In honor of the Red Hot Chili Peppers recently getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I thought I'd post an article that I found very interesting about chili peppers. :)
Chili Peppers: A Hot Ticket for a Healthy Diet
By Kim Kash
If you're one of those obnoxious, macho types who makes a big show of snacking on hot peppers for the shock value—keep it up! It looks like chili pepper hotheads may be less susceptible to inflammation, diabetes, prostate cancer, and heart disease. Plus, all that spicy hotness chases away congestion, and it even (ironically) helps to prevent stomach ulcers.
Native to Central and South America, chili peppers were introduced to Asia in the 1500s and have been a cornerstone of cuisines in both those parts of the world ever since. In the West, the heat of chili peppers is measured using the Scoville Organoleptic Test, named after Wilbur Scoville, the chemist who devised it in the early 1900s. It sounds very fancy and technical but, in fact, the Scoville method is a subjective process involving subjects who sip diluted solutions of ground chilis and sugar water. In other words, the Scoville Method isn't much more scientific than the Pepsi Challenge®. There are now more scientific ways of measuring chili heat, but the Scoville method is still the one mostly used by the food industry.
Asian countries don't use the Scoville method; instead, they rely on the general rule of thumb that the smaller a chili is, the hotter it is. Again, not so much with the science, but it makes sense when you consider this: the hottest part of a chili pepper actually is not the seeds, but the white membrane where the seed attaches inside the pepper. Larger peppers have proportionately less of this membrane than smaller ones, so they are generally milder. We probably all think the seeds pack the punch in hot peppers because they sit in such close proximity to the membrane and absorb its heat, and then they often remain whole in pepper sauces and condiments.
The fiery goodness of chili peppers comes from capsaicin, which has been found to inhibit substance P, associated with the inflammatory process. The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. Researchers are looking at capsaicin as a treatment for arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy. It seems counterintuitive that chili peppers would inhibit the inflammatory process, since handling them in the kitchen can irritate your fingers, and too many of them in the salsa can make your head feel like it's on fire, but there you have it.
Some veteran travelers to countries where the freshness of food can be questionable make it a point to eat food as spicy as they possibly can—that spice invariably coming from fresh or dried chilis—in order to ward off illness and boost immunity. Chili peppers have lots of beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C, and they kill bacteria you may have ingested.
The capsaicin in chili peppers is also a thermogenic: it causes heat production and heat production burns calories. Even sweet red peppers increase the body's heat production for several minutes after they are consumed. Certainly there are more efficient ways to lose weight than stuffing your face with hot chili peppers! But isn't it nice to know that adding more salsa might help you burn that burrito off slightly faster?
Showing posts with label digestion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label digestion. Show all posts
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
To eat or not to eat, before working out
Hey, have you heard - we are nearing summer (lol!). You know what it means...BATHING SUITS! So, it's time to get your workout on!!! Food is your fuel, not your enemy (even though you are thinking about that bathing suit). I found this quick article on how to get the most out of your fuel before that killer workout...
Pre-Workout Eating
By Steve Edwards
How much you should eat before your workout depends on the type of workout that you plan on doing: high, moderate, or low intensity. If you're going to do a low-intensity workout, don't eat before your workout because it will just make you feel sluggish. On the other hand, for moderate to high-intensity workouts, you'll want to have some reserve carbs in your system to perform the best.
Here are some caloric guidelines:
· If it's 3 or 4 hours before your exercise, eating a large meal is OK (600 calories or more).
· If it's 2 or 3 hours beforehand, a smaller meal is better (400 to 500 calories).
· If it's 1 or 2 hours before, a liquid meal is a good choice (300 to 400 calories).
If it's an hour beforehand, a small snack will do (200 to 300 calories).
Try not to eat during the last hour before you begin a workout because it floods your system with too much blood sugar during those initial stages of your workout.
Pre-Workout Eating
By Steve Edwards
How much you should eat before your workout depends on the type of workout that you plan on doing: high, moderate, or low intensity. If you're going to do a low-intensity workout, don't eat before your workout because it will just make you feel sluggish. On the other hand, for moderate to high-intensity workouts, you'll want to have some reserve carbs in your system to perform the best.
Here are some caloric guidelines:
· If it's 3 or 4 hours before your exercise, eating a large meal is OK (600 calories or more).
· If it's 2 or 3 hours beforehand, a smaller meal is better (400 to 500 calories).
· If it's 1 or 2 hours before, a liquid meal is a good choice (300 to 400 calories).
If it's an hour beforehand, a small snack will do (200 to 300 calories).
