Herbs & Spices Focus: Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is from the Alliaceae family like its close relatives chives, leek, and onions. The edible herb most commonly associated with the name garlic is the bulb of garlic cloves that is found underground, below the leafy, scallion-like growth.

For over 4,000 years, garlic has had many important roles in human life. It is considered by most that Central Asia to be its place of origin. It was believed to be used as food flavoring and seasoning. Garlic was being used in Egypt by 3,000 B.C. Later it was used in Pakistan and Western India and spread to China. The Spanish, Portuguese and French introduced it to the New World. Today, garlic is grown all over the world.[Reference OlivesGarlic.com]

Garlic has many benefits because it PROMOTES:

• Heart Health; lowers blood pressure and decreases platelet aggregation, serum triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, while increasing serum HDL-cholesterol.
• Optimal Inflammatory Status: helpful in protecting against attacks of asthma and in reducing the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Optimal Health: It is a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent that joins forces with vitamin C to help kill microbes. It is also helps protect against colon cancer.
• Healthy Weight Control: The most potent an active part of garlic, allicin, has been shown to lower blood pressure, insulin, and triglycerides and can prevent weight gain!
• Optimal Antioxidant Status: Garlic is power packed with so many vitamins and minerals; vitamin C, selenium, manganese and copper. Its sulfur-containing phytonutrients also promote antioxidant activity.
• Other Health Benefits: Garlic is also full of bone-building calcium, energy-producing vitamin B1, and phosphorus, muscle-building protein, and sleep-promoting tryptophan!
• Reference "The World's Healthiest Foods"

With so many health benefits including the antibacterial and antiviral properties, and considering flu season is approaching, make sure you add garlic to your diet!

Don't forget other Herbs and Spices: The Forgotten Treasure!

• Herbs: These are leaves of low-growing shrubs. Popular herbs include parsley, chives, marjoram, thyme, basil, caraway, dill, oregano, rosemary, savory, sage, and celery leaves.
• Spices: These come from the bark (cinnamon), root (ginger, onion, garlic), buds (cloves, saffron), seeds (yellow mustard, poppy, sesame), berries (black pepper), or fruit (allspice, paprika) of tropical plants and trees.

The Five Factors Affecting Body Fat and Health: MY DIVA DIET

MY DIVA DIET addresses the root causes of why we are overweight and not at our full potential for optimal health. These comprise the Five Factors Affecting Body Fat and Health.

Here is a summary to help you understand how these factors
work for or against you:

Factor #1: Liquid Consumption
Too many poor liquid choices add unnecessary and empty calories to the American diet, and an inadequate water intake leaves women dehydrated, unhealthy, and unhappy.

Factor #2: Quantity and Distribution of Calories

• Daily caloric intake (uncontrolled calories—too many or not enough)
• Daily nutrient ratio: protein/carbohydrates/fat (unbalanced calories)
• Number of meals in each day (too many or not enough)
• Meal size (uncontrolled portions)
• Meal timing (unmonitored timing)

Factor #3: Quality and Purity of Calories

• Fat calories
• Unhealthy calories
• Dirty calories
• Impure calories
• Old and dead calories
• Non-kosher calories (calories from meat –animal protein– that is not raised and slaughtered humanely and seafood that is high in cholesterol and toxins)

Factor #4: Restrictive and Unbalanced Dieting
Because most women look for quick-fix solutions to our obesity and poor-health epidemic, we buy into gimmicks and false promises. We subscribe to dangerous pills and special packaged foods. We suffer needlessly. Sometimes we lose weight only to “rebound”—gaining more weight than when we started and usually at the expense of our health. We end up confused and more desperate. So instead of seeking the proper way to lose weight, we start the cycle all over again.

Factor #5: Exercise
Lack of exercise is a major factor in our health and often explains why we may be fat in the first place. We are a “remote-control” country: we lack physical activity and are frequently too lazy to exercise.


How MY DIVA DIET Addresses the Five Factors: The secret to MY DIVA DIET is that we dissect these Five Factors and put together a comprehensive plan to ensure that calories are used for their intended purpose—energy and health.

Factor #1: Liquid consumption is monitored.

