Healthy Body

There is nothing like sitting down and having a meal that leaves you feeling warm and healthy. Here are five foods that will accomplish this goal.

1. Homemade chicken soup. This is not only a healthy soup but also great for colds and flu. Served as a meal, it brings back memories of childhood and those snowy days of long ago. As a broth, it can sooth sore throats and is the best medicine for healing as well as providing a restful sleep.

2. Homemade vegetable soup. No matter what vegetables there are on hand, adding a can of chicken soup and a can of tomato sauce and there’s the makings for a soup that is healthy, hearty and full of nutrients. Serve it with or without elbow macaroni and it will leave you feeling sated as well as warm and fuzzy inside.

3. If you prefer a heartier soup, add fresh ground turkey instead of stew type meat. Turkey has less fat and adding vegetables will make this a more desirable and healthy soup for even the man in your home.

4. Another warm and healthy meal is chicken cacciatore. Remove the skin from the cutlets. Add a can of any type of vegetable as well as a can of tomato sauce and a can of sodium free chicken soup. It may be cooked in a crock-pot or a saucepot whichever is easier. Either way, this is one meal all will absolutely love and crave on those cold winter nights.

5. Eggplant parmigiana is another wonderful and healthy dish. Utilize low fat mozzarella and prepare the sauce from the tomatoes in your garden or purchase a can of sauce at the local supermarket. This favorite dish can be easily stored in containers. This can make for a hearty lunch or dinner with a nice side salad.

There are a myriad of recipes online, which can be printed out and saved for the winter months. Perhaps you have your own recipes handed down from generation to generation. Treat the whole family to these exquisite meals that are not only healthy but are guaranteed to make you feel warm all over.

Ingredients:

1 (6 ounce) can chunk light tuna in water, drained
1 (8 ounce) package low fat cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons salsa

Instructions:

Place cream cheese and salsa in a mixing bowl. Mix until cream cheese is smooth. Fold in tuna mixing all ingredients together well. Serve.

Tip:Â Serve with unsalted wheat crackers or bagel chips.

Additional Nutritional Information:

Calories: 63 Total Fat: 4.9g Cholesterol: 22mg Sodium: 97mg
Total Carbs: 0.6g Dietary Fiber: 0g Protein: 3.9g

If we took a poll and asked people what their favorite holiday is, no doubt Thanksgiving would be among the top five. Just thinking about Thanksgiving gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, right? Well for some, this is the case; but for those who have to prepare the holiday fare, it may not be.

Today eating healthy foods is on everyone’s agenda. When planning a holiday menu many factors have to be taken into consideration. One of which is how to prepare a meal that is low in calories yet stays true to the tradition.

One of the ways to create a healthy holiday menu is by substituting a few dishes so that even the most discerning guest or family member will not notice the change.

Start the meal with a leafy green salad and low-fat dressing. Next serve a delicious homemade vegetable soup instead of yams or mashed potatoes. In addition, add a vegetable platter with a low-fat yogurt dip. For the main course, serve broccoli and sweet potatoes along with the turkey instead of regular boiled or mash potatoes. While many family members or guests may be looking for that slice of bread and butter, serve a whole grain loaf with margarine.

For dessert, pumpkin pie happens to be the best alternative to other more high fat desserts such as chocolate cake or pastries. Add a dollop of low-fat whipped cream and everyone at the table will feel totally sated.

Also, serve water and lemon with your meals instead of cola or other soft drinks. Take a two hour break in between courses. Play a board game, card game or watch a favorite movie on DVD.

Planning a menu early will make preparation easier. It also allows for trying new recipes that are healthy and which everyone will enjoy. Remember, the turkey is the main event; therefore all of the side dishes are an added plus to the menu. By the way, keep an extra loaf of whole wheat bread on the side as well as low-fat mayo for later. No doubt someone will want to have a turkey sandwich later on during the night.

In order to look good, you must get the basics right and the one thing that is very important for this is the right kind of bra. Studies have shown that most women wear bras of the wrong size and this is especially the case with plus-sized women. If you want your outfit to fit you well, a good bra is quintessential. If you have limited financial resources, spending on a good bra makes more sense than on any other piece of garment!

The first thing that you need to do regarding getting a good bra that fits is go in for a professional fitting. Most popular stores that sell underwear will be able to help you with this. Victoria’s Secret, which has excellent undergarments, usually has an associate nearby who can help you out, as does Lane Bryant. Essentially, the cup size and the diameter of your ribcage should not compensate for each other. Too many women have problems finding their correct size and try to make it up with a smaller cup size than they should have or a larger band size. Remember that the band should fit snugly to your ribcage and that for most standard bras, the center part of it should brush your sternum.

