Orange You Glad I didn't say Banana?

Oranges are often overlooked and underappreciated. We all know that oranges provide us with immune-boosting vitamin C. In fact one orange contains about 116% of the daily value for vitamin C.  Oranges are also low in calories and are a good source of potassium, fiber, folate, thiamin, vitamin A and calcium. 

An orange has over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids which are shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and blood clot inhibiting properties.  Studies have also shown that oranges help protect against rheumatoid arthritis, protect respiratory health, improve cholesterol levels, help prevent ulcers, reduce the risk of stomach cancer, prevent kidney stones, and protect against cardiac disease.

Iron deficient?  Pair oranges with iron-rich foods to help your body better absorb the iron.  Add mandarin oranges to a spinach salad or have a clementine with your scrambled eggs.

Craving something sweet?  Blend ½ of an orange with 1 cup yogurt and ½ cup frozen blueberries for a sweet and creamy treat.

Check out http://www.sunkist.com/recipes/ for more delicious orange and citrus recipes.

 

EGGsactly

Eggs are a great addition to any diet.  The white of a large egg provides 3.6 grams of protein and the yolk contains an additional 2.7 grams. The yolk also contains vitamins like riboflavin, D and B12; nutrients like choline and selenium are also in abundance.

Yolks are also where all the not-so-healthy fat and cholesterol are lurking. If you have high cholesterol, you should limit your intake, but with only 1.6 grams of saturated fat per serving, eggs can be worked in to a heart-healthy diet in moderation. To cut down on some of the fat and cholesterol, use a combination of whole eggs plus a few extra egg whites in egg dishes like omelets, frittatas and quiche.

Check out my recipes for a quick and easy frittata. Customize it by adding your favorite herbs, vegetables and cheeses.  My latest post-workout meal has been two small corn tortillas paired with egg whites sauteed with mushrooms, onions and bell peppers then topped with hot sauce and avocado.

Vitamin D

The following information is from Fitness Magazine:

"Vitamin D is crucial for protecting against cancer, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Although the recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU), new research suggests taking at least 1,700 IU of vitamin D daily to get its health benefits. And while sunshine is the best source of vitamin D, you can still load up on the vitamin by adding these vitamin D-rich foods to your diet.

Salmon

A 3.5-ounce serving of wild salmon has 360 IU, or 90 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin D. It's also one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with a lowered risk of heart disease, cancer, and depression.

Cereal

It's time to put down the Lucky Charms: one cup of fortified breakfast cereal has 40 IU, or 10 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin D. You'll also get more energy from iron and vitamin B, giving you plenty of reasons to make time for a healthy morning breakfast.

Milk

One cup of fortified milk contains 98 IU, or about 25 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin D. Another reason it does a body good: Studies have shown that women who drink 10 or more glasses of milk a week in their teens and 20s have lower rates of breast cancer. So drink up!

Eggs

Consider this before deciding on an egg-white omelet: one egg yolk has 20 IU, about 6 percent of your daily value of vitamin D. Eggs are also rich in protein, which will keep you feeling fuller longer.

Swiss Cheese

A slice of Swiss cheese contains about 12 IU, which is 4 percent of your daily value of vitamin D. Another reason to choose Swiss: since it's a natural cheese, Swiss contains less sodium than a processed cheese like American cheese or cheese spreads. Goodbye, nachos.

Shrimp

Shrimp cocktail isn't just low in calories -- a 3-ounce serving of shrimp also has 129 IU, about 32 percent of your daily value of vitamin D. This little crustacean is also rich in protein and contains zinc, which helps boost your immune system.

Oysters

At 272 IU per 3 ounces, or 68 percent your recommended daily value of vitamin D, this seafood is more than just a supposed aphrodisiac. Oysters are also a good source of zinc, which helps your immune system and keeps your nails, hair, and eyes healthy.

Fortified OJ

A cup of fortified orange juice contains about 100 IU or 25 percent of your recommended daily value of vitamin D. It's also rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight disease.

Canned Tuna

Three ounces of canned tuna in oil has 200 IU or 50 percent of your recommended daily value of vitamin D. Tuna is also a great source of protein and omega-3s, giving you plenty of reasons to keep canned tuna in your pantry.

Cod Liver Oil

It's not the tastiest option, but a tablespoon of this natural supplement has 1,360 IU, or 340 percent of your daily value of vitamin D, making it the best way to supplement your intake. Cod liver oil is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protecting you against heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer's."

Grass-fed Beef

What’s the hype with grass-fed beef?  Is it healthier? 

100% grass-fed beef typically contains 90 fewer calories and 11 grams less fat per 3.75 oz. serving than corn-fed beef.  Grass-fed beef also provides 3 times more omega-3s.  Research has shown that the high levels of conjugated linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fats may even increase weight loss.  Also, did you know bison has fewer calories than beef and nearly ½ the saturated fat.

Flatten Abs with Food

The following information comes from Fitness Magazine.  A perfect article for this blog.

These foods can help to control belly bloat and maintain a healthy metabolism.

"Almonds

These delicious and versatile nuts contain filling protein and fiber, not to mention vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. They're also a good source of magnesium, a mineral your body must have in order to produce energy, build and maintain muscle tissue, and regulate blood sugar. "A stable blood-sugar level helps prevent cravings that can lead to overeating and weight gain," says David Katz, MD, a professor at the Yale University School of Medicine. But what makes almonds most interesting is their ability to block calories. Research indicates that the composition of their cell walls may help reduce the absorption of all of their fat, making them an extra-lean nut.

