BEANS!

Beans are an extremely beneficial component in all diets because they are high in complex carbohydrates, protein and dietary fiber, low in fat, calories and sodium, and completely cholesterol-free. As little as a half-cup of beans added to the daily diet can be very helpful in reaching important nutrition goals.

Beans are an excellent, non-fat source of protein. Just one cup of beans provides as much as 16 grams of protein.

Why is protein so important? The body converts protein into amino acids which make up and repair muscle and bone tissue. Protein also fights infections, helps heal wounds and regulates enzymes and hormones.
Complex Carbohydrates

Beans are loaded with complex carbohydrates - the nutrient that provides energy to the muscles and brain. Just one cup of beans can provide 15 percent of the carbohydrates needed daily. Plus, beans have the best type of carbohydrate for maximum energy - those considered to be low or moderate glycemic index carbohydrates. Beans and other carbohydrates with a low to moderate glycemic index have the unique ability to provide energy over a longer period of time by being slowly released into your bloodstream to provide sustained energy.
Fiber
Beans are one of the best sources of dietary fiber, containing both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber, generally thought of as "roughage" that moves quickly through the digestive system, is important in our diets because it helps promote a healthy digestive tract and can reduce the risk of some types of cancer. During digestion, soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance, which helps the body handle fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Soluble fiber plays a role in helping to lower blood cholesterol levels, one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease.

Like any source of fiber, beans should be added gradually to the diet. Consumption should be increased over a four- to eight-week period, even if it's a bite or two per day, with a goal of one-half cup beans per day. It is also important to drink plenty of liquids when adding more fiber to your diet, because fluids help reduce the natural side effects of digesting fiber-rich foods. The key is to continue eating beans once the body's system is adjusted.

For more info check out www.americanbean.org.

Fruits!

I have heard about people using fruits to diet but i have never tried it and would love to.

Lose the weight with fruit

First we think it's best to focus on feeling good. Secondly to remind that in order to live a healthy and energetic life in a body that is fit to do that job, attempting to lose weight only will not be the key. There are some other changes you might want to bring into your life. In order to have the cells of your body function properly they have to receive the right nutritious elements and toxins must be kept away from them as much as possible and should be disposed of properly. In order to reach that goal we have the following recommendations for you:

Consume as much as you can of the 'right nutrition
Avoid as much as you can of the 'wrong nutrition
Exercise moderately
Be happy with every small change you've been able to make permanently
Don't make weight loss more complicated than it is.
well, im ready to try!

Is It a Cold Or The Flu? Know The Difference.

A cold and the flu (also called influenza) are alike in many ways. But the flu can sometimes lead to more serious problems, such as pneumonia.
A stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing are usually signs of a cold. Tiredness, fever, headache, and major aches and pains probably mean you have the flu.
Coughing can be a sign of either a cold or the flu. But a bad cough usually points to the flu.

Know When To Call Your Doctor

You usually do not have to call your doctor right away if you have signs of a cold or flu. But you should call your doctor in these situations:
Your symptoms get worse.
Your symptoms last a long time.
After feeling a little better, you show signs of a more serious problem. Some of these signs are a sick-to-your-stomach feeling, vomiting, high fever, shaking, chills, chest pain, or coughing with thick, yellow-green mucus.

Try to Avoid Getting a Cold

Wash your hands often. You can pick up cold germs easily, even when shaking someone's hand or touching doorknobs or handrails.
Avoid people with colds when possible.
Sneeze or cough into a tissue and then throw the tissue away.
Clean surfaces you touch with a germ-killing disinfectant.
Don't touch your nose, eyes, or mouth. Germs can enter your body easily by these paths.
Try to Avoid Getting The Flu
A flu shot can greatly lower your chance of getting the flu. The best time to get the shot is from the middle of October to the middle of November, because most people get the flu in the winter.
The shot can't cause the flu. But you may feel sore or weak or have a fever for a few days.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

Almost all people who want to lower their chance of coming down with the flu can get a flu shot.
Flu shots are most important for:
people 65 or older
nursing home patients
people over 6 months old with health problems, such as asthma, or with long-term diseases, such as HIV or heart disease
children or teen-agers who must often take aspirin
people who are often around older people or those with health problems.

Who Might Not Be Able to Get a Flu Shot?

Talk to your doctor before you get the shot if you:
have certain allergies, especially to eggs
have an illness, such as pneumonia
have a high fever
are pregnant.
Prescription Medicine Can Prevent Flu, Too
If you are one of those who should not get the flu shot, ask your doctor about prescription medicine to help prevent flu.
And if you get the flu, taking this medicine within the first 48 hours can make your illness less serious.
But Do Not Take Antibiotics For a Cold or Flu
Antibiotics won't work against cold and flu germs.
And, you should take antibiotics only when really needed.

Help Yourself Feel Better While You Are Sick

A cold usually lasts only a few days to a week. Tiredness from the flu may continue for several weeks.
To feel better while you are sick:
Drink plenty of fluids.
Get plenty of rest.
Use a humidifier -- an electric device that puts water into the air.
Take a cough and cold medicine you buy without a prescription. It may help.

CHICKPEAS!

Chickpeas are round with a nutty flavor and are frequently used in central Asia and Middle Eastern cuisine.
There are two groups of chickpeas-desi and Kabuli-distinguished by seed size, shape and color. They also have different growth requirements and end uses.
Chickpeas are an excellent source of carbohydrates and protein, which constitutes about 80% of the total dry seed weight. Crude fiber, another constituent of chickpeas, is mostly located within the seed coat.Chickpeas are also rich in phosphorus, calcium, folate and vitamin c. they are perfect for soups, salads and casseroles!

Allergies and Asthma!

Do allergies cause asthma? The answer to this question is: yes and no. People who have certain kinds of allergies are more likely to have asthma.
Which kind of allergies? Usually, the type of allergies that affect your nose and eyes, causing problems like a runny nose or red, itchy eyes
Whatever causes an allergic reaction, such as pollen or dust, can also trigger asthma symptoms. But not everyone who has allergies develops asthma. And not all case of asthma are related to allergies.
About 20 million people in the United States have asthma. Of these, about 10 million have asthma symptoms that are triggered by allergies. In these people, the symptoms of asthma are often triggered by exposure to allergens. Common allergens include dust mites, mold, pollen, and animal substances, such as a dog's or cat's skin flakes, saliva, hair, and urine. Parents who have allergies or asthma often pass along the tendency to have these conditions to their kids

Ways to curb overeating!

Need some help getting your appetite under control? We all do sometimes try these easy steps courtesy Harvard Medical Center:

Sit down at the table when you eat. Never eat on the run, in the car, while standing up, or in front of the TV or computer. Studies show all of these distractions lead to eating more food but feeling less satisfied!

Use smaller plates. Many overeaters are used to piling their plate high with big portions. So use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. You'll eat less food, but you'll still have the "visual" cue of a full plate.

Eat slowly. Be sure to devote at least 20 minutes to every meal. It takes that long for the "full" signal from your brain to reach your stomach. So savor those bites!

Keep healthy foods — like fresh fruits and vegetables — at eye level in your fridge, instead of putting them in a drawer. This way you'll be more likely to eat them!

Drink a 12-ounce glass of water before each meal to take the edge off your appetite.

When the urge to snack hits, wait 10 minutes. Often the impulse will pass, especially when you are eating for emotional reasons instead of true hunger.

Back to school tips for teens with allergies!

Teens from around the country sent in their tips on how they manage their food allergies in school.
“My friends eat a lot of the foods I am allergic to, which means I am around a lot of foods that can (and will) cause an allergic reaction. Just make sure your friends know that you are allergic and to not get their food close to you.
“Also, believe me, you don’t want to kiss someone who has eaten a food you’re allergic to, so make sure they haven’t eaten anything harmful to you!
“Last, make sure your friends don’t touch your food, because food going into your mouth that has touched the foods you can’t eat can cause you an allergic reaction too!” ~Sarah, age 13, allergic to milk.

“Don’t try to hide your food allergy. It makes you unique. If you give your friends a heads up, they will be more than willing to accommodate you. People are willing to cooperate, especially if they understand your allergy.” ~Jenny, age 14, allergic to peanuts.

“At first it is very hard to go to school and just make it through everyday life, but if you hold strong, anybody can make it through. Always have your medicine with you no matter where you go, because if an accident were to happen, it is best to be prepared.” ~Jarrad, age 17, allergic to milk and eggs.

“Learn to advocate for yourself and ask questions. This will not only protect you and help you manage your allergy, but developing this skill will also help you with school and in many other aspects of life.” ~Brian, age 18, allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.

What is food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system response to a food that the body mistakenly believes is harmful.
Although an individual could be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, there are eight foods that account for 90% of all food-allergic reactions. These are: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut (walnut, cashew, etc.), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially fatal, systemic allergic reaction that can involve various areas of the body (such as the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system

10 wonderhealthy foods!

Several dietitians were asked for their favorite heart-protective foods. Here's the list of the 10 superfoods that may help lower your risk of developing heart disease:

1. Sardines -- great source of omega-3 fatty acids and niacin.

2. Mackerel -- another source of omega-3 fats and the antioxidant mineral selenium.

3. Walnuts -- good source of good fats.

4. Tofu -- shown to reduce LDL cholesterol.

5 & 6. Plums/prunes -- good source of fiber, iron and the antioxidant beta-carotene.

7. Oatmeal -- low on glycemic index and an instant boost of fiber.

8 & 9. Kidney beans/chickpeas -- low-fat, high in soluble fiber and low on the glycemic index.

10. Barley -- combats constipation, good source of iron and other minerals.

These are wondahealthy foods but i wish i could find a way to combine everything into one helluva meal.....