Healthy Apple and banana oat pancakes

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/11830835/Healthy-apple-and-banana-oat-pancakes.html

Mind your bacteria...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/11595559/Junk-food-kills-bacteria-that-protect-against-obesity-heart-disease-and-cancer-study-finds.html

Party poppers

A 50th birthday party in Victoria Island... This got heads turning in admiration. It could be yours too for your occasion. Contact me on 08023245664

And who said HEALTHY couldn't look so GOOOOOD!!!

Add some colour to your events... add some fruit art... let healthy meet art.

This was displayed at a traditional wedding and the crowd loved it. It might not match your aso-ebi colours but who cares, cos healthy is the new chic...

Go Bananas Over Bananas

Health Benefits of Bananas
Bananas are full of nutrients, particularly potassium.  The helpfulness of potassium-rich foods like bananas in reducing blood pressure has been well researched.

Banana has 440 milligrams of potassium, which helps to regulate heart function and also fluid balance, an important factor in the regulation of blood pressure.

In a study, 3 groups of children with diarrhea were tested. The 1st group was treated with a diet which included bananas, the 2nd group was treated with pectin, and the 3rd group was given plain rice. Eighty-two percent of the banana group recovered within 4 days.

Due to the high content of the soluble fiber pectin in bananas, they are very soothing to the gastrointestinal tract. The pectin helps to normalize bowel function and has shown some promise for treating peptic ulcers. Bananas contain compounds called protease inhibitors which help eliminate harmful bacteria like H. Pylori, which is considered responsible for the majority of stomach ulcers.

Researchers have revealed that women who consumed bananas 4 to 6 times a week had a 50% lower risk of developing kidney cancer in comparison to women who didn’t eat bananas.

Bananas are a fantastic source of potassium as well as vitamin B6. They are a good source of fiber, magnesium, biotin, riboflavin, carbohydrates and vitamin C.

The banana originated in Malaysia around 4,000 years ago. Bananas were introduced to the Americas by Portuguese explorers during the late fifteenth century. Although bananas grow in virtually all tropical and subtropical regions, the main commercial producers are Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil and Ecuador.

It's never too late to go bananas over bananas

Heart to heart

A chat with Dr.Devi Shetty, Narayana Hrudayalaya (Heart Specialist) Bangalore was arranged by WIPRO for its employees. The transcript of the chat is given below. Useful for everyone.

Qn: What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart?
Ans:
1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil
2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week;
avoid lifts and
avoid sitting for a longtime
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control BP - Blood pressure and Sugar

Qn: Can we convert fat into muscles?
Ans: It is a dangerous myth. Fat and muscles are made of two different tissues, fat is fat ... Ugly and harmful... Muscle is muscle. Fat can never be converted into a muscle.

Qn: It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person
gets a cardiac arrest. How do we understand it in perspective?
Ans: This is called silent attack; that is why we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health checkups.

Qn: Are heart diseases hereditary?
Ans: Yes

Qn: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?
Ans: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.

Qn: Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?
Ans: Walking is better than jogging, since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints

Qn: You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?
Ans: Mother Theresa, who was my patient.

Qn: Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?
Ans: Extremely rare.

Qn: Does cholesterol accumulates right from an early age (I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?
Ans: Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.

Qn: How do irregular eating habits affect the heart ?
Ans: You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme release for digestion gets confused.

Qn: How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?
Ans: Control diet, walk and eat walnut.

Qn: Which is the best and worst food for the heart?
Ans: Fruits and vegetables are the best and oilis the worst.

Qn: Which oil is better - groundnut, sunflower, olive?
Ans: All oils are bad.

Qn: What is the routine checkup one should go through? Is there any specific test?
Ans: Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo.

Qn: What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack?
Ans: Help the person into a sleeping position, place an aspirin tablet under the tongue with a sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to a coronary care unit, since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.

Qn: How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that caused due to gastric trouble?
Ans: Extremely difficult without ECG.

Qn: What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 yrs of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.
Ans: Increased awareness has increased incidents. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.

