Eating Healthy Foods - What to Feed a Teenager

Eating Healthy Foods - What to Feed a Teenager

Eating Healthy Foods and the word Teenager sometimes just do not go together! When I think about what most Teenagers eat, including myself several years ago, I think about things that you could feel your heart slow down whenever you took a bite into it.

And Teenagers, if you are accused of eating healthy foods while you are out with your friends and they are eating the stuff that most teenagers eat, you know, those things we were talking about, above, it is very difficult to keep your cool persona isn't it?

So, what is the trick to getting your teenager to think about eating right?

Gradual Change: The term 'Eating Healthy Foods" must be in your mind during the meals that your teenagers eat at home! It is NOT going to happen while they are out!

Your Eating Healthy Foods game plan:

1.Healthy Food that is easy to eat: Fruit, Naturally sweet cereal (eliminate as much need for sugar as possible),

2.Snacks should be healthy: Bananas, apples, oranges placed in areas that will help your teenager(and you) find something good (even sweet) without having to go and search for something!

3.When going out to eat, go to places that you actually sit down to eat. The selections, there, are easier to 'recommend' to your teenager, AND the peer group is not there to influence their decisions. You will be surprised at how easy the recommendations 'stick with them' in this environment!

Eating Healthy Foods for teenagers will be something that they will actually learn for themselves if you apply just a little reasoning and common sense.

The role you play in this very important part of their lifestyle learning is what will help them understand what is in their ultimate best interests.

Feeding our children wholesome, well-balanced meals should be a prime concern for all of us. There is a lot of information out here to keep us well-informed about what is and should be one of the most important jobs we have: Taking care of our children.

Pet Health Food Keep You Pet Healthy

Pet Health Food Keep You Pet Healthy

Worrying and complaining about your pet health food, the only alternative is every pet owner must realize how important nutrition food is in the health of their pet. So not to worry much although there are several things you can do to keep your pet healthy.

Many well known large commercial pet food companies advertise that their food is natural and healthy. Commercial pet food is a great convenience for busy caregivers. You want the best for your pet, but with a bewildering array of foods and claims to choose from, how do you decide what’s best for your animals?

Commercial foods are designed to be healthy and nutrition for pets. , but not all foods will be suitable for an individual animal’s variable needs. Before buying food for your pet make sure the product which you are selecting is not a addict able as most of the commercial food making industries do so to make a profit. 

Let us discuss few more points which will defiantly help you while buying food fro your pet.

1) Make sure the commercial food your are selecting for your pet must has the label of “AAFCO guarantee,” preferably one that references “feeding tests” or “feeding protocols” rather than Nutrient Profiles.

2) Never buy a food containing “by-product meal” or “meat and bone meal. They are not a reliable source of nutrition for your pet.

3) Try to avoid foods that rely on by-products as the sole source of animal protein. These foods are not acceptable as a steady diet 

4) Always buy named meat or meal for your pet.

5) Avoid generic or store brands.

6) Avoid “light,” “senior,” “special formula,” or “hairball formula” foods. These foods may contain acidifying agents, excessive fiber, or inadequate fats that can result in skin, coat and other problems.

7) In general, select brands promoted to be “natural.” While they are not perfect, they may be better than most. 

8) Check the expiration date to ensure freshness.

9) Store dry pet food in a sealed non-porous container in a cool, dry place. 

These are the small things which are going to help you to keep your pet healthy and happier.

Super Foods For Super Health

Super Foods For Super Health

We all hear about the many wonderful foods that are good to eat, and good for us. We always hear about eating fruits, and vegetables, and nuts. But that’s a big list to sort through, and wouldn’t it be simpler to have a few super foods that you can always turn to? To help you in your endeavors to lead a healthy lifestyle and a healthy life you can use the list compiled below as quick reference list of 9 super foods. These super foods and 14 others can be found in SuperFoods Health-Style, by Steven G. Pratt M.D.

Apples

Apples are a great food for many reasons including the ability to reduce the risk or heart disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure, and type-2 diabetes. They also benefit the respiratory system by preventing lung cancer and asthma. 

By consuming apples your body gets fiber, potassium and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and polyphenols. Studies show that the real benefit comes from the synergistic interaction between these ingredients.

To take best advantage of apples for your health, eat a wide variety and make sure that you eat the peel, which contains several times more antioxidants than the inside. As they say, eat an apple a day.

Avocados

When you want to help you body absorb more nutrients from the foods you eat, have an avocado too. Fat soluble phytonutrients, like beta-carotene, are more easily absorbed by the body because of the monounsaturated fat in the avocado.

Avocados also help you keep your weight down because they help you feel full, which triggers your body to stop eating. They are calorie rich at 48 calories per ounce, so for best results eat one-third to one-half an avocado two to three times a week.

Dark Chocolate

When you want a little indulgence with your health food, try dark chocolate. It contains lots of polyphenols which lower blood pressure and is a natural anti-inflammatory. You should keep in mind that blood pressure lowering qualities are only in dark chocolate, but not in its cousin, milk chocolate.

In 2000 a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that the affect on blood flow from high flavonol cocoa was similar to taking a low-dose aspirin. These means that dark chocolate could possibly be used to treat ailments like minor pains or headaches.

For the best results use Newman’s Own Sweet Dart Chocolate, as Dr Pratt has found it has more polyphenols than any other dark chocolate he has found. Like avocado, chocolate is high in calories, so shoot for no more than 100 calories a day.

Olive Oil

There has been much discussion lately about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Well olive oil is one of the main components of that diet and its benefits are outstanding. It is a great substitute for other oils and fats and has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer, lower blood pressure, and improve the health of your cardiovascular system.