Factor #2: The quantity and distribution of calories are calculated.

• Total daily calories are approximately 1,200 to 1,600 (or more in some instances, depending on whether you are in the Diva Reduction Phase or Diva Maintenance Phase of MY DIVA DIET, your activity level, and other variables).
• Daily nutrient ratio for fat loss is 35% protein/45% carbs/20% fat (or close) and approximately 20 to 35% protein/45 to 65% carbs/20 to 30% for maintenance.
• Number of meals is four to five per day.
• Meal sizes are controlled appropriately (portion control).
• Meals are timed appropriately (every three to four hours).

Factor #3: The quality and purity of calories are determined.

• They must be lean (containing little or no fat, especially bad fat).
• They must be healthy (conducive to health).
• They must be clean (free from foreign or extraneous matter).
• They must be pure (free from contamination).
• They must be alive and/or fresh (recently harvested, with no decay, not preserved or processed, and not overcooked)
• Animal protein should be kosher (fit and suitable as described above).

Factor #4: Restrictive and unbalanced dieting is eliminated forever.

Factor #5: Exercise is introduced in a balanced regimen.
An effective exercise program should include:

• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Strength and endurance training
• Flexibility training
• Core and balance training
• Corrective exercises
• Functional training

Blog Talk Radio & Blogcritics: My Story

BC Radio Live

"BC Magazine is a sinister cabal of superior writers. We feature 40-50 articles daily from more 2000 writers on every conceivable topic. All articles are edited by our team of 20 editors.

BC Radio Live is hosted by Eric Olsen, Phillip Winn, and Lisa McKay, the owners of BC Magazine. We bring you news of what's happening at BC Magazine every week. Part of the BC Radio Network."

I had the privilege of being on the BC Radio Live Show yesterday, August 12, 200, and it was a pleasure to finally talk to some of the BC owners: Eric, Lisa and Phillip. The show was great, although I talked too loud. LOL

The story starts back in March of this year when Alie James, another great writer for BC Magazine, who reviewed MY DIVA DIET: A Woman's Last Diet Book, recommended I become a writer for them too. It was a difficult choice because I didn't know anything about Blogcritics and wasn't even sure what a "blog" was, however, curiosity won the day and...

In March, 2009 I submitted my first article, and with the help of Natalie Bennett, it was finally published--thanks Natalie!

Diets: Hope or Hype?
Diets are big business ($58 billion) but do they work? In our quest to get fit and healthy, do diets offer hope or hype?

Since then, I have written a total of 16 articles and with the help of the editors at Blogcritics, they have all been published: My thanks to the editors that have helped polish my work for Blogcritics: Lisa, Christopher, Mark, Gordon, Clavos, Dave, Matt, Diana, and John. I hope I covered all so far!!

Since my first article about dieting, which is my expertise, I have completed 15 more which include:

2 Book Reviews: Fire Up Your Metabolism: 9 Proven Principles for Burning Fat and Losing Weight Forever and Gladiator: A True Story of ‘Roids, Rage, and Redemption

5 Movie Reviews (which I prefer to focus on true stories or documentaries) include: Notorious, Valkyrie, Religulous, 8 Mile, and Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech.

2 Sci Tech articles; one about dieting and the other about Pilates at a resort called Parrot Cay with Pilates expert Lynda Lippin.

2 Culture artilces; American Idol: Season 8 and the death of Micheal Jackson and 1 Music Review, Eminem: Relapse of all things, of which my teenage daughter helped me!!!

And the most challenging, yet my favorite (other than my review of Bill Mahers documentary) are my 4 Political articles:

Racism, Politics, and the Media
Janeane Garofalo is hostage to her own deranged opinions.

Heinous Crimes against Children and the Death Penalty
What in the hell do we do with the perpetrators of heinous crimes against children, especially when they kidnap, molest, and kill our kids?

Bristol Palin: Hypocrite or Courageous Young Woman?
Will somebody please give Joy Behar a dictionary?

President Obama’s Czar Power
Our beloved community organizer is taking our country toward socialism and he is enlisting pit bulls to assist!

I haven't had this much fun since I was a competitor on American Gladiators--yet writing for Blogcritics is less physical and extremely cerebral! I look forward to writing more articles....

Christine Lakatos -- WRITER PAGE.

Make sure you check out Blogcritics Magazine and their on-going BC Radio Live on Blog Talk Radio -- I think they air live every Wednesday.

By the way, I heard about Blog Talk Radio from Jackie of Central Coast Women's Network and may be starting a fitness talk show (Fitness Flash) in the near future...

Diet Villain ALERT: Tranny Granny

TRANNY GRANNY:
Consuming trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and other harmful preservatives and additives

Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Oil:
Hydrogenation is the process of heating oil and passing hydrogen bubbles through it. By hydrogenating oil, either partially or fully, you are creating a solid and dense consistency. Because of this consistency, and because it is cheap, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oil is a favorite butter substitute among food producers. The American obesity epidemic began when oils like coconut oils were replaced by partially hydrogenated oils.

Hydrogenated oil is not the only thing you need to be aware of and alarmed about, you should be aware of all MAN-MADE, PACKAGED AND PROCESSED FOODS:

Processed Foods
According to many fitness and health professionals, about 90% of Americans’ food budget are used to buy processed foods. Gone are the days when wholesome foods in their natural form were the main staple of the American diet. Food products have taken that place–and we wonder why we are over-weight and unhealthy.

1. Do you eat a lot of man-made, packaged, processed foods?
2. Do you read labels?
3. Are you selective in my food choices when it comes to man-made, packaged and processed foods?
4. Or do you just glance at labels?
5. Or maybe you don't read labels at all?

Always know what you are eating and what the ingredients in your food are—or at least have a good idea (do your own research). This major adjustment to old eating habits will guarantee weight loss, improved health, and longer life.

Clean calories (reading labels/things to look for)

• Preservatives and additives
• Flavoring agents, coloring agents, sweeteners (artificial and natural), emulsifiers, texturizers, stabilizers, etc.
• Chemicals and other fake foods
• Hidden fats (hydrogenated vegetable oils and other unneeded and unhealthy fats)
• Hidden sugars (maltodextrin, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, etc.)
• Hidden sodium (salt, MSG, sodium benzoate, sodium nitrate, ferrous sulfate, etc.)
• Hidden flour (white flour, baking powder, starch, dextrin, etc.)

* Notes

• Clean and pure calories are very important in MY DIVA DIET (in both Phase One and Two) because health should be the number one goal in any weight-loss program. In fact, if you are healthy you will find it much easier to lose weight.
• Cleaning up your calories is more important than decreasing your intake, and the best way to do it is to select natural and fresh foods over packaged, processed, man-made foods.
• Some diets are based on eating a great many unclean calories that help you lose a few pounds but place you at risk for health predicaments like fibromyalgia, headaches, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and others.

“If you make only one change in your eating habits, it should be in choosing clean, pure calories.”

* Clean Calories Rule

There are two main rules in this category:

• Become informed about food additives and preservatives.
• Read labels, read labels, read labels!

Blog to teach you how to read labels -- Read Food Labels: Your Health & Fitness Levels Depend on It!

“The Golden Food Rule: If God (nature) made it, it is safe. If it is man-made, it must be examined thoroughly.” www.MyDivaDiet.com

Food Facts: Watermelon

Watermelon is one of my favorites fruits. In fact, when I was pregnant with my first child, I ate a whole watermelon in just one sitting.

Watermelon makes you full without making you fat! In fact, watermelon has no fat, cholesterol, and almost no sodium, yet it is high in potassium!

Nutritional Values of Watermelon

Serving Size: 1 cup

• Calories: 46
• Protein: 1 g
• Carbohydrate: 11 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 2 mg

It's still summer and when it gets hot, watermelon comes to mind! Not only does watermelon help quench thirst, it helps alleviate inflammation that come from conditions like arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, colon cancer, and diabetes

Watermelons are abundant source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin A. They are rich in potassium, which is a nutrient that helps control blood pressure, regulate heart beat, and possibly prevent strokes. Watermelon is also a valuable source of lycopene, one of the carotenoids that may help reduce the risk of prostate, breast, endometrial, as well as lung and colon cancer!

