I subscribe to Dr. Walt Larimore’s blog. He is a doctor who has worked with Focus on the Family, so you may have heard him on the radio. Last week, he posted a very exciting article– dark chocolate has more antioxidant activity than all but one of the super fruits! This is for natural or non-alkalized cocoa. The only downfall is that it is high in fat and calories, so enjoy in moderation!
All posts in category Nutrition
Chocolate- The Best Superfood Ever!
Posted by M. Terry on February 22, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/22/chocolate-the-best-superfood-ever/
Kick the Soda Habit & Lose Pounds
Did you know that 1 lb is equal to 3,500 calories? Drinking 2 cans of soda (200 calories each) per day, equals an extra pound every nine days! So if you eliminate those sodas, you can boost you weight loss quickly. Add in 2-3 extra 30 minute cardio sessions to burn those last 700 calories, and you can drop 1 pound each week. The soda causes weight gain because of its high caloric count, but it also causes weight gain because it leads to overeating. Check out this article on how drinking soda effects your body. Wanting to give up that soda habit? Dr. Oz has a 4 week plan for eliminating that sugar addiction.
Posted by M. Terry on February 21, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/21/lose-1-pound-this-week/
Junk Food Linked to Kids’ Low IQs
Check out this latest study on junk food and kids’ IQs.
Posted by M. Terry on February 15, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/15/junk-food-linked-to-kids-low-iqs/
Monkey See, Monkey Do
Tonight, we will be celebrating Anna’s 4th birthday (which is actually tomorrow). When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday dinner, she said, “Chicken, noodles, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and salad.” I loved hearing how she chose such nutritious foods- she makes me proud! In Dr. Walt Larimore’s book, Super-sized Kids, he cites how research shows that parents’ eating habits and physical activity prove to be a strong example to their children. Your children will follow your lead in all things, including a healthy (or unhealthy) lifestyle. So tonight, I will be partaking in an assortment of my little girl’s favorite foods! And yes, we are having cake. I’m using Dr. Oetker’s Organic Vanilla Cake Mix, layered with my strawberry filling, and frosted with Publix’s buttercream (I added a block of 1/3 less fat cream cheese, a little powdered sugar, and then a dash of milk to make it tastier).
Posted by M. Terry on February 13, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/13/monkey-see-monkey-do/
LocalHarvest.org
I bought some “homemade” honey the other day from a friend. There is definitely a big difference in taste between fresh honey and store-bought honey! Check out www.localharvest.org, and you can find area farmer’s markets, farms, and other spots for locally grown/raised products. Such an awesome way to explore your hometown!
Posted by M. Terry on February 12, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/12/localharvest-org/
To Eat, and Not To Eat – Day 5
To Eat
All Natural Ingredients
I make it a point to eat foods with natural ingredients that have not been modified or processed. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean meats, and low-fat dairy that are fresh and in their natural state are the best options.
Not To Eat
Artificial Ingredients/Chemicals
It was during my junior high and high school days that we were in the “low fat” diet era. In order to lower fat intake, we ended up eating high processed, chemical-filled food. From Diet Coke, to Snackwell cookies, to Lean Cuisine meals, we were filling our bodies with artificial junk. (Confession- I do love a Diet Coke with a good slice of pizza 🙂 )These products still fill many of our grocery store shelves. Check out Dr. Oz’s article on artificial sweeteners and other substitutes.
Posted by M. Terry on February 11, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/11/to-eat-and-not-to-eat-day-5/
To Eat, and Not To Eat – Day 4
To Eat
Herbs and Spices
Did you know that herbs and spices have more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables? That means you get a disease-fighting punch along with added flavor! They are a great way to season your food without adding salt. My favorites include garlic, rosemary, cumin, turmeric, curry, dry mustard, and thyme.
Not To Eat
Sodium-Laden Foods
Most processed foods contain high levels of sodium in order for them to maintain a long shelf life- yet another reason to avoid the center aisles of the grocery store. While sodium is necessary for your body to function, it is naturally found in dairy products, some vegetables, meats, and shellfish, so you are getting enough sodium already. Too much cause fluid retention, which leads to an increase in blood pressure, which can then cause a heart attack or stroke. Check out the Mayo Clinic’s report on sodium for more details.
Posted by M. Terry on February 10, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/10/to-eat-and-not-to-eat-day-4/
For All My Mommy Friends with Babies!
Veggie baby food ideas for your little one!
Posted by M. Terry on February 10, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/10/for-all-my-mommy-friends-with-babies/
To Eat, and Not To Eat – Day 3
To Eat
Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits
These all fall under the category of complex carbohydrates. Since they contain high levels of fiber, they are slowly digested and keep you filling fuller, longer. Whole grains include wheat, oat, brown rice, barley, quinoa, farro, and rye to name a few. Legumes are comprised of beans, peas, peanuts, lentils, and other “pod” fruits. Many grocery stores now carry pastas made from various grains or legumes, and you can even find crackers that contain high levels of complex carbs.
Many people forget that fruits and some vegetables are considered carbohydrates. They are a great source of long-lasting energy and are filled with countless vitamins and minerals.
Not To Eat
White (Refined/Enriched) Flours
Processed flours have been degerminated and sometimes bleached (Who wants to eat something that has been bleached?!). The removing of the wheat germ strips the flour of the nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids leaving behind a refined flour. When refined flour is eaten, the body treats it in a similar manner to the way it processes sugar- a spike in blood sugar, and then a quick drop in energy. Once again, this affects insulin levels. Studies have been conducted and shown that those who consumed refined grains had ten percent more belly fat than those who ate whole grains. Yikes!
Posted by M. Terry on February 9, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/09/to-eat-and-not-to-eat-day-3/
To Eat, and Not To Eat – Day 2
To Eat
Honey, Agave Nectar, Pure Maple Syrup
These natural sweeteners satisfy your sweet tooth and have added benefits. Honey contains small amounts of various vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. Maple syrup has potassium and calcium as well as zinc and manganese. Agave nectar has a much lower glycemic index than table sugar, so it is released more slowly into the bloodstream and therefore does not cause a “sugar rush”. You can enjoy the sweet life!
Not to Eat
Processed (White) Sugar and High fructose Corn Syrup (aka Corn Sugar)
Simple sugars, or carbs, are often referred to as “empty calories”. These are most often found in cookies, cakes, sodas, and other processed “treats”. These sugars offer no nutritional value, and actually cause your blood sugar to spike quickly, and then drop just as fast. As Dr. Oz states, “This triggers an insulin reaction, driving levels back down and creating fatigue. You’ll feel hungrier and crave even more sugar. Plus those rapidly absorbed extra calories are stored as fat, putting you at risk for obesity.” In fact, high fructose corn syrup is linked to additional weight gain in recent studies.
Posted by M. Terry on February 8, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/02/08/to-eat-and-not-to-eat-day-2/
Proverbs 31 Devotionals
Whole to the Core Blog 