Monday 30 June 2014
JAI GURUDEV
Your non-attachment to the mundane is your charm, Your attachment to the Divine is your beauty. #SriSriRaviShankar
JAI GURUDEV
When u share misery,it won't diminish.When u fail to share joy,it diminishes.Share problems only with the Divine.Share joy with all. #SriSri
Sunday 29 June 2014
Saturday 28 June 2014
JAI GURUDEV
When u share misery,it won't diminish.When u fail to share joy,it diminishes.Share problems only with the Divine.Share joy with all. #SriSri
JAI GURUDEV
When you shut one door, another door opens all by itself & you will be filled with light, filled with… http://
JAI GURUDEV
#GuruPunch Good luck does not come by lucky charms. It comes from good work. Good deed is to bring happiness i...
JAI GURUDEV
One failure can lead to another success later. We should not be deterred by failures, but learn from them. #Commitment
JAI GURUDEV
#GuruPunch When you feel weak I am with you as your strength, you are not alone. Whenever you feel weak, know ...
JAI GURUDEV
Watch LIVE: A beautiful knowledge & meditation session with @SriSri, 29 June - 8 AM IST. Link: http://www.artofliving.org/webcast
Friday 27 June 2014
Thursday 26 June 2014
JAI GURUDEV
26th JUNE Is International Deaddiction Day let's resolve to get high on meditation and not on drugs. #ArtOfLivingHigh
JAI GURUDEV
Drugs destroy not just U, but d Nation & Humanity. It's a major source of income 4 terrorists! Save urself, save the world...
JAI GURUDEV
Leaving a habit is painful, but having it doesn't give any bliss, or ecstasy - this is the definition for habit.
JAI GURUDEV
#GuruPunch Don’t cry if you make a mistake. Just learn from it, and move ahead. But, don’t repeat the same mis... http://
JAI GURUDEV
· InternationalDayAgainstDrugAbuse All addictions promise joy but they never deliver. How to overcome these? https://www.facebook.com/SriSriRaviShankar?ref=hl …Wednesday 25 June 2014
STRAWBERRY...
Slimming Strawberries For Weight Loss
Red, ripe and delicious, strawberries are a little fruit that work overtime for your health.
Peak strawberry season is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to add strawberries to your menu for summer weight loss. From farm stands to your local supermarket, these luscious berries are sure to turn up just about everywhere.
And don't forget about the amazing organically grown strawberries that come from California year round.
The exciting research that is being done shows that the special nutritional components in strawberries might be able to stimulate your metabolism and help suppress your appetite. They can control blood sugar and can also help you lose weight.
It is no wonder that scientists across the United States, in Sweden and other countries have been researching the wonders of the strawberry and discovering more evidence of its health benefits. There is no doubt that strawberries have joined the other rock stars of super nutritious fruit such as blueberries, cherries, cranberries and pomegranates.
What Gives Strawberries Their Nutritional Punch?
Strawberries are a healthy food to eat to lose weight, because there are 49 calories in one cup of strawberries. They are also loaded with Vitamin C, 3 grams of fiber, and some calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Strawberries are rich sources of phenolic antioxidants that can help:
- reverse inflammation
- aid in weight loss
- reduce the risk of chronic disease.
University of Illinois researchers found that the most abundant antioxidants in strawberries are ellagic acid, as well as the flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol anthocyanin and catechin. They further pointed out that strawberry extracts have shown to inhibit COX enzymes in laboratory experiments. This would mean that strawberries could have the potential to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Learn more about fruit anthocyanin's ability to reduce pain in Cherry Season: Fight Pain and Inflammation.
Learn more about fruit anthocyanin's ability to reduce pain in Cherry Season: Fight Pain and Inflammation.
Research on Strawberries and Disease
Research results indicate that strawberries can provide nutritional support to fight aging and disease:
- In vitro laboratory experiments from Cornell University suggest that strawberry extracts may help inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells.
- Studies with laboratory animals demonstrated benefits of strawberries for the aging brain.
Writing in the Journal of Medicinal Food scientists from Clemson University examined the cancer fighting potential of various berries. They note: "Plants are proven sources of useful anti-tumor and chemopreventative compounds. Hence, identification of phytochemicals useful in dietary prevention and intervention of cancer is of paramount importance." Evaluating the results of their experiments the Clemson researchers concluded: "Juice from strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry fruit significantly inhibited mutagenesis."
Strawberries Help Protect the Heart
Strawberry extracts have direct anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting the activation of genes and enzymes that promote inflammation.
