Sunday, January 29, 2012

Gout Linked to Diabetes

Gout Linked to Diabetes-Easy Peanut

Gout and diabetes have been together longer than peanut butter and jelly. These two sinister diseases have been wreaking havoc on the human population for many years, but why?

Easy Peanut

Before we discuss the connection between diabetes and gout, let's review exactly what diabetes is. Diabetes is a disease where sufferers inject insulin to treat high levels of sugar in the body. A diabetes sufferer doesn't make enough insulin by themselves so they need injections on a daily basis. Sometimes, patients need multiple injections per day to remain healthy.

While this may not sound like such a big deal, the major headache associated with diabetes come from the practically endless list of long-term problems that result from it.

The list of complications associated with diabetes reads like a laundry list of debilitating diseases: cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, severe eye damage, nerve damage, sexual dysfunction and possible gangrene, which can lead to amputation.

It's here that gout shows its ugly face. The connection between gout and diabetes is linked to poor blood circulation in the limbs. The chances of coming down with gout increase when poor circulation in the feet result in a build-up of uric acid in the joints. Poor circulation is a hallmark of diabetes, so the two illnesses are closely associated.

So, what can be done?

While there is no cure for diabetes, there are some treatments available to help increase blood flow to parts of the body.

One of the most basic treatment methods is the application of a warm, wet cloth or towel to the infected area. The heat and moisture can help dilate blood vessels in the foot, therefore increasing blood flow.

If this rudimentary treatment doesn't work, there are other options.

Exercise is a common way to help increase blood flow to the limbs. This may be difficult, however, for sufferers of gout, since standing or putting any pressure on a gout-ridden foot tends to be excruciating. So this works best as a preventative measure.

Drinking an extra glass or two of water per day has shown to help blood flow problems.

There are also many all-natural supplements that you can add to your diet to help put an end to gout outbreaks associated with diabetes.

Cayenne tincture has been a long-used cure all for anyone suffering from circulation problems. The herb has shown in studies to not only increase circulation, but also help in clearing the arteries and strengthening the muscles around the heart.

Ginkgo biloba is another herb that has many benefits for the body beyond simply improving circulation. While it does a fine job in that, ginkgo can also help improve memory, help with asthma symptoms and helps strengthen blood vessels.

If you're looking to improve your circulation, keep gout away and scare off vampires, than garlic is the herb for you. Not only will it help your blood move easier, it is an excellent blood cleanser and helps with high blood pressure.

In conclusion, diabetes and gout are inexorably linked. While you may not be able to fully avoid gout if you suffer from diabetes, there are ways to help lessen your chances of coming down with this painful joint condition.

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Friday, January 27, 2012

What Can I Use to Replace the Bars in My LA Weight Loss Diet?

What Can I Use to Replace the Bars in My LA Weight Loss Diet?-Easy Peanut

Many people are looking to replace La Weight Loss bars with another brand of bars or a food substitution. There are many popular substitute bars such as Luna, Balance Bar Trail Mix, Power Bar, Honey Stinger, CLIF Nectar, LaraBara and Bumble Bar, Pria, and Go Lean. The cost of LAWL bars seems to be the main driver, but that can easily be overcome by buying your bars on eBay. But there is also the need for some variety and some people just can't find a bar to their liking. So, if you are looking for a substitute, here are some alternatives. Just remember, by not eating the required 2 La Weight loss bars a day, you void the money back guarantee offered by La Weight Loss Centers.

Easy Peanut

If you feel you don't need the bars you can exchange 2 equivalent bars for 1/2 protein, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, and 1 starch. Stay focused on upping your vegetable intake while lowering processed flours and sugars.

If you are looking for a bar replacement, look for a bar that has about 160-180 calories, 17 grams of carbs, at least 8 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fat.

Here's the general nutritional info on the LA Weight Loss Bars:

Serving Size: 1 Bar (40g)
Amount per Serving
Calories 160 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.5g 7%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 85mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 8%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 18g
Protein 8g 16%
Vitamin A0%
Vitamin C0%
Calcium4%
Iron6%

Below are the most common substitutions for La bars. The information is a general guideline for substitution. Read the nutritional information on the back of any bar you are considering to be certain that the weight loss bar falls within the general nutrition counts for the La bar you are substituting.

Luna bars are reported to be the closest to the actual LAWL bars in nutrition. Many consider the Luna bars a direct substitute for the LA bars. So you eat two a day just as you would normally with the La Weight Loss bars. The Luna bars in particular (as opposed to other brands of protein/diet bars) make a good substitute because they are similar in calories (around 180) and protein (8-10 grams). Any bar that meets those two basic guidelines can be used.

Luna - Nutz over chocolate
Calories: 180
Calories from Fat: 40
Total Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 100mg
Potassium: 105mg
Total Carbohydrate: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 10g

Slim Fast Bars are a low calorie meal replacement, the bars are usually 250-260 Calories, which is a little more than a candy bar, but packed with more whey protein and less refined sugar.

Balance bars are very similar to protein bars sold by most companies. The balance bar is made by the same company that provides weight loss centers with their bars.

Kinetix bars are cheaper, have more protein, less calories. Similar in texture size and taste as the La Lites, Kinetex have about 4X's the sodium that the LA Lites have and 2X's the amount of protein, so you would have more protein than you are allowed on the plan.

Kinetex - Chocolate Peanut Crisp
Calories 170
Fat 4g
Cholesterol 2mg
Sodium 320mg
Potassium 55mg
Carbohydrate 17g
Protein 17g

Kashi Go Lean bars. They have about the same nutritional value as the La Lites.

South Beach cereal bars. They are similar in most counts, but have less calories, less carbs and more protein. There are two kinds of SBD bars just so the newbies know there are the cereal bars that are around 140 calories, and there are the meal replacement bars which are around 200-220.

Zone bars they are fairly close in calories/protein. Zone Perfect bars score better on the value scale (more protein per calorie). However, they are higher in calories overall.

Zone Perfect - CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER
Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
Servings Per Container: 12
Each bar contains 2 Zone Blocks:
Calories: 210
Calories from Fat: 60
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 360mg
Potassium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 13g
Protein: 16g

There are a lot of energy bar articles, threads and posts, but they all seem to be either about snacks, or about how awful energy bars are. It would seem like someone should be able to manufacture the equivalent of a healthy, balanced meal replacement bar that tastes great. But, if what you want is a no thought required, eat this one thing twice a day meal substitute that you don't have to worry about and lose weight, then it would just be easier to buy La Weight Loss bars on eBay. The prices on eBay are as good or better than the cost of other bars and you will still be eligible for the money back guarantee offered by La Weight Loss Centers.

Related articles:Spring Valley Vitamins ,ทำ seo

Friday, January 13, 2012

Popular Rabbit Names

Popular Rabbit Names

We get a lot of email asking for help in choosing a name for newly adopted rabbit pets. Well, as part of our research we looked into the most popular bunny names, so we thought we'd share them with you.

