Hello everyone. Glad to be back sharing time with my loyal readers. It was a beautiful day here in Central New York. It’s so nice to have the warm weather back again. It has been so back and forth. Today’s outfit brings to mind the Southwest and the desert. Dubbing this one “Beauty In The Desert”.

Thought the black and copper jewelry and the FitBit Combo I chose was in keeping with the desert theme.

Going to try and do something a little different tonight. I’m not going to have a singular topic per se. I’m going to use various things I am finding on Pinterest Boards that might be of interest to you my readers. So bear with me as I work my way through this.

This first offering comes from Womenshealth.com.

FIVE POWER FOODS THAT CAN HELP YOU DROP A SIZE

Filling up on these will actually help you lose weight.

FOODS THAT BLAST FAT

Want to lose pounds the healthy way? Put these five power foods on your plate, and eat your way to a smaller size.

1. SALMON

This rich protein has the power to fill you up, thanks to plenty of healthy fat that also pack metabolism-boosting omega -3’s.

2. CUCUMBERS

More than 90% water, cukes are great for beating bloat or when you want a crunchy snack with next-to-no calories.

3. STRAWBERRIES

A recent study found that munching on these berries instead of other sweets led people to eat an average of 134 fewer calories at their next meal.

4. HAZELNUTS

The smoky nuts are loaded with monounsaturated fats that can help blast belly blub. They also contain ample fiber, folate, and potassium.

5. EGGS

Two have nearly a quarter of the satiating protein you need in a day-one reason research shows that eating eggs in the am=eating less all day long.

Make sure you’re also stocked with the following ingredients.

Spinach

Balsamic vinegar

Full Fat Greek Yogurt

Fresh Dill

Whole Grain Ezekial Bread

Dijon Mustard

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mustard Seed

Sugar

Feta

Honey

Now that you’re ready to create delicious fat blasting meals, check out the link below to access some great recipes.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/power-foods-for-weight-loss

The next offering is titled” Think before you eat”. You will see why when you see the visual.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture the average 19-30 year old woman requires 2 cups of fruit a day. ( not sure why they only specify that age group but don’t see why it should be any different for the rest of us).

So we have one orange, about 8 large strawberries, 32 seedless grapes( that’s a good amount), 1 banana, about 90 blueberries, and one medium pear.

Next up : This comes from Bustle.com with the following article.

FOUR FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU STAY FULL LONGER.

PROTEINS

First and foremost, to feel fuller longer, one of the main things to look for in food is protein. If you include protein with each meal, you will be less likely to crave as many in-between snacks during the day.

Select high quality forms of protein, as in whole foods( not processed protein powders or processed soy). The writer of this article is into organic or grain fed chicken and beef, but that is your own personal choice. If you’re a vegetarian there are still plenty of nutritional options. Use super foods like chia seeds and hemp seeds for added protein. Other good choices include almond butter, sunflower seed butter, hummus, and lentils.

FIBER

You can get fiber in at breakfast , lunch, and dinner. Whether it’s an apple before a meal, an avacodo on the side with lunch, or oatmeal in the morning, a fiber-rich diet is good for you and helps to curb cravings. Given the wide range of options, from broccoli and brussels sprouts, to raspberries, pears , and almonds, including fiber in your diet is pretty simple.

COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES

Contrary to popular belief you don’t need to avoid carbs with a 10-foot pole- just make sure you’re eating the complex sort rather than the empty ones, i.e. quinoa over Wonder Bread.( quinoa is just something I started eating recently and have an awesome quinoa salad recipe) Unlike unrefined carbohydrates, these balance your metabolism and serotonin levels, which allow for longer lasting energy.

Look to quinoa,brown rice, buckwheat, beans, and lentils to get these into a balanced meal.

HEALTHY FATS

Like carbs, misconceptions abound. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are actually good for us. Monounsaturated fats, for example, the type found in avacados, do the opposite of all the things for which bad fats( trans fats and saturated fats) are maligned. Including healthy fats in your diet can in fact help manage one’s weight and preserve heart health. Beyond the super food that is the avacado, ( wish I liked them but I don’t), good fats can be found in olives, nuts, and fish such as salmon, trout, and tuna. Cooking with coconut oil is another added source of good fat.

One last offering for the night. Remember some of this is someone’s opinion, but know some of it to be true. The cancer protection is anybody’s guess , but it can’t hurt.

1. GREEN TEA

It has wonderful cancer fighting properties. It is rich in antioxidant content and helps to boost your metabolism, weight loss, and also maintaining your weight.

2. ORANGES

Oranges are the great source of vitamin C, antioxidants,folic acid, and anti cancer compounds. Eat fresh oranges as snacks, drink fresh orange juice.

3. CHOCOLATE

Studies have shown dark chocolate:

To lower blood pressure

To lower bad chloresterol ( LDL)

Is a natural mood boosting anti-depressant.

It’s more than wishful thinking, chocolate is good for you.

4. TOMATOES

It provides protection against cancer if cooked rather than taken raw and are good protection against heart disease.

5. YOGURT

It boosts the immune system and provides protection against cancer. It prevents nausea,diarrhea, constipation, as well as bloating.

6. WALNUTS

Walnuts are very beneficial for health. They contain plenty of muscle building protein and help protect against heart disease.

7. EGGS

Eggs provide vitamin A, B12, and protein. It helps to build muscle, burn fat, and fight obesity.

8. APPLES

An apple a day can keep all kinds of doctors away. Apples have been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease.

9. OLIVE OIL

It protects you from heart diseases. This controls bad cholesterol levels in your body. Olive oil is also a great source of antioxidants.

10. CINNAMON

Cinnamon is one of the most powerful healing spices. It’s become famous for it’s ability to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

So there you have a look into many different topics . Think this is an interesting way to bring in many different ideas.

Here’s a link to ALL the things found on this one Pinterest Board. I wish I could be an editor on many of the things I come across. Wellness is spelled wrong on the title. But enjoy anyway.

https://www.pinterest.com/simplysandee/weight-loss-and-welness-topics/

Hope you enjoyed this latest issue of Carol’s Corner. Might try another one tomorrow night. We shall see. Stay focused , stay motivated, and stay moving. Till next time, God Bless.