Cupcakes and Yoga Pants is Coming Soon

Well, it's official -- the new blog will be called Cupcakes and Yoga Pants.

It's the perfect way to sum up my life. I hit the gym five days a week, but have no regrets (well, maybe a few) when I eat cookies and cupcakes.

This new lifestyle blog will go far beyond foodie topics.

I plan to write about fitness, nutrition, health, recipes, gardening, food information, DIY, crafts, volunteering, photography, the environment, fashion, beauty, Pinterest fails, pets and pretty much anything else that fits into my healthy (but, totally not perfect) lifestyle.

Want to be the first to know when Cupcakes and Yoga Pants goes live? I'll send you an email.

You can sign up for an email notification HERE.

Or, send me an email with a message to angela.tague@yahoo.com.

I'm excited to share tips, ideas, reviews and random musings on this new blog.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Nutritionist Brad Kloss Talks Milk, Protein and Exercise

Image Credit: Freeimages

If you haven't thought about drinking milk since the days of tiny cartons in the lunch food line, listen up.

Today on the blog we have expert insight from nutritionist and health club owner, Brad Kloss. He's the nutrition guru behind FitPro, a lactose-free natural protein shake backed by Super-Middleweight Champion of the World and celebrity fitness trainer, Danny Musico.

1. Here at Whole Foods Living, we love single ingredient foods. Tell us why you think milk should be the new super food.

Milk is a single ingredient food that combines protein with essential amino acids, fats high in CLA, carbohydrates in form of lactose, as well as high levels of calcium.

However, today's technology allows us to gently filter out the lactose sugars and fats from the milk, which leaves us with the much wanted concentrated protein and minerals.  When we developed FitPro, our goal was to remove all the lactose naturally, because we already get enough sugar and carbs from our modern day’s food options.  But getting enough protein is hard: You don't really carry a chicken breast in your back pocket. Additionally, finding convenient, healthy, natural and great tasting protein options is even harder – so we provided an option to fill that nutrient gap in our everyday life.

 

2. Several readers on WFL are trying to make healthier lifestyle decisions, which include a huge focus on diet and exercise. How does milk fit into this equation?

Milk protein in its natural state is 20% whey protein and 80% casein protein. Whey protein digests within an hour, while casein protein takes 4-6 hours to digest. Whey powders were developed primarily from the byproduct of the cheese making industry.  However, the slower digestion of casein protein helps one to feel more satisfied for a longer period of time.  It’s like a 5-hour protein that keeps feeding your body with essential nutrients. 

A consistent supply of protein, particularly milk protein which provides essential amino acids, is excellent for people who have concerns with their blood sugar levels.  Obese individuals, from kids to grandparents, need to find ways to effectively balance the scale in their favor. The best kept and simplest secret to do this is to balance the protein-to-carb ratio in one’s diet.

 

3. Some people simply don't like drinking a glass of milk. What are some ways we can get the benefits of this dairy product in other ways?

I have personally overseen and conducted flavor tests of FitPro to thousands of people, and when people taste FitPro, they realize that it isn't milk.  It does have the benefits of the protein from one of nature’s best sources with an excellent amino acid profile, but it tastes like dessert. 

Let me draw an analogy:  Soy milk is also very popular, but when you drink soy milk does it taste like a soybean?  No, it doesn't. It’s the same with FitPro. It doesn't taste like milk, but it uses milks most valuable nutrient – protein.

 

4. I'm a vegetarian, and am always looking for healthy ways to boost my protein intake. Tell me about your natural protein shakes.

 I have many friends that are vegetarians and love FitPro. One FitPro Daily is similar to a small chicken breast in protein content. My vegetarian friends always tell me that a FitPro and a banana make a perfect breakfast, as well as mid-day snack.

 

5. So, we all know milk does a body good. But, exercise is just as important. Give our readers some beginner's exercise tips to make 2015 their healthiest year yet.

I have owned more than 20 health clubs over the years and have helped a lot of people to lose weight, become healthier, and achieve their goals. The key objectives for most of us are to exercise to keep our bodies flexible and to rev up our metabolism so that we burn calories all day long.

So get moving with cardio and stretching, maybe take a beginners cycle class or a body pump class at the gym.  Work out for 45-60 minutes at least 3 times a week, and go for a bike ride or walk on the weekends. 

Always change up your routine and use resources to get ideas. For example, check out Celebrity Trainer Danny Musico’s website, which provides some amazing functional training tips that you can use in your living room. Once you get your metabolism kicked in gear, that's when you will see the inches coming off.

