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Recent Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss. The Best Fat Burning Foods to Help You Lose Weight.
Want to Look Slim? Blue is the New Black!
Organic blueberries are a health and weight loss superhero. The tiny, round delights are packed with antioxidants, phytoflavinoids, vitamin C, and potassium. They are fat-free See Recipe
Lose Love Handles with Lentils
Organic lentils will flatten your belly in no time. The mixture of protein and complex carbohydrates wards off insulin spikes which signal the body to See Recipe
Get Keen on Quinoa for Weight Loss
Quinoa, once the chow of choice for the Incans, faded into relative obscurity for years. However it’s recently been making a comeback among healthy types. See Recipe
Healthy Chicken Equals a Healthy, Slim You
Nearly every diet and nutrition resource touts the benefits of eating skinless chicken breast. Skinless chicken breast is a lean, protein-filled, versatile diet staple. The See Recipe
Fat on your Plate, Not on Your Waistline
Dieters cringe at the word “fat.” It summons up images of expanding midsections and jiggling thighs. However not all fat is bad fat, especially when See Recipe
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The Healthiest Way to Lose Weight
Thursday, February 16, 2012 @ 04:02 PM
Many weight loss recipe sites promote low fat, low calorie foods or frozen and packaged “diet” foods as meals. If this tactic worked, then why is the obesity rate continuing to skyrocket? Just look at the World Health Organization obesity report and you will see the time to make a change is now. Any drastic diet that cuts out entire food groups is impossible to maintain in the long run.
We here at Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss dig deeper to reveal the holistic nature and function of food. Many foods that advertise their low calorie or fat content are overly processed and can put a damper on your weight loss efforts. On the flip side, there are foods that are higher in fat that support the body systems, which will allow you to drop extra pounds.
Our goal is to provide you with high quality weight loss recipes, as well as highlighting the best foods for weight loss. We use a total health approach and rely on tried and true organic animal and plant based natural foods that really work. You will not only melt fat, you will feel revitalized and healthy too.
In addition to providing recipes that include fat burning foods, we also ensure that these foods are nourishing, vitamin-packed, and healthy additions to your daily menu. Our resources, particularly our healthy recipes for weight loss and informative articles, will help you create a healthy lifestyle so you can lose weight and feel amazing. Try some FREE!
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Here’s the Skinny on Seaweed
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 03:03 PM
Don’t panic. Seaweed isn’t just for marine life. It’s actually a healthy food that can lead to legitimate weight loss. Organic arame seaweed, an edible sea vegetable, is frequently featured in Japanese cuisine, as well as in Korean dishes. If you’re still cringing at the thought of noshing on kelp, know that seaweed is often used as a thickener in everyday products ranging from toothpaste to ice cream.
Organic arame is perfect for palates just beginning to add seaweed to their diet. It’s semi-sweet, mild, and extremely adaptable. It can be used in nearly any recipe or as a garnish to pretty up your plate. You can find arame, typically in its dried form, at health food stores, Asian food stores, the Asian section of well-stocked grocery stores, and farmers’ markets. It takes about five to ten minutes to reconstitute it. Once reconstituted it has a texture akin to that of noodles.
Arame, a brown seaweed, is chock full of essential nutrients, including manganese, folate, vitamin A, vitamin K, iodine, calcium, iron, and zinc. In addition it contains lignans, which have been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Its iron and zinc levels make it the ideal food for vegetarians or those who are reducing their weekly meat intake. It is a low calorie source of vitamins and energy. You will be able to eat less calories and lose weight, while still getting what your body needs for superior health. Arame has traditionally been used as a way to bolster the immune system. It also strengthens the hair and nails, improves the complexion, and can reduce hair loss. And did we mention it has the ability to boost the libido? Are you sold yet?
