I enjoyed Valentines Day with my bae.We ate dinner at Applebee’s.
Valentines Day dinner at Applebee’s with my bae
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Tag Archives: Food and Beverages
5 Mood-Boosting Foods
When searching for information on how to keep depression at bay, you will come across many suggestions. These may range from getting enough sleep, meditation, and exercising, to striking a healthy balance in your professional, social and personal life. Everyone is different, and it’s important to get the opinion of a medical professional if you are struggling from depression. But one thing you can also try is to tweak what you eat.
Studies have found that certain foods elicit a calming effect based on how their nutrient content interacts with the body. When eaten, such foods can help boost your mood. Here are five examples for you to try:
1. Walnuts
Rich in healthy fats and protein, walnuts are a healthy snack option over salt-laden crackers and potato chips. While most nuts and seeds are good at fighting depression, walnuts have an edge due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers have found that there is a correlation between this nutrient and healthy brain function. Some studies report high occurrences of depressive disorders in communities that do not get enough of omega-3 fatty acids from available local foods. Therefore, if walnuts are within reach, ensure you get your fill and acquire enough omega-3 to help you fight off depression precursors such as anxiety and stress.
2. Chocolate
One widespread notion about chocolate is that it is a comfort food, which makes people happy. It turns out that this assertion bears some truth. The explanation behind how chocolate makes people happy is in its chemical nature. Nutrition researchers discovered that chocolate affects the brain by releasing neurotransmitters that have a positive effect on human emotions. One of these is serotonin, which is known to uplift mood. Chocolate also triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, which relieve pain and induce feelings of euphoria. This snack has even been found to stimulate production of phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter that affects blood pressure and glucose levels to arouse emotions similar to those that a person experiences during romantic affairs. Another compound in chocolate that leads to feelings of well-being is lipid anandamide, which has similar effects to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical compound in Marijuana that causes a high.
3. Turkey
It is the level of tryptophan contained in turkey that makes it such a good food for boosting the mood. Tryptophan is a type of amino acid present in various protein-rich foods. It plays a vital role in the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter your body produces. Eating turkey and other foods rich in tryptophan more often can ensure your body is producing enough serotonin, which will ultimately help you maintain high spirits and prevent depression.
4. Green Tea
Having a bad day? Green tea is an excellent beverage to help you cope with stress and prevent depression. The magic ingredient that gives green tea its anti-stress and relaxation benefits is Theanine. This amino acid is even used to treat anxiety and hypertension.
5. Low Fat Dairy
Nutrition experts know that low fat dairy products lower cholesterol intake, which in turn reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders. However, the depression fighting capabilities of low fat dairy products can be traced back to their high content of vitamin D. Some studies have linked lack of vitamin D with depression, and low fat dairy products can ensure that you are getting enough of this essential mood-boosting nutrient.
There is a growing body of scientific evidence to suggest that various foods have a calming effect on the body. Those mentioned above are just a handful of comfort foods you can try to experiment with and see how they affect your mood. However, if you want to beat depression, it is important to look at your diet as a whole, and to seek medical guidance.
Foods to Avoid When Trying to Lose Weight
The foods you eat can have a major effect on your weight . Some foods , like full-fat yogurt, coconut oil and eggs , help with weight loss . Other foods, especially processed and refined …
Eating Gluten Free: Medical Conditions And Meal Ideas
Without a doubt, you’ve heard numerous health experts preach about going gluten free. Do you have the slightest clue what gluten is? If you are like most women (especially middle aged and older women), old habits are hard to change.
Gluten is found in wheat, and you likely grew up with wheat products around your home, such as bread and pastries, flour and snacks, and grew up just fine, right? Well… let’s just say things could have been even better.
The fact is, going gluten free really is beneficial to our health, and more people really should adopt to this lifestyle.
This also means adapting your cooking style to the new ingredients. However, before we delve into some great gluten free meal ideas, let’s have a quick look at the dangers of gluten in our diet.
Celiac Disease
This is a serious disease resulting from the immune system responding to gluten as a foreign body. The result is breakdown in the lining of the intestinal system, making for bloody stools, poor absorption and excruciating pain.
Brain Disorders
This is again related to the immune system developing a response to gluten and causing inflammation of surrounding organs. This can predispose the individual to serious neurological conditions like epilepsy.
Skin Diseases
Again, related to sensitizing autoimmune system. The result is damage to the cells of the skin and inflammatory rashes
The pattern developing is that most of the effects of gluten are related to having a sensitive immune reaction to its consumption. Though originally thought of as rare to encounter this sensitivity, it is now known that more than a third of all people are gluten insensitive.