Here are rabbit names from our collection in random order:

* Bailey

* Bugs

* Thumper

* Puddles

* Midnight

* Riley

* Stormie

* Pippin

* Noel

* Piper

* Holbrook

* Willow

* Cocoa

* Maybelline

* Oreo

* Dezzi

* Pepper

* Cherub

* Romeo

* Hershey

* Hayley

* Velvet

* Tinkerbell

* Juniper

* Dutch

* Tuxedo

* Patches

* Sadie

* Tyler

* Duchess

* Harvey

* Pumpkin

* Angel

* Binky

* Hopkins

* Snowball

* Peanut

* Dakota

* Dash

* Hopper

* Nutmeg

* Smokey

Not Enough? :-) Ok, more names for your rabbit pet:

* Chance

* Satine

* Shadow

* Snuggles

* Thumbelina

* Flopsy

* Marshmallow

* Gatsby

* Jade

* Frodo

* Arial

* Rex

* Mittens

* Zuzu

* Halo

* Onyx

* Sabrina

* Belle

* Noir

* Q-Tip

* Nibbles

* Daisy

* Merry

* Tricycle

* Oscar

* Zoey

* Pepper

* Sundance

* Hopson

* Ripley

* Trance

* Sweetpea

* Charmin

* Noah

* Bunster

* Silver

* Bumper

* Rascal

Do you know other popular rabbit names? Let us know and we will add them to this list!

Names From Our Readers

* Jazmin (name for girl bunny-rabbit)

* Princess

* Rox

* Ebbie (stands for the initials E.B., short cut for Easter Bunny)

* Emma

* Sophie

* Einstein (name for smart male rabbit

* Muffin

* Mopsy

* Honey

* Dopey (cute name for small cute pet)

* Charlie

* Smores

* Ollie

* Willow Jett

* Fern

* Snickerz

* Gadget (probably the name for rabbit who love to play with toys)

* Dandelion (great name!)

* Thumper

* Zypp

* White Chocolate (in case the rabbit is brown and white)

* Tinker

* Sunny

* Buttons (when you'll see baby bunny's eyes you'll understand this)

* Hocus Pocus

* Houdini

* Treacle

* Bunny-Bunny (fun name when said in a very high pitch)

* Milly

* Amber

* Max

* Jessee (for a girl or a boy rabbit)

* Lola

You also can send us feedback note about our rabbit names collection. We will be happy to hear your opinion about it.

Popular Rabbit Names Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Jello Cake Recipe - Classic Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Jello Cake Recipe - Classic Jello Poke Cake Recipe

When you think of a Jello cake recipe, there's only one cake that is so popular that it immediately pops into your head: the classic Jello poke cake. This cake is famous for being extremely flexible in its use of gelatin flavors. When it's sliced into, you'll see the colorful stripes inside. Whatever flavor you use it's sure to be a hit.

1 package white or yellow cake mix (for two layers)

1 small package flavored gelatin, any flavor

4 eggs

1/3 cup oil

1 cup water (for the cake mix)

1 (12 oz.) container Cool Whip

1 cup water (for gelatin)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare cake, according to package directions, using eggs, oil and water. Bake cake in a 13x9-inch pan for 40 to 45 minutes. Let cake cool in pan for at least 15 minutes.

Poke holes across the entire surface of cake with a fork.

Dissolve the gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Pour the warm gelatin slowly over the surface of the cake (gelatin will soak into the cake). Place cake in the refrigerator and chill for about 4 hours.

Spread whipped topping on top of cake before serving. Refrigerate leftover cake.

=> Jello Cake Recipe: Jello Lemon Cooler Cake

This is a great cake to make for picnics and when company comes to visit. It's got a nice sweet and tangy tartness to it that will tingle your tastebuds.

1 package lemon cake mix

1 cup hot water

2 (3oz.) packages lemon flavored gelatin

1 cup milk

1 (3.4 oz.) package lemon pudding mix

1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip, thawed

Directions

Prepare cake mix according to package directions and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. Let cake cool, then poke holes across the entire cake surface using a fork.

Dissolve the lemon gelatin in 1 cup of hot water. Pour warm gelatin over the entire cake. Place cake in the refrigerator and let it cool.

In a large bowl, mix together the milk, lemon pudding mix and the remaining package of lemon gelatin; stir until all ingredients are thoroughly dissolved. Fold in the whipped topping and spread over top of cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

=> Jello Cake Recipe: Strawberry Jello Cake Recipe

This strawberry Jello cake is something special. The perfect Jello dessert recipe for warm afternoons and those special occasions when you want to make a dessert they'll be talking about for days.

1 package white cake mix

1 (3 oz.) package strawberry gelatin

3 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup oil

1/2 cup water

4 eggs

1 (10 oz.) package frozen strawberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, sift the cake mix, flour, gelatin mix and salt together. Stir in the oil and water. Beat well. Add in the eggs, one at a time; mix well.

In a medium, bowl mash up the entire bag of strawberries. Stir half of the strawberries (5 oz.) into the cake batter. Pour cake into 2-layer cake pans and bake for 30 minutes. Let cake cool and spread strawberry icing on top.

Strawberry Icing

1 stick butter

1 box confectioners' sugar, sifted

Directions

Cream the butter. Gradually add in the sugar and the remaining mashed strawberries. Mix until icing is a smooth, creamy texture.

=> Jello Cake Recipe: Jello Pudding Cake Recipe

Just like the poke cake, this Jello pudding cake is flexible when it comes to flavor. Choose the flavor that you want and enjoy a moist, rich-tasting cake that will not last for very long, because it's so scrumptious.

1 package white or yellow cake mix

1 (12 oz.) can fruit flavored soda (any flavor)

1 small box gelatin (same flavor as soda)

1 cup warm water

1 small box vanilla pudding

1 container Cool Whip

Directions

Prepare cake according to package directions. Bake cake in a 13x9-inch pan. Let cake cool. Poke holes into cake surface with a fork. Pour flavored soda over cake.

Dissolve gelatin into 1 cup warm water. Pour gelatin over the entire cake.

Prepare pudding according to package directions. Spread pudding over top of cake.

Spread whipped topping over top of entire cake. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve.

Jello Cake Recipe - Classic Jello Poke Cake Recipe Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

No Bake Recipes for Kids

No Bake Recipes for Kids

Healthy fun no bake recipes are as close as you mouse. No need to heat up the oven or turn on the microwave for these simple treats. These no bake easy recipes for kids will provide them some scrumptious deserts and healthy treats. The kids will have fun and you can relax while the kids enjoy preparing their own snacks.

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter on one graham cracker.

2. Spread jelly on the other and make a sandwich - Now that's easy.

3. Set out all the ingredients so the kids can experiment with several combinations to create a one-of-a-kind creation.

No-Bake Yogurt Pie

Ingredients:

*1-9" graham cracker crust shell

*1-8oz. container of orange flavored yogurt

*1- C. thawed whipped non-dairy topping

*1/2-C. canned mandarin orange slices - drained and broken into pieces

Instructions:

1.Combine yogurt and whipped topping together in a bowl and stir with a spoon

2.Add mandarin orange slice and stir

3. Spoon into the pie shell

4. Cover with plastic

5. Wrap and chill

You can freeze this pie and thaw slightly before serving.

----------------

Appetizers and Snacks

Vegetable Dippers

Ingredients:

*Bowl of carrots

*Celery

*Cucumbers

*Cherry tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Mix a 16 oz. container of light sour cream with dry soup mixes like tomato, vegetable or onion.

2. Allow the dip to blend over night or mix it up in the morning.

Cream Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

*1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese with chives

*1 (5 ounce) container sharp processed cheese food

Fruit Dips-1

Ingredients:

*2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

*1 cup brown sugar

*2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Fruit Dip #2

Ingredients:

*Cream cheese

*Crushed pineapple

Instructions:

1. Combine cream cheese and crushed pineapple

2. Stir until you reach the desired taste and consistency

No Bake Recipes for Kids Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

How Do I Stop Gallbladder Pain?

How Do I Stop Gallbladder Pain?