Arame has protein and supports the thyroid. It’s weight loss benefits come from the stimulation of the thyroid, its balancing of the blood sugar, and its detoxifying effects. Since it enhances the function of the gastro-intestinal tract you will be less likely to experience bloating which can cause the scale to rise. Though it is low in calories it is filling and satisfying.
Long before the idea of eating seaweed reached the shores of the U.S., traditional Chinese medicine was reaping the benefits of arame. The food is classified as both cold and salty. These qualities are associated with dislodging phlegm and softening cysts and nodules. As mentioned previously, arame was also used as a way to beautify and strengthen the hair, nails, and skin. For a thinner frame and luscious locks start adding arame to your menu on a regular basis. To get you started we’ve included a recipe for weight loss below. read more
Get Lean with Tofu Cuisine
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 03:03 PM
The look and texture of raw tofu can make some people squeamish. However when cooked properly, tofu is a delicious, fat-burning, healthy addition to anyone’s diet. The bland bean curd has a magical way of soaking up the flavor of whatever it’s cooked with. So breathe a sigh of relief. It’s not a strange tasting vegetarian-only food. It has become more mainstream in recent years as vegetarians and meat-eaters alike strive to live healthier lifestyles. 
When shopping for tofu you will notice that it typically comes in a few varieties. Firm and extra-firm tofu are perfect for stir-frying, grilling, baking, and stews because they maintain their shape. They also has more calcium and protein then their softer counterparts. Soft tofu works well for blended dishes and soups. Silken tofu is often used to make tofu desserts and is a great addition to recipes that call for blending or pureeing. People tend to have the notion that all tofu is healthy tofu. However it is important to eat organic tofu, because organic soymilk is used to make it. It doesn’t contain preservatives or nasty chemicals. Also check the package to ensure that it says “Non-GMO,” meaning it’s not genetically modified. After all, there’s no room on our plates for sci-fi genetic experiments.
Tofu is a complete protein because it contains all of the eight essential amino acids. For vegetarians and vegans, complete proteins are hard to come by. Since tofu is a soy product, it is rich in isoflavones. The combination of soy proteins and isoflavones has been shown to lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease,. Tofu also contains manganese, copper, selenium, and antioxidants. This keeps energy levels up and can combat certain forms of cancer. The addition of omega-3 fatty acids is important for brain health, hair, skin, and nail health, combating depression, and further lowering cholesterol and fighting heart disease. The isoflavones have the added benefits of regulating hormones during menopause and helping men ward off prostrate cancer.
So now let’s get to the part you’ve all been waiting for. Tofu is an excellent weight loss food. The protein content helps to build muscle. Tofu is a lower calorie replacement for meat and by doing an occasional swap you save calories but still gain protein benefits. Because it packs so many essential nutrients into a relatively low amount of calories, it is a great way to maintain your health and get what your body needs without the bulk. It also increases your feelings of satiety, which as we’ve mentioned before is important for weight loss. You will feel full and have energy without the need for additional snacks. The calcium and iron work to keep your metabolism running in high gear.
Traditional Chinese medicine describes tofu as a cooling food. It works wonders on the intestines, stomach and spleen. It is also known to remove toxins, especially in the form of build-up in the intestines. The compounds found in tofu and its cooling nature have long been used to treat the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes, stiff joints, mood swings, and dry skin. Bean curd, or tofu, can help balance the yin and yang in the body. It ramps up your energy level along with your organ essence, builds muscle, and brings energy to the internal organs. It is helpful in balancing the digestive system.
Organic, Non-GMO tofu is a food you shouldn’t count out before trying. It’s health and weight loss benefits are stunning. However while tofu contains good fats, it does have a low level of cholesterol. Just as with many other foods it should be eaten in moderation. Check out our recipe for weight loss below and jump on the tofu bandwagon.
