Handy Low-Calorie Sippers

Looking for a diet friendly drink? Pull out your handy kitchen blender and you’re well on your way to whipping up refreshing, mouthwatering and wholesome low-calorie healthy drinks that all are certain to enjoy.

Cantaloupe Cream

Seed and cube one small cantaloupe and blend until smooth. Add about three tablespoons of sugar and mix for another minute. Pour over ice into tall glasses and serve. Mmmmmm!

Fruit-tastic

Combine two cups strawberries (remove the leaves), two chopped ripe bananas, two peeled and chopped kiwis, one cup of orange juice and one eight-ounce container of strawberry yogurt. Blend until smooth. Why not also experiment with other types of fruit?

Ginger-Lemon Tea
And low-carb drink recipes aren’t only for those sunny summertime days! Invite a few friends over to sip ginger-lemon tea and gaze out the window at a blanket of snow and the frost on the ground. Here’s the recipe:

Combine six cups water, one two-inch piece of fresh ginger (freshly-sliced) and eight lemon peel strips (cut to 2 ½ x 1 inch each) in a saucepan and boil. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove ginger and lemon peel. Place six green tea bags into a teapot and pour in your water mixture. Cover and steep for up to three minutes. Remove teabags and serve. Garnish each cup with lemon slices, if desired. Perfect to take the chill off of any winter’s day!

Go low-carb year-round and you’ll be doing your body a huge favor. In doing so, you’re taking giant leaps towards feeling and looking your absolute best!


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DANGER: Signs of Vitamin Deficiency You Need To Recognize

Healthy living is a hot topic these days. No matter where you turn, you can always find advice on living better and living well. Essentially, healthy living boils down to exercising regularly, visiting your doctor regularly for routine medical check-ups, getting enough sleep and eating well. With your diet, ensure you include ample vitamins … you will know soon enough if you are cheating your body of these necessary and essential nutrients. Just watch for these signs:

Vitamin A – Watch for night blindness (not being able to see properly in the dark and being slow to adjust to bright lights). All individuals are also at risk of dry eyes, follicular hyperkeratosis (otherwise known as scaly skin) as well being more susceptible to any number of infections. Children, shorted on Vitamin A, will often remain short as they grow older.

Vitamin B2 – Those lacking this vitamin may succumb to body lesions (specifically around the eyes, genitals and skin areas). Eyes can redden and become irritated, lips may crack and general swelling may occur. Other signs include dizziness, hair loss and insomnia.

Vitamin C – Should you be regularly tired or experience gum bleeding, you may well be deficient in Vitamin C. Increase your intake while you are still young to reduce the risk of additional health problems including jaundice, weakness, weight loss and irritability.

Vitamin K – Signs of vitamin K deficiency are easy bruising and consistent nose bleeding.

The good news is that vitamins can be found in many delicious foods and you won’t have to necessarily pop any number of pills every day. Probably the easiest way to increase your vitamin intake is to take a recommended multi-vitamin regularly. Just watch that the nutrients contained in your multi-vitamin are specific to your own needs.

Copyright © 2006-2009 Curb Your Cravings LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Finally! Proof that Chocolate is GOOD FOR YOU!

Chocolate – a sweet treat, but is it sweet when it comes to your own personal health?

Results from recent research suggest that eating a small piece or two of chocolate on a daily basis suggest “yes”. Regular chocolate consumption may, surprisingly, lower a person’s blood pressure. It should be noted that the study’s outcome is based on dark chocolate containing a minimum of 30 calories.

Dirk Taubert, from the University Hospital of Cologne and project lead author, writes, “The most intriguing finding of this study is that small amounts of commercial cocoa confectionary convey a similar blood pressure-lowering potential compared with comprehensive dietary modifications that have proven efficacy to reduce cardiovascular event rate.” “Consumption of the polyphenol-rich dark chocolate led to measurable increases in blood polyphenol concentrations.” Polyphenols – or plant chemical compounds – can contain healthy antioxidants and can also be found in other foods such as berries, walnuts, olive oil and a host of fruits and vegetables.

While chocolate may positively affect a person’s blood pressure level, keeping those levels down requires far more, explains Taubert. “Where-as long-term adherence to complex behavioral changes is often low and requires continuous counseling, adoption of small amounts of flavanol-rich cocoa into the habitual diet is a dietary modification that is easy to adhere to and therefore may be a promising behavioral approach to lower blood pressure …”

So, in addition to being one of the world’s best “comfort” foods, chocolate now may have another claim to fame. Further intensive tests will be conducted and more news will be available at that time. In the meantime, where does the line-up for research participants start? With chocolate being involved, it would be safe to presume that the number of volunteers will be plentiful!