Very simply, gallbladder pain is typically caused by gallstones. So, what causes gallstones? This has confused a great many people due to the incredible amount of misinformation out there. I would like to simplify it for you so you can easily stop gallbladder pain and regain control of your life. You see, gallstones are almost always cholesterol deposits. It is a lesser known fact that you do not ever, ever need to get cholesterol from your diet. Although a small amount of cholesterol is important in your body, your liver naturally produces all the cholesterol you will ever need. But, we aren't the only ones who naturally produce cholesterol. All other animals do as well. When we eat them, we take in their cholesterol as well. This causes our net cholesterol, both HDL and LDL to go way up. This increase in cholesterol is what leads to heart disease and many other harmful conditions, including gallstones which is the cause of your gallbladder pain.

So, the most effective way to reverse gallbladder pain is to stop eating animal foods. That means meat (this includes white meat and fish too). It also means you have to stop eating dairy foods which includes butter, cream, milk, cheese, etc... It's a very simple reason. Gallbladder pain is caused by cholesterol in the diet. Cholesterol in the diet comes ONLY from animal foods. It would be like having a cut on your finger and instead of putting a band aid on it, you keep rubbing it with sand paper. It won't ever heal.

Now, at this point, you may be nodding your head in agreement, but if not, don't take my word for it. Do more research and you will quickly find that I am right. Assuming you come to see that your diet is the cause of your pain, you begin to wonder what in the world you would actually eat, but there is very good news for you. You can begin eating foods that will not only reverse and completely stop gallbladder pain, but will also protect you against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity and all other known ailments and diseases. So, what kinds of foods are they?

Well, they include vegetables, fruits, dark leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds and basically anything else in the vegetable kingdom. Remember, there is NO cholesterol in the vegetable kingdom and in order to allow your body to stop creating more and more gallstones that will continue to grow in size, you have to cut cholesterol out of your diet. There are many wonderful cookbooks out there and restaurants that will create delicious meals, so you don't suffer the withdrawal of not eating animals foods anymore. Just do a little research and more importantly, get started as soon as possible. If not, you will most certainly be at the mercy of your gallbladder pain which will continue to get worse and worse until you are forced to have your gallbladder removed. Please, remember that having your gallbladder removed does not solve the problem and most people find the pain continues after they have had their gallbladder removed.

There is one more important step involved with stopping gallbladder pain for good. Assuming you stop eating cholesterol, that means you won't get any worse and it will allow your body to start digesting and removing your current overabundance of cholesterol in the liver and gallbladder. But, the second thing you have to do is actively flush the gallstones out of your body. This usually comes in the form of a gallstone flush. I recommend a very high quality herbal flush that specifically goes to work on your gallstones. This is a one, two combination punch that will effectively and painlessly flush gallstones out of your body, allowing you to get back to your life. The worst thing you can do, by the way, is nothing. Continuing your current diet will simply continue to make your condition worse. I strongly suggest you do more research... look into new ways of eating and gallbladder cleanses so you can begin to heal and get out of pain.

More Resources:

More Gallbladder Pain Info

More articles on Gallbladder Pain

How Do I Stop Gallbladder Pain? Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

What Can You Do With Your Food Storage?

What Can You Do With Your Food Storage?

You need to plan your food storage in terms of what you can actually MAKE out of the items. Wheat will do you no good if you don't have other baking items necessary to make edible food out of it. Using the information from the book Marlene's Magic with Food Storage as a general guideline, I have compiled a list of different food items you can cook depending on what items you currently have in your food storage. This should be a starting point for anyone when determining which items to begin accumulating or to see what items you should add to really enhance your meal options.

I would suggest getting a 3 month supply of all of these items first, and then moving on to a full year's worth of food. You don't want to end up with a year's supply of wheat and unable to make even a loaf of bread because you don't have the other ingredients.

Foods You Can Make Using Common Food Storage Items

If You ONLY Have: Water, Wheat, Salt, Shortening or Oil

You Can Make:Sprouted wheatCooked cracked wheatCooked whole wheatWheat grassGluten (a strange bread-type food that has a very high protein content)Tortillas
Just Add: Powdered Milk, Powdered Eggs, Honey or Sugar, Flour

And You Can Make the Items Above PLUS:Wheat puddingGerman pancakesCrepesPasta
Just Add: Yeast, Baking Powder, Baking Soda

And You Can Make the Items Above PLUS:Puddings/custardsPancakesSome varieties of cookiesWafflesMuffins/English muffinsBreadsBiscuitsSome varieties of crackers
Just Add: Tomatoes, Powdered Butter and Cheese, Unflavored Gelatin, Canned Milk, Canned Fruits

And You Can Make the Items Above PLUS: Meatless dinnersMeatless casserolesCream saucesJello saladsWhipped cream dessertsBaby formula
Just Add: Rice, Legumes, Beef/Chicken Broth, Canned Meats, Dried Potatoes, Dehydrated Vegetables

And You Can Make the Items Above PLUS:Lots of great chunky soupsChiliRefried beansRice dinnersRice puddingsSandwichesMany different dinners and casseroles
Just Add: Extras such as Oats, Raisins, Nuts, Spices, Juice, Peanut Butter, Cream of Tarter, etc.

And You Can Make the Items Above PLUS:A wide variety of almost any type of food you would want to cook
Summary

As you can see, with a bit of planning (and a fabulous food storage recipe book on hand), you can be confident that you will be able to create healthy, filling, comforting meals for your family should a true emergency occur. It will also be helpful to start using and rotating through these foods in your every day cooking so that you can find the recipes your family likes, get them used to eating these foods, and ensure that all of your storage retains its maximum freshness.

What Can You Do With Your Food Storage? Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Monday, January 9, 2012

Christmas Cookie Recipes - Holiday Gumdrop Cookies

Christmas Cookie Recipes - Holiday Gumdrop Cookies

These cookies are filled with color and sweetness.

1 1/2 cups gumdrops

3/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup golden raisins

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour, divided

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Take out all of the black gumdrops and store for another use. Cut the remaining gumdrops into small pieces. Place gumdrops into a bowl. Add in the walnuts, raisins and 1/4 cup flour; toss to coat. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add egg; beat in buttermilk, flour; stir into creamed mixture. Add gumdrop mixture and mix well. Chill for 1 hour.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool .

Makes 36 cookies.

=> Christmas Cookie Recipes: Frosted Cashew Cookies

A tasty frosted cookie decorated with a cashew in the middle.

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon each baking powder, baking soda, and salt

1 3/4 cup salted cashew halves

Browned Butter Frosting

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Beat in the egg, sour cream and the vanilla; mix well.

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture; mix thoroughly. Fold in the cashews.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool before serving.

Browned Butter Frosting

1/2 cut butter

3 tablespoons half and half cream

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups confectioners' sugar

Additional cashew halves, optional

Directions

In a saucepan, lightly brown the butter. Remove from heat. Stir in the cream and vanilla. Beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth and thick. Frost cookies. Top each cookie with a cashew half, if desired.

=> Christmas Cookie Recipes: Soft Mincemeat Cookies

A unique holiday cookie with the distinct taste of mincemeat.

1/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

3/4 cup mincemeat

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Add in the eggs and mincemeat; mix well.

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts, if desired.

Drop cookie dough by the tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet, space 2-inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Makes 48 cookies.

Christmas Cookie Recipes - Holiday Gumdrop Cookies Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

3 Sample Meal Plans For the Perfect Bodybuilding Diet

3 Sample Meal Plans For the Perfect Bodybuilding Diet

The perfect bodybuilding diet consists of 5 or 6 meals every day. That means that you should eat every 2 to 3 hours. At the end of the day you should have had nutrients from each of the food groups and pick foods that build muscle. To help you here are some sample meal plans you can start out with. Remember that you should consume 3 grams of carbs and 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound body weight daily.

