HoodiaPharm HungerAway
Friday, August 31, 2007 Core Rotations in Strength Training

Resistance is not just about lifting weights to get a better physique, but also to strengthen muscles for their functional use. There is one exercise that can benefit a busy mother as well as a seasoned golfer:

Core Rotations
We know that the upper body can bend forward, back and side to side, but it also rotates on top of the hips. This movement is key when picking up something and turning to place it down, at all phases of a golf swing, or just even when shoulder checking while driving.

To strengthen these muscles do the following:

Put your hands on your hips and make sure they stay as still as possible
Keep your head forward and always in line with the center of your chest
Draw your belly button towards your spine and keep your back straight
Slowly turn your body so your shoulders become as perpendicular to your hips as possible
Rotate in the other direction and repeat for 20 repetitions
This exercise needs little to no resistance, but to challenge yourself try holding onto a basketball, a large book, or any other object that you can have a firm grasp on.

By strengthening these muscles, you will decrease your chance of injuring yourself while twisting and maybe also hit your golf ball a little longer! If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge (especially you golfers), try an ideal core exercise is the Tubing Side Rotation. This exercise places your body in a position similar to the one you're in during the golf swing, and develops strength, endurance, and power. The Tubing Side Rotation requires a fitness tube. Ready? Do as follows:

Tubing Side Rotation
Grasp the handles of the elastic tubing slightly above hip level. Place the feet slightly wider than shoulder width, knees bent and torso upright.
Step 2-4 feet away from the tubing attachment to create tension. Allow your hands to shift to the sides of your body when stepping away from the tubing attachment.
Rotate your shoulders and hips in the direction opposite of the tubing attachment, pulling the arms across the front of your body. Continue to rotate at a high rate of speed until the shoulders are completely rotated in the opposite direction, and your hands are on the opposite side of your body.
Return to the starting position and repeat for 8-12 repetitions.
Switch to your opposite side and repeat.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:56 AM :: 0 comments

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The Benefits of Treadmill Walking

Walking is becoming more and more popular among Americans. People are walking outdoors. People are walking in malls. People are donning their walking shoes and walking anywhere their feet can take them. Treadmill walking is also increasing in popularity...whether it be at a gym or on a home treadmill. Treadmill walking, as is walking in general, is helping many Americans lose weight and achieve their fitness goals.

There are conveniences to treadmill walking. If the weather is inclement, a treadmill allows one to work out indoors, protected from the weather. You don't have to brave extreme temperatures, either, with treadmill walking. Treadmill walking can be done while watching television or reading a book, unlike walking outdoors or through a mall or someplace else. If you have your own treadmill, you'll also be able to work out in the privacy of your own home or office.

Treadmills make walking easy and comfortable. Their sturdy build, powerful motors, and quality running surfaces are comparable to those found in commercial units. The control consoles on most treadmills are easy to operate and easy to read. The user programs and other features of these treadmills allow the user to preset the intensity and length of each treadmill walking exercise. Then, the treadmill will automatically adjust the speed and incline, allowing the user to focus more on doing the walking.

Regular treadmill walking can lead to weight loss, as well as a healthy, fit body. The more intense your treadmill walking and the longer you engage in it each session, the stronger your heart will become. Other muscles in your body will be strengthened and help your body burn more fat. Also, the more exercise you get, the more calories you burn. And, you have to burn extra calories (more than you consume) to lose the fat. Treadmill walking done consistently can help build a leaner body.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:12 AM :: 0 comments

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The Effort of Losing Weight

In order to take advantage of losing weight and being successful, you must be prepared--that means " paying your dues."

Nothing is more frustrating than to see that you are gaining weight again.

Be in a position to benefit from your failure. It pays to be prepared, and that comes down to plain, hard work. It's not usually glamorous. It's not always exciting. It's not always fun. It is, however, always necessary.

By being prepared, you have to create a game plan to get back on track right away without beating yourself up and devastating your self-esteem. My game plan is taking it a bite at a time. What's your's? Maybe it's taking it a day at a time, going back to your diet tomorrow. Maybe it's getting angry and becoming more determined then ever to succeed.

Have you ever been at a Weight Watchers or TOPS meeting and noticed several people there who are slim and trim? What about those Jenny Craig and Nutri/System ad's with their before and after pictures? They make losing weight look so effortless, but remember, in reality, these people have been dieting for years.

Without effort and action, you will not succeed. You can't wish your weight away. You have to work at it and be prepared for those times when you slip, so you can pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move on...

Losing weight demands preparation, effort and commitment to come to fruition.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:48 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Banana-Pecan Pancakes

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup oat bran
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
1/3 cup mashed ripe banana
2 tablespoons reduced-calorie stick margarine, melted
2 teaspoons honey
One large egg
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Cooking spray
6 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350-degrees.
Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and next four ingredients (flour through salt) in a large bowl.

Combine buttermilk and next four ingredients (buttermilk through egg); add to flour mixture, stirring until smooth. Fold in pecans.

Spoon about 1/4-cup batter onto a hot nonstick griddle or nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray. Turn pancakes when tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked. Serve with syrup.

Recipe makes 12 (4-inch) pancakes, or four servings.

Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 149
Total Fat: 4.3g
Cholesterol: 18mg
Sodium: 142mg

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:50 AM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, August 30, 2007 Change Your Behavior

Habits, good or bad, are formed by repetition. Eating habits are no exception. If you are in the habit of snacking when you watch TV, you were reinforcing that habit until finally it became a part of you. Other habits are formed in the same way. Some of these habits are: eating while reading, eating the minute you come in the house, eating when the kids come in from school, eating when you come in from a date, or eating while cooking dinner.

We also find that certain moods and circumstances cause us to eat even if we are not hungry. For example: anger, boredom, fatigue, happiness, loneliness, the kids are finally in bed, our spouse is out for the evening or out of town, nervousness, anxiety, our spouse brings home candy or ice cream, etc... all may trigger an eating response. The list is endless. Habits are hard to break. We must not only break old habits, but we must make our goal to form new ones in the same manner through repetition. Make some daily commitments. Work to meet these commitments each day whether you feel like it or not. Your daily commitments will help you form good habits. Remember: "It is easier to act your way into a new way of feeling than it is to feel your way into a new way of acting."

Resisting temptation is difficult. However, if you succeed in resisting the first time, it becomes easier to resist the next time. Before long, you will have formed the good habit of resisting temptation every time it confronts you. If you yield to that temptation, you will find it easier to yield the next time.