BUT... You must not starve yourself!  You must stay in a fat burning mode, and that means no crash diets. My friends at Diet Free Life are experts in knowing how to snack and eat everything you like, but in the right proportions and at the right time. FitPro has just teamed up with Diet Free Life to help people know how to balance their nutrient intake.  Diet fads and super work out videos come and go, but the basics of revving up your metabolism through exercise while feeding your body properly to stay in the fat burning mode is as simple and glamorous as it gets.

Thanks so much for your nutrition knowledge and exercise tips, Brad. We love learning more about the foods we put into our bodies and how they can help us maintain and boost our healthy lifestyles!


Brad Kloss is devoted to his roots as a dairy animal nutritionist who opened his own health club which now operates in multiple states. After he became frustrated with the lack of natural protein products on the market, he realized it was time to merge his knowledge of dairy nutrition together with dedication to fitness to give consumers a better protein source that they both needed and deserved. Working with the University of Minnesota's dairy science lab, he developed a groundbreaking process that takes REAL grade-A milk fresh from American farms then filters it down to become a very high-quality, lactose free, and all natural protein shake.  He also proudly continues the family legacy with his two daughters, who are both actively involved in the business. 

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Why is My Weight Fluctuating When I Eat Healthy and Exercise?

I've been on this healthy, whole foods lifestyle mission for several years now.

Is exercising making you gain weight? Photo Credit: SXC

But unfortunately, I've been getting lazy.

Sure, I still choose fresh vegetables and cook from scratch as much as possible. But with the hubby getting on the healthy bandwagon, it's time to ramp up my healthy lifestyle and cut out the convenience processed foods that had crept back into my life little by little.

I need to use less canned beans and soak my own.

I enjoy making salad dressing from scratch, so why am I not doing it?

*sigh*

Ironically, over the last few months, the numbers on my scale have been creeping up. What?? I'm watching my portions closer than ever, exercising more frequently and eating even more healthy than when I started this blog. Something isn't right!

But my clothes still fit and some of my jeans are even getting a little loose.

Apparently I'm building muscle while losing fat! I can tell I feel stronger since I've started swimming and walking on a treadmill regularly. But, I never thought about the fact that my weight might creep up during this process.

So, if you're on an adventure to a healthier lifestyle, don't get upset when the scale doesn't plummet. If you're diligent with your nutrition and exercise, you might just be increasing your muscle mass!

Have you noticed your weight fluctuating despite making healthy decisions? Tell me I'm not alone in this discovery!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

The Magic of B-12 Supplements

I'm a huge advocate of absorbing essential vitamins and minerals from food. Taking powdered nutrition shakes and vitamins in pill form always seemed like an excuse to avoid eating your fruits and vegetables, in my opinion.

I love having the energy to go hiking with my pups!

But, little did I know starting a regimen of B-12 supplements would make me feel so much healthier.

I'm a vegetarian, which means I only get B-12 from plant sources and fortified grains, such as cereal. When my doctor recommended I start taking B-12 supplements I assured him I'm a "good vegetarian" who eats a balanced diet. Well, I still wasn't getting enough B-12.

After taking a B-12 supplement for over a year, I decided I had more energy, strength and productive days. So, I stopped taking the pills. I didn't think I needed them any longer. Within a few weeks I was lethargic, fatigued and in a general state of exhaustion more often than not.

Those darn B-12 supplements make my life much better. I take them daily now.

A few weeks ago I was asked to review B-12 supplements from Puritan's Pride. I was happy to find out this company's formula is vegetarian. It's also free of fish, soy, milk, sugar, wheat, gluten and sodium.

If you're vegan, vegetarian or simply don't eat animal products often, talk with your physician about adding B-12 to your daily routine. The formula from Puritan's Pride is also free of artificial colors, flavoring or preservatives, making it the perfect addition to your whole foods living lifestyle.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Disclosure: The Puritan's Pride B-12 supplements mentioned in this blog post were provided free of charge from Puritan's Pride for review purposes. No monetary compensation was sought or awarded in exchange for the review. All thoughts expressed on Whole Foods Living are solely my own. ~Angela

Google Gets Healthy? Nutrition Search Enhancements Coming Soon

Photo Credit: Morguefile

When you write about food and nutrition often, you tend to read every blog, news article and Facebook post you can find on the subject.

This morning I ran across a piece on PCmag's website about a new nutrition-focused search feature on Google.

