The 16 superfoods that can keep your heart healthy

(NaturalNews) Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America today, and many people are looking for ways to better protect their hearts through diet. The good news is that there are plenty of heart-healthy "superfoods" out there that can get the job done, and the following are some of your best options. Salmon: Oily fish in general are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that decrease the risk of heart conditions like atherosclerosis and arrhythmia, while lowering triglyceride levels and improving cholesterol levels. Blueberries: Rich in anthocyanin and flavonoid antioxidants, blueberries are a great way to protect against heart disease. One study found that they help reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 32 percent. Oatmeal: An excellent source of soluble fiber, oatmeal helps scrub the digestive tract and lower circulating cholesterol levels, both of which help protect the circulatory system. Dark chocolate: Chocolate is another great source of heart-protective flavonoids and polyphenols – and when it comes to the best types, the darker the better! Dark chocolate consisting of at least 60–70 percent cocoa has been shown to help lower blood pressure and inflammation while also preventing blood clots. Citrus fruits: Vitamin C is heart-protective, and citrus fruits are abundant in it. They also contain their own unique flavonoid profiles that have been shown to help lower the risk of ischemic stroke. Tomatoes: Rich in the antioxidant carotenoid lycopene, tomatoes help lower the risk of heart attack by dilating blood vessels. They also help clean up "bad" cholesterol. Legumes: Regular consumption of green beans, peas, lentils and other legumes has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease by as much as 22 percent. Legumes also help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Green tea: Another excellent source of antioxidants, this staple of Asian libation has been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke by as much as 20 percent. Nuts: Whether it's almonds, pistachios, walnuts or pecans, nuts contain an assortment of fiber, vitamins and fats, all of which are heart-protective. Studies show that their vitamin E and omega-3 content in particular are what make nuts so beneficial in maintaining heart health. Red wine: A rich source of resveratrol, red wine can actually help promote heart health and longevity when consumed in moderation. Resveratrol, which is found primarily in grape skins, has been shown to protect the endothelial lining of arteries while minimizing oxidative stress. Potatoes: They often get a bad rap because they're high in starch, but potatoes also contain high levels of heart-protective potassium, which is known to lower blood pressure. Potatoes also contain fiber, which helps protect against heart disease. Leafy green vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, leafy green vegetables do wonders for the heart and circulatory system, helping to rid the body of inflammation-causing free radicals and other toxins. Coffee: Believe it or not, this morning elixir has been shown to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke by as much as 30 percent. Just be sure to look for organic varieties that are low in mycotoxins. Chia seeds: This omega-3-rich superfood is a panacea for lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation. Chia seeds and many of the other foods mentioned here are available from the Health Ranger Store. Avocados: Rich in antioxidants, monounsaturated fats and fiber, avocados are an excellent food for lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels and maintaining overall heart health. Pomegranates: A "best in class" fruit when it comes to heart health, the pomegranate has been aggressively studied for its amazing ability to minimize oxidative stress, support the production and activity of vasodilating nitric oxide and lower LDL cholesterol levels. Sources for this article include: Health.com News.Health.com DrSinatra.com LifeExtension.com Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/055619_superfoods_heart_health_nutrition.html#ixzz4NvBOQllr

Avocado Mac and Cheese | GLOW

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pulled Pork

The great thing about our Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pulled Pork recipe is that all of the cooking is done in the slow cooker. Though this recipe is slightly more labor intensive than some of our slow cooker recipes, we know that the resulting dish is well worth the extra effort. Basically, you will be making an apple butter, then braising pork chops in the apple butter for several hours. The result is juicy pork bursting with flavor from the apples and spices.

After shredding the pork, serve on a wheat bun or over rice. Alternatively, you can forego the shredding and serve the pork chops whole with the apple butter spooned over it.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pulled Pork

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Yields: 6 servings | Calories: 352 | Total Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 426mg | Carbohydrates: 33g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 23g | Protein: 28g | SmartPoints: 12

Ingredients

• 5 apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 pork loin chops

Directions

Place apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and coconut sugar into slow cooker. Cook on low for four hours, or high for two hours.

Add cider vinegar, garlic, onion, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix in with the apples (the apples should be soft enough that you can crush them), then add pork chops. Cover the chops with the apple mixture. Cook for an additional four hours on low, or two hours on high. Remove pork, shred and return to the slow cooker. Cook on high for ten more minutes, then serve!

