I think any one of us has, at one time or another, heard “eat your carrots, they’re good for your eyes!” Now we have a comeback, “Well, so is corn!” Corn contains an abundance of one particular carotenoid called lutein (loo-teen), which studies show helps support overall eye health – along with other health benefits. This is good news for diabetics, who must take extra care of their eyes.
Lutein is a natural food component that acts as an antioxidant. Its highest concentration is in the macular lutea, the eye tissues responsible for central vision. In the eyes, this pigment plays a protective role by absorbing some of the damaging components of sunlight. In a sense, one could say it acts like built-in sunglasses.
The body cannot “make” lutein – you can only obtain it through the foods you eat. One cup of cooked and drained corn contains 1.4mg of lutein. Other excellent sources of lutein are spinach, kale, tomatoes, celery, peas, broccoli, oranges and egg yolks.
Suggested recipes:
Marshmallow Corn Cobs (Low Salt/Sodium)
Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Summer Corn Salad
We’re nearing the time of year when corn will be available in abundance so plan to dig in! When not in season, canned and/or frozen corn will suffice! Check out a couple quick tips to Get the Corn off the Cob!
Share on Facebook
June 15th, 2008
Posted by
fitnfree |
Food Facts |
no comments
How many calories do you need? That is a loaded question with a lot of variables. Your age, sex, type of work, physical activity, all come into play. There is no one answer for this question.
Currently, experts recommend a 2000 calorie a day diet for everyone, but this could be unrealistic for many of us. There is no reason why you should get too concerned if you go a few hundred or even a thousand over this limit, especially if you are a very active person. Of course, if you go over by 5,000 then you can worry.
Note: Some people do need to be concerned with their caloric intake. For example, people who are on a diet because of heart problems should be very focused on their diet. Also people with sugar problems would fall into this category.
However, if you don’t have a health concern, you need not go crazy watching every calorie you take in. Although, if you are eating from the drive through lane every day, that could be a problem. Basically, just use common sense and understand where your calories are coming from. If you are eating 3,500 calories and they are mostly from healthful foods and you are not gaining excess weight, you’re doing alright. If, on the other hand, your food intake is mostly from candy and deep fried foods, then you should be concerned.
If you are eating 1,500 calories alone of fruits and vegetables, that is better than eating that in fat. Isn’t it all the same? Not really. It isn’t the same because the calories are coming from a good source. They are coming from things that are good for you. The fruits and veggies will help you out in many ways. They will also help you fight off cancer and heart disease. This isn’t true if you are over eating on fats and sweets.
Bottom line: If you are healthy, base most of your diet on good-for-you foods to get the most bang for your calorie buck and you should be alright. If you are looking to lose weight, you’ll find that healthful fruits and vegetables can be very satisfying while low in calories. Junk food and fried fast foods are the dieter’s downfall; avoid whenever possible. Happy eating!
Share on Facebook
June 12th, 2008
Posted by
fitnfree |
Weightloss Wisdom |
no comments
Repeated Violations Prompt Action Against Seafood Company
FDA has taken enforcement action against Minneapolis-based seafood processor Captain’s Select Seafood Inc. The action follows the company’s extensive history of violating food and drug law. The company also has violated the agency’s regulations that require seafood processors to develop and implement plans that identify food safety hazards and offer preventive measures to control those hazards.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01846.html
› FDA is warning consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak has been linked to certain raw red plum, red Roma, and red round tomatoes, and products containing these raw, red tomatoes.
– Press release: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01848.html
– More information: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html
Share on Facebook
June 9th, 2008
Posted by
fitnfree |
To Your Health! |
no comments
I was disappointed in the way these turned out; perhaps I did something wrong, but this is a recipe I will NOT be making again. If anyone tries it and has better luck with it, I’d sincerely love to hear about it, as I honestly don’t know where I went wrong.
This is a quick, simple dessert dish that should turn out creamy, cool and tasty for anyone who loves coffee.