Most of this benefit is due to another group of phenolic antioxidants called anthocyanins, which help give ripe strawberries their lush red color. Anthocyanins decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke by protecting blood vessels from the effects of wear and tear.
Strawberries Promote Weight Loss
Strawberries Promote Weight Loss
The ellagic acid and anthocyanins found in strawberries aid weight loss in at least three ways:
- Chronic inflammation blocks the hormones involved in keeping you lean. Anti-inflammatory foods like strawberries help restore normal function to weight-reducing hormones.
- Anthocyanins actually increase the body's production of a hormone called adiponectin, which stimulates your metabolism and suppresses your appetite.
- Both ellagic acid and anthocyanins slow the rate of digestion of starchy foods, controlling the rise in blood sugar that follows a starchy meal. This effect is used to control blood sugar in people with adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes.
Learn more about making your weight loss hormones work for you in my article: Increase Metabolism with the Fat Burning Hormone Leptin
Organic Strawberries Have More Nutrition
Organic Strawberries Have More Nutrition
I recommend organically grown strawberries. Organic strawberries have been shown to have higher levels of vitamin C and than conventionally grown strawberries, due to a higher content of phenolic antioxidants.
In a fascinating study, researchers from Washington State University compared organic strawberries and farms to conventional strawberries and farms. They found the organic strawberries to be higher in quality, and the soil to be healthier. Specifically, in comparison to the conventionally grown berries, the organic strawberries had higher total antioxidants, ascorbic acid, and total phenolics.
Enjoying Strawberries
Strawberries give you flavor, color, and aroma, awakening your taste buds to the fresh, natural foods your body needs to be healthy and vital.
When shopping for berries, freshness is important. Identify strawberries that are bright red and firm.
Strawberries are a great snack or dessert, and add color and flavor to healthy recipes. Naturally sweet and juicy, strawberries are a sublime pleasure and make a great healthy treat.
Simply add a handful of sliced strawberries to:
Cereal or granola
Hot oatmeal
Smoothies
Yogurt
Hot oatmeal
Smoothies
Yogurt
You can eat fresh or frozen strawberries as a snack or dessert anytime.
Here is a recipe featuring strawberries from my book, The Fat Resistance Diet, an anti-inflammatory program.
Banana Strawberry Smoothie
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 banana, sliced
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1 tablespoon freshly ground flaxseeds
1 tablespoon whey protein concentrate
1 banana, sliced
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1 tablespoon freshly ground flaxseeds
1 tablespoon whey protein concentrate
Pour 2 tablespoons water into a blender. Add the yogurt, banana, and strawberries and blend. Put in the ground flaxseeds and whey protein. Blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy! Serves 1.
I hope you enjoy the healthy pleasure of strawberries now and throughout the year.
JAI GURUDEV
#Quote Guru is knowledge, Guru is love. Guru is light, There is no difference between Guru, God and the Soul. ...
JAI GURUDEV
#GuruPunch You always have the choice to do good or bad. The fruits of your deeds are good or bad according to... http://
Monday 23 June 2014
SUMMERTIME SURPRICE
FIT LIFE
4 Surprising Summertime Smoothies
June 14, 2012
Nothing sounds more refreshing that a nice cold smoothie on a warm summer day, right? But what if it was made with some not so common ingredients that packed a nutritional punch- would it still be tasty? Inquiring minds want to know, so we consulted registered dietitians and nutrition experts and asked them each for their favorite smoothie recipe that is not only delicious and nutritious, but also a bit unusual. We then put those smoothies to a taste test with a random sampling of our very own ACE staff to find out just how yummy these easy to make smoothies really are!
The Bee's Knees Superfood Smoothie
by Kristen Carlucci, RD
Ingredients
- 1/2 banana, frozen
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 Tbsp. bee pollen (this can be found at your local health food store)
- Handful of spinach
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup original unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 ice cubes
- 1 packet Stevia, for added sweetness (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients, blend and enjoy!
“With ingredients like banana, strawberry, spinach and almond milk this smoothie is a nutritional powerhouse all on its own, but the real superfood celebrity in this smoothie mix is bee pollen. Containing essential amino and fatty acids, antioxidant-rich flavonoids, and all of the major vitamins and key minerals, bee pollen has also been found to boost energy levels, reduce inflammation and prevent seasonal allergies.”
ACE Taste Test Results
Not only did our selected staff members think this smoothie had a great name, but Sarah Chambers, ACE Social Media Specialist, and others mentioned that this creative smoothie also tasted delicious. Being that this recipe includes protein powder, several of our taste testers mentioned it did have a slight chalkiness to it, so be sure to blend this smoothie thoroughly. You can also experiment with a few different brands of protein powder to find one that not only blends wells but tastes great.