Because of the human weaknesses mentioned, we must use what has become known among weight control groups as behavior modification. It simply means changing your behavior. These techniques work only if you consistently repeat them, so that they become a part of you. You need to change your behavior if you want to lose weight and keep it off!

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 10:46 AM :: 0 comments

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Aerobic Cross Training For Weight Loss

Do you sometimes get bored with your aerobic exercise? Do You sometimes feel like you're not getting the results you should from your aerobic exercise? If so, then aerobic cross-training is for you.

Aerobic cross-training refers to using two to three different types of aerobic exercise during an exercise session. For example, if you plan to exercise for 60 minutes, you might start with 20 minutes of walking or jogging, followed by 20 minutes of biking, and finish with 20 minutes of rowing.

Now, please don't get the impression that you have to be in great shape to do this or that it has to be 60 minutes long. You can start with something as simple as a ten minute walk followed by ten minutes with an exercise video. This is cross-training too. You can gradually build up from there.

Here are some of the exercises you can use in your cross-training program; walking, jogging, biking, rowing, stair climbing, swimming, exercise videos, etc. Any combination of aerobic exercises will do. You simply go from one to the next with very little time between them.

Aerobic cross-training is beneficial to you in several ways:

1. It provides variety which eliminates the monotony often associated with doing the same exercise for a long period of time.

2. If your exercise sessions are less monotonous and more enjoyable, you are much more likely to exercise more often and for longer periods of time.

3. You are less prone to over-use injuries that sometimes occur from doing the same exercise movements over and over again.

4. You tone more muscles because you are using more muscles. For example, walking tones mostly the lower body muscles and rowing tones upper body muscles also. Even exercises like walking and biking that both tone lower body muscles, tone them at different angles and each tones some small muscles that the other doesn't.

5. Aerobic conditioning is very specific to the muscles being worked. For example, you can walk ten miles a day and still be somewhat breathless after climbing stairs because you haven't trained the muscles for that specific movement. Aerobic cross-training allows you to develop more comprehensive aerobic training.

6. Aerobic cross-training is effective for weight loss because your are toning and training the fat-burning systems of more of your muscles. It turns more of your muscles into 24-hour fat-burning machines! You are also more likely to exercise on a regular basis and for longer periods of time. this also promotes weight loss and fitness.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:42 AM :: 0 comments

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What To Do When You Don't Feel Like Exercising

You know the feeling - your alarm clock wakes you at 5:30 for your morning walk and sometimes you just don't feel like doing it. So, what should you do? Well, sometimes, you should probably just go back to bed. However, that should be the exception rather than the rule.

Your best bet for working through this is to minimize the task ahead. Tell yourself that you only have to exercise for ten or fifteen minutes today - something you know you can do with minimal effort in a minimal amount of time.

If you finish your ten or fifteen minutes and still don't feel like doing it, then don't. You've still gotten some exercise in and you've energized yourself for the day. However, I think you'll usually find that you want to continue. Getting started is the hard part. Once you've started, you've overcome the biggest obstacle to exercise.

Here are four more things you can do to stay motivated and exercise on a regular basis..

1. Create your personal "reasons list". Keep a piece of paper and pen handy for a couple of days. Jot down EVERY reason you can think of that you want to get healthy, get fit, or lose weight, through consistent exercise. This list is VERY powerful motivation when you don't feel like exercising.

2. Know the benefits of exercise. We are more motivated to do things that we'll benefit from. The more we benefit the more motivated we are. For example, if I told you I'd give you a million dollars to take a 30 minute walk tomorrow morning, would you do it? You bet you would! The benefits of exercise aren't quite that compelling, but they are pretty motivating.

3. Keep records. Write down your exercise time (minutes) each day. Keep a running total for the month and year. Calculate your average exercise time per day. Set some lofty goals!

4. Make your exercise as enjoyable as possible. For example, if you're a walker, you may want to get a good cassette or CD player to listen to music or books on tape, etc. If you're exercising inside, set up a TV so that you can watch it while exercising. On the other hand, you may just prefer peace and quiet. Do whatever makes exercise most enjoyable for you. You are much more likely to exercise consistently if you enjoy it. Get moving'!

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:08 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Chocolate Banana Trifle

Even with all of the low fat items in this trifle, it still has lots of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup evaporated fat free milk
3 T. unsweetened cocoa
1 T. cornstarch
1/4 C. Kahlua (coffee flavored liqueur)
2 cups sliced bananas, divided
2 T. lemon juice
16 ounce angel food cake, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 (1.4 ounce) English Toffee candy bars, chopped (such as Heath or Skor bars)
3 C. skim milk
3 (3.4 ounce) pkgs. vanilla instant pudding mix (not sugar free)
12 ounce container reduced calorie whipped topping, thawed and divided

PREPARATION:
Combine sugar, evaporated milk, cocoa and cornstarch in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cook until sugar is dissolved and mixture is thick (about 3 minutes) stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in Kahlua and cool.

Combine slices bananas with lemon juice and set aside. Combine chocolate mixture and cake in a large bowl; stir in chopped candy bars, reserving 1 T. for topping and set aside. Beat 3 cups milk and pudding mix at medium speed until well blended. Stir in cake mixture. Cover; chill 15 minutes. Spoon half of cake mixture into trifle dish or bowl. Arrange 1 cup of bananas evenly over cake mixture; top with half of whipped topping. Repeat layers; ending with whipped topping. Sprinkle with reserved 1 tab. chopped candy bars. Chill on hour.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:33 AM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, August 29, 2007 10 Traits of Weight Loss Winners

To be a winner in anything you need to have set some goals. To be a winner in weight loss you probably have to set many goals. That is okay though! We made the goals easier for you by showing you the 10 traits of weight loss winners:

1. They make aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, or swimming part of their DAILY life. They realize that DAILY activity is absolutely critical to their success. They are committed to exercising just about every day for the rest of their lives. It's not a chore for them.

2. They either naturally enjoy the exercise they do, or they make it enjoyable. For example, many of them enjoy walking in the beautiful outdoors, or if they don't, they make it enjoyable by listening to music or taped books, exercising with a friend, or perhaps by varying their route or the type of exercise they do.

3. They don't smoke. I have seen very few smokers who were successful at weight loss.

4. They are typically early risers and get their exercise done first thing in the morning.

5. They don't weigh themselves every day.

6. They have an incredible desire to lose weight and be healthy. But, they don't just talk about it - lots of folks do that. They actually walk the talk. They are willing to do what it takes to get where they want to be. This gets them through the tough times when they feel like giving up.

