Sweet Tooth

NUTRITION

Getting healthy can be hard; staying healthy is just as hard, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Below is a recipe for HOT FUDGE PUDDING CAKE. The recipe is made for 2 servings, and the active time in making this cake is 20 minutes, while the total time is 1 hour.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup nonfat milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup pecan halves, toasted (see Tip)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cups hot strong coffee

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Combine milk, egg, oil and vanilla in a glass measuring cup. Make a well in center of the dry ingredients and gradually pour in the milk mixture, stirring until combined. Stir in pecans. Spoon into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
3. Dissolve brown sugar in coffee; spoon over batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes; serve hot or warm.

Tips & Notes:

• Tip: To toast pecan halves: Spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, until fragrant, 7 to 9 minutes.

Nutrition:

Per Serving: 142 calories (YAY!!!); 5 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 18 mg cholesterol; 24 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 204 mg sodium; 114 mg potassium.

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 1/2 other carbohydrate, 1 fat

More Healthy Foods:

Product Review

In my efforts to get fit, I have tried a lot of protein bars - most are pretty disgusting. Through my journey I have fallen in love with two different bars. The first bar is the Pure Protein Bar (The Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor). It really satisfies my craving for sweets, it almost tastes like a sneakers bar - keyword is almost. The bar still tastes of protein, but the overall flavor is great and easy to digest, unlike some other protein bars I've come across. I would recommend eating the bar with a cup of skim milk  (its my way of having a little heaven)

 

Another great protein bar is the Clif (Chocolate Flavor) Protein Bar. It has more calories than the previous, (70 more to be exact) but it is more substantial; this bar could stand alone as a meal. Additionally, it seems to have more dimensions than the other bar mentioned above - it's crunchy. The bar is not as sweet tasting, but it still satisfies. 

 

Below are Clif's nutrition facts for the chocolate flavored bar.   

FASHION & FOOD

When throwing parties - whether its for a birthday, baby shower, etc. - it can be difficult to come up with a menu plan. Below are images of fashionable yet creative cakes/ cupcakes. Just remember, when planning a menu for such an event, healthy items can still be incorporated. Try to use low fat and low calorie products. 

Optimum Oil Therapy

Beauty 

Product Reviews

Item One:  Optimum Oil Therapy Ultimate Recovery Conditioner

Review: This product (seen above) works wonders and it can be used on variety of hair types. It has a very thick consistency and it doesn't stink, like other revitalizing hair products. For some consumers, this product may be a little costly (ranging from $4-7 for only 8 oz.); however, its worth the buy. It de-tangles very well and your hair will ultimately look and feel rejuvenated. Apparently, this product uses "Micro Oil Technology," which allows "micro-beads of natural oils to [penetrate the hair] and help nourish, repair, strengthen and protect [it]"  It also, "helps prevent breakage and guard against split ends." 

 

Item Two: Optimum Oil Therapy Hair & Scalp Quencher 

Review:  Another, wonderful product by SoftSheen-Carson. This product is very runny; as a result there is no greasy build up. Additionally, the product smells great. You wont be disappointed. This product really does what it says it will do - it quenches dry hair. 

NOTE: These products are made for people of color. Click here, to learn more!

Sex Education

HEALTH

 

Medindia Health Network, one of Asia's premiere health care portals, has reported that Female Sexual Dysfunction is an age-related, progressive and highly prevalent problem affecting nearly 30-50% of women globally.

According to, the McKinley Health Center, the body's actual response to sexual stimulation occurs in stages; these stages are fluid, and very individual. Through extensive research, it is now known that women do not necessarily progress through sexual functioning in a linear sense, but experience overlapping phases of sexual response that blends the responses of both the mind and the body. The stages of sexual function are as follows: 

To better understand the four stages of function and what they may look like visit: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/female_function_dysfunction.html

When problems continuously occur at these stages, a woman most likely is experiencing sexual dysfunction. The American Psychological Association (APA) classifies female sexual problems as:

a. Mental disorders - loss of sexual desire or arousal,
b. Discomfort during intercourse,
c. Diminished blood flow to the vagina,

d. Trauma-related aversion to sex,

e. Inability to achieve orgasm.

Sexual dysfunction may have physiological or psychological causes or a combination of both the physiological and psychological.

Moreover,

 

Sexual dysfunctions are treatable. The first step is to rule out any physical causes that may be affecting the problem. Education, information and counseling are often very effective in relieving sexual problems. If you have questions about any of these conditions, talk with your health care provider or schedule an appointment with a Sexual Health Educator. 

More On Sex And Relationships:

Take a 5 minute quiz that address the question of - What's your style of romantic attachment? Find out now at:  http://psychcentral.com/romancequiz.htm

NUTRITION

Changing eating habits can increase libido - a person's sex drive or sexual urge, which varies from person to person, from female to male. General levels of libido & sex drive decreases slowly as you get older. If you have a lower than normal libido, then eating the right types of foods and cutting down on the wrong foods (ex. fast food) can help to increase your libido and rebuild your sex drive. Foods you should include into your eating habits are:
1. Raw Oysters - have a high Zinc content which raises the testosterone and sperm production, which are both considered important for enhancing libido.
2. Asparagus -are rich in vitamin E, which is considered to stimulate the production of sex hormones (testosterone) and may be important for a healthy sex life.

Good for both female and male libido levels

3. Figs - are high in amino acids, which researchers believe can increase libido. It has also been found that Figs can also increase your sexual stamina

 4. Almonds & Other Nuts in General Almonds - are a prime source of essential fatty acids. They are vital! 

5. Eggs - are another source of vitamins (B5 & B6) both of which help fight stress and balance hormone levels, both are crucial to a healthy libido. High levels of stress are a well know cause of low sex drive. 

