Burn Fat With Green Tea

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Need to mix it up a bit?  Add green tea to you morning or evening ritual.  This tea is chock full of antioxidants and fat burning properties.  Being one of the most popular beverages in the world, many cultures base social gatherings and ceremonies around sipping on this very drink.

Green Tea is widely known for its health benefits which is partly because of how it is processed.  Green tea leaves are steamed rather than fermented like black and oolong teas.  Because of this there are higher levels of antioxidants called polyphenols and ECGC in green tea.

Adding green tea to you daily routine can help reduce body fat and aid in weight loss.  The pholyphenols in green tea are very powerful antioxidants and have the ability to dissolve triglycerides in the liver.  Green Tea also contains the antioxidant EGCG which is known to speed up the bodies metabolism.  When EGCG is combined with the caffeine in green tea is stimulates the central nervous system to release fat in to the blood stream which can be used at energy.  This improves fat oxidation and results in weight loss.

Other benefits of green tea include fighting against certain cancers, stabilizing  cholesterol levels, preventing cardiovascular disease and reduces acne.

It is recommended to drink between 8-10 cups per day.  If this is not attainable there are green tea extract capsules available more maximum benefits.

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Hydrate With Citrus Water

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

Staying hydrated is very important for your body to function properly.  Did you know that it makes up about 55-70% of your weight?

Our bodies are constantly in need of water replenishment.  You probably don’t know that with every breath you are expelling water which adds up to four cups total per day.  When you sweat that can equal the amount of one cup of water and using the restroom can equal six cups!  That’s a lot of water that your body is losing with everyday activities!

Every system in your body needs water.  Adequate consumption can help your kidneys rid the body of toxins and waste and decrease the chance of kidney stones.  It keeps your bowel movements smooth to avoid constipation.  Water helps lubricate your joints to keep them limber and functioning properly.

Some other health benefits include helping the digestion and absorption of food,  regulating body temperature, helping blood circulation and carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells.

So how much water do we need anyway?  You will always hear about drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.  Although that is a great starting point,  specific water needs are different for everyone.  For instance a pro athlete or bodybuilder will often strive to drink no less than one gallon of water a day.  Some physically active people will shoot for half of a gallon a day.  Your individual water needs are based on what your daily activities are and your level of exercise.  Not sure if you are getting enough water?  Try to 5-gulp method… Every time you take a drink of water make sure to gulp 5 times before you put the bottle down.  This method will help you get the proper water intake.

Drinking pain water can get boring and redundant.  Here are four ways to spice it up a bit without adding the calories or artificial sweeteners:

1)  Add frozen strawberries and raspberries to your water as ice cubes and enjoy the natural berry bliss.

2)  Add lemon slices or lemon juice to your water to add a kick.  An added benefit to lemon water is that lemon is a natural antiseptic which helps in cleansing the body of impurities and preventing disease.

3)  Add orange and lime to your h2o and enjoy a zesty citrus drink.

4)  Add cucumbers and mint leaves for a fresh and crisp twist.

Now just sit back and relax and enjoy the benefits of staying hydrated.

 

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Valentine Strawberry Delights

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Steal their heart with these succulent strawberries filled with a rich and creamy yogurt mix.  

Strawberry Yogurt Bites

1 lb strawberries

1-1 1/2 cups greek yogurt

2-3 packets of truvia or stevia

2 tbsp agave nectar (or to taste)

3-4 low fat graham cracker bars

1-2 tsp cinnamon (to taste)

Take your strawberries and cut the tops off.  Using a small sharp knife carve out a hole in the middle (Pit the strawberry) and place to the side either on a pan, plate, or in a dish.  Take your greek yogurt, truvia or stevia, and agave nectar and mix together in a bowl and place to the side.  Grab your low fat graham crackers and cinnamon and put them in a plastic bag.  With a mallet or your fist mash the graham crackers and cinnamon into crumbs and place in a small bowl.  Now take your yogurt that you placed to the side and fill the center of the strawberries to the top with a little extra to spread over the top.

Take your filled strawberry and roll the top part of yogurt in the graham cracker crumb mixture.  Place back on your dish and move to the next strawberry.  When done cover your dish with saran wrap and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

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Breakfast Egg Bites

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Try these delicious egg bites for breakfast or a snack later in the day!

Breakfast Egg Bites recipe:
8 egg whites
4 whole eggs
1 package turkey bacon
1 white onion
1 package of mushrooms
1/2 cup dry oats
1/2 cup low fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup buttermilk
1-2 tablespoons of green chilis
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Cooking spray
 
Dice up turkey bacon, white onion, and mushrooms and place in large sized skillet.  Stir occasionally so the turkey bacon doesn’t stick to the pan and cook for 15-20 minutes or until it is slightly brown.  
 
While the above is cooking, mix all of the other ingredients into a large mixing bowl.  When your turkey bacon, white onion and mushroom mix is done cooking add it into your large mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
 
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a 6 muffin or 24 muffin pan with cooking spray.  With a spoon scoop out mixture and fill cups to right below the top.  Place muffin pans into the over and cook for 12-15 minutes.
 
When egg bites are done they should be slightly brown on top.   Take them out of the oven and let them cool. 
 
Refridgerate or freeze in tupperware.
 
To heat if frozen microwave for 1 minute.
 
 
 
 
 

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Grilled Parmesan Asparagus

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Asparagus is not just an ordinary green vegetable.  It is packed with vitamin K, vitamin C, Vitamin A and many other antioxidants.  Asparagus is also a natural diuretic and has been used to treat swelling, arthritis, and rheumatism.  Pair this recipe with your mushroom and onion steak saute.

Grilled Parmesan Asparagus:
 10-12 stalks asparagus
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
onion powder to taste
 
Mix the extra-virgin olive oil, onion powder and minced garlic together in a bowl.  Place the asparagus on a place evenly spaced.  Pour the olive oil mixture evenly over the asparagus.  Let sit for 10 minutes and pre-heat your grill to medium-high heat.  
 
When grill is heated, place the marinated asparagus on the grill.  Let sit for about 5 minutes and then turn/roll them over.  Leave for another 5 minutes or until slightly charred.
 
When asparagus is done place back on plate.  Sprinkle the parmesan evenly over the asparagus and enjoy.

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Mushroom and Onion Steak Saute

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Spice up your steak tonight with this awesome saute.

Mushroom and Onion Steak Saute:
1/2 white onion
1 package bella mushrooms
1-2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
Paprika or chili powder to taste
 
Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized skillet.  Turn the heat to a meduim-high heat.  Stir occasionally for 15-20 minutes or until onions start to turn a light brown or caramelize.  Pour into bowl and enjoy on your steak or even in a salad!

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