Check it out here: "Google Brings Nutrition Information to Search" by Angela Moscaritolo

In a nutshell, Google is introducing a new way to present search results based on nutrition questions. The search giant has loaded data about fruits, vegetables, meats, cooking and nutrition in general into it's own database. Now when you ask "How many calories are in an apple?" you'll simply get the answer, not a list of links to wade through hoping to find the information you're looking for.

Cool. Well, cool for the simplicity of search. Not so cool for those of us that want to be found by readers. But, hey, it's a move in the right direction to give people the healthy information they desire. Way to go, Google!

This new feature rolls out on mobile and desktop searches in the United States during the first two weeks of June 2013. Will you be trying it out?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living
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Sustainable Wellness by Matt Mumber, MD and Heather Reed

There's no reason to overhaul your eating habits if you don't make sustainable choices.

Going on a diet is temporary.

Drinking fitness shakes is temporary. 

If you want to see results--a trimmer waistline, a happier disposition and fewer health problems--you need to make sustainable changes to your entire lifestyle.

That's the nuts and bolts behind Sustainable Wellness: An Integrative Approach to Transform Your Mind, Body, And Spirit (2012) by Matt Mumber, MD and Heather Reed. Mumber is a trained integrative radiation oncologist. Reed is a Yoga and meditation instructor.

I'm often approached to review books and products related to a healthy lifestyle. As a quick disclaimer, yes, this book was provided at no cost for review purposes. And, no, I'm not paid to write this. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Now, let's get to the good stuff.

Creating a healthy, sustainable lifestyle means you have to work beyond the dinner plate to improve your overall health. This book takes readers on an 8-week journey with facts, ideas, questions, and small homework assignments to slowly make lifestyle improvements. The goal is to find balance in your life--and nutrition is a key component.

In addition to nutrition, the authors tackle the following chapter topics: Mindfulness, Know Thyself, Life Review and Planning, Physical Activity, Stress Management, Spirituality, Bringing It All Together.

But, let's get back to the foodie part of the book. In the nutrition chapter, Mumber and Reed discuss:

• How to successfully implement dietary changes
• Why making nutritious choices is important for the body and the Earth
• The importance of organic foods
• How to explore the process of mindful eating
• The relationship between inflammation, illness and nutrition

I'm about half way through this book and can already feel a better sense of balance in my life. Making a healthy lifestyle sustainable has been one of my personal goals for years, and although I'm still on the right path, it's nice to encounter a few road signs and professional ideas to keep me moving in the right direction. For anyone looking for a little easy-to-read push to get healthier, Sustainable Wellness: An Integrative Approach to Transform Your Mind, Body, And Spirit (2012)  is a great start.

Have you read any motivational books about living a healthy lifestyle lately? Please share in the comments! I'm always looking for a new book for my nightstand.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Healthy Headlines for April

Photo: SXC

Today may be a day off from the Blogging from A to Z Challenge, but I'm still staying busy! I write about health, food and nutrition daily for several publishers and brands.

Here's what's hot off the press!

• I'm Allergic to Wheat: Now What?
• Is sushi as healthy as it seems?
• 2-minute fruit parfait: The perfect breakfast or snack
• HCG diet dangers you need to know
• Vegetables to-go! How to eat more veggies
• 5 Reasons to add dark chocolate to your menu

Want to read more? Follow me on social media!

I'm on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: I'll be back on Monday with my "M" post for the A-to-Z!

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Sauteing Summer Squash

Yellow summer squash, tofu and red onions.

Tomatoes are showing rosy cheeks, peppers are ripe and summer squash are ready to pick off the vine. If you're overloaded with fresh yellow summer squash, I'm sure you're looking for several ways to enjoy it.

The other night I decided to saute some red onion slices and tofu cubes in olive oil. Then, I added thin disks of yellow summer squash. It was fabulous!

Since the entree had such a mild flavor I paired it with a peppery arugula and avocado salad.

Arugula and avocado salad.

How do you enjoy cooking summer squash? I usually roast or saute squash and toss it with a more flavorful vegetable, such as onions or carrots.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Is Rhubarb a Fruit or Vegetable?

Fresh rhubarb. Photo courtesy MorgueFile

While dicing some stalks of rhubarb, the hubby asked if the red chunks were vegetables or a fruit.

Well, heck. I had no idea.

I was preparing a rhubarb-strawberry crisp, so I immediately thought fruit. Who eats rhubarb without sweetening it?

After a little quick research, we found out rhubarb is technically a vegetable. The perennial was initially grown for medicinal purposes in the Far East, according to the University of Ohio Extension Office.

