Monthly Archives: January 2016

January 22, 2016

‘SIRTFOODS’ – FIND OUT ABOUT THIS YEAR’S DIET TREND.

Chocolate

The newest diet trend actually allows you eat some of your favourite foods – dark chocolate included! The sirtfood plan is all about what you should include and add to your meals.

What are sirtfoods?

  • They’re foods that are high in substances called sirtuin activators. There are seven types of sirtuin in the body.
  • Sirtuins can help you shift weight because they fire up pathways in the body that help boost your metabolism.
  • These pathways help you torch fat and boost muscle. They’re normally activated by exercising and by fasting (i.e. the basis of the 5:2 diet).
  • A sirtfood diet mimics the effects of fasting or vigorous exercise. Packing your diet with sirtfoods basically tricks your body into sparking up your metabolism.

There are other health benefits to adding sirtuins to your diet, beyond just losing weight. A diet high in sirtuins reduces cell inflammation – a key cause of type 2 diabetes – heart disease and even dementia. As sirtfoods are known to help protect cells from dying, eating lots of them can also have powerful anti-ageing benefits.

What foods should I be eating?

This top 10 list shows the foods most rich in sirtuin activators:

  1. Green tea
  2. Kale
  3. Dark chocolate
  4. Red wine
  5. Turmeric
  6. Parsley
  7. Onions
  8. Olives & olive oil
  9. Pomegranate
  10. Soy beans & tofu
January 11, 2016

FOOD FACT: PUMPKIN SEEDS.

Pumpkin_seeds

  • Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is good for the prostate and building the immune system.
  • They also contain fatty acids that kill parasites.
  • Raw pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids and beneficial proteins.
  • For maximum nutritional benefits, seeds should be eaten raw.
January 1, 2016

HEALTHY SNACKS UNDER 100 CALORIES.

Almonds

Happy New Year! Feeling bloated and ready for a detox? Try these low calorie snacks to help you on the road to recovery.

These nutritious snack ideas are a great way to get you back into healthy eating after the inevitable Christmas indulgence. Add these snacks into a healthy diet, will help you to feel full in between meals while you’re trying to lose weight.

Eating frequently throughout the day keeps your metabolism stoked and your hunger from getting out of hand (which can lead to overeating). These snacks under 100 calories are healthy, satisfying, and they wont derail your diet.

1. 1 medium orange (60 calories), 1 piece dark chocolate (35)
These 2 are a powerhouse of antioxidants; plus, you get to eat chocolate!

2. ½ apple (40), ½ banana (50)
Slice these two delicious fruits up together to make a mini fruit salad that makes for a satisfying option that’s full of fibre and vitamins. Sprinkle a little metabolism boosting cinnamon on top if you want more flavour.

3. 1 medium red bell pepper (40), 2 tablespoons hummus (50)
Slice up your bell pepper and enjoy this colourful treat guilt free.

4. 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (60), 6 large strawberries (36)
With this you get a healthy serving of digestive-friendly probiotics and calcium from the yogurt and antioxidants and fibre from the berries.

5. 3 level teaspoons peanut butter (75), 2 large stalks of celery (20)
The celery makes for a satisfying ‘crunch’ and the fat and protein in the peanut butter will help you feel full longer.

6. 7 almonds (50), 1 kiwi (50)
The best low calorie snacks are the ones that provide a good balance of fats, proteins and carbs; this one is perfect.

7. 1 cup of almost any raw fruit or vegetable (100)
Almost all fruits and veggies are under 100 cals per cup, some of them are much less. Raw fruits and veggies are ideal options, reach for these whenever possible.

8. 1 ounce mozzarella cheese (70), 1 medium tomato (25)
Slice up a fresh tomato and enjoy a serving of skim mozzarella cheese for a healthy and nutritious snack.