Coffee Lover’s Dessert
Ingredients:
10 to 12 large marshmallows
1/2 cup brewed coffee
1/2 cup whipping cream
Directions:
In a heavy saucepan, combine marshmallows and coffee; cook and stir over low heat until melted. (This image didn’t turn out too well, either! lol)
Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into individual dessert dishes. Chill. Yield: 2 servings
Mine came out runny and tasted like nothing more than coffee with whipped cream dumped into it. 
I bombed this one.
Share on Facebook
June 9th, 2008
Posted by
fitnfree |
Kitchen Creations |
no comments
These are so quick and easy, while being so healthy! A great summer time treat.
Ingredients:
1 cup orange or apple juice
1 cup cranberry juice
Directions:
Combine juices, pour mixture into four paper cups. Cover with foil.
Insert a popsicle stick in each; freeze.
Makes 4 frostie sticks.
Share on Facebook
June 7th, 2008
Posted by
fitnfree |
Kitchen Creations |
no comments
34.1 percent of men aged 45 to 54 have high blood pressure.
45 to 54 year olds buy 35 percent of sports cars.
50 percent of men and women are about half gray by age 55.
People age 50 plus buy close to half of all luxury cars.
Persons over 40 have a one in five chance of developing heart failure.
49 percent of baby boomers plan to work after they retire, mainly for enjoyment.
Share on Facebook
June 6th, 2008
Posted by
fitnfree |
Fit Facts |
no comments
› Certain lots of Amish Macaroni Salad under the Orval Kent or Yoder’s label (various sizes) Reason for recall: a precaution due to results of tests on a single package for E. coli O157:H7http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/orvalkent05_08.html
Share on Facebook
June 2nd, 2008
Posted by
fitnfree |
To Your Health! |
no comments
Hundreds and thousands of individuals shed weight problems by natural way without the fear of any side effects. By drawing the power of natural herbals and supplements, you can also lose your weight considerably.
Natural weight loss by means of herbals and supplements is often effective as well as safe, if you make use of it avidly. By natural weight loss, you not only loose unhealthy and needless weight, but also ensure to safeguard your body during the process.
Natural weight loss supplement is very effective in the process of reducing the calorie consumption and thereby increases the chances to reduce substantial weight. Before you visit to your closest pharmacy for any natural weight loss supplements, consider a few guidelines while selecting weight loss supplements. For instance:
- Avoid ephedra: A few natural weight loss supplements contain constituents such as ephedra alias ephedrine that links to several illnesses and side effects. Sometimes, it may cause seizures, stokes, and heart attacks.
- Avoid Addiction: Natural weight loss supplements that include amphetamine may trigger withdrawal symptoms, while you decide to stop the medicines. Sometimes, you may develop addiction of these pills making it unable to discontinue these medications. The long term usage of any weight loss pills results in the development of various side effects.
Natural Way to Cut Down Your Weight
If you are confused to decide the best natural weight loss supplement, check out these:
Hoodia GL: You can consider this diet capsule to get rid of your obesity problems naturally. Recently, researchers have found that supplements in Hoodia GL features high potential to reduce an individual’s weight significantly. It has the capacity to restrain your appetite by up to 2000 calories each day. It has all the organic and natural constituents and is the outcome of a research lasting three decades by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa.
Dr. Approved Relora: Another most valuable natural weight loss supplements to reduce your weight. You have no doubt heard about the link between the stress hormone cortisol and weight loss. Excess stress, may lead to high cortisol levels that stimulate your appetite, with the end result being weight gain or difficulty losing unwanted pounds. Relora is a much less expensive, yet effective alternative to these popular diet pills that has been proven to reduce cortisol levels.
Healthy Weight Formula: Healthy Weight contains a full range of B vitamins including Niacin and Folic Acid. The B vitamins are key to producing energy from nutrients consumed, helping break down carbohydrates and metabolizing carbs as well as fat.
For more weight loss supplements, many Dr. Approved, visit the BellyBytes.com Weight Loss Wisdom section of BellyBytes.com.
Share on Facebook
June 2nd, 2008
Posted by
fitnfree |
Weightloss Wisdom |
no comments
