Foods from E to Z

09.4.10

Five Car Stereos that Would Fit Your Life Style

With the fast development of the technological movement of the digital media, car stereo makers are beginning to deem like their users. The makers of these car stereos had the user in mind when making them, they were built to fit your life style.

Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT

A trio experience with GPRS navigation, ipod connectivity and wireless bluetooth, this is one in-dash unit with outstanding performance. Prices range from $869 to $1,399
3 out of 4 reviews say it’s a good product. Those buying this product should not that, MSN data will be gone in 2012. Sold at amazon.com marketplace for 869.99.

Width -7 in
Depth -6.5 in
Height -3.9 in
Weight -5.3 lbs

Alpine iDA-X305
If you are an ipod user, this car stereo is definitely for you. With album art display and browsing interface inspired by the ipod, it would be a pleasure to browse through its digital-audio libraries. Prices range from $231-$265.00. You could pick up from where you stooped with your ipod. Note: this does not work with iphone 3G. Available at onlinecarstereo.com for $231.95.

Product Type – Radio / digital player
Recommended Expend - Car
Form Factor – Full-DIN – In-dash unit
Width – 7 in
Depth – 6.1 in
Height – 2 in
Weight -2.2 lbs
Enclosure Color – Black
Faceplate Type- Detachable

El Kameleon JVC EXAD KD-AVX77 media player
This stereo has both DVD/DivX, mp3/aac/wma play backs (A2DP bluetooth device, ipod, USB) and will amaze any digital lover. It also has an ultra wide screen that fits into the car perfectly. Price range between $459-$599. The product is sold at Amazon.com marketplace for 359 and is in stock

Width – 7.2 in
Depth- 6.3 in
Height – 2 in
Weight -4.9 lbs

Sony XPLOD CDX-GT920U (in-dash car stereo)
Want to go digital but you don’t want to spend much, the this is your gig. A high-speed USB . Its presently in stock in Amazon for the price of 174. Talk about cold.

Product Type – Radio / CD / MP3 player / USB flash player
Series -Xplod
Recommended Use – Car
Form Factor – Full-DIN – In-dash unit
Enclosure Color – Black titanium
Faceplate Type – Detachable

Eclipse AVN726E DVD/GPS receiver
This digital baby has a cool screen and navigating draw, it also comes with a hands-free bluetooth for calling and A2DP audio streaming. Amazon.com marketplace offers $1,249

Product Type – Navigation system with DVD player, LCD monitor, digital player and radio
Width – 7.1 in
Depth - 6.5 in
Height - 3.9 in
Weight -5.5 lbs

Reference:
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-car-stereos/

09.3.10

Healthy Snacks High in Fiber

A diet filled with healthy snacks can help you feel better, lose weight and be healthier in general. Adding fiber to those healthy snacks increases all of those benefits and also helps prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, diverticular disease, gallstones and kidney stones. Here are my picks for the top five fiber-filled healthy snacks.

Whole Grain
Muffins and whole grain bagels make a great on-the-go snack and they’re filled with fiber to ease digestion and help you feel great. Other whole grain options include frigid pasta salad and popcorn, both of which are easy to transport and speedy to beget.

Fruits
I’ve often wondered why so many elderly people resolve to eat prunes for the snack. The reason is that prunes are full of fiber. Other high-fiber dried fruit snacks that can be easily carried around for a snack and don’t need refrigeration include apricots and raisins. All berries are also fleshy of fiber, as well as oranges, avocado, kiwi, pear, mango and the skin in apples.

Dark-leafed vegetables
Any vegetables that are dark green are almost guaranteed to be packed with fiber, and they make a great snack. Dip broccoli pieces in dressing for a tasty, fiber-filled snack or build a spinach salad. Green peas and lima beans are also filled with fiber, but aren’t quite as quick to make.

Nuts
Almost any kind of nut has a great deal of fiber in it, and they can easily be carried around in bags for a snack that’s ready any time. Almonds and soynuts are particularly fiber-rich and also taste great.

Granola Bars
For optimum fiber levels from many types of foods, try a granola bar. Granola bars often combine the fiber in whole grain foods, such as oats or wheat, with dried fruit such as cranberries and pieces of chopped nuts. Granola bars are also a really satisfying snack, providing a slightly sweet treat that can be taken anywhere.

