Category: Overweight issues

Ice Ice Baby, Can Ice Help You Lose Weight?

On By jolenenavarroIn A to Z blog Challenge, healthy lifestyle, Overweight issues10 Comments
I for Ice. Yes it is a healthy food.
I for Ice. Yes it is a healthy food.

I LOVE ice. Crushed ice is the best. When I’m sick or sad I want ice. Ice helps me wake up in the morning. I eat ice the way some people need coffee. At work I start my day getting a large cup of ice.

If I start feeling sluggish I refill my mug of ice.

 

 

 

Ice water can speed up your metabolism and help you burn fat. (a little bit anyway)
Ice water can speed up your metabolism and help you burn fat. (a little bit anyway)

My favorite ice is from Sonic. I’m thinking many other people like it too because they started bagging it for sell. If I have good ice I will drink twice a much water.

So when I saw that drinking cold ice water could help with fat loss – well, I printed that baby up and put it in my healthy food file.

The science behind this claim? When the body is exposed to cold tempertures it will go into over drive to keep the core temputure at a nice warm 98.6 degrees. Metabolism will rev up it’s internal  heater to get your body back to toasty happy  tempture.

For every 16 ounce of ice water you can burn and extra 17 to 18 calories. It doesn’t sound like much, but for not getting on the bike it is extra calories you wouldn’t have burned otherwise. So yes, drinking ice waters burns more calories than are in the water & ice (hint: there are no calories in water or ice which iswater in solid form. More ice is more water). So if you are changing your diet and moving more, drinking ice water can give you a little edge.  I love it when something I crave has good benifits.

Do you love ice, crushed ice? I couldn’t think of any other I foods once I saw ice was good for you.

Figs are full of vitamin A, C & K along with Fiber potassium and magnesium

Don’t Give a Fig About Flaxseeds?

On By jolenenavarroIn A to Z blog Challenge, healthy lifestyle, Overweight issues, Uncategorized4 Comments

FIf I hurry this post will be for April 7th, the day of F in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. For our healthy foods there is one that brings to mind sweet childhood memories and another that is all new to me.

When my parents moved us back to the Texas Hill Country the twenty-seven acre property they bought, included a fig and peach tree. I remember people coming to fill bags of fresh fruit. My mom would make preserves, but they still produced so  much fruit she was always giving it away. Along with their quarter acre garden and chickens we always had fresh food. Any heath issues I have now I can not blame on my childhood. Memories like these make me wish I could thank my parents for so many things I took for granted, but I digress.

Figs: These little fruits are high in vitamin A, K & C along with a gram of fiber in one fig. Just a few can  give you about 20% of the RDA. For their size, figs are one of the most nutritious fruits  you can eat. Not only are figs high in fiber, but they deliver potassium and magnesium also. Figs and fig leaves a have been shown to help prevent chronic diseases and help in weight management.  Be careful if you are on a low sugar or low carb diet.  To much of a good thing can be bad for you. You might need to limit their intake or you will lose the health benefits of eating figs. (Fig Newtons do not count as a health food. just FYI).

Figs are full of vitamin A, C & K along with Fiber potassium and magnesium
Figs are full of vitamin A, C & K along with Fiber potassium and magnesium

Oh, flaxseed. How did I not know about you? So so tiny yet so full of good stuff. The flaxseed has one of the largest nutrient payoff for it’s size. Did you know they have over 100 times more phytonutrients than oats, wheat bran, or buckwheat? What phytonutrients? ( I had to look it up).Low Carb Diets Expert, says, “Phytonutrients, also known as phytochemicals, are compounds found in plants (apart from vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients) that have a beneficial effect the body. There are over 30,000 of them, yet  only 100 have been analyzed and tested. Phytonutrients are what defend and protect our trillions of cells from disease. They have similar effects as an antioxidant, boosting the immune system, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and cellular repair. Along with flaxseed, highly colored vegetables and fruits tend to be highest in these chemicals, but tea, chocolate, nuts, and olive oil are also great sources of phytochemicals as well.”

So throw some in your smoothie! Make sure you blades chop them so they don’t wash straight through you. You can also grind them right before you eat them to make sure all the nutrients are easily available to your system.

While it’s not technically a grain, it hangs out well with them in the vitamin and mineral data, while the amount of fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids in flax well, doesn’t compare.