6. Basil (Sweet basil)-is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost female fertility.
7. Brown Rice, Cheese & Turkey - are all good sources if zinc. Testosterone production is dependent on zinc, and testosterone levels control both male and female libido and sex drive.
8. Liver - is not the sexiest of foods but may increase low or slowed libido.

A good source of GLUTAMINE.

9. Avocado - contains high levels of folic acid, helping to metabolize proteins. They also contain vitamin B6, helpful in increasing male hormone production. In addition potassium is found in avocado which aids in regulating the female thyroid gland, this helps enhance female libido levels.
10. Bananas - are a great energy giving food source. Contains the bromelain enzyme, which is believed to improve male libido. The phallic shape is said to be partially responsible for the banana being popular as an aphrodisiac food. However, they are rich in potassium and B vitamins like riboflavin which are necessary for sex hormone - testosterone production.  

11. Celery - can be a fantastic source food for sexual stimulation because it contains androsterone. This is an odorless hormone released through male perspiration that can turn women on.
12. Pine Nuts (the edible seeds of pine trees)- are  rich in zinc and zinc being necessary to maintain male potency, pine nuts have been used for many years to stimulate the libido. 

13. Salmon & Other Fish - are another good source of essential B vitamins B5, B6, B12, all of which are important in keeping good reproductive health.

14. Damiana - is a small shrub with smooth, pale green oval leaves and aromatic yellow flowers. It grows in Mexico and Central America. Damiana (or Turnera diffusa) is said to help with impotence, relieve anxiety, promote general well being and act as a sexual stimulant for male and females alike. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BLOG POST IS MEANT TO FURTHER EDUCATE WOMEN ABOUT SEX. THIS BLOG DOES NOT ADVOCATE PRE-MARITAL SEX.

 Literature

"In her book The Naked Truth, author Lakita Garth, an internationally known abstinence advocate, presents a very convincing defense of an abstinent lifestyle before marriage. Drawing from her own background and experiences as the daughter of a strong mother figure and the younger sister of several older brothers, Garth obviously writes from what she knows and teaches.
In The Naked Truth, Garth, a former Miss Black California, explains that self-control, self-discipline, and delayed gratification—all of which seem to be in short supply today—are essential to living an abstinent lifestyle in our sex-saturated culture." (Sulyn Wilkins) 

 

The Benefits of Remaining A Virgin Until Marriage: 

Spiritual Growth

Control

Zero Chances of  Getting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's)

Clearer Mind/Focus 

Fashionable Abs

HEALTH

Women's Magazine has reported that there are 12 wonderful ways to exchange stomach fat for toned, lean, and sexy abs. All you have to do is incorporate at least two or three of the Ab Powerfood's:  

1. Almonds &  Other Nuts (with skins intact)

Superpowers Builds muscle, reduces cravings
Fights Obesity, heart disease, muscle loss, wrinkles, cancer, high blood pressure

2. Beans & Legumes

Superpowers Builds muscle, helps burn fat, regulates digestion
Fights Obesity, colon cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure

3. Spinach & Other Green Vegetables

Superpowers Neutralizes free radicals, molecules that accelerate the aging process
Fights Cancer, heart disease, stroke, obesity, osteoporosis

4. Dairy Products (fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese)

Superpowers Builds strong bones, fires up weight loss
Fights Osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure, cancer 

5. Instant Oatmeal (unsweetened, unflavored)

Superpowers Boosts energy, reduces cholesterol, maintains blood sugar levels
Fights Heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, obesity

6. Eggs

Superpowers Builds muscle, burns fat
Fights Obesity 

7. Turkey & Other Lean Meats

Superpowers Builds muscle, strengthens immune system
Fights Obesity, various diseases

8. Peanut Butter

Superpowers Boosts testosterone, builds muscle, burns fat
Fights Obesity, muscle loss, wrinkles, cardiovascular disease

9. Olive Oil

Superpowers Lowers cholesterol, boosts immune system
Fights Obesity, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure

10. Whole-Grain Breads & Cereals

Superpowers Prevents body from storing fat
Fights Obesity, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease

11. Extra-Protein (whey) Powder

Superpowers Builds muscle, burns fat
Fights Obesity

12. Raspberries & Other Berries

Superpowers Protects heart; enhances eyesight; improves balance, coordination, and short-term memory; prevents cravings
Fights Heart disease, cancer, obesity

FASHION

If ever there was a time to get fit with regular exercise and healthy eating habits, its now.Maintaining your health this winter is essential to your look this Spring. One of Spring 2011 hottest trends are

Cropped Tops 

 

Maintaining your weight can be difficult, but it's a must - especially if you plan on wearing this trend. Whats your thoughts on this open midriff trend? Furthermore, is this trend meant for men to wear?

NUTRITION

Here's a recipe worth trying and it has two of the Ab Powerfood's in it.

Raspberry- Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt

Ingredients: 3 cups fresh or frozen (not thawed) raspberries, 2 cups low-fat plain yogurt, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, preferably mini
Preparation: Place raspberries, yogurt, sugar and vanilla in a food processor and process until smooth.Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker (or see “No Ice Cream Maker?” below). Freeze according to manufacturer’s directions, or until desired consistency. Add chocolate chips during the last 5 minutes of freezing. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until ready to serve.

No Ice Cream Maker? Pour the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch pan and place in the freezer. Stir every few hours, until the mixture is firm along the edges and semi-firm in the center, 2 to 6 hours (using frozen berries will shorten the freezing time). Transfer to a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container, stir in chocolate chips, cover and freeze until ready to serve.Serves 8.

Tip: Make Ahead. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition: per serving: 147 calories; 4 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 4 mg cholesterol; 25 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 4 g fiber; 45 mg sodium; 253 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (20% daily value), Calcium (15% dv), 1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving