Apple Cider Vinegar 10/15/2009
I’ve been hearing a lot about how Apple Cider Vinegar can help with weight loss. I am always weary of any new or fad diet – they usually never work, are a waste of time, and I gain the weight and more back. However, a friend recently told me that they had luck using white vinegar for their digestive issues so I decided to look into it. Here is what I found... Apple Cider Vinegar Contains : Potassium – can prevent brittle teeths, hair loss and runny noses Pectin – helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol Malic Acid – properties of being anti-viral, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal Calcium – helps create strong bones and teeth Ash – aids your body in maintaining proper pH levels for a healthy alkaline state Acetic Acid – slows the digestion of starch which can help to lower the rise in glucose that commonly occurs after meals Benefits : Could lower cholesterol (study was done on rats – not people) Cancer - vinegar may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth Weight Loss - might help people feel full and more satisfied 1 tbsp ACV + 4 oz water after a meal = possible natural remedy for heartburn May help improve bowel irregularity Helps to break down fats so that your body can use them rather than store them How to use : Since apple cider vinegar is an unproven treatment, there are no official recommendations on how to use it. Some suggestions are to take 2 tsp a day (mixed in a cup of water or juice) or a 285 mg tablet. Risks : Highly acidic - always dilute with water or juice Long-term use could lower low potassium levels and bone density Could interact with diuretics, laxatives, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease Vinegar contains chromium, which can alter your insulin levels – diabetics check with doctor before use Information found on : http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/the-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar/ http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar So since I am extremely curious about the weight loss and digestive benefits of this vinegar I have decided to test it out in a one week study. Concoction : 4 oz heated water + 1 tsp ACV + 1/2 tbsp Splenda + 1/2 tbsp sugar free (praline) syrup Plan : Take concoction before every meal Results : Started 6:30 AM 10/15/09 RE 11/3/2009 : Decided that my enamel on my teeth was more valuable than trying to "slowly" lose a couple extra pounds. Not a great weight loss tool I think - BUT great for sore throats when combined with water, splenda or sugar free syrup, and a little heat!!! Sugar Free Syrups 10/13/2009
I use sugar free syrups to cut calories, add flavor , and get some extra sweetness to my coffee creations. Sugar free syrups have no calories....actually they don't have anything else but about 10 mg of sodium per tablespoon of syrup - an amount too small to even care about. So I got to thinking...I use these syrups daily in my coffee so why not use them in foods as well?! I started to test this idea in my mission for the best healthy muffin....and it worked!!! When reviewing "regular" and unhealthy recipes for research and ideas, I replaced the recommended sugar dosage with Splenda, added 1/4 cup of sugar free vanilla syrup, and omitted the vanilla extract. Results: Delicious! Try my Cherry Almond Muffin recipe if you don't believe me. I can't wait to try out other syrups - there are sooo many to choose from! Since my local grocery store only carried sugar free vanilla and hazelnut in the coffee aisle I went online. I was able to find so many flavors like Pumpkin Pie, Praline, Eggnog, French Vanilla, and Coconut. I got so excited that I did in fact order all 5 of those flavors! My boyfriend thought I was crazy when they first came in the mail, but when he saw what I made with them he was very impressed. Definitely worth ordering a few to keep on hand (they have a long shelf life) and use in your favorite recipes. I'm going to try them out next in my search for an awesome brownie recipe! I found the coolest tool when researching suggested daily intakes of foods we really should be consuming. "MyPyramid Plan", located on the USDA website, is a tool that tells you what amounts you need daily fro each food group. Just enter your age, sex, weight, height, and amount of daily physical activity and...TA DA! in seconds it spits out a whole report on what amounts you need. You'll even get the scoop on ways to get your doses in, how much whole grain to consume, veggies you should veg on, your fat/sugar suggested calorie limit, and much more! Check out what YOU should be consuming: http://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramid/index.aspx NEW PRODUCT: Coffeehouse Inspirations 10/01/2009
International Delight is apparently now making three brand new flavors of non-dairy creamer in their new line called "Coffeehouse Inspirations". Caramel Macchiato, White Chocolate Mocha, and Vanilla Latte. Wow....that sounds too good to be true! I love all three of those drinks at Starbucks. With International Delight's Pumpkin Pie Spice liquid creamer I was able to perfectly mock and get my fix for the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but that's only one drink I love! By using the product locator it seems that this new line is available at Randall's and Kroger. Talk about saving a bundle! Nutrition Facts ( 1 tbsp ) : 40 calories, 1.5 g fat, 5 mg sodium, 7 g carbs, 6 g sugar Definitely going to try out this recipe: 2 tbsp Caramel Macchiato + Coffee (Try CoffeeAM's Caramel Cream) + 1/2 tsp vanilla extract + 1/4 cup microwave heated non fat milk = about 100 calories Starbuck's real recipes for the three inspirations ( size: tall ) : 1) Vanilla Latte = 3 pump vanilla syrup + 1 espresso shot + steamed 2% milk + 1/2 inch foam = 190 calories 2) Caramel Macchiato = 2 pump vanilla syrup + steamed milk + 1/2 inch foam + 1 espresso shot + caramel syrup = 180 calories 3) White Chocolate Mocha = 3 pump white chocolate mocha syrup + 1 espresso shot + steamed milk + whip cream = 370 calories |
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