tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9492160328569459292024-03-27T18:53:48.362-05:00Ape HealthInformation and news to help you lead a better life. A free service provided by Ape Apps.ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-89557894729306701752023-07-31T07:05:00.007-05:002023-07-31T07:05:49.112-05:00Tips to Reduce Inflammation<p> Inflammation is a natural and beneficial response of your immune system to fight infections, injuries, and foreign substances. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Chronic inflammation can be triggered by factors such as obesity, stress, and unhealthy dietary choices. Fortunately, you can reduce inflammation and lower your risk of chronic diseases by following an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you fight inflammation naturally.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqeCY_BMy5BIMQ9rzTaU227bp8hNw073h1AgGR9KNeMGLkLSsloJ-drSeCzEtf4sFy47IoKriMUYId45FvOqTRUcwQz4kK3JWyr8XRXLvaB7MXmDhVX_TDcI57KCvGu4kskuhHEpSqWlgdPMqMreh5klcFeeBpyB9s3uON7TASlqhQ6E2OjKqKMeEdp4/s425/wrist-pain-redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="425" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqeCY_BMy5BIMQ9rzTaU227bp8hNw073h1AgGR9KNeMGLkLSsloJ-drSeCzEtf4sFy47IoKriMUYId45FvOqTRUcwQz4kK3JWyr8XRXLvaB7MXmDhVX_TDcI57KCvGu4kskuhHEpSqWlgdPMqMreh5klcFeeBpyB9s3uON7TASlqhQ6E2OjKqKMeEdp4/s320/wrist-pain-redo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b>1. Eat more anti-inflammatory foods.</b> These are foods that contain antioxidants, phytochemicals, and omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage. Some examples of anti-inflammatory foods are tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, nuts, fatty fish, and fruits such as berries, cherries, and oranges. Aim to eat a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every week to get the most benefits.</p><p><b>2. Avoid or limit pro-inflammatory foods.</b> These are foods that can trigger or worsen inflammation in your body. They include refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and pastries), fried foods, sugary drinks, red meat, processed meat, trans fats (found in some margarines, shortening, and baked goods), and vegetable oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids (such as corn, soybean, and sunflower oils). These foods can also contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, which are all linked to inflammation.</p><p><b>3. Drink plenty of water.</b> Water is essential for hydration, digestion, circulation, and elimination of toxins. It can also help reduce inflammation by flushing out waste products and keeping your cells healthy. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, or more if you exercise or live in a hot climate. You can also drink herbal teas, such as green tea, ginger tea, or turmeric tea, which have anti-inflammatory properties.</p><p><b>4. Moderate your alcohol intake.</b> Alcohol can have both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects depending on the amount and type of alcohol you consume. Moderate alcohol consumption (one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men) may have some protective effects against inflammation and cardiovascular disease. However, excessive alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and damage your liver, pancreas, brain, and other organs. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and avoid binge drinking.</p><p><b>5. Manage your stress levels.</b> Stress is a major contributor to inflammation and chronic diseases. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that can increase your blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar levels, and inflammatory markers. Chronic stress can also impair your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. To manage your stress levels, try to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage. You can also engage in hobbies that make you happy, such as reading, listening to music, gardening, or spending time with friends and family.</p><p><b>6. Get enough sleep.</b> Sleep is vital for your health and well-being. It allows your body to repair itself and restore its balance. Lack of sleep can disrupt your circadian rhythm (your body's natural clock) and increase inflammation and oxidative stress in your body. It can also affect your mood, appetite, metabolism, memory, and immune function. To get enough sleep, try to follow a regular sleep schedule and avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and blue light (from screens) before bedtime. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.</p><p><b>7. Exercise regularly.</b> Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce inflammation and improve your overall health. It can help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and body fat percentage. It can also boost your mood, energy, and cognitive function. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents. Exercise also enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to your tissues and organs, which helps them function better.</p><p>To reap the benefits of exercise, try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. You can also do strength training two or three times per week to build muscle mass and bone density. Choose activities that you enjoy and vary your routine to prevent boredom and injury.</p><p>By following these tips, you can reduce inflammation and lower your risk of chronic diseases. Remember that an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle is not only good for your health, but also for your happiness and quality of life!</p>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-51248706217918045962023-07-26T13:21:00.002-05:002023-07-26T13:21:58.432-05:00Healthy Alternatives to Seed Oils<p> Hey, friends! Do you want to ditch the unhealthy seed oils from your diet but don't know what to use instead? Don't worry, I've got you covered. In this blog post, I'll share with you some of the best healthy alternatives to seed oil that you can easily find and use in your cooking. Let's get started!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Rhyb6e9nFcuyusqwJkYvCs0v21g5GHe8iNhK3dAkIGNc-4KDXLUGYUt4jqJrZcYWuKIGEHUQIp1rxc6BztVz5DPMh8_0phB8WrwXnA5Un3fL_cN73hXKip7qK8Y1JpoxKZvW0pgV63Pufk6m2y493HkjLjtcbfxgsfVt61P2dFsVxCK34IufSkKs39Q/s5583/Sunflower-Seed%20Oil%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3722" data-original-width="5583" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Rhyb6e9nFcuyusqwJkYvCs0v21g5GHe8iNhK3dAkIGNc-4KDXLUGYUt4jqJrZcYWuKIGEHUQIp1rxc6BztVz5DPMh8_0phB8WrwXnA5Un3fL_cN73hXKip7qK8Y1JpoxKZvW0pgV63Pufk6m2y493HkjLjtcbfxgsfVt61P2dFsVxCK34IufSkKs39Q/s320/Sunflower-Seed%20Oil%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b>What's wrong with seed oil anyway?</b></p><p>Seed oils are highly processed oils that are extracted from seeds like soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, and cottonseed. They are often marketed as "heart-healthy" and "low in saturated fat", but the truth is they are loaded with omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic diseases. Seed oils also have a low smoke point, which means they can easily turn rancid and toxic when heated.</p><p><b>What are some healthy alternatives to seed oil?