7. They don't fall for the latest fad diet and they are resolved to the fact that their weight loss will take time. They're not constantly looking for short cuts.

8. They realize that their body functions best and is healthiest when it's getting the naturally healthy stuff - fruits, veggies, and whole grains. They concentrate on eating these with very limited added fat and sugar.

9. They prepare most of their own meals and usually bring their lunch to work.

10. They weight train two to three days per week to maintain muscle tone and elevate their basal metabolic rate.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 11:44 AM :: 0 comments

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Eating More In Social Settings

Eating out can lead to gaining weight. Even as you read this statement you are probably rolling your eyes because it is just another thing you know about weight loss - if you eat out frequently you will gain weight. But there is more to this then just simply not eating the right types of food.

Here's another reason many people eat more than they should when dining out — we simply eat more in a social setting. There is a recent study that shows participants ate 35 percent more calories when they dined with one other person, and 96 percent more when dining with a crowd of seven. Why? It is because socializing takes the focus off what we're eating, so we don't tune into our body's fullness cues.

I can personally attest to this. Just tonight I went out with a group of women to have dinner and socialize and instead of just eating the salad that I ordered, I managed to help one of my friends eat her chips and queso dip. I also helped the other with her chips and spinach dip. The fact of the matter is - when you have food on a table and you are having a few drinks and chatting it up, you will most likely eat well more than you initially intended to.

If you are looking for ways to avoid the social eating then you can follow these tips:

Be the last one to start eating, pace yourself with the slowest eater, and finish up with everyone. Or take advantage of dining in numbers, and split a dish with another person to avoid overeating (most restaurant portions are 2 or 3 times the "recommended" serving sizes). No takers? Order a box with your meal, and pack up half before you begin eating.

That way when you do get home you won't be saying to yourself - Wow! I sure ate a lot tonight. Instead you will be praising yourself on how well you did.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:25 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Sea Bass Barbecue

A simple recipe for barbecued sea bass that you can use before the last days of summer wind down. If the fish is fresh, this dish is sure to please. Great for beach side cookouts as well as backyard barbeque's.

Serves 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Calories: 232.84
Calories from Fat: N/A
Total Fat: 6.92 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Cholesterol: N/A
Sodium: N/A
Total Carbohydrate: 0.71 g
Dietary Fiber: N/A
Sugars: N/A
Protein: 41.93 g
Vitamin A: N/A
Vitamin C: N/A

Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 pound fresh sea bass
* salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions
1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil grate.
2. In a small bowl, stir together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Rub fish with mixture inside and out.
3. Grill the fish over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:52 AM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, August 28, 2007 Recipe of The Day

Chicken Fricassee with Green Peppers and Tomatoes

This recipe serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup white wine
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 cups chopped canned Italian tomatoes with their juice
12 ounces hot, cooked linguine

Cooking Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and brown on all sides. As the chicken pieces finish browning, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
2. Add the wine, letting it boil rapidly for a minute and then stir with a wooden spoon to remove any browned bits that may be stuck to the pan.
3. Turn the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to wilt, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the green and red peppers, carrot, celery and canned tomatoes with juice. Adjust the heat so that the mixture simmers slowly and place a lid, slightly ajar, over the skillet. Cook until the chicken is completely tender, about 25 minutes. Taste the cooking liquid and adjust the salt and pepper.
5. Serve the chicken fricassee in warm bowls over the hot pasta.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 bowl chicken
Calories 433
Protein 35 g
Total Carbohydrate 39 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Sodium 564 mg
Total Fat 13 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Percent Calories from Fat 27%
Percent Calories from Protein 32%
Percent Calories from Carbohydrate 36%

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 12:51 PM :: 0 comments

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9 Ways To Cure Cravings

Most people find themselves reaching for food at times when they clearly aren’t hungry. Oftentimes we are not even aware of our emotions or stresses, or that we are eating in response to moods and emotions until we get in tune with our feelings.

Stress, blues, fears and guilt are a normal part of life. Chances are we can't fully rid ourselves of these unpleasant feelings, but we can learn to deal with them more effectively. Our reasoning can tell us that eating unhealthy foods isn't solving our stress or emotional problems. Here are just 9 ways that you can avoid cravings by simply diverting your attention. Remember, most cravings aren't about actually wanting certain foods... It could be about boredom, stress, or loneliness. So, try these 9 things the next time you get the cravings to eat!

1. Exercise.
Yet another reason to do a workout: activity increases endorphin levels and relieves stress. You'll feel inspired and good about yourself, and you'll naturally decrease your food cravings.

2. Get a massage.
It may help relieve anxiety, depression and sleep problems.

3. Read biographies of people who inspire you.
Learn from their positive influence and behavior.

4. Use guided imagery.
Close your eyes and let yourself be whisked away to your favorite place for 10 to 15 minutes. It might be the mountains or the beach. Imagine everything you're seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling.

5. Listen to relaxing music.
Studies have shown this can decrease the production of a substance called cortisol. Cortisol can lead to carbohydrate cravings. Music can also increase relaxation, relieve stress, and provide more clarity and vigor.

6. Take a bath with aromatherapy.
Oils of citronella, eucalyptus, sage, lavender and chamomile added to a bath can relax you.

7. Laugh.
See a comedy show or engage in activities that bring humor to your life. Seek ways to have more positive emotions in your life. Finding the positive always overrides the negative.

8. Get a pet and love it.
Studies show that pets add a sense of unconditional love to our lives and can reduce blood pressure and stress

9. Find a passion.
Maybe it's photography, art, ceramics or football. Find something that inspires you and commit to get out there and do it.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 11:19 AM :: 0 comments

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Monday, August 27, 2007 Creating Your Own Home Gym

Convenience is one of the biggest advantages of a home gym - there’s no drive time, no waiting for equipment, and you can play the music you like.

Plus, if you’re a germ-a-phobe you can avoid all the devious germs that go unseen at the gym which can be a hotbed for all different types of bacteria from strep throat to stomach viruses.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your home-gym hard body, while avoiding the lines, germs, jerks that walk around like they own the place and high price of joining a gym.

Fitness balls are great because they can assist in tightening muscles, achieving firm abdominals, strengthening the lower back and improving balance. Combined with a cardiovascular program you can make outstanding enhancements to your body and overall level of fitness.