Lead the Weight Loss Charge with Swiss Chard
Friday, February 17, 2012 @ 04:02 PM
Organic Swiss chard is another superfood that will help the pounds melt away and ensure top-notch physical health. Strangely enough Swiss chard doesn’t call Switzerland home. It’s a Mediterranean vegetable that the ancient Greeks and Romans revered for its medicinal powers. This leafy green belongs to the chenopod family, which includes beets, spinach, and quinoa. It’s recommended that individuals eat at least two servings per week of chenopod vegetables. For a healthy, slender you it’s important to make sure your diet is chenopod friendly.
Organic Swiss chard, particularly green chard, contains a whopping 13 different polyphenol antioxidants. The polyphenols target specific body systems to provide important benefits. These include antioxidants to reduce heart disease, boost the immune system, and fight aging, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits to prevent disease. A huge bonus is chard’s one of a kind ability to regulate blood sugar. The protein and fiber found in organic Swiss chard add to its blood sugar regulating properties and also allow the body to digest food faster. The calcium and vitamin K serve to strengthen the bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Like all fiber-filled foods, organic Swiss chard reduces hunger and makes you feel full longer. This results in eating less calories and thus losing weight. The blood sugar regulating benefits keep fat from forming around the midsection and discourage carbohydrates from breaking down into simple sugars. The anti-inflammatory properties of Swiss chard have been linked to lowering the rate of obesity. Calcium is another nutrient that has been shown to encourage more efficient and effective weight loss. In addition, Swiss chard detoxifies the body, which means you will be left with less bloating and a healthier system.
Traditional Chinese medicine uses Swiss chard as a means of clearing heat and yang, detoxification, and purifying the blood. It is considered a sweet and cooling food and can be used to treat wind-heat, which leads to symptoms like sore throat, headache, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches. Organic Swiss chard is thought to counteract toxins in the body. Ayurvedic practitioners also believe that leafy greens like Swiss chard can refresh and purify the body systems.
Swiss chard is one of a select few veggies that should be boiled or cooked instead of eaten raw. This is because the heat and steam release some of its oxalic acid content. In addition, many varieties have tough stems so it is advisable to remove the bottom one inch of stem prior to cooking. Below is a great recipe for weight loss so that you can make a hearty and healthy side dish for any meal.
Recipe:
Want to Look Slim? Blue is the New Black!
Thursday, February 16, 2012 @ 07:02 PM
Organic blueberries are a health and weight loss superhero. The tiny, round delights are packed with antioxidants, phytoflavinoids, vitamin C, and potassium. They are fat-free and extremely low in calories. Therefore you can get essential nutrients without the bulk. This is an important way to lose weight and burn fat. Go for the darkest blueberries you can find, as they have more antioxidants.
The vitamins, antioxidants, and phytofavinoids in blueberries combat cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, and fight inflammation. Inflammation has been found to be the root of the majority of chronic diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries protect your body against a variety of ailments.
Blueberries also boast fiber, which makes you feel full and balances blood sugar. A recent study found a link between eating blueberries and a reduction in abdominal fat. It’s hypothesized that the fruit’s naturally occurring phytochemicals change the way the body stores and burns fat. Eating a low-fat diet and regularly consuming blueberries can increase these benefits and lead to a decrease in body weight. Who knew something that tasted so good could actually fight that dreaded spare tire?
Traditional Chinese medicine has found that blueberries nourish the blood, strengthen the kidneys, and bring a calming effect to the Qi, They are also known to have anti-aging benefits. Because blueberries ward off oxidative stress in the brain, they have long been used to counter concentration difficulties and memory decline, such as that seen in the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s disease. Ayurveda also acknowledges the benefits of blueberries as they are easy for the body to metabolize, particularly for those having digestive issues.
To incorporate a daily dose of blueberries into your healthy diet, check out our recipe for weight loss below. You will look and feel younger, lighter, and leaner.
