Healthy Tidbits

It’s about the time of year when I have gathered all these bits and pieces of information that really don’t fit into a long blog. So I just kind of place them into a “this & that” category and send them out all at once. I hope there is something here you hadn’t known which will help you:

Food Preparation:

Are you one of those who tastes the entire meal while cooking? That simple process can add an extra 100 calories to your day! So what to do? Place a piece of peppermint, hard candy or  a piece of gum in your mouth to prevent unconscious tasting.  Or, have someone else taste-test the ingredients. If they like it, you will too.

Snack Attacks:

Trying your hardest not to snack?  Go brush your teeth, especially with a minty fresh flavor toothpaste.  It helps and even if it doesn’t you have healthier gums!

Take a bubble bath with a soothing lavender or lemon balm fragrance with soft music playing in the background to keep your mind off food and away from the kitchen.

Want to stay out of that potato chip or M& M’s bag?  Paint your nails or place or place Vaseline on the tops of them.

Getting a chocolate craving? Place 15 dark semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. Take only one at a time and slowly swirl it inside your mouth to get the savoring mouth feel without all the calories a fattening chocolate bar would contain. Eat slowly because when you are done, that’s all you get!

Staying Hydrated:

We all need proper hydration for great health. How do you know if you are getting enough water?  Here’s a simple test to discover if you are:  Pinch the soft skin between your right thumb and pointing finger. Hold for five seconds then release and count once more. If your skin bounces back within five seconds you are ingesting enough water.

Have frequent headaches? Drink water first. Perhaps your veins are restricted and the headache is a result of dehydration. Try consuming fruits like bananas and vegetables like spinach or alfalfa which contain magnesium. These strengthen and relax blood vessels.

Brain Tips:

If you are feeling slightly sluggish, kind of spacey and “out of it”, drink coconut water which revitalizes the brain! It also regulates body fluids with electrolytes such as magnesium, calcium and potassium.

Want to feel more alert for a test?  It’s ironic that the herb “Sage” contains compounds that assist in memory and attentiveness. Make a sage tea and build brain cells in the process. The herb, rosemary, has also been shown to retain brain cells.

Why do dieters always seem to believe beef is off-limits? Consuming low-fat beef cuts such as sirloin, tenderloin, or ground round have less calories than dark meat chicken! Beef contains iron which increases blood flow as well as improves one’s brain.

And don’t avoid eggs either! Eggs yolks are the great source of choline which is a precursor for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in helping your memory.

Can’t Sleep?

Consume cherries, one of the best foods for creating melatonin, one of the factors necessary for good sleep. Also cherry juice is great for aching muscles due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Well I hope these tips help. Got another quick question, please ask me!

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)