Sample Meal Plan #1

Meal 1:
Vegetable omelet (3 egg whites, 1 whole egg, 1 cup veggies) You can also add some chicken or lean beef if you want.

Meal 2:
One cup yogurt or a protein shake

Meal 3:
6 oz Chicken,
Small raw vegetable salad,
1 bagel

Meal 4:
1 piece fruit,
3-4 oz Chicken

Meal 5:
6 oz fish,
1 - Cup grilled veggies,
1 - Cup brown rice

Sample Meal Plan #2

Meal 1:
3 packs instant oatmeal,
1 banana,
1 cup of yogurt,
1 cup of cottage cheese

Meal 2:
Protein shake,
1 large baked potato

Meal 3:
8 ounces chicken breast,
2 cups pasta,
1 apple,
1 cup yogurt

Meal 4:
1 can of tuna,
1 - 2 cups broccoli

Meal 5:
Protein shake,
1 cup brown rice

Meal 6:
8 ounces broiled fish,
1 cup veggies,
2 cups rice

Sample Meal Plan #4

Meal 1:
Breakfast burrito (3 egg whites, 1 whole egg scrambled, 1 cup onion/green pepper mix, salsa),
1 cup cottage cheese,
1 cup berries,

Meal 2:
Protein shake,
1 cup raw veggies

Meal 3:
Salmon burger on whole wheat bun (canned salmon, 1 egg white, onions cooked in a non-stick fry pan),
1 large potato cut into strips, brushed with olive oil, and baked in oven until crispy,
1 garden salad drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar,

Meal 4:
Protein shake,
1 cup yogurt

Meal 5:
8 ounces chicken breast, cut into chunks, fried in olive oil and seasoned with oregano, garlic salt, and basil,
1 cup cooked tomatoes,
2 cups pasta,
1 cup broccoli/cauliflower mix

Meal 6:
Protein shake,
1 cup melon,
1 cup yogurt

There's really no need to measure carefully for the portions suggested. This isn't an exact science! Eyeball your portions and consider the following chart:

Portion/Size:
1 oz. meat = Matchbox,
3 oz. meat = Deck of cards,
8 oz. meat = Thin paperback book,
3 oz. fish = Checkbook,
1 oz. cheese = Four dice,
1 med. potato = Computer mouse,
2 tbsp. peanut butter = Ping pong ball,
1 cup pasta = Tennis ball,
1 bagel = Hockey puck

Of course, these are only suggested meal plans. You can mix it up as you want to. It's a good idea to plan ahead and pre-cook your meals. Keep vegetables cut up in the refrigerator so you don't have to work too hard at meal time.

3 Sample Meal Plans For the Perfect Bodybuilding Diet Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Why Plan Your 2,000 Calorie Diabetic - Diet Sample Menus

Why Plan Your 2,000 Calorie Diabetic - Diet Sample Menus

Weight loss is one common factor that most diabetics have to work on. Depending upon the weight one needs to shed off, a diet is recommended. Obese diabetics need to consume food that will help them shed weight as well as manage their blood sugar levels. 2000 calories diabetic diets are generally not difficult to follow. 2000 calories allow you to indulge in good amount of healthy food and is basically for people who are not very obese. Losing weight helps in bringing back the sugar levels to normal. There are several 2000 calorie diabetic diet sample menus to choose from, however do consult your doctor for the best diet plan.

Eating every food in the right proportion will help you stay healthy. Avoiding junk and fried food is good if you want to lose weight. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good source of essential nutrients. Having them in right servings will help you maintain a balance. A diabetic needs to include complex carbohydrates in his/her meals which can be obtained from whole grains. Try whole grain pasta or a bread for breakfast. Too much of carbohydrates can trigger sugar level imbalance. Food high in sodium and fats also need to be eliminated from your meals. However, 20 percent of fat is a requirement for the reproduction process of the body.

You do not have to follow a complicated diabetic diet in order to stay healthy.

Restrict your servings to every food group and you can feel the change. A 2000 calorie diabetic diet is all about taking in only 2000 calories daily from your meals. The monitoring tools will help you check the calorie count. Here is a sample menu for consuming up to 2000 calories a day. For breakfast, a cup of pasta, along with 2 slices of bread, one egg, a cup of yoghurt that is sugar free and a serving of fruit is good enough. For fats, you can have a 2 slices of bread with a spoon of margarine spread on it.

Lunch can comprise of 2 servings of vegetables, and a small portion of chicken or turkey. Fish is an excellent source of vitamins and should be a part of a diabetic diet meal plan. In place of pasta, you may like to have a cup of cooked brown rice or 2 slices of bread with some peanut butter. For evening snack, a cup of herbal tea or coffee is healthy. A fruit and some nuts are good to munch during the evening break. Dinner can be servings of either a meat or fish. Baked or roasted meat is delicious as well as healthy. One serving of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables should be included in the meal. A cup of skimmed milk will be easy after a dinner.

Why Plan Your 2,000 Calorie Diabetic - Diet Sample Menus Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Grandma's Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Grandma's Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

This is another fabulous recipe that was passed down to me by my grandmother. This Kentucky Butter Cake is a very moist cake that has a rich butter taste to it.

I enjoy making this recipe all year long and it's a family favorite. However, you do not want to substitute margarine for the butter. As an added bonus, I like to sift confectioner's sugar on top of my cake once it has completely cooled.

Cake Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

4 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and the baking soda; set aside.

In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter with the granulated sugar. Blend in the 4 eggs, one at a time and beating well after each addition.

In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk with the vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the creamed wet ingredients mixture. Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the creamed mixture, beating after each addition.

Lightly spray a 10" round tube pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the cake batter into the baking pan and bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until its done.

Note: During the last 15 minutes of baking time for your cake, prepare the butter sauce.

Butter Sauce Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a 2 quart sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water and butter over low heat. Simmer for 1 minute or until butter has melted; do not boil the sauce. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon, remove from the heat.

Once you remove the cake from the oven, prick the top with a large fork to make holes. Pour the hot butter sauce over the top of your cake. Let it completely cool before removing it from the tube pan.

If desired, you can sprinkle confectioner's sugar on top of it, right before serving.

Grandma's Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Cream Cheese Dainties - A Serious Christmas Cookie

Cream Cheese Dainties - A Serious Christmas Cookie

Here's a serious Christmas cookie; it's white like snow, has a little red Christmas color in it, and it's full of fat, like Santa. How could you go wrong? It's also sweet with a crispy texture, and has a hint of almond flavor. This recipe comes from my grandma. She's been making these cookies at Christmas time for as long as I can remember Christmases. The funny thing is she brings these to Christmas every year but I refused to try them til about two years ago. I think I was afraid of the cherry piece in the middle. So I'm here to tell you don't be afraid, they're good, even if you don't like cherries. Be brave this year and try that Christmas cookie that looks weird and has too many nuts stuck to it, you just might like it.

Tip: to crush cereal use a food processor or place cereal in sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin. These cookies also freeze well.

1/2 cup butter
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1 cup flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups crushed cereal (Rice Krispies or Cornflakes work well)
maraschino cherries, stemmed and quartered

Cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Mix in sugar and almond extract until smooth. In a separate bowl mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add flour to butter and cream cheese mixture. Stir until just combined. Chill dough 1-2 hours until firm. Roll chilled dough into 3/4 inch balls. Roll balls in crushed cereal. Slightly push cherry piece into middle of ball. Place balls on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until slightly browned.