Recipe:
Lose Love Handles with Lentils
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 @ 09:02 PM
Organic lentils will flatten your belly in no time. The mixture of protein and complex carbohydrates wards off insulin spikes which signal the body to produce extra fat. Unfortunately this excess fat tends to settle around the middle. Instead, these filling legumes give you even, steady energy that burns slowly instead of resting in the abdominal area in the form of flab. Many people shy away from lentils because they are unsure of how to prepare them. However, unlike dried beans, lentils do not need to be pre-soaked. Red lentils, the swiftest cooking variation, can be cooked in less than 20 minutes. 
We could go on for days discussing the health benefits of lentils. Part of the legume family, lentils are considered a protein and a vegetable, however not in the same meal. Unlike other foods, you get to choose which nutritional category they will fulfill. Lentils are among the collection of perfect foods for good nutrition and weight loss. It has even been recommended that individuals include three cups of legumes per week in their diet.
Fiber is the big selling point behind legumes, particularly lentils. The fiber content is predominately soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol, forces the body to slow down its carbohydrate absorption, fulfills hunger, and reduces your appetite. You’ll eat less calories throughout the day, resulting in shedding pounds and melting fat. You will also find yourself unlikely to fall prey to the siren song of those chocolate chip cookies.
Vegetarians and those attempting to reduce the animal-based foods in their diet, can seriously benefit from eating lentils. The magic legumes contain iron, which is often elusive in plant-based diets. They are also an excellent source of folic acid, which can prevent birth defects when eaten by pregnant women and heart disease, dementia, and osteoporosis when enjoyed by those without a bun in the oven. Magnesium helps to lower blood pressure and allows a free flow of blood throughout the body.
Certain foods increase dampness in the body, which can lead to fatigue, excess weight, foggy thinking, bloating, and more. Traditional Chinese Medicine has found that lentils are good for combating this dampness. Lentils bolster the health of the spleen and stomach. They stimulate regular movement of the bowels and serve to detoxify the body. Lentils are ideal for increasing or balancing energy.
Swapping out white rice and refined carbohydrates for protein and fiber-filled lentils will aid you in losing weight. Lentils come in many different varieties. However, red, green, and brown are the most common types. Brown and green lentils retain their shape more successfully after cooking then red lentils. Therefore they are great for salads and soups. Red lentils tend to get mushier which works well for dal or other recipes that call for a softer consistency. We will help you kick off your new found lentil love with this savory recipe for weight loss below.
See recipe here:
Use your Mussels to Burn Calories
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 @ 09:02 PM
Seafood has always been conducive to weight loss, however the recent issues concerning contaminants and the environmental damage done by commercial fishing, have given sea dwelling creatures a bad rap. Yet there are a variety of fish and seafood that are sustainable and have minimal levels of mercury and PCB’s. One such delight is delectable farmed mussels. These morsels are both eco- and waistline-friendly. There are no true standards to certify seafood as organic, therefore labels mean very little. Instead, look for sustainable seafood that is low in contaminants. To check and see how your potential purchases fare, visit the Blue Ocean Institute’s Guide to Ocean-Friendly Seafood at blueoceaninstitute.org/seafood or by typing fishphone.org into your PDA’s browser.
Farmed mussels dwell in coastal waters and feast on a diet of all-natural nutrients, as well as algae. Their dining habits actually enhance the quality of the water they live in. Their little shells form a make-shift barrier reef that ensures food for other fish. These environmental warriors also pack a whopping 700 mg of omega-3 fatty acids in one three ounce serving. Omega-3’s affect the body on every level and help to prevent heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease and reduce the symptoms of depression, rheumatoid arthritis, ADHD, high blood pressure, and skin problems. They are extremely beneficial for cognitive function, enhancing the immune system, and improving weight loss.
While omega-3’s tend to take center stage when it comes to health benefits, mussels are a good source of iron, protein, B12, selenium, folate, manganese, and zinc. Protein is tied to a decrease in appetite and also helps to sustain muscle tone, both of which aid in losing weight and looking great. Vitamin B12 is integral in supporting the metabolism. This helps you to burn calories more efficiently and drop pounds. Eating mussels and other healthy types of seafood is an ideal way to get the protein and nutrients you need without the fat and calories found in many animal-based protein sources. Three ounces of mussels contains a mere 70 calories and boasts under 2 grams of fat.
