Can my healthy eating plans include oatmeal? Many individuals assume that because oatmeal contains carbohydrates and sugar that it cannot be included in their healthy diet plans. Because of misleading information this seems to be the consensus. Well, the facts tell us that oatmeal can be a part of your healthy eating plans and should be included in your healthy eating guidelines. Here is why.

There are many varieties of oatmeal and it is true that many are not the healthiest forms of oatmeal and should not be included in your healthy eating plans. Steel-cut oats are chopped oat groats and the least processed type of oatmeal. There are also rolled oats and these oats are steamed. Then the most popular and generally the least healthy for you’re healthy eating plans are instant oats, which are precooked and often contain added sugar.

Steel cut or rolled oats can be used as long lasting energy because of the type of carbohydrate that they are. You can even make a healthy shake out of them by combining 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 scoop Prograde Protein Powder and 1.5 cups water. Oats of a healthy kind are usually eaten in what we think of as conventional ways, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Think outside the box a little to discover other ways to include healthy oatmeal into your healthy eating guidelines and healthy diet plans.

Nutritionally a one half cup serving of cooked steel-cut oats has 150 calories, 5gms of protein, 27gms of carbs and 4gms of fiber. One packet of plain instant oats has 100 calories, 4gms of protein, 19gms of carbs and 3gms of fiber. As you can see they have similar nutritional profiles with the steel cut oats being a little higher in overall carbohydrates and fiber. Now some would say that the instant oats would be better for your healthy eating plans, but if you notice I wrote “plain” instant oats. How many of you actually eat “plain” instant oats. What you see on the store shelves are instant oats that are usually flavored with something and many times filled with added sugar.

If you want to eat instant oats make sure you are selecting the proper type of instant oats for your healthy eating plans. You can always add chopped fruit, cinnamon or other low calorie flavorings to your oatmeal.

Some people are under the assumption that steel cut oats can not be made quickly and have to be cooked for long periods of time. Well there is an alternative to this method. Put 1/2 cup steel cut oats, 1/2 cup 1% milk, and 1/2 cup water into a large microwaveable bowl. Microwave for 4 minutes, stir and then cook for 2 more minutes. While I am giving you a microwave recipe, I am not suggesting that you cook all your meals in a microwave. Though if you need a quick healthy oatmeal recipe to use every now and then this is it.

Continuing with thinking outside of the box have you ever tried substituting oats for bread crumbs in just about any recipe? All you have to do is use a food processor and finely chop the oats. Then you can add them to ground beef to be used in meatloaf or use them as breading for fish fillets or chicken fillets. Just because something has carbohydrates or sugar does not mean that it cannot be included in your healthy eating plans or healthy diet plans. Make sure you take the time to look at the full nutrient profile and think unconventionally in regards to how you can include that food into your healthy eating plans.

In recent years, a growing number of men and women in different countries around the world have become increasingly concerned about their health. Because of the fact that many people have become more concerned about their overall health, these men and women have paid closer attention to what they eat on a regular basis. In the final analysis, these men and women are making dietary decisions designed to improve their general health and wellbeing.

As people have become more conscious of their health and diet, a considerable number of these same men and women have become interested in the Mediterranean diet regimen. If you are, in fact, a person who appreciates the interrelationship between diet and health, you may have a definite interest in the history of the Mediterranean diet regimen.

Before you can appropriately understand what the Mediterranean diet is all about, you need to appreciate that it is more of a concept than a specific dining routine. In reality, there is no such thing as a Mediterranean diet common to all of the countries in the Mediterranean region of the world. Rather, the Mediterranean diet” consists of those food items that people who live in the various nations in the region consume in common.

The Origins of the Mediterranean Diet

The concept of the Mediterranean diet is derived from the eating habits and patterns of the people who populate the countries of Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Tunisia, Lebanon and Morocco. As a result, the Mediterranean diet actually includes a tremendous array of delectable food. In point of fact, if a person elects to adopt the concept of the Mediterranean dining scheme, or if a person elects to follow a Mediterranean diet regimen, he or she will have the ability to enjoy a remarkable assortment of scrumptious fare.

The diet of the peoples that have populated the regions around the Mediterranean Sea actually have remained nearly completely unchanged for well over one thousand years. The history of the region is replete with examples of men and women living longer than similarly situated people who consumed alternate diets. Through the centuries, the people of the Mediterranean Sea region have enjoyed longer lives that people in other parts of the world at the same historical epoch.

At the heart of the Mediterranean diet are foods and beverages that are indigenous to the geographic landmass surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. In short, the development of the Mediterranean dieting and dining pattern initially developed by providence. The people of the region naturally and understandably ate those foods and drank those beverages that readily were available in and around their homes.

