5 Most Popular Strawberry Smoothie Recipes

Strawberries are sometimes are referred to as the "queen of fruits". Rich in Vitamin C, calcium and iron, you have a lot of health benefits to gain just by consuming strawberries. This low-calorie, high-fiber super food is known to help boost short term memory, promote bone and eye health, decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and prevent cancer. On top of that, strawberries also have powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-aging properties.

And because they contain a good amount of anthocyanins which give them the red color, strawberries also stimulate the burning of stored fat in the body! A nutrition powerhouse and a great weight loss aid, it's no wonder why any strawberry smoothie recipe would top anyone's best smoothie list!

If you love using strawberries for your healthy smoothies, here the 5 most popular strawberry smoothie recipes you can try:

1. Classic Strawberry Smoothie

The Classic Strawberry smoothie is a popular breakfast choice. It's creamy, citrus-infused mix will jumpstart your energy levels at the beginning of the day and will also keep your tummy filled until lunchtime. Definitely a strawberry smoothie to try!

What you need:

6 fresh or frozen strawberries

1 medium banana

1 cup plain non-fat yogurt

1/2 cup freshly-squeezed orange juice

3-4 ice cubes

2. Strawberry-Kiwi Combo

Rich in Vitamin C and polyphenols, this strawberry smoothie is designed to help fight off diseases and keep your health in check. This delicious high-fiber concoction also helps curb your cravings and keep you feeling full longer. One of the best healthy smoothie recipes that helps you lose weight!

What you need:

5 fresh or frozen strawberries

1/2 ripe banana

1 small kiwi fruit, sliced

1 1/4 cups fresh apple juice

1 1/2 tsp. honey

3-4 ice cubes

3. All Berries Mix

Like strawberries, other berries such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are rich in essential nutrients, fiber and antioxidants. Boost your energy and promote healthy weight loss with a glass of this delightful berry fusion!

What you need:

3-4 fresh or frozen strawberries

1/2 cup berry mix (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

1/2 cup low-fat yogurt (any flavor)

Juice of 2 limes

3-4 ice cubes

4. Lumpy Strawberry Delight

Worried about your sugar intake? This sugar-free strawberry smoothie is a must try! It's rich in vitamins, minerals and protein that will instantly boost your energy. Turn a bad day around with this irresistible healthy smoothie recipe!

What you need:

1 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries

1 cup skim milk

1 tbsp. pumpkin or sunflower seeds

1 tbsp. cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil

5. Tropical Strawberry Splash

One of the most flavorful healthy smoothie recipes around, this filling smoothie mix makes a good post-workout drink. It's extremely hydrating, refreshing and energizing - not to mention mouth-watering!

What you need:

1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

2 small ripe bananas, sliced

1/2 cup pineapple slices

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup plain yogurt

3-4 ice cubes

Try any of these healthy smoothie recipes for a stronger, more energized body. These strawberry smoothie recipes will definitely make you fall in love with the fruit more!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Vegan Pancakes And Berry Smoothie | VIDEO

If you are looking for a light, tasty, summery meal that is easy to prepare and make, check out my summer Vegan Pancakes & Berry Smoothie recipe. It takes literally few minutes to prepare and you can have it at home or bring it with you as a delicious lunch to work or pack as a picnic on a day out.

Vegan Pancakes

To make 2-3 large pancakes you will need the following ingredients:

1 ripe banana
70 g organic porridge oats
2-3 tbsp mixed flaxseeds
Almond milk

Add all ingredients into a mixer and blitz into a smooth creamy mixture and make sure it is not too runny or the pancakes won't set and you will end up throwing the mixture out. less milk works the best and then add it slightly if the mixture is too thick.

Pour the mixture on the preheated frying pan which has been greased with coconut butter, coconut oil or nut oils if you are not allergic to them. Cook from both sides until golden brown.

Serve with a dollop of organic almond butter. You can add fresh berries or other fresh fruit, yogurt, honey or tahini (a lighter spread if you find almond butter is too rich for your taste) before serving.