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Other recipes you might enjoy:Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled PorkApple and Butternut Squash Soup
How are you incorporating apples into your recipes this fall? How did this recipe turn out for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Bacon & Egg Breakfast Muffins

Baked egg breakfast muffins seem to be all the rage right now. And why wouldn't they be? What a great way cut the carbs by getting rid of toast or English muffins! SkinnyMs. has jumped on the bandwagon and made our own Bacon & Egg Breakfast Muffins. Of course, we've added veggies and used Canadian bacon to skinny it up a bit!

These muffins can be made ahead and reheated as a quick breakfast on busy mornings, or taken to a brunch with friends. They're an excellent source of protein and will keep you full and satisfied all morning long!

Bacon & Egg Breakfast Muffins

Yields: 6 servings | Calories: 168 | Total Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 214mg | Sodium: 614mg | Carbohydrates: 3g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Protein: 16g | SmartPoints: 5

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 4 slices of diced Canadian bacon (pre-cooked and nitrate-free)
• 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup of onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup of grated low fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher or sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable or coconut oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly oil a 6-cup muffin tin with vegetable or coconut oil.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, Canadian bacon, red bell pepper, onion, and sharp cheddar. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide the batter between 6 muffin cups and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until eggs are puffy and set.

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Try our Breakfast Egg and Veggie Muffins for a vegetarian breakfast muffin option! What's your favorite egg breakfast muffin recipe? Let us know in the comments!
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Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are one of our favorite superfoods. They're naturally gluten-free, full of omega-3s, and contain tons of fiber. And, when added to liquid, they soak it all up along with the flavors. Our Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding recipe is creamy, cold, and skinny (thanks to coconut sugar and coconut milk). Best of all, it tastes just like you're biting into a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
This pudding works great as a quick breakfast option when prepared the night before, or as a light dessert after a heavy meal. Either way, you get a spoonful of fall in every bite, along with an added punch of superfood goodness.

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding

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Yields: 4 servings | Calories: 252 | Total Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 34mg | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 10g | Protein: 5g | SmartPoints: 9

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned coconut milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 cup of chia seeds
• 4 tablespoons whipped topping, optional

Directions

In a blender add all ingredients except chia seeds, pulse until smooth. Add chia seeds and pulse just until combined.

Divide the mixture between four 8-ounce mason jars or dessert dishes, cover and refrigerate overnight.

If desired, top with whipped topping before serving.

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Can't get enough pumpkin in our life? Enjoy 23 Delicious Ways to Eat Pumpkin!
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Low-Carb Diet- What Foods To Eat

Source

A low-carb diet is a popular way to attain better health, but finding the right foods can be tricky. If you're committed to the idea of a low-carb diet but don't know what foods to eat, check out the video below. It's the perfect introduction to the types of meals you should prepare.

It's important to remember that a low-carb diet doesn't mean starving yourself! Getting enough protein on a low-carb diet is essential. So are fiber-rich foods that will keep you full throughout the day.
Try one of these 9 Dinners with Almost Zero Carbs!

Have more questions about low-carb diet foods? We'd love to help you out! Leave a comment about this article or anything else on the site in the section below.

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Delicious Cinnamon Apples Snack Recipe!

Slow Cooker Stuffed Apples

If you've been looking for a quick and easy apple recipe to add to your repertoire, look no further! Our Slow Cooker Stuffed Apples are super simple to make, and you probably have most of the ingredients lying around the house. Put these in the slow cooker when you start making dinner and they'll be perfectly cooked by the end of your meal!
Best of all, since it's a SkinnyMs. dish, these are naturally sweetened with dried cranberries and honey. Trust us, you won't miss the added sugar! You can also swap in different nuts and dried fruits to make your own variation.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Apples

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Yields: 5 servings | Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple | Calories: 254 | Total Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 4mg | Carbohydrates: 44g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 25g | Protein: 3g | SmartPoints: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 5 green apples, first half inch of top cut off and cored

Directions

Combine the oats, walnuts, cranberries, honey, coconut oil and spices in a bowl. Mix until well combined and sticking together. Stuff the apples with the mixture. Cook on low for two hours.

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Other recipes you might like:
Apple and Butternut Squash Soup
Strawberry & Rhubarb Galette
What are your favorite autumn recipes? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

In our opinion, the combination of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy basil in a traditional Caprese salad can't be topped! Except, maybe, by putting it all in a portobello mushroom. That's why we made these Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms! By using part-skim mozzarella and skipping the dressing, you'll get all the delicious flavors of a Caprese salad with only a fraction of the calories.

These are perfect as an appetizer or even a nutritious vegetarian entree. Drizzle with some balsamic vinegar upon presentation to add a tangy pop!

Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

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Yields: 2 servings | Serving Size: 1 stuffed mushroom | Calories: 297 | Total Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 453mg | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Protein: 8g | SmartPoints: 11

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 large portobello mushrooms, stems and insides removed
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 2 ounces fresh part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine two tablespoons olive oil and clove of minced garlic in a small bowl. Brush mixture on inside and outside of portabella mushrooms. Sprinkle with salt.

In sauté pan, heat remaining olive oil on medium heat. Sauté spinach until wilted. Spoon half the spinach into each mushroom, and top with diced tomato followed by mozzarella.

Place filled mushrooms on cookie sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is melted and beginning to bubble. Mushrooms should be soft. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with chopped basil.

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Copyright 2012 Skinny Ms. ® All rights reserved.

Adapted from Lexi's Clean Kitchen.
Tried it and loved it? Give us your opinion in the comments!
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Do you have a vitamin B12 deficiency?

(NaturalNews) While vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiencies are often associated with a vegan or vegetarian diet, today's meat eaters are not risk-free either. In the U.S., an estimated 47 million people are B12 deficient, and most of them don't even know it, as the symptoms can go unnoticed for years. Every single cell in the body relies on vitamin B12. It is crucial to the nervous system, and plays a significant role in the creation of DNA, RNA and red blood cells, among various other functions such as regulating mood and digestion. Despite its importance in the body, vitamin B12 deficiencies are easily overlooked or confused with other conditions. Often the symptoms are seen as a direct result of our busy and over-stressed lifestyles. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, balance problems, yellow skin, swollen tongue, anemia, and memory and attention difficulties. As reported by Dr. Bruce Bistrian, chief of clinical nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause severe neurological problems and blood diseases if left untreated. Who is in the danger zone? While some people don't consume enough vitamin B12 to meet their needs, others can't absorb enough, no matter how many animal products they consume. Let's take a look at who's at risk. Vegetarians and vegans Contrary to what many vegans and vegetarians claim, plant foods don't contain B12 – or at least the B12 humans can use. Algae (such as chlorella and spirulina) and plants provide what they call B12 analogs or false B12. These analogs block the intake of real vitamin B12, interfering with the absorption of useful B12 and increasing the need for this vital nutrient. The good news is that there is no need to abandon your diet preferences or moral choices, since B12 supplements are among the safest supplements out there. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that it is nearly impossible to over-supplement and reach toxic levels in the body. The body takes what it needs, and any excess is eliminated through the kidneys. People over the age of 50 As we age, our bodies produce less stomach acid, which decreases the ability to absorb B12. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that an estimated 3.2 percent of adults over the age of 50 have a severely low B12 level, and up to 20 percent may have a borderline deficiency. However, other sources note that the B12 epidemic may be even worse, affecting about 50 percent of older Americans. Individuals who regularly consume alcohol People who often drink alcohol, even in moderation, are also at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. Alcohol may damage the stomach lining, which can lead to decreased absorption of B12 from the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism noted that alcoholism changes the way in which many nutrients – including B12 – are transported and stored in the body, as well as how they are excreted. People with acid reflux Commonly prescribed acid reflux drugs reduce the acid production in the stomach. Stomach acid is needed to absorb vitamin B12, hence the deficiency risk in people taking these heartburn medications. Other digestive conditions that mess up vitamin B12 absorption are celiac disease and Crohn's disease. Diabetics Lastly, people diagnosed with diabetes or disorders such as lupus or Hashimoto's are more likely to struggle with absorption issues and will probably need to supplement with B12. As you can see, even if you are a meat eater, some conditions or lifestyle factors may be draining your vitamin B12 levels. If you are feeling awful or exhausted all the time, it may be time to check your levels, as long-term B12 deficiencies may lead to heart issues, depression, anxiety, as well as symptoms of mental illness, Alzheimer's or autism. Sources for this article include: WomensHealthMag.com NaturalNews.com Health.Harvard.edu NaturalNews.com MethylcobalaminInfo.com Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/055658_vitamin_B12_deficiency_anemia.html#ixzz4NdYbtg00

Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

Fall is here, so it's time to pull out your slow cooker and make some easy meals for those cooler evenings when you need something hearty to warm your belly. Our Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry is just that: both easy and hearty. This curry is ridiculously easy, actually. Just throw your ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away and let it cook for a few hours, then come back to a spice-laden and fragrant meal.
It's good just as it is, or ladled over some brown basmati rice. You can even have a fridge clean-out night and throw in any vegetables that might be close to the end of their shelf life!

Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

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Yields: 5 servings | Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups | Calories: 232 | Total Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 308mg | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Protein: 8g | SmartPoints: 7

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweet potato, cubed
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk

Directions

Add everything to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours.

Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or with a whole wheat naan.

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Copyright 2012 Skinny Ms. ® All rights reserved.

Other recipes you might like:
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
Skinny Eggplant Caponata
How do you plan to use the autumn harvest in your cooking? Let us know in the comments section below!
The post Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry appeared first on Skinny Ms..

Strength and HIIT Workout - Intense Lower Body Workout

Weight Loss In The Real World For Real People

There are so many weight loss ideas, some are traditional messages which are locked in outdated beliefs about health, some are crazy and some are borderline religions where the finest details are debated.

I think there are some missing elements in weight loss thinking.

1. Most people are struggling with their weight in spite of current conservative thinking.
2. Most people will attempt and fail to lose weight many times in their lives, adding to their stress and frustration.
3. Most people have fixed emotional beliefs about food and what it means. E.g. we deserve sweets as a reward, or I couldn't give up sugar I would be miserable.
4. Most people have not yet encountered the modern successful research and clinical methods for weight loss.
5. Most people have weight loss as their goal instead of wellness and therefore focus on what they are missing out on instead of what they are gaining.
6. Most people either are inactive or go hard at exercise to compensate for the calories they are counting and consuming.

Successful weight loss requires a few things.

1. A lifestyle plan that focuses on naturally occurring good foods especially vegetables and good protein sources, plus the right fats.
2. Letting go of all processed foods at least 90% of the time, but having the occasional flexibility to have a treat if you want.
3. Decide that eating these foods is a good thing to do and that eating well means that you are happy and health or whatever positive thing it will mean to you.
4. Acknowledge that focusing on the foods you have to leave out will only create feelings of loss, deprivation and stress.
5. Becoming a person who is active, not a gym junkie. If you love exercise, do it for fun but not to lose weight as a goal or you will be disappointed.
6. To get very clear as to why you want to lose weight, both for yourself and in your outside world.
7. Know how you want to feel when you lose weight and bring that feeling into your life today.

This is not about going on a diet, this is not something to do periodically but instead this is the way to live your life, in the knowledge that processed foods are not compatible with living a healthy life with health weight. From your current standpoint this may sound difficult, but as you embrace a real food lifestyle over time sweet foods will taste too sweet to enjoy

and for your free programme to reduce pain, burn fat and boost your energy go to http://roadmaptovibranthealth.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9550918 source

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The ketogenic diet fights cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's