After you go get fitted for a bra, ask the associate to find you one that will fit. Many plus sized women end up having a problem with this; either their breasts are too large and their rib cages too small to find a standard size that fits, or their cup size is too small to be found in the breast band that is usually associated with it. For women with problems in this area, there are still many options open to you. In many towns, there are small shops that cater to women in this specific area. If you don’t have any options locally, make sure you look online. While neither Lane Bryant or Victoria’s Secret carries much beyond the standard sizes, look at their voluminous online catalogs. You’ll find that far from being restricted to black, white or beige, you’ll have plenty of colors to choose from and many different styles as well.

When you are trying to figure out what looks best on you, make sure that you have a good foundation to build on. When you are concerned about the fit of your clothes, make sure that you have the support that that a well-fitted bra provides!

Andrea writes about Plus Size Clothing. Visit us for plus size deals on a Plus Size Bra at http://plus-size.discountsonline.com

- Andrea Dilea

For females outside of the average body type, or those that help them with find things to wear, it is often difficult to find attractive plus size clothing within a budget. The most difficult items to find include items for the pool or plus size lingerie. The retailers that specialize in such items also generally charge a premium for that availability.

One option to save time and money is to be properly fitted in a brick and board store for that plus size dress, bra, swimsuit or whatever you need and get an idea of what your wear in several different brands and keep a list of the sizes. Lingerie has so much variation that fitting is tricky no matter what size you are. Every woman should at the least have a professional bra fitting, and refit for other brands.

It’s best to buy swimwear in person so you can actually see it on your body and really decide whether it’s for you. However, you can still often save if you don’t need the garment immediately. Find it in a store, get all the information, and then head to the internet for plus size clothing shops and comparison shop. You can save half or even more in some cases.

If you are one of those lucky women who weighs the same from year to year, you may be able to save bunches of money if you buy that swimsuit or any season-specific clothing when it being cleared out for the next season. Of course, if being in the latest style is important this won’t work, but if not you may be able to make your best deal.

Another way to buy plus size clothing inexpensively is by shopping over the internet. I know someone who visited a famous designer’s website for plus size clothing and was able to buy dresses for a small fraction of their retail price, and she was able to get three great dresses for the price of one. If you tell them what size you want, they will choose the color and style of clothes that you will receive. Be very careful to shop at sites that have excellent return policies, unless you are really confident that you’ll like whatever clothes are sent to you.

Some sellers offer similar great deals in their paper catalogs, so search for bargains there as well. Use toll free numbers to ask about current specials and offers as well as combing catalogues and web pages. Another way to save is to find a “size buddy” who can wear what you do and agree to trade back and forth, effectively doubling your wardrobe for the same price. Finding someone with compatible taste could really be worth the effort.

Follow this advice for great fit and bargains for larger ladies. Have yourself fitted by a store assistant for a good fit, take a friend shopping with you, and browse the internet and catalogues for good value. Even if you are plus-sized, you can still look good on a budget.

Andrea writes about Plus Size Clothing. Find plus size deals at Woman’s Plus Size Clothing Discounts

- Andrea Dilea

Ingredients:

4 bananas, sliced
1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

In your blender or food processor place all the above ingredients. Puree until there are no lumps from the bananas. Place in freezer container. Allow to freeze until not quite solid. Place back in blender or food processor and puree until very smooth. Freeze until totally solid.

Tip:Â This is healthier than ice cream because it contains honey instead of sugar.

Additional Nutritional Information:

Calories: 149 Total Fat: 4.6g Cholesterol: 9mg Sodium: 28mg
Total Carbs: 26.2g Dietary Fiber: 2g Protein: 3.3g

Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams with brown sugar and marshmallows, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, bread, and the many desserts such as pies and cakes are just some of the menus being planned for the upcoming holiday. Do any of these foods sound familiar?

You can enjoy your holiday feasts and still maintain a healthy diet. Portion control and substituting low fat ingredients is one way in which to provide a healthy alternative.

For example, prepare the turkey without the stuffing. Instead of pasta, serve a healthy homemade vegetable soup. Replace some of the desserts with a home-baked angel food cake and decorate it with berries that are in season. You can still enjoy other desserts, as well as high carb foods such as mashed potatoes, by serving it on smaller plates and by limiting the variety of high-fat meats with low-fat substitutions.

Traditionally Thanksgiving and other subsequent holidays can last several hours. Instead of several courses, prepare four such as salad with low fat dressing, homemade vegetable soup, turkey without stuffing and homemade dessert. It can be done successfully and with a minimum amount of preparation. Serve a vegetable tray with a low fat dip for guests to nibble on before dinner.

Take one to two hour breaks before each meal. Take a walk or play football in the back yard, weather permitting. Sit everyone in the living room so they are not tempted to pick at the leftovers at the table after each course.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday and sometimes we tend to prepare too many courses. Whether it’s a new recipe we want to try or perhaps there was a wonderful side dish seen on a food channel we have to incorporate into the Thanksgiving meal. There isn’t a set amount of courses one must serve. However, perhaps this year prepare fewer courses and keep the ones you do prepare more satisfying and healthier for guests.