</b></p><p>The good news is that there are plenty of healthy alternatives to seed oil that you can use in your cooking. Here are some of my favorites:</p><p>- Olive oil: Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils you can use. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It has a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for high-heat cooking. It also adds a delicious flavor and aroma to your dishes. You can use olive oil for sautéing, roasting, baking, dressing salads, and dipping bread.</p><p>- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is another great option for cooking. It is high in saturated fats, but these are mostly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and used for energy. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can boost your immune system and gut health. It has a medium smoke point, which means it can withstand moderate heat. You can use coconut oil for frying, baking, making popcorn, and adding a tropical twist to your recipes.</p><p>- Avocado oil: Avocado oil is a relatively new addition to the healthy oil scene, but it is quickly gaining popularity. It is similar to olive oil in terms of its monounsaturated fat content and antioxidant profile. It has a very high smoke point, which makes it ideal for high-heat cooking. It also has a mild and buttery flavor that goes well with many dishes. You can use avocado oil for searing, grilling, stir-frying, and making mayonnaise.</p><p>- Ghee: Ghee is clarified butter that has been simmered until the milk solids are removed. It is a staple in Indian cuisine and has many health benefits. It is rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2, as well as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which can help with weight loss and muscle growth. It has a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for high-heat cooking. It also has a nutty and caramelized flavor that enhances the taste of your food. You can use ghee for frying, roasting, sautéing, and spreading on toast.</p><p>There you have it! Four healthy alternatives to seed oil that you can start using today. Try them out and let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to share this post with your friends who are looking for healthier ways to cook. Thanks for reading!</p>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-83439633265308987752015-01-15T10:04:00.000-06:002015-01-15T10:05:39.890-06:00The Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_UO60D-kTR2gIWtzBy4bD2zzbdHmNGAmPC0X7O0ZYXnpMi1IxedGtGulEhPpqYIj6h9RW7CanWt4xEGmjXFIq4Cxb8BgE6bz6xahZQRFmEo5Btvg1cKQ22yHiyL28VaP3KDj49Km3Zo/s1600/Cayenne-Pepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_UO60D-kTR2gIWtzBy4bD2zzbdHmNGAmPC0X7O0ZYXnpMi1IxedGtGulEhPpqYIj6h9RW7CanWt4xEGmjXFIq4Cxb8BgE6bz6xahZQRFmEo5Btvg1cKQ22yHiyL28VaP3KDj49Km3Zo/s1600/Cayenne-Pepper.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Being and staying healthy is one of the biggest trends, and lifelong decisions, that people are making for themselves, right now. People around the world, specifically the United States of America and China, have been using the spice not just in cooking, but therapeutically for many years. Cayenne pepper began to receive major glorification when it was discovered to help detoxify your body and cleanse your dieterich systems. There have even been diets that are centered around cayenne because of it’s ability to raise the levels in your circulatory system.<br />
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There are few ailments that cayenne pepper cannot help, let alone fix, when it comes to your body: heartburn, gout, paralyzation, the common fever, nausea, sore throat, it had even been used to help with scarlet fever. If you are having stomach troubles, then sprinkle some cayenne pepper into your water. Since cayenne pepper helps with such basic body illnesses, it is handy to have around for all ages-- toddlers to the elderly. Along with easing sore throats and flatulence, it also can be used to relieve joint and muscle pain, which is useful for the aging and sports players, as well.<br />
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Many nutritionists and health addicts use cayenne pepper in lemon water and honey that they drink every morning, sometimes for every meal if they are doing a cleanse. This concoction detoxes the body and helps cleanse almost every system that runs through the body. While stimulating the circulatory system, the cayenne pepper works to help the body sweat, which is necessary when doing a detox. There are even cayenne teas that are good to drink in the morning in lieu of coffee in order to get your body working the way it needs to be working for you to have a productive day. Cayenne even works as a weight loss supplement, and there are cayenne capsules that you can buy in order to help move the weight loss along faster and more smoothly.<br />
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Purportedly, cayenne pepper has been rumored to help with toothaches and gum disease. Along with helping those random ailments, it also is a presumed cancer fighting agent. There have been studies done in order to prove that cayenne can act as a prevention tool for smokers and lung cancer, as well as it protecting against tumors in the liver. There are, of course, many more illnesses and benefits to using cayenne pepper, which shows that it is not only good to have in your spice cabinet, but in your medicine cabinet, too.ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-57754008808219086512014-12-28T22:10:00.001-06:002014-12-28T22:11:19.625-06:00Tips to Reduce Stress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IIS7K1hFf829uS31kIrsbjOIh_pQKkB2Zw-CxM7YvY1NF4wCAKtyBhNf5bn_5bhW4KbkcnSW7bDD619ji9lMq9kTmLtS6u0tzg107TR-16U0_olGRQRTJO_OmFzMOXEPHqa3O2KB660/s1600/Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction-1-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IIS7K1hFf829uS31kIrsbjOIh_pQKkB2Zw-CxM7YvY1NF4wCAKtyBhNf5bn_5bhW4KbkcnSW7bDD619ji9lMq9kTmLtS6u0tzg107TR-16U0_olGRQRTJO_OmFzMOXEPHqa3O2KB660/s1600/Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction-1-C.jpg" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stress can be harmful to the health especially over a long period of time. In other to reduce stress, you have to learn how to manage it. Here are some useful tips to reduce stress and help you feel better and live a stress free life every day:<br />
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<li><b>Practice Meditation: </b>Meditation techniques like Yoga or deep breathing can be a great way to reduce stress and control tension. You must learn how to meditate for about 15-20 minutes a day as is will help improve your overall performance and focus for the rest of the day.</li>
<li><b>Body Massage:</b> One of the straightforward tips to reduce stress is to get a full body massage. Make sure you go to a professional message therapist so can be sure you’re getting the right kind of message specifically to reduce stress.</li>
<li><b>Exercise Deep Breathing: </b>Practicing deep breathing or breathing with the diaphragm is one of the easiest tips to reduce stress anytime, anywhere. Just like singing, you are able to pull on air from your diaphragm, permitting out the negative energies that cause stress.</li>