(NaturalNews) The ketogenic diet is a medical diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, and is sometimes used in the treatment of epilepsy. According to emerging research, it may also hold potential for the treatment of a wide range of other chronic disorders, including cancer, diabetis and Alzheimer's disease. Strictly defined, a ketogenic diet is one that pushes the body into a state of ketosis, or burning fat to produce molecules known as ketones. In the absence of sufficient glucose, the brain is able to use ketones for most of its energy needs. Research suggests that when followed properly, most ketogenic diets are safe, with minimal side effects. Diet replaces diabetes drugs The ketogenic diet was originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy in the early 20th century, in an attempt to safely mimic the seizure-suppressing effects observed in epileptic patients who fasted completely. Although the diet fell out of favor as a treatment following the development of anti-convulsive drugs, there has been renewed interest in recent years among those seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical treatment. The traditional ketogenic diet contains four times as much fat as it does protein and carbohydrates combined. More recently, researchers have studied a more permissive modified Atkins diet (MAD), which instead contains 50 percent fat. Studies indicate that both forms are effective at suppressing the symptoms of epilepsy in about 50 percent of patients. With renewed interest in the ketogenic diet, researchers have started studying its effectiveness in treating other conditions as well. One of the most promising areas of research is into its potential to slow the progression of cancer – although notably, no study has suggested that the diet alone is enough to cure cancer. What researchers did find is that in conjunction with other cancer treatments, the ketogenic diet can slow the progress of many cancers, including those that have metastasized. It also appears to improve quality of life during cancer treatment. It is unclear why the ketogenic diet slows tumor growth, but part of the effect may come from the diet's tendency to help regulate metabolic disorders such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. In fact, reductions in blood sugar levels on the ketogenic diet are so substantial that they enable many patients to reduce or even discontinue their diabetes drugs. For life-threatening conditions such as cancer and diabetes, it is important that any changes to treatment regimen be made under the supervision of a trusted health professional. Dietary Alzheimer's cure? Another promising, though preliminary, area of research is into the benefit a ketogenic diet may provide to patients with Alzheimer's disease. Part of the reason this is considered a treatment with high potential is that Alzheimer's disease shares many features with both epilepsy and type 2 diabetes, including seizures, insulin-resistance-linked inflammation and an inability by the brain to use glucose properly. Research has shown that a ketogenic diet improves coordination and balance in animal models with Alzheimer's. When the diet is supplemented with extra ketone esters, animals also show improvement in some of the brain damage associated with the disease. Human trials have shown improvement in cognitive symptoms among Alzheimer's patients whose diets are supplemented with ketone esters or with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are a form of fat found in high quantities in certain foods such as coconut and palm oil, that can induce the body to produce more ketones without entering ketosis. Researchers are currently conducting and recruiting for several controlled human trials into the MAD plus MCT for Alzheimer's patients. The ketogenic diet has also shown promise in treating autism, GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, glycogen storage disease, migraines, multiple sclerosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, Parkinson's disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and traumatic brain injury. Sources for this article include:  AuthorityNutrition.com NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov VeryWell.com NaturalNews.com Science.NaturalNews.com Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/055681_ketogenic_diet_Alzheimers_preventing_cancer.html#ixzz4NdWQZ0wz

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Ramen noodles are cheap and easy to make - but incredibly unhealthful to consume

(NaturalNews) Limp, salty, MSG-ridden Ramen noodles feed the cells nothing of importance, starving the body of nutrition. If you are what you eat, then a Ramen noodle diet would leave you colorless and limp, salty, slimy and putrid. Believe it or not, some people actually live on a diet of Ramen noodles. These noodles are cheap and easy to make, especially in college dorm rooms. However, they not only contain bad fats, excess salt and junk carbohydrates, but they also contain a chemical that is addictive and dangerous. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an addictive substance found in Ramen noodles that tells the brain to eat more of the product. MSG is actually toxic to the brain, and causes the hypothalamus to shrivel up. It has also been linked to weight gain, headaches and obesity. Ramen noodles heighten risk of metabolic syndrome In a study that investigated the diets of Asian women, researchers compared healthy diets with fast food diets, and found that a diet heavy in instant noodles was associated with increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women. This translated to high triglycerides and abdominal obesity. Of the 10,711 adults studied, those who consumed Ramen noodles twice a week were at significantly greater risk of becoming obese in the abdominal region. Lead researcher Hyun Joon Shin, M.D., a clinical cardiology fellow at Baylor University in Texas, decided to take a closer look. He and his colleagues found that eating instant noodles two or more times a week heightened the likelihood that both men and women, but particularly women, would develop metabolic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, since Ramen noodle intake contributes to cardiometabolic syndrome which triggers these issues. A typical pack of Ramen noodles contains 14.5 grams of fat, with 6.5 grams being saturated fat. There's no live food in the package, no probiotics, prebiotic enzymes, amino acids or anything that would help the immune system or promote digestive health. These noodles are preserved by being deep fried in oil and then air dried. Technically, Ramen noodles are fried food, cooked up in some of the unhealthiest oils. An endocrine disrupting nightmare To make matters worse, the slimy noodles are contained in a Styrofoam cup. Once the noodles are heated, endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA are released from the Styrofoam cup and into the noodle soup. This stew of endocrine disrupting chemicals, bad fats, brain damaging MSG and lifeless carbohydrates contains no vitamin A, no vitamin C and no calcium. The only mineral in this stew out of the 70 the body needs, is a minuscule 10 percent of the daily recommended intake of iron. Devoid of nutrition, these cups of noodles are loaded with 41 percent of your daily recommended allowance of salt. Eaten day after day, these packets of disease are a quick recipe for swollen joints, arthritis and high blood pressure. Sources include: BeforeItsNews.com NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/055713_Ramen_noodles_MSG_metabolic_syndrome.html#ixzz4NdTveDFK