The Historical Elements of the Mediterranean Diet Scheme

As mentioned previously, over the centuries, the diet of the peoples of the Mediterranean Sea region has remained essentially unchanged. The Mediterranean diet consists of the bountiful consumption of a number of healthy food items including:

Fresh fruit
Fresh vegetables
Low fat nuts
Whole grains
Monounsaturated fat

In a similar vein, the Mediterranean diet utilized by people for generation after generation excludes or limits certain food items that have been deemed harmful in recent scientific studies. These less than desirable food items include:

Saturated fats
Red and fatty meat
Rich dairy products
Fatty fish
The Historical Effects of the Mediterranean Diet Scheme

As has been alluded to earlier in this article on the history of the Mediterranean diet regimen, the people who inhabit the region have a demonstrably lower rate of heart disease and related ailments that oftentimes have a direct dietary connection. With the advent of scientific studies that have correlated the incidence of health problems with a poor diet, the positive effects of the Mediterranean diet have become self evident.

Research over the course of the past two decades has conclusively demonstrated that the men and women who populate the Mediterranean region are afflicted with heart disease and similar ailments far less often than people in other regions of the world. The experts who have conducted these studies have concluded that there is a strong likelihood that the diet scheme that is common in the Mediterranean region is responsible for maintaining the good health of the people who live in that corner of the globe throughout the past one thousand years.

Conclusion: The Expansive Use of the Historical Mediterranean Diet Scheme

During the past twenty years, a significant number of people in different countries around the world have turned their attention towards finding healthy diet regimens that are low in saturated fat and that include bountiful servings of fresh fruits and vegetable. Consequently, the Mediterranean diet has caught the eye of innumerable people who want to include healthy eating into their overall course of prudent living. In short, the Mediterranean diet encompasses foods and beverages that, when consumed in moderation, can work to lessen the threat of some serious diseases and can aid in creating the necessary foundation for a long, hearty lifetime.

Honestly, we all do want the best for our children. In my case, i can not say enough how important that was to me right from day one, that my baby live a healthy lifestyle. I do not know exactly back then when he was first born what all that meant, but I have indeed learned three essential rules that I believe promote healthy living for me and my whole family.

Eating nutritional and well-balanced diet.

In fact, before my son was able to eat real food, I never thought about the quality of food I was eating or preparing for our meals. Once he was able to join us for meal time and ask for food, I realized very quickly that the food I provided for all of us had to be healthy. I could no longer feed him the good stuff while my husband and I inhaled a greasy pizza.

He does want to eat what Mommy and Daddy were eating, so things had to change and very fast too. The whole scene was not as difficult as I had expected. I simply sat down and made a list of the foods I wanted him to eat based on their nutritional content. This included lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and very little processed and sugary foods. The next time I went to the grocery store I stuck to that list. Whenever I had the urge to throw in a box of cookies or potato chips I just asked myself, Is this something I want my son to eat?

Most of the time the answer was “NO” so I would keep on walking by. I am happy to say that my son eats a very healthy diet. He just do not beg for candy or chips. Instead, he begs for bananas, grapes, and blueberries. The bonus to all this is that my husband and I are eating healthier and feel great. Being a good example for our son has benefited us as well. In fact, based on what i am discussing here, it is all about being a good example for our kids. They really want to be just like Mommy and Daddy, that they will do exactly what we do, whether it is good or bad.

However, if we show our kids from a young age that exercise is fun and worthwhile, they will grow with it and enjoy it as well. My son is now three years old and loves to dance, chase bubbles, run with his dogs, and go for walks. These are things he already enjoys doing and when we do them together, we both get a great workout.

Drink plenty of water.

Nevertheless, some parents may be thinking that i am crazy but my son is over three years old and has probably only had juice a couple of times. He went directly from breast feeding to milk and water. Occasionally I will give him some watered down orange juice because, of course, he sees Mommy drinking it and wants to be just like me. But in general he only drinks water. For sure, he does not beg for soda because he does not know what he is missing and that is fine with me. Moreover, he sees Mommy and Daddy drinking water all day long so he knows it is a good thing to do.

Finally, what I have learned in these 3 short years is how impressive they can be. They want nothing more than to be just like us. It is an honor and also a great responsibility. I believe that by following these three simple rules my entire family will be healthier and most importantly, my son will grow up having already developed healthy living habits. I hope you find these tips helpful and I wish you and your family very healthy living. There is nothing on earth that could be compared to the joy and happiness that come our way as mothers than watching our kids live, eat and grow up healthy

Are you one of the many American families that love to eat out at your favorite restaurants? If so, then you probably think that this lifestyle is not good for a healthy diet and most of the time this assumption is right, but you can still dine out occasionally and still be able to maintain a healthy diet. What it all boils down to is making smart choices in the foods that you eat and knowing the nutritional values of the food that you need to stay happy, physically fit, mentally stable and live an active life.

The first thing that you should do while eating out is to not order a drink. It is very tempting to order a glass of beer or some other mixed beverage for dinner, but the problem with these are that they have many empty calories which are not good for your body. One of the exceptions to the rule when it comes to alcohol is wine. Red wine has been proven to actually prevent heart disease in some people. Always remember, you should only drink one glass and no more. When I go out to a restaurant, I always order a cold glass of water which is much better for your body and your wallet.