For more information about watermelon and other healthy foods, check out my favorite book - the World's Healthiest Foods -- www.whfoods.org

Weight-Loss Recipe: Diva Quinoa Quench

Diva Quinoa Quench
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 oz. almonds, chopped
1 oz. raisins
1/2 cup low-fat organic milk

Preparation: Cook quinoa as directed on package in a saucepan or rice cooker. Combine cooked quinoa, almonds, and raisins in a bowl and top with milk.

Makes 1 Serving
Nutritional Value: 374 calories; 14 g protein; 52 g carbs; 12.5 g fat; 6.5 g fiber; 60 mg sodium
Notes:

To make this recipe vegetarian, use soy or rice milk.

To cut the fat, skip the almonds and use fresh fruit like 1/2 banana or some berries.

Benefits of quinoa:

Quinoa is a light, fluffy, and slightly crunchy whole grain that is gluten free. It is naturally extra-low in fat and is sodium, and sugar free. Quinoa provides more amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients than most other grains!

Quinoa is a great when you need an alternative to your every day oatmeal. Also, consider other cereals you may be consuming that are full of sugar and other fattening ingredients that are unhealthy. See my blog "Food Facts: Cereal".

Yes, carbs are an important part of your diet even when you are trying to lose weight--learn more in my blog "The Carb Defense".

Diva Reduction Recipes
“Fit Meals in Minutes”
“Combining quick and convenient with sound nutrition!”You will find over 35 weight-loss recipes in MY DIVA DIET: A Woman's Last Diet Book!

Also, I hope you ordered your "Shopping Pocket"!

"Shopping Pockets" Are Here: Versatile and Protection Against Germs!

Attention all you parents (and those of you who are concerned about germs) out there -- "Shopping Pockets" are here! Designed by Dreamtree Products, my personal friends, "Shopping Pockets" combines purse, diaper bag, coupon holder, etc. into one convenient tote while providing protection against germs on the shopping cart handle.

Features:

• Our innovative design combines handbag, diaper bag, coupon holder, etc. in one convenient tote.
• Our snap-over-the-handle shopping cart tote provides access to conveniently placed pockets for things such as cell phone, pen, shopping list, ipod, checkbook, cash/credit cards, glasses, water/baby bottle/sipper cup, etc.
• Heavy duty snaps keep your possessions safely attached to shopping cart while shopping.
• Non-slip strips under tote helps keep it in place on handle of cart.
• Provides protection from unwanted germs on shopping cart handle.
• Having the tote on the handle allows more room in cart seat for child or more shopping items.
• Concealed zippered pocket.
• Adjustable shoulder strap.
• Made of durable fabric. (Machine Wash, gentle, hang dry, or wipe clean).
• Patent #5961018
• Made in USA

The story of THE INVENTION OF “MOMMY POCKETS”

After the birth of my 2nd daughter, my "germ-conscience" husband and I began working on ways to keep our two young children from putting their hands and mouths on shopping cart handles. We knew shopping carts were handled by hundreds of people every day, therefore leaving behind a multitude of germs o

n the handle. We decided to create our own product to combat this problem. It started with a simple wrap of material around the handle of the cart and grew from there. My husband and I decided to bring in my sister, and my mom, (the seamstress in the family) for inspiration and a little brainstorming.

Eventually we came up with a tote that was a combination diaper bag/purse which snapped over the handle of a shopping cart.

Dream Tree Products are a family business: The creators of "Shopping Pockets" include Elizabeth Wright (and her husband Tom) and Rhonda Marshall who are sisters and partners in this incredible adventure!

By the way, the creators (Libby & Tom) of "Shopping Pockets" are awesome and the nicest people I've ever met. They are also the best parents on the planet. Their two daughters are terrific and happen to be my daughter's best friends. Photo here of Christmas 2006!

With so much versatility and a great way to keep germs away while you shop, how can you resist this unique invention? Get your "Shopping Pocket" today! And stay tuned for more products by DreamTree Products -- Coming Soon: Mommy Pockets, Shopping Pockets Jr., and Mow-Tote!