5 plant-based foods packed with protein

As I'm sure I've mentioned before, I'm a total believer in moderation. That means that I don't necessarily follow a specific diet, but I try to "eat strategically".  My plan of action? To eat as nutritiously as possible from a variety of foods. I will say though that trying to go "meatless" a couple of times a week is not hard at all. You probably will be pleased by how you feel as well. To learn more about eating vegetarian twice a week, go to this link.
Also, check out the following 5 plant-based foods that have plenty of protein...you'll be glad that you did!

New Research Review: Consumers do want menu labeling

This is good news.

" In addition to the research review, two new Healthy Eating Research-supported studies received national media attention: The first study shows that when people eat fast food, they consume more calories than they realize; the second study shows that menu labels can help people choose lower-calorie options."

New Research Review: Consumers do want menu labeling

3 sinister reasons that you are addicted to junk food

Hello Monday. Ready for a new week filled with all sorts of good stuff, right? Hope so.
Starting your day with "ready, set, go," without taking the food you eat during the day into consideration can be dangerous. The reason for this? So much junk food today is packaged precisely because everyone is in such a hurry. It doesn't take more than a second or two to open a bag of potato chips or a "snack pack" of pudding or a diet coke, right? On the other hand, if you are trying to pack a healthy lunch for work or even a few healthy snacks, it shouldn't take that long either. How hard is it to put a banana or apple or hummus with sliced veggies or lower salt pita chips or extra sharp cheese with whole wheat crackers in your bag? Is it that you don't do that because you don't make time for it or its not that important? Think about just packing healthier foods for 1 month -- 30 days. Anyone can do that! If you are wanting to be healthier, don't just think it -- do it. Start by going small, then gradually work your way up to more salads, more workouts, more water. Who doesn't struggle with making smarter everyday food choices -- everyone does! You don't need to punish yourself for carrying a little extra weight -- or even a lot, but its up to you to make a difference -- no one else.

By remembering that companies that make such junk foods as potato chips, already sweetened yogurts, and fast food places aren't on your side when it comes to eating healthier, it might sway you into making smarter choices. Learn more about the following 3 sinister reasons that you are addicted to junk food....All you have to do is make an effort to begin a new day in a good way....

Making Every Day Count with Real Food

I'd say for most people, there is a general idea that we'd like to make every day count. I've often heard it said that my "time is valuable" or "don't waste my time, I'm busy", especially during the work week. With that said, how can we make every day count if we're not eating appropriately? How do you maximize your time at work, home, with the kids or even on the weekend if you aren't feeling good?
By making a solid decision to eating better, there has got to be an improvement in the way you follow through with your every day obligations and family or "you" time as well. It may seem like an insurmountable task, but introducing a new "good for you" food into your diet everyday isn't that hard, especially when you can see the benefits that these foods can provide your body as well as your overall well being.
Also, by making an effort to eat real food -- not industrialized food that is processed -- you are making an effort to minimize the ecological damage that processed foods can give. Eating locally helps the environment too by limiting foods that are from the other side of the world, thereby limiting emissions. Then, eating moderately and mindfully leads to better digestion, less weight gain, less food wastefulness and more....
Start by eating more of the following 5 foods....

• Mushrooms: The edible mushroom contains large amounts of Vitamin D which benefits us with muscle strength and boosting our metabolism. This vitamin assists our bodies in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus which are known to be good for the bones. 
• Mangos: This fruit contains vitamins A and C which are important for maintaining immunity. Also, there is fiber and antioxidants that work against inflammation. Inflammation is a leading cause of disease and aging.
• Berries have proven research advocating that we should eat more of these. The benefits include brain protection and nourishment, they help with the fight against obesity and other associated maladies.
• Grapes: Grapes are known for doing several things from cutting down on the risk of heart disease, better blood circulation, bad cholesterol accumulation and more. Another positive that has been found to eating more grapes is the decrease of belly fat.
• Beets: These vegetables are deliciously sweet and full of great vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They help with slowing cancer growth and they also improve workouts by providing the body with better endurance; let alone, beets lower blood pressure.

All it takes is eating the above-mentioned foods more frequently....

Food Insecurity: What makes Virginia different from other states?

This is an interesting look at why the state of Virginia has the third lowest rate of "food insecurity" among the 50 states? Yet, Virginia's neighbor to the west -- West Virginia has been named the most obese state three years in a row. Read both articles to learn more...

Then, look at information compiled on Feeding America’s 2013 “Map the Meal Gap” project. There must be more to the story than the usual socio-economic factors….

National Parks to offer Healthier food under new standards

It is really good that we are seeing more and more movement in the right direction with regard to our food. For those of us that are fortunate enough to take a vacation to a National Park every once in a while, it is great to know that our diets won't have to be completely derailed by fast food or other processed foods. Now it looks like there are more choices.

In a telephone interview from California, sustainable-foods pioneer Alice Waters applauded the park service initiative. “This is an enormous opportunity for the parks to set an example for the nation, because they are present in every state, in very visible locations,” she said.

"The healthy food standards will be integrated into all new concessions contracts and applied on a voluntary basis to existing contracts. Existing contracts will be replaced as they expire with new ones incorporating the standards."

Although this news is terrific, now its time to work toward improving the general "food scape" everywhere, including under served communities where an abundance of food deserts remain quite visible and popular.

10 Best Foods for Your Body Slideshow

Check it out....
10 Best Foods for Your Body Slideshow

7 Healthy Foods for Weight Loss

Summer time is around the corner and fruits and veggies are mouth watering and delicious.
Check out the following 7 healthy foods for weight loss and making them a part of your day....

How nutritious are your meals anyway?

We've all heard the saying "you are what you eat" -- so very true. 

Especially if you know you'll be having a busy day at work or school, the difference in eating nutritious foods that feed your body and mind can literally be a "deal breaker" when it comes to getting a great grade on a test to getting a signed deal for a work project. It's about eating smart.

Try it out! Http://blog.bufferapp.com/the-science-behind-how-your-nutrition-will -decide-your-productivity-for-today

Bloomberg: Farm Subsidy News

Listed are several links to articles that discuss farm subsidies at length. It gives a good perspective on different schools of thought and gives a broader understanding of what these subsidies consist of in more detail.