To make it even better, flax seed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of starches and sugars. All of this makes it a great food for weight loss and maintenance.

But wait there is more!  Flax Seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

I add a couple of tablespoon to almost all of my smoothies. Here is one I tried with figs! It was delicious, maybe even one of my favorites.

spinach, flaxseed, triple zero Greek yogurt and unsweetened almond milk
Figs are full of vitamin A, C & K along with Fiber potassium and magnesium
  • 1.5 cops of fresh Spinach
  • 1 cup of frozen blueberries
  • 2 figs
  • 2 tablespoons Triple Zero Greek Yogurt
  • one cup of unsweetened almond milk

 

 

Okay, so bring on the F foods I forgot and if you have a favorite flaxseed or fig smoothie share please!

https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/southwestern-breakfast-tacos/

Eggs, that’s it. Just Eggs

On By jolenenavarroIn A to Z blog Challenge, healthy lifestyle, Overweight issues, Uncategorized2 Comments

Today in our A to Z blogging challenge we have E. EEggs come in a perfect package that can even help your garden grow (composting). Eggs have gotten a bad reputation for causing high cholesterol. It’s been claimed that because of the level of cholesterol in the egg, they must be bad for the heart.

There has been several research projects in recent years that examined the relationship between egg consumption and the risk of heart disease.

Guess what they found? Yep, they found no association between egg consumption and heart disease or stroke. Even with the yellow part. Go figure.

What we do know is that eggs are a high protein food and protein is the most fulfilling macro-nutrient.eggs

This little package has only 77 calories, but delivers 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of the good fats.

Eggs are the beginning of life and contain a little bit of almost every nutrient we need. This just might make them the perfect food.

Along with all that protein, a single  egg  contains

  • Vitamin A:    6% of the RDA.
  • Folate:            5% of the RDA.
  • Vitamin B5:  7% of the RDA.
  • Vitamin B12: 9% of the RDA.
  • Vitamin B2:   15% of the RDA.
  • Phosphorus: 9% of the RDA.
  • Selenium:       22% of the RDA.

    • Eggs also have decent amounts of Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium and Zinc.

Eggs contain all the essential amino acids in the right ratios, so our bodies are well equipped to make full use of the protein in them.

Getting enough protein in our diet is tough and there are some studies that indicate that the  current recommendation may be too low. Eating adequate protein can also help with weight loss, increase muscle mass, lower blood pressure, optimize bone health and keeping eyes healthy. Proteins are the main building blocks of the human body. So eat an egg.

Go ahead and get a couple of eggs, scramble, boil, poach or fry them. My favorite might be served in a breakfast taco (corn tortilla) turkey bacon and avocado.

https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/southwestern-breakfast-tacos/
https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/southwestern-breakfast-tacos/

How do you like your eggs?

 

 

 

 

 

Dragons, Dandelions, Dry Wine & Dark Chocolate

On By jolenenavarroIn A to Z blog Challenge, healthy lifestyle, Overweight issues, RecipesLeave a comment

DThis sounds like the beginning of a great adventure. Day four in the A to Z Blogging Challenge brings us the letter D. At first all I could find were Dandelion Greens. (Yes, I’m making a face) If you like them, well… that’s good and you should keep eating those bitter green stems. I hear they’re good with eggs. (My mother taught me not to gag.) I would rather spend time talking about dragons, dry wine and dark chocolate.

I had seen dragon fruit in the store but it looks so exotic I had no idea what to do with it, so I waked right past. With the challenge I wanted to take pictures of it and  I went to on-line videos on-line.  What did I find? It is one incredible fruit that is easier to use than it looks. It also has a very mild flavor (between a kiwi and melon).

Before we get the knife and dig in, lets look at everything this gorgeous fruit can do for you.

 

  • Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C and fibers that help provide an overall healthy body. Dragon fruit boosts immune system and promotes healing of wounds and cuts.
  •  Because of the richness in fibers, Dragon fruit aids in the digestion of food. We have learned how important this is to a healthy body and weight loss. Studies also suggest that Dragon fruit promotes the growth of pro-biotics.
  • Dragon fruit can help lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Studies also suggest that the the glucose found in Dragon fruit aids in controlling the blood sugar level for diabetes patients.
  • Dragon fruit prevent formation of cancer causing free radicals.
  • Dragon fruit helps to control cholesterol level. Dragon fruit is also rich in flavonoids that are known to have favorable effects against cardio related disease.
  • Dragon fruit improves eye sight.
  • Dragon fruit improves memory.