You should also not order any appetizers unless it is part of the salad bar. The problem with these foods are that they are usually high-fat foods that are not designed to fill you up and they can even cause you to crave even more high-fat foods. Some of the well known appetizers are mozzarella sticks, potato skins, and wings. Try to focus on your main course meal and if you must have an appetizer, share the single portion with your dinner guests.

Before you order your main dish, make sure that you know the ingredients in the meal. Dishes with cream sauces or high fat meats should be avoided and it is not a smart choice to order potatoes or onion rings. Instead, order some type of vegetables with your meal or just order the main course when possible.

One of the most important things is the size of your meal. If possible, try to order off the lunch menu as those portions are much smaller then the dinner portions. You should always ask your waiter for a doggie bag at the beginning of your meal. This way, you can split your meal in half and not be tempted to eat the whole entire meal in one setting. Usually, you will get enough food for two or three portions in one meal.

The last thing and probably one of the hardest things that you should do is to skip dessert. If you feel that you must order dessert, then split the single portion with your dinner party or split it in half. Some of the desserts that are served in restaurants contain more calories then your whole meal, so think twice before you decide to indulge yourself at the end of your meal. There are times when all of us tend to cheat a little when it comes to eating and that is completely normal, but healthy eating requires a lot of will power and commitment.

I hope that you found this information useful and if you would like more information on ways to live healthy, then please visit my healthy living web site where you will find great information to help you live a long and healthy life.

Losing pounds is a magnificent way of improving your fitness as well as helping you to look and feel better. Diet and weight loss are very intimately linked as you won’t be able to lose weight without having a healthy diet. If you need to diet to lose weight then you must start as soon as you possibly can. There is no cause to delay and a fast weight loss diet may well help you to lose weight really quickly.

When you know how to loose weight you will no longer need to be bothered about not fitting into your jeans or dresses ever again. There are lots of places that you can go to for information on how to loose weight fast such as newspapers, books and magazines and of course the internet. Knowing how to lose weight is a very vital ability for these image conscious times.

A quick weight loss diet can help you to shed pounds quickly and straightforwardly and can be a remarkable help in overcoming any weight problems that you may have. Weight loss diets can be an invaluable tool to help to keep you healthy and looking and feeling at your most excellent. A high-quality weightloss programme will make losing weight stress-free and easy and take the anxiety out of dieting.

Once you have found the correct weightloss resource for you start by incorporating it into your every day routine and start losing weight straight away. Weightloss programmes occur in a broad variety of forms and it is worth taking the time to pick the one that is exactly suitable for you

These days, people are considering the benefits of healthy nutrition for overall wellness, but they don’t necessarily know how to combine good eating habits with a weight loss plan. The information that is available about dieting is somewhat overwhelming, and deciding on a diet plan can be a daunting task.

In some diets, fat consumption is acceptable as long as you avoid carbohydrates. Then there are other diets that allow carbohydrates, but restrict fat intake. There are a plethora of diets to choose from: meat diets, vegetarian diets, and diets where one eats a single food (i.e., the cabbage soup diet).

Most people know that fad diets are not a good plan. You may lose weight quickly, but over the long term, they are not necessarily healthy and you probably will not keep the weight off for good. When you finish one of those diets, you usually gain back the weight — even worse, you usually gain back extra!

So, how do you figure out which diet is best for you? Knowing what makes up a healthy diet is vital. If you want to have a healthy diet, keep in mind that disallowing certain foods or food groups entirely is counterproductive. The reason for this is that your body needs different foods to stay healthy.

Smaller portions are vital to weight loss. For instance, if you are out for a special occasion and want to have a cheeseburger, have only a regular one, not a double cheeseburger — and leave off the bacon. You can fill yourself up with a little yogurt or a salad.

Although it is vital to control your portions, you must avoid starving yourself. This will actually make your weight loss slower by slowing down your metabolism. Your body will be tricked into thinking it’s starving and, instead of letting you lose the fat by burning it, it will store it.

A healthy diet should include 3 meals per day. There are some weight loss plans that suggest you eat four to five small meals daily. This lets you lose weight and improve your health while avoiding being hungry. If your weight loss plan leaves you feeling constantly hungry, you will probably give up.

Physical activity is another essential element for any diet. In order to lose weight in a healthy way, you will need to reduce the amount of food that you eat and increase your physical activity. An hour-long walk or a ten minute exercise routine a few times each week will surely help you to lose weight quicker and feel healthier.

When you are just getting started, it is important to avoid working out too strenuously. You risk pulling a muscle or suffering a major injury.

Before beginning any diet or exercise routine, it is wise to get your doctor’s advice to make sure that you are healthy enough to do so. After you are told that it is safe to proceed, you can begin shedding the pounds and living a healthier life.