Cream Cheese Dainties - A Serious Christmas Cookie Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Best Restaurant Dessert - My Secret Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Best Restaurant Dessert - My Secret Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Peanut Butter Pie is my absolute favorite dessert and the best restaurant dessert! The trouble is though, it is hard to find on many restaurant menus. I am finally introducing to the world my secret peanut butter pie recipe, formulated over the years and after tasting many different versions of the dessert. I've found that a chocolate crust is a must and the denser versions have always pleased my taste buds the most. The cream cheese in this recipe adds density and extreme richness. I am so excited to be sharing this recipe with you now!

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Pie

1 chocolate crust **
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 small tub (extra creamy) cool whip
1 to 2 teaspoons chocolate flavored syrup

**Chocolate crust: In a heavy saucepan (low heat) melt 1/3 cup margarine or butter and 1 (6- ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips. Remove from heat; gently stir in 2 1/2 cups rice crispy cereal until completely coated. Press into bottom and up sides of a greased 9-10 inch pie plate. Chill 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, beat cheese until fluffy; beat in condensed milk and peanut butter until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Fold in cool whip. Turn into crust. Drizzle syrup over top of pie and gently swirl with a spoon.

Place in freezer until set (usually over night).

I use a 10 inch quiche plate for this recipe, however a deep dish 9 inch plate will also work. It can be stored in the freezer for several weeks, so it is a great make ahead dessert. Some of the best restaurant desserts are make ahead desserts, because fresh desserts are costly for a restaurant to house. A restaurant would have to have a contract with a high quality bakery in the area or specialize in fresh homemade desserts to be able to present great tasting fresh desserts.

Best Restaurant Dessert - My Secret Peanut Butter Pie Recipe Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is many things to different people- a chance to start new relationships, rekindle old ones, or remind that special someone how wonderful they really are. Others feel it is just another "Hallmark" holiday where they are expected to do something for unknown reasons. Regardless of your hopes, expectations, or reservations about Valentine's Day, chocolate has long been a favorite gift for lovers.

Since the days of the Aztecs chocolate has been used as a gift. Today a box of luxurious quality chocolate says a thousand "thank you's", "good luck", or "I love you". Chocolate can be given as a way of saying "congratulations", "I am sorry" or "get well soon". On Valentine's Day chocolate clearly says "I LOVE YOU!" Chocolate is more than food, it not only fills your belly but also makes you feel soooo good. Elaine Sherman wrote "Chocolate is heavenly, mellow, sensual, deep, dark, sumptuous, gratifying, potent, dense, creamy, seductive, suggestive, rich, excessive, silky, smooth, luxurious, celestial. Chocolate is downfall, happiness, pleasure, love, ecstasy, fantasy ... chocolate makes us wicked, guilty, sinful, healthy, chic, happy." What more could you want to say to your lover on Valentines Day? Even the scientific name for the tree from which chocolate is derived, Theobroma cacao, translated from Greek, means "food of the gods".

Why does chocolate evoke so many feelings and emotions for us? Chocolate has long been associated with passion, romance and love. This association may go all the way back to the Aztecs. They believed chocolate was a source of spiritual wisdom, incredible energy and elevated sexual power. Chocolate was widely used as a nuptial aid and was widely served at wedding ceremonies. The Aztecs did not know chocolate as we do today; they consumed the cocoa as a drink. Reports indicate that the Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of the drink every day and always fortified himself with a cup before entertaining his harem. The explorer Cortes reported to Carlos I of Spain that chocolate is "... the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink enables a man to walk for a whole day without food." From the earliest times, chocolate was considered a substance of power and a source of vitality.

Chocolate has been a subject of study since the first shipment from Veracruz arrived in Spain in 1585. But modern science has made some interesting findings that may help explain our lust for quality chocolate. Chocolate contains organic substances known as alkaloids. The most important of these substances is theobromine, which works as a stimulant to the kidneys. Stimulants in chocolate also affect the central nervous system, with effects similar to caffeine, which is also present in chocolate. A chocolate bar may contain as much as 200 mg of theobromine but only about 25 mg of caffeine. Another important substance found in chocolate is phenylethylamine, which is part of a group of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins have an effect similar to amphetamine and are found naturally in the human body. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, the mood is lifted and feelings of positive energy are reached. The sensation known as "runners high" is caused by endorphins released during exercise. Phenylethylamine levels in the brain have also been linked to "falling in love". One more chemical found in chocolate is seratonin. Seratonin is known for its calming properties. The presence of these chemicals may explain the multitude of feelings chocolate evokes.

Debra Waterhouse, author of Why Women Need Chocolate, conducted a survey and found: 97% of women reported cravings, 68% of which are for chocolate, 50% would choose chocolate over sex, and 22% were more likely than men to choose chocolate as a mood elevator. These findings could easily be interpreted as a result of how chocolate makes us feel. I don't know why more women choose chocolate than men, for I am a man and I love chocolate.

Critics would say that the benefits of eating chocolate are small when compared to the sugar and fat contained in a chocolate bar. The best chocolate, dark chocolate with high cacao butter content has no added fat, as well as a high percentage of cacao solids and correspondingly less sugar. Although chocolate will never be considered a health food based on its nutritional value, it is still good for you! Good for your heart and soul-anything that helps relieve stress and makes you feel so good must be.

Receiving a nicely wrapped box of chocolates causes a sense of anticipation. The pleasure of unwrapping the box, the sensual smell, lifting the soft seductive papers, the look of the smooth dark chocolates. When it finally passes your lips and starts to instantly melt filling your mouth with exquisite pleasure. The taste and smell flood your senses with overwhelming ecstasy. Eating it slowly, taking time to enjoy and savor every bit. What better way to start off an evening of love?

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Friday, January 6, 2012

Edible Christmas Gifts

Edible Christmas Gifts

Edible Christmas gifts have become very popular. Partly because, most everyone likes receiving a nice food gift. They are easily adaptable to whoever you are buying a gift for.

Goodies like chocolates, fresh baked goods and gourmet treats are high on the list of edible gifts.

Do you have a hard to buy for person on your Christmas list? Edible gifts are your solution. Give them a basket of gourmet goodies like sausage, cheese and crackers, cookies, cakes, or any number of other treats. All gourmet style of course! No more ties or clothing that doesn't get worn.

Are you looking for a corporate Christmas gift to give to a business associate? Food items are always a good choice. Give enough for them to take home to their family or share with the office. Your generosity will be remembered long after Christmas is over.

You could even provide a nice lunch for an office of clients. Maybe you have a one-of-a-kind chili recipe that you want to share. Gifts like this will be the talk of the office and you will be top on their list when they need the services or products you provide.

When the edible gifts come in a gift basket, it makes it even more special. Presentation can make such a difference when giving these types of Christmas gifts. Put them in a holiday style basket and your gift looks like it cost much more than it actually did.

Godiva, Ghirardelli or Perguina chocolates are among the finest chocolates, and when they come in a pretty basket with a Christmas bow on it, it will light up anyone's day.

Other edible gifts include boxes of candy, cans of caramel corn and homemade Christmas cookies. All will be appreciated. Wrap them up in some pretty Christmas paper or put in a gift bag and you have added a special touch. If you want to add a homemade touch, make some cut-outs or some gourmet popcorn. Growing up, we always had a blend made up of popcorn, butter and almonds. It was so tasty!