Rhubarb Nutrition Facts:  One cup of diced, raw rhubarb

• has just 26 calories
• provides 45% of your daily vitamin K needs which helps blood clot and reduces your chances of bone fractures
• is a source of omega-6 fatty acids which promote hair and skin growth and regulates your metabolism
• can be eaten raw, but is very sour
• the green leaves are poisonous and shouldn't be eaten

So, how do you like your rhubarb? I enjoy crisps, pies and sauces to top ice cream. And, since the farmer's market is plentiful with rhubarb this week, I'll be eating lots of it! Yum!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Reflections of The Blogging from A to Z Challenge

Whew! Maintaining a personal blog challenge is like running a marathon. 

Last week I crossed the finish line in my first ever Blogging from A to Z Challenge--and it feels great. I kept a steady pace, didn't skip any of the 26 miles, er, letters in my path and learned a lot along the journey.

1. People genuinely do care about nutrition and question what's on their plates. My passion is not falling on deaf ears!

2. Maintaining a daily blog is more than just tapping out a few paragraphs of insights. There are comments to approve, read and reply to. There are photos to snap or find. And, of course there's research (read: cook, bake, shop!) to create informative, honest posts.

3. I learned a lot from my readers and the blogs I visited during the challenge! I have a list of new blogs to peruse, books to read and recipes to try. Thank you!

4. Blogging won't make you rich. I maintain Whole Foods Living because it's my day-to-day life speaking. I write about what I encounter during my ongoing healthy eating transition. The ad revenue from this blog challenge will probably buy me a watermelon at the farmer's market or maybe another bag of organic quinoa. Yum!

5. People will blog about anything! While visiting other blogs in the challenge I met other foodies, learned about children's books, death rituals, tourist spots in Paris, how much I need a beach vacation and the antics of young children!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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A Yam is a Yam

Yams! Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

I always thought the potato-like vegetable with bright orange flesh could be referred to as either a yam or a sweet potato. Although they are both tubers, they are different plants.

If you live in the United States, you're probably eating sweet potatoes, despite the labels at the grocery store.

Yams are rarely grown in the United States and are not readily available. Yams can grow to the size of a small child, according to one of my favorite vegetarian cookbooks. Really!

The tubers are usually sold cut into manageable chunks. If you want to dine on a real yam, go to a Latino market and search for "name". It will likely be sold by the pound in shrink-wrapped packages to preserve the vegetable's moisture.

So, have you eaten real yams? I don't think I have!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Whole Foods Quiz: Test Your Nutrition Knowledge

Welcome to day "W" of the 2012 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. The month is winding down, so it's a great time to test your whole foods knowledge. Here's a simple quiz to get you thinking about what you put on your plate.

Photo courtesy Morguefile.

1. Which provides the most fiber and vitamins?
    a. One cup of 100% pure apple juice
    b. One cup of unsweetened, homemade applesauce
    c. One cup of chopped, fresh apple

ANSWER: All of these choices are healthy options! But, to really get the most from your apple indulgence, opt for the last option, a fresh apple. Since apple juice and applesauce are heated and processed, they lose some of their valuable nutrients. To learn more about apples, check out "An Apple A Day: Kicking off the 2012 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge!".

2. Quinoa is a
    a. vegetable
    b. grain
    c. fruit

ANSWER: Quinoa is a protein-filled grain. It's similar in texture to couscous or rice. To learn more about quinoa, check out my two posts, "3 Ways to Eat Quinoa," and "What is quinoa?".

3. A vegan doesn't eat
    a. honey
    b. olive oil
    c. pickles

ANSWER: Unlike a vegetarian, vegans do not eat any products produced by animals. So, a vegan would not eat honey, since it is made by bees. Still not sure about the differences between vegans and vegetarians? Check out my post "Vegan Vs. Vegetarian" posted yesterday!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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How to Grill Tomatoes

When the hubby tosses a steak on the grill, I prepare veggie kabobs. In addition to whole button mushrooms, slices of bell pepper and chunks of red onion, I like to add tomatoes to the mix.

Fresh Tomatoes. Photo Courtesy Morguefile.

Since the fruit has a tender, thin skin I've been experimenting with various ways to grill tomatoes. When secured to a skewer they seem to grill--not char--like tomatoes placed directly on the grill.

The easiest tomatoes to add to a kabob are small salad tomatoes such as cherry, grape or pear tomatoes. Just slide them onto the skewer. If you only have large, whole tomatoes available, you can grill them kabob-style too.

