Eggs
Eating
eggs can help you feel fuller longer and provide energy for your busy
life. One egg has about 70 calories and 13 essential nutrients,
including vitamin D, that can help manage weight, strengthen muscle,
promote healthy pregnancy, support brain function, and increase eye
health. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption, helping
to form and maintain strong bones.
The 6 grams of protein in a
large egg is the highest quality available. One egg provides about 12%
of the Recommended Daily Value of protein and all the essential amino
acids the body needs. For muscle strength, repair and preservation, try
eating eggs after exercising.
What about the effect of eggs on
blood cholesterol? Recent studies about Total HDL (the ratio between
good HDL cholesterol versus bad LDL cholesterol in the blood) reveal
that eggs have little impact on blood cholesterol. The amount of
cholesterol in a single large egg is about 186 mg and all is in the
yolk. One egg a day fits within dietary guidance, which recommends
limiting cholesterol consumption to 300 mg per day. The Mediterranean
diet recommends three to four eggs per week.
Today you can buy
eggs that contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which cannot be
produced by the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to reduce the
risk of heart disease. Enriched eggs provide the same amount of
heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids as 3 ounces of oily fish, such as
salmon.
Nuts
Nuts and seeds can help with
long term weight loss and control of glycemic and lipid levels in the
blood. They are full of heart-healthy fats, fiber, protein,
antioxidants, and lots of vitamins and minerals that are difficult to
get elsewhere. Nuts are naturally cholesterol-free and have only traces
of sodium. They make great snacks and salad toppings. Their high fat
content indicates you should choose the type and amount of nuts you eat
carefully. When it comes to nuts, a little goes a long way, so a handful
is plenty to get the fullness and nutrition your body needs.
Which
nuts are best? The healthiest nuts are almonds, filberts (hazelnuts),
chestnuts, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, pecans, macadamias,
and soybean nuts are excellent health choices. Almonds and soy nuts rate
highest for nutrient density. Walnuts and Brazil nuts are rich in
omega-3 fatty acids, which defend against heart disease. Peanuts and
peanut butter are super sources of niacin. Almonds and filberts contain
significant amounts of vitamin E. Filberts contain a high amount of the
amino acid tryptophan, which is a sleep aid. Seeds are a good source of
folic acid. Soybean nuts and peanuts are actually legumes, not nuts.
They come from plants rather than trees. Both are very nutritious.
Soybean nuts are the most nutritious nut and are quite tasty when
roasted and lightly seasoned.
How nuts and seeds are prepared
makes a big difference in their nutritional quality. Fresh nuts are best
and are available in fall and winter. Choose raw or dehydrated nuts
when possible. For weight loss, avoid nuts that are salted, sweetened,
or overly processed. Roasting and toasting nuts destroys delicate
nutrients, but dry roasting is least destructive. You can lightly salt
or season nuts yourself. With all processed nuts and seeds, check the
labels for added fats, sugars, and preservatives.
Try replacing a high carbohydrate snack with one or 2 ounces of nuts!
Apples
It's
no secret that apples are one of the healthiest and most versatile
foods around. But, did you know they are also great for losing weight?
Whether red, yellow, or green, apples are low in calories and sodium,
and they are fat-free. Apples are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and
natural sweetness. For weight loss, the pectin in apples releases body
fat and suppresses appetite. They help maintain blood sugar levels and
stave off hunger.
Fresh, unpeeled apples are best for weight loss.
The antioxidants in the apple skin are quercetin, epicatechin and
procyanidin B2. A large apple has five grams of fiber, and it is almost
85 percent water. Apples are also a very good source vitamin C. As a
super food, apples keep you fuller longer. Apples are also known to
prevent certain types of cancers: lung, breast, colon and liver.
How
do you select an apple? Choose an apple that is firm to the touch and
has smooth skin with no wrinkles or bruises. Fresh apples have brighter
color than those that are not fresh. Store your apples in the
refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Are organic apples healthier? Research shows that
conventionally-grown apples are higher in residual pesticides than
organic apples. Since we don't know the complete effects of pesticides
on humans, it is a good reason to buy organic. Pound for pound, organic
apples cost little more than non-organic; sometimes they cost less. By
purchasing organic apples, you support the future of organic farming in
America. Apples can be grown in all 50 states. The variety is endless.
Finally, organic apples taste better and fresher.
An
apple is easy to pack for lunch or snack. Get in the habit of taking an
apple with you to the office or on the road. You can eat up to three
apples a day for good health and weight loss.
Oatmeal
We
can't talk about healthy weight loss without talking about breakfast,
which can raise your metabolism by 10%. Nutritionists agree that oatmeal
should be a staple food in our diets. Oatmeal has lots of fiber to make
you feel fuller longer and decrease your appetite. At the same time,
oatmeal keeps your energy levels higher longer.
Oatmeal is high in
protein and low in calories. At 30 grams per half cup, the
carbohydrates in oatmeal provide a slow burning fuel for your body.
Oatmeal is also a significant source of magnesium, phosphorous,
selenium, copper and manganese. Some fitness coaches recommend eating
oatmeal 1 to 2 hours before doing your weight loss workout. This gives
you a longer lasting blast of energy for a longer workout that speeds up
weight loss.
The primary health compound in oatmeal is
beta-glucan, which has been shown to benefit the treatment of diabetes
and its associated complications. Beta-glucans also promote wound
healing and alleviate ischemic heart injury. Many scientists have
researched and documented the effects of beta-glucans.
What is the
best type of oatmeal? All types of unflavored oatmeal are similar in
nutrition and fiber. All promote a healthy diet. They differ in texture
and the time and tools required for preparation. Steel cut oats are
chewy and take the longest time to cook (about 30 minutes). Steel cut
oatmeal can be prepared ahead of time and reheated as needed. Rolled
oats (old-fashioned oats) are less chewy and take about 10 minutes to
cook. Instant, or quick-cooking oatmeal, is creamy and takes about 5
minutes to cook. Microwaveable oatmeal is popular for its simplicity and
availability.
The healthiest packaged oatmeal is unflavored and
unsweetened. Check the labels for added sugar and other calorie-laden
ingredients. It's best to sweeten your oatmeal yourself with berries,
bananas, raisins or a little raw honey. Milk, nuts and cinnamon are also
healthy additions for enhancing your bowl of oatmeal.
Of course,
you can eat oatmeal any time of day that suits you. Oatmeal before
bedtime triggers a rise in blood sugar, which in turn triggers insulin
production. This releases sleep-inducing brain chemicals, such as
melatonin, which is a common sleep aid.
Salmon
Though
known as a fatty fish with relatively high fat content, salmon can be
an effective tool in a weight loss diet. In fact, the fat composition
and omega-3 essential fatty acids in salmon make it an ideal food for
weight loss. Salmon is low in calories and saturated fat. The fat
composition of salmon can help the cardiovascular system, control high
blood pressure, prevent certain types of cancer, prevent sunburn and
promote healthy brain activity.
What is the healthiest way to
prepare salmon? Grilled, broiled or baked salmon serves as a delicious
and healthful main course. Salmon is a key protein in many healthy diet
systems, including the popular Mediterranean diet. It can be cooked in a
variety of ways with a variety of seasonings. Raw salmon, as in sushi,
is an excellent source of nutrition for weight loss diets. Choose simple
seasonings, such as lemon, lemon juice, dill weed, garlic, onion
powder, mustard, white wine, salsa, vinaigrette and extra virgin olive
oil. Avoid rich, fatty sauces and overcooking the fish.