Jumping rope is an integral part of many athletes’ exercise program. Plus, all you need to start is a rope and some comfortable shoes, such as cross-trainers. Jumping rope moderately for 30 minutes will burn a whopping 400 calories.

Fitness bands are great because you can replicate any movement that you would perform using free weights. It also allows for wide variety in your routine. When selecting tubing follow these color guidelines: Yellow tubing is extra light resistance and good for smaller muscle groups. Green tubing is considered light resistance and is a good selection for beginners. Red is for the intermediate or when working larger muscle groups such as chest, back or legs. Blue is considered heavy resistance and black is very heavy resistance.

Mats are important because they provide support and cushioning for the entire body while doing things like sit-ups or Yoga.

Dumbbells are a smart way to increase overall strength, increase bone density, look leaner - and they don’t take up much room. They come in a variety of weights and you can inexpensively get heavier ones when your fitness level outgrows your old weights.

Videos are a great way to break the monotony. They provide workout versatility such as Tae Bo, aerobic dance, yoga or Pilates. Videos also provide a workout diversion by trying something new. There are so many to choose from, just find one or two that work for you.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:15 AM :: 0 comments

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Choosing The Right Diet Plan For You

How often have you tried to decide which program was the best for you? What is the right program for you to lose weight and keep it off permanently? I’ve learned that all diets work, and no diet works unless you make permanent lifestyle changes to maintain the weight loss.

We’re eating differently today then we ever have before. We’re eating more refined carbohydrate in white flour and hamburger buns. We’re drinking empty calories in soda, and we’re not eating enough fruit and vegetables.

Food manufacturers spend billions in advertising to tempt us to eat fast and eat large. The expression “living large” used to mean living richly or living well. Today, living large means being overweight or obese. Here we are in 2007, and Americans are getting fatter, not healthier.

The way to pick a plan that’s right for you is to find one that contains foods you like. Just as important, you also need a program that reflects your lifestyle.
How much do you enjoy cooking? Some people even hate to boil water (namely me)! A gourmet meal is wasted on someone who prefers only broiled steak. Convenience is the name of the game for some. If you hate frozen entrees, then don’t choose a plan that features frozen meals for dinner. If your idea of a great meal is spinach and pasta with tofu, then you need the program that satisfies your taste buds with great vegetarian recipes.

People are afraid they’re going to feel deprived. They think they’re going to be miserable, but only for a while. If you pick a plan that works with your likes and dislikes and your particular lifestyle you won't feel deprived at all. In fact, you'll find many foods that you enjoy that will help you stick to your plan for the rest of your life!

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:26 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Pierogi

For old-world comfort food, make pierogi wrappers out of egg, milk, flour and salt, stuff them with a simple blend of egg and cottage cheese, then cook in boiling water for an absolutely amazing dish with great Italian charm. Serve with warmed sour cream and crisp bits of bacon on the side for an extra once in a while treat.

Serves 12 pierogi
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Calories: 183.33
Calories from Fat: N/A
Total Fat: 4.06 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Cholesterol: N/A
Sodium: N/A
Total Carbohydrate: 26.03 g
Dietary Fiber: N/A
Sugars: N/A
Protein: 10.67 g
Vitamin A: N/A
Vitamin C: N/A

Ingredients
2 eggs
1 cup milk
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups drained cottage cheese
2 eggs
1 pinch salt

Directions
1. In a medium bowl, combine 2 eggs, milk, flour and salt and mix together to make a soft dough. Roll out thinly enough to make about twelve 4 inch squares. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of slightly salted water to a boil.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cheese, 2 eggs and salt. Mix together and fill dough squares with cottage cheese mixture. Pinch sides together to seal and drop in boiling water. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the squares rise to the water's surface.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:43 AM :: 0 comments

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Friday, August 24, 2007 Yes - You Really DO Need To Eat Breakfast!

What better way to begin your day than with a healthy and nutritious energy boost? You obviously don't eat while you sleep, so morning is the time to become acquainted with hunger. The word breakfast comes from just that principle: It is the meal when you break the overnight fast. And it's an important fast to break. This first meal of the day and possibly the most important, is a great opportunity to set the stage for the rest of that day’s eating.

Breakfast can help get you going and help you through the morning. Even if you can commit only 10 minutes to breakfast, that's still an excellent opportunity to "tune in" and prepare your body and mind for the day. Research also demonstrates that people who eat breakfast receive another benefit: weight control. A study found that people who eat either cooked or ready-to-eat cereals have significantly lower body mass indexes (BMI) than those who skip breakfast. This does not include the people who eat meat or egg based breakfast though because those tend to be more fattening. A simple bowl of cereal made with whole grain topped with low-fat milk and a piece of fruit provides fiber, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals, and it is also quick and simple, giving you plenty of time to rush off to work with a full belly and healthy body.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:44 AM :: 0 comments

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8 Healthy Ways To Start Your Day

Mornings can be mayhem or magical, depending on your outlook and morning activities. Most of us would settle for somewhere in between. That is totally doable if you rethink the moments between your feet touching the floor and heading out the door. Here are ways to get your day off to a healthy start:

Wake up your senses. Fill your bedroom with soothing light and your favorite colors, fragrances, flowers, and music.

Reach for the sky. Stretching your body when you wake up is a wonderful way to loosen up your joints and increase flexibility. Mimic the way a cat wakes up by elongating your spine and stretching out your arms and legs, one at a time. Slowly stand up, inhale as you stretch, and exhale as you contract.

Make a promise to yourself. As soon as you wake up, think of one nice thing you can do for yourself that day.

Indulge in a water massage. Use your morning shower to cleanse your body and your mind. Mentally focus on positive thoughts, and use the pressure of the warm water to stimulate your muscles. Be mindful of how the warm water and soap feel against your skin.

Break the fast. Fuel yourself with a high-fiber breakfast that includes whole grains, fruit, and low-fat protein.

Find joy in journaling. Let your mind wander to an enjoyable memory. Then write down your thoughts and feelings about that memory. It could be just the boost your morning needs.

Move it in the morning. Wake up your metabolism and energize your body. Exercising in the morning demonstrates that you put your health first—helping you feel good about yourself all day.

Fight that foggy-head feeling. If you're not a morning person, trying to multitask first thing is a recipe for a rough start. Concentrate on important tasks one at a time, and give yourself enough time to get ready. It helps some folks to have a morning blastoff checklist.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:17 AM :: 0 comments

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Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is an ever-growing challenge and parents are quite concerned. In fact just at a recent doctor's appointment I found out that my son is borderline heavy. It was quite a shock as I thought he weighed generally what he should, but like me so many parents are in denial that their children are heavier than they should be. So, what’s a family to do?

Let's face it, when we try to change the eating habits of children we will often hear complaints and whining. It's no easy task. However, a program for the whole family is ideal in achieving quicker success.

Speak with your family doctor before beginning any program, especially if there are any medical concerns associated with a member of the family. Get your kids in the habit of eating smaller healthier meals more frequently. Wraps, fat-free cheese, low sodium foods, fruits and veggies and drinking more water. Make gradual changes in eating healthier. Unless your doctor says otherwise, do not throw everything out at once or try to change every little bad habit in one sweep. It only creates frustration and the kids will end up stuffing themselves after only a short time.

Breakfast is so very important to keeping your kids off the obesity track; it jump-starts the metabolism and is essential to being fit. However, it shouldn't be something dessert-like. Even a piece of fruit would do well. Also, get your kids involved with a sport program or some kind of a program that will keep them moving.

Explain to your kids that making healthier choices does not mean having to give up favorite foods. This seems to be more of a challenge with teens. Growing accustomed to a less sugar version of favorite sodas or baked versions of favorite chips is easy once they get used to it. Model good eating and fitness habits yourself. This will be a great time to follow through on personal plans. In the end, a huge factor in the success of anything you implement with this kind of "family program" is your own attitude and eating habits.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:50 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Of The Day

Low Fat Banana Muffins

Fill your kitchen with the aroma of these sweet banana muffins. Enjoy them plain or add in some raisins or a sparing amount of mini chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup canola oil
2/3 cup nonfat milk
1 egg lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla
2 small ripe bananas, mashed

PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a nonstick 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper cups.
In a large bowl, stir flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together.

Make a well in the center.

In a medium bowl, combine canola oil milk, egg, vanilla. Add wet ingredient to dry mixture, followed by mashed bananas. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.

Fill muffins cups two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes.

Optional extras to fold into the batter: 1/2 cup raisins, 1/3 cup miniature chocolate chips.

Per Banana Muffin: Calories 190, Calories from Fat 47, Total Fat 5.1g (sat 0.4g), Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 170mg, Carbohydrate 32.4g, Fiber 1g, Protein 3.3g

With Raisins: Calories 212, Calories from Fat 47, Total Fat 5.1g (sat 0.4g), Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 171mg, Carbohydrate 37.8g, Fiber 1.3g, Protein 3.5g

With Mini Chocolate Chips: Calories 223, Calories from Fat 63, Total Fat 6.8g (sat 2.2g), Cholesterol 19mg, Sodium 170mg, Carbohydrate 36.4g, Fiber 1.4g, Protein 3.5g

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:22 AM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, August 23, 2007 Pilates

The Pilates program emphasizes strength building. Muscle mass and endurance are increased through the implementation of slow but deliberate intense movements and repetitions.

It is important to stick with the program for an extended period of time, same as with any exercise regimen. To be certain that you are not overly stressing your body, be certain to keep track of heart rate, breathing, and other physiological factors.

Balance is definitely an objective and advantage of Pilates. Sadly, as we age, a tendency to lose the balance of a coordinated posture and ample limbs is a natural consequence. This is precisely the reason that exercise programs like Pilates are beneficial because they stress the coordination of different muscle groups to enable body parts to work together for an all-encompassing workout.

An increased mental focus is an additional benefit of the Pilates regimen. Just as with yoga, people using the Pilates system must learn to concentrate on specific items and goals while completing physical activities meant to build muscle strength and coordination. Benefits are maximized in this process because the concentration helps the practitioner complete each activity correctly while reducing the chances of injury. Improvements in circulation have been credited in aiding practitioners to think more clearly after workouts.

For those seeking an exercise regimen that will help them lose weight, build muscle tone and strength, and sharpen mental focus, Pilates is probably a good option to consider. Local health and exercise programs are most likely offering classes so see when they are being held.

Take the critical step of actually signing up for the classes so that you can witness for yourself the array of benefits that Pilates has to offer. Most are amazed at how easy yet effective Pilates can be and that is probably a large reason why so many celebrities use the system themselves.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:01 AM :: 0 comments

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Why Total Body Training Is For You

Total Body Training involves training all of your body's major muscle groups at each workout (chest, legs, and back, etc.). Since you can typically use more weight on exercises that target these muscles (squats, chin-ups, bench presses, lunges, etc.) than exercises that train smaller muscle groups i.e. barbell curls, you will do more work with each set.

Combining these exercises in each workout means more work per training session. The more work you do, the more calories you will burn. When done with short rest periods between sets Total Body Training forces your body will continue to burn calories from fat hours after your workout is done.

Training this way produces significant increases in hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone; which can help you build muscle and lose body fat. The more you can increase your body's production of these hormones, the greater the results you'll get. Women, don't worry, increasing testosterone through exercise won't turn you into a man. It will instead help you get and stay lean.

Another benefit of total body workouts is that they're a great time saver. Since they use a few exercises that hit many muscle groups at once you will get more done in less time. Each workout will never take more than an hour with 45 minutes being the norm. Total body training also helps strengthen the heart, your body's most important muscle. Multiple sets of squats, rows, and bench presses at each workout will have your heart in overdrive, strengthening it more than walking slowly on the treadmill ever will.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:31 AM :: 0 comments

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7 Tips For Saving Money While Eating Healthy

It’s too easy to be fat, but it's just as easy to be thin!

Unless you make permanent changes, the weight loss that you experience will be temporary. You need a diet that will let you eat filling, tasty foods while you lose weight but you also need tips on how to lose weight the proper way in an affordable way. Many people say getting healthy costs too much, but here is a way to save money while eating healthy.

1. Plan your meals: Impulse shopping is expensive. Make sure to plan for meals out too. Always shop with a shopping list. Change your plan if you’re going to eat out and commit to days that you will eat in

2. Take advantage of sales: Know your substitution list. At any time you can substitute within any food category. If your weekly plan has chicken on the menu, and meat or fish are available at a better price, by all means substitute. Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and whole-grain products are interchangeable. It's a good way to be kind to your wallet.

3. Make your own convenience meals: Spend a few hours once a week and cook up a storm! I like to use Sundays to shop and cook. Take one of your favorite recipes for the coming week, triple the ingredients, all except the spices, and freeze into individual portions. Do this every week or so and you’ll have a stock of your own frozen entrees that are fresher and tastier, not to mention less expensive, than store-bought meals.

4. Cancel your account at the coffee shop: Coffee is an addiction that’s shaking America’s wallets. Are you stepping out a couple of times a day to buy coffee? That’s an expensive proposition and it is an unnecessary temptation. With the coffee comes muffins and bagels.

5. Calculate your savings: Wait until you see how much you’ll save by bringing your lunch to work. Say you spend $5 to $10 at lunch and you go out at least three times a week. Just think what you can do with an extra $1,000 a year.

6. Variety is the spice of life: It’s more nutritious to eat different foods every day. Different fruits and vegetables contain different amounts of phytonutrients, which are crucial vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. Buy seasonal fruits and veggies - they cost less and you might even find something you like to eat!

7. Drink tap water: Most municipal water is just as clean and healthy as bottled water. Many studies show that bottled water is not always reliable and that water from the spout may actually be cleaner. Or, invest in a water filter. It will save you money in the long-term.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:34 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Of The Day

Calamari Salad

Sliced squid is tossed with a lemon juice, garlic, and celery mixture for an unbelievable taste with very little calories!

Serves 12 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories: 120.39
Calories from Fat: N/A
Total Fat: 2.23 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Cholesterol: N/A
Sodium: N/A
Total Carbohydrate: 6.88 g
Dietary Fiber: N/A
Sugars: N/A
Protein: 18.21 g
Vitamin A: N/A
Vitamin C: N/A

Ingredients
2 lemons, juiced
6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 sprig fresh parsley, chopped
1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
3 pounds squid, cleaned and sliced into rounds
1 (2.25 ounce) can pitted black olives
4 stalks celery, chopped

Directions
1. In a medium bowl, mix lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Stir in squid, and cook about 3 minutes, or until tender; drain.
3. Toss squid, olives, and celery with the lemon juice mixture. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:11 AM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Take A Multi-vitamin for overall health

Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, taking a multivitamin is an excellent way to maintain good health and vitality. In fact, a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement can serve as the foundation of a supplement regimen that can help to fill in nutritional gaps in your diet. However, it can often be daunting to select a multivitamin that meets your unique needs from among the vast array available in the marketplace. Read on for tips to help make the selection process easier.

When selecting a multivitamin, look for one that contains 100% of the Daily Value (DV) of most nutrients, but keep in mind that some nutrient levels should be above or below the DV for optimal health. Consider the following recommendations:

Iron: Iron needs for women younger than age 50 are 18 mg/day. Therefore, women under the age of 50 should select a multivitamin with iron.

Folic acid: Women of childbearing age should supplement their diet with a multivitamin that contains at least 400-600 mg of folic acid.

Calcium: Most multivitamins do not contain the daily value of calcium because calcium is a very bulky nutrient and it would result in a pill that is too large to swallow. As a result, it is important to supplement with additional calcium to meet your daily calcium needs.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:47 AM :: 0 comments

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Nighttime Snacking

Many dieters are successful during the daytime only to cave into nighttime munchies, making it difficult to lose weight. Take a look at the following typical reasons for nighttime eating and start making changes today. Often, people cut back their calorie intake so far during the day that they're literally starving at night. Unable to choose small portions, they often fill up on high-fat snack foods, overeat at dinner and give in to late-night snacking urges.

1. Make sure you eat breakfast and lunch and try to consume 2/3 of your caloric intake before dinner. If your evening meal is very late, try making it the smallest meal of the day.

2. Include protein and some fat at breakfast and lunch and avoid the simple carbohydrates. Lack of protein during the day can set off nighttime cravings.

3. Make sure your diet includes foods you enjoy. Too much deprivation during the day can lead to a nighttime breakdown of willpower. If you love chocolate, find a way to work a little into your diet. A Hershey’s kiss only has 25 calories.

4. Try to find other ways to deal with stress other than eating. Many people use eating to deal with the stresses of the day. Try cutting back on caffeine intake to no more than 12 ounces of caffeinated beverages a day. Find a stress-reducing activity such as a warm bath, listening to your favorite music, yoga or meditation.

5. Exercise! Make sure you’re getting some form of exercise daily. Exercise will help you feel better and aid weight loss. It also helps you reduce stress.

6. Stop eating in front of the TV. Call a friend or work on a hobby instead. Exercising while watching TV makes the time go faster and lets you watch TV without munching.

7. Avoid alcohol at night as it tends to reduce our resolve to keep our diet on track.

8. If it's not in the house, you can't eat it. Be smart when you shop and avoid bringing trigger foods into your home.

9. Instead of a snack, have a drink. Try a non-caffeinated herbal tea with a spoonful of honey. There are several drinks on the market with no caffeine and no sugar.

10. When you're finished with a meal or a planned snack, brush and floss your teeth -this will help you stay away from food for about an hour.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:14 AM :: 0 comments

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5 Guilt Free Fast Foods

When you do decide to brake for fast food, it is very important to monitor your portion size and overall calorie intake. No, you would NOT like fries or an apple pie with that order, no matter how much the person behind the counter insists on trying to sell them to you. Instead of fries or greasy onion rings, try ordering a side salad with your meal. And, instead of washing it all down with a diet-busting super-sized portion of soda, asking for water is always the best way to go.

Here are are the top-5 choices for guilt free fast food. The next time you decide to pull into the fast food lane, pick one of these choices to make sure you are still getting a well-balanced meal.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich - Most fast food restaurants today feature some kind of grilled chicken sandwich on the menu. This is usually one of the healthiest options. Just be sure to tell them to hold the mayo. Also, order your sandwich with a bottle of water and a side salad.

Entree Salad - Nearly all fast food restaurants feature salads as a main course, but that doesn’t mean they are all healthy. Make sure the salad isn’t topped with fried foods or bacon bits. If the restaurant offers a grilled chicken salad, that is usually your best choice. You still have to be careful what type of dressing you choose. Make sure you ask for a dressing that is low in fat.

Fruit Salads With Yogurt - Some very popular fast food chains weren’t joking around when they decided to add fruit salads with yogurt to the menu. This is a very healthy choice, as long as you order it with a bottle of water and not a full calorie soda.

Salad Bar - Any restaurant or supermarket that features a salad bar is actually promoting healthy eating. If you are lucky enough to find a salad bar near you, try filling your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables. You can even top that salad with some low-fat protein like chicken, ham or turkey. Just be sure to add low-fat dressing or lemon juice.

Hamburger Heaven - If you think eating fast food just isn’t the same without being able to sink your teeth into a juicy burger, there’s no need to chicken out. As long as you choose a lean, grilled burger without the mayo you should be fine. If you can’t find a lean, grilled burger on the menu, you should order a plain hamburger and omit the cheese. Oh, and order that burger with a side salad and water for a meal that will make your whole body truly happy.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:53 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Of The Day

Coffee Mousse

This is a must for coffee lovers! This light dessert can also be served over angel food cake for an extra added decandance

Ingredients
3 cups nonfat milk
2 Tbsp. instant coffee crystals, regular or decaffeinated
1 large box (1.5 ounces) sugar-free instant vanilla pudding
3 cups nonfat whipped topping (8-ounce container), additional nonfat whipped topping (optional)

Directions
In a medium bowl, mix milk with coffee. Let sit a few minutes then stir until coffee is dissolved. Add pudding mix and stir constantly with a wire whisk for 2 minutes. Refrigerate for 5 minutes. Add whipped topping and mix well.

Pour into a serving bowl or individual parfait glasses. Garnish with additional whipped topping, if desired.

This is ready to eat or you can refrigerate it and serve later.

Note: Optional ingredients are not included in the nutritional analysis.

Makes 6 cups (eight servings); Each Serving: 3/4 cup; Carb Servings: 1; Exchanges: 1 starch; calories 96,total fat 0g, saturated fat 0g, cholesterol 2mg, sodium 301mg, total carbohydrate 18g, dietary fiber 0g, sugars 8g and protein 3g.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:42 AM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007 Making Olive Oil Work For You

No doubt about it. Olive oil is one of the healthiest fats around. But you'll kill the health benefits if you overheat it. It can become rancid and generate toxic chemicals. One solution: Instead of heating the oil in the pan, just spritz some on your veggies, meats, or taters before cooking them. (

It's fairly easy to overheat both olive oil and cold-pressed canola oil, because they have relatively low smoking points (the point at which they begin to burn). You'll know if you've overheated the oil, because it leads to that burned, charcoal flavor. Yuck.

Semirefined sesame oil, peanut oil, grape-seed oil, and virgin olive oil may be your best choices for cooking, because they contain mainly unsaturated fat and have relatively high smoking points; all of the oils can be heated in excess of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Extra-virgin olive oil starts to burn at about 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Unrefined canola and sunflower oils are even more delicate, burning at about 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once an oil has been overheated, you end up canceling out the major benefits. But treat the oils right and they'll treat your body right, too.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 10:16 AM :: 0 comments

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Finding Your Energy

As much as we’d all like to think energy comes in a bottle, it doesn’t. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find it elsewhere. You just have to know the right places to look for it.

First of all, don’t believe the hype. No matter how many commercials you see with energetic, skinny people running around, they didn’t get like that from whatever product is for sale. It’s called acting, and the product is most likely a scam.
Second of all, one of the most well-known sources of energy drain is stress. You’ll see as soon as you learn techniques to reduce stress, your energy levels will increase. One great suggestion to try is deep breathing; another is meditation.

With that said, check out these five surefire tips to aid you in regaining an upward momentum:

1. Get adequate sleep - This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people suffer from different forms of insomnia. Although the average amount of time is eight hours, it’s whatever you need to feel rested and only you can determine that. Avoid caffeine and alcohol to assure a good night’s rest.

2. Stay hydrated - It is not only important to stay hydrated for your skin and digestive health, but your overall engine running, as well. Remain conscious about how much you’re drinking throughout the day. You’ll feel better when you’ve drank enough water!

3. Take a multivitamin - Eating a balanced diet doesn’t insure you’ll get the minimum dietary requirements you need for energy. To remind yourself, put your bottle of multivitamins next to your toothpaste or something else you know you’ll use at least once a day.

4. Exercise - Although many people think exercise makes you tired, it does just the opposite if done in moderation. Exercise actually increases energy by getting the heart pumping, providing oxygen to working muscles and by increasing cardio respiratory capacity.

5. Eat breakfast - Many may think it’s not that important, but those who eat breakfast sure can tell the difference on days they skip. Your body is resting all night and the only way to get it started in the morning is by feeding it.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:50 AM :: 0 comments

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Maintaining Your Balance For Health

You know about cardio exercise for heart health and strength training for keeping firm, but when was the last time you trained to improve your sense of balance? Good balance is just as important as endurance, strength and flexibility.

Once used solely for top athletes and rehab patients, balance training is now encouraged for everyone. "The adage 'use it or lose it' really applies here. If you don't work on your balance skills, you will lose them.

Maintaining your balance allows you to perform better at sports, reduces the chance that you'll injure yourself in a fall and even helps you juggle bags of groceries without throwing out your back. Balance requires good stability of the core muscles, meaning the back and abdominals, as well as the joints, particularly the hips, knees, and ankles. Here are some ways to start:

Stand on one leg. While doing this, go up on your tiptoes and hold a 2-pound weight in the opposite hand. Pretend the weight is a big pencil and write the alphabet in the air. Move to the other leg and do the same thing. Older folks and others at high risk of falling should kneel on one leg instead and perform the movements near a wall for support.

Work out to an exercise video while on an unstable surface, like a large pillow or trampoline. Or use one of the newer devices specially designed to wobble.

Learn Pilates, yoga, or tai chi. All have strong balance training elements in addition to their other benefits.

Be a kid again by walking foot-over-foot on curbs, playing hopscotch and skipping rope. Get your children involved for extra family fun.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:15 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Of The Day

Three Pepper Pilaf

This colorful dish features red, green and yellow bell peppers with in turmeric-gold rice and scarlet tomatoes. Beautiful to look at, and even better to eat.

Serves 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Calories: 471.85
Calories from Fat: N/A
Total Fat: 4.55 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Cholesterol: N/A
Sodium: N/A
Total Carbohydrate: 84.53 g
Dietary Fiber: N/A
Sugars: N/A
Protein: 23.19 g
Vitamin A: N/A
Vitamin C: N/A

Ingredients
4 skinless chicken thighs
3 cups chicken stock
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
12 ounces uncooked white rice
3 tomatoes, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced

Directions
1. In a large pot, boil chicken pieces in chicken stock, adding onion and garlic to stock before boiling. When chicken is cooked through, remove from stock and set aside. Add turmeric and stir in, then set stock aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil. Add mushrooms and saute for 1 minute. Add rice, stir for 2 minutes, then add stock. Let all simmer gently for 20 minutes. In the meantime, skin and slice tomatoes and add to pilaf mixture. Cut cooked chicken into bite size pieces and add to the skillet, along with the red, green and yellow bell peppers. Stir all together and simmer over low heat, stirring, until all liquid is absorbed and rice is separate and fluffy.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:41 AM :: 0 comments

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Monday, August 20, 2007 What To Do If You Don't Like Spinach

Not everyone loves spinach! If you are one of these people, not only are you missing out on a great taste, but you are missing out on tons of nutrients that your body needs greatly. But, if you just can't eat spinach with gusto then try some of these other alternatives:

Vitamin A (beta carotene): Spinach contains incredibly high amounts of crucial nutrients, with this one at the top of the list. Beta carotene is essential for a good immune system and can help reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.
Instead of spinach: Go for carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe or parsley.

Vitamin B6: Getting the recommended amount of B6 can significantly lessen your chances of suffering a heart attack, stroke or depression. Take note, however, that B6 vitamin content is reduced by cooking and canning, so fresh is best.
Instead of spinach: Grab some fresh tuna, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bananas or sunflower seeds.

Folic acid: Research shows folic acid fights heart disease, strokes, cancer, loss of mental sharpness, birth defects and depression. It has also been shown to fend off potential artery-clogging.
Instead of spinach: Try asparagus, okra, dried beans, almonds or wheat germ

Potassium: Getting enough potassium is key for avoiding high blood pressure issues and stroke. To maintain maximum potassium levels in foods, cook for the shortest time possible.
Instead of spinach: Visit the produce department and pick up some bok choy (cabbage), mushrooms, tomatoes, avocado or dried fruit.

Zinc: Vital for keeping your immune system running at its peak, zinc has also been shown to increase mental functioning and improve memory.
Instead of spinach: Grab a handful of mixed nuts or cook up some lean beef, turkey or pork.

Magnesium: This mineral helps to protect against heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It has also been proven to reduce the frequency of migraines for those prone to getting them.
Instead of spinach: Look for beet greens, broccoli, tofu, fish and nuts.

Spinach also boasts considerable levels of lutein (a photonutrient that protects eyes from deterioration and cataracts and skin from free radical damage) and iron (used for energy production and metabolism). Kale, egg yolks, corn and romaine lettuce are all good spinach substitutes for lutein, and soybeans, oatmeal, oysters, lean beef and turkey are other options for getting your recommended iron.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 10:01 AM :: 0 comments

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The Power of Positive Thinking

All people can use the strength and power of positive words to enhance their lives. Positive words can be particularly helpful when we are trying to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Most people are not aware of the things they think and say on a continual basis. Our thoughts and words have a powerful impact on our attitude and behaviors.

Negative thinking can become so deeply ingrained in a person’s mind that these thoughts will begin to take over. The fact is that most people are feeding their minds with toxic thoughts throughout the day, even as they are fighting off the negative behaviors these thoughts promote.

The Journal of the American Dietetic Association reports that people tend to eat an average of 118 calories more per day when they are even moderately depressed or anxious. If this impulsive eating continues, this amount of additional calories is enough to put on an extra 12 pounds a year! To prevent this from taking place, you must first become aware of the words and thoughts that run through your mind every day.

What can you do to change the direction of your life? There are some things that you can do on a daily basis that will make your words and thoughts more positive. The more you do these exercises, the easier it will be to make positive behaviors a permanent part of your life.

1. When you wake up in the morning (and before you go to bed), write a list of 10 positive things about yourself. In the beginning, it may be difficult to complete this list. The more you do the exercise, the easier the process will get. If possible, list different positive things each time.

2. Establish a secret signal to yourself each time that you catch yourself saying or thinking something negative. Some examples could be snapping a rubber band, putting away your money or rubbing your knee. Do anything that will act as a wake-up call to stop the negative behavior.

3. Ask someone who you trust to listen to you speak, and ask them to be honest with you whenever they hear you say something negative and self-deprecating. Carry around a small tape recorder and tape yourself, so you can listen to what you say.

4. Learn how to breathe. Breathe from your stomach and exhale through your nose. Deep breathing helps to put energy and oxygen back into your system. When you are breathing, think positive thoughts. Create a mantra that works for you and repeat it while you are breathing. One example would be, “I am a bountiful, beautiful person. I am healthy and full of positive energy.”

The more you work on establishing positive thoughts, the healthier you will become. Imagine you can control your destiny by living your life in a happy and healthy manner. Consistency and repetition will make your lifestyle changes permanent.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:38 AM :: 0 comments

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Pistachios Work For Your Health

When it comes to cholesterol, it's good (HDL) vs. bad (LDL), and only a good cholesterol has the power to charm your arteries into coming clean.

Do you have enough good cholesterol on the warpath to keep your arteries clear? If not, put down the chips, candy bar, and cookie, and grab two to three handfuls of pistachios every day instead. This simple switch could bump up your HDL forces by two to three points in just 4 weeks.

Study after study shows that nuts, low in saturated fats and high in healthful monounsaturated fats, cut both total and "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is great news for your heart. Pistachios in particular should be on your most-wanted list when you're shooting for better HDL levels. If you've got moderately high total cholesterol, pistachios not only can boost HDL but also can move cholesterol ratios (HDL to total and HDL to bad) in positive directions when the nuts are used as a replacement for high-fat snacks. Pistachios can even improve apolipoprotein B levels.

Along with heart-healthy fats, pistachios contain cardioprotective nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, and copper. For an easy on-the-go snack, toss together some shelled pistachios and dried cherries for a great taste in a Ziploc bag.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:59 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Of The Day

Salsa Chicken Burrito Filling

Chicken simmered with tomato sauce, salsa and seasonings. A great standard burrito filling that is so much better than spending your nights at Taco Bell!

Serves 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories: 104.81
Calories from Fat: N/A
Total Fat: 1.05 g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Cholesterol: N/A
Sodium: N/A
Total Carbohydrate: 9.36 g
Dietary Fiber: N/A
Sugars: N/A
Protein: 14.47 g
Vitamin A: N/A
Vitamin C: N/A

Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce
0.25 cup salsa
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
hot sauce to taste

Directions <