Wow! So why have I waited do long to try it?Dragon fruit how to use it

With the mighty dragon flying into my kitchen you would think I’d be done with the Dd, but there is more! I am loving my smoothies, but enjoying a meal is still important. Remember I’m in this for the long haul so I need to be able to sustain this dry wine & dark chocoletenew lifestyle.

This evening when I got home the sun was just starting to set and the breeze was cool, so we grabbed a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon along with some dark chocolate, strawberries and raspberries. Now set back and relax. Yes, wine (the dry kind has the most health benefits.) It does have to be a dry. Here’s a list:

Dry Reds
Pinot noir: 0.68g carbs per ounce
Cabernet franc: 0.71g
Merlot: 0.74g
Cabernet sauvignon: 0.75g
Shiraz/syrah: 0.76g
Zinfandel: 0.84g

Dry Whites
Pinot blanc: 0.57g carbs per ounce
Sauvignon blanc: 0.6g
Pinot grigio: 0.6g

In the Mediterranean diet, wine has also long been considered one of the key health-promoting components.Some population-based studies point to a relationship between wine intake and improvements in insulin sensitivity. When your body is more efficient at using carbs, you will have better health and easier fat loss.

It’s not about red or white, it has more to do with dry or sweet. Dry wines have a lower sugar count. Sorry to say for many of the fruity wine lovers that dry wines generally have less than 1 gram (g) of carbohydrates (sugars) per ounce while the carb content of sweet wines can be upwards of 1.5 to 2g per ounce. Yes, it seems the dry wine is the good guy.

Healthy living in not about starvation and denial – it’s about finding balance and moderation. Pour a glass of your favorite wine, and munch on some berries with the dark chocolate. The mix of flavors on your taste buds is divine.

So when it comes to Dds what did I miss? Any favorite treats or places that just make life better?

 

 

Banana, Berries & Bacon…oh, I mean Beets

On By jolenenavarroIn A to Z blog Challenge, Blogging A to B April Challange, healthy lifestyle, Overweight issues, Recipes1 Comment
B in the A to Z Blogging Challange. Bananas, Berries & Beets....or Bacon
B in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. Bananas, Berries & Beets….or Bacon

Welcome to day two of the April A to Z Blogging Challenge. Today we are exploring healthy foods in the B column. The reason I put bacon in the title was not to tease you, but to bring out the point that living healthy is not about denial. It’s about making daily choices that benefit your body and mind. you can still enjoy the things that you love. Moderation is good.

I’m in this for the long haul so I want to able to maintain not destroy. I still cook real bacon to a crunchy crisp and eat a slice with my eggs every once in a while and I’ll add the bacon dripping to my potato salad…we don’t eat it that often so might as well make it right.

As I eat better and fill my body with rich foods of the earth I found I don’t really crave sweets or fatty foods as much. That might just be me. Check in with me next year and we’ll see how I’m doing.

Now back to the food of the day: Bananas, Berries & Beets.

Bananas are a happy fruit - your brain likes them.
Bananas are a happy fruit – your brain likes them. (and your gut and your bones)

You can’t go wrong with Bananas. They’re one of the most consumed fruit on the planet. They provide potassium and fiber and help the body absorb calcium, so they are perfect with that skim milk or almond milk smoothie. They also add a creamy texture, like the avocado.

They’re also a feel good fruit. Banana’s increase the level of dopamine, serotonin & nor-epinephrine…you know, the stuff that makes your brain happy. Yes, bananas can ward off depression. So instead of the gallon of ice cream eat a banana. At least cut one or two up and add to the ice cream. (and it will absorb the calcium)

If you’re looking for something with high benefits, but low calories pick up some berries! Blueberries are my favorite. They help maintain healthy levels of blood sugar even lowering it,(perfect fruit if your diabetic or just trying to lose weight)  protects vision and improves memory. It is another brain food that helps keep your cognitive skills sharp. Along with all that, they provide vitamins C and K and manganese. The compounds that give them their beautiful vibrant color is linked with helping  inflammation and building up your immune system. Blackberries also have much of these healthy characteristics and are high in fiber. (we love our fiber, but *side note* remember you need to drink plenty of water to help the body processes easier.)