The spirit of Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays lies in those with whom we spend the holiday. While food preparation is important, it does not have to be so extraordinary that no one can move at the end of the meal. You’ve seen the commercial, right? Everyone is so stuffed, the men immediately take to the sofa and unbuckle their belts, while the women sit at the table and talk while picking at the leftovers.

When you begin to think about your holiday preparation, plan a menu that’s healthy and that affords those who are maintaining a diet to be able to stick to it. While some cultures will create a mini-banquet, their only choice is portion control. Serve on smaller plates and prepare fewer courses. Substitute water for cola and serve non-fat eggnog. Eat slower, chew longer and enjoy the feast!

One of the problems we all face is how to maintain a diet during the holiday season. Undoubtedly for some it is fasting the week before Thanksgiving. There is less guilt when sitting down to enjoy this delicious feast. This has sometimes been the norm rather than the exception.

To avoid having to fast or go on a crash diet and still be able to enjoy the holiday fare, here are some tips for sticking to the diet maintained all year long without having to worry about the guilt and the added pounds.

Experts recommend drinking a few glasses of water and having a protein snack before beginning a holiday feast. There is an old expression, to wit; never go food shopping on an empty stomach. The same applies to the holidays. If preparing the holiday meal or being invited to a family gathering, eat a snack beforehand and drink water to alleviate the need to begin nibbling before the sit down meal commences.

Prepare a vegetable tray for guests with a low fat dip. If you have been invited to someone’s home, bring a vegetable tray as well. It is not only healthy but is a wonderful alternative for others who may be dieting as well.

Check out some recipes online that can be incorporated in preparing holiday meals and which offer substitutes for high-fat content. In addition, instead of the array of desserts traditionally served every year, why not make an angel food cake and top it with berries and low fat whipped cream.

Serve vegetables along with the Thanksgiving turkey. This is not only a healthy alternative to stuffing but can be served in many different ways. If serving a salad use low fat dressing. A delicious homemade vegetable soup can be prepared as a second course instead of pasta.

There are so many different ways in which to use alternative foods during the holidays, yet still enjoy every morsel. Moreover, portion control is the key to maintaining any diet. We all know that holiday fare consists of many courses. Take a walk with family members or friends in between courses. If the weather permits, play a game of touch football in the backyard.

While these are just some tips to help stick to the diet you have maintained all year long, you can still enjoy the holidays. Substitute foods high in fat with recipes that are just as pleasing to the eye and palate as the traditional foods offered during the holiday season.

Ingredients:

1 cup bread flour
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/8 cup wheat germ
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

Instructions:

This recipe is for a bread machine. If using the bread machine follow directions that came with the machine. To make without a bread machine you will need to place flours, oats wheat germ and yeast in bowl and combine. Add wheat germ, honey, milk, water and butter. Mix together well by using your hands to incorporate all ingredients together. Cover and allow to rise. Place in loaf pan and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for approximately 1 hour or until bread is brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Additional Nutritional Information:

Calories: 147 Total Fat: 2.3g Cholesterol: 5mg Sodium: 257mg
Total Carbs: 27.5g Dietary Fiber: 2.6g Protein: 5.2g

Inevitably all will be making the rounds this holiday season to visit friends and relatives. Undoubtedly everyone we visit will have the traditional spread of delicious foods that will tempt us into overindulging on the many treats available.

Anyone can still enjoy holiday parties and refrain from consuming too many high-fat foods and drinks. Here are some tips to help in this endeavor.

Before going out to any holiday party, have a small snack and plenty of water. The old saying: Never food shop when you’re hungry? Well, the same applies to holiday parties. While you may have been dieting over the summer months in preparation for the upcoming holidays, still maintain whatever diet plan you are on by simply heading straight for the veggie platter. Avoid heavy desserts and substitute water for cola and beer.

If attending a sit-down holiday fare, odds are there will be a tempting spread of fine foods and desserts. Utilize the same portion control used in the diet plan. Although you may feel you deserve a treat of a creamy dessert, choose one that is the lesser of two evils. More often than not, hosts will have plenty of food to enjoy that will not play havoc with a waistline.

Stick will salads and low fat dressing, put aside the stuffing and utilize a small plate. While it will be difficult, you can enjoy holiday parties as well as anyone else. After all, you have been dieting for quite some time and probably know how many calories each menu contains.

Today, more holiday preparation is geared towards low fat meals. Moreover, the preparation of these meals offers a wide variety of healthy alternatives than the more traditional heavier meals used to.

While we all have been guilty of overindulging now and again, the holidays are a time for family and friends to get together and enjoy each other. Although many foods will be served relative to one’s culture, utilizing portion control will help to not only enjoy the feast but also alleviate the pangs of guilty feelings afterwards.