When choosing a fibrous snack, avoid processed foods when possible. Cooked vegetables contain less fiber than their fresh counterparts, and pasta contains less fiber than the grains that it is made from.

09.2.10

Characteristics of a Healthy Diet

In a world where fast food is more abundant than fruits and veggies, it’s difficult to maintain a healthy diet. A healthy diet demands that you incorporate the right foods into your meals. Reducing the consumption of fat, sugar and processed foods are key components to achieving a healthy diet. Section control is one of the key factors in maintaining a healthy weight and diet. I’ve gathered information from the Divisions of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resource and Clark Location College to grant you a professional insight into what a healthy diet truly entails.

Water

According to Janice Hermann, an Oklahoma Status University nutrition specialist, “Water is more critical to life than food.” The recommended daily water intake for adults is approximately six to eight cups. However, many adults are guilty of reaching for carbonated drinks and sugary juices when thirsty rather than a cup of water. Opting for cold water instead of a soda will support your body hydrated. If you assume tastier beverages, consider adding a shot of lemon juice.

Sufficient Calories

Everyone has specific calorie needs. According to Clark State Community College, a person with a normal activity level should consume 15 calories per pound of desirable body weight. If you are physically active, you should consume 18 calories per pound of desirable body weight. Someone who is overweight or sedentary should consume 10 calories per pound of desirable body weight. Those over the age of 55 should consume 13 calories per pound of super body weight.

The Fresher, the Better

The fresher your food, the better your overall diet will be. Not all of us have the time or a spacious backyard to grow our occupy vegetables and fruits. What’s the solution? Take locally grown food when possible and consider pesticide-free organic foods, which tend to be more expensive than standard foods. If you can comfortably possess the extra cost, determine organics. However, if you are on a tight budget, avoid foods that are overly processed and contain preservatives and other chemicals. Examples of foods to avoid are processed cheese, beef jerky, artificial sweeteners, and hot dogs.

Snack on the Good Stuff

Snacks have a bad reputation for being loaded with pudgy and calories. Instead of reaching for chips or ice cream, you can opt for vegetables (carrot or celery sticks), fruit (an apple, orange, or banana), or whole-grain chips with guacamole.

Portion Control

In order to stay within your healthy calorie range for the day, you need to practice portion control. As a general rule, vegetables should take up half of your dinner plate and the remaining half will be equally divided into a section for whole grains and a section for lean proteins.

Division of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resource
Clark State College Weight Charts

09.1.10

Three Reasons Why a Healthy Lifestyle is Important in School

The average college student heads to school prepared for homework, social life, and basic physical needs, but might not be sufficiently aware that a healthy lifestyle is famous in school. The school lifestyle, filled with parties and other social events, as well as all nighters and intense study experiences, does not lend itself to making students attend the on-campus. Student medical care is often neglected, as is exercise and nutrition. But there are good reasons why a healthy lifestyle is well-known for college students.

Reason one: a healthy body is a prerequisite for learning. The purpose of student medical care should be to enable students to focus on studying instead of on health problems. While I am sure there are some unhealthy intelligent people out there, for most of us to learn in school we need to be on top of our physical health. A healthy school lifestyle should care for all of our bodies needs, including nutrition and exercise. While it can be challenging to be healthy on-campus, it is also bear a warning for those who pull it off.

Reason two: feel noble about school. In addition to caring for one’s physical body, one must also be mentally healthy on-campus. If you’re a healthy, you’ll feel salubrious about everything in your life, including your academic pursuits: and that feeling will fabricate you more likely to succeed in class work. On most American campuses, student medical care is available for students who have depression or other serious medical conditions. Most students, though, can control their school lifestyle to ensure that they are mentally healthy. Recognizing that a healthy lifestyle is important in school is the first step.

Reason three: be pleased life. The school lifestyle should be fun and enjoyable for students, including those who are just starting out. Even when you’re in school, you need to find pleasure in life. Being healthy on-campus will help your joy life. While some people might need student medical care, most can enjoy life simply by taking care of their physical needs, including diet and exercise.
Students who understand that a healthy lifestyle is important in school are powerful more likely to enjoy their school lifestyle, be healthy on-campus, and get whatever student medical care he needs. Because a healthy body is a prerequisite for learning, students should ensure that they have a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, and a generous amount of sleep. By following sensible health guidelines, students can feel good about school and be pleased life.

