Fun and Healthy Recipes for Kids With Type 2 Diabetes

By Aaron Capp 

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world today. Research shows that diabetes has affected more than 300 million people all over the world. Every day, more and more people are being diagnosed with this disease and a rise among children being diagnosed with diabetes is definitely very alarming. The most common type of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes which is also seen in kids nowadays because of excess weight. It's very important that diabetic kids follow a strict diet meal plan along with proper medication in order to manage diabetes. If you're a parent of a diabetic child and you're always asking yourself where can you find fun but healthy diabetic-friendly recipes for your kid, then sit back and relax because I'll share with you some of the easiest to prepare diabetic and kid-friendly recipes that your child will surely love. Here are some recipes that you can quickly do in your kitchen today:

1. Applesauce Oatmeal Pancakes

-Try to prepare this quick breakfast recipe and your child will surely start his day smiling.

Ingredients:

1 cup quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 cup fat-free milk

2 tablespoon sugarless applesauce (recipe also found in Recipe Finder)

4 egg whites

Directions:

Get a bowl and then combine the oats, baking powder and flour together. Second, get another bowl and then combine the milk, egg whites and applesauce and then you must add to dry ingredients and then mix well. Third, pour batter by 1/4 cupful onto a heated griddle which is coated by cooking spray and then cook until all of the bubbles appear on the top of the pancakes and then turn and cook until it looks lightly browned.

2. Zucchini Frittata

-You can prepare this yummy and very healthy recipe for lunch and your kid will surely ask you to make this recipe the next day!

Ingredients:

1 tbs. olive oil (0gC)

1 small onion finely diced (2.5 oz. onion) (7gC)

3 med. zucchini (about 1.5 lbs.) sliced (23gC)

1 tsp. dried or 1 tbs. fresh thyme (0.5gC)

coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

8 eggs (3gC)

1/4 c. milk (3gC)

3/4 c. shredded white cheddar (0gC)

Directions:

First, you need to get a 10-inch oven-proof skillet and warm oil in it and then add the zucchini, thyme and onion. Cook covered and make sure to stir frequently until tender for about 10 minutes. Uncover and cook until the liquid evaporates and then add salt and pepper and then remove the skillet from heat. Second, turn oven on to 425 degrees. Third, whisk together eggs, cheese and milk and then pour over zucchini lifting up zucchini to make sure eggs to coat bottom of pan. Fourth, put the skillet on medium-low heat and then cook until the slides are set and the top is slightly runny for about 15 to 20 minutes. Lastly, place in a heated oven and then cook until the center is cooked through and then remove from the oven and slide silicon spatula around the edges to loosen it. Slide and put it onto a large plate.

3. Oven Fried Drumsticks

-Kids love to eat chicken that's why it's a guarantee that your child will love this yummy and healthy recipe.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 egg

1/4 cup low-fat (1%) milk

1 cup coarsely crushed oven-toasted corn cereal

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

8 chicken drumsticks, skin removed

Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

First, you need to preheat the oven to 375 degrees and then coat a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Second, you need to place the flour in a shallow dish and in a second shallow dish, you need to beat the egg and the milk and on the third shallow dish, mix the crushed cereal with seasonings. Lastly, dip the chicken in the flour and then into the egg mixture and make sure that you coat them evenly and then arrange the chicken on the baking sheet and coat it with nonstick cooking spray and then bake it for about 25 minutes and then turn the chicken and then bake it for 25 minutes more.

The Facts About Energy Drinks

By Greg N Reed 

There are many fictions and a lot of misinformation peddled about energy drinks by the media and marketers. People hardly know any facts about energy drinks as the hype and fictitious information has made it impossible to know what they really are. Considering that such drinks are becoming popular, it is very important to separate myths from the truth. According to a 2005 report, it is estimated that these type of drinks raked over three billion dollars in the U.S. in retail sales. With addition of other new brands in the market, this figure will continue growing. Below are true facts about energy drinks that everyone must know.

Energy boost

Although most individuals consume foods to increase energy levels in the body, some people undertaking strenuous activities need more energy than usual. Boost drinks provide the additional energy needed by the body because they contain glucose and complex vitamins. Vitamins are beneficial to the body as they stimulate the production of more energy. When glucose enters the bloodstream, it not only supplies energy to the muscles, the brain and other vital, but also helps in the oxidation processes. The effects of a cup of coffee are felt for one to two hours, while those of an energy drink can last for three to four hours. Caffeine, which is the main ingredient in most of these drinks, indeed enhances energy production.

