HoodiaPharm HungerAway
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 What Is Your Healthy Weight?

You know that you want to lose weight. But how do you pick a goal weight that’s right for you? Do you find a celebrity, or even a friend, whose body you like and try to reach the same weight as him? Do you aim for a previous weight of your own, like what you weighed when you wore that junior prom dress 25 years ago?

Unfortunately, neither of these is a good way to set a weight loss goal. Finding your best weight isn't as simple as plugging your height, age, and gender into a formula and getting a number spit back at you. Your body is unique, and so is your ideal weight. Because it involves factors that are both objective (like your health risks) and subjective (like your personal satisfaction with your appearance), your ideal body weight is much more than a number on the scale: It’s more like a state of being. You’re at your ideal body weight when:

Your weight isn’t causing (or putting you at risk for) any health problems.

Your weight doesn't limit you from living the life you want.

You can accept your body as it is, without feeling uncomfortably self-conscious.

You can enjoy being in your own skin, without worrying too much about how you compare to others (or cultural ideals).

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:19 AM :: 0 comments

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Being Heart Healthy

The number one killer in America is cardiovascular disease. More than two out of every five Americans die of cardiovascular disease. Today, more than one in five Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, with more than 2,500 Americans dying from it each day.

Clearly, heart disease is a national concern.

60 percent of the deaths in U.S. due to heart disease are related to diet. Research proves that healthy foods can actually reduce the risk of heart disease. You do the math, eating a healthy diet is a no-brainer!

OK, so now we know that an unhealthy diet plays a major role in heart disease and a healthy diet could be your best defense. Doesn't it make sense that you should try to eat a healthier diet? The answer is a big "hearty" yes!

Now, in order to incorporate a "heart-healthy" diet into your already hectic life, you should know first understand what such a diet looks like and what makes it healthy in the first place.

A heart-healthy eating plan is simply consuming a variety of nutritious foods each day so you get the nutrients needed for a good strong heart. Here's what this type of eating plan looks like:

It's high in fruits and vegetables.
It's high in plant-based foods (legumes).
It's high in whole grains (fiber).
It includes low-fat dairy and low-fat meat selections (low in saturated fats).
It's low in fast food meals.
It's low in processed snacks and desserts (low in trans fats, sugar and sodium).

This eating plan is healthy because it consists mainly of whole foods like whole grains, fruits and veggies, it's low in saturated fats and it's low in processed foods -- which means it's automatically lower in trans fats, refined sugar and sodium. We stress these smart choices along with portion control because together they produce permanent weight loss and help prevent heart disease.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:17 AM :: 0 comments

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The Need for Multivitamins

In a perfect world, even the most carefully planned diets would provide a balanced menu of nutrient-rich vegetables, lean protein and complex carbohydrates. Unfortunately, this often isn't the case.

Many diets - especially ones that exclude certain groups of foods - are lacking in essential nutrients. Just as bad, some people find their energy levels sagging as their daily calorie intake drops.

When this happens, a multivitamin can fill the nutritional gaps and, by providing nutrients that are proven to boost energy, even help reduce cravings and boost your chances of success.

Every national study has found that Americans' diets are marginal. Anybody worth their weight in nutrition would tell you to go to food first, but 99 out of 100 people don't get even the minimum recommended amounts of nutrients. So most people could benefit from a multivitamin.

Multivitamins come in all shapes and sizes. According to the government, a "multivitamin" is technically any product that includes at least three ingredients. A good, one-a-day adult multivitamin includes 100-percent of the recommended daily allowance, or RDA, of most essential vitamins and minerals.

This basic definition works for most people, but if you're following a diet and exercise plan, it might also be worth investigating products that are designed to help you succeed.

Multivitamins for dieters, for example, include more of the valuable B vitamin group and antioxidants. Numerous studies have shown that B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, help support energy levels, making them a healthy alternative to diet aids that are high in caffeine or calorie-laden coffee drinks. Extra B vitamins are especially important for dieters over age 50, when research has proven it's more difficult to absorb vitamin B12. Similarly, antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E have been shown to reduce oxidative stress throughout the body.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:24 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Savory Pepper Steak

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 10 min.

Ingredients:

1 Lbs. top sirloin steak, thinly sliced, or stir-fry beef strips
1 green, red or yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 mediumonion\cooked, sliced
1 Tbs. beef bouillon granules, or 3 beef-flavor bouillon cubes
1/2 cup water

Cooking Directions:

Spray nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Over medium-high heat, stir-fry meat until tender and brown. Add pepper, onion, bouillon and water; cook and stir until vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve with rice, if desired.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:01 AM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Benefits of Circuit Training

Circuit training is a workout routine that combines cardiovascular fitness and resistance training. It was first proposed in the late 1950s as a method to develop general fitness. The initial routines were arranged in a circle, alternating between different muscle groups (hence the name circuit training). By allowing only a short rest interval of 30-90 seconds between stations, cardiovascular fitness is gained along with the benefits of resistance training.

When developing a circuit training routine, a wide variety of exercises and equipment can be utilized. Much of the equipment is relatively inexpensive and includes surgical tubing, jump rope, your own body weight, dumbbells, medicine balls, physioballs and weight training machines. A circuit can consist of as few as six stations to as many as 15 stations based on the goals and pre-training levels of the participants.

Circuit training stations are generally sequenced in a way to alternate between muscle groups, which allows for adequate recovery. The rest interval between stations should be between 30-90 seconds and 1-3 minutes between circuits. A typical gym has several strength training machines and workstations, which enables the creation of several circuits. This benefit of variability challenges the skills of the participant and keeps them interested from session to session.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:27 AM :: 0 comments

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5 Strategies for Weight Loss Success

1. Start Small
Quite possibly the biggest mistake people make is pushing the accelerator too soon. You can’t lose 20 pounds in a week. But you can lose one. Taking small bites and chewing slowly have as much to do with goal achievement as they do with your mom’s dinner table scolding.

2. Get It On Paper
Whether setting your first goals, tracking daily progress, or sharing your deepest thoughts with a journal, writing things down crystallizes your ideas, exposes underlying fears, and paints an accurate picture of real life.