Berry Smoothie

Smoothies are a really great and delicious way how to hydrate your body during summer. As some people find it difficult to drink water, smoothies can be a perfect alternative. I would always recommend coconut water as it is so much better and will give your body more hydration which is so vital to the health. I always get my coconut water in Aldi supermarkets as they offer the best price.

To make a large glass of berry smoothie for 1 person you will need the following ingredients:

1/2 ripe banana
Handful of fresh or frozen mixed berries
Coconut water

Put all the ingredients into a mixer or Nutri Magic Bullet and blend into a smooth liquid mixture, this is brilliant way how to blend solids, fruits, nuts and seeds. Add more coconut water if it is too thick. Serve chilled.

Summer is the perfect time to try lots of great, delicious and easy foods that are made from organic fruits and berries that you can find in your local farmer's markets, health stores or supermarkets. Be creative, try mixing together different ingredients and enjoy healthy fresh meals!

Growing Your Own Fruit & Veg Is Simple And Easy | VIDEO

Growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables is a very easy task and can be done in very different places and various ways, you just have to be creative, dedicate some time to take care of your plants and nature will reward you with amazing, fresh and home-grown produce that can be used for your health, nutrition and beauty purposes.

Potted sweet peas

No matter if you own a house with a large outdoor space or live in the smallest of apartments, you can have your garden adjusted to your space and needs. In apartments - balconies and even windowsills can be used as little gardens where herbs or smaller vegetables, e.g., mini tomatoes, lettuce, peas or beans can be grown. Larger spaces will allow you to plant all kinds of fruit and veg in designated veg and fruit raised beds, you will have enough space to plant also fruit trees and even have your own greenhouse.

Greenhouse

The simplest way to start a garden is by obtaining potting soil and plant containers from local garden centers or from neighbors who already do some gardening. This will work the best for people who want to grow their own herbs and veg but does not have enough space.  

Raised veg beds for carrots (in front), garlic (to the right), spring onion and scallions (at the back)

Last weekend I spent some time in Waterford, visiting my family and had a great chat with my Dad who is a proud gardener with huge experience growing his own food. He walked me through his garden and we had a great chat about different herbs, fruit & veg he is growing this year. Watch the video to see my Dad's garden and find out how easy it is to grow your own food and how little you really need to start your own little garden project:

Feeling very inspired myself and might give it a try. I am keen to start growing my own herbs for tea and food, especially sage which is super great for the health of your skin & body, has anti-inflammatory effects for rosecea skin and acne, and is just really tasty and adds lots of flavour to your food.

Sage

Apple trees

Greenhouse and raised beds with herbs

Health Benefits Of Rhubarb

This tart treat has health benefits that will make anyone want to go out and try a few. Health benefits of rhubarb are many, and offer a great amount of nutritional value. Rhubarb in the past was used for fevers and used as a laxative. With the benefit of Vitamin C and fiber, rhubarb offers many other benefits to the consumer. 

Health benefits of rhubarb are:

1. Can lower cholesterol - With its sweet taste, rhubarb surely is easy to get down. Along with the bonus of tasting good, rhubarb lowers cholesterol. Because of the vitamins and nutrients, this helps reduce the risk of harmful diseases. Rhubarb is a sure thing to take if you are suffering from high cholesterol.

2. Help prevent deep vein thrombosis - Because of the nutrients and vitamins; rhubarb helps prevent deep vein thrombosis. This is a blood clot in your feet that can spread to your lungs if you are not treating it. There are many ways to prevent deep vein thrombosis, but rhubarb is the simplest.

3. Rhubarb stimulates the metabolic rate - this makes it a good for people who want to loose unwanted pounds. The dietary properties are promoted with the usage of fiber and potassium. With the potassium it is said to speed up your metabolism to help you loose weight.

4. Low in carbohydrates - Everyone is trying to find the latest health benefit for fruits and vegetables. The best health benefit of rhubarb is that it is low in carbohydrates. When you have something that is low in carbohydrates, you can feel alright when you accidentally eat more than you intended for.