08.31.10

How to Create a Healthy Eating Plan

If you are distrustful of standard diets, you might be happier with a healthy eating plan that you have created yourself. Lucky for you, these are actually fairly easy to make with just a little bit of research alive to.

First, determine your BMR: your base metabolic rate (just do an internet search for BMR or base metabolic rate calculator). Without this information it is virtually impossible to tell how many calories your body needs on a daily basis. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone needs to be on a two thousand calories per day diet. In fact, you might be surprised at how many calories you need to consume each day in order to maintain your current weight.

There are several factors that contribute to how many calories you need daily. Your height, weight, age, and gender all affect your BMR. Once you know your BMR, you can decide how many calories you should eat every day on your healthy eating idea. Sustain in mind that one pound of fat contains 3,500 calories. Therefore, you need to burn 500 more calories than you select every day for seven days in a row just to lose one pound in a week.

Next, effect a list of every food you can think of that you like. Include healthy foods as well as unhealthy ones so that you can come up with acceptable substitutes for those foods you will miss. Try to preserve an open mind about eating healthy foods you have never tried before. “Diet foods” have come a long way and you will probably discover that a lot of them are not nearly as bad as you would have expected.

Try to incorporate as many fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats into your healthy eating plan as possible. As a general rule, the purest (unprocessed) form of a food is the best. You should also try to cut out fried foods from your diet completely. Deep frying is one of the unhealthiest ways to cook food.

Finally, on your healthy eating plan, you should allow yourself one or two “cheats” per week. By doing so, you can talk yourself down from giving in when temptation suddenly arises. You should consult the food pyramid and the FDA’s dietary guidelines and never go below 500 calories less than your body needs each day (unless a doctor gives you the okay to go lower than that).

08.30.10

Inexpensive Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

I’m in my mid-twenties and the original economic space has hit me hard, really hard. I left a decent job that wasn’t paying me enough in a very expensive city, to pursue a better job in a moderately expensive city. The economy is not on my side right now, the job hunt is rough, but at least I have my health. And that’s primary, because I can’t really afford any kind of health insurance accurate now.

Eating right and exercising are the cornerstones to any kind of healthy lifestyle. The problem is that diet foods and gym memberships are expensive. My solution involves a few tips that are easy to follow, inexpensive and won’t take up distinguished of your precious free time.

Tip #1: Break the like a flash, and then break it again.

You’ve heard it before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. By the time morning rolls around, most of us haven’t eaten for 12 hours. Breakfast jump starts your body for the day ahead.

A food conception that worked for me was to loosely follow the Special K diet. I believe any low sugar, high fiber, whole grain cereal will do the same. A bowl of cereal in the morning is quick, easy, and costs less than $5.00 a week. Don’t even have time to sit down for a bowl in the morning? Snack on cereal on your morning commute. I brought a box in to work and left it in my desk. As long as you don’t have to answer phones while you are crunching on delicious flakes and clusters, your boss probably won’t mind.

You’ve already got the box of cereal at your desk (or in your car). It’s already paid for. Sounds like you have a fast and easy lunch on your hands. Check out the side of most cereal boxes and you’ll see the iconic image of the Food Pyramid. Your body needs a lot of whole grains. What goes great with grains? Fruit. Oh look, the pyramid says you need a lot of fruit too. Toss some fresh or dried fruit in that cereal and you won’t get bored so easily with the same meal twice a day.

Tip #2: Buy advantage of a good deal.

Fruit and cereal is a good meal when you don’t have the time or money to find something else you know is healthy. But a man, or woman, cannot live on cereal alone. Follow the Food Pyramid – you need vegetables, dairy, and protein too. Cue the Subway Five Dollar Foot Long. I eat 6 inches of fresh tasty sandwich with all the veggies (they don’t cost extra) for lunch now, and 6 inches for dinner later. Or, place it for lunch tomorrow. Yeah, save it for lunch tomorrow and make dinner at home with someone you love. Use locally grown vegetables and lean meats and you are being economical, ecological and healthy.