Qn: Is it possible for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet be perfectly healthy?
Ans: Yes.

Qn: Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?
Ans : Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may NOT have a software engineer as a child

Qn: Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a times we have to stay late nights in office. Does this affect our heart? What precautions would you recommend?
Ans : When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as yougrow older, respect the biological clock.

Qn: Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short/long term)?
Ans : Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti-hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.

Qn: Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?
Ans : No.

Qn: Are asthma patients more prone to heart disease?
Ans : No.

Qn: How would you define junk food?
Ans : Fried food like Kentucky , McDonalds , Samosas, and even Masala Dosas.

Qn: You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food?
Ans: Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately, Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.

Qn: Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?
Ans: No.

Qn: Can a person help himself during a heart attack (Because we see a lot of forwarded e-mails on this)?
Ans: Yes. Lie down comfortably and put anaspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary care unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.

Qn: Do, in any way, low white blood cells and low hemoglobin count lead to heart problems?
Ans: No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity.

Qn: Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?
Ans : Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.

Qn: Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?
Ans: Yes. A strong relationship since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics.

Qn: What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?
Ans : Diet, exercise, drugs on time , Control cholesterol, BP, weight.

Qn: Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?
Ans : No.

Qn: What are the modern anti-hypertensive drugs?
Ans: There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem, but my suggestion is to avoid the drugsand go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyles.

Qn: Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?
Ans : No.

Qn: Why is the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?
Ans: Nature protects women till the age of 45. (Present Global census show that the Percentage of heart disease in women has increased than in men )

Qn: How can one keep the heart in a good condition?
Ans: Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise everyday, do not smokeb and, go for health checkups if you are past the age of 30 ( once in six months recommended) ....

Please, don't hoard knowledge.
It takes sharing of knowledge to discover and understand the world in which we live in. 

Fruit kebab tier

Getting better with each passing day...

Fruit Art

So after work was over for me I jumped right into my passion, FRUITS...
I've learnt to carve and decorate to make eating fruits fun. ..

Loving What I do...

With each passing day I'm loving every minute of feeding Jayden, so much that he's almost a year and I didn't even notice... where did my little 7lb baby go. I bless God for his life, feeding him has given me a new purpose in life and has made me realise I can be a better me.

5 Healthy Eating Habits to Steal From Europeans by Morgan Kom

Cutting your risk of heart disease and stroke is simpler than you think.

They sometimes do things we Americans find weird (like wearing tiny Speedos to the beach), but when it comes to healthy eating, Europeans — specifically those from Spain, France, Italy and Greece — could teach us a thing or two. 

Their diets, referred to in nutrition circles as the Mediterranean Diet, consists of lots of olive oil, nuts, red wine, and lean protein. It has been widely touted as a top defense against chronic diseases and a sure-fire way to drop pounds. It’s also the most effective diet to protect against heart disease.

"This diet is about keeping you healthy and fighting disease," said Holly Andersen, M.D., attending cardiologist and director of Education and Outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute at New York Presbyterian Hospital. 

A landmark study published last April revealed that a Mediterranean diet led to greater cardiovascular health. The Spanish research team tracked more than 7,400 participants for nearly five years. These volunteers, a mix of men and women between the ages of 55 to 80, did not have cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study, but were at a high risk for developing it (i.e. they had Type 2 diabetes, were smokers or had a family history of heart disease).

Two-thirds of the volunteers were told to follow a Mediterranean diet; the other third was instructed to eat a control diet. Half of the Mediterranean diet group had to use four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day; the second half of the Mediterranean group were given an ounce of mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts) each day.

The researchers ended their study earlier than expected because the results were so pronounced it would have been unethical to continue: Those consuming a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts saw a 30 percent reduction in their risk of heart disease. 

Andersen told Yahoo Health that this study reiterates the notion that what you eat truly determines how healthy you are. “These volunteers did not lose weight or change their exercise habits,” she noted. “It’s not about what you weigh but what foods you eat that will help you fight disease.”

