Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Dash Diet Phase 2 Plan

The Dash Diet Phase 2 follows the 14 days of Phase 1,  plus some additional healthy foods added into your daily diet. Phase 2 is a healthy plan and a lifestyle choice for your future.

Your serving sizes are very important in the Dash Diet Phase 2 plan, take a good look at the pie chart.




Foods encouraged to eat in limited amounts in Stage 2 of the DASH Diet
  • Dairy
    • Make sure you get 2-3 servings per day for smaller appetite, 2-3 servings per day for moderate appetite, 3-4 servings per day for large appetite
    • Serving size – 8 ounces yogurt, 1 ounce cheese, ½ cup cottage cheese
    • Also add nonfat milk / skim milk – serving size 8 ounces. If you are lactose intolerant, choose lactose-free milk or take lactose digesting tablets to reduce the lactose. Here are some low sodium cheeses if you just can't live without your cheese fix!
    • Buttermilk, nonfat sour cream (not containing titanium dioxide) – listed in recipes, no serving size given
  • Nuts, beans, seeds
    • 1-2 serving per day for smaller appetite, 1-3 servings per day for moderate appetite, 2-4 servings per day for large appetite
    • See list above under General – foods to limit
    • Serving size – ¼ cup beans, ¼ cup nuts, ¼ cup seeds
    • No clear guidelines on portions of vegetarian proteins for vegetarian diets
  • Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs
    • 5-6 ounces per day for smaller appetite, 6-8 ounces per day for moderate appetite, 8-11 ounces per day for large appetite
    • See list above under General – foods to limit
  • Fats – heart-healthy
    • 1-2 servings per day for smaller appetite, 2-3 servings per day for moderate appetite, 3-4 servings per day for large appetite
    • See list above under General – foods to limit
    • Serving size – 1 tablespoon salad dressing, 1 teaspoon of butter or oil
    • Also add: olives, some regular mayonnaise
  • Whole grains and other starchy foods, if desired
    •  
    • 2-3 servings per day for smaller appetite, 2-3 servings per day for moderate appetite, 3-4 servings per day for large appetite. Try to avoid going over 3 servings of whole grains per day.
    • Cereals e.g. oatmeal (unsweetened), grits, wheat, high-fiber cereals without added sugar, Grape Nut Flakes, Wheaties – serving size is ½ cup cooked cereal, 1 ounce dry cereal (80-100 calories). Try to get cereals with no more than 5 grams of sugar, and less than 250 milligrams of sodium
    • Breads e.g. whole wheat / whole grain bread, including “light” or “lite” kinds – serving size is 1 slice bread, ¼ bagel, ½ English muffin, ½ hamburger bun, ½ hot dog bun
    • Baked foods – if you bake with whole grain flour, store it somewhere cool or refrigerated to avoid rancidity
    • Pastas – serving size is ½ cup cooked pasta
    • Starchy vegetables e.g. corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes/yams, winter squash – serving size ½ cup
    • Brown rice – serving size 1/3 cup
    • Popcorn – serving size 2 cups
    • For people with sensitivity to gluten, it’s fine to substitute gluten-free GF whole grains for wheat products.

  • Fruit
    • Make sure you get at least 2-3 servings per day for smaller appetite, 2-4 servings per day for moderate appetite, 3-5 servings per day for large appetite
    • Fresh fruit, e.g. apples, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, clementines, grapes, honeydew melon, mangoes, melons, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, pomegranate, pineapple, plums, raspberries, strawberries – serving size –1 cup diced raw fruit
    • Dried fruit – serving size ¼ cup
    • Canned fruit – serving size ½ cup
    • Unsweetened applesauce (serving size not given)
    • No more than 4-6 ounces of fruit juice e.g. orange juice; another part of the book says 4 ounces. It’s better to have whole fruits
  • Other foods

    • These foods can also be added: Some ketchup, BBQ sauce, hot sauce; Some jelly or jam;
    •  Low-calorie, low-sugar, low-fat ice cream

      Diet Tip
      When you are 80% full – STOP Eating- you are satisfied and by the time that last mouth full you ate hits your stomach you will be full. You will still be able to eat the food you like but you don’t need to over eat, try it, you will be surprised at how easy it is to do and you won’t suffer from that belly bloat and you will feel so much more comfortable.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Free DASH Diet Recipes

Here are the 10 most popular DASH Diet Recipes 


Get the 10 Most Popular Dash Diet Recipes

The DASH diet is a plant-focused diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, with low-fat and non-fat dairy, lean meats, fish, and poultry, mostly whole grains, and heart healthy fats.