Moderation

People are advised to consume such drinks in moderation to get the benefits associated with them. Adhering to the strict dosage of a maximum of two cans per day will immensely benefit the consumer. According to many researches, moderate consumption of caffeine can protect individuals from various diseases, such as Alzheimer due to its antioxidant effects. Most people start their morning with a cup of coffee or tea, which also contains a considerable amount of caffeine. Just like coffee, taking energy drinks in moderation will reduce the harmful effects associated with them.

Ingredients

These type of drinks can contain some good ingredients, such as B vitamins that help in enhancing energy production within the cells. Guarana is another main ingredient contained in energy drinks. This South American herb has been known to successful act as a stimulant, with long lasting effects compared to coffee. It is a main ingredient of green tea, which is lauded for preventing cancer due to the polyphenols contained in it. Taurine is another component of energy drinks, which is a naturally occurring amino acid with various benefits, such as regulating production of energy in the body. Ginseng is also contained in energy drinks and is safely used as an adoptogen, which helps in relieving stress.

Advantages

These type of drinks are associated with many benefits, such as easing fatigue, improving mental attentiveness and boosting energy levels. They also provide people engaging in strenuous physical activity, such as athletes with the additional energy needed to execute such tasks. People are also provided with the opportunity to choose the most ideal drink that suits their needs as they come in two types. The first ones contain more caffeine and are preferred by workaholics, who need to work for long hours during the night. The second types are those with higher levels of carbohydrates and vitamins that are suitable for people involved in strenuous physical activities.

Pure and Quality Oils to Keep You Fit

By William C Bettis 

Cooking involves the preparation of food in the presence of heat. The process of cooking varies for different countries around the world, as there are so many cultures and traditions with unique techniques. Cooking is a hobby for some people, a career for others or plain and simple, one has to cook to eat. Cooking is the process of using different ingredients to give food the taste that is required; Food is prepared with modern as well as traditional techniques, food earlier was cook in earthen pots on fire produced by wood. However, with the emergence of technology there are Teflon pots, pans, and other various cooking appliances to cook food on a gas or electric stove or in a microwave.

Most of the ingredients that we use are a subsequent result of nature around us. Divided into two parts vegetarian and non-vegetarian, some people only prefer vegetarian food while others prefer non-vegetarian food. Vegetarian food would be prepared from thousands of products derived from plants, while the non-vegetarian side would come from eggs, poultry, fish, or other animals. However, the most important ingredient amongst all of these that forms a basic ingredient to cook food is oil; nothing can be prepared without oil. There are two types of edible oil mainly categorized on their origin: Vegetable Oil and Animal Fat Oil, the main components of oil are fatty acids; divided into two parts saturated and unsaturated.

Animal fat consists of very low unsaturated fatty acids and vegetable oils consist of 50% more unsaturated fatty acids. The problem with saturated fatty acids is it increases the cholesterol levels that cause health hazards like high blood pressure and clogging of blood vessels. On the other hand, vegetable oils contain a greater value of unsaturated fatty acids; these cooking and frying oils contain mono-saturated and poly-saturated fats that help in decreasing harmful low-density lipoproteins and increasing high-density lipoproteins. This in turn helps in development of growth and promotes healthy functions for the body.

There are many different products relatively high in saturated, mono-unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oils have a certain smoke point i.e. oil will start to smoke when heated. High smoke point indicates that a very high temperature is required before it starts to smoke. Vegetable oils have a high smoke point in comparison to animal-based oils. Refined oil has a very high smoke point; lighter color of oil also indicates high smoke point. Its smoke point decreases as you keep heating it.

Heating oil repeatedly for frying and other cooking purposes promotes the formation of Trans Fatty Acids, Trans fats come from hydrogenated vegetable oil. Hydrogenation occurs when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil with metals like nickel, platinum, etc. Unsaturated come in Mono-unsaturated Fat with oleic acid, and Poly-unsaturated fat Linoleic acid, Linolenic acid. Trans are like saturated fats, they increase the cause of hazardous diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and gall stones. These Trans acids increase chances of coronary heart disease and increase the level of LDL (Low density Lipoprotein) in the arteries.