Adjusting your diet to incorporate Mediterranean eating habits isn’t hard. Anderson recommends incorporating these five foods into your diet for better health and weight loss — the Speedo, that’s your choice: 

1. Nuts. “Mix unsalted pecans, almonds, cashews and walnuts together and eat as a snack,” she said. “These nuts increase good cholesterol.”

2. Dark chocolate. “Dark chocolate is associated with longevity,” she said. But stick to a chocolate bar that contains at least 70% cocoa.

3. Small fish. The big fish in the sea — tuna, halibut and swordfish — contain high levels of mercury. Healthier options are wild salmon, snapper, sardines, and anchovies because they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

4. Colorful veggies. Spice up your salad with red and green bell peppers, tomatoes and other colorful veggies and don’t forget to sprinkle some blueberries on your oatmeal or yogurt, said Andersen. Eating a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables guarantees you’ll be getting key vitamins and minerals.

5. Extra virgin olive oil. “Not all fat is created equal,” noted Andersen. Fat is essential for energy and keeping your skin and hair healthy. Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for dipping bread, providing taste and texture to salads and scrambling eggs.

Article By Morgan Kom

November 17, 2014

LEARNING TO LOVE YOU...

we need to learn how to care for our bodies by avoiding bad diets, misinformation about whats right and what isnt and staying clear of fast foods (guilty!).

I used to love anything that quick and easy to eat, but now I'm setting examples for people to follow I need to change that attitude. Though it might take a while to prepare but healthy foods are your best option. Reduce the amount of work you give your body in terms of the amount of toxins it has to deal with on a daily basis.

REMEMBER, HEALTHY IS THE NEW CHIC!!!

Na only organic person go chop...

I'm sure you are wondering what all the craze is about organic foods, all we hear these days are organic this, organic that.... HABA!!!
But in reality, YES, organic is all you deserve cause your body needs the best, and that goes for our little cherubs too.
Foods that are organic are produced without the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers or preservatives and most are not Genetically Modified (GM foods). Our little ones have sensitive stomachs and these toxins are not needed for our bodies especially for our little cherubs, therefor it is important to keep our foods free of toxins.
Research has shown that organic fruits and veggies contain significantly more vitamins and minerals than GM foods. This is due to the rich nutrients contained in our rich chemical-free soil.

xoxo
Concerned mummy

WHY I MAKE HOMEMADE BABY FOOD

My first son was fortunate to be the first, and also first on which I practised my motherhood skills (which were none existence) on. I learnt from all my mistakes using him, but thank God for His mercies that keep little children.

Many times I picked baby food off the shelf, and i couldn't even get myself to smell it, let alone taste it, but it still ended up in his mouth and then into his system. A part of me felt guilty but I didn't know any better, so I just continued spending so much money on "CRAP". With no incline of where the food came from and how it was made. When I had my second son, I vowed to do things differently and uniquely. Though it took quite some time and effort, every second doing it was worth it. And that how it became my passion...

Most of the recipes for babies are steam the fruit or veggies until tender, blend and serve. So when my first blender broke down from excessive pureeing, the passion in me drove my hubby's friend to buy me a blender that same day, after so much whining...lol

It is without a doubt that making baby food is the most time consuming than popping open a jar of shelf plucked baby food. Hungry babies do not wait for foods to be thawed and defrosted, that's why I came up with the phrase "plan ahead" and keep in baby coolers for the next meal. You will be shocked at how long it takes to complete making a portion of baby food to last for a week (especially if you a blessed with a healthy feeder), but once my freezer is stocked for the week i'm ready to plug and play", little wonder why stored jar shelved baby foods are an all time favorite for every mom.

Making my own homemade baby food allowed me to give Jayden and Jeremy (my first son who better late than never) the essential nutrients needed to grow into healthy young men. When i look at them now, I know it was worth every time spent in the kitchen.

Recipes of peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, brown rice, pap (ogi), apples, pears, avocadoes.... these and more are loved by my children (especially my toddler who has teeth still loves his brothers pureed foods) and now I want to share my passion with all the mothers out there who want the best for their little ones.

xoxo
Maureen