapeño, diced
  • 1tbsp chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher  or sea salt

Optional garnishes: chopped green onion, diced avocado, shredded cheese

I got ALL of my ingredients from MOMs Organic Market in Alexandria, VA. They even gave me a free shopping bag, I love it.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Boil 1 cup tomato juice, pour over quinoa, and let stand for at least 15minutes.

 2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan (I used my French oven!) over moderate heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft but not brown, about 4 minutes. Add the celery, bell pepper, carrots, and jalapeño pepper. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
3. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and cook 1 minute. Add the black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, remaining cup of tomato juice, red wine, and the quinoa.

4. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
Enjoy with shredded cheese, green onions, or chopped avocado!
This is a great high-fiber, high-protein meal making it especially beneficial for consumption post-workout. Enjoy!
March 22, 2012

WALK

While I know I go on and on about running more often than most people would like to hear, I do realize that not everyone is a runner… yet. What I do know though, is that everyone (aside from babies and those with disabilities) is a WALKER. Take some time out of your day to enjoy the outdoors and go on a walk. Steve Jobs did it! My grandfather, who passed away at the ripe age of 84, did a 5k morning walk every single day. I always admired him for that, among many other things.

If you are diabetic, walking after a meal is one of the easiest ways to regulate blood sugar. I once met with a diabetic patient who came to the clinic with a blood glucose level of 200+. The nurse practitioner told her to go outside and walk around the building for 20 minutes. When she came back, her blood glucose level had dropped to 170. Although 170 is still much higher than the normal range, it still shows how incredibly effective walking can be.

Infographic time:

March 9, 2012

[WWND] Mamma Chia

I wrote last year about the benefits of chia seeds (Chia, the new flax?), and I’ve now had a little bit of time to explore it’s consumption and products. My findings? Mamma Chia!

It’s certified USDA Organic and boasts gluten-free, vegan, 4g protein, 2500mg Omega-3, and 95mg calcium while also being high in fiber and antioxidants (thanks almost entirely to chia). If you don’t have the time to blend up your own drinks with chia, I recommend trying this drink out. Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Mom’s Organic Market, and Yes! Organic Market are probably your best bet for DC metro area locals.

Visit their website to learn more about their products, mission, or even apply to become a brand ambassador! MammaChia.com

February 29, 2012

[Infographic] The Picture of Health

Stop it with the margarine already, people!

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