Let’s face it, trying to figure out what is healthy and what is unhealthy can be
hell on your mind and body! It can be confusing, time consuming and full of
fads and falsehoods. Here are the most asked nutrition questions I seem to get,
and my answers. Hopefully, this will make your healthy choices easy, and
heavenly!
1. IS COFFEE GOOD FOR YOU?
Yes!! A cup of coffee in the morning, black or with a little light cream, is
wonderful! It gives you energy, boost metabolism, helps protect against type 2
diabetes and some cancers. Now, drinking a Dunkin latte with caramel, whip
cream and a cherry on top – No good.
2. HOW DO I GET MORE VITAMIN D IN MY BODY?
Taking a walk outside on a sunny day, a supplement or eating mushrooms in
your food. Mushrooms are the only food that contain vitamin D.
3. DO I NEED TO DRINK MILK TO GET CALCIUM?
You can definitely get calcium from milk, cheese and yogurt. But you can also
get it from plant-based drinks like almond, oat and cashew milk. Eating certain
veggies like broccoli, and kale can give you extra calcium in your diet. Oh! And
don’t forget Tofu!
4. IS FOOD LABELED “ORGANIC” ALWAYS HEALTHY?
No! Food marked organic does not tell you about calories or fat amounts or how
much sugar the product contains. A cake, for example, labeled with “organic
flour, sugar and butter” is still………well – cake.
5. HOW DO YOU BOOST YOUR METABOLISM?
Start your morning with that healthy cup of coffee. Eat a protein breakfast (eggs
is a good start). Drink water and green tea every day, try spicy foods and
remember to get plenty of sleep!
6. WHAT FOODS HELP ME LOOK YOUNGER?
Best question ever! First add unflavored collagen to your coffee. Add olive oil to
your diet, it protects the skins elasticity. Drink Green tea, it protects your skins
collagen. Eat your vegetables, they prevent free radical damage to the skin with
high amounts of antioxidants. Last, incorporate pomegranate juice in your
water, it may help repair already damaged skin.
7. WHAT FOODS CRUSH BELLY FAT?
Try avocados, red peppers, yogurt, green tea and berries.
8. HOW DO I LOSE BELLY FAT?
Eat fiber foods, avoid foods with trans fats, reduce stress, no refined carbs, eat
lots of protein and do CARDIO! And yes, you have to avoid SUGAR!
9. WHAT FOODS PULL WATER WEIGHT OFF ME?
Add cucumbers to your water and to your lunch! Asparagus is in season! It is a
natural diuretic. Drink lots of water. Eat peaches, they are a natural diuretic and
laxative. Try watermelon, mint in your green tea, or snack on some celery.
10. HOW DO I TIGHTEN LOOSE SKIN WITHOUT SURGERY?
Collagen powder or supplements will help tighten skin. Exercise of course will
play a role. Message loose skin to increase blood flow. Hydrate your body!
Hyaluronic acid creams can help plump skin. Eat a healthy, well balanced diet!
Wear your sunscreen!
It’s May and the weather is usually amazing. Eat the foods in season
(asparagus, strawberries), get outside and start to enjoy the world again! Get a
good night sleep and set some summer goals!
FRUIT SKEWERS
8 SKEWERS:
8 – 6 INCH WOODEN SKEWERS
2 PEACHES CUT INTO CHUNKS
2 NECTARINES CUT INTO CHUNKS
20 CHERRIES PITTED
1 FRESH PINEAPPLE CUT INTO CHUNKS
2 TABLESPOONS OF KERRY BUTTER
1⁄2 TEASPOON OF CINNAMON
2 CUPS OF PLAIN GREEK YOGURT
START MAKING YOUR SKEWERS, ALTERNATING THE FRUIT (THE CHERRIES AT
BOTH ENDS TENDS TO HOLD THE FRUIT BEST)
MELT THE BUTTER AND MIX IN THE CINNAMON
LIGHTLY COAT THE FRUIT SKEWERS
PLACE ON THE GRILL 3 MINUTES PER SIDE
SERVE WITH THE YOGURT TO DIP