Monthly Archives: November 2014

Where do you see yourself in thirty, forty, or fifty years? Most of us don’t envision our lives changing that drastically in the future. We see ourselves continuing daily activities and pursuing the things we enjoy, perhaps at a more relaxed pace. But do we honestly know to what level of quality will we be living? We’ve all heard about aging gracefully, but what about living gracefully and to the fullest capacity? Believe it or not, finding ways to age beautifully is simpler than you might imagine. Besides eating healthy and exercising, here is a list of ways to live the future life you want:

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As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s important that we reflect on its meaning. Behind the turkey, stuffing, sides and pie, the act of giving thanks is at the heart of this holiday, and is actually one of the best foods for the soul. Throughout history, philosophers and religious leaders have highlighted gratitude as a virtue that is integral to health and well-being. So how can a dose of gratitude keep us healthy? Mental health professionals have started to explore this idea and have discovered some promising results: Continue reading →

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a real issue for many people. In fact, it is such a serious health condition in America that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deemed it the second largest health threat behind smoking. If you are concerned with your heart and want to take control of its health, there’s no time like the present to take action. Tired of fighting hypertension? Looking for additional solutions besides medication? Try one of these strategies to naturally and effectively lower your high blood pressure and give your body the proper cardiac care it needs. Continue reading →

ANDS Staff created healthy snack guide. We would like to encourage
you make time for at least 1-3 healthy snack each day. Snacks take the
edge off, keep blood sugars stable, prevent overeating at meals, etc.,
etc., etc. Make your snack high in fiber and include some protein.
This will keep you feeling full longer

One 1-oz package of Planters NUT-trition almonds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds in shell

2 pieces (30 grams) prosciutto, 4 dried figs

1 package Original Apple Nature Valley Fruit Crisps

1 Jelly Belly 100-calorie pack

One 100-calorie Balance Bar

1 package Back to Nature Honey Graham Sticks

2 tbsp Better 'n Peanut Butter, 4 stalks celery

1 bag Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop Butter Mini Bags topped with a
spritz of butter spray and 1 tsp sugar

1 container Fage Greek Total 2% fat yogurt, 2 tsp honey

Strawberry Salad (1 cup raw spinach
with ½ cup sliced strawberries and 1 tablespoon balsami

Any 100 calorie pack
Snack/Granola bar (around 150
calories or less, like Kellogg's All-Bran, Kashi TLC Trail Mix, or
Fiber one Bar)

Any Brand Sugar-free or fat-free pudding

Apple dipped in
Peanut Butter (or spread peanut butter on top of apple slice and top
with pecans very good!)

Raw veggies with hummus (ANDS Staff favorite!)

Skinny S'more (two graham crackers with one roasted
marshmallow and one small square dark chocolate)

Trail Mix (make your own! Throw in dried
fruit, sunflower seeds, nuts, low-sugar cereals, and even the
occasional piece of candy for something sweet.)

Mango smoothie (frozen mango, mango Greek Yogurt, and a
small amount of orange juice)

Kabobs (thread low-fat meat, low-fat
cheese, pineapple and cherry tomatoes onto a stick- my kids love
anything on a stick!)

Shredded carrots and cucumber slices

Parfait (build your own with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt, fruit,
and granola)

Sun Chips
(Remember portion control!)

Laughing Cow Light Cheese
Wedges

Peaches and Cottage Cheese

Homemade Popsicles (puree
watermelon, strawberries, mango, banana, etc and freeze in popsicle
molds)

Lettuce
wrap (try two slices honey-baked ham with 2 teaspoons honey mustard
rolled in a lettuce leaf)

Chocolate Covered
Strawberries (dip 5 strawberries in 2 squares of dark chocolate- this
is still good for you,

Honeyed Yogurt (½ cup nonfat Greek
yogurt with a dash of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon honey

Blackberries
(so good mixed with plain yogurt)

1 small Martin's pretzel

1/4 cup hummus, 3 carrot sticks

1 Laughing Cow Light Swiss Original wedge, 3 pieces Kavli Crispy Thin

1 oz buffalo mozzarella, 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes

1 bag Baked! Cheetos 100 Calorie Mini Bites

15 Eden's Nori Maki Crackers rice crackers

50 Eden's Vegetable Chips

Tortilla chips and chunky salsa

Raw veggies and ranch dip

Cored sliced apples with peanut butter, oats, nuts, and chocolate chips

Low-fat cottage cheese with fruit spread and unsalted pretzels

Pears are a gentle laxative and celery acts as a diuretic. Ginger promotes good digestion.

4 oz of pear
3 oz of celery
1 inch piece of fresh ginger root

Juice all ingredients together and serve over ice or put in a blender with ice cubes to make it creamier.

Apples are excellent for cleansing the system. The berries provide C, E and minerals.

3 apples
5 oz of cranberry juice (fresh or pure store bought juice)
3 oz of fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tablespoon of powdered psyllium (fiber

Juice the apples then blend the juice in a blender with the cranberry juice, blueberries, and powdered psyllium

We all turn to comfort foods from time to time. They have a way of, well, comforting us. No more so than now, when the weather is chilly and we are feeling a little blue and run down. They warm our insides, and make us feel good. Unfortunately, all the extra calories and fat is not good for bodies.

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Pomegranate as a fruit, consumed in all its forms, contains many health benefits. The pomegranate tea is no exception. Pomegranate tea is rich in antioxidants. They are helpful when it comes to fighting against aging. They also strengthen the immune system, and lower the risk of getting cancer and diabetes. Pomegranate tea can also help reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.
5 green tea bags
5  cups hot water
1/4 cup Sucanat
3/4 to 1 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup 100% pomegranate juice
Ice cubes, as required
Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large bowl or pitcher, combine tea bags and water, steeping bags for 5 minutes. Add Sucanat, then lemon and pomegranate juices, stirring until Sucanat s dissolved. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Discard bags, add ice and pour into glasses. Serve garnished with a lemon slice and mint, if desired.

Ingredients:

4 cups tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped
4 cups low-sodium tomato juice
⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
¼ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
½ cup plain low-fat yogurt

Directions:

Combine tomato and tomato juice in large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 30 minutes. Place tomato mixture and basil (leaving a few fresh leaves for garnish) in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Return pureed mixture to pan; add chicken stock, sea salt, and pepper. Add yogurt, stirring with a whisk. Cook over medium heat until thick (about 5 minutes). Serve hot; garnish with remaining basil.

Ingredients:

1 pound rice lasagna noodles
2 cups kale, chopped
3 cups shredded mozzarella
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 medium onion, finely chopped
10 asparagus spears, cut into ¼-inch pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pump or spray olive oil
Cheese mixture:
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1 cup plain yogurt
½ cup parsley
Red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°. Spray bottom of baking dish with olive oil. Bring pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta; remove from water and drain. Lay flat the sheets of pasta in layers of plastic wrap or waxed paper until ready to prepare lasagna. Combine ricotta cheese, yogurt, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper in large mixing bowl. Set aside. Build lasagna from bottom to top in baking dish, beginning with pasta, kale, ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and pasta. Next, layer carrot, onion, ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and pasta. Next, add asparagus, red pepper, ricotta cheese mixture, 1 cup mozzarella and pasta. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 1 hour. Let stand 5-10 minutes. Serve and enjoy.