Archive for category Tips on Nutrition
The MIGHTY Green Leaf
Posted by Laurie Stilwell in Fitness Tips, The MIGHTY Green Leaf, Tips on Nutrition on January 2, 2012
Anybody know what this is?
No no no, you don’t smoke it, but rather you eat it; though it may just get you high! =)
It’s called Kale. It’s a very hardy type of cabbage.
Kale was a stranger to me for long time. It wasn’t until last year that a friend introduced me to this beautiful leafy friend. Kale is one of the most nutrient dense food out there. If you want to add one more healthy, new thing to your grocery list… GET KALE! It’s nutrients and benefits trump.
It is loaded with anti-oxidants, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
One cup of kale has 20 percent of your daily needed fiber.
Want to get punched in the face with vitamins?(that’s a good thing)
Well look out, because one cup of Kale has 1327% RDA of vitamin K, which is essential to your nervous system.
PLUS, Kale has a whopping 192% RDA of VitaminĀ A in one cup. Vitamin A helps with your immunity, reproductive organs, nails and teeth.
Have high blood pressure? Kale will help with that too. Kale has been known to lower blood pressure. Kale has 88% of your RDA of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is famous for lowering blood pressure.
Kale is also known for its folic acid, which is a B vitamin. Your body needs this to produce red blood cells. Folic acid is good for everyone, but it is a tremendously important vitamin for pregnant women, seeing as how it can prevent major birth defects.
If these aren’t enough reasons to eat Kale, then just eat it because it is STRAIGHT UP DELICIOUS! You can eat in salads, or steam it, or even add it to soups and smoothies. Instead of snacking on potato chips, try baking kale in the oven as a healthy alternative.
Kale has very few calories, but yet packs a punch in the nutrient department.
Kale is the mighty green leaf.
I started a garden last fall and you can bet your bottom dollar that I planted Kale. Growing my own edible plot of earth in my back yard has been such a rewarding adventure. One of my favorite plants to harvest is Kale. It is such a beautiful plant and just knowing what wonderful things it does for my body gets me excited to eat it.
I am so lucky to be able to walk into my back yard and get everything I need for a tasty salad. Check it out:
Kale, Green Onion, Oak Green Leaf, Simpson Elite Lettuce
It doesn’t get more fresh then that.
One quarter of what you eat keeps you alive;
the other three-quarters keeps your doctor alive.
Your body WANTS water!
Posted by Laurie Stilwell in Tips on Nutrition, Your body WANTS water on November 17, 2011
How much water a day do you drink?
How much SHOULD you drink? Well, that is a loaded question and the answer does vary depending on so many things such as your gender, activity level, and where you live.
But an easy recommendation to remember would be the 8 x8 rule. 8 drinks of 8 ounces. Totaling 64 oz a day. Keep in mind, this is a guesstimate. You may find you need more, but rarely would you ever need less.
Why do you need water at all?
To start, your body is made of up to72 percent water. Your body depends on water to function. You will die without it. Literally within 10 or so days… dead! But that’s obvious right?
Water does SO much for your body and you are really doing yourself a disfavor if you are not getting enough of it. Your body WANTS water.
First of all, water can help with weight loss.
Often times when you are hungry, your body is actually signaling to you that it is thirsty. It’s true. So next time you are hungry try drinking a BIG glass of water and see if your stomach keeps growling minutes later. You may quickly find that drinking more water throughout the day will hugely reduce your desire to snack.
Another great idea is to drink a BIG glass of water 30 minutes before each meal. It will help to fill you up so you eat less at the meal.
Why else is water so special?
Water can also help your metabolism run more efficiently. We all want that right? Your bodies ability to burn calories can actually be improved by drinking plenty of water. By drinking more water, your body will function more optimally…right down to the cellular level. Your body carries energy, oxygen and nutrients to your cells through water.
Ever deal with headaches, or body aches?
Water is a pro at flushing out toxins and waste from your body. You can think of this in practical terms like why you drink water to cure a hangover. There is a reason for that and it’s because water helps eliminate toxins. You simply feel better when you drink more water. It goes back to what I was saying earlier…. if your body depends on water, then making sure it has the necessary amount will let your body operate at its BEST! Your body at its best is an AMAZING thing… Drinking water will give you energy and keep your clear headed and focused.
Also, Did you know that you should poo 1-3 times a day? TMI you say? Not at all. Come on people. This is basic 101 stuff. Drink more water, poo more. Win win !
“But Laurie, drinking water makes me have to pee all the time.”
Sorry, but I hate when people say that. What’s the big deal about having to pee more? As if it is some laborious, taxing chore. Think of it like this… You’ll get more exercise having to get up and use the restroom more often.
Let’s bring this chat out of the bathroom. Want to hear more benefits of drinking water?
Drinking water can reduce your risk for colon cancer by 45%! What??!!!??!!! Score!
In a May 2002 study by the American Journal of Epidemiology it was found that during the study participants who drank more than 5 glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from heart attack than the participants drinking 2 or less glasses of water a day.
Water helps regulate body temperature. Ever suffer from heat stroke? Or feel faint after a day in the sun? When there is enough water in your system, your body can produce sweat and stay cool, but if you are dehydrated your body can not cool you down as quickly or efficiently.
Do you like clear, radiant skin? I do. Drinking enough water will do more wonders for your skin than all the facials and scrubs in the world combined.
So that’s just some of the main reasons why you should drink more water. Plus it has ZERO calories and it is FREE! Add some lemon or lime to your water for some zest and flavor.