Cowgirl

Krysilis, please excuse my ignorance, I don't have a cell phone, what does it mean "ice" your cellphone? Cowgirl

Highway, Thanks to you I'm watching it on my computer again with the site you had previously posted !!! Cowgirl

RIGHT ON !!!!! TODAY Is the day!! 10:39 am, Eastern Time

Act2, I tried kick boxing about 1 1/2 yrs ago, I absolutely loved it because of the challenge!! But I stopped because I ended up tearing a ham-string muscle during one of the workouts and because long distance running is my favourite kind of work out I ended up picking that over the kickboxing. The kickboxing I must say it is an awesome workout and if you stick with it you'll begin to see results pretty quick!! Cowgirl

Scout Finch, I love Samosas but because they are usually deep fried, I tend to stay away from them. I have this old recipe for them that I'm going to try out this afternoon, I've made a few changes, I'm going to use "Spelt Flour" and bake them intead. The filling is potatoes, carrots, peas, lean ground chicken, onion, garlic ginger, mustard seeds, coriander, cayenne, olive oil and lemon juice. If you're interested in the recipe, let me know and I'll post both of them. Cowgirl

Olive Oil-Cholesterol Zapper, Detoxifier, Blood-Sugar Stablizer. Today on grocery shelves you'll find a number of grades of olive oil - ranging from "premium extra virgin" to "light" Premium extra-virgin olive oil is produced by pressing perfectly ripe olives within 24hrs of their being harvested. It contains the highest density of powerful antioxidants called "polyphenols" known for attacking free radicals before they can do their cholesterol-raising damage. Extra-virgin olive oil is made from the first pressing of olives, while virgin olive oil comes from olives that are slightly riper. Pure olive oil is a commercial grade blend of olive pulp, skins and pits. Light olive oil results from the final pressing of a batch of olives and carries little of the true aroma and flavor of olive oil. Although olive oil is a fat, it still ranks as a Fat flushing food. It deserves this status because of its monounsaturated fat, which decreases LDL cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. In addition the natural antioxidants in olive oil help lower cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy blood pressure and guard against the toxins that can cuase against breast cancer. Because of its low acidity level, especially in the higher grades of oil, olive oil is easier to digest compared to most other fats. It also has a high vitamin E content which may help reduce the frequency and/or intensity of hot flashes in women going through menopause. And by consumming small amounts of this good fat, you'll help satisfy your appetite and keep your blood sugar on an even keel. Recommended Usage- Up to 1 tablespoon per day.

Abigail, here are some more of the foods you asked about..... Zucchini-cholesterol Zapper, Detoxifier The entire vegetable is edible including its flesh, skin and seeds, a good source of vitamins A, B6, C and potassium, magnesium, folate, rioflavin and fiber. Many of the nutrients help prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. The magnesium in zucchini reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, the potassium helps bring down high blood pressure, the vitamin C and beta-carotene helps prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, keeping atherosclerosis at bay and the vitamin B6 and folate are used to break down "homocysteine" a substance that contributes to heart disease. The high fiber content absorbs cancer-causing toxins, keeping them away from cells in the colon and the beta-carotene has anti-inflammatory properties that fight conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Recommended Usage- Daily, as desired The flavor of zucchini is sweetest when it is less than 6 inches long. I haven't tried this but its an idea Zucchini Chips-thin slices of zucchini in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, throw on some seasonings if you want.

Cindy, sometimes I'll serve up a fruit cobbler it's pretty sweet though, let me know if your interested, oh and I also make up my own egg mcmuffins, homemade granola, yogurt shakes, and I also have 2 recipes for homemade pancakes. Cowgirl Also fruit salad and and some great recipes for homemade muffins

KFC Cowgirl

WhiteDove, don't drag me into this, I have nothing to do with this thread and I have no comment to make. Cowgirl

Just got to say, this sure beats watching reality TV!! Cowgirl

Water

Great site gc !! Thanks! Cowgirl

gc, sorry, I forgot to say thanks for your kind words!! THANKS Cowgirl

Hi Cindy! You're not interrupting at all, the more input the better !!! But I do have a totally unrelated question for you, how far do you live from the Detroit Airport? Cowgirl