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20 Delicious Fall Foods that Boost Weight Loss

Autumn is here, and with it comes the harvest season. Now is the best time to try out new, healthy, in-season foods. More than just starchy potatoes and turkey, fall is filled with a wide variety of produce, and many of them can help weight loss efforts. Most of the foods below are popular for their delicious flavor. Lucky fo us, they're also low in calories and high in healthy, necessary nutrients. So, head on down to your local farmer's market and scope out these 20 fall foods that boost weight loss.

1. Apples

Everyone knows the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples are filled with fiber and antioxidants, and are a traditional harvest-time food. They permeate many fall dishes, so incorporating them into a diet is simple, such as this apple and butternut squash soup. If all else fails, eat one whole as a simple snack.

2. Pumpkin

Pumpkin spice recipes have become a cliché among fall dishes, but not without reason. Pumpkins themselves contain potassium, fiber, and Vitamin C, while their seeds contain magnesium and omega-3s, making the entire squash an excellent addition to this season's meals.

3. Brussels Spouts

While notoriously hated by children and adults alike, Brussels sprouts contain Vitamins C and K along with numerous other nutrients. They are as just good for you as your mother said, and when prepared well—like this garlic sauteed brussels sprouts recipe—they can taste as delicious as any other vegetable.

4. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is known to be very high in fiber, which aids in digestion and thus weight loss. Amazingly, cauliflower also has about 77% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C in one serving alone, along with numerous other vitamins and nutrients. And with so many versatile and delicious cauliflower recipes available, they're a great way to to shave off some pounds.

5. Acorn Squash

Squash in general is delicious and good for you. But, acorn squash specifically is loaded with carotenoids, which can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. It is filled with many other nutrients and Vitamins A, C, and B-6, making it a worthy edition to any diet. Check out our curry-roasted acorn squash for an example of this winter squash in action.

6. Rutabaga

A cross between a cabbage and a turnip, rutabagas have few calories but plenty of nutrients and numerous health benefits. Rutabaga can improve metabolism and digestion, lower blood pressure, and help prevent some forms of cancer.

7. Pecans

A simple handful of pecans is full of healthy, unsaturated fat and can help lower cholesterol. Whip up a clean pecan pie and enjoy this nut to its fullest.

8. Swiss Chard

Packed full of protein, calcium, and many other vitamins and minerals, Swiss chard is also known as silverbeet. It can be a delicious addition to other meals or simply sauteed and enjoyed on its own.

9. Cranberries

This superfruit is a well-known antioxidant and a staple of harvest-time meals. With numerous health benefits and few calories, cranberries should be a welcomed part of a weight-loss diet. Cranberry sauce is a favorite traditional holiday meal, so check out these cranberry sauces and this cranberry jam.

10. Corn

Another seasonal staple, sweet corn contains the same amount of calories as an apple with less sugar. Corn also contains antioxidants and minerals which can promote healthy vision. Corn itself is perfectly healthy and delicious, but beware its toppings; butter and loads of salt will of course offset all of corn's benefits. Simple preparation is enough for this sweet vegetable.

11. Sweet Potatoes

Often wrongly called yams, sweet potatoes are packed full of beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium, so they're an easy spud to love. Like many of these foods, they are best served simply, as in this skinny sweet potato sticks recipe, though they can easily be prepared just like potatoes.

12. Cabbage

Cabbage is an extremely healthy vegetable, packed with potassium, proteins, vitamins, iron, and other minerals. They're already a delicious part of many meals, so try this spicy roasted cabbage recipe if you're looking for a different take.

