Nutrition

Vegetarian Diets: Better for Us Than We Thought

According to the researchers, if everyone ate a vegetarian diet, nearly most of our health issues could be prevented. Experts agree to this but feel that switching to vegetarian isn’t that simple.

On this blog by #SliceOfHealth we’ll look at some suggestions and tips for becoming a vegetarian without facing too many challenges, and some reasons why you might actually want to consider it.

Advantages of Vegetarianism

Vegetarian diets are tied to a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, cancer, and chronic diseases. A study in 2013 funded in part by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) found that vegetarians had a nearly 10 percent lower risk of developing cancer than non-vegetarians.

Leaning more toward a healthy vegetarian diet can strengthen the immune system and overall, cancer cases could be prevented by following a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

How to Become a Vegetarian, the Easy Way

1. Find good recipes

Look through some recipes online, take note of a few that look really good, and decide to try a few of them because you have the rest of your life to try and test out other dishes!

2.Consider dairy & eggs

If you go meatless for a while and want to try to go a little further consider dairy foods. Buttermilk, yoghurt, milk and eggs are a good choice.

3.Vegetarian snacks

There are lots of other yummy snacks you can eat. Roasted (or raw) almonds, hummus low-fat granola, berries with yoghurt, whole-grain cereals, … dozens and dozens of snacks.

4.Vegetarian restaurants

Give them a try! You might discover some wonderful food, and thank the lucky stars you decided to give vegetarianism a try. Otherwise, most restaurants will have some vegetarian options or can cook you a vegetarian dish on request.

5. Tell friends & family

If you’re really going to become a vegetarian, you’ll have to talk to the people you know about it as you’ll still be dining with them, at restaurants, at their homes, at social gatherings, at work, and so it’ll be better for everyone involved if they know what you’re doing.

References-

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/alex-ivanovs/5-lessons-learned-from-sw_b_7741874.html

Is Butter Healthy? The Butter Truth

That yellowy goodness that comes from cream can turn bland meals into masterpieces. A lot of people love butter but they can’t enjoy it because of the guilt over the pounds it can add. There are a lot of (health) reasons to love butter and to eat it often.

#SliceOfHealth gives you 5 reasons why butter may be good for your health in moderate amounts.

Do you know that butter contains a lot of fat-soluble vitamins? Grass-fed butter in particular is rich in Vitamin K2, which can has potential health benefits.

Butter is a good source of the 4-carbon fatty acid butyrate, that has many health benefits. It prevents weight gain by increasing energy expenditure and reducing the intake of food. It also improves digestion.

Butter, especially if grass-fed, contains Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which has anti-cancer properties and improves body composition.

Butter has been shown to help with gastrointestinal health, arthritis, and helps protect the immune system.

Butter is also a good dietary source cholesterol.

The Bottom Line

All that being said, there is no reason as to why one must fear having butter. Consuming butter in moderate amounts is fine, it may cause problems if it’s consumed in higher amount.

Do you love butter? Tell us how you eat it.

References:

https://wellnessmama.com/5645/butter-healthy/

Eating healthy on a budget!

We often hear that eating a healthy diet is simply very expensive. It’s trickier when you have a tight budget and you’re dedicated to eating healthfully. Slice Of Health offers you five smart tips that make eating well easy on your pocket!

#Tip 1 – Buy fresh produce when it’s in season and freeze it

Fresh produce is always wonderful, but its cost can add up fast especially when it is rare to source in any particular season. Stick with buying what’s currently being produced and start stocking it up if you find a good deal.

#Tip 2- Always plan your meals

This can make a huge difference in reducing your food budget and staying on track eating healthy meals. Planning your meal will allow you to make some food ahead and have them available for lunches or to repurpose for dinners. This tip saves not only money but also time.

#Tip 3- Shop at local market

Consider checking out local grocery store. Not only are you likely to find a bargain on certain foods, but you’ll also find some really interesting local ingredients.

#Tip 4- Grow your own food

With foods growing more expensive every year, we think it’s best to grow your own food. Now with easy gardening methods, there is no reason that we all can’t grow something!

#Tip 5- Use Cash for Grocery Shopping (& Eating Out)

One of the certain ways to become aware of spending is to use cash. When you really have to count your pennies, decide upfront what you have to spend on groceries for the month. When the budget comes in on target and you still served your family healthy meals — it’s great

References-

https://wellnessmama.com/2151/eat-healthy-on-a-budget/

https://www.thekitchn.com/10-smart-tips-for-eating-healthy-on-a-super-tight-budget-reader-intelligence-report-211182

4 Superfoods that can boost immunity

You have heard countless times about superfoods, and we think it’s worth getting to know some of them.

What are Superfoods?

Some foods due to their heavy amount of raw nutrition, low-calorie content and high antioxidant activity are health promoting. Since they are loaded with immunity building supplements, they may be fighting disease, delaying the ageing process, promoting cardiovascular health, beneficial in weight loss etc.

