These leaves that are considered an herb blend nicely with salads and do well either sautéed or steamed. Many claim the taste is similar to that of endive.

People who are into eating the fruits of nature claim that it is perfectly acceptable to eat the Dandelion flower as well. Some claim that they make outstanding fritters if they are battered up and fried and make a colorful contribution to any stir fry.

Dandelions leaves are actually extremely nutritious, much more so than any herb that can be purchased in the stores. They are higher in bets carotene than carrots are and they have more iron and calcium and iron than spinach does.

Dandelion leaves are also full of vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, E, P, D, biotin, inositol, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. Dandelion root is one of the safest and most popular herbal remedies on the market and is widely used today.

(more…)

Cloves have some preservative properties to them but they work well as an antiseptic, expectorant, anesthetic, or an emmenogogue, working well on the kidneys, the spleen and the stomach.

Some make a combination of cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon, and marjoram for a hot tea that helps bronchitis, asthma, coughs, a tendency to infection, tuberculosis, altitude sickness, nervous stomach, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, the side effects of lobelia, and depression. Sometimes people mix cloves with hot water, again making a tea and claim that it helps them get a good night’s sleep.

Cloves and ginger is a sure way to settle the stomach and stop vomiting. If you combine equal parts of cloves and basil it is supposed to detox meals from the body.

Cloves have been used for failing eyesight and tooth problems. It was used for earaches very often throughout history as putting a little warmed oil of clove on a piece of cotton and in your ear was certain to rid any earache.

Mostly cloves are known for being warm and spicy. But did you know they also have a strong relationship with pain relief, easing nausea and vomiting, and improving digestion. Cloves also kill intestinal parasites and act as an antimicrobial agent against fungi and bacteria. It has also been suggested that cloves have antihistamine properties as well.

(more…)

There are various reasons why Asian people loved to drink green tea. Aside from its excellent taste, you can also derive some health benefits from drinking green tea.

Recently, medical communities and the western countries have recognized the benefits of drinking green tea. There are various reasons why individuals should drink tea and these reasons are found in this article.

The very first reason is that green tea is something different. You’re probably used to drinking softdrinks, coffee, fruit juices, and other beverages. Green tea is something new that you should try out. It’s not everyday that you get to encounter something unique in terms of taste and most specially, very few beverages have health benefits.

Most Americans drink coffee several times a day and since it contains a larger amount of caffeine, some people are already looking into substituting green tea instead. You will surely enjoy the tea’s nutty aroma and its sweet grassy flavor. Although some studies show that green tea also has caffeine, there are now decaffeinated green tea sold in the market.

(more…)

In India, certain herbs are mixed with their foods that are similar to the results that Chinese sought. The same goes with Brazilians and Peruvians.

While almost all plants have sterols that are good for the metabolism in the body, foods that are generally known to contain high concentration of antioxidants are usually those that are present in plants and other fruits containing amino acids, omega 3,6, and 9, and other useful fatty acids. The category also includes those that contain high concentrations of resveratrol and glutathione. The presence of antioxidants in diets will help protect the cells of the body from free radicals and toxins.

This is so because anti oxidants work in a way that its molecules slow down and in some conditions, prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Anti-aging treatment preparations that contain anti oxidants often come in the form of capsules, tablets and energy drinks and other forms of dietary supplements.

Oxidation, while crucial at maintaining life, could be damaging. Animals and even plants maintain a high level and complex anti-oxidant systems in multiple types. Many of these types come from plants in the form of sterols and enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and other peroxides. The most common and readily available antioxidant though is the Vitamin C and the Vitamin E.

(more…)

To correct this, supplements are often required, on top of a prescribed diet. Probably the best supplements to use for mood swings are multivitamins, particularly those that contains the following:

Vitamin B complex

Most people lack sufficient B vitamins in their diets. These are important for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of the adrenal glands.

They are also very essential nutrients that help relieve symptoms associated with mood swings, specifically those caused by withdrawal from caffeine and sugar. Furthermore, the B-complex family is excellent for helping stressed-out nerves, something that many people with mood swings suffer from.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. It’s a very useful supplement and is best for people who suffer from mood swings. It enhances the adrenal functions and stimulates the metabolism of the liver.

(more…)

Portion Size-You can help control weight gain by being wary of portion size. If you’re serving meat, for instance, nutritionists say not to give a portion that’s larger than a deck of cards. Fill the empty space on plates (and in stomachs) with veggies and whole grains.

Something On The Side-Try serving a healthful vegetable soup and a side salad before dinner. That way, people can fill up on veggies, instead of less nutritious foods. Also, if you’re trying to eat a little less, remember that our bodies often mistake thirst for hunger.

So before you dig into dessert, try having a big glass of water and waiting a few minutes. You may turn out to be less hungry than you thought.

Cooking Tips-Something as simple as switching to nonstick oil sprays can make a difference in how healthy a meal is. For instance, new Mazola Pure Cooking Spray is a healthier alternative to high-saturated-fat products such as butter or margarine.

(more…)

Or you’re offered a pure fruit juice - “Well, that’s sugar free - isn’t it?” No it isn’t - the sugar that occurs naturally in fruit juice is very high and that will play havoc with your blood sugar levels. But here are a few drinks you might like to try…

I got so fed up of the standard cola offer, I decided to experiment with mixing the different sugar free drinks that are available and you might like to try these alternatives to ‘just cola’.

1) The first experiment I tried was to mix a diet cola and diet tonic water in the same glass. Then I added ice and lemon. The mixture gives a slightly sharper taste and it makes a very long and refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day.