<li><b>Go on Vacation:</b> If you have been burnt-out along with your work and busy schedules and you feel that you should go for a weeklong vacation in some peaceful seaside to help reduce stress. Simply ensure that you plan your vacation nicely so you don’t get to add more stress to your already stressed life.</li>
<li><b>Try acupuncture or acupressure. </b>These old Chinese practices of penetrating the skin with needle or application of heat to the body can help you to get rid of stress and also improves natural blood circulation.</li>
<li><b>Walk Exercise: </b>Walking is an excellent exercise that will help you to get rid of daily stress. The beauty of walking is that it helps you maintain a healthy weight and increases your metabolic rate as well.</li>
<li><b>Join a fitness boot camp or Gym:</b> One of the most popular ways to reduce stress is by visiting a gym either daily or weekly depending on schedules. If you find the gym a bit boring then you may join a fitness boot camp especially if you're also looking for motivation from others.</li>
<li><b>Take dance Lessons:</b> Dancing is a great exercise that helps reduce stress especially for those who have passion for dancing.</li>
<li><b>Volunteer and help others.</b> If you feel you've been working after deadlines and appointments daily and also you have been in the corporate jungle for most of your life then you should definitely go out and volunteer. Helping others can be a gratifying task that reliefs most people off their stress. You’ll be truly amazed how volunteering can help you get rid of stress.</li>
<li><b>Learn the ancient Japanese practice of Reiki:</b> If you’re seeking an oriental strategy to reduce stress, then the exercise of Reiki or palm healing may be your solution.</li>
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Try one or more of these tips to reduce stress and don’t hinder yourself from having a happy stress-free life despite your busy schedules.ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-87495284392306134142014-09-13T07:09:00.000-05:002014-09-13T07:09:10.919-05:00Lose Weight with Green TeaOne of the easiest ways to lose weight without really doing anything is to completely cut soda out of your diet. But you can also put the weight loss on overdrive by replacing your daily soda consumption with green tea. Today we present a <a href="http://www.ape-health.com/search/label/Supplement%20of%20the%20Week">Supplement of the Week</a> and a <a href="http://www.ape-health.com/search/label/Substitute%20That%21">Substitute That</a>! combo meal, suggesting that readers remove every non-water beverage that they currently drinking from their diet, and replace it with the magic that is green tea!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTo9_s9_5C_us6X8pbY0iUR8n9pXYFF4BZ685Kgz0Qu77oOokHrjwLmc0uqVD4B1h3h1LhGpCZ7HoowqTZEGtisVxkog0jEtfvi-5fTTwwi0WCiJhlLx2SNVUk6kmHpy6rndI5D5eI7o8/s1600/green_tea_pyramid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTo9_s9_5C_us6X8pbY0iUR8n9pXYFF4BZ685Kgz0Qu77oOokHrjwLmc0uqVD4B1h3h1LhGpCZ7HoowqTZEGtisVxkog0jEtfvi-5fTTwwi0WCiJhlLx2SNVUk6kmHpy6rndI5D5eI7o8/s1600/green_tea_pyramid.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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World-renowned author, computer scientist, inventor, and futurist <a href="http://www.kurzweilai.net/">Ray Kurzweil</a> has stated that he drinks between 8 to 10 cups of green tea every single day in an effort to reprogram his biochemistry and improve his longevity. Nutrition specialist Oz Garcia, who works with several A list celebrities, <a href="http://www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/oscars-2010-celebrities-pre-awards-weight-loss-plans-423934">helps his clients prepare for the Oscars by having them drink at least 4 cups of green tea daily</a>. What do they know that the rest of us do not? Read on to find out!</div>
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On its own, green tea is nothing short of a cornucopia of health benefits. Each cup comes fully loaded with free-radical fighting antioxidants which help slow down the signs of aging. Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine which is good for your brain and helps control anxiety. Compounds in green tea help prevent and in some cased even fight off deadly cancers. Green tea even works as a <a href="http://www.ape-health.com/2013/01/natural-sunscreen.html">natural sunscreen</a>. We could go on and on about the various <a href="http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea/">benefits of green tea</a>, but for today, let's just concentrate on the weight loss aspect of this miracle drink.</div>
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One of the primary reasons that green tea is effective at weight loss is due to its caffeine content. At 25mg per cup, it is not as strong as most sodas or coffee, but it's there and it helps. And bringing in good calorie-free caffeine from green tea is orders of magnitude better to drinking sugar laden soda or a coffee stuffed with sugar and cream.</div>
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Green tea is also loaded with potent antioxidants known as catechins. A study of obese Chinese test subjects <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19680234">posted at the National Center for Biotechnology Information</a> found that two daily servings of catechin rich green tea lead to improvements in body composition and targeted reductions in abdominal fatness. Exactly the type of fat everybody is looking to lose. </div>
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Finally, as an article about substitutions, we must stress the importance of removing sugary beverages from your diet. Nothing good has ever come from a soda can, and that includes diet sodas as well. You are better off drinking a cup of lard then drinking a can of pop. Even though this article is about the health benefits of green tea, you can still see positive weight loss results by ignoring all of the green tea stuff and simply removing all sugary drinks from your diet. Soda, sweetened teas and coffees, juices, etc. </div>
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In conclusion, if you want to lose weight, an important place to start is by looking at what you drink. Going all water is a good choice, but for added health benefits and weight loss support, you absolutely cannot go wrong with green tea.</div>
ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-78288461582276092902014-08-20T09:50:00.002-05:002014-08-20T09:50:41.809-05:00Ditch The Reduced Fat Peanut ButterOften times when we are trying to go healthy, we get sucked into the "reduced fat" scheme and ultimately end up making choices that are even less healthy than the food we are trying to avoid. In today's edition of <b>Substitute That!</b>, we are going to be returning to the basics, ditching your "healthy" reduced fat peanut butter, and replacing it with nothing other than the real thing!<br />