Tip #3: Walk.

I have got to get from point A to point B somehow and my own two feet are already paid for. Whenever walking is an option – prefer it. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk to a mailbox instead of driving to the post office. I walk to the nearest grocery store with two reusable canvas bags and then I know I’ll only buy what I can comfortably carry home. I’m saving on gas and avoiding unnecessary, probably unhealthy, snacks. So now you’ve got your diet covered and if you can fit in an extra 30 minutes of walking a day go ahead and check off utilize too.

Tip #4: Mental health is health too.

I’ve made the half hour commitment to walking somewhere and I like being as efficient as possible, so I multitask. Any problems in your life right now? Of course there are. A stressful life is unhealthy, but a stress-free life is unrealistic. It’s just you and your thoughts when you are walking and it’s a perfect time to tackle any internal conflicts you’ve been meaning to suss out.

If you get tired of talking to yourself, phone a friend. Cell phones are expensive, but its 2009 and I know you already have one. A huge way to save your minutes is to walk right on over to a friend or family member’s house. Strong interpersonal relationships are a vital part of a healthy lifestyle too.

Staying healthy when the economy is bad is really not hard. It may even be easier, considering the average person has less time and money to spend on frivolous unhealthy habits like expensive fatty meals and nights of partying it up at the club. That being said, I’m off to dart to the grocery store to pick up a box of cereal and call my mother.

08.29.10

How to Read a Nutrition Label

Guys, I don’t know about you, but I for one am tired of returning from a grocery store meander, which I cheerfully volunteered to make by the way, and being greeted by “didn’t you even bother to read the nutrition sign? ” The answer of course, “is no, I didn’t, why? “

The gaol, I guess, is to eat healthier, so in essence the nice little label on the back of all food products is supposed to be a “cheat sheet” of sorts, but this helpful information doesn’t help a whole heck of alot unless you actually understand the what the information is supposed to mean, or even care what the information is supposed to mean, which of course applies to me.

Anyhow, this information is called “nutrition facts” and I guess it does come in handy if you actually know the codes to unlocking the information in the first place. Most people have obsolete this sheet up until now for help on cutting wait on on fat calories, and sodium intake, but now it is being touted as a very quick way to access nutrients to help enjoy a balanced diet, which again, I have not paid all that great attention to as I feel since at the age of soon to be 48 that I urge 4-5 times per week, I should be allowed to eat what I want, not so according to the “nutrition facts.”

Here is what you are supposed to be able to get out of this sheet. Serving size comes first on the list as it tells you the amount of everything else on the list as it relates to a single serving. It should be noted that serving sizes may vary among similar items. A serving size for one impress may be 1/2 of that for a competitive brand for example. So, if you do choose the brand with a lesser serving size, remember to double the numbers for everything on the list.

This is the one that gets me every time, “Servings per container”. Most of these aren’t even close to what I consider a real serving, but this number actually reflects a recommended serving size, small as it may be, so the nutrition numbers could actually add up quickly, good or bad.

Now, here is where I always “zone out”, just too mighty information for a seemingly harmless trip to the store. The very first thing that is broken out here is the amount of calories per serving, and then the calories from fat. I found it very enchanting that the numbers that follow are the nutrients in order of The United States Food and Drug Administration list of importance. So may we have the envelope please;

TOTAL FAT, comes with a breakdown of the saturated fat as well as the “dark side ” fat, trans fat. Listing these first simply ensures that you concentrate on limiting them to lower the risk of heart disease, and they become even more important for those with a current clean bill of health, but a family history of heart disease.

CHOLESTEROL is probably the most well known listing as it has been hammered into us for quite a while now that lowering cholesterol is part of a heart-healthy diet. Limiting SODIUM is a concern for those who at risk or already are concerned for high blood pressure, and most prepared foods already have more than enough sodium for taste purposes. I for one can’t tell you the last time I put salt on anything. People don’t ever seem to pay POTASSIUM remarkable mind, except for the fact that once in awhile we are told through some report that none of us really get enough in our diets, so we launch to read the labels whether we understand the number or not. The bottom line, doing a little research on potassium is worthwhile, but remember, the most potassium rich foods must also be low in sodium.

