How to Eat for Energy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhvRfXgUlDpXD25GxyiX5y7l_-Zcb2gbMfm_lSpqHrTHWpqKpjPbe71NCAzqnKjh7ejA-Tby6f2SzfASYqjPlnsGBJWvVj36CO_mdDBQ1H3dp2a8-_l27LlaCWHrJQhxhNH_p3yfpf7Xw/s1600/energy_foods.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Healthy foods like apples are something you should eat for energy." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhvRfXgUlDpXD25GxyiX5y7l_-Zcb2gbMfm_lSpqHrTHWpqKpjPbe71NCAzqnKjh7ejA-Tby6f2SzfASYqjPlnsGBJWvVj36CO_mdDBQ1H3dp2a8-_l27LlaCWHrJQhxhNH_p3yfpf7Xw/s1600/energy_foods.png" title="eat for energy" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;">We’ve all been attacked by the afternoon energy blues and they can be tough! Turning to sugar or caffeine is not the answer, it’s going to give you false energy that will cause you to crash later on. So, I’d like to share with you some foods that you should eat for energy to help your body naturally ward off those wary afternoon blues.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;">Foods to eat for energy:</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Veggies</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. If you are trying to eat for energy, veggies are amazing! Some vegetables have protein, complex carbs and good fats that will keep you energized. I recommend bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers and broccoli. Iron deficiencies can cause fatigue, so eat foods like spinach that are full of iron to rev up your energy.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Healthy Starches</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. These are typically full of fiber and protein to keep your energy high and stomach satisfied for hours. I love to add a little brown rice, lentils, beans, granola or quinoa to my afternoon snacks as I eat for energy. </span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fruits.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Besides being absolutely delicious, fruits are an awesome source because they are chock full of antioxidants, natural sugars and complex carbs that turn into energy. Some of my favorites are apples, berries, melons, pears and coconut. Add a little lemon to your water and you’ve got a tasty burst of liquid energy!</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proteins</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Add a protein to your snack or meal as you eat for energy; it will help sustain energy to keep you going strong all day. Good sources of protein are almonds, yogurt, protein bars, hummus, salmon, eggs, beans and lentils. </span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Sometimes it’s not all about how you eat for energy, staying hydrated is important too! Drink enough water throughout the day or dehydration will slow you down. Remember, caffeine is even more dehydrating so try drinking more water for energy before sipping some coffee. </span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dark Chocolate</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. My favorite! Grab a piece of dark chocolate when it’s time to eat for energy. Make sure it is dark so that it is full of antioxidants and doesn’t have all the added sugar of milk chocolate, which can cause a sugar high and crash later on.</span></span></div> <span style="color: #666666;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5d93883e-11e3-6ea4-5d30-671473b48f7b"></span></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aside from eating the right foods, general health is so important for staying energetic the whole day long. Be sure to eat real, unprocessed food. Choose food that is local and in season to get the maximum amount of vitamins and nutrients and eat a balanced selection of foods to feel good all day long. Don’t forget to get enough sleep - it’s difficult to eat for energy if you aren’t properly resting up during the night.</span><span style="background-color: #f0fcff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s not always about the shots of caffeine and bursts of sugar. Be healthy as you eat for energy and stay alert the whole day by eating these delicious foods throughout the day.</span></span></div>

Dark chocolate, energy, fitness, food, fruit, general health, health, healthy choices, healthy eating, nutrition, Protein, veggies, water

How to Eat for Energy

We’ve all been attacked by the afternoon energy blues and they can be tough! Turning to sugar or caffeine is not the answer, it’s going t...