Removing gluten from the diet may be beneficial to anyone, as gluten is not considered an essential source protein.
Ready to make delicious gluten free meals? Try these out as soon as you can!
Almond Flour Pancakes
These pancakes are the go to substitute for wheaten pancakes, as they are extremely filling and completely gluten free. They are also low in carbs, perfect for losing weight of if following a low carb lifestyle. Best of all? It takes just 20 minutes to complete!
You will need the following ingredients, so be sure to pick them up when going shopping:
• One cup of almond flour
• One- quarter of a cup water
• 2 eggs
• One tablespoon of maple syrup
• One teaspoon oil
• A sprinkle of salt
Keep in mind this recipe makes 4 pancakes, so be sure to adjust upwards if you need more.
To Make:
1. Mix all ingredients except oil, and whisk until fluffy and smooth.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then drop a large spoon of batter into the pan.
3. Let cook on each side for 3-5 minutes, being sure to flip once one side is browned.
4. Repeat for other pancakes, then enjoy!
Satisfying Egg And Cheese Breakfast Quiche
Quiches have been, and will always remain a classic. This one is unique, however, as it does not require any flour at all. It is a high protein, high fat breakfast choice and is extremely filling.
To make you’ll need:
• 6 bacon strips finely chopped (turkey or pork, your choice)
• 4 eggs
• 5 ounces Swiss cheese
• 3 ounces parmesan cheese
• One cup half and half cream
• Half of a cup chopped onions
To Make:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Mix dry ingredients and pour into muffin pans or 9-inch pie dish.
3. Mix eggs and cream, then pour over the dry ingredients in the pan of your choice.
4. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350F and bake for another 35 minutes.
5. Enjoy for breakfast, snack, or whenever you desire this delicious quiche!
Avocado Chicken Salad
A filling, healthy lunch option that is quick to make and delicious to boot. Not all fats are bad for you, as evidenced by the benefits avocado has on health.
You’ll need the following ingredients:
• 8 ounces chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• One teaspoon smoked paprika
• Half diced avocado
• One chopped medium tomato
• Half small chopped red onion
• One teaspoon chopped parsley
To Make:
• Rub one tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken breast and grill over medium heat until lightly browned.
• Mix remaining ingredients, then chop chicken breast or strip and mix into salad.
• Refrigerate for short period of time or consume immediately.
This is a great recipe when running late for lunch, as it takes just 20 minutes from start to finish!
Goat Cheese And Turkey Patties
Incorporating the unique flavor of goat cheese and the leanness of ground turkey, it makes a perfect complement to sweet potatoes or on a bed of veggies. Perfect for dinner.
Ingredients needed:
• One and a half pounds ground turkey breast
• Two tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
• One cup chopped spinach
To Make:
1. Preheat oven griddle, or grill to medium heat.
2. Combine ingredients into 4 patties (serving is 4 patties) and compact
3. Place on grill or griddle for 15 minutes until golden brown
4. Delicious!
Conclusion
Gluten free meal ideas are everywhere. The few outlines here are merely the tip of the iceberg. You can modify recipes you always make, by education yourself to what foods have gluten and excluding them.
Your health will thank you!
Hibachi Buffet Dec 30,2016
Here are pictures of my first plate of food and sweet tea. I also put a picture of my second plate of food which is the last picture on here. I went out to lunch today with my son and girlfriend.We ate lunch at Hibachi Buffet a all you can eat buffet.
Pepper’s Mexican grill and catina restaurant Dec 27,2016
I went to Peppers Mexican grill and cantina restaurant with my girlfriend for dinner.
