Cool as a Cucumber

Walk down any beauty aisle and you'll see cucumber listed as the main ingredient in many products. With its high water content, vitamins (A, B and C) and minerals, it's no wonder why cucumbers have been a staple in spas for centuries. But why not stick with the original source? Slice it up and toss it in a salad or in your morning smoothie; or better yet, throw it on your face.
By boosting your intake of this ultra hydrating summer veggie, you'll be beautifying your body from the inside out! See why below.

• Green Goddess: Oranges might first come to mind when thinking of Vitamin C, but it's also readily found in cucumbers. Vitamin C helps strengthen your immune system, leaving no room for fine lines and wrinkles!
• Clean and Clear: Fill up on high water dense foods like cucumbers to flush out toxins and waste that often contribute to pesky breakouts, allergies and even weight gain.
• Eat Away: Cucumbers are extremely low in calories, making them a great choice for a midday snack! They also contain ascorbic acid in huge quantities, which prevents water retention.
• Fill Me Up: The dietary fiber found in cucumbers regulates cholesterol and supports healthy digestive function all while keeping you full and satiated. 
• Eye Don't Believe It: Put sliced cucumbers under your eyes and watch the dark circles and puffiness disappear! The silica in cucumbers works to lighten dark circles and rejuvenate tired eyes. 

Roasted Asparagus With Garlic-Lemon Sauce

Roasted asparagus is delicious drizzled with a sauce inspired by Caesar salad dressing. Low-fat mayonnaise makes the sauce creamy without a lot of extra calories or fat. Dress up the dish with chopped hard-boiled eggs or leave them out if you’re in a hurry.

Servings: 4

Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 25
Prep Time: 15

Recipe Ingredients:

1. 2 bunches asparagus, (about 2 pounds), trimmed
2. 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3. 1/8 teaspoon salt
4. 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
5. 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
6. 2 tablespoons water
7. 2 anchovy fillets, minced
8. 1 small clove garlic, minced
9. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10. 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs, (optional)

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss asparagus with oil and salt in a large bowl. Spread on a baking sheet and roast, stirring once halfway through, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Combine mayonnaise, Parmesan, water, anchovies, garlic and lemon juice in a small bowl. To serve, drizzle the asparagus with the sauce and top with hard-boiled egg (if using).

Recipe Nutrition:

Per serving: 89 calories; 4 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono ); 4 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 6 g protein; 4 g fiber; 282 mg sodium; 464 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Folate (73% daily value), Vitamin A (40% dv), Vitamin C (30% dv).
Carbohydrate Servings: 1/2
Exchanges:2 vegetable, 1 fat

Special Health Considerations:

Healthy Weight - Low Sodium - Low Cholesterol - Low Sat Fat - High Fiber - Low Carb - Low Calorie - Diabetes Appropriate - Heart Healthy - Gluten Free Diet

My body, His temple!

I have been 'dieting' since I was 16yrs old.  When I look back at photos I don't think there was any need to.  When I look back at my wedding photos (23yrs), I dont think I looked too bad then either.  But after 2 kids, much less gym than I would like to lay claim to, much enjoyment of food over the years, much upheaval and stress, both normal and life changing, I would say I have a few genuine kilos to lose.  If I'm honest, maybe 14kg.  Although I'd like to lose 19kgs, I'd be happy with 14kgs.

At the beginning of the year I joined Weighless as over all the years of dieting I know it to be balanced, good and healthy, and it works.  The problem is not the diet.  The problem is me.  January was awesome.  I have never done so well for so long (a whole month), but then we went away for business and I tripped up once and there you go, the old habits just flew back in to roost, determined to stay!  Now 2 and a bit months later, I am determined to carry on.  I have gone backwards slightly, but have no intention of losing all the ground I've made and to be honest, its not that much ground gained or lost!  But determination has kicked in again and this morning after doing a few work related things I am going back to Weighless.  I have'nt actually stopped going, I've just bunked!  So I will go back determined not to see the graph going back up, but see it as just a hiccup.

At the end of the day (for me), its about attitude.  And when it comes to food I have a very good attitude, I love it.  I have no emotional hang-ups that cause me to eat, no traumas that express themselves into eating problems.  I just love food.  My attitude about food should however be, eat to live not live to eat!!!

I have been thinking about what scripture says about food.   I am sure at one time or another we have all read the scriptures about how our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and how we should not abuse them and I thought, how come that does not halt me in my tracks and cause me to change my bad habits?  I think its because our salvation or other important things in our lives are not reliant on how we treat our bodies.  For example, its not difficult to try be a good and faithful wife and keep our marriage vows to the best of our abilities because we want our marriages to work.  Its not difficult to be there for our kids because we want to be the best mothers we can be.  I'm not saying its easy to be these things.  I'm saying the desire to be these things comes easy.  But if we smoke, or overeat, or get tattoos, or pearcings, or dye our hair blue, God sees and judges our hearts and if we have given our lives to Him He works on our spirit and soul.  He does encourage us to look after our bodies but its not the measuring stick for heaven.