Always feel tired? You've Got to Spend Energy to Get Energy!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMBTKqbdfIGxae-gep-EVD78Otf0EFAKNDchOQGXjKu-hvqzoGLKaGw4FzYcxoPtsWyRpfkraZi3EHCsME8bkHr-qE7udAmvIuHinOY-zA7_zkVaBU44saBE9OW7TxR7YCeTgOD1YkCc9/s1600/Passions-Vital-Role-In-Powerful-Communication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMBTKqbdfIGxae-gep-EVD78Otf0EFAKNDchOQGXjKu-hvqzoGLKaGw4FzYcxoPtsWyRpfkraZi3EHCsME8bkHr-qE7udAmvIuHinOY-zA7_zkVaBU44saBE9OW7TxR7YCeTgOD1YkCc9/s1600/Passions-Vital-Role-In-Powerful-Communication.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.48em; outline: 0px; padding: 5px 5px 18px;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a puzzling thought: You've got to spend energy, which you swear you don't have, to get energy.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.48em; outline: 0px; padding: 5px 5px 18px;"> <span style="line-height: 1.48em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You have to force yourself to spend energy you swear isn't there - push through the horrible moment and just do it. As a result, your body gets a wake up call saying, "We need more muscle fibers, mitochondria, blood, nerves, coordination, ATP, etc." Without the wake-up call, your body doesn't know you need more infrastructure. So it won't make any. And without the additional infrastructure, physical activity won't ever feel easier.</span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.48em; outline: 0px; padding: 5px 5px 18px;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This paradox that you have to spend energy to get energy - especially when it feels like you have no energy - is one of the main reasons sedentary people quit exercise programs. They cannot fathom a future version of themselves where jogging for two minutes then lifting that weight 12 times is no big deal - much less pleasurable. In their minds, physical activity is freakishly difficult and unbearable - something to be avoided.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JGVuwaJ8Io5X-4NG4xPcxxgfDMAUKCMiyJ2NgNI4VF_gLUhMqyP_b1AXwdemhaaNwRI6emUnAZiOYsVuhj9MYRHLkTjiDSfWUzB6qz7bpPlZZF8ahJH0EOKRg3Phe1ydQ1W7qHR2nqvX/s1600/running-woman2_650x366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JGVuwaJ8Io5X-4NG4xPcxxgfDMAUKCMiyJ2NgNI4VF_gLUhMqyP_b1AXwdemhaaNwRI6emUnAZiOYsVuhj9MYRHLkTjiDSfWUzB6qz7bpPlZZF8ahJH0EOKRg3Phe1ydQ1W7qHR2nqvX/s1600/running-woman2_650x366.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.48em; outline: 0px; padding: 5px 5px 18px;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /> <div> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">Even something as simple as a brisk walk gives you natural energy and also releases endorphins that improve your overall mood, making you feel more inclined to go out and accomplish something that day.</span></span></span></div> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br /> <div> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span></span></div> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br /> <div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 29px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we exercise, we increase blood flow. This helps deliver more oxygen throughout our bodies. We need that oxygen to create energy.  As more oxygen is being delivered throughout our bodies, more energy is created.  Therefore, after a workout, you are likely to find that you feel much more energetic.</span></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 29px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, exercise releases endorphins in our bodies.  You don’t want me to go into the chemistry mumbo-jumbo to explain that, so I’ll just say that endorphins released in our bodies will give us a “feel good” sensation.  </span></span></div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 29px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;"> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">"It's now been shown in many studies that once you actually start moving around -- even just getting up off the couch and walking around the room -- the more you will want to move, and, ultimately, the more energy you will feel," says Robert E. Thayer, PhD, a psychology professor at California State University, Long Beach, and author of the book Calm Energy: How People Regulate Mood With Food.</span></span></span></div> </div> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span> <div> <div class="node" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 3px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Contrary to popular belief, exercising doesn't make you tired -- it literally creates energy in your body. Your body rises up to meet the challenge for more energy by becoming stronger," says nutritionist Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a nutrition advisor for the Journey for Control diabetes program.</span></div> <div class="node" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 3px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="node" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 3px; padding: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So don't give up!! If you dream of having more energy, you gotta move your butt! Your body will naturally become stronger, more powerful and more energetic!! </span></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 29px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> </div>

activity, beast mode, Determination, energy, health and fitness, lifestyle, Motivation

Always feel tired? You've Got to Spend Energy to Get Energy!