3. Focus On Everyday Habits
The building blocks of a healthy lifestyle are forged in the smallest of actions you take every day and every week. Healthy choices can become as natural as brushing your teeth or locking the front door. Build one habit, one action at a time.

4. Always See Your Goal
Goals need attention. They need to be seen and heard and thought of often if they ever hope to come true. So surround yourself with as many reminders as possible.

5. Be Consistent
Imagine a plane taking off. In the beginning, a lot of energy is spent to simply get moving down the runway. But as speed and momentum take over, the plane is pulled forward and up into the sky, faster and further by the second. Consistent action, no matter how small, has more power than you ever imagined.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:13 AM :: 0 comments

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Getting Back on the Wagon

It happens — you miss a few workouts in a row because of a late night at the office and suddenly your weight-loss efforts seemed derailed. It's tempting to mentally slap yourself around, isn't it? Well, don't worry so much! Being hard on yourself is the old you, remember?

Now, you know to take setbacks in stride and get right back on that wagon. You wouldn't think of wasting even a minute to beat up on yourself. After all, there are no mistakes, just learning experiences. Weight loss is a process and every process takes time. You will encounter small failures — everybody does! Remember, every pound you gain can be lost.

If you miss a workout, it's not the end of the world! Get to the gym the next day and continue to focus on your short-term goals. Just because you made bad choices today doesn't mean you can't start over tomorrow. I know it sounds trite, but every day is truly a new beginning.

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

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Recipe of The Day

Chicken Marsala

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.

Ingredients:

2 tsp. olive oil
1 mediumonion\cooked, chopped
1-1/2 Lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast halves, pounded to 0-1/4 inch thickness
1 cup dry Marsala wine
3/4 cup chicken stock, low-fat, low-sodium
1 Tbs. cornstarch, or arrowroot powder
salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes. Add the chicken and cook on each side for 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook for about 4 minutes until the wine looks syrupy. In a small cup, dissolve the cornstarch or arrowroot powder in the stock. Add to the chicken and cook until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Per Serving: calories 186, fat 3.0g, calories from fat 14%, protein 27.2g, cholesterol 65.8mg, dietary fiber 0.4g

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:02 AM :: 0 comments

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Friday, April 25, 2008 Avoiding The Weekend Rut

One reason weekends are so difficult is that you fall out of your regular daily routines. There are always potlucks, dinners, dates and family gatherings, where trouble is lurking in the form of buffet lines or rich desserts. Weekend menus can also be more difficult to plan - and without a plan, you're more likely to stray from the healthy habits you have been working so hard to develop.

The “Weekend Survival Guide” is designed to help your diet survive those dreaded weekends. Keep it with you - in your purse, in the car - wherever you go. The checklist and helpful tips can keep you focused and on track. Meanwhile, the inspirational quotes can give you a boost of well-timed motivation. If nothing else, remember this: when you start feeling the temptation to slip, ask yourself how you will feel about your decisions once Monday morning rolls around.

TIPS FOR TURNING AWAY TEMPTATION

Plan family activities like bike rides or outdoor games. This helps you spend time with your family and burn calories all at once!

Carry a water bottle with you to your weekend activities. This will help you get your water for the day and resist the temptation to reach for a soda or other caffeinated beverage.

Set some "weekend specific" goals for yourself based on the realities of what you’ll be doing. They may look very different than your weekday goals, and that’s okay.

If you are going to be out all day, pack some healthy snacks in case you get hungry. There is nothing worse than being hungry at the mall, and the only food options are ice cream or pizza.

Set Monday as your weigh-in day. You are more likely to resist temptation if you have to face the scale first thing Monday morning.

Plan ahead!! If you are going out to eat, find the restaurant's menu (and any available nutritional information) online. You’ll have plenty of time to make a healthy choice before you get there.

Don't save all of your splurging for the weekends. Allowing yourself a few treats throughout the week will help you avoid the mindset that the weekend is an excuse to go bonkers. And by spacing your treats evenly, you're less likely to get sudden, irresistible cravings.

With a little extra effort and planning, you can turn weekends into an enjoyable experience and an opportunity to keep your program moving in the right direction!

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:27 AM :: 0 comments

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Positive Thinking!

Do you have what it takes to reach your weight-loss goals? If you think it's all about diet and exercise, you're wrong. It sounds crazy, I know. Exercise and a proper diet are crucial to any weight-loss and fitness program. But, to reach any long term goal — especially one that requires major lifestyle change — you'll need to improve your attitude, too. You can have all the external support in the world, but if your self-esteem is in the toilet, you'll never have long-term success.

Having the right attitude is so important because thought is behavior. The power of the mind is total — the way you think about yourself manifests as your reality. We all know how easily negative thoughts can lead to lack of confidence, hopelessness, and depression. You've heard about self-fulfilling prophecy, right? Well, if you tell yourself that you'll always be fat or never find happiness, chances are you'll end up fat and unhappy. Hey, it makes sense.

Okay, let's turn that scenario around. Tell yourself that you can get fit and you will be happy. It's that simple. You can master your own fate with positive thinking!

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:21 AM :: 0 comments

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The Old Standby - The Treadmill

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 :: 5:56 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Cranberry Glazed Ham

Servings: 18
Preparation Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 90 min.

Ingredients:

1 fully cooked smoked butt or shank-half ham, about 6 lb each, skin trimmed
2 cup canned cranberry jelly
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
2 tsp. dry mustard
2 Tbs. cider vinegar
16 whole clove, approximately
1-1/4 Lbs. unsweetened pineapple slices, drained
toothpick

Cooking Directions:

Preheat oven to 325° F. Using a sharp knife, score 0-1/4 inch deep cuts around outside of ham in a diamond pattern. Combine next 4 ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until jelly has melted. Spread mixture around outside of ham and stud with cloves. Attach pineapple rings to ham with toothpicks. Place ham on a lightly oiled roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Place in oven and bake about 1-1/2 hours, basting occasionally with remaining cranberry mixture, until a meat thermometer registers 150° F. Remove ham from oven, and allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Per Serving: calories 67, fat 1.0g, calories from fat 13%, protein 1.8g, cholesterol 4.5mg, dietary fiber 0.6g

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:12 AM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, April 24, 2008 10 Decisions You Can Make

The big goal is to lose weight, so you go on a diet. What will get you to achieve that big goal is not just the decision to diet. It is a set of smaller decisions that will add up and translate into success. Taken separately, they may seem inconsequential. But put them together, and they will result in high-performance dieting.