Try not to eat during the last hour before you begin a workout because it floods your system with too much blood sugar during those initial stages of your workout.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
It's HERE!! The Ultimate Reset!!
It's here, it's here, it's here!!! The Ultimate Reset! Straight from the website at the link below:
If you've been feeling tired, run down, or just plain lousy lately . . . if you're having trouble with your digestion or difficulty losing weight . . . if your body just isn't working the way you want it to . . . the solution may be simpler than you think. The solution may be an Ultimate Reset™ .
In just three weeks, the Beachbody Ultimate Reset will restore your body to its original "factory settings," so you'll have more energy and greater focus, experience better digestion and a more positive mood, you'll notice that your body is functioning more efficiently, helping you lose weight and improve your overall health.
And you'll do it all without drugs . . . without fasting . . . naturally and painlessly. You'll do it with Ultimate Reset.
I can't WAIT until I'm done with P90X2 so that I can try this!! I have about 6 more weeks to go and then - I'll be all over this one!
Click here for more info!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Shakeology - article in Businessweek
This is a fascinating article about Shakeology in "Businessweek". I loved the stuff before and now I really love it. :) So, I need (I said "need") to share it with you:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-adventures-of-superfood-man-01262012.html
Read it...it's worth 5 minutes of your day!! :)
THEN --- when you want more information about it (I said "when"), go to my site to do your research: http://www.shakeituptoday.com.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-adventures-of-superfood-man-01262012.html
Read it...it's worth 5 minutes of your day!! :)
THEN --- when you want more information about it (I said "when"), go to my site to do your research: http://www.shakeituptoday.com.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Shakeology and Vitamins
With regard to drinking Shakeology, here's one of the MOST common questions that I get:
Should I continue to take ActiVit® or other multivitamins along with Shakeology?
From www.shakeituptoday.com:
Because of the way Shakeology is formulated, one shake pretty much covers your body's normal daily requirement for vitamins and minerals. However, if you're following a recommended exercise routine, your body is likely to be using up those nutrients at a faster rate. For example, if you're doing P90X® or INSANITY®-hard-charging routines that burn more calories, along with vitamins and minerals-you may need some additional supplementation, like ActiVit. Due to the digestive enzymes in Shakeology, taking ActiVit at the same time you drink Shakeology will help your body to better absorb all the nutrients.
Also, I ALWAYS get people who request to see the nutrition labels, so here ya go, happy reading!
Should I continue to take ActiVit® or other multivitamins along with Shakeology?
From www.shakeituptoday.com:
Because of the way Shakeology is formulated, one shake pretty much covers your body's normal daily requirement for vitamins and minerals. However, if you're following a recommended exercise routine, your body is likely to be using up those nutrients at a faster rate. For example, if you're doing P90X® or INSANITY®-hard-charging routines that burn more calories, along with vitamins and minerals-you may need some additional supplementation, like ActiVit. Due to the digestive enzymes in Shakeology, taking ActiVit at the same time you drink Shakeology will help your body to better absorb all the nutrients.
Also, I ALWAYS get people who request to see the nutrition labels, so here ya go, happy reading!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
January is Thyroid Awareness Month!
Okay, I know this isn't THE most exciting topic, but I tried to make it so by putting an exclamation point at the end of my title. :)
*****
I pulled this information from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/thyroiddiseases.html.
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It is one of your endocrine glands, which make hormones. The thyroid helps set your metabolism - how your body gets energy from the foods you eat.
Millions of people in the U.S. have thyroid diseases. Most of them are women. If you have a thyroid disease, your body uses energy more slowly or quickly than it should. A thyroid gland that is not active enough, called hypothyroidism, is far more common. It can make you gain weight, feel fatigued and have difficulty dealing with cold temperatures. If your thyroid is too active, it makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. That condition is hyperthyroidism. Too much thyroid hormone can make you lose weight, speed up your heart rate and make you very sensitive to heat.
There are many causes for both conditions. Treatment involves trying to reset your body's metabolism to a normal rate.
*****
As many of you know (because it's on my ABOUT tab), I have Hashimoto's Disease (hypothyroidism) which is an autoimmune disease. I'm going to go through some of the things that I do on a daily basis, with the hopes that it might help someone else.
