Dieting has never been an easy thing for me especially since loosing weight comes slow even when I`m really trying to keep a healthy, light lifestyle routine AND exercise at least 4 times a week… Apparently, there could be a hidden factor in weight control such as: Bacteria. Everyone has bacteria in their digestive system, but if you’re overweight, it may be because the blend of those bugs is causing you to absorb more calories from the food you eat!
Adding healthy bacteria and “Getting more pro-biotics in your diet can change the balance of bacteria,” says Steven Pratt, M.D., author of SuperHealth, and that can lead to more efficient weight loss! Eat more Yogurt which contain probiotics, such as acidophilus and take control of your weight-loss like I did… (and yes, it worked..)

The main cause of bad breat  is a buildup of bacteria on your tongue, in between your teeth or in the back of your throat, which is often the results of some food left behind from not brushing thoroughly enough. Breath mints can be a quick fix, however if they contain sugar it will actually feed those microbes and can eventually make odor worse in the long run.

According to recent Japanese researches eating plain, suger-free yogurt may help get rid of the stinky bad breath! Go Yogurt!!!

Make the Right Choice and try this easy making Diet Banana Split Recipe- Only 150 calories and 3 grams of fat per serving!
 

Ingredients:
1 medium banana
1 scoop non-fat vanilla ice cream or yogurt
2 tablespoons low-fat granola
1 spoon light chocolate syrup

Directions:
1. Cut the banana in half lengthwise (from tip to tip).
2. Place the banana halves on the sides of a mid size bowl.
3. Add the Ice-Cream or Yogurt in between the banana`s halves.
4. Top with granola and add the syrup.
5. Serve, Save (on calories!) & enjoy!

All peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, but Red Peppers are simply bursting with them plus considered to be a great source of Vitamin B6. This very nutritious vegetable and the antioxidants it contain help preventing cell damage, cancer, and diseases related to aging. Further more, Red Pepper support the immune function, can reduce inflammation like that found in arthritis and asthma, promotes proper blood clotting and strengthens bones.

With all of these great health benefits and nutrition values, I love cooking this Moroccan-style healthy veggie meal since satisfy as steak and tasteful as a gourmet dish:  With 302 calories, 9 grams of protein,  8 grams of fat and 4 grams of fibre per serving, you cannot go wrong with this MUST TRY RECIPE !!!

Couscous-Stuffed Red Pepper W/Yogurt:

Ingrediants:

85 grams of whole wheat Couscous
2 tbsp Raisins
50 ml hot vegetable stock
1 tsp clear honey
1 large lemon- squeez for juice
2 garlic cloves
small bunch flat-leaf parsley
150 ml tub non-fat natural yogurt
2 tomatoes , roughly chopped
2 red peppers , halved, cores removed
1 tbsp olive oil

How to make:

• Pre-heat oven to 400* degrees.

• Place couscous and raisins in a heatproof bowl. Stir stock, honey and lemon juice, then pour over the couscous. Cover and leave to absorb for 5 mins.

• Place the lemon zest, garlic and parsley in a mini food processor and whizz until everything is well chopped.

• Stir 1 tbsp of this mixture into the yogurt, then set aside. Stir the remaining mixture into the couscous with the tomatoes and some seasoning.

• Spoon the couscous mixture into each pepper half, then sit them in a small roasting tin. Drizzle with oil, then bake for 40 mins until peppers are tender.

• Serve with the yogurt and a simple green salad on the side, and- ENJOY!!! 

I have always wondered – “Who wants to cook for ONE ???”   While knowing it is important for my diet and weight watchers lifestyle routine since home made meals are normally the healthier choice, as I tend to enjoy groceries shopping and cooking, doing so only for myself had always made me buying and making more food then I was suppose to in order to freshly satisfy my single little stomach. More then that, I used to feel guilty for wasting extra foods when throwing away the leftovers while there are millions of hungry children out there.  In a recent conversation with my BFF single gey guy, who usually gets to spend dinner time by himself since working late hours, he confessed to really enjoy healthy meals at home, which help his diet, time and wallet.  I was managed to adopt some of his `single person cooking for himself`secrets and this is the outcome:

•  Save time by planning weekly, for cooking 2-3 different meals, then go shopping.

