Go on….have some dark chocolate!

Looking forward to your Easter basket complete with a chocolate bunny this Sunday?  Should you indulge?  If it is dark chocolate, don’t think twice about it.

• Cocoa contains polyphenols which are antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for cell and tissue damage causing the aging process. For years, cocoa has been used for skin problems (cocoa butter) and recent studies show that chocolate may improve your skin quality while reducing wrinkles. 
• Studies show that daily consumption of dark chocolate can support cardiovascular health by decreasing blood pressure and reducing inflammation as well as LDL (your bad cholesterol).  
• Cocoa’s polyphenols protect our immune system.  
• Cocoa contains serotonin which acts as a natural anti-depressant. It has also been shown to stimulate endorphins, which provide feelings of pleasure. 
• Cocoa has been associated with reduced mouth bacteria (improving dental health). 
• Cocoa has been found to aid digestion and increase kidney function.

•   It is important to remember that dark chocolate contains the beneficial compounds, whereas milk chocolate does not.  The darker the chocolate the more of antioxidants, so choose the higher percentage of cocoa when possible.  
•   Keep in mind……chocolate can be high in calories, fat and sugar, so moderation is the key.  Most studies show as little as 3 oz a day can provide health benefits.

Are Your Colors Alive This Spring?

The brilliant colors of spring are coming alive here in the desert.  How about taking the colorful adventure into your kitchen?  Colorful plant foods contain important vitamins and minerals, fiber, protective phytochemicals and antioxidants that help prevent disease and promote good health.  Most of us are familiar with the “5 A Day” campaign, however, only 20% of Americans are getting enough fruits and vegetables daily.  Did you know that 35% of cancers could be prevented by eating 5 fruits and vegetables daily?  Phytochemicals are what give color to foods.  They work together to promote good immune function by fighting viruses and bacteria, as well as removing toxins from the body. 

Red foods contain lycopene and anthocyanins with promote heart and urinary tract health, enhance memory, and decrease certain cancers.  Examples are: Tomatoes, red peppers, radishes, cherries, strawberries, pomegranates, cranberries.

Yellow-Orange foods contain carotenoids and flavonoids which promote heart and vision health, and healthy immune function.  Examples are: grapefruit, oranges, lemons, mangos, nectarines, peaches, cantaloupe, apricots, papayas, pineapple, squash, carrots, yellow peppers, pumpkin, sweet potatoes.

Yellow-Green foods contain lutein and indoles which promote strong bones, teeth, and vision.  Examples are:  broccoli, sprouts, green onions, celery, spinach, zucchini, peas, cabbage, cucumbers, asparagus, green grapes, honeydew, kiwi, limes, green pears,

White-Green foods contain allicin and allyl sulfides which promote heart health such as cholesterol and lower certain cancer risks.  Examples are: mushrooms, cauliflower, shallots, onions, chives, garlic, leeks, bananas, brown pears,

Blue-Purple foods contain anthocyanins and phenolics which promote memory and urinary tract health.  Examples are: blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, currents, plums, raisins, figs, egg plant, red cabbage.

The goal is to eat 5 different colors per day.  A serving consist of 1 cup of fresh, ½ cup cooked, or ¼ cup dried fruits and vegetables. So, get started by adding fruit to your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, and smoothies.  Add veggies to your pastas, soups, salads, sandwiches, and snack bags.  When given the choice, choose deeper, darker colors.  There are more vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in foods that have a richer appearance.  For example Romaine lettuce offers more Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and iron than Iceberg lettuce. 

After an exploration of colorful flowers, continue that colorful journey to the produce section of the supermarket.  Spend a little more time than usual discovering new fruits and vegetables and the benefit will be magnificent.

Wanting to lose that weight…the healthy way?

Anyone can lose weight on a program based on fads or prepackaged food. But, most people will regain that lost weight.  My weight loss program is based on understanding how the body works most efficiently. Personal goals will be achieved by understanding your hunger, kicking up your metabolism, choosing satisfying meals, and avoiding emotional eating.  I will work hard to improve your health, body-image, and sense of well-being!  Call me today to schedule an appointment.

Do you know…

One can of V8 has 600 mg of sodium, ¼ of your daily sodium needs?

A meal high in saturated fat can impair your arteries within hours of eating?

A person with diabetes is 4 times more likely to have a stroke or heart disease?