Some nice baked goods make a wonderful gift. Breads, muffins or pastry will be a real treat. I love receiving breads, such as banana or zucchini bread that someone else makes. They seem to always taste better than my own!

Edible Christmas gifts will be a hit and will be a gift that actually gets used. Choose some goodies and get busy gift giving.

Edible Christmas Gifts

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Homemade Bird Feeders

Homemade Bird Feeders

Building a bird feeder can be a great project for moms, dads and kids. It's fairly simple to build a bird feeder that can be hung in the back yard and bring years of enjoyment for the whole family. You can either start from scratch with material you have around the house, or you can purchase a kit that has everything you need to make a very attractive and functional feeder.

You can make a very simple bird feeder out on an egg carton by cutting off the lid and filling the egg pockets with birdseed. To hang the carton, simply poke holes in the four corners of the carton and run string through each hole. Then, gather the string together and tie a knot. You can hang the feeder from any tree branch.

Soda bottles also make great bird feeders. Wash a two-liter soda bottle and make two holes at the bottom of the bottle. Thread a piece of wire through the holes and twist the wire ends together. Place dowels near the bottom of the feeder, and make an opening for birds to remove seed or cereal.

Kids also love to make cardboard tube bird feeders. All you need is a tube from a paper towel roll and a piece of yarn. Tread the yarn through the tube, then lay the tube on a piece of paper towel or plastic and coat it with honey. Take birdseed or cereal and sprinkle it all over the sticky tube. Tie the yarn into a knot and hang your completed project from any tree branch in your back yard.

If you want to get a little fancier, a bird feeder kit has prefabricated pieces with easy to follow instructions. They come in a variety of designs including a simple platform feeder to beautifully designed miniature versions of Victorian or colonial style homes. You can find bird feeder kits in any craft and hobby shop, gift shops and a number of online stores.

Homemade Bird Feeders

How to Bake Perfect Butter Cookies?

How to Bake Perfect Butter Cookies?

Any homemade snacks have an extra taste and flavor to the ones bought from outside. Butter cookies are very easy to make and a hot favorite among the kids. A truly great cook or an experienced one has a customized recipe for special dishes. For novices, it is better to follow the recipes or try baking a batch of cookies and then improvise according to the outcome of the tried batch. Making butter cookies does not need much expertise as it is a common dish made at homes.

It brings some sweet memories to people as this snack has been the traditional dish made for kids who like noshing from time immemorial! In some countries, they are addressed as Dutch biscuits. They are made in many shapes and forms according to the individual preferences.

The main ingredients constitute of unsalted or ordinary butter, powdered and sugar granules for decoration, and white flour or the self raising flour got in the markets. Vanilla or chocolate essence or cream is used for giving added flavors. Egg yolk and salt is added to the batter and whipped to a correct consistency.
Firstly, the oven should be preheated to the necessary temperature so that the cookies are properly baked.

This is very important and care should be taken to see that the dough is chilled in a refrigerator for some time. This helps to prevent the cookies from spreading out or getting disfigured in the tray. The baking trays should also be cooled before placing the cookies on them for baking.

The butter or its substitute Crisco should be taken in a round mixing vessel and stirred using a little salt. Next, the powdered sugar should be added to the butter and whipped well. When this is ready, 6 eggs should be added one by one to this mixture and whipped well. After this, the self rising flour is added in periodic intervals until it is mixed well and forms to a good consistency dough. This is then arranged in the tray and baked to the necessary temperature mentioned in the recipe. Tasty, buttery and delicious home made butter cookies are baked within a matter of minutes.

How to Bake Perfect Butter Cookies?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Natural Cure for Diabetes

Natural Cure for Diabetes

Food Therapy should be followed under the supervision from your doctor. Check your sugar level frequently so that sugar levels do not go beyond the recommended level

Foods to avoid

It is always advisable to avoid some foods if you are diabetic such as refined sugar, sweets, syrups, glucose, jam, molasses, fruit sugar, ice-cream, cakes, pastries, sweet biscuits, chocolates, soft drinks, condensed milk, cream and fried foods. Fats like butter, ghee and hydrogenated vegetable oil should also be avoided. White sugar and white flour should be reduced drastically. Avoid all processed foods, junk food, pastries, cookies, canned and preserved foods. They contain harmful preservatives and lot of salt. Avoid soft drinks since these have a lot of sugar. Try to avoid fried foods from your diet.
Smoking results in the using up of oxygen in the body. It will result in less of oxygen needed by the body to metabolize glucose. So smoking should be avoided.

Foods to be limited

Salt consumption should be reduced to a minimum. You will get enough salt form the vegetables and fruits you eat. Reduce animal foods especially red meats. Reduce poultry and egg. Reduce caffeine and alcohol. Do not drink tea and coffee more than 2 cups a day. Try to replace it with green tea or herbal teas like Parsley tea, Blueberry leaf, Tea made of tender walnut tree leaves, Water in which kidney bean pods have been cooked is good diabetes.

Do not consume alcohol in empty stomach. Alcohol on an empty stomach can cause low blood glucose or hypoglycemia.Foods that should be consumed in moderation are honey and other natural sugars like palm sugar, dates which can be used instead of white sugar. Remember these should be consumed in very little quantity only.Pasta, coconut, other nuts, unsweetened juices, eggs should be limited. You can replace it with whole grain, unpolished rice and Soya products. Try to eat whole grain bread instead of white flour. Fats like olive oil and peanut oil are more advisable that hydrogenated fats. Low fat food like skimmed milk and low fat home made cottage cheese can be taken in moderation. You can also substitute it with yoghurt. Sea food and fish also can be taken in moderation.

Foods to be taken

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
An alkaline diet with natural food is recommended. Wholegrain, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and dairy products form a good diet for the diabetic. Raw vegetables can be taken in high quantities. It has been found that cooked foods raise blood glucose higher than raw, unpeeled foods. Cooking destroys many of the enzymes and some vitamins and minerals.

Eat at least five fruits every day. Fruits like grape fruit, pomegranate juice, Indian blackberry, banana, granny smith apples, fig, cranberries, black berry, kiwi fruits, and citrus fruits are highly recommended. It can be taken as a snack. Cucumber, Lettuce, onion, garlic string beans cucumber radish, tomato, carrot, leaves; spinach turnip, cabbage and Jerusalem artichoke are good for diabetes. Colorful vegetables are good for the functioning of pancreas. Drink Fruit juices without sugar. Brewer's yeast and sprouted alfalfa and mung beans are good for the body. Unripe banana also can be cooked and eaten.

The most important of all is eating high fiber diet which lowers need for insulin. It releases energy into the body slowly. It has also been found that diabetes decreases and may even disappear in people eating a high fiber or whole food diet. High fiber diet has more chromium and chromium is very good for people with diabetes.
Eat lot of potassium rich foods like raw peanuts, tomato, bananas, melons, dried peas, potatoes, apple cider vinegar, skimmed milk powder, wheat but do not take potassium supplements.

Include soluble fiber in your meals like barley, oatmeal, almond meal, dried beans, kidney beans, cooked black beans, peas, cereals, chickpeas, Bengal gram which has low glycemic index, , Black gram, lentils and corn or garbanzo beans to helps considerably in reducing blood sugar levels. Soy products like tofu, tempeh, soymilk, soya powder, soy bean sprouts, nuggets etc are also very good in containing neurological complications in diabetes. You can make bread out of any of the whole grains. Get a lot of soluble fiber into your diet. When you eat lots of bread, cereal and starchy vegetables you will get enough of starches which is very helpful for diabetes. Insoluble fibers, found in bran (oat bran, wheat bran), whole grain breads, whole grains and nuts, act as intestinal scrubbers by cleaning out the lower gastrointestinal tract. Fiber cleans your intestinal tract by moving out the food so that it wouldn't stay there and putrefy. Butter milk and yoghurt diet are very beneficial.