For best results take a tablespoon a day of extra virgin olive oil that is cold pressed and greenish in color. This green color helps you spot high levels of polyphenols.

Garlic

Another component of the Mediterranean diet, Garlic is great for your cardiovascular system. By eating garlic regularly you can reduce your blood pressure, triglyceride levels and your LDL(bad) cholesterol. Garlic also has anti inflammatory agents and antibiotic properties.

To grab all the health benefits of garlic eat one clove several times a week. Raw garlic is best, but cooked is good too. Keep in mind that dried garlic and garlic supplements don’t have the same benefits as fresh garlic.

Honey

Honey is not often seen on many lists of healthy foods, but don’t let that fool you. Eating honey daily increases the amounts of antioxidant in the blood, helps to prevent constipation, and reduces cholesterol and blood pressure.

If you are running low on energy, reach for the honey, not sugar. Honey does a better job of maintaining blood sugar and energy than other sweeteners. And choose dark honeys over light ones, because they are higher in antioxidants and flavor. One to two teaspoons several times a week should do the trick.

Kiwis

If you want extreme quantities of Vitamin C and E that can reduce risk of asthma, osteoarthritis, and colon cancer, and boost your immune system, then grab a kiwi or two. An interesting point to keep in mind is that dietary vitamin E appears to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, and by consuming kiwis, you get vitamin E without the calories that most other vitamin e rich foods contain, like nuts and oils.

Another stellar ingredient is lutein, which lowers the risk cataracts and macular degeneration. To get all the above benefits and reduce the risk of blood clots, then consume one kiwi, two to three times a week.

Onions

For the benefits of onions, you can just reread the benefits of garlic, because they are pretty much the same. 

Try to eat dishes containing onions at least three times a week, and make sure that you let the onion sit for 5 to 10 minutes after you cut it open. If you apply heat too soon you will deactivate the thiopropanal sulfoxide, which is the substance in the onion that gives us the most heart benefits. And remember the more pungent the onion, the better it is for you.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are packed with tons of phytochemicals like potassium, which is great for lowering your blood pressure. Studies also suggest that pomegranates can slow the progression of prostate cancer and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Healthy Foods for Women

Healthy Foods for Women

Eating healthy food is important to good health. Women have specific nutritional needs that are different from men. There is a higher sensitivity to the chemicals and artificial hormones found in many processed food products. Additionally needs for nutrients such as iron are different due to menstruation and reproductive concerns. To keep your body healthy and strong it is important to have the adequate amounts of vitamins and nutrients that your body requires. There are a variety of specific foods that can be very beneficial to women's health.

Calcium Rich Foods: This is needed to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. There are various foods high in calcium. They include dairy products and dark green leafy vegetables. Kale: This is a vegetable that is a great choice for women. It's high in calcium as well as folate which are important to women's health. Kale also has vitamin C and B for additional nutritional value. Other good choices are broccoli and brussel sprouts. Too much dairy is not healthy. Limit it to healthy portions with foods such as yogurt. This will give you the additional benefit of the probiotics found in yogurt. This is good for a healthy digestive system. Avoid the premade yogurts that are full of sugar and use the plain ones instead. You can just add some fresh fruit and nuts for added flavor and nutritional value.

Nutritional tips for women:The best food choices are plant based. You should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. When selecting produce use organic as much as possible to avoid the pesticides that are often sprayed on non organic items. Include fiber based foods as well. Beans and healthy whole grains will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Alcoholic beverages should be limited. One glass per day should be the maximum intake. Drinking wine is a good choice due to the healthy benefits of the resveratrol. Enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. This is a heart healthy habit. Caffeine is also fine in moderation, with one cup per day being a good standard to follow. Caffeine can affect hormonal balance in some women as well as decrease calcium levels if consuming excessive amounts.

Keep protein levels in moderation as well. The popular high protein diets are not healthy long term. A well balanced diet approach is the key to good health, energy and weight management. You need the healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains and dark leafy vegetables on a regular basis. Excessive protein can also deplete calcium levels over time, potentially leading to osteoporosis later in life. Healthy snacks for women include nuts such as walnut and brazil nuts. They contain monounsaturated fats which help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. One ounce per day is a good serving size.

Fiber Rich Foods: Foods high in fiber include beans and whole grains. They are a very affordable, filling and healthy food choice. They help maintain a healthy digestive system and may prevent problems in this area from occurring. Green leafy vegetables such as kale are high in fiber. Whole grains such as brown rice and whole wheat bread are also fiber rich choices to include in your diet.

Iron Rich Foods: Women have unique needs when it comes to iron. A high quality multivitamin made for women should contain the adequate amount of this very important mineral. Women also need more iron during their monthly cycle as it becomes depleted. Some good food choices for iron include beef, dark meat poultry, spinach and swiss chard.

Omega Rich Foods: Women need adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. This is important for proper brain functioning. It also protects against heart disease and inflammation which can lead to a multitude of disease conditions. Foods such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are very good sources. Symptoms that you are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids include dry skin, joint pain, fatigue and depression.

You should aim for 2-3 servings of omega rich foods weekly. Omega 3 fatty acids contain two very important forms known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). DHA and EPA are the omega-3 types that are found in seafood. Other omega-3 forms such as ALA or alpha-linoleic acid, is found in foods such as flax seeds, walnuts and dark green leafy vegetables.

Folate Rich Foods: Women also need to have an adequate amount of folate in their diet. Folate is important to building red blood cells. Some women have a tendency to become anemic and folate is important to preventing this from occurring. Symptoms of a folate deficiency may include confusion, mental fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and depression. Sufficient folate is very important for women during pregnancy. The RDA recommendation is 400mcg daily. Foods such as broccoli, lentils, asparagus and oranges are all great sources of folate.