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So, you're a peanut butter lover, but you just can't stomach the <b>15g</b> of fat (<b>3g saturated</b>) and <b>200 calories</b> per standard 2 tablespoon serving that is found in the real thing. Besides, you have been taught your whole life that fat, and particularly saturated fat, is evil, right (a topic for another day...)? So you do the "smart" thing and you pick up the innocent and healthy alternative, fresh factory made reduced fat peanut butter! Now you can slather up your apples with confidence, knowing that you are making the right choice for your body. But did you ever stop to take a look at the ingredients in your "healthy" reduced fat peanut butter?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmNFD46jXPv9rNL0hJ89jcFphmXRQGFbo-mktUIT_5gc8oZscYERfT-5NdrmNADinkgn3R2Gu8Qs8OKJjZ-XPqtdH_XT8xE8C0mbt3-vGEKvKGBq_Oknw9booUcuAgxTpbq15qx1Dxxc/s1600/rfpb.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmNFD46jXPv9rNL0hJ89jcFphmXRQGFbo-mktUIT_5gc8oZscYERfT-5NdrmNADinkgn3R2Gu8Qs8OKJjZ-XPqtdH_XT8xE8C0mbt3-vGEKvKGBq_Oknw9booUcuAgxTpbq15qx1Dxxc/s1600/rfpb.PNG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.jif.com/products/reduced-fat-creamy-peanut-butter">jif.com</a></td></tr>
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Look out! Corn syrup? Pea protein? Copper sulfate? <b>Ferric Orthophosphate? </b>WTF is that? Beyond the cesspool of unnecessary ingredients, the reduced fat peanut butter still has <b>12g</b> of fat (<b>2g saturated</b>), and <b>190 calories</b> per 2 tablespoon serving. So for a paltry reduction of 3g fat per serving, you are gaining a cornucopia of chemicals and sugars. Yum. Is it worth it? I'd suggest that it's not, but everybody has to make that decision for themselves. In my opinion though, reduced fat peanut butter is a totally worthless waste of everybody's time and money.<br />
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So if you are going to be buying peanut butter, go ahead and opt for the real thing. If your supermarket offers the "grind it yourself" peanut butter making machine, that would be the optimal choice. And if you still just can't get over your fear of fats, Id suggest taking a look at <a href="http://www.bellplantation.com/">PB2</a>, a powdered peanut butter product. I personally can't get behind the taste of it, but my wife swears by it, and one look at the label says it all:<br />
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ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-56956598448716619122014-08-08T08:14:00.004-05:002014-08-08T08:14:43.111-05:00Welcome to the New Ape Health!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Welcome to the new Ape Health!</b> Regular readers will probably notice quite a few changes to the site today. Ape Health has now ditched its old WordPress roots and transitioned to a Blogger powered website. We have switched to a new layout and logo as well, moving more in line with the general style and theme used by the rest of <a href="http://www.ape-apps.com/">Ape Apps</a>. The move to Blogger should facilitate more user engagement by tying the commenting system into Google+. I also intend to provide more regular updates to the site, and there may even be a mobile app in the pipeline!</div>
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So go ahead and take a look around the new site. All of the old posts have been migrated over from the old server, so all of the content and <a href="http://www.ape-health.com/search/label/Recipes">recipes </a>that you love are still here waiting for you. So stay tuned, bookmark the site, and enjoy Ape Health!</div>
ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-58603973327890410142014-08-08T06:52:00.002-05:002014-08-08T06:52:28.740-05:00Oatmeal Pancakes<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup oats</li>
<li>1/2 cup applesause</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>2 T sugar</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Combine ingredients in a blender</li>
<li>Heat greased pan to medium high</li>
<li>Pour batter onto pan</li>
<li>Cook till pancake edges are firm and flip till golden brown</li>
</ol>
ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-13982274674573053062014-06-19T11:48:00.000-05:002014-08-04T11:49:02.490-05:00CDC Exposes 75 Staff Members to AnthraxToday it came out that the Centers for Disease control in Atlanta has inadvertently exposed 75 of it's own employees to the deadly Anthrax disease. According to <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/19/health/cdc-possible-anthrax-exposure/">CNN</a>,<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Early reports show that a lab did not adequately inactivate samples, which were then moved and used for experimentation in three laboratories not equipped to handle live Bacillus anthracis, or anthrax.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Believing the samples were inactivated, workers in those labs did not don adequate protective equipment, the CDC said.</i></blockquote>
<br />
These CDC workers would have most likely been exposed through either their lungs, or by direct skin contact. A respiratory anthrax infection starts out mimicking a common cold, eventually leading to pneumonia and then death. On the other hand, skin exposure to anthrax can cause brutal skin lesions and ulcers, but it is generally less fatal then a respiratory infection.<br />
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As for the case of the CDC workers, exposure is said to be low and vaccines have already been distributed. The CDC said in a statement that disciplinary action will be taken against the workers who allowed this disaster to take place.ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-57653684747778442752013-09-23T11:52:00.000-05:002014-09-13T07:15:53.420-05:00Cure Depression with SupplementsIn the second part in a <a href="http://apehealthblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Depression">series on fighting depression</a>, we are going to take a look at vitamin alternatives to prescription drugs that can help remedy depression. Often times, being depressed for no apparent reason is actually your brain trying to tell you that it is deficient in certain vitamins and nutrients that you are not getting through your diet (rarely will your body tell you that it is deficient in Prozac, so don't be fooled).<br />
<br />
<b>B Vitamin Deficiencies</b><br />
B Vitamins are naturally found in whole, unprocessed foods. That being the case, you can see where many people now days are probably deficient. Common names for your B-Vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, and cobalamin. If you are suffering from mood problems, insomnia, or depression, Vitamin B deficiency could be to blame. A lot of people find that taking a daily B Complex vitamin improved both their mood and general well being. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005D0DTZK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005D0DTZK&linkCode=as2&tag=discussions0b-20">Nature Made Super B Complex Tablets, Value Size, 360 Count</a><br />
<br />
<b>Vitamin C Deficiencies</b><br />
Basically, <a href="http://www.ape-health.com/2012/06/vitamin-c.html">Vitamin C</a> is the god vitamin, and everyone should get to know this vitamin a little better. If you haven't yet, read our article on the benefits of Vitamin C. Here is something you need to know. The 'recommended daily amounts' of Vitamin C are basically set at the bare minimum required to avoid contracting scurvy. So even if you think you are getting '100% of your daily intake,' you probably still are Vitamin C deficient. Like B Vitamin deficiencies, Vitamin C deficiencies also can cause symptoms of depression. Another benefit of Vitamin C supplementation is that it will bolster your immune system. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013P1GD6/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013P1GD6&linkCode=as2&tag=discussions0b-20">NOW Foods Vitamin C-1000 Sustained Release with Rose Hips, 250 Tablets</a><br />