In dealing with this over the past 8-ish years, I have found that I have to make sure that I take my thyroid medicine according to the instructions (sounds simple - but really - it's a science all in itself). For MY medicine, here's what I have to do every day (and I know many fellow hypothyroid friends who do the same): upon waking with an empty stomach, the first thing I do is take my thyroid medicine with a big glass of water. Then, I am not allowed to eat or drink anything for about an hour. After the hour mark, I take my allergy/asthma medicine. Since no vitamins or supplements are allowed for 4 hours within taking my thyroid medicine because they could affect absorption, I drink my Shakeology for lunch. Yes THAT's what is in my thermos everyday...in case you were curious. ;)
Also, I try to be VERY careful about the food that I eat. If it's "bad" for me, I know I will have to work harder to not gain weight from it. So, I TRY to stay away from "bad" food, but I am human after all. :D In addition, I have found that if I stop working out, I will put lbs back on. So, I am very regimented with my workouts as well. I know it sounds like a strict life, but I also know what obesity can do to your health (read my 'GIVING BACK' tab and you'll know why).
I can't lie, it's an uphill battle, especially in the world of weight loss, but good health is sooooooo worth it.
If you think that you might have a thyroid problem, do your homework and figure out what symptoms you have. Next...please see a doctor (they will make you get a blood test or two) and then start taking the necessary steps to control this disease.
Good luck!
*****
I pulled this information from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/thyroiddiseases.html.
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It is one of your endocrine glands, which make hormones. The thyroid helps set your metabolism - how your body gets energy from the foods you eat.
Millions of people in the U.S. have thyroid diseases. Most of them are women. If you have a thyroid disease, your body uses energy more slowly or quickly than it should. A thyroid gland that is not active enough, called hypothyroidism, is far more common. It can make you gain weight, feel fatigued and have difficulty dealing with cold temperatures. If your thyroid is too active, it makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. That condition is hyperthyroidism. Too much thyroid hormone can make you lose weight, speed up your heart rate and make you very sensitive to heat.
There are many causes for both conditions. Treatment involves trying to reset your body's metabolism to a normal rate.
*****
As many of you know (because it's on my ABOUT tab), I have Hashimoto's Disease (hypothyroidism) which is an autoimmune disease. I'm going to go through some of the things that I do on a daily basis, with the hopes that it might help someone else.
In dealing with this over the past 8-ish years, I have found that I have to make sure that I take my thyroid medicine according to the instructions (sounds simple - but really - it's a science all in itself). For MY medicine, here's what I have to do every day (and I know many fellow hypothyroid friends who do the same): upon waking with an empty stomach, the first thing I do is take my thyroid medicine with a big glass of water. Then, I am not allowed to eat or drink anything for about an hour. After the hour mark, I take my allergy/asthma medicine. Since no vitamins or supplements are allowed for 4 hours within taking my thyroid medicine because they could affect absorption, I drink my Shakeology for lunch. Yes THAT's what is in my thermos everyday...in case you were curious. ;)
Also, I try to be VERY careful about the food that I eat. If it's "bad" for me, I know I will have to work harder to not gain weight from it. So, I TRY to stay away from "bad" food, but I am human after all. :D In addition, I have found that if I stop working out, I will put lbs back on. So, I am very regimented with my workouts as well. I know it sounds like a strict life, but I also know what obesity can do to your health (read my 'GIVING BACK' tab and you'll know why).
I can't lie, it's an uphill battle, especially in the world of weight loss, but good health is sooooooo worth it.
If you think that you might have a thyroid problem, do your homework and figure out what symptoms you have. Next...please see a doctor (they will make you get a blood test or two) and then start taking the necessary steps to control this disease.
Good luck!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Shakeology 3 Day Cleanse
I get people all the time ask me...what is the Shakeology 3 Day cleanse? Well, here is what you need to know, are you ready...?
- 3 days (maximum)
- calorie-restricted (800-1200 per day)
- nutrient-dense eating plan
- flushes toxins
- used as a 'jump start' or 'plateau breaker'
Possible results
- weight loss
- feeling cleaner, healthier
- less bloat
Below is an outline of the program. (It is the same for all 3 days.)
Start: One cup green tea
Breakfast: Shakeology (with water and ice only – may add ½ piece fruit)
Snack: One piece fruit
Lunch: Shakeology (water and ice only) followed by one cup green tea
Snack: Shakeology (water and ice only) – can drink this after dinner instead
Dinner: Salad with greens, 3 servings of veggies, 4 ozs of grilled white meat or fish (or tofu, beans, of vegetarian) and 2 tablespoons low-fat salad dressing
NOTE: you can eat your salad for lunch instead of dinner if you prefer
DRINK LOTS OF WATER
NO DAIRY (EVEN ALMOND MILK/ RICE MILK)
The cleanse is made to do with exercise, but not INTENSE exercise. Also, it is not recommended to do the cleanse more than once a month. Remember that bodies are different and will have different reactions and results, so it is important to pay attention to how you feel. If you have an adverse reaction - STOP. If you have any medical conditions or questions, ask your doctor.
