Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Healthy Bread

I know, the idea of bread being healthy may seem like an oxymoron and yes I agree that most bread are filled with carbohydrates that if not burned will turn into fat. There is however a happy and healthy medium which includes bread high in fiber and protein while low in sugar.

  • THP FIT TIP #10: Always Choose Sprouted Grain or 100% Whole Wheat Breads
  • Sprouted Grain Bread is typically more earthy and dense as multiple types of grains and legumes are allowed to sprout prior to being baked, it is also easier to digest.
  • 100% Whole Wheat Bread has a smooth hearty texture derived from raw wheat grains being ground into flour prior to baking.

While Sprouted Grain & 100% Whole Wheat Bread will both have similar Nutritional Value the choice really comes down to personal preference and taste.

Some key words to look for in the market are Spelt or Quinoa or Oatmeal or Buckwheat or Ezekiel which will all maintain the natural properties of the grain providing essential vitamins and minerals in addition to the fiber and protein your body needs function efficiently.

The 100% aspect means all 3 components of the grains are included; bran, germ and endosperm. Many of the healthy bread imposters will take advantage of this concept and market processed grains as healthy which likely strip nutrients and often add sugar. Try to avoid:

  • Refined Grain Bread
  • Enriched Grain Bread
  • Multi Grain Bread
  • Seven Grain Bread
  • Simply Brown Bread
  • And obviously the super processed bleached white bread with the colorful packaging to attract children

PS I was thinking of calling this post "Grain's Anatomy" but didn't think anyone would get it. Enjoy the fresh bakery smells!!


Sunday, June 10, 2012

Water: The Cure for Everything


If you've ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding you know the family cure to many ailments is Windex... I have a similar Magic Cure... Water!!

Water helps to:
  • Improve your Immune System...
  • Speed up Repair Muscles...
  • Flush out Pesky Toxins...
  • Facilitate Mineral Transport...
  • Increase your Metabolism...
  • Lower Blood Pressure...
  • BURN FAT!! Trust me...

So what's the problem?
  • If you're tired? Drink Water...
  • If you're hungry? Drink Water...
  • Headache? Drink Water..
  • Hungover? Drink Water...
  • Grumpy? Drink Bubble Water...
  • Suffer from Asthma? Drink Water...
  • Chapped Lips, Dry Skin? Drink Water...
  • Seasick? Drink Water with Ginger...
  • Kidney Stone? UTI? Drink Water with Parsley...
  • Cold, Flu, Scurvy? Yep, Drink Water with Lemon...

Add Lemon in your Water to:
  • Add natural flavor...
  • Sooth a Sore Throat...
  • Reduce Sugar Absorption...
  • Relieve Heartburn...
  • Raise Potassium Levels...
  • Assist with Joint Pain by Dissolving Uric Acid...
  • Increase Enzymes to Help Liver Function...
  • Create a Natural Antibiotic by adding Honey...

How much water should you be drinking per day you ask? Simple rule: take your weight in pounds and divide by 2 = ounces of water to drink per day!

PS. I am addicted to Soda Water aka Bubble Water or "With Gas" if you're in Europe!

Enjoy... and stay hydrated!