Black Grape Health
Drink Well – Live Long
Black Grape is a Powerful combination of Natural Ingredients that promote Total Body Wellness, Increased Metabolism and Natural Energy.
Metabolism... Like an Extra 20 Minutes on the Treadmill
Black Grape's Proprietary blend of L-Leucine, Green Tea Extract, Resveratrol and Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid) are naturally occurring nutrients that when combined together help promote increased metabolism and health. Now you can Burn up to 200 calories a day more by just drinking the combination of the right nutrients found in Black Grape.
Natural Energy
Black Grape will give you that extra boost when you need it. A blend of B Vitamins, Taurine, Green Tea Extract, Guarana Seed Extract and Natural Caffeine gives you that pick me up when you need it -- without the crash. Black Grape has as much natural caffeine as a cup of the leading premium coffee.
Power of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant produced by plants to attack pathogens, foreign bacteria and environmental stresses. Some of the richest sources of Resveratrol are the skins of red or dark grapes and Japanese Knotweed. Independent researchers have found that Resveratrol protects cells from free radicals and acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagen. Recent studies suggest Resveratrol improves performance of the brain and heart, and promotes cellular longevity. Many nutritionists and health professionals encourage those with poor immune systems or those recovering from illness to consume foods with Resveratrol. As an entirely natural plant compound, it is a perfectly safe addition to any healthy diet.
Turn on your Body... Turn off your Tongue
Your tongue is probably your biggest enemy when trying to stick to any diet. The fact is your tongue is a pleasure center that stimulates the brain while you are eating. How often have you felt full, but your mouth still craves food. The Resveratrol and Green Tea Extract in Black Grape work together to Turn Off Your Tongue. Did you ever notice that when you drink a glass of red wine with dinner to tend to eat less and have a dry feeling on your tongue? The same thing happens when you have a cup of Green Tea.
Drinking 1/2 a can of Black Grape 10 minutes before your meal can help you eat less and stick to your diet by helping turn off your tongue. Black Grape Health.
Posted: 11/16/2009 on peoplestring
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Best Ways to Cheat
The Best Ways to Cheat
Christopher R. Mohr, PhD, RD
Meal Plans 101
Don’t get too excited, guys and women, I’m talking about cheating on your diet, not your significant other. After all, I’m a dietitian, not a private eye. The truth is that even if you’re committed to a healthy lifestyle (you know, you eat well, exercise regularly, rarely overindulge), temptation is still everywhere. If you’re not careful, one loving look from a juicy burger (with bacon, mayo and cheddar) across the room could be the end of you. An innocent night out for hot wings and beer may result in your being a “bad boy” (especially if somebody catches you in the act).
As a dietitian, I’m here to tell you it’s okay to cheat on rare occasion (ladies, you didn’t hear it here). But if you’re gonna’ give in to fat and carbohydrate overload, why not choose foods that can actually serve you? I call these the “best” of the “worst”—the top 10 foods you can eat and still like yourself in the morning.
Before launching into the list, let’s point out the obvious; some foods are better than others. Nutrient dense foods should comprise a majority of your diet. But I’m not saying you should live a life of deprivation either. Sometimes splurging on something “bad” is good. After you indulge, however, hop right back on the bandwagon.
The Top 10 Best of the Worst
Next time you’re glued to Monday Night Football, consider splurging on some of these foods—bad, but not so bad for you, they can’t be good too:
Food
Baked chips and guacamole
Why
Avocado (the green in guacamole) is a loaded with antioxidants, such as vitamin E and glutathione, which are both good for the heart and immune system and lutein, which is important for the eyes. Avocado is also a great source of heart healthy fats, to keep those lipids under wrap.
Food
Mixed nuts
Why
Squirrels aren’t stupid; nuts are excellent sources of B-vitamins, which are important in maintaining energy levels. They’re also great sources of vitamin E and low in saturated fat, making your heart happy.
Food
Pizza
Why
Opt for meat-free; pepperoni and sausage offer little in the nutrient department. Instead add a veggie topping or order it plain. The tomato sauce in pizza offers a hefty dose of lycopene, an important nutrient for prostate health. The added vegetables will add beta-carotene and vitamin C, among others, to fight free radicals, which promote aging.