<br />
<b>Mineral Deficiencies</b><br />
Sadly, the modern diet leaves mineral deficiencies all too common these days, and many of these deficiencies lead to depression and other symptoms. Luckily, most essential minerals are found in your standard multi-vitamin supplements. Taking one multi per day in conjunction with addition B and C supplementation can go a long way to improving your mental health. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RL8FCU/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002RL8FCU&linkCode=as2&tag=discussions0b-20">Kirkland Signature Daily Multi Vitamins & Minerals Tablets, 500-Count Bottle</a><br />
<br />
<b>Bonus - Happiness in a Bottle</b><br />
One final supplement that can go a long way in improving your mood is the amino acid called L-Tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential ammino acid largly found in meats and other animal products. Supplementing tryptophan will not only improve your mood, but also help you sleep better at night. It is by far one of the best remedies you can get (in pill form) for the blues. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019LWV56/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0019LWV56&linkCode=as2&tag=discussions0b-20">NOW Foods L-Tryptophan 500mg, 120 Vcaps</a><br />
<br />
In conclusion, for severe cases of depression, you should probably seek professional help. But all too often the medical establishment likes to simply hook you with prescription drugs, usually turning you into a life long drug addict. Before it gets that far, you owe it to yourself to try more natural supplementation first, as they can often yield the same results without the harmful dependency side effects.ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-88766626231810427162013-09-17T11:57:00.000-05:002014-09-13T07:11:40.917-05:00Fight The Blues With SunlightAccording to the CDC, <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdepression/">1 in 10 Americans</a> report that they are currently suffering from some form of depression. Further, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that a staggering <a href="http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics">18% of the U.S. population</a> suffers from some form of anxiety disorder. Meanwhile, Americans are spending <b>tens of billions</b> of dollars each year on prescription anti-depressant medication. These drugs often times cause dependencies and carry other risky side effects.<br />
<br />
There are many alternative, natural, and safe remedies for depression that you may not get from your doctor. In this first article in a series on depression, we will take a look at the cheapest and easiest anti-depressant you can get - natural sunlight.<br />
<br />
After decades of of hearing how bad the sun is for us, people are now suffering from the effects of a <b>lack</b> of sun exposure. According to <a href="http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/sun-happiness.htm">this article</a> on HowStuffWorks,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>A chronic lack of sun exposure has been linked to fertility problems, several forms of cancer, general poor health and varying degrees of depression. People actually get depressed, with symptoms like sadness, fatigue and hopelessness -- from a lack of sunlight.</i></blockquote>
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is generally a depression that many people experience each year during the onset of fall and winter, when the days become shorter and their is less sunlight. Many people working 'normal hours' will leave for their job before the sun comes up and get home after it sets. This lack of sunlight contributes to depression. However now days, even in the summer when people simply stay indoors all day, this depression can last year round. Fortunately though, the remedy is simple.<br />
<br />
<b>Go outside!</b> Really, that's all you have to do. And the amount of sunlight you need is probably less than you think. <a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2008/06/23/time-in-the-sun-how-much-is-needed-for-vitamin-d">Studies have shown</a> that to get the proper amount of Vitamin D from the sunlight to promote wellbeing, you really only need about <b>10 minutes of sunlight per day</b> during peak hours. That's all. If you work all day, just take a walk during your lunch break. If you are at home, do some gardening. In the winter, shovel some snow. Yes it will work better in short sleeves and shorts, but something is better than nothing.<br />
<br />
Note, that you should be getting this direct sunlight <b>without</b> the use of sunscreens. Also keep in mind that many commercial sunscreens actually <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/032996_sunscreen_cancer_risk.html">increase the risk of skin cancer</a>. If you absolutely think you need sun protection when you go outside, take a look at <a href="http://www.ape-health.com/2013/01/natural-sunscreen.html">our article on Natural Sunscreen</a>.ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-2879291279597495542013-08-26T12:01:00.000-05:002014-09-13T07:14:27.382-05:00Go Low Carb To Shed Pounds FastSometimes you just want to shed the pounds quickly, and you don't really care about long term weight stability. Perhaps you have a reunion coming up, or an important job interview. Whatever the reasoning, millions of people just want a quick and easy weight loss method and they don't want to wait for results. For them, an ultra low carb diet will most likely do the trick. Just beware of the discomforting side effects.<br />
<br />
So I recently did a bit of vacationing, and like many people who travel, I came home to find an entirely different number on the scale than the one I had left behind. Fast food, soda, and gas station goodies has all taken their toll on my waistline. Coupled with the steady increase of pounds I have been experiencing since turning the big 3-0, I decided that it was time to take control of my weight and institute a diet change. And like most people, I wanted quick results. And also like most people, ain't nobody got time for things like exercise. So I turned to the only thing that has always worked for me 100% in the past. The silver bullet. The surgical elimination of carbs from the diet.<br />
<br />
I had done low and even no carb diets in the past, always with great success. It was always easy for me, since meat has basically always been front and center in my diet. But this time around, I thought I would experiment by keeping things like fresh fruits and vegetables in my diet, items which I had omitted during previous low carb adventures. So my new diet basically consisted of the following:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Meats</li>
<li>Vegetables</li>
<li>Fruit/Berries</li>
<li>Nuts/Seeds</li>
<li>Cheeses</li>
<li>Oils</li>
<li>Water and Tea</li>
</ul>
<br />