The health benefits of Rhubarb are many and can offer many more benefits. Researching the health benefits can be beneficial for anyone. Talking with your primary care physician is important and will open your mind to more understanding of this sweet treat. Rhubarb has been used for many years. It has medicinal purposes with the laxative properties and digestive help. So next time you are out and about, pick of some rhubarb and live a happy, healthy life.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

8 Amazing Health Benefits Of Watermelon

The Watermelon (Scientific Name: Citrullis lanatus) is one fruit that has been the focus of intensive research in recent times, even as more of its health benefits are being unravelled by the day. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, the watermelon is related to other fruits like cucumber, pumpkin, squash and cantaloupe. 

It's no surprise at all that the watermelon is so called, given its amazing 92% water composition which makes it extremely juicy and refreshing especially in a hot weather. Interestingly, every part of the watermelon is nutrient-rich from the thick greenish outer rind to the red or pink inner flesh. 

Furthermore, the watermelon is a very rich source of important nutrients ranging from vitamins and minerals to important antioxidants, hence the numerous health benefits that this amazing fruit offers. Moreover, researches have revealed that the watermelon is more nutritious when it becomes fully ripe. For instance, the lycopene content of a watermelon becomes richer and more concentrated as the flesh turns from white-pink to pink and finally to red. Consequently, a ripe watermelon offers more benefits as follows:

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health 
Watermelon gives a boost to the functioning of your heart. The National Watermelon Promotion Board reported that watermelon has a higher lycopene content than any other fruit or vegetable. Lycopene-rich diets are cardioprotective. Similarly, potassium which is present in good amounts in watermelons also offers significant protection against cardiovascular disease by dilating the blood vessels and lowering the blood pressure. Furthermore, a study that was published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extracts reduced blood pressure in some obese adults with hypertension.

2. Good for your Skin 
Watermelon is a fruit that has proved highly beneficial for the skin. Apart from keeping the skin well hydrated, it is also rich in vitamin A, an important nutrient for sebum production which keeps the hair and skin supple and moisturized. In addition, Vitamin C is needed in the formation of collagen which is necessary to maintain the structure and integrity of the skin.

3. Protects Against Diabetes
Being a tasty, high-fibre and low-calorie fruit, watermelon is a fruit of choice for diabetic individuals. The L-citrulline content is converted to arginine which has been shown to enhance the function of the sugar-lowering hormone, insulin. In the same vein, potassium and magnesium found in watermelons also promote the effect of insulin in the body and thus help to keep blood sugar within safe limits in people with diabetes.

4. Reduces Cancer Risk
Watermelon has been shown to offer some protection against cancers. Free radical formation contributes to DNA mutations that result in cancer. Fortunately, watermelon has a rich content of antioxidants like vitamins C and A which help to mop up free radicals. More still, watermelon and tomatoes are evidently your best sources of lycopene which has been linked to a reduced risk of cancers of the prostate, breast, colon and lungs

5. Good Hydration
Watermelon is 92% water hence in a hot weather, it can be particularly refreshing as it helps to replenish the insensible water loss from your skin, thereby protecting you from dehydration and heat stroke.

6. Helps Against Impotence
Research has shown that when sufficient quantities of watermelon are consumed, it can provide a Viagra-like effect in treating erectile dysfunction. It contains arginine which can be converted to Nitric Oxide (NO), a compound that helps to dilate the blood vessels of the penis and thereby enhance erection.

7. Reduces Risk of Kidney Disorders
Good hydration provided by watermelon helps to flush the kidneys regularly and keeps them functioning optimally. In addition, by reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, watermelons reduce the incidence of calculus (stone) formation in the kidneys. Furthermore, since watermelon is rich in antioxidants, the likelihood of free-radical damage to the kidneys is less in individuals who consume watermelon.

8. Reduces Muscle Soreness
This is especially good news for athletes who often experience muscle pain after indulging in strenuous exercises. Research has attributed this muscle-relaxing effect to the L-citrulline content of watermelons.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Thyroid Talk: A Pig’s Hormone Cured Me | Stephanie O'Quigley

Meet Stephanie, she is an Irish health, beauty, fashion and fitness blogger currently living in NYC. She launched her blog in 2012 following her passion and love for writing, fashion and entertainment but honesty, genuine interest and openness that radiates from her blog posts has helped to make her blog and social media into a real success.