1 Corinth 6 v 12:  All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.  All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Corinth 6 v 19-20:  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

I realise the above scriptures speak of much more than eating, but if bad eating and no exercise hinder the maintenance of our bodies then we should be making changes.  Its true for me that if I overeat then I tend to be negative the next day and tend to be moody and otherwise with people.  So this has a bad impact on my relationships.  Can't be good, right?  I also know when I eat healthily the opposite applies.

In Deuteronomy, God gives the Israelites many laws among which are laws with regards to eating.  All those apply today for good health.  If you follow them your body can only benefit.  Why?  Because God created us and knows what works best for us.  Having said that, in Romans 14 v 14, Paul says:  I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  Also in v 17:  for the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. And then also v 20-21:  Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.  All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offence.  It is good neither to eat meat not drink wine not do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

So what do I take from this?  Well, God gives us advice on what to eat for our own health but says that what you eat or drink in of itself is not evil.  Its if what you eat and drink offends or upsets someone else that it becomes a sin. Also, what you eat and drink, how it affects you may cause you to sin, eg: get moody and then treat others badly because you have let yourself down or drink too much and say or do things you would'nt otherwise do.

There is one scripture which I would like to concentrate on for the purposes of losing weight and getting healthier.  It is Deut 30 v 19:  I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.  You know, if you choose life when eating, you will feel healthier, be more positive, therefore be more available to God and His purposes for you and so the circle widens in life.  If you choose death in eating, you will still go to heaven, you wont lose your salvation, but you'll feel bloated, unwell, unhealthy and that negative feeling will infuse your day, so affecting your relationships etc etc.  I know, because weekly, I let food affect me negatively or positively.

So here on my blog, with regards to eating, I commit to choosing life.  Its a discipline, and for me, it wont be easy.  I commit to giving feed back on my weight loss and I ask for any encouragement.  And if you wish to join me on this journey afresh, let me know and I will encourage you.  Watch this space!

Isn't it amazing how God's word covers EVERYTHING we could possibly have problems with?

God bless
TKT

Some of My Favorite Gluten & Dairy Free Recipes

 We very recently went gluten and dairy free at the suggestion of our chiropractor.  I went a little less willingly and more like kicking and screaming, but it was for the sake of my children's health, and I would do anything if I thought it might help their tummies feel better.  Cutting out dairy and wheat has truly been a difficult transition, but I have found a few recipes on my own and online that we have really come to enjoy and will become a staple meal at our dinner table for years to come.

AVOCADO

Yogurt Fruit Dip

At this time of year, fresh strawberries are sweet enough you don’t really need a sweet dip. However, when I give my girls a snack, I like to include protein. The greek yogurt in the raspberry dip is a great way to sneak some protein in at snack time…and satisfy a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup honey
• fresh strawberries or other fruit

Instructions

1. Puree raspberries in a food processor. Press raspberry puree through a sieve. Keep the juice and discard the seeds.
2. In a medium bowl, mix raspberry juice with the lemon zest, Greek yogurt and honey. Cover and chill.
3. Wash strawberries and serve with raspberry dip.

VITAMIN "D"

POWER JUICE

8 SUPER NUTRIENTS 4 WEIGHT LOSS!

FORTIFER YOUR BODY

THE WORKOUT

BOOTYLICIOUS

FOODS THAT HEAL:

 Research continues on the vast health benefits of resveratrol, found in purple or red grapes. Here are some of the amazing healing benefits of resveratrol:

1. Power Up Your Weight Loss
2. Protect Your Heart
3. Mop Up Brain Damaging Plaques
4. Improve Brain Power
5. Protect Your Skin from Cancer
6. Protect Your Body from Radiation
7. Turn On Your Longevity Gene
... 8. Fight Diabetes
9. Turn Down Inflammation
10. Supports Muscle Recovery
Source: Copyright The Life Force Diet by Michelle Schoffro Cook.See More

Research continues on the vast health benefits of resveratrol, found in purple or red grapes. Here are some of the amazing healing benefits of resveratrol:

1. Power Up Your Weight Loss
Exciting research led by MaryAnne DellaFera, PhD at the University of Georgia found that resveratrol (particularly when combined with soy isoflavones) works on the body in two ways to significantly assist with weight loss efforts: 1) it dramatically reduces cells’ ability to store fat by about... 130 percent; and 2) causes fat cells to disintegrate at a rate 246 percent higher than normal.

2. Protect Your Heart
In research, resveratrol demonstrated the ability to improve the dilation of blood vessels, which may allow blood to flow more easily through blood vessels. It has also been shown to relax the walls of the blood vessels, making their diameter larger, thereby lowering blood pressure, and allowing a higher volume of blood to flow through all areas of the body, delivering increased oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells. Another study found that just 10 mg of supplementary resveratrol resulted in a dramatic reduction in heart-attack risk factors.