Start by chopping the tomato into large chunks, at least 2 1/2 to 3-inches wide. Then, drizzle the tomato with olive oil. Don't squeeze the seeds and juice out of the chunks or they will dry out during the grilling process. Finally, wedge the chunks between two other kabob items to help secure the tender tomato.

Grill the veggie kabobs on indirect heat on an upper grill rack for three to four minutes. Rotate the skewers and grill for another three to four minutes. Then, enjoy!

Have you ever grilled tomatoes? Feel free to share your ideas, tips and tricks in the comments below.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Why Blog About Nutrition?

Of all the things to write about -- why choose nutrition? I have so many hobbies, from photography and scrapbooking, to pets and gardening, why does food get the spotlight?

Oatmeal and fruit. Photo courtesy Morguefile.com

I've always been into cooking and eating healthy, but early in the winter of 2010, I decided to try using food as medicine.

After taking prescription medications for rheumatoid arthritis for several months, I quit. My hair was thinning and falling out in clumps, I was nauseated daily, I was gaining weight quickly and I felt horrible. I started researching more about autoimmune diseases, and from books to web articles and television interviews, everyone spoke about changing their diets and feeling better.

As a "healthy" vegetarian, I thought I was eating correctly. Vegetables filled my dinner plate, I ate lots of legumes and nut butters for protein and snacked on fruits. But, I also had a freezer full of vegetarian soy burgers, boxed brownie mixes lined the cupboard shelves and my go-to snack was Dorito's covered in melted cheddar cheese.

I was filling up on sugar and sodium-laden processed foods that lacked much nutrition. So, one day I decided to start limiting those foods from my diet. If it comes in a can, box or instructions for cooking in the microwave, I probably don't eat it.

Whole Foods Living is my way of exploring, learning and educating people about nutrition. I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist. I'm just a 30-something gal trying to feel good without popping pills. Food is medicine. Since I've been eating healthier, my body actually punishes me when I eat junk food. Sugary candy makes me dizzy. Artificial dyes make me run to the restroom.

For me, food goes way beyond curbing hunger. Food makes me feel sick, or healthy.

So, why do you blog? What's your topic, and why are you passionate about it? For me, I blog to keep myself accountable. Plus, I learn lots of new tasty ways to eat healthy, thanks to comments from faithful readers like you! Thank you!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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What is Food Irradiation?

Since I've decided to eat healthier, I read a lot of food labels. One term I come across frequently is irradiation. So, I decided to scout around and see what I could learn about this food processing procedure.

In simplified terms, irradiation is the treatment and preservation of foods with gamma rays, electron beams and x-rays. In the United States, foods processed with irradiation are labeled by the EPA with the Radura symbol or a line of text mentioning irradiation.

(Radura logo courtesy of the USDA, Wikimedia Commons)

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Irradiation :

• kills disease-causing germs
• kills parasites and bacteria that cause food born illnesses including E. coli and Salmonella
• does not mean foods are clean. Irradiated foods should still be washed before eating. They may get dirty during transportation to the grocery store.
• increases the shelf of fresh produce, inhibits mold growth and reduces sprouting

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Irradiation:

• does not make food radioactive or change the nutritional value of food
• does not eliminate all food dangers.
• makes old produce appear "fresh" and eliminates the "rancid" odor of decomposing produce
• is not applied to organic foods

So, how do you feel about eating food treated with irradiation? I can't imagine the nutritional value of irradiated foods isn't diminished. I've love to read some credible, not government-based, research about the nutrition of irradiated foods. Please share your comments and links to additional resources below. Thank you!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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A to Z Blog Challenge Week 1 Recap

I did it! I survived week one of my first April A to Z Blog Challenge! In case you missed it, during the month of April I am blogging about nutrition, living healthy, easy recipes and sharing whole foods tips by focusing on one letter of the alphabet each day (excluding Sundays).

 Here's a look back at the past week:

April 1: An Apple A Day: Kicking off the 2012 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge!
April 2: Easy Triple Berry Smoothie Recipe
April 3: Is Cinnamon a Health Food?
April 4: How to Get More Vitamin D
April 5: How to Dye Easter Eggs Naturally
April 6: How to Eat Flax Seed
April 7: Gluten-Free Food List

Want to know what I'll be blogging about for the rest of the month? You'll have to stop by Whole Foods Living to find out! Bookmark this page, follow me on Twitter or stop by and chat on Facebook. I'm always ready to gab about living healthier!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Is Cinnamon a Health Food?