Howdy gc !! Here is some info on the yogurt as a fat flushing food,however the author doesn't mention non-pasturized yogurt. You might want to check that out, the benefits of non-pasturized yogurt over pasturized. Yogurt-Thermogenic, Detoxifier and Engerizer,it contains beneficial bacteria, it increases resistance to immune-related diseases and may help you to live longer. If you consume yogurt regularly, you'll be strengthening your bones with calcium and phosphorous, fortifying body tissues with protein and engerizing your metabolism with riboflavin and niacin, but it is the bacterial cultures - known as "probiotics" that make yogurt a fat flushing super food. From minimizing bad breath to preventing yeast infections, "probiotics" work their magic throughout the body. They contribute to intestinal health and because they are resistant to stomach acid, continue their beneficial activities as they travel through the entire digestive tract. Yogurt helps reduce fatty liver diease, a common condition that is on the rise among over-weight people. Eating yogurt with live cultures revs up your body's ability to burn fat. Yogurt is high in calcium which is essential for releasing the hormones that break down fat. Recommended Usage- up to 1 cup of whole fat or low-fat yogurt per day. Because of the lactase it contains, yogurt is digested three times faster than milk, this makes it well tolerated by people who are lactose interolant. Look for yogurt which tell you the live cultures it contains, the best quality products have the 5 following live bacteria - S.thermophilus, L.bulgaricus, L.acidophilus, L.casei, and L.reuteri. Avoid yogurts that contain artificial colours, flavourings or sweeteners which also include fruit-filled yogurt which contain excess sugar, just add your own fresh fruit. As far as steaming vegtables, here is the low-down on them.....most fruits and vegtables should be eaten in their entirety as all of the parts including the skin which contain valuable nutrients, when eating citrus fruits remove the rinds but eat the white part inside the skin for it's vitamin C and bioflavoniod content. although most people usually cook their vegtables before eating, both fruits and vegies should be eaten raw as much as possible, All enzymes and most vitamins are extremely sensitive to heat and are usually destroyed in the cooking process. If fresh produce is unavailable use frozen foods instead, if raw produce does not agree with you steam your vegies lightly in a steamer, cooking pan or wok just until lightly tender, preserving as much of the nutrients as possible. If you're not into organic make sure you wash your vegies and fruits as thoroughly as possible.

Tomatoes- Cholesterol Zapper, Blood-Sugar Stablizer and Energizer. Excellent source of vitamin C and A, providing detoxifying antioxidants to neutralize dangerous free radicals. In addition, tomatoes supply fiber which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, control blood-sugar levels and help prevent colon cancer Tomatoes offer a notable amount of potassium, vitamin B6 and folate, they improve your body's energy production by supplying a bounty of biotin and help maintain bone health by serving as a source of vitamin K. And those blood-sugar levels, already supported by the fiber in tomatoes, are stablized even further by their chromium content. Recommended Usage: daily as desired The most concentrated source of vitamin C in a tomato is the jelly-like substance surrounding the seeds, but keep in mind that a "hothouse-grown tomato has half the vitamin C of a vine-ripened tomato.

Abigail here is some more info on the foods you asked about..... Cauliflower- Detoxifier, contains a high amount of vitamin C, folate, fiber and complex carbohydrates, also reduses the risk of cancer, there are a number of enzymes in cauliflower such as "gluathione transgerase" that help with the detoxifying process which is essential to weight loss and general health. If you have a thyroid condition stick to cooked cauliflower, reason being the cooking inactivates the goitrogenic compounds found in caulifloer. these substances occur naturally in certain founds and can intefere with thyroid function. Recommended Usage: At least 3 cups of cauliflower per week.