Try for: An ounce a day (about 23 almonds), with approximately 160 calories. An empty Altoids tin will hold your daily dose perfectly.

Eggs

You won't find a more perfect protein source. Eggs are highly respected by dietitians because of their balance of essential amino acids (protein building blocks used by your body to manufacture everything from muscle fibers to brain chemicals). We like them because they keep our hands out of the cookie jar. Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that when people ate eggs in the morning, they felt less hungry throughout the day than when breakfast consisted of complex carbohydrates like bagels. "The protein and fat in the egg may be contributing to the feeling of satiety," says lead researcher Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, PhD.

Try for: One egg a day, unless you have high blood cholesterol, in which case you should check with your doctor first and limit egg yolks to one or two per week. (One egg packs about 213 milligrams of cholesterol.)

Soy

Soybeans are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and protein. Plus, they're incredibly versatile. Snack on dry-roasted soybeans, toss shelled edamame into soups, and slip a spoonful of silken tofu into your morning smoothie. Liquid soy also makes a good meal replacement: A study from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that overweight subjects who drank a soy milk-based meal replacement lost more weight than those who consumed a traditional dairy-based diet drink.

Try for: Twenty-five grams of whole (not isolated) soy protein daily. A half cup of steamed edamame contains about 130 calories and 11 grams of protein. Four ounces of tofu (94 calories) contain 10 grams. Choose whole soy foods over products packed with "isolated soy protein" -- the latter may not provide all the benefits of whole soybeans.

Apples

A 2003 study in the journal Nutrition found that overweight women who consumed three apples or pears a day for three months lost more weight than their counterparts who were fed a similar diet with oat cookies instead of fruits. "A large apple has 5 grams of fiber, but it's also nearly 85 percent water, which helps you feel full," explains Elisa Zied, RD, author of So What Can I Eat?! (Wiley, 2006). Apples also contain quercetin, a compound shown to help fight certain cancers, reduce cholesterol damage, and promote healthy lungs.

Try for: An apple (or two) a day. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the Red Delicious, Cortland, and Northern Spy varieties had the highest antioxidant activity.

Berries

Most are loaded with fiber, every dieter's best friend. The more fiber you eat -- experts say that it's best to get between 25 and 35 grams every day -- the fewer calories you absorb from all the other stuff you put in your mouth. That's because fiber traps food particles and shuttles them out of your system before they're fully digested. Berries (and other fruits) are also high in antioxidants, which not only help protect you from chronic diseases like cancer but may also help you get more results from your workouts. "Antioxidants help improve blood flow, which can help muscles contract more efficiently," says Dr. Katz.

Try for: At least half a cup daily, or about 30 calories' worth. Don't limit yourself to the usual suspects, like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. If you can find them, add boysenberries, gooseberries, and black currants to the mix for excitement.

Spinach

Their cancer-preventing carotenoids won't help shrink your waistline, but their low calorie count definitely will. One cup of spinach contains only about 40 calories, while a cup of broccoli has 55 calories and satisfies 20 percent of your day's fiber requirement. Most leafy greens are also a good source of calcium, an essential ingredient for muscle contraction. In other words, they help fuel your workouts.

Try for: Three servings daily. Keep a bag of prewashed baby spinach in your fridge and toss a handful into soups, salads, pasta dishes, stir-fries, and sandwiches. When you get sick of spinach, reach for a bunch of arugula, broccoli rabe, or broccolini, a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale.

Yogurt

People who get their calcium from yogurt rather than from other sources may lose more weight around their midsection, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity. The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking flat.

Try for: One to three cups a day of low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Choose unsweetened yogurt that contains live active cultures. Add a handful of fresh chopped fruit for flavor and extra fiber.

Veggie Soup

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that people who ate broth-based (or low-fat cream-based) soups two times a day were more successful in losing weight than those who ate the same amount of calories in snack food. Soup eaters also maintained, on average, a total weight loss of 16 pounds after one year. "Plus, it's a simple way to get your vegetables," says Susan Kleiner, PhD, RD, author of Power Eating (Human Kinetics, 2001).

Try for: At least one cup of low-calorie, low-sodium vegetable soup every day.

Salmon

Seafood, especially fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These uber-healthy fats may help promote fat burning by making your metabolism more efficient, according to Kleiner. An Australian study showed that overweight people who ate fish daily improved their glucose-insulin response. Translated, this means that seafood may help slow digestion and prevent cravings. If that doesn't hook you, consider this: Seafood is an excellent source of ab-friendly protein.

Try for: Two four-ounce servings per week. Wild salmon, though pricey, contains more omega-3 fatty acids than farm-raised. (If it doesn't say wild, it's farm-raised.) If seafood's not your thing, you can get your omega-3's from flaxseed (grind and sprinkle on your cereal) or walnuts.

Quinoa

Never heard of it? Pronounced KEEN-wah, this whole grain contains 5 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein per half cup. Cook it as you would any other grain (although some brands require rinsing). Quinoa's nutty flavor and crunchy-yet-chewy texture are like a cross between whole wheat couscous and short-grain brown rice.

Try for: At least one half-cup serving (a third of your whole-grain requirements) per day. Try substituting AltiPlano Gold brand instant quinoa hot cereal (160 to 210 calories per packet), in Chai Almond and Spiced Apple Raisin, for oatmeal. Look for it in health-food stores."