Slice Of Health introduces you to four Superfoods that will give you a health boost.

1.Chia Seeds-

Chia means ‘strength’ in the Mayan language. Chia seeds are one of the most popular superfoods for many good reasons. They are virtually tasteless, easy-to-digest (when prepared properly), super nutrient dense, and full of energy-boosting power. Chia has also nicknamed “runners’ food” because runners used chia seeds as fuel to run long distances. Did you know that just 1 spoonful of chia could sustain them for 24 hours?

2.Turmeric

This dark yellow powder is referred to as potentially the most powerful plant on the planet in its power to fight and reverse disease. Liver issues, skin conditions, cholesterol regulation, and mood stabilization can also all be cured by the power of turmeric.

3.Moringa

Moringa tree leaves, also known as ‘Drumstick tree leaves’ have various healing properties, health benefits. Back in the day, this miracle tree used to treat a variety of ailments including: edema, swelling, stomach disorders, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, epilepsy, thyroid disorder, anaemia and sickle cell disease, and bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.

4.Spirulina

Blue-green algae, known as spirulina, is truly the earth’s biological gift to vitamin supplement takers everywhere.

Spirulina is packed with protein, fuels our metabolism as well as promotes heart and hair health. Antioxidants are also important for anti-ageing effects. So think of the glowing, young looking skin you’ll get as a result of taking spirulina, as a bonus.

4 Foods that lower blood pressure naturally!

Did you know that one in three Indian adults suffer from high blood pressure? World Health Statistics 2012 report shows that in India, 23.10% of men and 22.60% of women above 25 years are likely to experience hypertension.

Most risk factors for high blood pressure are out of your control, such as age, family history and gender. But there is one factor you can control- your diet.

Read on to learn which foods can help you fight high blood pressure.

Tomato

Tomato paste, juice, and sauce deliver the most lycopene, an antioxidant that has long been studied for its heart health benefits, including reducing inflammation and possibly lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow.

Sweet Potatoes

One medium sweet potato contains 11 percent of the daily recommended amount of potassium. The lack of potassium leads to high blood pressure.

Berries

A research found that strawberries and blueberries three days per week had a 32 percent reduced risk of heart attack as they contain powerful antioxidant anthocyanins.

Virgin Olive Oil

Four tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil per day for a year had much better HDL function, meaning better plaque removal and more relaxed blood vessels.

The bottom line

Making healthy eating diets is the most effective guideline when it comes to fighting high blood pressure. Through a heart-healthy diet, you can reduce your risks for hypertension, promote good health and make yourself stress-free.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/All-you-need-to-know-about-hypertension/articleshow/35617449.cms

https://www.healthline.com/health/foods-good-for-high-blood-pressure#takeaway

5 Recipes Every Gentleman Should Know

If you’re a man who lives on store-bought burgers and pizzas everyday, we’re here to tell you that cooking at home can save you money and health. We’d also like to tell you that it’s not a task that’s as daunting as you think!

Just make a note of these 5 things that we feel you should know about cooking and then go on, pop a bottle, put on your apron and get cooking.

Make an omelette worthy of a French man

Use plenty of melted butter and start the pan. After whisking the eggs with some salt, pepper and veggies, add the mixture to the pan. When the eggs are 60 percent cooked, pull off the heat and let stand for 30 seconds. It’s simple and healthy!

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Make as many grilled cheeses as you wish. Make them when you are half asleep. Eat them for breakfast. Add ingredients. Make it slightly crunchy and munch on it.

A big pot of rice

If you’re really hungry, rice is great! You may as well eat two thousand of it. Add a splash of beauty to your rice bowl with some greens and seasonal vegetables.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Just say no to canned chicken noodle soup. The homemade version is tastier and healthier, with less salt and fewer preservatives. Plus it takes less than 30 minutes to cook.

Tadka Bhaat

All you need is some leftover rice, onions and chilli powder. And, you are done! Add rice to the tadka of cumin seeds, mustard and chilli powder, add some salt and you’re done!

These recipes are the easiest! Learn it! Love it!

https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/57-essential-kitchen-and-cooking-skills-every-man-should-master/befriend-the-instant-pot/

http://coolmaterial.com/food-drink/50-things-every-guy-should-know-how-to-cook/

4 make-ahead healthy breakfasts

We’ve all heard many times that starting the day with a healthy breakfast is great for both the brain and the belly. Why not begin the day with these great grab-and-go breakfast choices? We are quite sure that your alarm clock will thank you for this!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast

Yes, you heard right — cookies for breakfast are a thing!