Hi Krysilis! I would have to agree with you, from all the reading I have done blueberries definitely tops the list when it comes to antioxidants. Here is some extra info on blueberries and their health benefits...... Health Benefits Blueberries are literally bursting with nutrients and flavor, yet very low in calories. Recently, researchers at Tufts University analyzed 60 fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capability. Blueberries came out on top, rating highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals. An Antioxidant Powerhouse Packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Anthocyanins, the blue-red pigments found in blueberries, improve the integrity of support structures in the veins and entire vascular system. Anthocyanins have been shown to enhance the effects of vitamin C, improve capillary integrity, and stabilize the collagen matrix (the ground substance of all body tissues). They work their protective magic by preventing free-radical damage, inhibiting enzymes from cleaving the collagen matrix, and directly cross-linking with collagen fibers to form a more stable collagen matrix. Cardioprotective Action While wine, particularly red wine, is touted as cardioprotective since it is a good source of antioxidant anthocyanins, a recent study found that blueberries deliver 38% more of these free radical fighters. In this study, published in the August 2003 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers found that a moderate drink (about 4 ounces) of white wine contained .47 mmol of free radical absorbing antioxidants, red wine provided 2.04 mmol, and a wine made from highbush blueberries delivered 2.42 mmol of these protective plant compounds.(October 1, 2003) Cholesterol-lowering Pterostilbene Pterostilbene (pronounced TARE-oh-STILL-bean), a powerful antioxidant compound found in blueberries, which is already known to fight cancer, may also help lower cholesterol. In a study using rat liver cells, scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service compared the cholesterol-lowering effects of pterostilbene to those of ciprofibrate, a lipid-lowering drug, and resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grapes with a chemical structure similar to pterostilbene that has been shown to help fight cancer and heart disease. They based their comparison on each compound's ability to activate PPAR-alpha (short for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha). The PPARs are a family of receptors on cells all throughout the body that are involved in the absorption of compounds into cells for use in energy production. PPAR-alpha is crucial for the metabolism of lipids, including cholesterol. Pterostilbene was as effective as ciprofibrate and outperformed resveratrol in activating PPAR-alpha. The take away message: turn up your cholesterol burning machinery by eating more blueberries, grapes and and cranberries. (January 14, 2005) A Visionary Fruit Extracts of bilberry (a variety of blueberry) have been shown in numerous studies to improve nighttime visual acuity and promote quicker adjustment to darkness and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare. This research was conducted to evaluate claims of bilberry's beneficial effects on night vision made by British Air Force pilots during World War II who regularly consumed bilberry preserves before their night missions. Protection against Macular Degeneration Your mother may have told you carrots would keep your eyes bright as a child, but as an adult, it looks like fruit is even more important for keeping your sight. Data reported in a study published in the June 2004 issue of the Archives of Opthamology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily. In this study, which involved 77,562 women and 40,866 men, researchers evaluated the effect of study participants' consumption of fruits; vegetables; the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E; and carotenoids on the development of early ARMD or neovascular ARM, a more severe form of the illness associated with vision loss. Food intake information was collected periodically for up to 18 years for women and 12 years for men. While, surprisingly, intakes of vegetables, antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids were not strongly related to incidence of either form of ARM, fruit intake was definitely protective against the severe form of this vision-destroying disease. Three servings of fruit may sound like a lot to eat each day, but by simply tossing a banana into your morning smoothie or slicing it over your cereal, topping off a cup of yogurt or green salad with a half cup of blueberries, and snacking on an apple, plum, nectarine or pear, you've reached this goal. (June 30, 2004) A Better Brain with Blueberries In animal studies, researchers have found that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Researchers found that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats. Protect the Brain from Damage After a Stroke Eating plenty of blueberries may significantly lessen brain damage from strokes and other neurological disorders, suggests a study published in the May 2005 issue of the Journal of Experimental Neurology. Neuroscientists at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that rats fed diets enriched with blueberries, spinach or spirulina (a type of algae) suffered the loss of much fewer brain cells and recovered significantly more of their ability to move following a stroke. The researchers studied four groups of rats. All were fed equal amounts of food for one month. The control (untreated) group ate chow only. A second group was given rat chow supplemented with blueberries, the third got chow with spinach, and the fourth received chow with spirulina. After four weeks, an ischemic stroke with reperfusion was induced in the rats. (An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the brain with the result that brain cells can be severely damaged and die). When the clot is cleared, the pent up oxygenated blood quickly rushes back in. Known as reperfusion, this restoration of blood flow can also result in brain damage as it causes cellular swelling, edema and the production of free radicals. Rats given blueberry or spinach along with their chow, however, were protected: the size of the area of their brains damaged by the stroke was half that seen in the brains of the control rats. Rats fed spirulina-enriched diets did even better; their stroke lesions were 75 per cent smaller than those of controls. In addition, but not surprisingly, rats pretreated with the blueberry, spinach or spirulina diets also showed regained more of their abilities to move after the stroke than rats in the control group. Neuroscientists think the reason for the improved outcome in blueberry, spinach or algae-treated rats is the same as that demonstrated in previous University of Florida/Veterans Administration research, which revealed that diets enriched with blueberries, spinach or spirulina reversed normal age-related declines in memory and learning in old rats. All these foods are exceptionally rich in antioxidants, which neuroscientists believe able to largely counteract the burst of free radicals triggered in brain cells by an ischemic stroke. It is this sudden excessive production of free radicals that damages the lipids, proteins and DNA in brain cells, causing their death. Several ingredients in blueberries, including their flavonoids and anthocyanins, have been shown to have strong antioxidant activity. Similar to blueberry, spinach leaves also contain high levels of antioxidants flavonoids, p-coumaric acid, 9-cis-β-carotene, and other water-soluble natural antioxidants. Just how powerful these compounds are is suggested by the fact that blueberries and spinach were each given as only 2% of the two supplemented rat diets. Protection Against Cancer In addition to their powerful anthocyanins, blueberries contain another antioxidant compound called ellagic acid, which blocks metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer. In a study of 1,271 elderly people in New Jersey, those who ate the most strawberries (another berry that contains ellagic acid) were three times less likely to develop cancer than those who ate few or no strawberries. In addition to containing ellagic acid, blueberries are high in the soluble fiber pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol and to prevent bile acid from being transformed into a potentially cancer-causing form. Healthier Elimination Blueberries can help relieve both diarrhea and constipation. In addition to soluble and insoluble fiber, blueberries also contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation. Blueberries also promote urinary tract health. Blueberries contain the same compounds found in cranberries that help prevent or eliminate urinary tract infections. In order for bacteria to infect, they must first adhere to the mucosal lining of the urethra and bladder. Components found in cranberry and blueberry juice reduce the ability of E. coli, the bacteria that is the most common cause of urinary tract infections, to adhere. Safety Blueberries and Oxalates Blueberries are among a small number of foods that contain any measurable amount of oxalates, naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating large amounts of blueberries. Oxalates may also interfere with absorption of calcium from the body. For this reason, individuals trying to increase their calcium stores may want to avoid eating blueberries with calcium-rich foods, or if taking calcium supplements, may want to eat them 2-3 hours before or after taking their supplements. As far as the best fruit we can eat here is a list I got from a site called "The World's Healthiest Foods"..... Apple Apricots Bananas Bluberries Cantaloupe Cranberries Figs Grapefruit Grapes Kiwi Lemon and limes Orange Papaya Pear, barlette Pineapple Plums Prunes Raisins Raspberries Strawberries Watermelon

