6 Power Foods to Put Your Summer Energy on High

Are you more active in the summer? Do you need a boost of energy to get you through the day?

I've got just the menu additions you need. The summer superfoods below are so easy to use that once you've tried them, you just might want to keep them on your grocery list all year long. Many are probably new to you, but you shouldn't have trouble finding them in your local health food store or online. Print out my handy list as a guide, and you're good to go--fast and strong, all summer long.

1) Whole Raw Organic Chia Seeds

Ch-ch-ch-chia! Remember Chia Pets? I promise you'll be more impressed and fascinated with this little seed as a food than the kitschy knickknack you saw on TV. The chia seed has long been known as a powerful dietary supplement. Even the ancient Aztecs recognized its ability to lend strength when eaten. These raw organic seeds are an excellent source of valuable omega fatty acids as well as an easily digestible form of protein, minerals, calcium, and fiber. And they have a lovely, pleasant texture. I add chia seeds to smoothies, salads, and stir fries for a little crunch.




2) Flax Cereals

OK, maybe cereals aren't always the best choice for breakfast, but sometimes that crunch (and let's not forget quick convenience during the weekday morning rush) is tempting. Cereals made primarily of flaxseed are a perfect compromise. Flaxseeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. At least two brands offer protein-rich, no-sugar options that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and lots of fiber. These choices are natural, tasty, and--did I mention this?--super crunchy.

3) Maca Powder

Maca root has been used for thousands of years for its nutrients and healing. Now studies are confirming its positive effect on the endocrine system to increase stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue. This nutrient-dense whole food packed with vitamins, essential minerals, and fatty and amino acids is easy to add to smoothies, shakes, tea, granola, cereal, and yogurt.

4) Organic Coconut Milk

We've long known about the benefits of coconut water and oil. I use coconut milk in my cooking now for a delicious, healthy fat addition with that fabulous creamy, coconut taste without sugar.

5) Nutritional Yeast

What tastes cheesy when sprinkled on popcorn and salads, has the B vitamins essential for vegetarians, and offers protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, lots of fiber, and minerals? Nutritional yeast, of course! There are many kinds of yeast, and some we avoid because it causes infections and discomfort. Nutritional yeast is quite the opposite: It's a natural supplement valued for its powerful punch.

6) Shelled Hempseed

Packed with protein, omegas, iron, zinc, and magnesium, shelled hempseed is also delicious. It imparts a flavor similar to pine nuts. Opt for a ground form of hempseed for a quick, tasty, and healthful addition to smoothies, cereal, soups, salads, and veggies.

It's important to make wise choices among entrees, but simply adding ingredients like these can take your healthful meal from satisfactory to mouth-watering--and give your engine a high octane boost as well. Pick out a few and give them a try this week. You won't be disappointed!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Roberta_Mittman/646040

Foods to Avoid High Cholesterol - A Natural Approach to Lowering Cholesterol

The foods to avoid high cholesterol are incredibly important to any diet. If you have found that your cholesterol readings need to come down, you will find that using food to lower high cholesterol is one of the most effective things you can do.

It seems unbelievable to me how many individuals turning immediately to cholesterol medication when they find that their cholesterol readings are too high. That makes no sense given the well accepted fact that the primary cause of cholesterol problems is the foods we consume.

The opposite is also true. The most effective solution to cholesterol issues is found in the foods that most of us do not consume enough of. Let's take a look at the best foods to avoid high cholesterol.




At the top of the list we find vegetables. Many individuals find it difficult to add enough vegetables to their diet to support healthy cholesterol levels. For this reason I find it helpful to use a structured diet plan such as the South Beach diet or the Mediterranean diet.

While neither of these diets are specifically designed for lowering cholesterol, they both include many delicious recipes that use the best food to lower high cholesterol. For me, the South Beach diet provided enough structure for me to follow through with losing weight and lowering cholesterol.

Try to include as many vegetables such as brussels sprouts, broccoli and spinach as possible in the meals you prepare.

Other foods to avoid high cholesterol include most fruits, nuts and whole grains. These are all high nutrition, high fiber food to lower high cholesterol that has a wealth of scientific research supporting their effectiveness.

Following this type of approach to healthy cholesterol makes much more sense than using medication, which, in the long run can cause permanent damage to your kidneys and liver.

I invite you to visit my website where I discuss the foods to avoid high cholesterol and other effective steps you can take to restore normal cholesterol readings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Van_Crawford/66169