The TOTAL CARBOHYDRATES breakdown dietary fibers and sugar, which can lead you making better, higher fiber choices among fruits and vegetables as apposed to food choices high in fructose corn syrup. PROTEIN information follows closely on ‘carb’s” heels, and is very easy to address, just remember the biggest concern with protein is to remember to get it from the healthiest possible sources and I would recommend you possess research here to accommodate your personal taste buds.

The VITAMIN A, VITAMIN C, CALCIUM and IRON numbers reflect what is principal to an everyday healthiest diet. Obviously the higher the value in you food choices, the closer you are to getting your minimum daily requirements.

Now for the “fine print” at the very bottom, no it isn’t a disclaimer, but this section is telling you if a food is high in a particular nutrient, 20% or more, or low, 5% or less, reading the labels will abet you balance your diet. Each label is based upon a 2000 calorie diet, but remember your caloric requirements may be more or less for your personal health makeup.

None of this is health advice, but you will be able to get answers to any health and nutrition questions that you may have by contacting your local and state’s health departments. Expend them, so for once you will actually see you’re tax dollars at work, they are very helpful and have a variety offree information available to you.

08.29.10

Healthy Eating Tips for the Average Person

Establishing new eating habits can be hard. If the new healthy eating habits are implemented slowly then it can prick the pressure that comes with binge dieting. Understanding that when new habits are formed slowly then it only makes since to originate a new eating lifestyle out slowly as well.

There are definitely foods that are healthy that some individuals will dislike and others will savor, but the rule of thumb would be to conclude open to new things.

Healthy Eating Tips

Tip 1 Be Realistic

When starting a new lifestyle change, construct sure that it is done slowly and in a reasonable manner. Don’t start out with heavy calorie counting, cutting whole food groups out, or eliminating whole meals. Start out simplistically and allow the change to determine in and then accept the rewarding feeling of accomplishment.

Tip 2 Be Moderate

When changing eating habits the key factor in the complete change is to eat in moderation. Regulate the portion sizes by eating the some of the same foods that are desired but in moderation. For example, too much sugar isn’t good for anyone but if a small bowl of ice cream is eaten instead of the larger bowl then moderation has been accomplished.

Tip 3 Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables

Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables is always a large start. Eat the extra novel fruits and vegetables as snacks or when adding more food onto the lunch or dinner plate, add these items. Try some new vegetables or fruits that aren’t typically in the diet. This may produce a wider variety of foods available to eat.

Tip 4 Change the Type of Carbohydrates Consumed

Instead of completely eliminating all carbohydrates, change the types of carbohydrates that are eaten. Reflect eating more whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating refined and bleached grains and sugars. If at breakfast a bagel is eaten, eat a whole wheat or rye bagel instead of a “white” bleached bagel. There are many alternatives for refined bleached sugar without substituting sugar all together.

Tip 5 Change the Primary Beverage

Instead of that apple juice, soda pop, 5^th cup of coffee, or other blended drinks have a glass of water. There are many ideas about the type of water that should be consumed but drinking water is a simpler way to start. As this new healthy lifestyle continues and becomes a routine then drinking different types of water that has the right nutrients in it can be considered.

Tip 6 Change the Type of Fats in Diet

There are certain fats that are good for the body and easier on the digestive systems and fats that are to be avoided. Monounsaturated fats such as oils from plants like canola, peanut, olive, all types of nut and seed oils. Then there are Polyunsaturated fats like fish or uncooked sunflower and flaxseed oils. The avoided fats would be saturated fats that are found in red meat and dairy products and then trans fats that is found in shortening, some margarines, cookies, fried foods, and some vegetable oils. This transition is as simple as buying olive oil instead of shortening or baking more food than frying.

How to Implement these Healthy Eating Tips

Now that new ways of viewing healthy eating are established, then its time to understand that the preceding tips are suggestions to starting out slowly. Taking time to do more reading is suggested and checking with a physician if there are medical concerns as well.