Cinnamon Sticks. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Who knew tree bark could be both delicious and healthy? Today we're talking about cinnamon for the A to Z Blog Challenge! Although medical opinions vary regarding the health benefits and effectiveness of cinnamon, the tree-based spice is known for:

• reducing inflammation
• killing bacteria
• lowering blood-sugar levels
• adding antioxidants to your diet

~Learn more about cinnamon on WebMD.~

So, why not add cinnamon to your daily diet? Here are five easy ways:

1. Sprinkle cinnamon on cereal. It works best on hot oatmeal, plain puffed rice cereal or shredded wheat squares.
2. Mix cinnamon into your favorite baked goods recipe. Don't cinnamon-sugar cookies or apple-cinnamon bread sound good right about now?
3. Add a dash of cinnamon, a handful of dried raisins or cranberries, and a sprinkle of stevia to leftover jasmine rice. You now have an instant no-fat rice pudding-type dessert.
4. Stir cinnamon into pancake batter or sprinkle it over french toast in lieu of high-calorie syrup.
5. And, my final and favorite tip: Place fresh cinnamon sticks in a pot of simmering chili. My husband does this to add a sweet and spicy flavor to his chili. Before serving, remove the cinnamon sticks.

How do you like to use cinnamon? Please share in the comments section!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: Don't want to miss any posts on Whole Foods Living? Sign up for email updates in the left margin of this page. Or follow me, Angela Tague, on Twitter, Facebook or Google+! I also play around on Pinterest and StumbleUpon.

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2012 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge

Each April, bloggers around the globe participate in the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Since every blogger interprets the rules differently, here are my personal goals for this blog, Whole Foods Living:

• Provide valuable information about nutrition
• Share recipe ideas and menu plans
• Explain that Whole Foods Living extends beyond the kitchen
• Post at least once a day in April, excluding the last four Sundays
• Focus on one letter of the alphabet for 26 days 

Follow the blog challenge by signing up with a Google account or email address in the left margin of this page.

Are you also blogging for the A to Z April Challenge? Please share your blog's URL in the comments below so I can check out your progress!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Tiger Woods Endorses Fuse Science Sports Nutrition Supplements

It's not uncommon for pro athletes to endorse products. Nobody bat an eye when David Beckham promoted Adidas sneakers, or when Maria Sharapova showed off her photography skills behind the Canon Powershot Digital Camera Series.

Tiger Woods
Photo by Molly A. Burgess,
Wikimedia Commons

Last week Tiger Woods announced he will endorse Fuse Science sports nutrition products. The nutritional supplements aid in vitamin and electrolyte levels and absorption. The oral drops absorb directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestion process.

Tiger Woods says the products will "enhance every athlete's ability to perform at their natural best" and increase energy levels.

But, isn't that the role of a healthy diet?

Athletes who consume fresh fruits, vitamin-packed vegetables and lean proteins have more energy and endurance on the field than their fast-food eating counterparts.

For example, adding protein to your breakfast staves off the mid-morning munchies and helps muscles build and repair themselves after a sunrise run or pre-practice yoga session.

Will Tiger Woods' endorsement of nutritional supplements lead athletes to believe supplements are healthier than absorbing vitamins naturally from fresh foods?

Whether you're an on-the-go high school athlete or squeeze workouts into a busy work schedule, time-saving nutritional options are appealing and an excellent boost to a healthy diet. But, supplements don't cure a growling stomach or satiate a post-workout appetite.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela

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Raspberry-Banana Smoothie



Fresh Raspberries
Photo from Wikimedia Commons

After I exercise, I like to indulge in a fruit smoothie. The natural sugars prolong my post-workout energy high. Plus, it's an easy way to get part of my daily fruit intake without lots of chopping, juicing or peeling.

Today I created a banana-raspberry smoothie. It's sweeter than most of the morning drinks I create, but it makes my sweet tooth happy!

Here's the recipe:

1 cup milk (use any kind you like: cow, almond, soy, etc.)
1 peeled banana, chunks
1/2 cup fresh raspberries, washed and whole
1 Tbs. raw honey
1 Tbs. milled flax seed
5-6 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth and creamy. Enjoy!

Now, while you sip, here's how you're fueling your body. The banana serves up a healthy dose of vitamin B6, potassium and fiber. Plus, one banana only has 1 gram of sodium and helps prevent high blood pressure. The raspberries are full of skin-clearing antioxidants, vitamin C and dietary fiber. And, the Omega-3 fatty acids in the flaxseed reduces inflammation and blood pressure.
Drink up!
　

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela
Whole Foods Living

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