Traditional Chinese medicine relies on mussels as a way to treat stagnation of the liver Qi, along with stagnant blood. Mussels affect the kidneys and liver and are also cooling and detoxifying. They are ideal for improving vision, reducing irritability, and helping to lower internal heat and fever. Ayurvedic medicine recommends eating mussels in season to aid in digestion. Mussels are also believed to reduce inflammation and provide relief for various ailments, including joint pain associated with arthritis.
Now that you have the green-light to nosh away on farmed mussels, the shellfish can serve as an additional source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Mussels are wallet-friendly and to easy to cook. When purchasing mussels look for ones with tightly closed, intact shells. It is best to eat them the day that you buy them. Minimal cooking is required and many people simply steam them and enjoy. Add some garlic and herbs or ginger and lemongrass to spice up this healthy shellfish. For another idea, take a look below at our healthy recipe for weight loss.
Recipe:
Get Keen on Quinoa for Weight Loss
Monday, February 13, 2012 @ 08:02 PM
Quinoa, once the chow of choice for the Incans, faded into relative obscurity for years. However it’s recently been making a comeback among healthy types. Though many refer to it as a grain, it is actually related to the leafy greens of the chenopod family, including spinach, beets, and Swiss chard. The pseudo-grain is fluffy, light, and slightly nutty in flavor. It’s texture is similar to couscous with a little bit of a crunch to it. One reason for its rise to fame in America is because it is truly a nutritional powerhouse.
There are only a small number of plant-based foods that contain all nine essential amino acids. Organic quinoa is one of them and is considered a complete protein. It is ideal for vegans who are worried about missing out on important nutrients. Since it contains the amino acid lysine, which is imperative to muscle repair and growth, it can help individuals maintain muscle tone and see the results they crave at the gym. As you may know, more muscle tends to equal less fat. Muscle also burns more calories than fat, which is truly a lifesaver when you are trying to lose weight.
Though organic quinoa is not technically a grain, it is considered a whole grain. Perhaps nutritionists wanted to confuse us, but either way it is packed with fiber, folate, magnesium, and phosphorous. It has medicinal properties that include reducing the frequency of migraine headaches, managing and even preventing type 2 diabetes, reducing the risk and severity of atherosclerosis, preventing birth defects in unborn children, and improving cardiovascular health.
Organic quinoa, like its siblings in the chenopod family, is full of antioxidants, which protect cells from oxidative stress and free radicals. It has also been deemed one of the best foods for women as it alleviates postmenopausal problems and protects against breast cancer. The unique combination of antioxidants and fiber have been shown to ward off strokes, diabetes, heart disease, childhood asthma, gallstones, and more.
The weight loss benefits of this misunderstood “grain” are astounding. It acts as a bulking agent and is digested slowly and evenly. Therefore you are full and unlikely to eat excess calories. The antioxidants in organic quinoa are both fast-release and slow-release, which means the body can pull from them over a period of time. This gives you more energy to take on that latest jogging path. The fiber and nutrients balance the blood sugar to reduce spikes, which helps to protect the midsection from accumulating visceral fat. Eating quinoa and similar foods is linked to a reduction in obesity and a lower overall body weight. It has the ability to speed up the metabolism and improve digestion as well. Plus it’s low on the glycemic index and gluten-free!
In traditional Chinese medicine quinoa is a warming and grounding food. It helps to preserve the energy available in the body. The warmth stimulates the system and aids the body in fending off the cold. It tonifies and strengthens the yang energy of the kidneys. Ayurveda believes that quinoa strengthens the body and improves endurance.