Banana Berry Ginger Smoothie
by Julie Burks, MS, RD, CSSD; ACE Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach
Ingredients
- 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
- 1- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- ½ cup nonfat milk or soymilk
- ¼ cup berry juice
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 banana
- 1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon
Directions
Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serves 2.
“Adding fresh ginger to a smoothie not only gives it a kick, but ginger is also known to have health benefits such as calming an upset stomach, helping cold and flu symptoms and decreasing inflammation, which may be beneficial after a tough workout. “
ACE Taste Test Results
Overall our ACE taste testers felt this smoothie was a good “intro smoothie,” as Matt Gossman, ACE Online Content Producer, said, it was the most similar in taste (and appearance) to something you would get at your favorite smoothie shop. Robin Floyd, ACE Continuing Education Coordinator, noted “this smoothie tasted really yummy and had a great tart berry flavor.” This could be a good option for those just starting to branch out in their smoothie exploration.
Lean and Green Smoothie
by Tiffani Bachus, RD
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup kale
- 1 kiwi
- 1 apple
- ½ cup pineapple
- 1 slice of lime
- 1 oz. avocado (approximately 1/6th)
Directions
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve cold.
“This lean green smoothie recipe is a nutrition powerhouse, with key fruits and vegetables to nourish your body, help burn fat and fight off post-workout inflammation. Adding avocado to your green smoothie creates a smooth, creamy texture, plus avocados contain L-Carnitine (an amino acid) whose primary role in your body is to help metabolize fat and promote fat loss. Pineapple is loaded with bromelain and papain, enzymes that help minimize post-workout inflammation”.
ACE Taste Test Results
The vast majority of our taste testers, including Todd Jones, ACE Commercial Accounts Representative, really enjoyed the crisp, fresh taste of this “healthy tasting smoothie.” While many agreed the flavor was great, some felt the smoothie needed to be blended a bit more for a less clumpy consistency. For a smoother version of this smoothie, a high quality blender like a Vitamix may be helpful, or just simply try cutting the ingredients, such as the apple and kale, into smaller, easy-to-blend pieces.
Honey and Spice Squash and Pear Smoothie
by Emily Ann Miller, MPH, RD
Ingredients
- ½ cup roasted butternut squash OR one 4 oz. jar of squash baby food
- 1 small ripe pear, peeled
- 6 oz. honey-flavored Greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Directions
Blend all of these ingredients and adjust their amounts if you prefer more or less of any one of them.
“Most Americans don’t eat enough vegetables, but meeting recommendations for veggie intake might not be so hard if they knew how easy and tasty it is to add them to smoothies. Butternut squash, a member of the gourd family, along with pumpkins and melons is a nutritional standout. Half a cup cooked butternut squash has 40 calories, 3 grams of fiber, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and provides a good amount of potassium It’s also a great source of carotenoids, a class of antioxidants that is associated with benefits to heart and eye health. In addition to its nutritional benefits, its mildly sweet flavor and creamy texture make it a great asset to this smoothie recipe.”
ACE Taste Test Results
While some of our staff, like Chris Gagliardi, ACE Study Assistance Administrator, enjoyed the thicker consistency of this unique smoothie, several others mentioned the thickness from the yogurt was a bit of a turn-off. Depending on your textural preferences, you may want to consider adding a few ice cubes or a splash of water to slightly thin out the smoothie. I personally tried this at home with just a few spoonfuls of water following our staff taste test and found that it changes the consistency greatly, making for an extremely tasty, easily drinkable summertime treat.
For more delicious, nutritious, easy to make smoothies, try these free recipes and for even more healthy meal ideas check out Fit Food: Eating Well for Life, a new kind of cookbook that combines practical nutrition information with delicious healthy recipes from nationally-recognized chefs.
By Jessica Matthews, MS, E-RYTJessica Matthews, M.S., E-RYT is assistant professor of exercise science at Miramar College. As a leading fitness expert, writer and educator Jessica is a regular contributor to numerous publications, including Shape and Oprah.com. She holds a B.S. in physical education teacher education from Coastal Carolina University and M.S. in physical education from Canisius College. She is a certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Health Coach through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as well as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) through Yoga Alliance and trained stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga instructor. Prior to teaching at Miramar, Jessica worked full-time ACE, serving in a number of key roles including exercise physiologist, certification director and senior health and fitness editor. Her past work also includes serving as aquatics director at Conway Medical Wellness and Fitness Center and designing health and physical education curriculum for grades K-12.
More info on Jessica Matthews »
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