Here is a list of decisions you can make that will greatly strengthen your diet:

1. When I have too much to do, I'll ask for help.
This is a problem for many women when life gets crazy. If things get too much for you, delegate responsibility instead of turning to food.

2. I will spend more time with people who are supportive.
A supportive network is a big factor in helping people who want to change.

3. I will clean out the pantry of my high-risk foods.
Not tempting yourself is such an easy thing, but it makes it so much more likely that you'll stick to your plan.

4. I will keep my diet foods on hand.
This is a must. Have the right things to eat all ready for you.

5. I will remind people close to me about what I'm trying to do.
Making your intention to lose weight public gives it more power, more substance and makes it harder for you to go back on your word.

6. I will spend less time with people who contribute to my overeating.
Don't hang out with friends who are stuck in their weight problems and bad eating habits -- it will hinder you.

7. I will not hang around the kitchen in between meal and snack times.
So simple, yet so important. Get away from the food and you'll up your chances of not blowing it.

8. I will reward myself for sticking to my diet.
Rewarding yourself for steps you take toward your goal is imperative. Positive reinforcement will keep you going.

9. I will not give up when my weight reaches a plateau point.
Plateaus are necessary and need to be accepted. Decide to ride them out.

10. When I know there is a special eating situation coming up, I'll make a plan to deal with it.
Being prepared is key in a situation that may be hard for you. Usually it doesn't take much, just some minor planning beforehand.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:43 AM :: 0 comments

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10 More Ways to Burn 100 Calories

Golfing - Just 20 minutes of golf will burn 100 calories.

Swimming - I'm not referring to swimming laps or training for the Olympics. Just a 15-minute leisurely swim will get us to our goal.

High-impact aerobics - You might wonder why I would include this. It's not like you're going to aerobic class for 10 minutes. However, if you're pressed for time or working long hours, invest in a fun aerobic videotape and use it for 10 minutes (after a warm-up) each day. That's close to 120 calories in just 10 minutes.

Car waxing - Forget the car wash. Do it yourself on a nice day. Just 20 minutes of waxing your car will burn more than 100 calories.

Frisbee - A fun 30-minute Frisbee toss with your kids or a friend will burn up our needed calories, and it's a bit more pleasurable than a boring jaunt on the treadmill.

Take the stairs - If you work in an office building, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Approximately 20 minutes will burn about 100 calories. You don't have to do it all at one time. Just make sure to spread it out during the day.

Pushing baby stroller - Pushing a stroller burns approximately 60 calories in 20 minutes. No problem, two nice and easy 20-minute strolls per day will get the job done without even breaking a sweat.

Mowing the lawn (self-propelled mower) - 25 minutes and you've burned about 100 calories. Just like cleaning, it needs to be done so put a little oomph into it.

Painting - Need to paint a room in your home or apartment? You can burn approximately 100 calories with 20 minutes of painting. Plus, you get a better-looking room at the same time.

Weight training - 15 minutes of vigorous weight training will burn approximately 100 calories. You don't have to workout forever. Just three 15 to 20 minute sessions per week will keep your bones strong, muscles tight -- and you'll keep burning calories after your workout.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:45 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Black Bean and Pumpkin Soup

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.

Ingredients:

1 ancho pepper
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 Lbs. canned black beans, rinsed, drained
1 cup onions\raw, chopped
2 clove garlic, peeled
2 cup vegetable broth, or fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1 Lbs. pumpkin
1/4 tsp. cilantro, finely chopped

Cooking Directions:

Heat ancho pepper in dry skillet over medium heat until softened; remove chili and discard veins and seeds. Add cumin seeds to skillet; cook until toasted, about 30 seconds (watch carefully and do not burn). Process ancho chili, cumin seeds, black beans, onions, garlic, broth, and water at high speed in blender until smooth. Transfer bean mixture to saucepan; stir in pumpkin and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 5 minutes; season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls; sprinkle with cilantro. This soup can also be served chilled. You can make this soup 2-3 days in advance; it can be frozen up to 2 months. Courtesy American Dry Bean Board.

Per Serving: calories 101, fat 2.0g, calories from fat 18%, protein 5.6g, cholesterol 0.0mg, dietary fiber 6.5g

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:11 AM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, April 23, 2008 Exercising With Your Pet

You come home from a long day at work, ready to put your feet up and relax for a while. When you open the door to find your furry friend waiting, hoping that it’s time for a walk or a game of fetch, what do you do? Do you ignore the wagging tail, those big eyes, and that look of excitement? Of course not! You decide that relaxing can wait, and you head out with Fido for a little activity.

You know that exercise is good for you. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, sleep better, and increase your energy level. The great thing is that activity does the same for your pets! Not only will exercise help them live longer, but an exercising animal is also more alert and more content. Some people believe that their pets misbehave to get even for being left alone; but in reality, the cause is usually boredom from lack of exercise. Many other behavior problems like chewing, digging, and barking go away once the animal starts getting regular activity.

Some recent studies have shown a link between pet ownership and better health. A dog, for example, becomes a stimulus for exercise. Therefore, pet owners in these studies tended to have better cardiovascular fitness levels than people without pets. In addition, pets have been shown to reduce anxiety, be a source of physical contact and comfort, and decrease feelings of loneliness and depression.

Exercising with your dog is a great time saver! Whether you like to run, walk, or play in the backyard with your pet, you can get your own workout at the same time. Although walking is probably the most common activity, there are other opportunities for exercise that you may not have thought of—hiking, backpacking, jogging, swimming, and rollerblading (be careful!) can all be done with pets in tow. Many sporting goods stores now carry items such as canine backpacks, hands-free leashes (to make jogging easier), and life vests to protect pets in the water.

Just as it would be hard for you to go out and jog for 45 minutes if you haven’t worked out in 6 months, it’s also hard for your pet. Be sure to get your veterinarian’s okay before beginning your pet’s exercise routine.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:40 AM :: 0 comments

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Learning The art of Kickboxing To Lose Weight

Are you looking for even more fitness regimes to add to your life? Are you getting bored with walking or jogging? Then maybe you should consider kickboxing! It is not only a great way to get into shape, but it can give you some real power if you need it.

Kickboxing is a sport that has recently gained in popularity. Think of how fit boxers need to be to stay on their feet, bobbing and weaving, constantly moving, while trying to punch each other for ten or 12 three-minute rounds. They are incredibly fit! So you’ll skip rope a lot in kickboxing class, which is a great cardiovascular workout. In addition, long sessions of running or other aerobic activity like cycling outside the gym will help you build the endurance you’ll need for those rounds of kickboxing.

You’ll also hit the heavy bag – which is a form of resistance training – that will build power in your arms. Hitting the double-ended bag and working with spotting mitts, which is like punching movable targets, will develop hand speed and eye-hand coordination. Push-ups will strengthen your entire upper body. Kicking drills will develop leg power and improve your balance.

All kickboxers and other martial artists have to be able to take a blow to the midsection. Crunches and other abdominal exercises will toughen up your abs. Flexibility is also crucial for anyone studying a fighting art.

With all this work, there will be no doubt that you will get into shape in no time at all!

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:07 AM :: 0 comments

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Healthy Snacking

Research actually shows that snacking in between meals, or even eating 4-5 smaller meals throughout the day, is better for you than the traditional two or three larger meal routine. That is, of course, if you are eating nutritious snacks instead of the all-too-popular vending machine potato chips and soda, which many of us are drawn to.

So really, it’s a matter of making good snack choices when it’s time for a food break. Power foods are always a good bet, because they usually combine high nutrients and lower calories. These could be anything from grains to dairy to fruits and vegetables.

Healthy snack choices start at the grocery store. That’s where the decision is made to eat healthy snacks – not at the office or on the couch, but at the grocery.

You still want to watch how much of these healthy snacks you eat. This is a snack, remember, not a meal. So buy, cut up or make single servings of any snack food you can. Here are some healthy snack ideas to consider next time you head to the grocery.

Healthy Snack Ideas

Yogurt
Fruit cup
Apple
Banana
Pear
Peach
Grapes
Plum
Orange
Berries
Watermelon
Raisins
Carrots
Celery
Broccoli
Mixed nuts
Tomato
Chicken noodle soup
Cauliflower
Green or red peppers
Peanut butter crackers
Nuts
Whole wheat cereal with skim milk
Trail mix
Oatmeal
Whole wheat bagel or toast
Pure bran muffins
Fruit smoothie
Spinach
Sweet potato
Broth-based vegetable soup
Skim and low-fat milk
Bean soup

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:36 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Balsamic Broccoli with Tomato and Garlic

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.

Ingredients:

1-1/4 Lbs. broccoli florets\cooked
1 Tbs. virgin olive oil
1 tomato\cooked, seeded and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 tsp. chili pepper flakes
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. lemon zest
2 tsp. lemon juice

Cooking Directions:

Place broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover saucepan and steam 5-7 minutes or until tender. Drain broccoli and return to saucepan. Set aside and keep warm. Heat oil in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir in tomato, garlic and chili pepper. When hot, whisk in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over broccoli and toss.

Per Serving: calories 80, fat 5.1g, calories from fat 57%, protein 4.6g, cholesterol 0.0mg, dietary fiber 4.7g

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 4:50 AM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Making Simple Changes

Ever wondered why some people manage to keep their weight off easily and others just pile it all back on when they stop that new diet? The answer is easy; it comes down to one simple change.

People who keep their weight loss off change tiny things in their daily life.
Instead of full fat milk they have skimmed, they grill rather than fry and they choose to reduce the amount of cheese, cream, cakes and biscuits they eat, every single day.

Now you are immediately going to say that that is lots of changes not just one. To some degree you would be correct, but not completely.

If you look at a photograph it is one small picture but when looked at closely, it is made up of thousands of pixels. One small sugar cube is made up of hundreds of sugar grains, and a handkerchief consists of numerous cotton threads. Almost everything in the world, no matter how small, can be broken down into even smaller parts. All those tiny parts still only amount to one small thing.

You make several tiny changes to your lifestyle, which you genuinely do not mind and weight loss becomes easy. Remember, they have to be changes that you will hardly notice — low fat spread instead of full fat, low calorie squash or just eating more fruit.

Make the one small change to adjust your eating habits slightly and permanently and even if you break your diet program, you could still lose weight slowly and steadily.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:35 AM :: 0 comments

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Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Remember the fable about the tortoise and the hare? The hare got off to a zippy pace and seemed sure to win. But he didn't, did he? The tortoise, while naturally much slower than the hare, kept moving steadily towards the finish line and was able to cross first.
What's the take-home message of this fable? Slow and steady wins the race. To reach your weight-loss goals, you need to switch from the hare's to the tortoise's mindset. In other words, you must break the "all or nothing" mentality.

Do you start diets with super superhuman resolve — determined to eschew temptation and work out seven days a week — only to fall off the wagon and give up hope?

This kind of approach to anything — especially to your health — can be very appealing, even motivational. Hey, I'm telling you right now it's the most dangerous way to set out. Human beings are imperfect. When you do skip a workout or give in to temptation (something we all do), you're more likely to throw in the towel.

So, start thinking like a tortoise. Pace yourself. Have a slice of pizza and take a day off now and then, but don't stray too far from the path that will you to your goals.

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

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Ways To Make Fitness Fun

How did going to the gym become such a chore? Why is it so hard to actually want to go? After all, you’re in a world of eye-watering odors, sweaty people frowning in concentration and rarely talking to each other, mind-numbing routine, blisters and heavy machinery, while clanging metal and bad music assault your ears.

Sounds more like a steel foundry than a gym. Heck, just take a look at the word: WORK-out. No room for fun there.

Or is there? If you want to see how much fun exercise can be, go to a different kind of gym – a jungle gym. There you’ll see kids chasing each other at full speed, swinging, jumping, throwing balls, finding energy they never knew they had. And you’ll never hear them complain about going to the "gym." But they will complain about being called in during lightning storms because they want to keep playing kickball.

What’s the secret? They’re exercising and they don’t even know it. They’re having so much fun, they don’t care. It’s like hidden health. Imagine having that kind of enthusiasm when you exercise. You can. All it takes is remembering to stay active and to have FUN.

Embrace the Great Outdoors
Ever wonder why they're called the Departments of Parks and Recreation? It’s because they provide places for people to have outdoor fun. You can’t help but be active and play while in a place of recreation. For Pete’s sake, that’s what it’s there for.

Regular exercise is about staying active. Finding excuses to stay on your feet. The great outdoors are full of these excuses. The more you mix up your activities, the more fun you’re going to have while getting fit. These outdoor activity options have something for everyone:

Hiking
Swimming
Rollerblading
Mountain Biking
Canoeing
Biking
Skiing
Waterskiing
Rafting
Walking
Climbing
Jogging
Backpacking
Walking the dog

People spend thousands of dollars and days of travel to take a vacation and do some of these same activities. You could be doing them every day for free or next to nothing.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:28 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Baked Mahi-Mahi

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.

Ingredients:

1 mahi-mahi or red snapper fillet, about 24 oz each
1/4 cup orange juice
2 Tbs. lemon juice
3/4 tsp. cornstarch
4-1/2 tsp. water
1 Tbs. orange marmalade
1 Tbs. lemon zest

Cooking Directions:

Preheat oven to 400° F. Spray a non-reactive baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange fish fillets in dish. Drizzle with orange and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside 10-15 minutes, turning once to marinate. Bake fish 12-15 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Transfer fish fillets to a platter, cover and keep warm. Pour fish juice from baking dish into a heavy saucepan. Dissolve cornstarch in water. Stir into fish juice. Add marmalade and lemon zest. Stir over medium high heat 3-4 minutes or until sauce thickens. Serve sauce over fish.

Per Serving: calories 78, fat 0.7g, calories from fat 8%, protein 11.3g, cholesterol 20.2mg, dietary fiber 0.2g

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 4:09 AM :: 0 comments

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Monday, April 21, 2008 What To Eat Before You Workout

Everyone knows that athletes must plan and time their meals and snacks very carefully to reach their performance goals. But what about the rest of us? You try to squeeze in 30-60 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Do you have to be careful about what you eat before and after your workouts, too?

Usually not. If you’re eating a healthy diet and getting enough calories to support your activity level, you can probably rely on your own appetite, energy levels, and experience to tell you whether you need to eat anything before or after exercise and what it should be. The basic rule here is: Find out what works best for you, and do that.

There are some advantages to knowing how your body works and what it needs to perform at its best. The bottom line for healthy weight loss and fitness sounds simple: You have to eat fewer calories than you use up—but not fewer than your body needs to function at its best.

The size, timing, and content of your pre- and post-exercise meals and snacks can play an important role in your energy levels during your workout, how well your body recovers and rebuilds after your workout, and whether the calories you eat will be used as fuel or stored as fat.

Make sure you are well hydrated before and after you workout - it is the most essential part of learning how to eat and drink right. Eat a small 100 to 200 calorie snack before you work out. You don't want anything too heavy but you want to make sure you have enough fuel to get you through. If you aren't exercising in the morning eat a full meal 1 hour prior to working out, but make sure it is nutritionally balanced.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:55 AM :: 0 comments

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5 Tips For Beginners

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF. You'll need to develop an understanding of concepts such as repetitions, sets, cardio, etc. Again, we can help. When you get to the fitness program, you'll be lead to a glossary of fitness terminology that will help get you started in the right direction. This will give you a good overall understanding of many fitness terms you may have heard in the past.

2. EAT. Begin to get an understanding of how food affects the body. I'm not asking you to become a nutrition guru. Simply try to understand, for example, what happens to your body when you have a big bowl of pasta compared to a smaller amount of pasta combined with chicken and a small Caesar salad.

Become familiar with the effect elevated blood sugar has on storing fat. You can receive additional education on this subject matter when you join. Just email one of our dietitians or access one of the great support boards available to members. The best part? When you join eDiets, we'll customize your nutrition based on your food preferences. It's based on reality.

3. MOVE. No, not geographically. Start to work out? start to move. Your weight training won't take a lot of time as a beginner, nor will your cardiovascular exercise. You'll focus on form, technique, precision and breathing correctly during your workout.

4. BEWARE OF MAGIC POTIONS. Don't get hooked into supplements that can magically reduce body fat or infomercials that sell ineffective products to get your stomach flat. Remember, these companies are just trying to make a buck, and most of them don't provide all the information you require to make a wise decision. They prey on emotion and impulse buying. Stay far away.

5. COST EVALUATION It's important to get the most effective nutrition and workout plan for your needs. In business, it's called cost versus benefit, but I like to call it "what the heck do I get for my money?" It's also important to get ongoing education that doesn't require this to be a fulltime endeavor. You need quick and timely information that won't "break the bank." Joining eDiets and using our great fitness program is a fraction of the cost of hiring a nutritionist or trainer at a health club.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:21 AM :: 0 comments

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7 Tips To Get Ready For Summer

1. Avoid crash diets. They may promise the world, but the truth is, many of these diets can be both unhealthy and ineffective. Instead, seek out a weight loss program that fits your lifestyle, and join today.

2. Be realistic about exercise. Becoming good at anything takes time and practice. Attempting to run 5 miles after months of limited exercise will only increase your chances of injury. Instead, start off slow, even if it means walking around your neighborhood for 30 minutes a day, three times a week. If you’re looking to step up your fitness routine, talk to a trainer at a local gym for professional pointers. Maybe it’s time to try something completely new, such as yoga or tai chi.

3. Be efficient. You’ve seen them before: people who go to the gym to work out, but spend most of their time chatting. But if time is limited , then use it wisely at the gym . If you don’t belong to a gym and work out at home, dedicate yourself to doing the most that you can (at the appropriate heart rate) for a given amount of time.

4. Find your muse. Figure out what motivates you, and use it. Do you really want to fit into a new outfit for your family reunion in early June? Find a picture of that outfit and put it on your fridge. Some people are motivated by rewards such as manicures or a new outfit while others get pleasure out of compliments or recognition. Figure out what truly works for you, and use it to your advantage.

5. Stay determined. This might sound easier than it is. To truly succeed at long-term weight loss you have to be focused on making permanent lifestyle changes. Take some time to really think about what these changes mean for you and how you can truly incorporate them into your life.

6. Put together a toolbox. Put together a collection of coupons, recipes, weight- loss tips, magazines, fashion catalogs, websites, blogs, family photos, and even old photos of yourself. All of these pieces will help you stay motivated on your weight-loss journey.

7. Take care of yourself. This may be the most important tip of all. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Your body is the only one you’ve got, so treat it with the respect it deserves.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:26 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Cocoa Banana Bread

Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 60 min.

Ingredients:

butter flavored vegetable cooking spray
1/4 cup diet margarine
3/4 cup fructose
2 banana, medium ripe, mashed
2 egg white\cooked
1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
3 Tbs. unsweetened Dutch cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cooking Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F. Coat loaf pan with cooking spray and dust lightly with flour. Set aside. In large bowl of electric mixer, beat margarine and fructose. Mix in mashed bananas and egg whites. Add flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add yogurt and vanilla. Batter should be smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in center of oven 50-60 minutes. Cake will test done when tester or bamboo skewer inserted in cake comes out dry. Let stand 5 minutes. Unmold and cool on wire rack. Slice and serve.

Per Serving: calories 179, fat 2.7g, calories from fat 14%, protein 3.4g, cholesterol 0.2mg, dietary fiber 1.6g

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:07 AM :: 0 comments

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Friday, April 18, 2008 How to Get Instant Motivation

Workout boredom, plateaus, and injuries can all sidetrack your fitness training. But with the right inspiration, you can work through those barriers. When obstacles threaten to keep you from working out, try some of these quick and easy motivational tips to stay on track. These instant motivators will rekindle your passion for working out--the greatest motivator of all.

You're Too Tired to Exercise
Make a Date Set up a standing date with a friend whose fitness level matches yours--your mutual motivation lulls will cancel each other out. Research shows that having a dedicated workout partner makes you more likely to stick with an exercise program.

Have a Snack
When you run low on fuel, the extra energy demands of exercise lead your body to decide that you are overdoing it - we need to conserve some fuel by slowing down your metabolism. That's the last thing you want, so have a protein-and-complex-carbohydrate snack, like a hard-boiled egg and a slice of whole wheat toast, 2 hours before you plan to work out.

Put on Your Shoes
Think baby steps - if you truly don't feel like you can get out the door, just put on your workout clothes. If that feels good, throw on some sneakers. Even if you stay in the house, the clothes will give you an increased range of motion, so you'll probably put more energy into your chores.

Pump More Iron
As a mineral that helps convert food to energy, iron is essential to keeping energy levels high. But dieting, avoiding meat, and having heavy menstrual periods can put you at risk for low iron. Iron supplements are sometimes risky, so make sure your diet includes 18 mg of iron every day--choose lean meats or legumes, leafy greens, and whole grains. Don't forget citrus fruit and other juice with vitamin C, which improves iron absorption from plant foods.

Fuel up
Early Eating the bulk of your calories in the early part of the day will give you the energy you need to make it through daytime workouts. Many women on weight loss plans find it easier to eat less during the day and more at night- exactly the opposite plan for optimal energy and weight loss.

Wet Your Whistle
Dehydration can seriously drag your energy down. Research shows that even when you drink eight glasses of water a day, 45 minutes of exercise can put you into a dehydrated state. Don't rely on thirst as a measure of need - to prevent exercise fatigue, take a sip of water every 15 to 20 minutes while you work out.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:28 AM :: 0 comments

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Mood Foods

Stressed? Sluggish? Moody? Relief may be as close as your local supermarket. That's 'cuz what you eat affects how you feel. So what foods will put you in a good mood?

FEELING FOGGY?

If you're finding it hard to concentrate and feel like your mind is a pile of goo, you may want to snack on some protein-rich foods. Foods like cheese, soy products and lean meat are great for making you feel alert, energized and ready to take on the day. So if your brain's feeling a bit foggy, just nibble on some low-cal string cheese, a veggie burger, or some lean skinless chicken or turkey breast. You may be thinking more clearly in no time.

THE ULTIMATE MOOD LIFTER

A little chocolate can fix anything, right? It's sweet, delicious and creamy, and it seems to make us feel a lot better once we've eaten it. Well, it turns out chocolate's mood-boosting ability is not all in our heads - eating the sweet stuff really does make us feel happy, content and soothed. Why? The fat, sugar, and high amounts of tryptophan found in chocolate work together to raise serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. The result? Your mouth will be happy - and so will the rest of you.

STABILIZE MOOD SWINGS

Do you go from laughing to crying in a matter of seconds? Curbing mood swings may be as easy as drinking water. That's because dehydration can play a big part in emotional stability. If you don't get those recommended 8 - 10 cups of water a day, you might just find yourself sweatin' the small stuff. So drink up!

STOP FEELING SLUGGISH

Tired and lethargic all the time? Find it hard to get going in the morning? You may want to whip up some scrambled eggs or an omelette. That's because eggs are a great source of zinc, a substance that makes you feel more awake, energized and engaged by helping to regulate blood sugar. For an eggy fix without too much fat, check out Egg Beaters with Yolk in original and flavored varieties

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:56 AM :: 0 comments

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Tips for Overeating

Ever been angry or upset one minute and then on your couch eating the next, unable to remember why you started eating or how long you had spent munching? If so, then you have entered the world of emotional eating. It’s something than can happen to anyone, and one of the most common dieting obstacles out there.

Emotional eating at its best passes after a few minutes. At its worst, it can take over your life and cause you to eat uncontrollably for extended periods of time. And according to nutritional experts, 75% of overeating is caused by emotions. So don’t worry, if you suffer from emotional eating, you are not alone.

People often eat to relieve stress or to get something off their minds. The kicker is that stress, and the insulin jump that goes with it, may actually cause you to crave high sugar, high carbohydrate foods – foods that go straight to your waistline and cause you even more stress.

Rather than munching, it's better to develop new skills for dealing with boredom, self-esteem issues and stress. Try to pinpoint the major reasons for your stress or unpleasant emotions, and see how you can turn the tide. Here are a few suggestions to combat your emotions:

Get your trigger foods out of the house, get your crutch foods out of arms' reach
Go for a walk or jog. Physical activity relieves stress.
Do deep breathing and relaxation exercises
Keep a reminder of your goal handy
Talk to a friend
Visit and post on the support message boards
Surround yourself with positive reinforcers, like pictures and people
Keep a journal that includes your best personal accomplishments
Track your eating patterns, including when and why you pick up food.

If you still seem to come back to food when your emotions get the best of you, you can at least be prepared. Eating large amounts of snacks is not a good thing. But if you eat low calorie foods, it’s not so bad. So stock the fridge with healthy alternatives--foods that have good nutritious value and are smaller in size. Here are a few food suggestions to keep within arms' reach:

Apple or orange slices
Carrot sticks
Banana
Broccoli
Whole wheat toast
Bran muffin
Fruit smoothie
Applesauce

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:20 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Mediterranean Tuna Panini

This ain’t your momma’s tuna salad sandwich. This spikes canned tuna with the flavors of the Mediterranean – salty olives and capers, bright lemon juice and tangy feta – for a craveable sandwich filling that won’t weigh you down.

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 6-ounce cans chunk light tuna, drained
1 plum tomato, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped marinated artichoke hearts
2 tablespoons minced red onion
1 tablespoon chopped pitted kalamata olives
1 teaspoon capers, rinsed and chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper to taste
8 slices whole-wheat bread
2 teaspoons canola oil

Preparation

1. Have four 15-ounce cans and a medium skillet (not nonstick) ready by the stove to create a homemade panini press.

2. Place tuna in a medium bowl and flake with a fork. Add tomato, feta, artichokes, onion, olives, capers, lemon juice and pepper; stir to combine.

3. Divide the tuna mixture among 4 slices of bread (about 1/2 cup each). Top with the remaining bread.

4. Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2 panini in the pan. Place the medium skillet on top of both panini, then weigh it down with the cans. Cook until panini are golden on one side, about 2 minutes.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, flip the panini, replace the top skillet and cans, and cook until the second side is golden, 1 to 3 minutes more. Repeat with another 1 teaspoon oil and the remaining panini.


Nutrition Facts

Per serving
336 calories
6 g fat (2 g sat, 3 g mono)
62 mg cholesterol
35 g carbohydrate
34 g protein
5 g fiber
543 mg sodium
52 mg potassium

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:18 AM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, April 17, 2008 Going Raw For Weight Loss

Sting, Angela Bassett, Woody Harrelson, David Bowie, Lisa Bonet, Robin Williams, Donna Karan, Alicia Silverstone and Demi Moore are a just a few of the celebrities you may have heard of who are eating raw foods and proud of it. We're hearing more and more about raw food being all the rage these days so I thought it was high time we took a look at what this diet/lifestyle really entails.

The raw food diet is all about eating living foods that still have all their healthy enzymes intact. For obvious reasons, this is a vegetarian diet that relies solely upon plant foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruit, and seaweed. (Dried fruit is OK because it isn't heated to over 116 degrees.)

116 Degrees is the threshold where the enzymes in foods begin to break down and the food effectively "dies". There is a spiritual element too as cooking is believed to kill the "life force" of a food. Most raw dieters eat 75-85% of their food raw, while the other 15-25% is cooked.

The raw food diet is believed to increase one's energy, improve skin, help with digestion, reduce risk of heart disease and, especially important to readers here, help one lose weight. Because you are eating raw, untreated foods, they are typically low in sodium while providing plenty of phytochemicals, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate, and fiber. All of these benefits are associated with a lowered risk of such killers as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

The raw diet isn't for everyone. Children, women who are pregnant or nursing, those with anemia and those at risk for osteoporosis should not go raw. This diet takes a great deal of time to plan and prepare as foods must be fresh and prepared fresh. There is no freezer cooking on this diet. There are also some serious nutritional deficiencies that can occur when you are on a raw food diet like calcium deficiency, iron deficiency (or anemia), and b12 deficiency. This diet is also very low in protein and calories.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:22 AM :: 0 comments

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Don't Watch The Numbers

After a workout, many people refer to the handy display on the treadmill, elliptical, etc. to see how many calories they burned. It kind of makes you feel good to know that you burned “300” calories that day, doesn't it? Well, you may want to think twice about these numbers and their accuracy.

Take the treadmill, for example. If you hold on to the bars, you can cut the 'number of calories burned' on the display by half. Also, different companies use different formulas to calculate what the average person should burn. So, if this treadmill says you burned 250 calories, another may tell you 300. It's also important to keep in mind that the numbers given are estimates of what the “average” person would burn at that work load. The truth is that two people with the same height, weight and gender, and fitness level can burn a different amount of calories. There simply isn't a definite answer.

So, what can we take from this? Don't depend on the numbers and focus on your goals instead. If you want to burn more calories, add more time to your routine or increase the intensity. The actual number doesn't matter. You will feel and see the difference.. regardless of what the display says!

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:57 AM :: 0 comments

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Small Changes For Big Weight Loss

CHOOSE LOW-FAT DAIRY PRODUCTS.
Switching from full fat to reduced/low fat products can save hundreds of calories each day, without much of a change in taste. It's not necessary to select fat free dairy - many people don't like the taste or texture of the foods. When it comes to dairy foods, it's not all or nothing - think low fat milk, cheese, and yogurt!

BUY PRE-CUT FRUITS/VEGGIES/SALADS
A BIG reason many of us don't get enough fruits and veggies is lack of convenience. While a little more expensive, it's often worth the convenience to pull out some carrot sticks from the fridge, or some cut-up melon. A bagged salad is ready-to-use, with a little waste and a lot of variety.

SELECT WHOLE GRAINS
The extra fiber in whole grains - from rice to pasta to breads and cereals - helps to keep you more content and full on a smaller serving (and a major calorie saver!). Look for a combo of fiber rich/low calorie products - like the 100 calorie english muffins with 8 grams of fiber (that's a third of your daily requirement!). Aim for 25grams of fiber a day.

SIT DOWN WHEN YOU EAT
Walking around, and doing other things when you eat is a major cause of mindless overeating. When you make it a point to sit down - even when you're not at home in your kitchen - before you eat, you're more aware of what you're eating, and will often stop and think before you eat.

READ FOOD LABELS
While it seems the package labels are like reading an encyclopedia, there's a two-step process that will help you save hundreds of calories:

Step 1: check out the calories per serving.

Step 2: check out the serving size. Don't be fooled by something that looks like it's a serving for one; it's often 2-4 servings so the "calories per serving" can appear low!

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 8:49 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe of The Day

Chili-Rubbed Steaks & Pan Salsa

Any cut of steak will work for this recipe, but we especially like the flavor and texture of rib-eye with these seasonings. To get dinner on the table fast, look for steak that has been thinly cut. Make it a meal by adding a cold ale, sweet potato fries and vinegary coleslaw.

Serves: 2
Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 4-ounce 1/2-inch-thick steaks, such as rib-eye, trimmed of fat
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 plum tomatoes, diced
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

1. Sprinkle both sides of steak with chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

2. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook, turning once, 1 to 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer the steaks to a plate, cover with foil and let rest while you make the salsa.

3. Add tomatoes, lime juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to the pan and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes soften, about 3 minutes.

4. Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and any accumulated juices from the steaks. Serve the steaks topped with the salsa.


Nutrition Facts

Per serving
174 calories
9 g fat (3 g sat, 4 g mono)
60 mg cholesterol
4 g carbohydrate
20 g protein
1 g fiber
336 mg sodium
421 mg potassium

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 7:10 AM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Getting Over the Setbacks

We’ve all hit that bump in the road, the setback, the problem. What sets people apart is how they react to that bump. Are you one to spin out of control, in despair? Or do you grab a hold of that wheel and steer yourself straight? Whether it’s a school assignment, a work project, or a volunteer mission, we all encounter things that slow us down. You just have to keep in mind that a setback is only temporary and greater things lay ahead.

It is easy just to quit, give up and ignore the hard work you have put into something. So what if something bad happens? Keep moving forward, developing what you have. You’ve already built a solid foundation on which you can rely. Hard work can’t be overlooked.

So how can you react when something doesn’t turn out as you’ve expected? First, be objective. Step back and look at the situation. Take responsibility where it is due, but don’t place blame on others. Is your setback really that significant, or will it just require a little extra exertion on your part? Come to terms with it and then start planning your next move. Ask for help. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to do this. Oftentimes, people are more than willing to give you support and advice, maybe even after being in a similar situation. You don’t have to be perfect; after all, nobody else is.

Bounce back. Reevaluate the goals you should have set for yourself at the beginning and retool them as necessary. Goals should be realistic and specific, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be flexible and are allowed for minor impediments. Instead of looking at your project as a disaster or failure, view it with success. Concentrate on how great it will feel after it is finally done, after you have put your all into it. Instead of focusing on a possible unsatisfactory performance one single time, take a moment to sit back and reward yourself for all that you have accomplished.

Above all, don’t live with regrets. Approach life with perseverance and dedication to the things that matter most to you. Success is never easy. It remains up to you whether you will give up, or fight through the tough battles to earn whatever it is you want.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:55 AM :: 0 comments

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Eating Healthy on a Budget

When you’re on a tight budget, the thought of preparing tasty, healthy meals on a regular basis can seem daunting. Not only is it easy to get sucked in by grocery merchandising tricks, but it’s also normal for most of us to fall into a mealtime rut, eating the same foods over and over. But you’re in control of your kitchen—and if you cook smart, you can enjoy the first-class meals you deserve.

You can save money and still have quality. If you’ve been using cost as an excuse to eat junk, you can kiss that excuse goodbye! With a little organization and creativity, you can have the proverbial champagne when cooking on a beer budget. To start, here’s a quick review of basic tips of healthy eating:

Limit your intake of junk food and alcohol
Drink lots of water (at least 8 cups a day)
Limit salty and sugary foods
Avoid eating many foods that are high in saturated fats
Make “variety” the watchword of your eating

Next, set aside regular blocks of time for planning meals, making your grocery list, and shopping—tasks that are most often shortchanged in food prep. Include healthy snack ideas, as well as main menu items. Think about the time of day, day of week, and even week in the month that you shop. Generally, the grocery is the least busy early in the morning, in the middle of the week, and on any day but the first day or two of the month (when many people receive pension or paychecks).

Don’t be afraid to surf the internet for recipes that use specific ingredients (plug the ingredient in as a keyword of your search), since you can often get good buys on breads, meats, and other items marked for quick sale before they go bad.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 6:23 AM :: 0 comments

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Having Your Children Eat Healthy

Providing healthy lunches for your child can be a daunting challenge. At home the task is a bit easier, but what do you do about school lunches?

Although most school lunches today meet USDA guidelines, that still doesn't mean your child will eat the foods served in the appropriate portions. So, you may just want to consider packing your child?s school lunch at home.

Start by including your child in grocery shopping. Purchase foods with less than 5 grams of fat and/or less than 15 grams of sugar and teach him how to read food labels. Let him select one fruit and vegetable to try each week and skip the candy, cookie and soda aisle.

At home include your child in lunch preparation. Add bottled water or low-fat milk to school lunch bags, not high-sugar beverages such as sodas or fruit drinks. When making sandwiches, try to use whole-wheat bread, which will provide additional fiber and help your child feel full. If she is not accustomed to eating whole-wheat bread, try using the "White-Wheat Bread," which is available in the market, and gradually change over to the whole-wheat bread.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 5:40 AM ::