Food
Hamburger
Why
You’re out with the guys and they insist on stopping at the local BBQ joint. While this might sound appealing, give the plain hamburger a try. Have it without mayonnaise or butter. Taste the burger for a change. It won’t kill you. Literally! This will keep the fat lower, and provide just as many muscle building nutrients like protein and iron.
Food
Sweet potato fries
Why
If you insist on fries, give the sweet potato fries a chance. Rather than solely adding fat to your diet, like normal fries, the orange shoe strings will at least provide a good dose of beta-carotene.
Food
Dark beer
Why
Forget about “tastes great” and “less filling.” Preliminary studies show dark beer may offer more “free radical fighting” flavonoids than light beer, which may help fight blood clots. But if you need to be rolled out of the bar or peeled off the “porcelain king” you’ve negated any benefit. Drink in moderation, dude.
Food
Dark chocolate covered strawberries
Why
Dark chocolate is high in a compound called phenols, that may help prevent “bad cholesterol” from forming plaque in your arteries. (Hey, it’s never too early or too late to protect your heart). Add the benefit of strawberries, a great source of vitamins C and A, and dessert never sounded so good. Let’s not leave out that most women find these foods romantic, so your heart may not be the only thing that benefits.
Food
Snickers Almond Bar
Why
Quiz: It’s the middle of the day; you’re starving at your desk and can’t concentrate. What do you do? Reach for a Snickers Almond Bar; the almonds provide some heart healthy fats and are high in B-vitamins. This version is lower in total fat and saturated fat than the “regular” Snickers too. And even if you think you’re king, don’t go for King Size. That’s a surefire way to find yourself the court jester.
Food
Berry pie
Why
Unfortunately carrot cake doesn’t count as a vegetable, so instead order berry pie for dessert. Berries have some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit or vegetable and have even been shown to contain compounds that help prevent Alzheimers; the darker the berry, the higher dose of nutrients, so blueberry or blackberry pie would be great options. Skip the a la mode and leave some crust behind; they’re loaded with saturated fat.
Food
Shortening
Why
You’re alone on a Friday night; you’re wife does all the cooking and she’s out of town. Shortening is great if you want something quick and easy; spoon it right out of the container and you’ll go immediately to saturated and trans-fat heaven, where your arteries are so clogged, Draino wouldn’t do the trick. Alright, I got carried away. Please don’t eat shortening by the spoonful as it lacks anything that could be construed as healthy.
The Worst of the Best
If these formerly questionable foods can be good for you, can “good foods” be not so healthy? You bet. Three, in particular, will pack weight on faster than prey fattens a bear preparing to hibernate. Avoid, if you can:
Salad, which by itself is great. But loaded with bacon bits, cheese, butter soaked croutons and creamy dressing? Deadly. Instead, load it up with fresh veggies and lowfat dressing and go crazy.
Rice cakes. Once a dieters dream, rice cakes have gone the way of the eight-track, since they offer zero nutrients and will blow your blood sugar through the roof. Besides they taste like cardboard and who wants to eat that?
Low-carb hot wings (yes, I have seen these advertised). Guess what? Wings never had carbs, they’re a saturated fat nightmare. They’re also loaded with calories, so skip ‘em. Chew on your wife instead.
Well, there you have it. The best of the worst, and the worst of the best. Follow these guidelines and nobody can ever call you a cheater again.
About the Author:
Dr. Chris Mohr RD, PhD is a health nutrition consultant to a number of media outlets and corporations including Discovery Health Channel, Clif Bar, Waterfront Media, and Fit Fuel. He has authored and co-authored several textbooks and textbook chapters, including consulting with LL Cool J on "LL Cool J's Platinum Workout" (Rodale Press, 2006). He is also co-creator of Meal Plans 101 nutrition software. For more information on how you can utilize Chris's expertise go to Meal Plans 101
Christopher R. Mohr, PhD, RD
Meal Plans 101
Don’t get too excited, guys and women, I’m talking about cheating on your diet, not your significant other. After all, I’m a dietitian, not a private eye. The truth is that even if you’re committed to a healthy lifestyle (you know, you eat well, exercise regularly, rarely overindulge), temptation is still everywhere. If you’re not careful, one loving look from a juicy burger (with bacon, mayo and cheddar) across the room could be the end of you. An innocent night out for hot wings and beer may result in your being a “bad boy” (especially if somebody catches you in the act).