You fill up on delicious fruits and vegetables, paired up with protein-rich foods to quench your hunger. This makes a plan that is so easy to follow.




Saturday, January 21, 2017

The Importance of Vitamins



 The Importance of Vitamins


 There are about eleven types of vitamins, which are essential for the human body. Our body needs whole vitamins, which are found naturally in the foods such as grains, vegetables and fruits.


Vitamin A 


Vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of our eye and it also acts as an antioxidant preventing certain oxidizing chemical reactions, which cause harm to our body. Vitamin A can be obtained from green leafy vegetables, broccoli, carrot, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, papaya etc.

 Lack of Vitamin A can cause problems related to eyesight such as night blindness.


Vitamin B


 The B group vitamins include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin and biotin. These are essential for the proper functioning of our nervous system and for the conversion of food in to energy by the body. It is also essential for the proper functioning of various metabolic activities of our body.
 Vitamin B is available from whole grains, beans, fish, lean meat, fruits and vegetables, dry fruits, nuts, milk, egg, soy beans, etc. Vitamin B-12 can be obtained only from animal sources such as liver, egg, meat, cheeses etc. B group vitamins are essential for the amino acid metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and for the healthy skin.

 Insufficient Vitamin B can cause diseases like Beriberi, Anemia, poor resistance to diseases

Vitamin C 


Vitamin C can be obtained from citrus fruits such as lemon, sweet lime, oranges, grapes, grapefruit etc. Vitamin C is essential for the prevention of diseases and infection. It also helps in the absorption of iron.

 Lack of Vitamin C causes gum bleeding, weakness, loss of appetite, tiredness

Vitamin D


 Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight. It is essential for the bones and teeth. It is also needed for the growth of our body.

 Insufficient vitamin D causes deformation of bones and teeth

Vitamin E 


Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant. It can be obtained from whole grains, asparagus, wheat germ, corn, green leafy vegetables, spinach and seeds especially sunflower seeds.

 Lack of vitamin E can cause nerve damage.

Deficiency of vitamins in food leads to poor health. An effective way of filling the nutritional gaps due to poor eating habits is the use of vitamin supplements. These vitamin supplements can help us to boost our immune system and to build up stamina.

Monday, October 3, 2016

Dash Diet Crock Pot Recipes

Here are some simple but very tasty Dash Diet Crock Pot Recipes.

Lime Chicken Tacos

Chicken cooked in a crock pot is nice and moist and add a little lime and lime zest it give the chicken a truly flavorful taste. You can use flour tortillas or crispy tacos - the choice is yours. Limes are such a healthy fruit- check out the benefits of limes

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • Lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup chunky salsa
  • 12 fat-free flour tortillas (6 inches), warmed
    Optional Goodies
Sour cream, jalapenos, shredded lettuce, or your favorite 2% Mexican shredded cheese

Place chicken in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine lime juice and chili powder; pour over chicken.

Then cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 5-6 hours.

Remove chicken. When cool enough to handle, shred meat with two forks; return to slow cooker. Stir in corn and salsa.

Then cook, covered, on low until heated through, about 30 minutes. Place filling on tortillas; or crispy tacos and add some of your favorite condiments like lite sour cream, jalapenos, lettuce and cheese. Yield: 6 servings.

Nutritional Facts
2 tacos: 291 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. .

Perfect with a special DASH Diet Margarita

Quinoa and Summer Squash Casserole

Here is an extremely easy to make and tasty low sodium, low fat and low calorie slow cooker layered squash recipe. Use your 5-6 quart slow cooker. This has only 275 mg of sodium per serving.


Ingredients
  • 12 ounces tomatillos, Mexican husked tomatoes, rinsed and chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup crumbled low sodium gruyere or Swiss cheese, divided
  • 2 pounds small yellow summer squash, cut into ¼-inch slices
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano

    Directions

    Combine tomatillos, tomatoes, pepper, onion, lime juice and salt in a medium bowl.
Spray your 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Layer quinoa, ⅓ cup cheese and all of the squash in the slow cooker. Top with another ⅓ cup cheese. Spread the tomatillo mixture on top, but don't stir the ingredients together. (Refrigerate the remaining cheese to use for the topping.)

Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours. Serve sprinkled with oregano and the remaining ⅓ cup cheese.

