"Dairy Diet"

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All of us like a bit of variety. Something different to look forward every day so that it doesn’t feel like you are reliving the same 24 hours again and again and again. And lets face it, that’s why we like to eat out or order in. Just the change in menu from the regular ghar ka khana to something a little more exciting (say Chinese or Italian…yummm) can make for a nice break in the average mundane week. And why not, absolutely nothing wrong with stimulating the taste buds with a little something out of the regular fare I think. As long as you are still getting your daily basics on your dinner plates that is.


So what are those basics? Well, simply put, they are your carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and veggies, and oh yes, your dairy. Now you know enough reasons why it’s super important that you get your daily dose of those first three categories, but what about the fourth? Why do you really need to bother with dairy after you pass the age of 15 when your mom finally stopped yelling at you about drinking your milk so that you could grow “big and tall and strong”?

The truth is that despite all the bad press they may get from dietaholics (oh yes, I do believe that’s a valid term to use for those obsessed with calorie counting, for gods sake, we are NOT all going to walk around calculating every breath of air we take!) dairy products really do contain a bunch of good stuff. Lets start with calcium, the main ingredient found in all dairy products, helps to keep the body strong and prevents brittle bones, nails, teeth and hair as well as decreases the chances of osteoporosis later in life.

Dairy also contains high amounts of protein, which is the main nutrient needed for good muscular health. Vitamin D is another important reason to get that dairy on your plate as it works as an important aid in the absorption of calcium by the body, increasing its bone density and strength. Research has even shown that those people who consume healthy amounts of dairy products on a regular basis are less likely to develop high blood pressure over a period of time than those who have a low intake of dairy.

Last but not least, where oh where do you find this vital nutrient for your daily diet? Good sources of calcium, protein, magnesium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 can be found in milk, paneer (cottage cheese), cheese, butter, yoghurt and even in ice-cream (low-fat) --- but go slow and reach for the low-fat versions so that you avoid the extra saturated fat, calories and cholesterol and still get all the rest of the goodies you need.

"In a Nutshell"

 

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There are a few moments of truth in life when you experience a joy which you can really, truly relish. For me, one of these moments was the day when I discovered that nuts --- wait for it --- are actually good for you. Hold the phone, not only are they good, they’re freakin GREAT for you.  

Coming from someone who has had to spend more or less all of her adult life (am talking college years and on!) battling to keep my jeans the same size, this is fantastic news baby. The thing is, I know I have lots of company out there. Almost every adult I meet deals with the same issue: how the heck to figure out whether what you are putting into your mouth is going to save you from god-knows-what-new-disease , or if its going to, simply put, kill you. 

So how wonderful is it that I can share these tasty nuggets of information about our crunchy friends with you? Salted, roasted, toasted, or even eaten raw…just a handful of nuts every day is proven to be able to reduce cholesterol levels from two percent up to a whopping 16 percent! 

Here’s the scoop on the best of the superfood snacks.

Almonds: jam-packed with calcium and antioxidants (as much as found in a cup of green tea!), they also contain high amounts of Vitamin E which help maintain the health of the hair, skin and nails.

  

Pistachios: Filled with lutein and beta carotene, antioxidants which are known to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Some studies even claim that eating up to three servings a day can help reduce the physical and mental effects of stress on blood pressure– hmmm, know anyone who might need some of that?

Walnuts:  its not called brain food for nothing people, these nuts contain the highest concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, proven to improve the health of the heart and strengthen the body’s immune system.

Hazelnuts:  Another great source of “good fats” these nuts are also a rich source of disease-fighting antioxidant power. Grab a handful everyday and keep all those nasty flues far away!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and GO NUTS!

"The Buzz on Superfoods"

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Beans, Broccoli, Oats, Soy, Spinach, Blueberries, Oranges, Pumpkin, Salmon, Tea (Green or Black), Tomatoes, Walnuts, Yoghurt, Dark Chocolate, Pomegranate, Asparagus, Brown Rice, Dark Green Vegetables,


Sound like the regular grocery list mom makes when she’s getting ready to go the market?

Not quite. These everyday products, which most of us have eaten all our lives, or at least been forced to eat by mom (read: broccoli and beans!), are now included in an elite group of foods called the “Superfoods”. Something superman eats? Not exactly, but pretty close!! Basically, doctors, scientists, researchers and all those other experts out there have come up with the concept. based on the fact that not all foods are created equal, and indeed, there are some foods that are “more equal” than others, this concept focuses on certain foods which are literally packed with all the good stuff we need! Am talking nutrient values like potassium, vitamin C, antioxidents, Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, fiber, and more…stuff that essentially builds stronger immunity and resistance to disease, prevents illness like cancer and diabetes, lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure, and keeps the body happy!

You don't need specific foods for specific ailments. A healthy diet incorporating a variety of the above superfoods will help you maintain your weight, fight disease, and live longer. One thing they all have in common is that each and every superfood is going to be a 'real' (unprocessed) food product. In simple speak that means there no preservatives, additives, artificial coloring, or any ingredients which sound like they belong in a chemistry lab instead of on your plate! And guess what the best part of getting your regular superfood fix is? No side effect. Except for all the great ones like healthy skin and nails, increased energy levels, fat and weight reduction, and living a longer and heathier life!

So whats not to love?