As you can see, there is basically a <b>ton</b> of food that I can still eat while on this diet. The big omissions here that most people eat regularly are your breads, grains, oats, sugars, and sodas. Also keep in mind, that I am basically eating all fresh and natural produce here. Nothing pre packaged. I don't like anything that comes out of a box, and neither should you. Stick along the outside edges of the grocery store and you will be fine.<br />
<br />
So what kind of meals would I eat on this diet? Here are a few example meals that I have been eating over the last week and a half since beginning this program.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Breakfast</h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Almondy Blueberries - </b>This little meal is exactly what it sounds like. Take a normal cereal bowl, but instead of filling it with your deadly [insert cereal name here], fill it half and half with whole natural almonds and frozen blueberries. Stir with a spoon and eat. It's that simple, and it tastes epic. Enjoy with a glass of Earl Grey, hot. So you can be a pimp like Picard. Just remember to brush your teeth after you eat!</li>
<li><b>Deviled Eggs - </b>Yes, my lovely wife made me Deviled Eggs for breakfast the other day, and it was glorious. Anybody who says they aren't a breakfast food needs to be slapped.</li>
<li><b>Fruit Smoothie - </b>This one does have some carbs in it, but whatevs, it's healthy and yummy. And it's not like you are having a breakfast soda, or a coffee laced with sugar. And the best part is, Ape Health has your back with our <a href="http://www.ape-health.com/2013/06/smoothie-ideas.html">amazing Smoothie Ideas</a>!</li>
<li><b>Bacon and Eggs -</b> Ok, I haven't had this one while on this most recent diet, but I have had dreams about it none the less. Fry your bacon in the pan, then fry your eggs in the bacon grease. Delightful.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Dinner or Supper Meals</h3>
<ul>
<li><b>Grilled Wings and Asparagus -</b> If you have a grill, this is one of the best meals you can make. Grill up some chicken wings and a hand full of asparagus and then go to town.</li>
<li><b>Cheesy Almondy Salady Delight -</b> I couldn't think of a better name for this salad, but the taste is off the charts. Take your romaine, spinach, or whatever kind of greens you prefer, throw some raw whole almonds on top, give it some shredded or bleu cheese, and top it with olive oil instead of dressing. Throw on some salt and pepper to taste. Basically a quick, easy, and epic salad.</li>
<li><b>Baked Tilapia - </b>If you like fish, fire up the oven and have some baked tilapia. Eat it with some frozen grapes, and you've got yourself a fine meal right there.</li>
<li><b>Go to town on the grill -</b> I love grilled anything. During this past week or so I have been making burgers, steaks, wings, you name it. Grilled pineapple is also amazing. If you have a grill, this is one easy diet.</li>
</ul>
<br />
These are just a few of the things I have been eating, but obviously with all of the food categories, if you can't find anything to eat on a low carb diet, you just aren't looking hard enough. For a quick snack, apples are good, and I also love frozen grapes. And if you are eating out with friends or family, you aren't screwed by any means. I can't think of any respectable restaurant that doesn't carry a salad at this point.<br />
<br />
So... has the diet been working? Well, it's only been about a week so far, and I am already down over 10 pounds. And honestly, I'm really not that big of a guy to begin with. If you are carrying a lot of extra weight, I suspect the results would be even more dramatic. Cutting bread and soda alone would do wonders for most people.<br />
<br />
Now, while the weight loss has been good, low carbing is not without its side effects. The main one is the headaches. From about the second through the 5th days of the diet, expect a constant barrage of headaches. I believe this is the point where most people give up and abort on a low carb diet. Your body is basically going through withdrawal symptoms resulting from the lack of the refined sugars and flours that it is used to. At this point it's pretty easy to say 'Screw this' and pick up a donut and go back to your old ways. But, Excedrin works, and if you can just man (or woman) up and tough it out for a few days, you will have more energy and feel better than you have in years. I also experiences slight nausea in the late mornings, but that also passes. Just one week in and I am already feeling good, so honestly you don't have to wait long for the pain to pass. You can do it!<br />
<br />
In conclusion, if you want to shed weight quick, carbs are the enemy. Cut them out and your body fat will follow. And if nothing else, do yourself a gigantic favor and remove soda from your diet completely. That goes for 'diet' soda as well, it's just as bad if not worse. That step alone would help most people who are suffering with obesity.ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-67682210007320497342013-07-07T12:05:00.000-05:002014-08-04T12:05:50.630-05:00Cheesecake (Greek Yogurt) <b>Graham Cracker Crust</b><br />
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs<br />
1/3 cup butter, melted<br />
1/3 cup sugar<br />
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients together and press evenly across bottom of a inch springform pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes; cool and fill.<br />
<i>You may also buy a pre-made crust </i><br />
<br />
<b>Cheesecake Filling</b><br />
2 cups fat free plain Greek yogurt<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
pinch of salt<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 T cornstarch<br />
Optional: Sliced strawberries for garnish<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350F. In a blender or food processor, combine the eggs, sugar, yogurt and vanilla. Blend until smooth, then add cornstarch and pinch of salt and blend again. Pour filling into crust in a 10 inch springform pan, and bake for 35 minutes.<br />
<br />
When the cheesecake is done, it will still be jiggly in the center but will have a “done” look to it. The edges of the cake will start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Make sure you don’t overbake.ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-50425765810929801622013-06-04T12:08:00.000-05:002014-08-04T12:09:07.689-05:00Smoothie Ideas<h4>
Green Smoothie</h4>
1 cup fat free milk<br />
½ cup fat free plain yogurt<br />
1 banana, frozen and chunked<br />
1 T peanut butter powder<br />
2 cups fresh spinach<br />
1 cup ice cubes (optional)<br />
<br />
<h4>
Thin Mint</h4>
½ cup milk<br />
1 cup spinach leaves<br />
10 mint leaves, chopped<br />
¼ cup raw cacao seeds<br />
1 t peppermint extract<br />
1 banana, frozen and chunked<br />
<br />
<h4>
Cinnamon Apple</h4>
1 cup apple juice<br />
1 pear<br />
1 apple<br />
1 cup fresh spinach<br />
1 t cinnamon<br />
½ cup ice<br />
<br />
<h4>
Blueberry</h4>
1/3 cup frozen blueberries<br />
1 frozen banana<br />
1 T lemon juice<br />
¼ cup tea or water<br />
<br />
<h4>
Carrot Fruit Smoothie</h4>
1 cup spinach<br />
1 apple<br />
1 banana<br />
½ cup chopped carrots<br />
½ cup orange juice<br />
½ cup strawberries<br />
<br />
<h4>
Kiwi</h4>
1 kiwi<br />
½ cup pineapple chunks<br />
½ cup green grapes<br />
¼ mango<br />
¼ cup water<br />