13. Cinnamon

Though a spice rather than a food itself, cinnamon is bandied around for its flavor, but this seasonal spice is filled with health benefits. From lowering blood sugar to reducing heart disease, there are so many versatile, cinnamon-filled recipes you can use to spice up your weight loss.

14. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are packed full of potassium, protein, and vitamin C, but must be cooked in order to be edible. This low-carb food is versatile and can be added to a wide variety of dishes, and can be eaten whole or stuffed full of other delicious foods.

15. Stone Crab

Being seafood, it is no surprise that stone crab is full of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. With no carbs, sugars, or fats to speak of, stone crab is an excellent meat to add to your diet this season.

16. Figs

Figs boost immune system health to help fight colds, and are packed full with fiber, calcium, and iron. However, dried fig is higher in sugar than fresh fig, so try to spring for the fresh ones whenever possible to help you make delicious and nutritious treats this fall.

17. Persimmons

While a little high in calories compare to other items on this list, persimmons have no fat content and plenty of antioxidants. They can help improve blood circulation and increase your metabolism, speeding up weight loss.

18. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are known to be full of antioxidants, fiber and Vitamin C, important for weight loss, and they also work as an anti-inflammatory. Pomegranates can also help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's. They can be a little tricky to open, so check out this guide on seeding a pomegranate.

19. Pears

Pear with us; pears are packed full of fiber, making them a valuable fruity addition to a fall diet. The skin of a pear contains about half of its fiber content, so make sure to eat it up! Pears don't need to be eaten by themselves, though—try them in a creamy sweet potato and pear soup.

20. Kiwi

Kiwi is filled with antioxidants and fiber, but is not a traditional autumn food (thought it is in season). Adding kiwi to your salads this season is a great way to stay healthy and seasonal while adding an unexpected punch.
For more information on seasonal produce, check out our seasonal produce guide by region.
What autumn foods have helped you lose weight? Tell us in the comments below.
Check out our Pinterest and Facebook for more recipes, clean eating guides, and tips for weight loss.
The post 20 Delicious Fall Foods that Boost Weight Loss appeared first on Skinny Ms..

7 Best Superfoods for Runners

Runners shouldn't skimp on calories, even if they are trying to lose weight. No matter what, depriving yourself of calories during any activity is a bad idea. However, running on empty calories will especially drive your muscles into exhaustion. As a result of too few calories, runners won't be able to go as far or as fast. You will lose muscle, slow down your metabolism, and bring weight loss to a stand still. Nutrition is key for runners!

An ideal runner's diet include tons of superfoods that deliver a variety of nutrients and healthy calories. Like all athletes, runners need a nutrient-heavy diet to keep muscles and endurance in top shape. These 7 superfoods for runners are great for anyone doing long stretches of cardio. They provide carbs for quick energy, protein for recovery, and essential nutrients for optimal function.

1. Bananas


This popular fruit is a great snack for runners. Not only does it contain natural sugars for energy, but it's also rich in potassium. When you lead an active lifestyle, your body uses up its stores of potassium. Athletes are among those most often suffering from potassium deficiency. So, combat low-potassium by having a pre-workout banana. You can even use banana in your protein smoothies.
Recipe to Try: Almond Butter & Banana Sandwiches

2. Oatmeal


Eating a serving of oatmeal about two hours before a run can help delay fatigue. High-carbohydrate oats provide long-lasting energy so that your stomach won't start rumbling mid-run. And despite its fiber content, oatmeal doesn't sit heavy on the stomach, making it ideal for pre-workout meals.
Recipe to Try: Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

3. Eggs


Eggs are a favorite among athletes because they contain all the essential amino acids. Amino acids, often called the building blocks of protein, are necessary for strengthening and repairing muscle tissue. Try having extra servings of eggs on days when you go for long runs.
Recipe to Try: 5-Ingredient Baked Egg Mushrooms

4. Green Tea


Green tea always pulls double duty. It has antioxidants to keep you healthy and caffeine to keep you energized. To reap the benefits of green tea, try drinking a cup about 20 to 30 minutes before a run. Additionally, research suggests that tea drinkers burn more calories throughout the day because the caffeine provides a subtle metabolism boost.
Recipe to Try: Orange Pomegranate Green Tea