8 Foods You Should Eat to Live Healthier

 By Rahul S Patgaonkar 

Living healthier begins with the food you eat. We all know we should eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, minimal prepackaged foods, avoid fast foods, and make healthy food choices overall. In addition making sure these eight foods are in your diet will help you to live healthier.

#1 Low fat milk and cheese are good sources of calcium and much more effective than taking a calcium supplement. They are also good sources of Vitamin D. It is recommended that you take in 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams of Vitamin D per day to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. One glass of milk will provide 300 milligrams of Vitamin D. Low fat milk and cheese are excellent because you get all the benefits without all the fat.

#2 Eat plenty of broccoli sprouts. Did you know broccoli sprouts contain as much as 50 times more cancer fighting compounds than the broccoli heads do? Start enjoying these cancer causing properties today.

#3 Eat fermented foods like miso, yogurt, or sauerkraut. Studies have shown that these types of foods can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, boost immunity, improve the GI tract, and protect against yeast infections to name just a few benefits.

#4 Replace all your butter and margarine use with either olive oil or canola oil. The omega 3 fatty acids along with the unsaturated fats can help you improve your good cholesterol and reduce your bad cholesterol levels. It can also reduce your risk of heart disease.

#5 Drink six ounces of 100% orange juice every day will reduce your risk of stroke by as much as 20%. This means the type of orange juice that has no sugar added. Look for the fiber rich type if you want additional benefits.

#6 Include cinnamon in your diet for the antioxidant benefits. It does even more - it slows the rate your food is processed and so it stops blood sugar spikes that also cause crashes. Studies have shown just ½ teaspoon a day will lower your cholesterol and blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes.

#7 Eat a handful of nuts every day and reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 35%. That's significant. Nuts are also a great source of protein.

#8 Berries should be part of your daily diet. A Finland study found that just five ounces every day will offer you a healthy heart, lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fruit Health

By Robert N. Perry 

Fruit Health

With our ever-increasing knowledge towards proper nutrition and illness prevention, fruit health has become an important cornerstone for many who want to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Barely two decades ago, most of us relied on medication as the cure to our major or minor ills. Today, people look to fruits and vegetables as the backbone of a healthier diet designed to prevent illness, not cure it once it has set in. That transformative mind-set is the key reason why more and more people are eating larger portions of fruits on a daily basis to help them achieve their personal health goals.

The secret to this sudden interest in fruit health lies in the following important facts:

· Fruits are an abundant source of vitamins and minerals. Each fruit is different in this regard as different fruits offer different concentrations of vitamins and minerals. Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit are rich in Vitamin C while yellow fruits like mango and papaya boast high concentrations of Vitamin A. Bananas are a great source of potassium for heart health. If you want to increase your intake of a specific vitamin to boost the health of the different organ systems in your body, you can simply pick the right fruit with the corresponding vitamin content.

· Fruits are also rich in antioxidants which are extremely useful for mitigating many types of diseases. Cherries, for example, are well known to counteract the effects of gout and many other types of arthritis due to its high anthocyanin and bioflavonoid content. Pineapples are rich in beta carotene and phytochemicals which help fight cancer. Tomatoes contain generous concentrations of lycopene. One of the biggest reasons why fruit health is gaining traction is because of our improved knowledge on the benefits of antioxidants as highlighted by the fruits that offer these health-giving substances.

· Fruit has a low-calorie content which makes it great as a snack alternative. One of the biggest health problems today is obesity, which is primarily due to fast food-based diets that pack a lot of fats, calories and carbs. Junk foods are equally to blame as the easier access to all types of junk foods has increased the incidence of obesity in young children. Fruits are great snack alternatives mainly because of their vitamin and mineral content, as mentioned above, but also because fruits don't have as much calories. A serving of cherries, for example, only contains about 70 calories while an equivalent serving of corn or potato chips can have as much as 240 calories. Keeping obesity and its related illnesses therefore requires greater focus on fruit health via fruits as a healthy alternative to junk or pre-packaged food snacks.

Fruit health is something that is available to everyone and works much better from the perspective of disease prevention than any other medication will once an illness has set in. If you truly want to be healthy, slimmer and disease-free, you can benefit from increasing your daily intake of fruits so you can power your body with the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants that are widely abundant in every serving of fresh fruit.

If you would like to know more about the nutritional content of different fruits, be sure and look at our articles on each individual fruit. This will give you a good idea why fruit health can be so advantageous to our overall health.