½ cup spinach<br />
<br />
<h4>
Pumpkin Smoothie</h4>
1 small can pumpkin or yam<br />
1 ½ cup yogurt<br />
½ cup milk<br />
1 banana<br />
1 t cinnamon<br />
<br />
<h4>
Apple Pie</h4>
½ cup pumpkin puree<br />
1 banana<br />
1 apple<br />
½ cup apple juice<br />
1 ½ cup yogurt<br />
1 t cinnamon<br />
1 t nutmeg<br />
<br />
<h4>
PB&J</h4>
1 banana<br />
2 cups strawberries<br />
4 T peanut butter powder<br />
½ cup water<br />
<br />
<h4>
Watermelon</h4>
1 ½ cup strawberries<br />
1 ½ cup diced watermelon<br />
¼ yogurt<br />
<br />
<h4>
Three Melons</h4>
2 cups watermelon<br />
1 cup honeydew melon<br />
1 cup cantaloupe<br />
½ cup water<br />
1 t lemon<br />
1 t lime<br />
<br />
<h4>
Orange</h4>
1 orange<br />
½ cup frozen peaches<br />
¼ cup water<br />
<br />
<i>Blend until smooth</i><br />
<i>Add Ice and water as needed</i><br />
<i>Add ice cubes until smoothie has desired thickness and water if smoothie it too thick</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-70557497337772549832013-01-29T12:10:00.000-06:002014-08-04T12:11:13.303-05:00Creamy Cauliflower DipA healthy dip, great with sliced cucumbers or zucchini. Substituting the cream cheese with a greek style coconut yogurt makes an excellent dairy free option.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Ingredients:</h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li>5 c cauliflower florets, cooked</li>
<li>1/4 c reduced fat cream cheese</li>
<li>1 T anchovy paste</li>
<li>1 T lemon juice</li>
<li>1 t Worcestershire sauce</li>
<li>1 t Dijon mustard</li>
<li>1 t minced garlic</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h4>
Instructions:</h4>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Puree ingredients in a food processor</li>
<li>In a pan add a teaspoon of olive oil, pine nuts and chopped red peppers</li>
<li>Pour cauliflower mixture in a bowl and garnish with nuts and peppers</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<b>Yield: 10</b><br />
<br />
<i>Calories: 35</i><br />
<i>Protein: 2 g</i><br />
<i>Carbohydrates: 4 g</i><br />
<i>Fat: 1.5 g</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-15591921268767042722013-01-28T12:15:00.000-06:002014-08-04T12:15:49.609-05:00Shrimp Scampi<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 T olive oil</li>
<li>1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp</li>
<li>1 onion, chopped</li>
<li>1 c grape tomatoes, halved</li>
<li>4 garlic cloves, minced</li>
<li>1/2 c dry white wine or chicken broth</li>
<li>1 c chicken broth</li>
<li>1/4 c chopped basil or parsley</li>
<li>2 T lemon juice</li>
<li>1 T butter</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Cook shrimp until golden brown then transfer to plate</li>
<li>Cook onion until golden brown</li>
<li>Stir in tomatoes and garlic, cook until tomatoes are wilted</li>
<li>Pour in wine and cook until about half is evaporated</li>
<li>Add broth, basil, lemon juice and butter, and return shrimp to pan</li>
<li>Cook until heated through</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<b>Yield: 4</b><br />
<br />
<i>Calories: 255</i><br />
<i>Protein: 24 g</i><br />
<i>Carbohydrates: 8 g</i><br />
<i>Fat: 11.5 g</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-60160581747794657882013-01-28T12:13:00.000-06:002014-08-04T12:14:23.273-05:00Chicken and Rice<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 T olive oil</li>
<li>6 oz cooked turkey sausage, cut into 1/4 " thick slices</li>
<li>1 lb boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 2" pieces</li>
<li>1 pkg (14oz) frozen sliced bell peppers and onions</li>
<li>1 T minced garlic</li>
<li>1 T Cajun seasoning</li>
<li>3 c cooked brown rice</li>
<li>1 1/2 c frozen peas</li>
<li>1/2 c chicken broth</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat, cook sausage until golden brown and transfer to plate</li>
<li>Add chicken and cook about five minutes and transfer to plate</li>
<li>Cook peppers and onions until liquid evaporates</li>
<li>Stir in garlic, seasoning, peas, broth and rice</li>
<li>Add chicken and sausage and cook until chicken is done</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<b>Yield: 4</b><br />
<br />
<i>Calories: 333</i><br />
<i>Protein: 24 g</i><br />
<i>Carbohydrates: 33 g</i><br />
<i>Fiber: 4 g</i><br />
<i>Fat: 11 g</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-75390207357893052052013-01-27T22:22:00.000-06:002014-08-04T22:23:18.922-05:00Wheatless Biscotti<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 lg eggs</li>
<li>1/2 c coconut milk, room temperature</li>
<li>1/4 c coconut oil, melted</li>
<li>1/4 c almond butter, at room temperature</li>
<li>1/4 c unsweetened almond milk</li>
<li>1 t almond extract</li>
<li>1/4 t liquid stevia</li>
<li>3 c almond meal/flour</li>
<li>1/2 c slivered almonds</li>
<li>1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder</li>
<li>2 T coconut flour</li>
<li>2 1/2 oz extra dark chocolate, chopped</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Heat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment</li>
<li>Whisk together eggs, coconut milk, oil, almond butter, almond milk, almond extract and stevia in large bowl</li>
<li>Whisk together almond meal, almonds, cocoa, coconut flour, and chocolate chunks</li>
<li>Stir into egg mixture until well blended</li>
<li>Place on prepared pan and shape into 12" x 4" log</li>
<li>Bake 40 minutes</li>
<li>Remove from oven and reduce heat to 300 degrees</li>
<li>Cook on rack for 15 minutes</li>
<li>Using serrated knife, cut crosswise into 3/4" slices and lay each slice on its side on baking sheet</li>
<li>Bake about 30 minutes, until firm and dry, turn halfway through</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<b>Yield: 15 Slices</b><br />
<br />
<i>Calories: 264</i><br />
<i>Protein: 9 g</i><br />
<i>Carbohydrates: 10 g</i><br />
<i>Fiber: 5 g</i><br />
<i>Fat: 23 g</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-4533926284694590052013-01-27T12:21:00.000-06:002014-08-04T12:22:10.435-05:00Biscuits<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 c almond meal/flour</li>
<li>1 c ground golden flaxseed</li>
<li>4 t baking powder</li>
<li>4 T cold butter, cut into cubes</li>
<li>4 lg egg whites</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Heat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment</li>
<li>Mix together almond flour, baking powder and flaxseed</li>
<li>Cut in butter until combined</li>
<li>Beat egg whites with mixer on high until soft peaks form</li>
<li>Fold whites into dry ingredients</li>
<li>Spoon into eight rounds on pan and flatten to 3/4" thick</li>
<li>Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<b>Yield: 8</b><br />
<br />
<i>Calories: 209</i><br />
<i>Protein: 8 g</i><br />
<i>Carbohydrates: 9 g</i><br />
<i>Fiber: 6 g</i><br />
<i>Fat: 18 g</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-44581082508376388222013-01-27T12:16:00.000-06:002014-08-04T12:17:28.433-05:00Natural SunscreenResearch shows some herbs may boost your skin's ability to protect against UV rays from the inside out.<br />
<br />
<b>Green Tea</b><br />
The tea leaves contain an antioxidant, EGCG, that can decrease sun damage when applied topically. Drinking 3 cups of green tea a day increases the ability of blood cells to protect themselves from damage caused by UV exposure, and skin cells may also benefit from green tea.<br />
