Improved Energy Tip

Kelp is part of the brown algae family found with the genus Laminaria commonly known as seaweed.  Seaweed is readily grown along coastal regions.  Kelp is grown in shallow, underwater oceanic forests.  It adapts well to cooler temperatures ranging between 43-57 degrees F (6-14- degrees C).  Some kelp may exceed a foot a day and may reach a maximum height of 250 ft.

Kelp is a rich source of nutrients – They include minerals, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, Vitamin K, iron, and amino acids.  Iodine is one of the main sources kelp provides.  It provides this naturally and is used to stimulate the thyroid gland and control metabolism.  Kelp acts as a natural antibiotic which helps the body fight bad bacteria and infections.  It also has an extraordinary source of chlorophyll to purify the body and boost the formation of blood cells.  Kelp provides support in strengthening the circulatory system, helps build strong bones and teeth, helps prevent cancer cells from forming, and reduces risk of stroke and heart disease.

Vanadium is present in kelp – Another food source kelp provides is the mineral vanadium.  Its role is multifaceted as it functions in regulating carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar.  Unlike some other type of vegetables, sea vegetables do not appear to depend on common polyphenol antioxidants (like carotenoids and flavonoids) for their total antioxidant capacity.  A recent study from India shows a variety of non flavonoid and non carotenoid antioxidant compounds are present in sea vegetables, including several different types of antioxidants alkaloids.

Kelp may be prepared with other foods or taken as a supplement.  It requires no cooking so you can easily mix it in with soups and salads.  Another easy way to implement kelp in your diet is to keep a container of kelp flakes on the dinner table and use it as a substitute for salt.  Kelp is a very good source of dietary fiber and is low in cholesterol.  2 Tbsp serving of sea kelp contains 4 calories.  It helps metabolize your energy from the foods in your diet.

If you are considering taking kelp for medicinal purposes, you should first consult your physician.  As kelp is high in iodine, it may interfere with your medications.  The iodine in sea kelp may depress thyroid function when taking medication for thyroid problems.  Kelp is also high in sodium.  This is something to take into consideration when eating kelp.

Your body’s internal engine is influenced by your metabolism.  Genes, along with other biological predispositions can influence metabolic function.  Think of it as an engine that is programmed by the foods we eat.  Just as a car functions differently according to the type of fuel it has in its tank, so does our body function accordingly by the type of food we eat.

When it comes to metabolism, making lifestyle changes by increasing your activity and changing the way you eat can help rev up your metabolism.  What works for one person, may not work the same for another.  A study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown it helps to go lighter on the carbs.  You may be able to boost your metabolism by eating more protein from meat, poultry, and dairy foods.  Eat less of bread and starches but don’t cut out carbs completely.  For some individuals, it may also help to add more vegetables and fruits to your diet and cut back on animal protein.  Use a limited amount of vegetable oils.

Avoid traditional diet foods and eat more active calorie foods – Cottage cheese and low fat foods aren’t fat burning foods.  Your goal is to burn off more calories and store less fat.  You may reach this goal by eating high-fiber foods rich in complex carbs.  Avoid sugar, eat more apples, beans, nuts, etc rather than muffins or macaroni and cheese.  Try to keep your portions down.  Your body may not boost metabolism effectively if portions are too large.  Eat smaller meals more often during the day.

Avoid crash dieting – If you are eating a diet less than 1200 calories, your body’s metabolism will slow down.  If you lose and gain weight quickly, it results in central – body obesity which may lead to heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

Keep active – Make exercise part of your daily routine.  A minimum of 30 min. a day along with a minimum of a 10 lb weight loss can improve your metabolism.  It may also help with blood sugar levels and avoid the development of diabetes.  Staying consistent with exercise and weight control will have a huge impact on your metabolism.

It may be surprising but new research has shown active calorie foods will burn more calories while you chew and digest them.  These foods require more chewing and take longer to digest.  This allows your body to burn more calories.  You won’t need to give up all of your favorite foods.  Active calorie foods have metabolism boosting properties like omega 3′s and monounsaturated fats that will help your body burn calories.  Some of these foods are steak, potatoes, dark chocolate, mozzarella, avocados, pizza, burritos, salad dressing, corn, crackers, and peanut butter.  These foods will help you to resist over eating and continue burning off excess body fat.

Chlorella is a whole food that offers everything a body could want in optimum health.  It is an algae plant grown in Japan or Taiwan.  Chlorella is a single-celled microscopic plant that grows in fresh water.  It is abundant and rich in its supply of nutrients.  Chlorella is packed with 64% complete protein.  It also contains an impressive range of vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids, enzymes, chlorophyll, RNA/DNA, antioxidants and growth factor.  Chlorella is often referred to as nature’s multivitamin.

Benefits of Chlorella

Chlorella provides many benefits while it fights numerous diseases and detoxifies your body.  This super food will brighten your mood and improve your energy.  In addition to being rich in protein, it maintains a balance of important amino acids.  These acids help rebuild the body’s lean tissues.  Chlorella includes important minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium.  Magnesium improves blood sugar levels, mental health and relaxation.  Vitamins found in chlorella are vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E.

Chlorella contains vasts amounts of chlorophyll within its cell walls.  Chlorella producers break the cell walls before selling the product.  Once the cell wall is broken, chlorella releases the nutrients inside the cell walls so the human body can use them.

It is important to add daily greens to your diet.  If you aren’t eating enough vegetables, this is where chlorella may help.  It is available in tablets, powder, or in a liquid extract.  It is suggested to start with a small amount and build up from there.  You may start with two or three grams per day.  You may try mixing chlorella with foods made with flour or with water and other liquids.

Chlorella is known as the super food.  It may be taken by anyone of all ages.  It will make your body stronger and help it fight off illness.