Cucumbers- A diuretic, packed with plenty of vitamin C, silica, potassium and magnesium. Since silica is an essential component of healthy connective tissue, cucumbers help build strong muscles, tendons amd bones. Minerals in cucumbers can fight hypertension by reducing systolic blood pressure by aleast 5 points. And a generous helping of cucumber works to hydrate the body and reduce excess water weight. Recommended Usage....1 cucumber daily Most cucumbers are waxed to protect them from brusing during shipping, be sure to peel them before eating. If you buy unwaxed like the "English cucumber" be sure to leave the skin on when you eat it, alot of the nutrients are in the skin. Abigail PS I've read up on silica (the silica that's found in cucumbers) and it does absolute wonders for the skin among other things. Here is a link you might find of some interest. Although on this particulat site they are trying to sell you their product I just wanted you to see it for it's info about silica and how beneficial it is.

Broccoli- a cholesterol zapper, a detoxifier and a blood-sugar stablizer. Iron, vitamin C, potassium, fiber- broccoli has all these plus abundant amounts of folic acid, calcium and vitamin A It gives a boost to certain enzymes that help detoxify the body. Detoxification contributes to weight loss while helping to prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and high blood pressure. Also known to contain a certain "pectin fiber" that binds to bile acids and keeps cholesterol from being released into the bloodstream. Also contains "sulforaphane" a chemical found in broccoli, was found to kill "H. pylori", bacteria that cause stomach ulers and stomach cancers. "Sulforaphane" even destroyed those strains of bacteria that had become resistant to antibotics. It's also a good source of folic acid which scientists now believe serves as a defence against Alzheimer's disease and reduces the rish of heart diease. Ounce for ounce broccoli offers more vitamin C than an orange and as much calcium as a glass of milk. one medium spear has 3 times more fiber than a slice of wheat-bran bread and over 1000IUs of vitamin A. Broccoli leaves which are edible, contain a very high concentration of beta-carotene. Like it's cruciferous relatives broccoli contains "goitrogens, naturally occuring substances that can interfere with thyroid function, if you have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder you may want to check with your physcian before you consume large amounts of broccoli. Recommended usage.... At least 3-5 cups of broccoli per week.