It's a puzzling thought: You've got to spend energy, which you swear you don't have, to get energy. You have to force you...

Raw Cocoa - Put it in a smoothie!!

<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <h3> <b><span style="color: #660000;">NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF RAW COCOA</span></b></h3> </div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <span style="line-height: 1.4em;">In its raw state, chocolate has more than 300 nutritional compounds and is one of the richest sources of antioxidants of any food on the planet!</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Minimally processed raw chocolate contains many vital vitamins and minerals such as:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /> </strong></div> <ul style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Magnesium, and other essential minerals such as calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, and manganese</li> <li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Polyphenols, antioxidant rich flavonoids</li> <li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, C, E</li> <li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Essential heart-healthy fat: oleic acid a monounsaturated fat</li> <li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Protein</li> <li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fiber </li> </ul> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.chocchick.com/media/wysiwyg/raw-chocolate-3.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /> Because white / processed sugar depletes the body of vital nutrients including magnesium, Vitamin C and B vitamins that are necessary for energy, hormones and weight loss, our <a href="http://chocchick.com/categories/Buy-CHOC/Raw-Chocolate-Making-Kits/" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank" title="raw chocolate making kits">raw chocolate making kits</a> include <a href="http://chocchick.com/products/Sweet-Freedom-Mild.html" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank" title="Low GL natural sweetener">Sweet Freedom</a>, a low-glycaemic sweetener, to sweeten your raw chocs naturally and will not deplete your body of vital nutrients</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> The nutrients found in raw chocolate have been linked to a number of health benefits and has been known to:</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1) Lower blood pressure & improve circulation</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> Flavanols, theobromine, and other components found in cacao may lower blood pressure and enhance circulation by promoting dilation, strength, and health of blood vessels</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2) Promotes cardiovascular function & health</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> The antioxidant power of flavonoids and essential minerals and vitamins found in cacao can support healthy heart functioning by lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow, lowering LDL cholesterol, and reducing plaque buildup on artery walls.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3) Neutralizes free radicals</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> High levels of antioxidants protect the body from a buildup of free radicals from sun exposure, pollution, cigarette smoking, etc., which may damage healthy body tissue giving rise to cancer and cardiovascular disease. Our bodies need antioxidants to 'mop up' free radicals that can damage our cells. Scientists from Cornell University recently discovered that raw cacao powder contains nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />4)Raw Chocolate can improve digestion</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> A sufficient amount of fiber delivered with each serving of cacao supports digestion while cacao stimulates the body’s production of digestive enzymes.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />5) Raw chocolate can enhance physical and mental well-being</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> There are many components of cacao including alkaloids, proteins, beta-carotene, leucine, linoleic, lipase, lysine, and theobromine, that all work together to improve physical and mental health. For example, theombromine helps to stimulate the central nervous system, relax smooth muscles, and dilate blood vessels, giving the body a boost of energy; “bliss” chemicals found in cacao help to increase circulation and availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in brain, improving mood and combating depression.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <br /></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Other notable benefits include:</h2> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Appetite suppressant</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> Yes, that's right! Raw chocolate actually has appetite-suppressant properties and often added to weight loss products to help control hunger! Simply enjoy a couple of Raw CHOC's or add half a teaspoon of raw chocolate powder to a teacup of tepid water 10 minutes before a meal for a delicious, natural way to reduce your appetite.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Aphrodisiac</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> Chocolate has long been the food for lovers and is a symbol of sensuality and sexuality. The ancient Aztecs gave chocolate as wedding presents and other South American civilizations believed that chocolate was the food of the heart. Raw chocolate from South America has to be the best chocolate aphrodisiac about!</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Sense of well being</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> Long considered a 'happy food', chocolate is a popular treat when we need 'cheering up', recent research has discovered that cacao contains chemicals (such as Phenylethylamine* and Serotonine) which are scientifically proven to be present in the brains of people when they are happy, more relaxed, playful and creative.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /> *Phenylethylamine is a slight antidepressant and stimulant similar to the body's own dopamine and adrenaline.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />My personal favorite smoothie - makes great dessert too. I like to make it very thick as if it was cake or brownie batter. Makes 1 tall glass. Gives me SOOO much energy and makes me stay "full" for hours.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></strong></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAmjy3KzM8h4siskU6gCGoDnJRbtZH3qoAX0t5BaB29Pr7XzELPXMtAtwU-TZgNBV2kwr6HimTSRgY4suO_JT6rbbe_4IaxAiSpI3aHEGTSEr13UE_QGoTGSaNJxHu-JOFq6FQZ5Wayh_/s1600/chocolate-smoothie02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAmjy3KzM8h4siskU6gCGoDnJRbtZH3qoAX0t5BaB29Pr7XzELPXMtAtwU-TZgNBV2kwr6HimTSRgY4suO_JT6rbbe_4IaxAiSpI3aHEGTSEr13UE_QGoTGSaNJxHu-JOFq6FQZ5Wayh_/s1600/chocolate-smoothie02.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <h3> <b>Cocoa PB Banana smoothie!</b></h3> </div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <b>1 banana</b></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <b>2 tbs Peanut Butter </b></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <b>3 tbs greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)</b></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <b>1/2 tbs honey</b></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <b>1-2 tbs raw cocoa</b></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <b>1 cup almond or coconut milk</b></div> <div style="background-color: white; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <b><span style="color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em;">1-2 tbs wheat germ (optional. For extra energy, fiber and all kinds </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">of</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em;"> stuff.)</span></span></b></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></strong></div> <h2 style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Articles and References</h2> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/522112-health-benefits-of-raw-cacao-nibs/" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://www.livestrong.com/article/522112-health-benefits-of-raw-cacao-nibs/</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <a href="http://www.lifefood.eu/en/strava/raw-cacao-the-real-raw-chocolate.html" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://www.lifefood.eu/en/strava/raw-cacao-the-real-raw-chocolate.html</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <a href="http://www.builtlean.com/2012/04/12/raw-chocolate/" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://www.builtlean.com/2012/04/12/raw-chocolate/</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <a href="http://envirohealthtech.com/cacao.htm" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://envirohealthtech.com/cacao.htm</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <a href="http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/nutrition/chocolate.aspx" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/nutrition/chocolate.aspx</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/food/Story/0,,2046663,00.html" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.guardian.co.uk/food/Story/0,,2046663,00.html</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2020555/For-chocolates-true-benefits-time-ditch-foil-real.html" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2020555/For-chocolates-true-benefits-time-ditch-foil-real.html</a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #6b2a0a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; padding: 0.75em 0px;"> <a href="http://www.cacaoweb.net/nutrition.html" style="color: #6b2a0a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://www.cacaoweb.net/nutrition.html</a></div>