• While shopping, save money by start thinking in terms of portions, rather than recipes.

• Plan on using leftovers in order to create one extra meal.

• Buy only what you Know you`ll eat during that week, considering products you can take to work as well, like fruits, snacks, yogurt and etc.

• Creat more then one dish that build on similar ingredients and cut the fresh vegetables for two meals ahead in order to ease the next day cooking preparation.

• Use your freezer, however split whatever you are about to freeze into small portions put into ziploc sealed plastic bags. Then, you can defrost the correct amount of food you wish to cook that day. 

• Marinate the meat, pork, chicken or fish in the morning, before you go to work. It takes about 5 minuets and save you many more minuets later, when you are ready to prepare your meal.

If you wish to share more great ideas on how to cook for single person while eating right and saving waste of time and money please add your comment and share it with everybody! 

Thanks! 

Some food can benefits our skin in different levels. However, these following ones are at the top list, and are highly recommended if you wish to keep your natural beauty skin as healthy and glowing as possible, before even applying any type of facial creams or anti-aging products. It is simple-  Stay healthy and look great at the same time! Eat more of these foods:

• Wild Salmon: A prime source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce skin inflammation and prevent redness, wrinkles and future sagging

• Yogurt: (and make sure it is a low-fat one, of course) gives bone boosting and more calcium then a glass of skin milk.

• Oysters: Yes, ladies and gentlemens, Oysters are a top source of Zing, which helps build collagen and speed up skin renewal and repair.

• Blueberries: from my Antioxidants  list, blueberries are full of them, and can prevent long term cell damage.

• Kiwifruit: One of my favorite fruits. It is rich in potassium as banana, however add its plenty of vitamin C and you promote glowing, wrinkle free skin! Luv this one!

• Sweet Potatoes: full with Beta-carotene, which helps smooth the skin.

•  Tomatoes: are major source of lycopene, combined with their anitioxidants can protect against sunburn.

• Walnuts: rich with omega 3 and help fight against skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

• Dark Chocolate: last but not least, great news for the chocolate lovers: it is full with antioxidants and nutrients cocoa, which helps boost hydration, smoothness and protection against sun exposure.  (choose chocolates with %60 percent cocoa). 

I use Light&Fit Dannon Nonfat Vanilla Yogurt which is my favorite choice since its nutrition facts and its flavor. I normally buy the 32 OZ jar since it has basic vanilla flavor and is good for several servings. I can easily say this Yogurt is available in my fridge at all times like any other basics products since it brings a great way to enjoy a light, refreshing meal whenever I need it! With 50% fewer calories than regular low-fat yogurt, 0% Fat. 110 Calories and vitamins A and D  it can be used everydayfor: Smoothies, yogurt parfaits, fruit dips, baking, fruit & yogurt salads or delicious desserts. Dannon Light & Fit also meets the National Yogurt Association Criteria for live and active culture yogurt. 

My secret to control any hunger attack AND to get my boyfriend`s attention was adding some crunchy, rice and wheat flakes with oat and blueberry clusters from “Special K”, plus bunch of fresh blueberries, if available, to the bowl of yogurt.

Kellogg’s® Special K® Blueberry cereal are lightly toasted, lightly sweetened and high in flavor. Recommended for a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and an excellent source of 11 vitamins and minerals, Kellogg’s Special K mixed with Light&Fit yogurt gives me the satisfaction I crave any time of day!

And don’t forget adding some fresh Blueberries!  

To read more about Blueberries click here:

Sources say Jessica Alba has been on a diet since the age of 12. “Everyone in my family is heavily overweight” said Jessica. “I wanted to be healthier, so I started cooking for myself when I was 12 years old. When I eat breakfast, I’ll have an egg-white omelet, cottage cheese and a fruit. For lunch, I’ll have a salad. Dinner is usually light: vegetables and chicken or fish. During the day I’ll have some frozen yogurt or granola snack. I don’t really eat desserts or bread.”

I could not agree more about the bread part, however, if you are about to have a sandwich or would like to include bread with your meals, check out the recomended healthy choice of bread:   Whole Grain Wheat.