Photo: Stephanie O'Quigley | Instagram

Starting as an intern for Marissa Carter, Stephanie moved on to work as a brand manager for Cocoa Brown but has moved to NYC now, sharing her experience and tips also about the life in the Big Apple.

She is an advocate for healthy living, healthy eating and fitness, being a role model herself by losing 5 stones in two and half years. She calls herself a 'clean eater' and says that at the end of the day it is all about how you feel.

Being healthy is not about restriction. It’s about making the best choices for yourself so that you can have the best quality of life possible. | Stephanie O'Quigley (Quote from the interview with Stellar.ie)

Stephanie has allowed us to share her experience about healthy living, healthy eating and weight loss and in this post you can learn all about Stephanie's experience dealing with under-active thyroid diagnose.

Photo: Stephanie O'Quigley | Instagram

'I was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid was I was about 15 years of age. After 11 years of constant medication changes and 11 years of being tired, I have finally accepted that hypothyroidism is going to be part of my everyday life, forever. That being said, I believe that I am in a relatively good place with my health;  almost symptom-free.

When I wrote this blog post (almost a year ago),  all of the questions were about how I’d become symptom-free and why I changed my medication so I am sharing my story.

To put it into perspective, for anyone who doesn’t already know, your thyroid controls:

• your weight (Low metabolism means slow conversion of fat into energy.)
• your energy levels (Thyroid hormones power you up.)
• your gastrointestinal health (Thyroid is responsible for stomach acid formation, essential for good digestion.)
• your nervous system (This is why low thyroid causes brain fog, forgetfulness, and depression.)
• your cardiovascular health (Many heart diseases could be avoided if the thyroid was properly checked.)
• your hormonal balance (This is why infertility is often caused by thyroid issues.)

Why did I change my medication?

'Change my medication?' 'But there is only one medication for underactive thyroid…'

Ahh, you see, that is what they tell you.

I was on Eltroxin for about 7 years before changing to Armour Thyroid. Armour Thyroid is a desiccated thyroid extract made from pig thyroid and is all natural, while Eltroxin is made completely synthetically. If I had to guess, Eltroxin is what 95% of the underactive thyroid sufferers are on (in Ireland). Eltroxin only replaces Thyroxine also called T4, while Armour Thyroid replaces everything a human thyroid has, namely T1, T2, T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 and calcitonin. All in all, porcine thyroid contains a wider range of hormones closer to that of humans.

PORCINE? Yes, Armour is made from a pig’s gland. Pigs are used a lot as our heart valves are like theirs and we use the skin in burn victims for grafting. After taking Armour for over 4 years now, I feel like a pretty normal person, much more so than I did when I was on Eltroxin alone.

Photo: Stephanie O'Quigley | Instagram

Why won’t my doctor prescribe a natural thyroid medication?

Sadly, TSH and T4 are the “gold standards” in testing for thyroid health amongst most doctors. By testing this way, your results are an indirect reading of your actual thyroid’s health. A good GP would look at a full thyroid blood panel as well as your symptoms and your health history. It’s widely proven that many people have “normal” TSH (within the range) in spite of having thyroid symptoms.

So, the way our thyroid is tested us not very thorough and because the result of Armour Thyroid does not fully show  in these standardized tests, the majority of GP’s refuse to prescribe a medicine that is not testable…(Is testable a word, I don’t know)

My advice? Find a doctor who will. It changed my life and it could change yours. I would travel to China for it.

For the past four to five years, I’ve grown back my eyebrows, had consistently good energy levels (for the most part),  normal hair texture, I don’t suffer from dry eyes and most importantly, I was able to change my life and get really, really fit.

Read my story and judge for yourself. I am not claiming natural medication is the way to go for everyone’s thyroid problems but it worked for me. I understand there are cons when taking Armour Thyroid (and that it is very expensive) but I am cautious and aware. Right now, this is the best option I have.