If you frequent Chinese restaurants, you may be familiar with lychee.  It is usually found on the dessert menu.  It is an appealing fruit covered with a bumpy rind.  It has a hard seed in the center surrounded by a juicy, translucent core that tastes sweet and crispy.  Lychee may also be canned or dried.  It also makes an excellent addition to a fruit cocktail.  Fresh lychee have a short shelf life so they should be used as soon as possible.

What is lychee?

Lychee is native to China but has now become a popular export from Australia and is also grown in California and Florida.  Lychee is versatile as it has medicinal properties as well as being a nutritional fruit.  Lychee are a rich source of Vitamin C, as well as calcium, potassium, and phosphorous.  They are a powerhouse of polyphenols which aids in cardio health.  They are used to flavor teas.  They can be used to flavor a meat dish or pressed to make a juice.  Lychee tastes wonderful frozen.

Benefits of Lychee

*  Lychee is low in fat and sodium and rich in dietary fiber.  A cupful of lychee contains only 125 calories.

*  Vitamin C – One hundred grams of lychee fruit provide more than 100 percent of your daily Vitamin C needs

*  Vitamin B – Lychee contains an adequate source of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and vitamin B6.  Vitamin B2 aids the body in metabolizing carbohydrates and also supports red blood cell production.  Vitamin B6 maintains nerve cell function and helps metabolize protein.  It helps support a healthy immune system and builds energy.

*  Minerals – Lychee provides the minerals copper and potassium.  Potassium is essential to regulating heart function and helps build muscles and other tissues.  Copper is important for circulatory health as it forms red blood cells.

*  Polyphenols – These are known as phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants.  They are effective in slowing the aging process, and fighting chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.  Only strawberries have been found to carry a higher concentration of polyphenols of any fruit tested.  A study published in  the “Journal of Nutrition” found lychee has the second highest concentration of polyphenols.

The ways lychee have benefited people from a medical standpoint have resulted in shrinking swollen glands and relieving pain.  Other benefits have resulted from studies showing prevention of breast cancer and the growth of cancer cells in other areas of the body.  Lychee also aids in fighting cells, fevers, and sore throats.  It helps digest foods properly for good nutrition and is an added boost to our health.

Lychee’s growing season is between June through October and grows successfully in Florida.  Lychee doesn’t ripen after it is picked.  It is ready when it is fiery red.  Fresh lychee can be kept at room temperature for up to five days and can be stored up to five weeks in the refrigerator.  It is easy to see why people would fall in love with this fruit.  With its excellent health benefits and sweet, pleasant taste, it is a winner.

Are you among the many that have tried several exercise or diet programs but gained your weight back?  Does it seem like you can’t speed up your metabolism in order to burn the extra calories?  Don’t get discouraged.  Read on and you will find insights as to which foods you need to eat and ways to help you get rid of belly fat.

Belly fat behaves differently in different places.  Fat that is visible is found under the skin in the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen.  Deep inside your body there is another type of fat that is stored around vital organs, in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.  Having excess fat around these organs may lead to some cancers.  It is also linked to a greater risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.

Burn belly fat with these select food choices

Nuts and Flax seeds:  These are a good source of essential fatty acids.  The nuts and flax seeds will give you a more full feeling and not make you as hungry throughout the day.   Flax seeds are high in energy and they both are high in protein.

Oatmeal:  Oatmeal provides energy to start your day.  It is a good source of fiber and whole grain.  It has a sufficient amount of carbohydrates and includes some protein.  Try to avoid any sweetened cereal.

Eggs:  Eggs are one of the best foods to burn belly fat.  Eggs are rich in biotin and protein.  Biotin aids the body in processing and transferring fats.  They also contain vitamin B12 which helps your body metabolize fat.  If you have high cholesterol, you should first speak with your physician.

Fruit Berries:  Berries are a good source of antioxidants.  They are a natural source of fiber that assists in metabolizing fat.

Green Tea:  This is an excellent source as it lowers your metabolism.  Green tea has a chemical called EGCG which stimulates the nervous system and the brain.  It moves the blood through your body and speeds up the process of fat burning.

Avocado:  Avocado will help fight off hunger.  They are filled with fiber (11 to 17 grams per avocado) and contain lots of monounsaturated fats.

Green Vegetables:  Adding salads to your diet will provide you with vitamins and minerals.  They have few calories and are loaded with fiber.  Iceberg lettuce doesn’t have much fiber.  Instead try romaine, arugula, or spinach.

In addition to trying these super foods to help you lose belly fat, try these tips to help with the process

1.  Stand straight – practice good posture – This helps tone your stomach muscles.

2.  Drink water – keep your body hydrated.  Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day will help you avoid the hunger pains.  It helps keep your liver functioning properly.

3.  Masticate food carefully – Eating fast leads to indigestion and your more prone to putting on weight.  Take time to chew your food before swallowing.

4.  Probiotics help with digestion  – Add yogurt to your diet or take a supplement to help your digestive system break down food.

5.  Walk and exercise -  Make this a regular routine to help boost metabolism and make your waistline more slim.

6.  Relax and avoid stress – Stress can speed up the production of cortisol, a hormone that sends fat directly to your mid section in an attempt to protect your vital organs.  Try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help relax if you are feeling stressed.

Burning belly fat takes time and patience.  Always start your day with a healthy breakfast.  Make it something that includes protein and fiber.  Eat small meals throughout the day and more often.  Try to keep your proportions with proper ratios.  Foods that burn belly fat such as 40% vegetables, fruits and beans, 30% low-fat dairy products, chicken and fish, and 30% oils of fish, olive and nuts.

By applying foods that burn belly fat and exercising properly, you can achieve your goals of getting into good shape.  Make it a plan that you can easily work into your daily routine.  Set goals and aim high. You will be glad you did.