3. Mop Up Brain Damaging Plaques
Studies at the University of Switzerland proved resveratrol’s brain-protecting ability. They found that resveratrol mopped up brain-damaging plaques and free radicals, which have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. So powerful is this important nutrient that it has even been referred to as “Reverse-it-all” by many health practitioners.

4. Improve Brain Power
In a British study, students given resveratrol increased blood flow to their brains by 200 percent. Scientists believe resveratrol can help speed our mental responses.

5. Protect Your Skin from Cancer
In numerous studies, resveratrol has had a positive effect on cancer. Research also shows that resveratrol protects the skin from damaging UVB rays of the sun, thereby protecting it against skin cancer.

6. Protect Your Body from Radiation
What’s more, this potent nutrient has even been shown to protect the body against radiation therapy when used as an adjunct to radiation treatment of cancer.

7. Turn On Your Longevity Gene
In one study, scientists identified resveratrol as a nutrient that activated the human gene for survival and longevity.

8. Fight Diabetes
Prediabetics given resveratrol had a 10 percent drop in blood sugar levels, according to research by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

9. Turn Down Inflammation
Resveratrol works as an anti-inflammatory, which may be one of the reasons it may be effective for heart disease.

10. Supports Muscle Recovery
As a potent antioxidant, it supports the cells and organs in eliminating uric acid and other toxins from the body, supporting muscle recovery for athletes.

Source: Copyright The Life Force Diet by Michelle Schoffro Cook.See More

SKINNY SHAKE

YOU BECOME.....

30 MINS, NO EQUIPMENT WORKOUT

VARIETY

JUMP OFF JIGGLE

FIT TIPS:

COOL SUMMER COCKTAILS

• Mai Tai
• Kane's Peppery Bloody Mary
• Pomegranate-Key Lime Vodka Cocktails

• Sparkling Sangria
• Fritz's Sonoran Sunset
• Ultimate Rum Punch

• Planter's Punch
• Blackberry Cocktail
• Honeydew Mimosas

• Tequila Mojitos
• Blueberry Thrill
• Basil Tonics

GET RECIPES:
http://www.myrecipes.com/summer-grilling/summer-drinks/summer-cocktail-recipes-10000001736760/

COOL SUMMER COCKTAIL: MAI TAI

Mai Tai

This classic rum-based cocktail recipe, infused with the citrus flavors of orange curaçao, orange juice, and lime juice, is the perfect drink to enjoy at the beach–or when you're dreaming of being there.

Ingredients

       2 tablespoons light rum

• 2 tablespoons orange curaçao
• 1/4 cup orange juice $
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• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice $
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• 1 dash orgeat
• 1 dash simple syrup
• 1 tablespoon dark rum
• Mint, a pineapple slice, and a paper umbrella for garnish

Preparation

1. 1. Fill an 8-oz. glass with ice. Pour in light rum, orange curaçao, orange juice, lime juice, orgeat, and simple syrup.
2. 2. Drizzle dark rum on top. Garnish with mint, pineapple slice, and paper umbrella.

KALE

DRINK OF THE DAY: Cherry-Peach Sangria

Ingredients

 (There is 1 total deal near you) 1/4 cup sugar $

• Click to see savings
  
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 2 1/2 cups pitted Rainier cherries
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle albariño wine, chilled
• 1 cup chilled club soda
• 1 peach, thinly sliced
• 3 thyme sprigs
• 1 sprig purple basil (optional)
• 1 sprig sweet basil (optional)

Preparation

1. 1. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup brandy in a pitcher; stir until sugar dissolves. Add cherries and wine, and chill for 8 hours or up to overnight. Just before serving, stir in club soda and remaining ingredients.

EAT MORE COLORS

FLAT BELLY DIET

$20.00 could buy

SWEETS WITHOUT THE SUGAR

Once sugar has you in its grasp, it can be hard to break free. Don't cave in! Sure, you'll get that sugar high, but as the saying goes, "what goes up must come down," leaving you feeling more tired and groggy than before.
Instead, try our tips on alternative ways to quench those sugar cravings!

• Drink water: Hunger can be a sign of dehydration. At the first sign of a sweet craving, guzzle water before you grab that sweet treat. In most situations, cravings will subside within 30 minutes.
   
• Eat sweet vegetables: Sweet veggies (think: carrots, sweet potatoes and beets) can help stave off sugar cravings. The next time you want to reach for those M&M's, instead go for the sugar snap peas.
   
• Sweeten with whole foods: Use whole foods and you’ll get the sweetness and an extra dose of fiber and potassium. Add bananas and dates to sweeten smoothies and oatmeal.
   
• Try cinnamon: It stabilizes blood sugar levels to reduce cravings. So sprinkle it on smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt. Add it to nut butter, nut milks, tea and beans. Go crazy.

DELICIOUS...