Healthy gurus

Vegetarian foods are great because they lack any animal direct products (meats). As a nutrition value a vegetarian meal can be great for reducing cholesterol, chances of heart problems and preventing colon cancer.  Here are some thoughts:

    * A vegetarian diet is easier to be followed when it is started in an early age. Although, many college students declare they only became vegetarians after they left their omnivore parent’s house.

    * Introduce at least one vegetarian meal a day. It can be of great advantage to one’s health.

    * Some of the options to vegetarian meals can be very fattening because of their caloric and flour content. Increase intake of breads and pastas, in conjunction with cheese (animal byproduct, but not resulting of its death) can be very fattening.

    * Vegetables and leafy greens are full of vitamins and fibers essential for the body’s nutrition.

Here are a couple of my favorite recipes:

o California Salad – Mixed greens, avocado, grapes, carrots, tomatoes, radish and meatless grilled chicken. It can be great for a snack or small dinner.

o Brown rice and sauté tofu with vegetables- Brown rice can be made the same way as white rice, only it will take a little longer to be ready. Add condiments and spices with some stir fry chopped onions to give some extra flavor. Make sure to not overcook the rice, otherwise it will be sticky. To make a quick meal you may purchase frozen vegetables. If you do, stir fry them first until they are defrosted. In a separate skillet cook the tofu in olive oil until it attains a brown color. Add spices to taste (Curry and soy sauce tend to bring a great taste to tofu). Mix the tofu with the cooked vegetables. This recipy is good for lunch or dinner.

Everyone has its own eating habits, with most acquired by family cooking traditions. Sometimes the meals that you are used to aren’t balanced with the nutrients that you need. Here are some tips for a healthier eating habit:

* Make your dish as colorful as possible. Different color foods have diverse nutrients with most of the essential vitamins.

* Add vegetables to your menu. Vegetables are rich in nutrients and can be very tasty if used with the right seasoning.

* Just use the bottled vitamins if you can’t prepare a meal. Nutrients broken down from your meals are better absorbed by your body than vitamin supplements. Whenever you have a chance, give your body a boost by giving it the direct natural nutrients.

* Don’t exaggerate. Anything in excess can be harmful to the body. Be careful with the quantities of types of foods and supplements you take. Any foods, even the healthy ones can become toxic when taken in excess.

* Find a diet that will be easy for you to follow. Strict diets are hard to maintain because they expect you to completely change your regular eating style. Most diets fail because people betray them. When choosing a diet use your instinct and criticize the parts that you know you won’t be able to follow.

* Allow your body to be efficient. Eat smaller meals per serving, many times per day.

* Use a nutritionist to guide you, but not to control you. Nutritionists can show you the nutrients your body needs and in which foods they are found. Nevertheless, you are the best judge on which diet will work for you.

Hope the information and tips will help you!