Helpful herbs and vegetables

1. Bitter Gourd (Karela): Bitter gourd Momordica-charantia or bitter melon juice contains plant insulin and should be taken 2 ounce 2 times daily on an empty stomach. It is found to be very effective for diabetes.
Or
It can be cooked as any vegetable and eaten.
Or
The bitter melon powder can be made by drying. Take bitter gourd powder I teaspoon daily in empty stomach.

2. Taking half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day may help prevent the onset of diabetes. Even soaking a cinnamon sticks in your tea, could also benefit non-diabetics who have blood sugar problem but are unaware of it.

3. 30 gram fenugreek seeds can be soaked in a glass of water at night and after 12 hours take it and grind it into a paste with the soaked water and drink it on a empty stomach.
Or
2 teaspoon if powdered seeds can be taken with water or milk.
Or
You can add fenugreek into anything you cook.

4. Eating upto 3 grapefruits a day has also been helpful.

5. 1 tablespoon of amla (Emblica officinalis) after removing the seeds extract the juice and mix with a cup of bitter gourd juice and take daily for 2months in a empty stomach.

6. Gymnema Sylvestre a traditional ayurvedic herb the leaf of which is to be taken up to 4 grams per day.

7. Indian blackberry seeds or Jamun seed powder (scientific name of Jamun is Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium cumini L and) is very good for diabetes. Take 1/4th teaspoon with 1 teasoon honey for 50 days.

8. Eating freshly crushed raw garlic 3-4 grams a day lowers blood sugar. You can wash it down with a glass of water.

9. Neem seeds daily 2 times a pinch. Taking a gram of neem leaf daily helps in diabetes.

10. Bael (Aegle marmelos) : The leave of the bael tree when chewed are very useful in diabetes. Pulp of this fruit could be dried and taken in doses of 5 to 10 gms a day.

11. A pinch of pure turmeric powders mixed in amla juice (Indian goose berry) and eat daily in empty stomach.

12. Use of turmeric and gooseberry in equal quantities in powder form taken with warm water is very useful in this behalf. These activate the pancreatic cells and more insulin is produced.

13. Wild jeerakam cumin seeds black colored 60 gm in 1 liter and boil a reduce it ti 1/4th liter and take half divide it into two equal parts and drink one part in the morning and one in the evening 2 times daily.

14. Grind (Bacopa monnieri )Bhrahmi and add a teaspoon of it to milk and drink.

Vitamins that help

Supplements in natural forms are more conducive to the body.
Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.
Vitamin C: 500 mg is recommended. Vitamin E: This vitamin is very valuable for diabetes. A daily dose of 200 i.u. of Vitamin E is recommended for a fortnight at a time.
Chromium: Whole grains, seeds, mushrooms, corn oil and brewer's yeast are relatively good sources of biologically valuable chromium.
Vitamin A:. Take A dose of 15,000i.u. on alternate days.
Vitamin B: Avoid large dosage of vitamin B because this vitamin interferes with the absorption of insulin by cells.

Things to do

Controlling your Weight is the best way to treat diabetes. Exercise improves the body's response to insulin. An exercise program should be started only with the advice of a doctor to avoid unnecessary complications. Walking, light games, jogging and swimming are also good.

Yoga can help a lot. To relieve stress do meditation once a day for 10 to 40 minutes. Yogic asanas like Siddhasana, Vajrasana, Talasana, Yastikasana,, like Yogamudra, Hastapadasana, Paschimottanasana, Chakrasana, Ustrasana, Bhujangasana, Sarvangasana and Viparitakarani, as halasana, shalabhasana, dhanurasana, Pratipaksabhavana and shavasana will also be beneficial.

Natural Cure for Diabetes

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Understanding Cysts on Ovaries During Pregnancy

Understanding Cysts on Ovaries During Pregnancy

Cysts are generally tricky, but nothing can be trickier than cysts on ovaries during pregnancy. This is because, not one, but two lives are on the line - the mother's and the baby's. However, by knowing the nitty-gritty and the risks involved when cysts on ovaries during pregnancy are involved, you'll find that it's not really as bad as it sounds.

A Bundle With Your Bundle

The formation of cysts in your ovaries is part of your regular menstrual cycle. In essence, a fluid-filled sac builds up on the inside or on the surface of your ovaries. This is the egg that is starting to mature. When the egg has fully matured, the sac will burst and the fluid, along with the mature egg, will then enter the fallopian tube to wait for fertilization. These are called functional cysts, and are rarely found during pregnancy.

The cysts on ovaries during pregnancy which should be of concern are the large, solid, or semi-solid masses that form not out of the regular bodily processes, such as dermoid cysts. The problem with cysts on ovaries during pregnancy, regardless of size and whether they're benign or not, is that these cysts may rupture and cause sepsis, or torque (twist on themselves). Needless to say, this will cause a lot of pain.

A cyst is considered large when it exceeds six to eight centimeters. These types of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy will not only place the woman in significant pain, they can also put pressure on the developing fetus, considering the fact they are in the same general area and are essentially competing for space. One can only imagine how cramped it can get in there with the presence of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy.

Treatment and Removal

The removal of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy is not a new procedure and is often necessary to save both the mother and the child. In fact, a vast majority of the procedures for the removal of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy have led to successful deliveries. But before the removal of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy, an ultrasound must be performed to determine the best course of action, seeing as how two lives will be affected by any treatment - surgery or otherwise.

If surgery is warranted, the best time to remove cysts on ovaries during pregnancy would be sometime in the second trimester - that is to say, between the fourth and sixth month of pregnancy - when the child is well into its development. Very rarely do cysts on ovaries during pregnancy turn out to be cancerous (the odds are around 1 in 25,000), but they do have to be removed as they pose a danger for miscarriage or pre-term labor.

While surgery may be needed to remove cysts on ovaries during pregnancy, which may include a large and open incision, most of the time, all that is needed is a laparotomy - a procedure that's not as invasive, but one that easily takes care of the problem.

Understanding Cysts on Ovaries During Pregnancy

Fun Snacks for Kids - Make it Mini

Fun Snacks for Kids - Make it Mini

If you want a child to clean their plate, you might try downsizing the amount of food that
you give them. Making fun snacks that children will eat might just include miniaturization.

Keeping the snack pint-sized for the pint-sized eater will encourage the child to eat
everything on their plate. The child will have a feeling of accomplishment because
Mom is pleased.

Pediatrician suggest that children who are picky eaters respond to smaller portions of foods or food that are scaled down in size especially for them. Sometimes when we load up a kids plate with too much food, we discourage rather than encourage their appetites.

Lots of food on a plate may overwhelm a small child. A bright idea is to offer small mini portions of food to children and watch them clean their plates.