Copyright © 2006-2009 Curb Your Cravings LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Diet Alert: Carbohydrates Connected to Vision Loss

When it comes to our own food choices, what we eat directly impacts our bodies … either positively or negatively. Carbohydrates, however, land somewhere in the middle. Carbohydrates can be ranked according to their glycemic index (or GI) – or how they affect our own blood glucose levels. The higher the GI’s value - the higher your glucose level. High blood sugars, of course, can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Low GI values in carbohydrates will provide more benefits.

Now, there is yet one more concern related to eating high GI foods. A study, out of Tufts University in Boston, has found a direct correlation between such foods and vision loss in older adults. Almost 4100 individuals, including both men and women aged 55 – 80 years old, took part in this important research. The research participants were fed a high GI diet and then tested. Test results found such a diet dramatically increased blood sugar levels thus also increasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (i.e. vision loss or AMD). Following the study, Dr. Allen Taylor wrote “AMD appears to share several carbohydrate-related mechanisms and risk factors with diabetes-related diseases including eye and cardiovascular disease. However, to date, only one small study has addressed this issue.”

Until more is known, you may wish to consider switching to a low GI diet. Here are a few suggestions as to how to do this:

-Choose breakfast cereals containing oats, barley and/or bran
- Shop for wholegrain, stone-ground flour and/or sourdough bread
- Maximize eating of fruits and vegetables
- Prepare pasta, noodles and/or quinoa

You may also refer to this list of some favorite foods and their GI values. Double-click on the website link below to access the chart:

http://www.diabetesdigest.com/dd_nutrition2.htm


Copyright © 2006-2009 Curb Your Cravings LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

5 Super Foods for Your Best Health & Weight Loss

Dark Greens
Deep green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, asparagus and collard greens are not only delicious; they’re packed with terrific vitamins and iron and are a great source of fiber. These low-calorie crunches are filling so you can eat as much as you like with very few calories.

Sweet Potatoes
Super-loaded with fiber, vitamins A, E and C; copper and essential B-vitamins, sweet potatoes also contains beta carotene, a cancer fighting carotenoid. A large baked sweet potato contains 162 calories, 0g fat and only 0.2g of carbohydrates!

Green Tea
The popularity of tea is rising sharply, and for good reason! Both Green and White teas contain EGCG, a strong antioxidant that may help prevent cancer, stabilize blood pressure and blood sugar, and even boost your metabolism to aid in weight loss. So sit back and relax and pour yourself a cup of peace of mind. Green tea is inexpensive , delicious and perfect for the budget dieter. Buy green tea now.

Blueberries
The news about the health benefits of blueberries is spreading fast! These amazing little berries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and manganese. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins, amazing powerful antioxidants that give the berries their unique blue color while protecting your body from cancer, heart disease, cataracts and even glaucoma. One cup of blueberries contains 4.2g of fiber and only 79 calories!

Beans
The variety is almost endless when it comes to beans. Kidney, pinto, black, garbanzo, adzuki, they’re all rich in B-vitamins, copper, zinc, folate, potassium and protein. Studies have proven that this super-food can help fight heart disease, osteoporosis and even certain kinds of cancer because they contain so many health-boosting phytochemicals. Beans are very high in soluble fiber, which helps eliminate cholesterol, and are a good alternative to meat and other animal proteins. On average, a cup of beans has about 125-200 calories, 0g fat and 13g of fiber!

Five simple foods that can super charge your diet and help you live a healthy and delicious life!

Copyright © 2006-2009 Curb Your Cravings LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Recipe of the Week: Crispy Almond Chicken

The almonds make a great crunchy crust and add a gentle flavor to the chicken without being overpowering. It's simple to make and simply delicious! Reduce the fat in this recipe by using a low-fat parmesan cheese and oven baking the chicken instead, to omit the oil.

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 477
Carbs per serving: 23
Fat per serving: 9 g


Ingredients:

¼ cup Skim milk
1 tbsp Vegetable oil
2 Lemons
¼ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Dried basil
2 4 oz Chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)
1 oz Blanched almonds
¾ cup Bread crumbs
1 tbsp Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Pound chicken cutlet to 1/8 inch thickness. On sheet of wax paper combine ground almonds, bread crumbs, cheese, salt and basil. Dip 1 chicken cutlet into milk, then into crumb mixture, coating both sides evenly; repeat procedure with remaining cutlet, being sure to use all of milk and crumb mixture. Heat oil in skillet. Add chicken and coat, turning once, until browned on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Serve with lemon wedges.


Copyright © 2006-2009 Curb Your Cravings LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Diet Patches - Do they REALLY work?