As a dietitian, I’m here to tell you it’s okay to cheat on rare occasion (ladies, you didn’t hear it here). But if you’re gonna’ give in to fat and carbohydrate overload, why not choose foods that can actually serve you? I call these the “best” of the “worst”—the top 10 foods you can eat and still like yourself in the morning.
Before launching into the list, let’s point out the obvious; some foods are better than others. Nutrient dense foods should comprise a majority of your diet. But I’m not saying you should live a life of deprivation either. Sometimes splurging on something “bad” is good. After you indulge, however, hop right back on the bandwagon.
The Top 10 Best of the Worst
Next time you’re glued to Monday Night Football, consider splurging on some of these foods—bad, but not so bad for you, they can’t be good too:
Food
Baked chips and guacamole
Why
Avocado (the green in guacamole) is a loaded with antioxidants, such as vitamin E and glutathione, which are both good for the heart and immune system and lutein, which is important for the eyes. Avocado is also a great source of heart healthy fats, to keep those lipids under wrap.
Food
Mixed nuts
Why
Squirrels aren’t stupid; nuts are excellent sources of B-vitamins, which are important in maintaining energy levels. They’re also great sources of vitamin E and low in saturated fat, making your heart happy.
Food
Pizza
Why
Opt for meat-free; pepperoni and sausage offer little in the nutrient department. Instead add a veggie topping or order it plain. The tomato sauce in pizza offers a hefty dose of lycopene, an important nutrient for prostate health. The added vegetables will add beta-carotene and vitamin C, among others, to fight free radicals, which promote aging.
Food
Hamburger
Why
You’re out with the guys and they insist on stopping at the local BBQ joint. While this might sound appealing, give the plain hamburger a try. Have it without mayonnaise or butter. Taste the burger for a change. It won’t kill you. Literally! This will keep the fat lower, and provide just as many muscle building nutrients like protein and iron.
Food
Sweet potato fries
Why
If you insist on fries, give the sweet potato fries a chance. Rather than solely adding fat to your diet, like normal fries, the orange shoe strings will at least provide a good dose of beta-carotene.
Food
Dark beer
Why
Forget about “tastes great” and “less filling.” Preliminary studies show dark beer may offer more “free radical fighting” flavonoids than light beer, which may help fight blood clots. But if you need to be rolled out of the bar or peeled off the “porcelain king” you’ve negated any benefit. Drink in moderation, dude.
Food
Dark chocolate covered strawberries
Why
Dark chocolate is high in a compound called phenols, that may help prevent “bad cholesterol” from forming plaque in your arteries. (Hey, it’s never too early or too late to protect your heart). Add the benefit of strawberries, a great source of vitamins C and A, and dessert never sounded so good. Let’s not leave out that most women find these foods romantic, so your heart may not be the only thing that benefits.
Food
Snickers Almond Bar
Why
Quiz: It’s the middle of the day; you’re starving at your desk and can’t concentrate. What do you do? Reach for a Snickers Almond Bar; the almonds provide some heart healthy fats and are high in B-vitamins. This version is lower in total fat and saturated fat than the “regular” Snickers too. And even if you think you’re king, don’t go for King Size. That’s a surefire way to find yourself the court jester.
Food
Berry pie
Why
Unfortunately carrot cake doesn’t count as a vegetable, so instead order berry pie for dessert. Berries have some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit or vegetable and have even been shown to contain compounds that help prevent Alzheimers; the darker the berry, the higher dose of nutrients, so blueberry or blackberry pie would be great options. Skip the a la mode and leave some crust behind; they’re loaded with saturated fat.
Food
Shortening
Why
You’re alone on a Friday night; you’re wife does all the cooking and she’s out of town. Shortening is great if you want something quick and easy; spoon it right out of the container and you’ll go immediately to saturated and trans-fat heaven, where your arteries are so clogged, Draino wouldn’t do the trick. Alright, I got carried away. Please don’t eat shortening by the spoonful as it lacks anything that could be construed as healthy.
