4 Basics of Diet and Weight Loss

Are you searching for diet plans online? There are literally hundreds to choose from! Spotting a diet plan is not hard at all; spotting a diet plan that will actually work is very difficult. Move away from the commercial diets and on to healthy habits. In this article I will tell you the four basics of diet and weight loss.

1. Don’t starve: Your body thinks it’s dieing.

Carrot Banana Loaf

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 t cinnamon
2 t ginger
2 t aluminum free baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t sea salt
2/3 c rapadura or sucanat
1/2 c coconut oil or melted butter
1 8 oz can crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved
1/2 c carrot juice
1 t all natural vanilla extract
1 c carrots, finely grated
1/2 c raisins
1/2 c pecans, coarsely chopped (optional – may use walnuts)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a loaf pan with olive oil cooking spray or butter.

White Bean Salad

Here’s a great recipe to make ahead and take on your next picnic or BBQ with friends and family. It also works wonderfully for that quick lunch, toss it over a nice green leaf salad and you have a very yummy and healthy lunch. Make sure and double or triple up the recipe if you are going to take it to share. As it goes fast.

White Bean Salad

1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp finely chopped red pepper
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup diced tomato
1 tbsp finely chopped red onion
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp oregano and basil blend
1 tsp fresh minced garlic

Skin Cancer: What to Look For

There are several forms of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and the worst form of skin cancer known as Malignant Melanoma. Let’s discuss what to look for, symptoms, and when you should contact your doctor.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is a common form of skin cancer usually caused by over-exposure to the sun. This type of skin cancer grows slowly, rarely spreads, and is seldom life-threatening. While it may vary in appearance, it is usually characterized by a small, flat module which gradually may turn into an open sore with raised edges. It appears frequently on the face, usually around the eyes, near the nose or on the nose, as well as on other sun-exposed areas including the back, chest, arms, and legs. For proper diagnosis and treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma, see your doctor.

Kale and White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

1 T butter or olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
3 cups chopped kale
1 small yam, diced
1 T paprika
1 T curry powder
1 bay leaf
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 15 oz cans great Northern beans, drained
2 T red wine vinegar

Heat oil or butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.

Add kale and cook until wilted. Stir in yam and seasonings.

Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Turn heat down until soup is at a simmer and cook 30 minutes. Add beans to pot and cook another ten minutes. Add vinegar, sea salt and papper.

Tummy Friendly Exercises

If you want to tighten or flatten your stomach or abs, here are some terrific exercises that will help.

Here’s a routine you may be familiar with: First lie down on your back on a floor mat. Bend the knees and place your feet flat on the mat. Put your hands behind your head and rise up slowly. Wait a few seconds; then slowly lie back down. Repeat this 10 times. That hold will really cause a burn in your abs. If you feel pain in your back or neck, stop.

Carrot Cake

I love carrot cake, but so often it is just full of oils and we all know the cream cheese frosting that is an inch thick on top is not healthy. Try this option full of alternatives that make it taste even yummier than the boxed version we are most used to.

Ingredients:
2 cups firmly packed finely grated carrots (approx. 3 large)
1 large orange, juiced
2 tsp natural vanilla extract
1/4 cup light olive oil
1 cup honey, liquefied in microwave (30 seconds)
1/2 cup crushed or chopped pineapple, drained
1 cup unbleached white flour
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Sticky Mango Rice Dessert

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sushi rice
1 14 oz can coconut milk
1/2 cup Sucanat or Rapadura
2 t all natural vanilla extract
3 mangoes, sliced

Combine rice, 2 1/2 cups water, Sucanat and 1/2 cup of the coconut milk in a large heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to med/low and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in remaining coconut milk and 1 more cup water. Cover and cook 10 more minutes. Remove from heat and leave lid on for 20 minutes. Stir in vanilla. To serve, place servings of rice on a plate and top with mango slices.

Inner and Outer Beauty

Health is wealth. By being physically fit, it can make a person look lean both inside and out.

There is a lot a person can do such as jogging or walking in the morning, playing basketball or any other sport with friends, but if a person wants to have muscles and look lean, the best thing to do will be to sign up and workout in a gym.

Just like taking any medicine, one should first consult the doctor before undergoing any form of exercise.

Tacos & Rice

Chick Pea Tacos

Ingredients:

2 cups or 1 can chickpeas, drained
2 cups salad greens
1/2 cup organic sour cream
1 avocado, chopped
fresh cilantro to taste
1 cup salsa
juice of one lime
one clove garlic
corn taco shells

Instructions:

Place avocado in bowl and mash. Add chickpeas, cilantro, garlic and lime juice. Add sea salt, cumin and pepper to taste.

Fill taco shells with chickpea mash, top with greens and sour cream and salsa. These are excellent with the rice recipe below.

Mexican Style Rice

Ingredients:

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