• There are convenience stores, open 24 hours and seven days a week for your shopping needs. There is convenience banking where you can deposit and withdraw money through the ATM at all hours of the day and night. There are convenience foods, ready in just a few minutes and perfect after a busy day. Now, there is convenience dieting.
  
  The concept evolves around the diet patch – a topical patch which can be applied directly to the body. The diet patch is similar to the nicotine patch which helps smokers kick the habit, but how can the diet patch benefit you?
  
  

What will a diet patch do for you?

Controls hunger cravings, stimulates metabolism and eliminates toxins.

Applies easily to your skin. Attach one patch in the morning and forget about it for the rest of your day.

Reduces the need for rigid calorie-counting.

Decreases appetite. Those using the diet patch have found they consume 45 – 55% fewer calories on a daily basis. That’s approximately 1000 less calories that end up on your hips.

Absorbed by your body easily. The herbs often contained in these patches – including hoodia, guarana, garcinia cambogia, chromium and fucus vesiculosus – are gently soaked up into your body without side effects.

Saves time. Spend more quality hours with your family and friends rather than in your own kitchen.

Trains your to eat less and make better food choices – which results in helping you keep the weight off for good.

As with any weight loss program, be mindful that these require due diligence and time on your part. It may take up to 72hrs for the effects to kick in. By using a diet patch to control your hunger dieters are able to focus on better food choices, avoid over eating yet still eat their favorite foods and naturally lose weight.

You can pick up your own Hoodia Diet Patch by visiting www.shopcyc.com

Copyright © 2006-2009 Curb Your Cravings LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Dieting Mistakes You Should and CAN avoid!

Dieting is rarely as easy as “Just eat less and exercise more, right?” A person must consider his/her own health, weight loss goals and level of self-initiative. A person must also approach a new diet program correctly, otherwise, no matter how much desire and effort, the program will never be successful. These are among the most common dieting mistakes to avoid:

Expecting too much: Keep your weight loss goals realistic. Don’t plan to visit the gym seven days a week when you also must balance your own career, family and outside interests. Also, never expect too much too soon. Weight loss is never an overnight process … it may be weeks before you see a significant change.

Skipping breakfast: No breakfast – no extra calories, right? When passing up that morning meal, you are considerably more likely to nibble more throughout the day or eat larger meals later to satisfy your hunger. The end result? More unwanted calories.

Having an “empty-plate” mentality: Whether you’re dining out or dining in, you don’t need to always clear your plate. Restaurant wait staff can package up your meal to-go to give you an already-prepared lunch to take to work the following day. When at-home, seal all leftovers and store in your refrigerator for later.

Assuming regarding menu choices: The fish or chicken sandwich listed on a restaurant’s menu may not be your best bet. Ask about preparation methods – is the meat breaded or deep-fried? In addition, enquire about sauces. It’s an easy thing to ask for your sauce “on-the-side” rather than liberally poured over top of your meal.

NOT admitting you need help: Losing weight can be difficult, we all know that. Getting help to unravel different ways and learning how to lose weight is important! You can visit www.curbyourcravings.com for help from Shauna Schultz, the Registered Dietitian, for FREE! You can also consider getting natural appetite controling supplements from www.shopcyc.com. Teas, diet patches and supplements that are easy to use and have NO SIDE EFFECTS.

While it’s rarely a mistake to diet, avoid the common errors that so many make in the beginning. With the correct attitude and the proper approach, you are far more likely to succeed!


Copyright © 2006-2009 Curb Your Cravings LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Can Your Friends Make you Fat or Thin? Yes!

Far too often, you can spot an obese parent accompanied by an obese child/children. The connection is painfully clear as children mirror their parent’s lifestyle and eating habits. When Mom and Dad eat a fat-rich diet, so will their children. Obesity in parents leads to obesity in children. Now, the same can be said for friends.

Scientific research has recently found a direct link between a person’s social circle and his/her own waistline. Therefore, should a person have overweight friends, he/she is far more likely to overweight, too.

With the results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it becomes evident that obesity is not an individual issue but much more widespread. “Trying to address the problem on an individual level has been so hard, and it may be because we’re not addressing the network, which could be family, neighborhood, community [and/or] school”, explains Dr. Julio Licinio, chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Research for this study was extensive and involved over 12,000 overweight people in New England. Over the course of 30 years, each participant was repeatedly measured for his/her total body mass index. In addition, each participant’s circle of friends was examined with the same outcome … groups of fat people remained together and groups of thin people remained together.

With over two-thirds of Americans being considered as overweight, this news is important indeed. You should not point the pudgy finger of blame at just yourself but consider your own social circle. Should you find yourself packing on additional pounds, you can find always support through a diet community on-line network anytime day or night (www.curbyourcravings.com is recommended).



Copyright © 2006-2009 Curb Your Cravings LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide