#healthy foods

Health Nut: Five Foods To Introduce Into Your Winter Diet

During the winter months, the human body becomes deficient in a variety of nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies range from mild to severe, depending upon the individual’s diet, and physical activity level. Winter brings about more than colder weather, and lack of direct sunlight, affecting even the healthiest person. A low level of vitamin D is common during the winter season. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to mental and physical issues such as depressed mood and anxiety. While it may be difficult to obtain some nutrients from a proper diet, there are five foods to introduce into your winter diet that can fill in the gaps left by the cold temperatures.

 

Nuts/Seeds

Nuts and seeds are excellent choices during the winter months to add to your diet. Rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals, fresh raw nuts and seeds are the most nutrient-filled dietary choice. Include in the diet plenty of almonds, flax seed, and walnuts. All three have a high content of essential fatty acids which are good for keeping cholesterol at appropriate levels. Flax seed is one of the foods that should be included in the diet for its high fiber content. A diet rich in fiber, especially in the winter months, can leave you feeling satisfied for longer, and improve your digestive system.

 

Spices

Adding spices to food is a good way of improving the taste and nutritional value during the winter. Spices such as cinnamon are excellent for maintaining balanced glucose levels. High sugar in the bloodstream can cause serious dips in mood, cause fatigue, and can raise the risk of heart disease. Cinnamon’s nutritional makeup helps to counteract the sugars that may be in excess of what the body requires. Ginger is another spice that has been used for centuries as a flavor enhancer, and a medicinal root, especially in Asian countries. Ginger has a natural spicy tang to its flavor, which is also helpful to relieve nausea and improve digestion.

 

Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, which are both needed to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is also necessary for proper nervous system function, which directly affects levels of anxiety and mood. Winter months are long and the daylight is scarce. Keeping a healthy nervous system is important.

 

Oatmeal

A healthy dietary choice for the wintertime is oatmeal. This food is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. Oatmeal should be made from freshly milled oats, not the instant types that are sweetened and sold in packages.

 

Fish

Fish, especially the types that contain omega-3 fatty acids, are another healthy choice for the colder weather. One of the best choices is salmon. Salmon contains an abundance of fatty acids as well as being pleasing to the palette.

 

For further information on health and wellness, take a look at Melaleuca reviews. The list of products such as supplements, vitamins, and health products that are available will make healthy living easier. This winter don’t be dragged down with the blues. Take steps to prevent poor health and boost your mood.

5 Things You Can’t Skimp On In Your New Restaurant

While there are many factors that are important in the success of any restaurant, five factors are essential. Not only do these guidelines assure success, failure to meet any one of them may be fatal to your fledgling enterprise.

 

Customer Service

Prompt, friendly interaction with customers establishes the foundation of an enjoyable experience for your customers. Train staff to remember “ABC” in any situation: Always Be Courteous. Regard problems as a challenge to meet, not as a disruption to routine. Take complaints seriously, and address problems as soon as they are discovered.

 

Kitchen Staff

One of the most disruptive conditions in the restaurant business is high turnover among kitchen staff. There is a learning curve in both preparation, and presentation of your menu items. Hire good people; train them well; let them know how important they are. While adequate pay is important, intangibles such as expressing appreciation for a job well done, and making sure that unpleasant tasks are assigned fairly will inspire loyalty and minimize costly turnover.

 

Food Quality

There are many factors to consider in menu planning: freshness, flavor, current food fashion, and attractive presentation. On the practical side, you also need to consider cost, preparation time, and potential waste. Developing a few unique items can help set your restaurant apart from competitors. A favorite family dessert, or Aunt Gertrude’s Secret Recipe Salad Dressing can have customers coming back for more.

 

Kitchen Cleanliness

While most customers don’t see behind the scenes to know whether or not your kitchen harbors dirty little secrets, a dirty kitchen poses health and safety hazards, and can negatively impact employee morale. Most Health Department violations are a matter of public record, and can be a source of bad publicity for months after violations have been corrected. The only thing worse than a Health Department violation, is the potential financial liability for a food-borne illness affecting one or more customers.

 

Appearance

Finally, the overall appearance of public areas are vital to success. Plumbing leaks in bathrooms, or cracks in sheetrock on dining room walls creates a bad impression. Fresh, clean decor affirms the impression of fresh, clean food. Attention to detail in maintaining the overall appearance of your restaurant indicates that you pay attention to detail with the menu as well.

 

Opening a new restaurant can be an exciting experience. By paying close attention to these basic success factors, you can overcome the many challenges that often follow.

 

Healthy Dental Diet: Four Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth

 

Taking care of your teeth requires more than daily brushing and a trip to the dentist. Your diet is just as important when it comes to dental health. To keep your gums healthy, teeth clean and smile bright, incorporate these four foods into your diet on a regular basis.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Even Mother Nature wants you to floss, and she’s going to help you do it. Vegetables from the cruciferous family like broccoli, cauliflower and cucumbers naturally cleanse your teeth from plaque and buildup. Not only do they scrub your choppers, they also contain calcium that lends itself to development of strong teeth and bones. Just don’t use them as an excuse to skip flossing! A family dentist Indianapolis families can visit has suggested that flossing is essential for preventing periodontal gum disease, but also said vegetables like this can contribute to dental health.

Yogurt

Who knew a serving of natural yogurt a day could fight bad breath? What makes yogurt helpful isn’t just the high calcium content. The natural bacteria found within the food reduces odor-causing hydrogen sulfide. Some studies also suggest that consuming yogurt on a regular basis can also protect your gums and reduce gingivitis. For stronger enamel, enjoy a few slices of cheese as well.

Walnuts

Nuts in general are good for our teeth. But walnuts really stand out as a dental health superstar! They’re high in magnesium and phosphorous, two essential minerals for a happy smile. To prevent yellowing, add a handful of almonds to the mix. They naturally polish away stains on the surface of your teeth.

Sugar Free Gum

Your mother may have told you that chewing gum was a bad habit, but many dentists don’t agree. Sugar-free gum with Xylitol decreases cavity and plaque causing bacteria in your mouth. Chewing gum also increases saliva production. Saliva is essential for rinsing the mouth of acid and bacteria. It spreads calcium and phosphorus as well. Xylitol can be more helpful as the main sweetening ingredient as some others are overly acidic, and may cause bacteria to stick to your teeth.

Your teeth are simply too valuable to neglect. If you’re not satisfied with your smile and dental health, take a look at your diet. Adding these four foods to your grocery list is an easy way to get a better grin. Combine them with regular cleanings, dental exams and consistent oral hygiene for teeth that dazzle and shine.