<br />
<b>Pycnogenol</b><br />
This supplement is extracted from the French maritime pine bark. It inhibits inflammation caused by UV exposure and protects against sunburns.<br />
<br />
<b>Polypodium Leucotomos</b><br />
This fern is rich in antioxidants that can increase the length of sun exposure without burning.<br />
<br />
ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-70320578852254790512013-01-26T22:30:00.000-06:002014-08-04T22:31:11.069-05:00Mini Pizzas<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>3/4 c warm water (100 - 110 F)</li>
<li>1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast</li>
<li>1 c almond meal/four</li>
<li>1 c garbanzo bean (chickpeas) flour</li>
<li>1/2 c ground golden flaxseed</li>
<li>2 T olive oil</li>
<li>1 1/2 c sugar-free pizza or marinara sauce</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Optional Topping</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Ricotta, shredded mozzarella, or thinly sliced fresh mozzarella</li>
<li>Thinly sliced pepperoni</li>
<li>Thinly sliced and sautéed bell pepper and onion</li>
<li>Thinly sliced and sautéed yellow squash and zucchini</li>
<li>Quartered grape tomatoes</li>
<li>Chopped fresh herbs</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Whisk together water and yeast in small bowl until yeast dissolves. Let stand 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Whisk together almond meal/flour, garbanzo flour, flaxseed and 1 tsp sea salt in medium bowl.</li>
<li>Add oil and yeast mixture and stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed and loose ball of dough forms.</li>
<li>Cover with plastic wrap and let stand in warm place 1 hour.</li>
<li>Divide into 6 equal parts.</li>
<li>Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.</li>
<li>Place piece of parchment on working surface. Put 1 piece of dough on top and cover with second piece of parchment.</li>
<li>Flatten with rolling pin into 4" circle and place dough round on one of the prepared pans and carefully remove top parchment.</li>
<li>Use a spoon to form crust edge.</li>
<li>Repeat with remaining dough.</li>
<li>Bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with 1/4 cup of sauce and desired toppings.</li>
<li>Bake until heated through, about 10 minutes.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<b>Yield: 6 pizzas</b><br />
<br />
<b>Nutrition per pizza without optional toppings</b><br />
<i>Calories: 317</i><br />
<i>Protein: 11 g</i><br />
<i>Carbohydrates: 24 g</i><br />
<i>Fiber: 10 g</i><br />
<i>Fat: 21 g</i><br />
<i>Sodium: 545 mg</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-17301313642073947822013-01-26T22:28:00.000-06:002014-08-04T22:29:18.765-05:00Flour Substitutions<b>Almond Meal and Flour</b><br />
Almonds can do nearly anything wheat flour can do. It is full of monounsaturated fat (the good fat), protein, and fiber. Almond flour is great for baked goods with a light texture, such as cakes. Almond meal is coarser than almond flour. It is also less expensive and easier to find.<br />
<br />
<b>Coconut Flour</b><br />
Coconut flour is made of ground coconut meat. It is great for breading and thickening liquids. When combined with flour and meal from nuts, it provides a finer texture which is excellent for baking.<br />
<br />
<b>Ground Golden Flaxseed</b><br />
Flaxseed provides Omega-3 fatty acids. Golden flaxseed is great mixed with other flours and meals for baking. Both brown and golden flaxseed work for breading.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Now try some mini pizzas: </span>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-71336981625539043042013-01-26T22:27:00.000-06:002014-08-04T22:27:17.889-05:00Chicken Nuggets<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 lg eggs</li>
<li>2 T butter, melted</li>
<li>1/2 c ground golden flaxseed</li>
<li>1/2 c grated parmesan</li>
<li>1/2 tsp onion powder</li>
<li>1/4 tsp garlic powder</li>
<li>1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2 " pieces</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Instruction</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Heat oven to 375 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment</li>
<li>Whisk together egg and butter in bowl</li>
<li>Combine flaxseed, parmesan, onion, garlic and salt and pepper into a shallow bowl</li>
<li>Coat chicken in egg mixture and then roll in flaxseed mixture and place on baking pan</li>
<li>Bake chicken, turning once, until cooked through, about 20 minutes</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<b>Yield; 4 servings</b><br />
<br />
<i>Calories: 274</i><br />
<i>Protein: 22 g</i><br />
<i>Carbohydrates: 5 g</i><br />
<i>Fiber: 4 g</i><br />
<i>Fat: 19 g</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-69416744837097431912013-01-26T22:25:00.000-06:002014-08-04T22:26:00.869-05:00Green Bean Casserole<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>4 T butter or coconut oil</li>
<li>1 lg yellow onion, cut into rings</li>
<li>1/4 c ground golden flaxseed</li>
<li>1 yellow onion, chopped</li>
<li>4 oz mushrooms, sliced</li>
<li>16 oz frozen french-cut green beans, thawed</li>
<li>1 c chicken broth</li>
<li>8 oz cream cheese, cubed</li>
<li>3 T grated parmesan</li>
<li>1/8 t cayenne</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease 2 qt shallow baking dish</li>
<li>Heat 2 T coconut oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Cook onion rings, stirring, until golden, about 10 minutes</li>
<li>Place flaxseed on large plate and coat onion rings</li>
<li>Heat remaining oil and add chopped onions and mushrooms, cooking until liquid has evaporated, about 8 minutes</li>
<li>Add green beans and broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add parmesan and cayenne.</li>
<li>Pour into dish and top with onion rings</li>
<li>Bake until hot and bubbling, 25 minutes</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<b>Yield: 6</b><br />
<br />
<i>Calories: 276</i><br />
<i>Protein: 7 g</i><br />
<i>Carbohydrates: 13 g</i><br />
<i>Fiber: 4 g</i><br />
<i>Fat: 23 g</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949216032856945929.post-49606583880257534152013-01-26T22:24:00.000-06:002014-08-04T22:24:44.489-05:00Wheatless Chocolate Chip Cookies<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>4 c almond meal/flour</li>
<li>1 t baking soda</li>
<li>4 lg eggs</li>
<li>1/2 c butter or coconut oil, melted</li>
<li>1/4 c sour cream or coconut milk</li>
<li>2 t pure vanilla extract</li>
<li>1/2 t liquid stevia</li>
<li>10 oz bittersweet or dark chocolate chips</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Heat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment</li>
<li>Whisk together almond meal/flour and baking soda in large bowl</li>
<li>Whisk together eggs, oil, milk, vanilla, and stevia in small bowl</li>
<li>Stir together dry and liquids until combined and add chocolate chips</li>
<li>Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, press each cookie to 1/2" thickness</li>
<li>Bake until edges of cookies are lightly browned, about 25 minutes</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<b>Yield: 30 Cookies</b><br />
<br />
<i>Calories: 176</i>ape appshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554493073302552866noreply@blogger.com0