5. Spinach


Spinach boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It's loaded with vitamins and minerals, as well as a good portion of protein. One of the main benefits of spinach is its iron content. Many women are deficient in iron because of nutrient loss related to menstruation. Iron deficiency causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Replace lettuce with higher-nutrient spinach for a handy iron boost.
Recipe to Try: Spinach Sauté with Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins

6. Lentils


These legumes are nutritional powerhouses! A cup of lentils contains around 35% of your recommended daily iron intake, with 16 grams of fiber and 18 grams of protein. All of this for under 250 calories. Lentils are ideal as part of your post-run meal.
Recipe to Try: Spanish Lentil Salad

7. Greek Yogurt


Non-fat Greek yogurt is loaded with protein. A single cup has over 20 grams! Greek yogurt is easy to work into almost any meal. Top with fruit and seeds for a creamy high-protein breakfast, add it to your pre- or post-workout smoothie, or turn it into dessert with some sweetener and chocolate shavings.
Recipe to Try: Peanut Butter Yogurt Honey Dip
The post 7 Best Superfoods for Runners appeared first on Skinny Ms..

4 Ways to Self-Massage With a Tennis Ball

Raw fruit and vegetable diet healed British woman's severe skin condition

(NaturalNews) A British woman suffering from eczema so severe that her skin would ooze and peel off may have cured herself by adopting a raw, vegan diet she told the Daily Mail. Eczema refers to a cluster of disparate recurring, noninfectious inflammatory conditions in which the skin becomes red, dry, itchy and scaly. Flare-ups occur with no particular pattern. An estimated one in three people suffer from some form of eczema at some time in their lives. The most common form is known as atopic eczema. Most forms of eczema, including atopic eczema, are classified as a form of allergy and are known to be mediated by an abnormal immune response. Eczema risk is known to increase with exposure to certain immune-related triggers, such as vitamin D deficiency or early antibiotic exposure, but the precise causes and triggers of the disease remain unknown. Covered with blisters Twenty-two-year-old Alice Morgan of Liverpool says that until three years ago, she had not experienced an eczema flare-up since childhood. In contrast to the more typical form she suffered in childhood, Morgan's adult eczema was so severe that it covered her body with blisters. "It was out of control," she said. "People don't understand how severe eczema can get, it's not just little patches behind the knees, elbows, it spreads all over my body." Morgan's skin got intensely red and swollen, and heated up uncomfortably. The only temporary relief she could find from the heat was to bathe in Dead Sea salts. "After that my skin would ooze, that was pretty horrible," she said. She would regularly wake up with blood all over her sheets, from having scratched at the itching in her sleep. In the next stage of her condition, her skin would become dry and start to flake off. 'The flaking stage lasts for days on end, there isn't a great deal you can do when your skin is like this apart from moisturize, with a pure organic oil like almond or avocado," she said. The constant stares and comments from strangers sent her into a depression that often kept her from leaving her house. "It was really hard to deal with, in the past I have felt lonely, awkward, low, uncomfortable, antisocial, ugly, anxious, the list goes on," she said. Raw, vegan diet shows immediate results Morgan's doctor prescribed her topical steroids, which she says only made her symptoms worse. So she began testing out over-the-counter remedies, trying out various creams and lotions. When those didn't work, she moved on to alternative remedies including homeopathy and specialty diets. Nothing worked, until she hit upon her current diet, which is strictly vegan and grain-free. Additionally, about 80 percent of the food she eats is raw. She began feeling relief immediately, the very first day she started the new diet. She has had no flare-ups for three months. "It's a very, very restrictive diet but I feel the best I have done in a long time," she said. 'It got to the point where I was prepared to do anything to get better again. Morgan's typical breakfast consists of a smoothie, her lunch is a raw salad with fruit and an avocado dressing, and her dinner consists of cooked vegetables with fruit salad or other raw foods for dessert. For snacks, she eats bananas, fruit salad, and carrot sticks with hummus. "Before, I felt like eczema had taken my life away, but I am now determined to get it back and be able to live a normal life like before my flare-ups," she said. "I am a true believer that the correct diet can cure any disease or illness." Sources: DailyMail.co.uk NationalEczema.org NationalEczema.org NaturalNews.com VitaminDCouncil.org Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/055714_eczema_raw_food_vegan.html#ixzz4NdTFEPc9

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