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Raw Cocoa - Put it in a smoothie!!

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF RAW COCOA In its raw state, chocolate has more than 300 nutritional compounds and is one of the richest sources...

The best and worst times to eat fruit

I love, love, love a bounty of beautiful fresh fruits. They are Mother Nature’s ultimate multivitamin and a powerhouse of antioxidants and enzymes, but did you know that there are optimum strategies and times to eat fruit?<br> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCbHcRiFvmauRVH26eGR_2tatnNB5OEppKg6VAIFelL6NnR_syWhzqTzYbJ3bQAdxvcTsZL2RNLaIqEPLBh7-iMSrbO-wc5iqL18-aFsd6bc9lDP1U2YVitVvVhUSs_RmobZjIu-WXLns/s1600/All-Fruit-Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCbHcRiFvmauRVH26eGR_2tatnNB5OEppKg6VAIFelL6NnR_syWhzqTzYbJ3bQAdxvcTsZL2RNLaIqEPLBh7-iMSrbO-wc5iqL18-aFsd6bc9lDP1U2YVitVvVhUSs_RmobZjIu-WXLns/s640/All-Fruit-Wallpaper.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br> <br> Fruit is a carbohydrate which means that it is converted to simple sugars for immediate energy. Essentially, when these sugars are not used they are converted and stored as fat. To fully utilize this energy, eat fruit around these times:<br> <br> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breakfast</span></strong></span><br> <strong><u><span style="color: #3366ff;"></span></u></strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnud7KRs-kEmi0QRqka4px4SR0t61q64_eFHJP9_omJljK4hLhtlV9U6Aqr3Gf_lvukWurBe6iPvZOk5NuleMmO5_zFMw_oyeekiMU7makpT7rb-DaQrLW3vQu8rQYBFCpP3eNh1nSRjrV/s1600/Fruit-Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnud7KRs-kEmi0QRqka4px4SR0t61q64_eFHJP9_omJljK4hLhtlV9U6Aqr3Gf_lvukWurBe6iPvZOk5NuleMmO5_zFMw_oyeekiMU7makpT7rb-DaQrLW3vQu8rQYBFCpP3eNh1nSRjrV/s320/Fruit-Salad.jpg" width="320"></a>When you are breaking your night’s <strong>“starvation” cycle</strong> and the stomach is fully empty. This is especially important because your body will be able to fully absorb all of the vitamins, fiber and healthy carbohydrates that it needs to function in good health. <br>  </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pre-/Post- Workout</span></strong></span><br> <strong><u><span style="color: #3366ff;"></span></u></strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another fantastic time to eat fruit is either right before, right after, or both pre- and post- working out. Our bodies will use fruit sugars for immediate energy and for refilling depleted energy stores.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b></b> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="color: blue;">When NOT to consume FRUIT</span></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="color: blue;"></span></u> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like previously stated, when energy from fruits is not used, it leads to weight gain. For people striving for weight loss it may be best to avoid this possible side effect by not eating fruit during these sedentary times:<br>  </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: underline;">Before Bed</span></strong><br> <strong><u><span style="color: #3366ff;"></span></u></strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Obviously you will not need quick energy while you are sleeping. Some people find that they have restless sleep if they eat fruits and carbohydrates too close to bed. A good rule of thumb is not less than 3 hours prior to lights-out.<br>  </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">During Weight Loss Plateaus</span></strong></span><br> <strong><u><span style="color: #3366ff;"></span></u></strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are really struggling overcoming weight loss issues it may be a good strategy to employ a “<span style="color: red;"><strong>no fruit after lunch</strong>” <strong>rule</strong></span>. This might just give your body the edge and caloric deficit it needs to utilize fat stores as energy.  With this being said, look for other weight loss inhibitors within your diet and don’t necessarily blame fruit right away. <br> <br> <!-- google_ad_section_start --> <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rLrV0kGUBWQgIbkwiIN0vWKCO4j5DRHWz-pf43kWqbv80h5sB6g_OrN5ZS_mNkUKi3KNV_Kku_VfO1Fv7txbIRjfzbVV-cV8hkWQROfAAZOc9DE9ZvPT2YWs4CLWxpF_WAF4mCps3-Dw/s1600/sugarinfruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rLrV0kGUBWQgIbkwiIN0vWKCO4j5DRHWz-pf43kWqbv80h5sB6g_OrN5ZS_mNkUKi3KNV_Kku_VfO1Fv7txbIRjfzbVV-cV8hkWQROfAAZOc9DE9ZvPT2YWs4CLWxpF_WAF4mCps3-Dw/s320/sugarinfruit.jpg" width="270"></a></div>Five fruits to avoid if you want to reduce belly fat are bananas, pineapples, mangoes, dates and grapes. These fruits top the chart for highest sugar content. Excess sugar in the diet is stored as fat in the body and tends to show in the abdominal region<br> <br>  </div><div style="float: right; margin: 4px;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/green_tea/pin.jpg"></a></div>

bed, best time to eat fruit, consume, diet, energy, fat, fruit, post workout, pre workout, sugar, weight gain, weightloss

The best and worst times to eat fruit

I love, love, love a bounty of beautiful fresh fruits. They are Mother Nature’s ultimate multivitamin and a powerhouse of antioxidants and e...