The thing that gives blueberries and beets their color is the thing that will help you be healthier.
The thing that gives blueberries and beets their color is the thing that will help you be healthier.

BEETS!!! Beets? Yuck. Yes!! Beets are awesome in so many ways.

The betalain that gives the deep, rich red color of the beet is an antioxidant that could help ward off cancer and other diseases. It pretty much has a whole alphabet of vitamins, along with potassium boosting your immune system. The greens of the beets are good too. They carry a whopping 44 milligrams of calcium, so pair it with a banana (in a smoothie) and your bones will thank you.

With all that, we’re still not done with the beet. It has compounds that can lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. It helps your hard working muscles and joint relax. (anti-inflammatory) Yes, beets are worth the time. So find a way to eat them. They are jammed full of hard to get nutrients. If you don’t like smoothies, try roasting your beets or cut them very thin and add them to your salad with some bacon & walnuts.

Blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, triple zero Greek yogurt, Flax seeds and unsweetened almond/coconut milk thrown into my Ninja for 35

 

To get this rich color you can’t add green to this smoothie.

  • 1/2 Peeled and sliced beet
  • 1 cup  frozen organic organic blueberries
  • 1 cup  frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 organic banana
  • 1 Tb flax seed
  • 1 cup Oikos Triple Zero Nonfat Greek Yogurt (Vanilla)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond/coconut milk

 

 

For the smoothie abovebeets-blueberries-blackberries-bananas-spinach

  • 1 cup of organic spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 organic banana
  • 1 cup of organic blueberries
  • 1 hand full of organic blackberries
  • 1/2 beet peeled and sliced
  • 2 Tb  Oikos Triple Zero Nonfat Greek Yogurt (Vanilla)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

 

 

 

 

For a note on color:

*Warning* When you mix colors opposite on the color they neutralize each other – you know, green & red, purple & yellow, orange & blue turn into browns, greys, & swamp water green. All those colors that look  vibrant next to each other turn dirt colors when the blades mangle them together. That is way you see so many of my smoothies before the blend. 🙂

So do you have a favorite healthy B food I left out? Broccoli, beans, Brussels sprouts…

 

 

You’re Too Old to Wear That! Fashion Rules for Women?

On By jolenenavarroIn aging, Culture, fabulous Fashionistas, Fashion, Fashion does and don't, fashion rules, Overweight issues, women6 Comments

You have to watch the video at the end of this post. I want to be these women when I grow up! They make me smile. Life is to be lived fully at all phases!

There has been a couple of blogs lately that have laid down rules about what women of a certain age should not wear. This infuriates me. I will not post them because that will just give them more traffic, which is what they want.

What right does one person have to tell another what is right for them? They write, once you’re thirty you can no longer wear hooped earrings or graphic tees. What??? Once you’re forty you can’t wear sleeveless tanks or wedged flip flops. (Some people believe no one should own wedged flip flops, but I say who cares) They go on to say the women of certain age should not wear colored eye shadow and have to keep it neutral. Really???

Age should not dictate  what a women wears.

Actually I think if you like it you should wear it. Once, many years ago a group of fit women that 80% had fake boobs (not that I’m judging heheh) were talking about how some women should never wear sleeveless shirts in public. Since I was the go-to-fat girl in the group. They all turned to me as I was leaving and asked. “Jolene, you don’t wear sleeveless shirts do you?” They wanted me to confirm that they were right. I realized I always wore jackets or long sleeved shirts. So I agreed with them, but felt a little uneasy in my gut. Was I allowing other peoples opinions of me to keep me from doing things I enjoyed because I didn’t want people to laugh or mock the “fat” girl?

I want to thank them for forcing me to take a hard look at why I did or didn’t do somethings. From that day on I decided to wear and do what I want based on my pleasure gained from it. The same goes for someone that others think is too thin. Or too old or too tall or too short. I do agree you can be too young, but that is another post. We all have a story and if we knew that story we might not be so fast to judge and laugh at people. So go forth and enjoy life – dress in any color you like, any type of shoe and if you love red lipstick layer it on and tell anyone that says otherwise to kiss your beautiful red lips!

Every women has a bathing suite body – all you have to do is put a bathing suite on and head to the beach or lake or pool. Only rule? Enjoy your life, it’s yours to live.

Have you ever been told not to wear something that you love?

Watch the The Fabulous Fashionistas. Their average age is 85.