Healthy and delicious sushi

Do you like Japanese food?
I do, I love sushi a lot, it is very delicious and healthy. 
One of my favorite sushi is sashimi, because it is just the meat of the fish without any rice or extra ingredients. I always try to choose pieces that are rich in omega-3s. Salmon and tuna are low calorie, high in protein and also give a big dose of vitamin D.

I also heard that if anxiety and worries are consuming your day, you should try to eat salmon. It is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids a nutrient that help calm and overcome your anxiety. Omega-3s also help reduce anger and irritability. 
Sounds great, isn't it?
The form of omega-3 that most strongly boost mood is found in salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel.
 
Bon Appetit!


''Love''
Dusana

I have to add one more thing. Sushi is the food I had the most success with to help my hair grow faster. 
Why? 
Because as I already mentioned, sushi is extremely high in protein being made of rice, seeweed and raw fish, so it helps hair to grow faster. I eat fish at least once or twice a week. :-)

Valentine's Day, the perfect excuse to eat chocolate

St. Valentine's day is coming soon, are you ready?  
Shop windows on our street are already full of chocolate goodies.
For me, Valentine's Day is a great excuse to eat lots of wonderful chocolate. One of my favorite chocolate is Lindt. 
Some might say is not healthy, but did you know it has some health benefits?
It's mainly dark chocolate that has the most health benefits, but milk and white in moderation are good for you too.
I already wrote one post about the health benefits of chocolate and here is a little reminder:

Chocolate benefits:
1.) Chocolate is good for the soul.
2.) Chocolate makes us feel good.
3.) It melts in your mouth.
4.) Chocolate isn’t a food, it’s a medicine – an anti-depressant  :-)
5.) Contains antioxidants.
6.) More antioxidants are released when it's heated up.
7.) Antioxidants help prevent cancer, heart disease and aging.
8.) Drinking hot chocolate can help you think better, because the flavonoids increase the blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
9.) Hot chocolate can help older people keep their brains healthy, research has shown.
 
That's a good news, because being healthy has never been this easy or this delicious. 

But remember: Because of high levels of calories, saturated fat and sugar content ... dental problems and obesity are health risks. However, when eaten in moderate quantities, chocolate truly can be a miracle food.

   

Show the one you love how much you care and set a romantic mood for Valentine's day. 
Chocolate hearts have long been a main sign of Valentine's Day.
Yes, Valentine's chocolates and covered strawberries are the perfect romantic present. And of course the most important color for Valentine's day is red representing love.
 
Go for it and surprise your partner with a great box of chocolate!  

''Love''
Dusana



''All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.''
~Lucy Van Pelt~

 
I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process.... It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?
~Unknown author~

Eat more Broccoli for younger looking skin

Do you like broccoli?

Personally I like eating broccoli and I'm the kind of person who doesn't mind eating the same thing everyday. It's great with pretty much everything... broccoli salad, pizza, broccoli with cheese, with garlic sauteed, with pasta, meat, etc.

Let's face it ... it is good for you and they're so many health benefits that comes from eating them.

Broccoli is rich in dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.

It is also a good source of minerals like calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc and phosphorus. Plus, it also contains beta carotene, vitamin E, vitamin B complex that helps to give our skin a glow and keeping the skin young.  

Broccoli slow the aging process by reducing free radical damage. 

Broccoli is also great because it is very low in calories, so you can eat as much as you want.

When you eat broccoli, your skin gets renewed more quickly and gives your complexion a beautiful, natural glow.

Broccoli even protects your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. It protects skin from the inside out, something sunscreen can't do.

If you haven't been eating enough fruits and vegetables, then stocking your refrigerator with raw broccoli may be helpful.

''Love''
 Dusana
 

Health benefits:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
- Powerful antioxidant  
- Skin care, broccoli is helpful in repairing skin damage   
- Detoxification
- Immunity, anemia
- High Blood Pressure
- Cancer prevention 
- Broccoli contains a high amount of potassium, which helps maintain a healthy nervous system 
- Eye care and cataract 
- Heart diseases
- Stomach disorders
- Broccoli is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation 
- Broccoli is a great food that can help you lose weight    
- Bone health

Extra tip:
Broccoli is also one of the best vegetables that promote hair growth. Eating lots of green vegetables and drinking lots of water does help your hair grow faster and healthier. 
Drink plenty of pure, clean water to encourage hair growth.

Do you ever eat raw broccoli?

I love it, it is delicious.

Whenever I'm making dinner I'll always end up nibbling a bit. 
When you diet, you can always eat as much raw broccoli as you want without worrying about gaining weight. 
Just remember to wash it. Wash very, very well. 
Remember, it is best to boil broccoli or eat it raw as a snack.
Bon Appetit!

Dried Apricots a Healthy Snack

I love apricots, a perfect summer snack. 

The fresh fruits are a summer treat, but dried apricots are available all year round. Plus, the most nutritious way to eat apricot is dried.

I've been eating a lot of dried apricots lately. Dried apricots are so delicious as a snack.

As tasty as they are, apricots can as well help to boost your youthfulness.

The apricot’s power lies in its high-level of a mighty antioxidant called carotenoids.

Apricots are naturally fat and cholesterol-free and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium.  

Apricots contain iron, important for blood building and silicon, necessary for beautiful skin and hair. As I mentioned already, apricots are an excellent source of beta-carotene and are useful in reducing infections or skin problems. They contain high amounts of pectin or soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, ease constipation and improve digestion. 

Dried apricots also contain a good amount of potassium, which is essential for heart health.