Quinoa is extremely versatile and easy to prepare. For a delicious, energizing breakfast eat quinoa as a porridge and toss in a handful of nuts and some dried fruit. To fortify soup, add some quinoa for a nutritional punch. Our recipe for weight loss below is a healthy and hearty dish guaranteed to please any palate.
Recipe:
Healthy Chicken Equals a Healthy, Slim You
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @ 09:01 PM
Nearly every diet and nutrition resource touts the benefits of eating skinless chicken breast. Skinless chicken breast is a lean, protein-filled, versatile diet staple. The low fat poultry also boasts essential nutrients, like iron and zinc. However, mass-market chicken can contain hormones and antibiotics. Organic free-range chicken is the ideal way to glean the weight loss benefits of this fat melting poultry while also keeping the body free of pollutants.
The United States Department of Agriculture overhauled previous organic standards concerning chicken. Now, chicken that is certified organic must have access to a pasture, cannot be continuously confined to small cages, and is allowed to graze on vegetation and insects as a supplement to their diet. A chicken with space to roam, sunshine, and fresh air is healthier. In turn, these free-range organic chickens are healthier for humans to eat.
Organic chickens are fed a diet comprised of organic feed that does not contain pesticides or chemicals. They do not receive hormone or antibiotic injections either, which are thought to increase human resistance to antibiotics in the long term. Studies have found that organic, free-range chickens are actually tastier. Because these chickens eat organic feed and are allowed to forage on natural vegetation they contain less fat and a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, and alpha-linoleic acid. Therefore organic free-range chickens are far more heart healthy, boost the metabolism for weight loss, fight depression, and enhance brain function, among other benefits.
In traditional Chinese medicine chicken is thought to treat dizziness and fatigue. It is used to tonify the Qi in the body. A variety of chicken soup recipes have been used for centuries as a curative food. By increasing energy in the body, you will be able to sail through your day, burn more calories, and ward off lethargy.
Introduce organic free-range chicken into your diet and reap the host of benefits. Try this recipe for weight loss and taste the difference of eating a healthy, yet hearty meal.
Recipe is below: read more
Fat on your Plate, Not on Your Waistline
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 @ 09:01 PM
Dieters cringe at the word “fat.” It summons up images of expanding midsections and jiggling thighs. However not all fat is bad fat, especially when you’re trying to lose weight. As we cut calories, we often miss out on essential nutrients, which can lead to dry hair, brittle fingernails, shaky concentration, lethargy, and irritability. Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fat, or good fat, and have proven to be a food that can truly help whittle your middle.
Avocados, when eaten in moderation, have the power to squelch those bad moods, combat fatigue, bolster heart health, give your brain a boost, aid in weight loss, leave hair, nails, and skin healthy, and provide a downright delicious addition to your diet. Recent scientific studies discovered that those who ate avocados saw a drop in total blood cholesterol. Their LDL and triglyceride levels plummeted, both of which can lead to heart disease. Their HDL, or body-friendly cholesterol, levels increased. In addition, researchers found that avocados are a source of beta-sitosterol, which further helps to lower cholesterol.
The rich and creamy texture and the healthy fat of avocados are filling. You’ll feel satisfied and less likely to graze on goodies. The fiber, folic acid, vitamin A, and potassium in avocados allows you to get the vitamins you need to feel strong and invigorated. They speed up metabolism and have been proven to enhance weight loss. The powerful combination of antioxidants fight free radical damage and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
According to traditional Chinese medicine avocados are a cooling food. They provide lubrication to the intestines to promote regularity and nourish the blood and yin to add moisture to the lungs and skin. Are you ready to seize the first avocado you can find? Take heed. A medium avocado contains 30 grams of fat. All fat, good or bad, has substantial calories. Avocado is best combined with a low calorie diet and eaten in moderation. A serving size is 2 tablespoons, or approximately 1/6 of a medium avocado. Would you like to get started with an avocado delight?
Below is a recipe for weight loss that will have your taste buds singing. read more