The Worst of the Best
If these formerly questionable foods can be good for you, can “good foods” be not so healthy? You bet. Three, in particular, will pack weight on faster than prey fattens a bear preparing to hibernate. Avoid, if you can:
Salad, which by itself is great. But loaded with bacon bits, cheese, butter soaked croutons and creamy dressing? Deadly. Instead, load it up with fresh veggies and lowfat dressing and go crazy.
Rice cakes. Once a dieters dream, rice cakes have gone the way of the eight-track, since they offer zero nutrients and will blow your blood sugar through the roof. Besides they taste like cardboard and who wants to eat that?
Low-carb hot wings (yes, I have seen these advertised). Guess what? Wings never had carbs, they’re a saturated fat nightmare. They’re also loaded with calories, so skip ‘em. Chew on your wife instead.
Well, there you have it. The best of the worst, and the worst of the best. Follow these guidelines and nobody can ever call you a cheater again.
About the Author:
Dr. Chris Mohr RD, PhD is a health nutrition consultant to a number of media outlets and corporations including Discovery Health Channel, Clif Bar, Waterfront Media, and Fit Fuel. He has authored and co-authored several textbooks and textbook chapters, including consulting with LL Cool J on "LL Cool J's Platinum Workout" (Rodale Press, 2006). He is also co-creator of Meal Plans 101 nutrition software. For more information on how you can utilize Chris's expertise go to Meal Plans 101
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Food Labels Can Be Tricky
Food Labels Can Be Tricky
by: Meal Plans 101
Food labels can be tricky -- and are mainly there for 1 reason and
1 reason only: to sell you the food!!
Companies are notorious for throwing words around like "zero trans fat,
heart healthy, low sugar, no impact carbs" and so on, but, unfortunately,
they care about 1 thing and that's their bottom line (surely not
YOUR bottom!)
Let's take a look at a few examples so you can really be a savvy shopper
and make the best decisions.
1. Kellog's Smart Start Strong Heart Antioxidants. Sounds fantastic, right?
We know breakfast is important, so now you're "starting smart." Of course we
all want strong hearts...got that. And antioxidants are wonderful for us, right? Well
what more do we need? Apparently they thought we needed sugar too -- since there
is more sugar in 1 cup of this cereal than 1 cup of Frosted Flakes!! And not just more,
but nearly double the amount (14 g vs. 8 g). Now, granted, it also has 3 times the fiber,
so it gets a thumbs up for that.
But who would think a cereal with an amazing title like Smart Start Strong Heart Antioxidants
has more sugar than a cereal with that tells you it's frosted right in the title? Here are two
better cereal options: 1. whole rolled oats and 2. oat bran. Both have no sugar, are loaded
with fiber, and are much less expensive than other packaged cereals with fancy marketing
attached. And another hint: if there's a cartoon on the box, leave it on the shelf!
2. Starbucks No Sugar Added Banana Nut Coffee Cake. Now, c'mon, I know you didn't
think this one was healthy--it's coffee cake. But you can't tell me there wasn't a glimmer of
hope with the "no sugar added" preface, right? Sure, it's "healthy" alright -- 480 calories and
28 grams of fat healthy! To replace the sugar, they also added a WHOPPING 36 grams of
sugar alcohols, which might have a very unpleasant side effect on the 'ol GI system, if you know
what we're saying. Of course no one would go into Starbucks without a mocha, cream
covered, super frothy double grande bla bla bla, right? Put the two of those together and
you just got over 1000 calories of junky fat and even worse carbohydrates!
3. KFC trans fat free fried chicken. Alright, alright--now we're preaching to the choir (hopefully).
KFC has followed the rest of America and taken trans fat out of their foods. You know
what--it's still FRIED CHICKEN! Eating trans fat free fried chicken is like switching seats
on the Titanic--either way, you're in trouble! But I have had many consumers ask me if this
is OK more frequently because they took the trans fat out. It's confusing for consumers and
companies love that!
While we're on the topic of trans fat, here's a question that comes up all the time. How can a
food package say 0 trans fat when in fact it lists hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated on the
ingredient list? Because it has less than 0.5 g per serving (which means as soon as you eat more
than that, you're getting trans fat).