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine two mashed bananas and one cup of uncooked oats in a bowl. Fold in the chocolate chips and place a tablespoon of each on the cookie sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Dry Fruit Oatmeal Parfait

In a small saucepan, combine the oats, water, vanilla and cinnamon. Let it cook on a low-medium heat for about 7-8 minutes. To build the parfaits, spoon the oatmeal into the bottom of each glass, then layer on a spoonful of yogurt, strawberries, banana and almonds. Repeat layers until you have used all of the ingredients

Coconut Lime Strawberry Chia Pudding

Mix raspberries with a cup of coconut milk. Add 2 tbsp of chia seeds, 1 tbsp of shredded coconut, 1 tbsp of lime juice and 6-8 drops of honey to the mixture. Mix well and refrigerate overnight and top it with a few more berries before serving.

Cornflakes Almond Porridge

Add cardamom powder, raisins and almond paste in condensed milk. Cook on a medium flame. Add cornflakes and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.Serve chilled garnished with chopped almonds.

References:

https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/8-make-ahead-summer-breakfasts-300-calories/

https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/10-make-ahead-breakfasts-under-300-calories/

5 Ways to Make your Brew Better

Don’t you all think that making coffee with sugar and cream is just too passe? Here are 5 healthy ways to boost the flavour of your morning brew which will make you wonder why you didn’t think of them first. We bet each of these will transform your cup into a tasty joy ride.

#1 Raw Honey:

For those who want their coffee sweetened, opt for a teaspoon of raw honey for an added layer of soothing flavour in your cappuccino.

# 2 Pure Maple Syrup

While this one tends to be associated mostly with pancakes, using this as a sweetener will do wonders for your coffee.

#3 Ginger

If you have ever tried ginger tea, then you can see how unexpectedly superb this combo could be. Adding a few slices of fresh ginger or a tablespoon of ginger powder to your coffee can be both refreshing and soothing.

#4 Cardamom

Cardamom is usually added to coffee in the Middle Eastern countries. Adding a few seeds or sprinkling a dash in your coffee can give you an exotic taste.

#5 Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate can be used to sweeten and flavour your coffee. You can buy ready-made chocolate syrup or sprinkle the pieces and then blend them.

Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee to lift their spirits up! Even if you aren’t a coffee person, we know for certain that these will take your morning coffee from boring to exciting!

References:

https://www.roastycoffee.com/extra-flavor/

https://www.thekitchn.com/9-surprising-things-to-add-to-coffee-beyond-cream-sugar-smart-coffee-for-regular-joes-203866

The Skinny on Fats

What would you say if we told you that you need fat to lose weight? Shocked?

Well, it’s true! In fact, fats help you not only lose weight, but can also improve your mood, and boost your immune system. They are an essential part of your diet, and your body requires fats in order to function. They help you absorb vitamins, are vital for your nervous system, and can even help lower your risk of heart disease.

The key is in determining which fats are good for you, and which are not.

Good Fats (Unsaturated)

Unsaturated fats are good for your body. They help increase HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol in your body. They protect against the buildup of plaque in your arteries, boost brain function, and strengthen your immune system. You can find these fats in certain oils, nuts, flaxseed, fish (like salmon and mackerel), and even avocados.

Bad Fats (Saturated)

Saturated fats & trans fats are the ones you want to avoid. They raise cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have been chemically altered to prolong the shelf life of packaged foods. Stay away from foods with unsaturated fats including products like cream, butter, coconut and palm oil. Also steer clear of foods containing trans fats like shortening, margarine, and processed foods like cookies, chips and cakes.

So the next time you’re planning your diet, don’t opt for non-fat options. Make sure you get a healthy amount of the good stuff, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Guide to healthy baby food

The only thing predictable about infants’ diet is unpredictability. Sometimes, as a mother, you just want a clear roadmap as to what to do when. Wouldn’t that make everything easier?

Well, don’t stress it. Infants follow more or less the same pattern. Just keep some basic guidelines, and you’ll figure out the rest.

0-4m

The first year of your baby’s life is a crucial time for healthy development. A mother’s milk is essential during the first 4 months, as it builds your baby’s immune system. Make sure you don’t bypass this important step, and if you need to, make sure you consult your doctor about any issues you may be facing.

4-6m

At this time, you can start your baby on mashed foods in addition to breast milk. Make sure you mash up the food into a fine paste. Use ingredients like bananas, avocados, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples and pears. These are rich in vitamins, proteins and iron and can be made into soups or juices as well.

6-8m

At this time, you can start a semi-solid diet by not mashing up ingredients entirely. Introduce rice, pulses and vegetables into your baby’s diet at this time, making sure to mash it up into a semi-solid form.

8-12m

Soft solid foods are ok for your baby now. You can even introduce external milk or dairy products into your baby’s diet at this stage. Just make sure that this diet consists of all the essential nutrients required for your baby’s development.

12m

At this stage, you can start to include mild spices in your baby’s food. These can include turmeric, cumin and even cinnamon. You may even start to notice your baby reacting to all these new exciting flavours!

Make sure you supplement all these foods with milk, as it is one of the most essential foods your baby can have. Before you know it, your baby will happily be eating away at everything, including random things he or she finds on the floor – so be careful!!

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