More thyroid reading

• Dr. Izabella Wentz, the Thyroid Pharmacist, and her book The Root Cause
• Dr. Kharrazian and his book Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms?
• Chris Kresser’s blog – well researched and presented
• Janie Bowthrope and her book Stop The Thyroid Madness
•  Dr. Osansky’s website – especially good for people with hyperthyroidism

I am not a doctor but if you have a question you think I can help with, I would be more than happy to lend some advice. Message me on Instagram!

***

Check out Stepahie's website and social media here:

Web: http://stephanieoquigley.com
Instagram: @StephanieOQuigley
Twitter: @StephanieOQ 

The 4 Essential Antioxidants In Mango

At the moment, it seems as if everybody is talking about antioxidants, and how to get more of them by eating the right food. Antioxidants are found in many fresh fruits and vegetables, and mangoes in particular are a very rich source. But did you know there are many different types of antioxidant? Did you know which are the most crucial for your wellbeing? Were you aware how antioxidants act in your body? Have you heard which antioxidants exactly are found in mangoes?

Antioxidants shield the cells and tissues of the human body from harm by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are extremely unstable particles that can interact with your cellular material, genes and DNA, and cause all sorts of harm. Free radicals are created by your body processing food, by the reaction of your skin to ultraviolet light, and lots of other natural processes. There are also free radicals in foods, the atmosphere, smoke and many other sources you interact with every day.

An antioxidant is a material that can neutralize free radicals before they have time to damage your DNA or cell tissue. But there are different types of antioxidant which interact with different types of free radicals, and which are made more or less effective by lots of different factors. There are even a few antioxidants which simply won't work when inside your body, or can even be toxic. Keeping this in mind, it's crucial to get not only enough antioxidants, but also the correct type of antioxidants.

One of the most potent antioxidants found in mangoes is called mangiferin. So far, mango is the only source of this powerful substance. Researchers are testing mangiferin because they suspect it might be helpful in the fight against diabetes, inflammation, Alzheimer's and some forms of cancer. Mangiferin doesn't just neutralize free radicals--scientists think it may also prevent inflammation in your body before it starts, which could potentially prevent many other types of disease.

Another effective antioxidant found in mangoes is quercetin. It's what's known as a flavonoid or bioflavonoid. It's a type of pigment that some plants use to color their leaves and fruits. Flavonoids are thought to be so important for health that they used to be called Vitamin P. Experts are currently testing quercetin for lots of different applications, thinking it may stimulate the body to burn excess fat, fight viruses, and act against some cancers and types of inflammation.

Mango is also extremely rich in several vitamins which are essential antioxidants.

Vitamin K is found in large quantities in mango, along with many other healthy plant foods. Vitamin K is being investigated to see if it can slow the onset of Alzheimer's disease by protecting the cellular tissues of the brain against damage.

Another antioxidant vitamin found in mangoes is vitamin C. Humans, unlike most other plants and animals, can't make vitamin C by themselves, so it's critically important to get enough in the food you eat. Luckily, mango has lots and lots of vitamin C in every serving. An effective antioxidant, vitamin C might be able to shield cellular tissue against the kind of damage that leads to serious illness such as coronary disease and some cancers.

These are just a small number of the potent and healthful antioxidants found in mango. Every mango is crammed with the micronutrients and nutrition the human body needs to stay fighting fit and resist disease!

Antioxidants are just one of the many mango health benefits. Mangoes can also help you lose weight, keep your heart healthy, and even keep your skin looking young.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How To Form An Effective Morning Routine | Pat Divilly

What is the secret to having a good day? Some people say that the way how we start the day, will set the tone to the rest of it, that the morning routine is crucial to success in both career and life.

 It is no secret, that not everybody is the 'early bird' and mornings could be pretty tough, when we are feeling rushed and sluggish. Can this be changed? 

Watch this video by fitness, nutrition & personal development expert Pat Divilly talking about how to form an effective morning routine that will help to kick-start your body and mind and get your day started off on the right foot.

If you would like to see more videos by Pat, please visit his YouTube page here!

You can also find more information about Pat and everything he does on his website here!