Your Best Food Choices To Prevent Cancer
Far too many lives are negatively impacted, or taken too soon by a wide variety of dangerous and relentless cancers. Scientists are hard at work trying to discover the cure to this deadly disease, and all its different varieties but in the meantime, is there anything we can do differently in our diets to prevent cancer? Diet is well known to play a key role in so many aspects of both good and bad health. Nutrients from food are used by the body for countless internal process, energy, healthy immunity, and brain health. Nutrients are also essential for avoiding disease, including heart disease, the common cold, and even cancer. Research has shown that eating a healthy, balanced diet with fruits and vegetables can help in all aspects of maintaining good health. There are even some specific foods that are considered cancer-fighting powerhouses. Perhaps they are already part of your diet, but if they are not, now is a great time to start incorporating the following cancer preventing, and delicious foods. Garlic Science suggests that the sulfur that is released from this fragrant food can have cancer fighting powers. It can prevent cancer from forming in your body and accelerates the repair of DNA. Real garlic cloves are a better option than a supplement, and it’s best to peel the cloves and crush or mince them. Then let them sit for 20 minutes before you cook them so the enzymes have time to activate and release the sulfur. Raw garlic can be enjoyed in salads, sprinkled over cooked meats, fish and poultry or steamed vegetables. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage are all packed with enzyme producing phytochemicals that become active as you chew. Eaten cooked or raw, these veggies help protect against stomach and intestinal cancers. Tomatoes Have you ever wondered what gives tomatoes that lovely red color? It’s a phytochemical called lycopene, and its concentration is higher in tomatoes than any other foods. Tomatoes are most prepped to protect from cancer when they are cooked or processed, because your body can more easily break them down and absorb the vital nutrients. A wonderful dish with tomatoes is grilled tomatoes parmesan. Cut a whole tomato in half, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and bake at 375F on a cookie sheet with a little olive oil for about 5 to 6 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. Cooked Carrots Carrots are loaded with antioxidants, and beta carotene which has been linked to slowed cancer growth. This naturally sweet and well-loved veggie is most beneficial cooked as light steaming releases essential antioxidants, so you’ll help keep all the nutrients intact if you steam them whole, and then cut them before enjoying. Add fresh raw garlic over the steamed carrots to double the cancer fighting benefits! Strawberries Berries are small, but mighty when it comes to health benefits, and antioxidant-rich strawberries are one of the best in the bunch for cancer prevention. Additionally, they contain Ellagic acids, which have shown the ability to slow tumor growth and protect against mouth and esophagus cancers. Moreover, they are a great food to eat for naturally healthy and white teeth. Berries make great snacks, powerful breakfast foods over a whole grain cereal or Greek yogurt and they are awesome low calorie desserts. Spinach Spinach is a great source of nutrients, fiber, and carotenoids. Carotenoids are important in cancer prevention because they flush out the free radicals in our bodies before they have a chance to settle in and do any damage. You’ll get more benefits from eating this green, leafy super hero raw or just slightly cooked and wilted. You can eat spinach raw in salads or enjoy it sautéed for just a couple of minutes in olive oil with a dash of fresh garlic and a little salt. Whole Grains Eating whole grains contributes to well balanced and tasty diet. They also contain antioxidants called lignans that can be helpful in prohibiting cancer cells from multiplying. When you’re selecting breads, cereals, and side dishes such as rice or pasta, always go with the whole grain varieties for a healthy dose of fiber and antioxidants to help ward off cancer. Limit Meat, And Choose Hormone Free Meat is a great source of protein, but can often be tinged with growth hormones that were given to the animals to make then larger, faster. These hormones have been linked to cancers, so choosing hormone free options will help protect you. Meat should also be enjoyed in moderation, and not overcooked to the point of charring. Bottom Line Healthy, fresh, whole natural foods not only contribute to good health, but can also heal and restore balance in our bodies. Conversely, eating junk and processed food can actually do the opposite by depriving the body of the nutrition it needs to function at its best, and to maintain optimal immunity in order to fight disease. Incorporating these powerful foods into your diet will help protect against cancer, and give you delicious and long lasting health.
Foods and Drinks to Aid Your Recovery from Hangover
Hangovers are no fun. Fortunately, because of the way your body processes alcohol, there are plenty of tasty food and drink options which are considered natural hangover helpers. Stock up on the following solids and liquids for some quick morning after head and stomach ache relief from over-drinking. Gatorade This sports drink and others are excellent for speeding up your recovery when you are hung over. Many sports beverages are high in electrolytes that hangover sufferers need to replenish, and you need to hydrate yourself as well. Orange juice Fructose is one of the components of orange juice. This sugar fires up your metabolism of alcohol, and can help speed up your hangover recovery. This is because fructose can increase your natural metabolism of alcohol by up to 25%. And the vitamin C in citrus juices and help repare cell damage related to binge drinking. Jam and jelly The key component here once again is fructose. And when you spread jam or jelly on toast, you help build much-needed energy stores that could use a boost while you are recovering. Fruit juice In case you don't want to think about eating anything at all when you are hung over, drink some fruit juice to help speed up your recovery. Stick with natural juices because of the fructose and other healthy sugars they contain. Eggs Repeat after me ... "Protein and Cysteine." Protein is great for energy, and the high quantities of cysteine in eggs go to work on any toxins left over from the alcohol you drank the night before. Stick to mostly egg whites and you keep your cholesterol level manageable. Cactus extract Recent research (which is still being conducted) seems to show that the skin of the prickly pear cactus is great as a hangover helper. Purchase online or at your nearest health food store to relieve appetite loss, the dry mouth and nausea that last night's drinking has left you with today. Water, water and more water Alcohol molecules are absolutely head over heels in love with H2O. That interesting fact comes from James M. Schaefer, a research professor and alcohol metabolism expert. So the more alcohol, wine or beer you drank last night, the drier your entire body, including your brain. Drink lots of water, then drink some more. Ginger We are not talking about the stranded redhead from Gilligan's Island here. Just take 2 ginger capsules or pills every hour with water when you are recovering from a hangover. Nutritionist Monica Reinagel agrees with research that shows a small dose of ginger can ease the vomiting, bloating, gas, constipation and indigestion caused by over-drinking.