Generally one thing that can assist in staying on track with changing to healthy eating is to plan the meals out. Make some menu plans for the week and shop according to what is needed to beget the menu items. This assist in buying less healthy food items as well as keep the momentum of healthy eating going. Each current week that successful change has happened, don’t hesitate to feel rewarded for a job well done.

Healthy eating is a lifestyle change and a slow process of exchanging poor eating habits with new healthier eating habits. If it takes a person to establish a habit by repetitiveness of new behavior for at least 30 days then don’t worry. This fresh draw of living will be rewarding in many different ways. Be Pleased eating and living healthier.

Sources

Help Guide. Healthy Eating: Easy Tips for Planning a Healthy Diet and Sticking to It. Accessed April 5, 2010.

Parslow, K. Ph.D, C.C.N. Surviving the American High-Tech Diet. (2006) Get Healthy America. Washington.

08.28.10

Health Benefits of Teff

Teff seeds are said to have been discovered inside an ancient pyramid around 3000 BC. It has since been cultivated in African countries such as Ethiopia and has now reached other countries like India, Australia and the US, and has grown popular because of the health benefits of teff. It is one of the smallest grains in the world, only about 1/32 of an inch in diameter. It is a relatively low maintenance crop, as it germinates easily and can adapt to even harsh environments. It is also called various English names such as lovegrass and bunch grass.

Teff can come in colors of red, white or brown. Its seed is milled into floor which is mature for making the bread called injera, which is quite common in both countries and also imparts health benefits. White teff is considered a high end commodity than the darker ones, although the dismal, brown and red varieties are tastier. It has a nutty flavor, which differs depending on the color of the grain. The white teff, which was more often consumed by upper class people in the past tastes somewhat like chestnut, while the darker varieties taste more like hazelnuts.

Although each grain is quite cramped in size, there are many health benefits of teff which are trapped in each seed. It has a lot of niacin, vitamins A and C, and also thiamin. It is also very nutritious because it contains a variety of carbohydrates, stout, proteins and fiber. It also has a lot of essential amino acids and other minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. Compared with maize, it has higher mineral and amino acid content. It is also a good source of iron and has comparably higher iron content than wheat, barley and other cereals.

What sets teff grain more superior than other cereals is that it is gluten free. It is recommended as a noble cereal substitute for people who suffer from celiac disease. Because of these health benefits of teff, it is fast becoming a popular cereal choice in some US supermarkets and natural food stores.

Teff grains should be kept in cool, dark places inside tightly covered containers. There are many ways to serve teff, and you will need a cramped imagination in finding recipes where you could expend and enjoy the health benefits teff, instead of the more common cereals and grains.

08.27.10

10 Foods that Are Beneficial for Health

Nature has given us many healthy foods and if we know their medicinal uses we can get benefit from them .Here is a list of few such foods that if we rob them in an appropriate portion might help us to stay healthy.

10 Foods that are beneficial for health.

1 BARLEY It is good for fevers if given in the soup form.
In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prescribed barley for seven diseases. These include grief, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, treatment of cancer, effects of aging, diabetes and hypertension.

2 DATES As an infusion, syrup, or paste, dates may be used for sore throat, colds, and taken to relieve fever. It should be eaten at the time of childbirth.

3 FIGS a cure for piles figs are said to have laxative effect. Figs are high sources of calcium and fiber.

4 GRAPES a common fruit purifies the blood, strengthens the kidneys and clears the bowels.

5 HONEY It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs considered the best remedy for diarrhea when mixed in hot water. It is considered to be extremely righteous when taken in the morning mixed with water .Honey is also helpful in curing sore throat and acts as a best medicine for cough and cold; in short it can be used without any side effect and has numberless benefits.

6 MELON

Muskmelons are abundant in vitamin C, some studies shows that it may help in reducing kidney stone

It also has good amount of fibre and hence can act as a laxative.

7 MUSHROOMS

Mushroom is a well-behaved cure for the eyes; it also may serves as a form of birth control .

8 OLIVE OIL

Excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays old age, and treats inflammation of the stomach; it also has mild laxative properties thus acting as stool softener.

9 POMEGRANATE

Pomegranates have high-fiber, juice of the pomegranate is said to be effective in reducing heart disease risk factors.

10 VINEGAR

Vinegar has been used to fight infections.

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