Asparagus- it's a diuretic and detoxifier. This vegtable's ability to fight water retention comes from the fact that it is high in potassium and low in sodium and contains an amino acid called "asparagine." This trio also helps prevent fatigue by neutralizing ammonia, a substance that can build up in our bodies during the digestive process. Asparagus contains a special carbohydrate called "inulin" that is not digested but that helps feed the friendly bacteria in the large intestine. When we consume "inulin" regularly these friendly bacteria proliferate, keeping the intestinal tract clear of unfriendly bacteria. It's also an excellent source of "glutathione", an important anticarcinogen and "rutin", a substance that protects the small blood vessels from rupturing. It also provides vitamins A and C, potassium, phosphorus, and iron, also a good source of fiber, the B complex vitamins and zinc, also high in folic acid which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart diease. Recommended Usage..... At least 1/2cup to 1 cup of asparagus per week. Cowgirl

Here ya go wonderful ladies!! FAT FLUSHING STAPLES Apple cider vinegar Cranberry juice (pure) Flaxseed oil Flaxseeds Lemons Water FAT FLUSHING PROTEINS Beef Eggs Lamb Salmon Whey protein FAT FLUSHING PROTEINS Asparagus Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower Cucumbers Jicama Kale Spagetti Squash Tomatoes Watercress Zucchini FAT FLUSHING FRUITS Apples Berries Peaches FAT FLUSHING HERBS and SPICES Anise Cayenne Cinnamon Cloves Corriander Cumin Dill Dried Mustard Fennel Seed Garlic Ginger Parsley OTHER FAT FLUSHING FOODS Almonds Olive oil Spelt Sweet Potatoes Yogurt FAT FLUSHING SUPPLEMENTS Choline Chromium Cla-conjugated linoleic acid Gla-gamma linolenic acid L-Methionine Milk thistle Oregon Grape Root If any of these foods interest you, I can give you the run-down on each one, on how much, how often and how they work to get rid of the extra weight. I can also let you know what category they fall into regarding if they are: Blood-Sugar Stablizer, Cholesterol Zapper, Detoxifier. Diuretic, Energizer, Thermogenic. Cowgirl PS I'm sure you're already aware you can eat alot more foods than this that are extremely healthy, this is just the list for fat flushing foods, they have also found that these particular foods improve circulation, increases energy, stabilizes mood swings, induces sound sleep, improves skin texture, makes nails stronger, lower cholesterol and balances triglyceride levels, also internal cleansing which provides for mental and emotional benefits.

Thanks NIKA !! Cindy, I must say I had tears in my eyes as I was reading it! It's absolutely beautiful!!! Thankyou so much!! Goey and I really appreciate you taking the time to post it, we'll definitely put it to good use! Cowgirl

I forgot to mention a book you might be interested in regards to losing weight, "The Fat Flush Foods" It's all about the top 50 super foods that burn fat, boost your metabolism while controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In the book the author does a little blurp on each of the foods and then goes on to let you know what category they fit into that all have to do with flushing fat from your system. The categories are as follows: Blood-Sugar Stablizer....foods with this designation are known for steadying your blood sugar which serves to curb your appetite and prevent the fatty deposits that are part of "insulin resistance" Cholesterol Zapper.....Foods that help rid the body of cholesterol or help balance the ratio between "good" and "bad" cholesterol levels. Detoxifier.....foods that are known for ridding the body of toxins, thereby creating a cleansed and invigorated liver, which is ready to function as a fat-burning machine. Diuretic....foods that help dewaterlog the tissues and eliminate excess water weight. Engergizer....foods that fight fatigue, ward off stress and provide an engerizing boost to the entire body. Thermogenic....these foods raise the body temperature, thereby helping it to burn fat efficiently rather than storing it as fuel. If anyone wants the list of foods I'll post them. Cowgirl