2) Then I tried splitting a pure orange fruit juice (you could also try pineapple or tomato juice) with a friend and added sparkling water to my half of the juice. You could also try mixing your juice with diet tonic water.

3) If you want to make a refreshing drink at home, this pineapple slushy will hit your dry spot:

Take 1 can sugar-free ginger ale, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened pineapple juice and ice cubes.

Place in a blender and blend until the ice-cubes are crushed and you get a slushy mixture.

Why not experiment with other unsweetened fruit juices? And, if you want a little bit more of a kick, you could add rum extract to give it more flavor.

If you have any more ideas or recipes for sugar-free drink I would really love to hear about them.

But what happens when certain foods are eliminated, such as when a person is on a diet? Will you get mood swings during protein diets and if so, how can this be corrected?

How protein affects your mood

Protein is an important nutrient. Its sources include meat, fish, chicken, soy and soy products, dairy products and nuts. When ingested and absorbed into the bloodstream, protein stimulates the body to release two important neurotransmitters: norepinephrine and dopamine.

These neurotransmitters help the body feel more energetic, awake and alert. This explains why after a good, complete meal, we feel refreshed and active.

The lack of sufficient protein in the diet, on the other hand, produces the feeling of drowsiness. This can then lead to feelings of tiredness and irritation.

Conversely, too much protein in the diet can also lead to certain side effects. More protein can encourage the production of hormones that increases the body’s ability to stay awake. People who don’t regulate their protein intake could become restless and find it difficult to fall asleep.

(more…)

First, remember that once you hit the second trimester, you should be eating about 300 more calories a day. Calories provide you with the extra energy that your body needs to grow your baby.

Now these extra calories should not give you the right to chow down on every food in your line of site. After all, it is only 300 calories that your are getting.

A glass of milk or one banana equals 100 calories and a slice of whole wheat bread, and ounce of cheese and a half of cup of grapes equal 200 calories. See how much more you are eating than if you decide to eat a donut instead.

(more…)

Best Cheesecake

Low Carbohydrate Recipe

Ingredients:

3/4 pound grated aged asiago cheese

1-1/4 pound cream cheese at room temperature

4 eggs

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon or 1 tablespoon fresh salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat asiago and cream cheese with a mixer until smooth.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add garlic and tarragon and combine well. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pour into an 8 inch buttered spring form pan and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, checking after 45 minutes.

Cake should be golden and puffed, not loose in the center. Remove from the oven and let stand 30 minutes before cutting.

Or try this recipe, for Chocolate Meringue Kisses:

Chocolate Meringue Kisses
Low Carbohydrate Recipe
Ingredients:
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup Splenda
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

Directions:
Preheat oven to 225-degrees. Put baking parchment on a cookie sheet.

Beat egg whites until foamy. Add vanilla extract a few drops at a time and cream of tartar. Beat until meringue starts to look creamy and forms soft peaks. Add in Splenda a little at a time. Add in cocoa a little at a time.

Put meringue on parchment paper cookie sheet by spoonfuls. (You can use a pastry bag and pipe them into cones like Hershey kisses, or flower shapes.) Bake at 225-degrees for one hour. Turn off oven, open oven door a crack, and allow to cool five to ten minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool away from drafts. Remove from parchment paper when cool.

Carb count for total recipe: 28.7g. Number of cookies varies depending on size.

Variation:
You could also do these with daVinci-flavoured syrups and a little food coloring if desired. Then sprinkle a little granulated Splenda on the top for that sugar “sparkle.”

Note:
If you make smaller meringues, don’t bake them quite as long, or they will be over-dry and fracture easily.

Berries and Roasted Pecans

Low Carbohydrate Recipe

Ingredients:

18 ounce round of Brie cheese

1 cup mixed berries, fresh or frozen

1/4 cup Cognac

1/3 cup apricot preserves

1/2 cup lightly toasted pecan pieces

Assorted crackers

Directions:

Early Preparation: Marinate berries in Cognac for four to six hours. Lightly toast pecans in 350-degree oven for three to five minutes. Set aside.

To serve: Pre-heat oven to 350-degrees.

Cut a wedge 1/4 of the diameter of the Brie. Stack it o top of remaining round and place on ovenproof serving platter.

In a small saucepan heat apricot preserves over medium heat until dissolved. Stir in marinated berries and then nuts. Reduce heat and warm through.

Heat the Brie in oven until softened, but not runny. Spoon mixture over Brie and serve immediately with assorted crackers.

Recipe makes four to six servings.

Blackberry Ice Cream

Low Carbohydrate Recipe

Ingredients:

1-1/2 quart Half n Half

1 quart heavy whipping cream

1-1/2 cup Splenda

6 egg yolks

1/3 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

30 ounces fresh blackberries

Directions:

Mix first five ingredients together; heat to a gentle boil.

Remove from heat and chill.

Add vanilla extract; crank for about 30 seconds then add blackberries and crank until done.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories: 201

Total Fat: 18.7g

Total Carbohydrates: 6g

Chocolate Mousse

Low Carbohydrate Recipe

Ingredients:

4 ounces heavy cream

One chocolate (or cappuccino) Atkins shake mix

Stevia to flavour (optional)

Directions:

Sift shake mix, then whisk ingredients in a bowl until just thickened (be careful not to over-whisk).

Scoop into individual serving dish. Chill for 30 minutes.

Recipe makes two servings.

Carbohydrates: 2.5g per serving