Good Luck! :)
- 3 days (maximum)
- calorie-restricted (800-1200 per day)
- nutrient-dense eating plan
- flushes toxins
- used as a 'jump start' or 'plateau breaker'
Possible results
- weight loss
- feeling cleaner, healthier
- less bloat
Below is an outline of the program. (It is the same for all 3 days.)
Start: One cup green tea
Breakfast: Shakeology (with water and ice only – may add ½ piece fruit)
Snack: One piece fruit
Lunch: Shakeology (water and ice only) followed by one cup green tea
Snack: Shakeology (water and ice only) – can drink this after dinner instead
Dinner: Salad with greens, 3 servings of veggies, 4 ozs of grilled white meat or fish (or tofu, beans, of vegetarian) and 2 tablespoons low-fat salad dressing
NOTE: you can eat your salad for lunch instead of dinner if you prefer
DRINK LOTS OF WATER
NO DAIRY (EVEN ALMOND MILK/ RICE MILK)
The cleanse is made to do with exercise, but not INTENSE exercise. Also, it is not recommended to do the cleanse more than once a month. Remember that bodies are different and will have different reactions and results, so it is important to pay attention to how you feel. If you have an adverse reaction - STOP. If you have any medical conditions or questions, ask your doctor.
Good Luck! :)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Holiday Shakeology Recipes - 'tis the season...for chocolate!
It's time for the CHOCOLATE Shakeology HOLIDAY recipes - how can I not post these?
Gingerbread Man
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ginger
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup skim milk
Minty Mocha Chiller
½ tsp. peppermint extract
½ cup almond milk
½ cup cold coffee
Apple Pie
½ cup diced apples
¼ tsp. cinnamon
½ cup water
½ cup apple juice
Candy Cane Surprise
¼ tsp. peppermint extract
1 cup water
Cinnamon Roll
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup skim milk
Chocolate Pecan Pie
8 pecans
½ tsp. butterscotch extract
1 cup skim milk
Here’s how to make it: For each of these delicious recipes, add 1 serving of Chocolate Shakeology and ice to taste (add more ice for a thicker shake) to the ingredients listed. Mix in blender until creamy.
You’ve got the choices: Fresh or frozen fruit. Regular, skim, almond, or rice milk (the more milk you add, the creamier). And almond butter instead of peanut butter—use whichever you like better. Enjoy!
Gingerbread Man
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ginger
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup skim milk
Minty Mocha Chiller
½ tsp. peppermint extract
½ cup almond milk
½ cup cold coffee
Apple Pie
½ cup diced apples
¼ tsp. cinnamon
½ cup water
½ cup apple juice
Candy Cane Surprise
¼ tsp. peppermint extract
1 cup water
Cinnamon Roll
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup skim milk
Chocolate Pecan Pie
8 pecans
½ tsp. butterscotch extract
1 cup skim milk
Here’s how to make it: For each of these delicious recipes, add 1 serving of Chocolate Shakeology and ice to taste (add more ice for a thicker shake) to the ingredients listed. Mix in blender until creamy.
You’ve got the choices: Fresh or frozen fruit. Regular, skim, almond, or rice milk (the more milk you add, the creamier). And almond butter instead of peanut butter—use whichever you like better. Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
SUPERYUM! Shakeology recipes...
For those of you who are looking for recipes for their Greenberry Shakeology - here ya go - yummy!!!
Orange Sunrise
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
Very Berry Squeeze
½ cup strawberries
½ cup raspberries
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
Almond Honey-Licious
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp. honey
Pineapple Sunset
½ cup strawberries
½ cup pineapple juice
½ cup plain nonfat yogurt
½ cup water
Here’s how to make it: For each of these delicious recipes, add 1 serving of Greenberry Shakeology and ice to taste (add more ice for a thicker shake) to the ingredients listed. Mix in blender until creamy.
You’ve got the choices: Fresh or frozen fruit. Regular, skim, almond, or rice milk (the more milk you add, the creamier). Enjoy!
Orange Sunrise
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
Very Berry Squeeze
½ cup strawberries
½ cup raspberries
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
Almond Honey-Licious
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp. honey
Pineapple Sunset
½ cup strawberries
½ cup pineapple juice
½ cup plain nonfat yogurt
½ cup water
Here’s how to make it: For each of these delicious recipes, add 1 serving of Greenberry Shakeology and ice to taste (add more ice for a thicker shake) to the ingredients listed. Mix in blender until creamy.
You’ve got the choices: Fresh or frozen fruit. Regular, skim, almond, or rice milk (the more milk you add, the creamier). Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
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