Some innovative ways to add fun and nutrition to snacks include:

1)Adding color and shapes to basic foods like sandwiches offers children a new way to look at old favorites. 2)Create faces on a sandwich with vegetables like carrots of raisins makes a fun lunch treat. 3)Using molds to cut the sandwich into interesting shapes. 4)Add peanut butter and raisins to celery to make this nutritious snack look more appealing. By providing small portions, the child is more likely to taste new foods. Some mini portion recipes for kids are offered below: PEANUT BUTTER PINWHEELS Ingredients: *Peanut butter *Honey *Granola *Tortilla Instructions: 1) Spread creamy or chunky peanut butter and a little bit of honey on a fresh flour tortilla. 2) Sprinkle with granola 3) Roll up the tortilla 4) Slice it into bite-size pinwheels Fun With Celery - Carrot Slices Ingredients: *Carrot Sticks or Celery Slices *Peanut Butter *Raisins Instructions: 1)Cut celery into small slices. 2)Cut carrots down the middle for this recipe. 3)Spread with peanut butter. 4)Top with raisins. Mini Pizzas Ingredients: *1 can of refrigerator biscuits *Pizza sauce *Shredded low fat cheese *Toppings of your choice Instructions: 1)Mash or roll out the biscuits flat. 2)Top with pizza sauce, cheese & other toppings. 3)Bake in the oven about 8 minutes until the cheese melts. 4)Serve The toppings can be anything from mushrooms, ham or different types of cheese. The toppings can be almost anything that the kids want to put on their mini pizzas. The pizzas can be made to order depending on individual taste. Other toppings may include: green or yellow peppers, onions, garlic, pepperoni, Italian sausage. The toppings go a long way because very little is required to top the small biscuit. The mini pizzas are a quick and filling snack. The kids have a great time topping their pizza with all of their favorite ingredients. These mini pizzas can be frozen. They can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick and hearty snack.

Fun Snacks for Kids - Make it Mini

Monday, January 2, 2012

Easy Snack Recipes for 200 Calories or Less

Easy Snack Recipes for 200 Calories or Less

Easy snack recipes are great for a boost of energy and a way to add in extra nutrients between meals. There is no reason for snack time to undermine your efforts to follow a healthy diet.

Enjoy these tasty snacks for under 200 calories!

Cinnamon Apple Sauce:

This is one of my favorite snack recipes to enjoy when I'm craving something sweet!
Canned or homemade apple sauce is fine for this low calorie snack.Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over a cup of apple sauce for just under 200 calories. Cut out extra calories by enjoying just half a cup instead.

Throw in a handful of raisins for a small serving of dried fruit, if desired. Just be careful about how many you add. Dried fruit is full of nutrients, as well as calories.

Peanut Butter Crackers:

Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter onto 5 whole wheat crackers for a satisfying, protein-rich snack. Select crackers that are lower in sodium and that have some fiber content to make this even more filling.

This easy snack recipe is more cost effective than constantly buying packaged snacks all the time. It is also generally lower in calories, contains less sodium, and more nutritious.

Not a fan of peanut butter? Try another nut butter instead, such as cashew or almond butter. If you are allergic to nuts, top your crackers with thinly cut, low-fat cheese slices or hummus instead.

Hummus with Fresh Vegetables:

Dip baby carrots, celery, and cucumber slices in a few tablespoons of hummus. This is a good source of protein and way lower in calories than ranch dressing or dip!

Hummus comes in a wide variety of flavors. Choose from lemon flavored hummus to garlic or even a spicy variety. It is a great staple to keep on hand to prepare many easy snack recipes that are tasty and good for you!

Mini Quesadilla:

Craving Mexican food, but want to avoid the sodium and calories? Try this easy, lower calorie version of my favorite easy Mexican recipe.

Fill a small, whole-wheat wrap with a handful of low or reduced fat shredded cheese. Add in chopped tomatoes, olive, jalapenos, or other vegetables if desired.

Fold the wrap in half. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until the cheese is melted all the way. Enjoy with a side of Salsa or hot sauce, if desired.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie:
Although smoothies are sometimes high in sugar and calories, they don't have to be. Make you own at home to ensure a low-calorie snack recipe.

Combine 1 cup of low-fat yogurt, 1 sliced banana, 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen), and a handful of ice. Blend until it reaches desired consistency.

For thicker smoothies, add a bit more yogurt. If it's too thick, add more ice or even pour in a little water or milk.

Use different types of fruit for more variety. Try pineapple, mango, and different types of berries. Even throw in a handful of fresh spinach leaves for extra nutrients, but little effect on the fruity flavor of your smoothie.

These easy snack recipes are high in nutritional value and low in calories. Keep snack time interesting by making variations to snack recipes that you frequently use, such as using different types of cheese, fruits or vegetables.

Eating some of these tasty treats between meals is a great way to increase your energy and improve your concentration throughout the day.

Easy Snack Recipes for 200 Calories or Less

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Hoosier-Style Persimmon Recipes From Grandma's Recipe Box

Hoosier-Style Persimmon Recipes From Grandma's Recipe Box

Every fall in Southern Indiana the persimmon is celebrated with a big festival. These tasty little fruits grow wild on trees all over the area. Once they have been run through a food sieve, the pulp is treasured. One of the most popular desserts in the area is persimmon pudding. There are also other tasty treats to be made from the pulp. Here are three recipes to turn those tasty fruits into delicious desserts.

SOUTHERN INDIANA PERSIMMON COOKIES

1 cup sugar
1 stick butter
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups persimmon pulp
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup raisins

In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and butter. Beat in eggs and pulp. Add flour and mix in. Add remaining ingredients in order listed. Drop onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

PERSIMMON FUDGE FROM SOUTHERN INDIANA

1 cup persimmon pulp
3/4 cup butter
1 small can evaporated milk
3 cups sugar
1 jar (7-oz) marshmallow cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 box powdered sugar, sifted

Cook the pulp, butter, milk, and sugar to the soft ball stage, about 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the marshmallow cream, vanilla, and sifted powdered sugar. Mix well and pour into buttered pan. Add hickory nuts, if desired. Hickory nuts are similar to pecans and grow on the hickory trees that populate Southern Indiana.

MIDWESTERN-STYLE PERSIMMON PUDDING

2 cups persimmon pulp
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 tsp soda
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup milk
1/2 stick melted butter
1/4 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine pulp, eggs, and sugar, blending well. Combine buttermilk and soda; add to the pulp mixture and blend in. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; add to mixture. Melt butter in pan and add to mixture with milk and vanilla.

Grease a 9x13-inch pan with butter. Pour pudding batter into pan and bake at 325 degrees 45 minutes to one hour.

Enjoy!

Hoosier-Style Persimmon Recipes From Grandma's Recipe Box

Homemade Biscuit Recipe

Homemade Biscuit Recipe

The following recipe is what is called making biscuit's from scratch - My Grandmother made them like this, but mother was lazy and opted for the canned variety - that we all know taste, well not that great.

Making biscuits from scratch is not hard at all - it takes us about 20 minutes from beginning to out of the oven and ready to eat. They taste so much better and you can have quality time with the kids making them - Why? Because there is a cookie cutter involved and it's like working with Play-Doh!

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour (never really tried anything else)

3 teaspoons of baking powder

½-teaspoon salt

½ cup of shortening (Crisco)

1-cup milk (we use buttermilk)

Cooking Directions:

Preheat Oven to 450 F. degrees

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Using blender, cut shortening into flour until consistency of course meal. Pour in milk; stir with fork until mixture leaves sides of bowl and forms a soft moist dough, toss lightly until no longer stocky, Roll out to ½ inch thick, and cut with 2-inch floured cookie cutter. Place on un-greased cookie sheet. Bake biscuits in oven on middle or top rack at 450 degrees for 8-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Serve hot with butter and favorite jams and jelly or honey. Makes about 12-15 biscuits.

For snacks throughout the morning leave the left over biscuits plated on the top of the stove, and they can ad peanut butter, or their favorite spreads for a mid morning treat.

Homemade Biscuit Recipe