Here are 35 more Low Sodium Crock Pot Recipes Here


Low Sodium Slow Cooker Recipes
$4.95

Coconut Quinoa CurrySeason the pork with salt, garlic powder and red pepper flakes and place it into the slow
cooker.
Mix together the broth, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce and pour it over the pork,
then pour the honey over and set the timer for 4 hours on High or 6-8
hours on Low.
Once the pork is cooked and tender (it should shred easily with a fork),
remove from slow cooker with tongs into a serving dish.
Break apart lightly with two forks and put back into the slow cooker.
Ladle 1/2 cup sauce over the pork and keep warm until ready to eat.
NUTRITION INFORMATION

This is one of my go to recipes that is so successful and full of flavor, coconut milk and turmeric have a magic combination of flavors.

I use sweet potato, beans, onion and chickpeas as the bulk of this curry, but you can use your favorite vegetables, white potatoes, broccoli, butternut squash, cauliflower, eggplant, corn, broad beans are all good in this recipe.  This recipe is all vegetarian but is also great with chicken or lamb.

Serves 6-8.

Ingredients

1 medium sweet potato, peeled + chopped (about 3 cups)
2 cups of fresh green beans (cut into ½ inch pieces)
1 medium size carrot (cut into small bit size pieces)
½ white onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1 (15 oz) can organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 (14.5 oz) cans coconut milk (either full fat or lite)
¼ cup quinoa
2 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon freshly grated turmeric (or 1 teaspoon ground)
2 teaspoon  tamari sauce
½ - 1 teaspoon chili flakes
1 - 1½ cups water

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a slow cooker, starting with 1 cup of water. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.

Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 3 - 4 hours until sweet potato cooks through and the curry has thickened.

You can serve as is like a vegetarian soup or on balsamic rice.


Black Bean Chili


Chili is a wonderful comfort food at any time of the year, this is a flavorful dish that has no meat in this recipe but you can add your favorite meat – this chili will increase your energy levels and, despite all the beans, minimize bloating.



Basic Chili Recipe -Ingredients





  • 1 1/2 cups bell pepper (any color), chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp canned chipotle chili, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 can (15.5 oz) can low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned no-salt-added
  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Directions

Combine all the ingredients into your Crock pot
Cook on High for 4 hours and let it simmer until you are ready to eat.
Or if you are going out cook on low for 6-8 hours and then let it simmer.




Crock Pot Chicken Potatoes and Green Beans

Here is a healthy Chicken, potatoes and green bean crock pot recipe with a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and dried seasonings.


        Ingredients

  • 1.5- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • ½ lb. fresh green beans, trimmed (about 2.5 cups)
  • 1.25 lb. diced red potatoes (about 4 cups)
  • ⅓ cup FRESH lemon juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. dried cilantro
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
  • ¼ tsp. onion powder
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

    Instructions
  • Start by placing the chicken in a 6-quart crock pot, in the center. Next add the green beans on one side. Then for the potatoes, you will need to mound them high off to the other side.
  • In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, cilantro, pepper, onion powder and garlic cloves.
  • Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken, green beans and potatoes.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours, without opening the lid during the cooking time.
  • Note- Do NOT use lemon juice out of squeeze bottle and expect this to taste good.

    Light and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
  • Here is a no bake mashed potato recipe that is delicious.

    Cook in you slow cooker 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
    Use 2 lbs of whole little Red potatoes, with skins on. 

    Put them in your slow cooker without water. But put a piece of parchment paper on top of the potatoes, this helps the potatoes steam – so there is no draining.

    Add a little olive oil and your favorite herb, rosemary is a great choice.

    http://dashdietbooks.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-ultimate-dash-diet-slow-cooker.html#.WeAQY1tSwnQOnce cooked mash and add buttermilk, 2/3 cup add ½ cup of Greek yogurt or low fat sour cream. 

    If you would like a lighter, fluffier mashed potato add 1/8 teaspoon baking powder.
 Apple Crisp

Everyone loves an Apple Crisp dessert and here is one I make in the Crock Pot, add a little Greek Yogurt on top, it is delicious.

This recipe serves 6 people. Add you own favorite fruits and spices, pecans, walnuts, raisins, cranberries, ginger are all good.



Ingredients


1 Cup oatmeal
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoon of all purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 stick of butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 lbs. Granny Smith Apples

Instructions

Peel and core apples and thinly slice. Add granulated sugar and flour to the apples and toss to coat. Place Apples into the bottom of a 5-6 quart crock pot.

Mix brown sugar, oatmeal and butter until you have a crumbly mixture and then sprinkle oatmeal mixture on top of the apples.

Cook on HIGH for 4 Hours or until apples are fully cooked..


If you prefer peaches here is a Peach Cobbler Recipe made with frozen peaches.