Those with particular allergies should know that dried apricots are usually treated with sulfites in order to help preserve their shelf life and bright coloring. Untreated dried apricots are much darker in color and can be found easily in health food stores. They don't look very nice, but taste great.

Extra benefits: 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

- Good for anemia

- Help improve your skin tone

- Ease indigestion

- Fight fevers

- Improve your eyesight

- Treat constipation 

- Build strong teeth and bones

- Apricots help the body fight Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss

Dried apricots are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant as well. Try to eat a few dried apricots every day.

Remember:

Dried fruits can stick to your teeth, forcing the sugar to stay on the teeth for a longer period of time. Minimize your risk of tooth decay by drinking water while snacking on dried fruit. Brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible after eating to remove the sugar from your teeth.

Dried apricots are very healthy, tasty, but don't overdo it (I know it is hard, because they are so sweet). Like all dried fruit, apricots have a high sugar content, which results in a high calorie count. 

If you're looking for a healthy snack, a handful of dried apricots could be a good choice.

''Love''

 Dusana

''I love apricots. They’re so fuzzy they’re furry. They’re like little pets you can eat legally.''

~Jarod Kintz~

Stop Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Millions of people all over the world suffer from some form of anxiety disorder.  

Some are more serious than others, but all of them need to be approached with care and consideration.  

Symptoms include chest pains, sweating, fear, insomnia, constant panic, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, pain attacks, indigestion, fast heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, headaches and uncontrollable thoughts.

In extreme cases the inability to leave home, phobias of all types, social discomfort, poor memory or obsessive thoughts. 

Sometimes, getting rid of anxiety means taking action. Anxiety might simply indicate that you're holding on too tight to something.  

You can try use various natural ways to get rid of anxiety.

Quick Tips :
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 
1.) Try to eat salmon. Salmon is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids a nutrient that may

      help lower your anxiety. Regular consumption of omega-3s has extensive research support for

      both the prevention and treatment of clinical depression. Omega-3s can also help reduce anger 

      and irritability. Omega-3s that most strongly boosts mood is found in salmon, herring, sardines 

      and mackerel.

  

2.) The smell of an orange is known to reduce anxiety. Have an orange, take the peels of the orange 

      and put them on top of the heating. The orange peel will release a fragrant, giving your home a 

      comforting aroma. 

3.) Tryptophan rich foods such as turkey, chicken, oats and soy contain amino acids that help you

      relax, while boosting your metabolism and sleep patterns. Tryptophan is well-known for its role  

      in the production of nervous system messengers, especially those related to relaxation, restfulness

      and sleep. It helps calm your mind during the most stressful of moments.

4.) Onion and Celery. Eat celery, onions, raw or cooked, or a mixture of the two with your meals for 

      a week or two. They contain large amounts of potassium and folic acid, deficiencies of which can

      cause nervousness.

5.) Practice deep breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose for 10 seconds (fill your lungs

     completely). Slowly exhale through your mouth, expelling as much air as you can. Imagine you 

     are blowing away your stress and anxiety as you exhale. Take three or four deep breaths when 

     you feel anxiety coming on. This oxygenates your blood, enhancing brain functioning while it 

     relaxes.

6.) Exercise regularly, because exercise reduces anxiety. Walking, jogging, cycling, aerobics, tennis

     or any other physical activity you enjoy can help. When we exercise our bodies tend to return to 

     their natural state.

7.) Meditation is another habit that you can develop. It can help you control and have positive  

     thoughts in your mind. Massage therapy, color therapy, aromatherapy and Reiki will also help

     overcome anxiety naturally.  Find a way of relaxation that suits you. 

8.) Affirmations are widely used in self development literature and they could work well as a panic 

     attack treatment.

9.) Try to add B vitamins into your diet. Always stay well hydrated, as even slight dehydration can

      lead to foul moods and fatigue. Avoid simple sugars and processed foods, even though they are

      delicious.

When anxiety becomes a longstanding, repeated problem it can lead to more serious health problems. If your anxiety persists or disrupts your life significantly, consult your doctor.

''Love''
 Dusana

 

Foods for stress relief

We've all know this situation. 
You've had a stress morning, so you reach for a chocolate.
How to calm yourself down without destroying your body with unhealthy foods?
The good news is, there's always a way, thanks to the calming home remedies.


Walnuts are excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that nourish brain cells and provide mood-lifting, reduce anxiety, irritability and help people sleep. They are also rich in minerals (manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium). Grab a handful!

Don't forget almonds, because they are packed with protein. They are tasty and also full of B and E vitamins.

The smell of an orange is known to reduce anxiety. Have an orange, take the peels of the orange and put them on top of the heating. The orange peel will release a fragrant, giving your home a comforting aroma. 

Dried apricots are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant as well.

Bananas offer serious mood-lifting power, with their combination of vitamins B6, A and C. And finally, bananas also offer iron, which is crucial to producing energy and fighting fatigue.

Dark chocolate can help relieve stress. Plus, cocoa can also improve cognitive function and mood. Daily dark chocolate consumption in small amount can be beneficial for individuals suffering from high levels of anxiety. 

Chamomile tea is used to reduce stress, promote relaxation, restful sleep, calming a nervous stomach and relieving menstrual cramps. Yes, chamomile tea helps with nervous headaches and insomnia. Have a cup before you go to bed and you gonna have refreshing and relaxing sleep.


If you have sugar cravings increase your protein levels. Try to eat a bit of protein at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eggs, chicken, red meat or fish are the best.
Also enjoy natural sunlight, especially in the winter. It can be depressing to be stuck indoors during the shortened days of winter. 
Go for a walk and take a fresh air. This can be a real mood enhancer.

''Love''
 Dusana

 


Eat right, drink well, stress less!


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