Top 10 Foods For An Incredible All Natural Energy Boost
Fatigue is one of the most common conditions that plagues everyone, from busy high school and college students to older working adults. While the most obvious cure for constant fatigue is to get a solid eight hours each night, or to take a quick nap in the afternoon, is it no secret that this is not always possible. In fact, studies show that most humans do not get nearly enough quality sleep that they need to have optimal energy throughout the day. This lack of energy is the reason that this newest trend of energy drinks has become so prevalent. But, the problem is that energy drinks, including, but not limited to Red Bull contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine. Various medical experts have stated that these drinks are 'another form of drugs.' These drinks contain stimulants that cause rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure and stimulation of the central nervous system, much like, stimulant drugs. The FDA reports that the drink 5-Hour Energy might be linked to as many as 13 deaths in the past four years. And, another important thing to consider is the fact that there is a very real crash and burn effect once these drinks wear off. And, often people will keep drinking them once the effect of the first one wears off. For those who are low on energy, unable to make it to bed early enough, and living demanding lives that really have no room for fatigue and the lack of energy they continuously feel, there is another option to promote incredible energy in a healthy and natural way. And, that is through a sensible diet and foods that provide lasting, all natural and real energy to keep you going throughout the day. The Top 10 Foods For Energy 1. Eggs: Egg yolks contain high level of essential B-vitamins, which are in charge of converting the food you eat into energy, and Vitamin D, which helps build and maintain strong bones. While eggs are also a source of saturated fats, these unwanted additions can be avoided by making a breakfast of one full egg and up to three egg whites. 2. Edamame: Edamame are green soybeans and are filled with energizing B-vitamins such as phosphorous and copper. These are important for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose which the body uses for energy. Edamame are also high in fiber, protein, and good carbs which make them the perfect snack to revive your energy throughout the day. 3. Coffee: It’s no coincidence that coffee shops and cafes can be found on almost every corner in most cities. Filled with energizing caffeine, coffee is a great way to get a boost of energy when you need it most. Some studies show that coffee is even effective for fighting cancer. A simple eight-ounce cup is perfect for providing the needed amount of energy to get through the average work day. 4. Whole Grains: Found in most cereals, whole grains are high in fiber and responsible for the slow release of glucose which helps keep you full, focused, and energized throughout the day. Instead of spiking blood sugar levels like one might after eating candy or throwing back an energy drink full of refined sugars, whole grains keep you consistently energized naturally. 5. Melons: These succulent fruits help fight chronic fatigue by keeping the body hydrated. Honeydew, watermelon, cantaloupe, and similar melons are 90% water, which means snacking on these fruits will flood the body with nutrients, minerals, and plenty of natural hydration to keep you awake and alert. 6. Cheese: Another protein packed food is cheese. Like eggs, cheese is filled with protein and other energy inducing B-vitamins. The best cheese to consume is farmer’s cheese as it presses the cheese curds until they have been separated from the liquid, whey. 7. Walnuts: A natural source of melatonin, walnuts are a great snack to eat before bed. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the body after the sun goes down to help make you sleepy. Of course, a good night’s sleep is the best plan to combat fatigue, so add walnuts to your pantry for the perfect bedtime snack. 8. Green Tea: For those who don’t enjoy the taste of coffee or can’t tolerate the high caffeine content, there’s green tea. This delicious tea is filled with L-theanine which is an amino acid that helps you feel exhilarated and alert to get through your day. 9. Quinoa: Known as a super-grain, quinoa is filled with more protein than any other grain. It contains high levels of protein and amino acids such as methionine, lysine, and cysteine. 10. Water: It may seem too simple, but water is one the best foods for incredible energy. By simply drinking at least eight cups of water every day, people can stay hydrated which in turn gives them energy, alertness, and consistent hydration.