The easiest way to avoid trans fat and other junky ingredients is to buy foods that don't have
ingredients meaning foods that are not packaged! Fruits and vegetables don't come in packages.
Fish, chicken, meat do not come in packages (now, yes, of course they CAN, but in general).
That will ensure you're making the best decisions. And if a food does have a label, aim for as
few ingredients as possible--let's say, less than 5.
Just as an FYI, Pop Tarts have OVER 50 ingredients! If you want truly want to take control
of your health, check out Meal Plans 101 where we show you the exact strategies to be healthier and lose fat, such as:
· The correct amount of calories to eat,
· The nutrient ratios that work best for you,
· Plenty of variey so you don't get bored with your meals,
· And much much more
by: Meal Plans 101
Food labels can be tricky -- and are mainly there for 1 reason and
1 reason only: to sell you the food!!
Companies are notorious for throwing words around like "zero trans fat,
heart healthy, low sugar, no impact carbs" and so on, but, unfortunately,
they care about 1 thing and that's their bottom line (surely not
YOUR bottom!)
Let's take a look at a few examples so you can really be a savvy shopper
and make the best decisions.
1. Kellog's Smart Start Strong Heart Antioxidants. Sounds fantastic, right?
We know breakfast is important, so now you're "starting smart." Of course we
all want strong hearts...got that. And antioxidants are wonderful for us, right? Well
what more do we need? Apparently they thought we needed sugar too -- since there
is more sugar in 1 cup of this cereal than 1 cup of Frosted Flakes!! And not just more,
but nearly double the amount (14 g vs. 8 g). Now, granted, it also has 3 times the fiber,
so it gets a thumbs up for that.
But who would think a cereal with an amazing title like Smart Start Strong Heart Antioxidants
has more sugar than a cereal with that tells you it's frosted right in the title? Here are two
better cereal options: 1. whole rolled oats and 2. oat bran. Both have no sugar, are loaded
with fiber, and are much less expensive than other packaged cereals with fancy marketing
attached. And another hint: if there's a cartoon on the box, leave it on the shelf!
2. Starbucks No Sugar Added Banana Nut Coffee Cake. Now, c'mon, I know you didn't
think this one was healthy--it's coffee cake. But you can't tell me there wasn't a glimmer of
hope with the "no sugar added" preface, right? Sure, it's "healthy" alright -- 480 calories and
28 grams of fat healthy! To replace the sugar, they also added a WHOPPING 36 grams of
sugar alcohols, which might have a very unpleasant side effect on the 'ol GI system, if you know
what we're saying. Of course no one would go into Starbucks without a mocha, cream
covered, super frothy double grande bla bla bla, right? Put the two of those together and
you just got over 1000 calories of junky fat and even worse carbohydrates!
3. KFC trans fat free fried chicken. Alright, alright--now we're preaching to the choir (hopefully).
KFC has followed the rest of America and taken trans fat out of their foods. You know
what--it's still FRIED CHICKEN! Eating trans fat free fried chicken is like switching seats
on the Titanic--either way, you're in trouble! But I have had many consumers ask me if this
is OK more frequently because they took the trans fat out. It's confusing for consumers and
companies love that!
While we're on the topic of trans fat, here's a question that comes up all the time. How can a
food package say 0 trans fat when in fact it lists hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated on the
ingredient list? Because it has less than 0.5 g per serving (which means as soon as you eat more
than that, you're getting trans fat).
The easiest way to avoid trans fat and other junky ingredients is to buy foods that don't have
ingredients meaning foods that are not packaged! Fruits and vegetables don't come in packages.
Fish, chicken, meat do not come in packages (now, yes, of course they CAN, but in general).
That will ensure you're making the best decisions. And if a food does have a label, aim for as
few ingredients as possible--let's say, less than 5.
Just as an FYI, Pop Tarts have OVER 50 ingredients! If you want truly want to take control
of your health, check out Meal Plans 101 where we show you the exact strategies to be healthier and lose fat, such as:
· The correct amount of calories to eat,
· The nutrient ratios that work best for you,
· Plenty of variey so you don't get bored with your meals,
· And much much more
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)