I've been on a diet since April 23rd, which is almost two months... Wow, I've lasted this long? Way to go me! Believe me, that's quite an accomplishment if you know my eating habits. Anyway, I keep my eyes open for healthy, tasty, low-calorie food items. One thing I've come across is flaxseed meal; it's not tasty, but see what all it has to offer... It's very beneficial to your body. I recently read that it helps control high blood pressure, which is good for Michael, his is a little on the high side. It's also good for many other health issues; some of these are: allergies, acne, eczema, psoriasis, vision problems, heart attacks, joint problems, high cholesterol, arthritis, ADD and depression. It also contains at least 27 cancer-preventing compounds. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids available, and is a rich source of antioxidants. This is good stuff! It comes in three forms: oil, whole seed or ground seed. I use ground flax; all you need is one to two tablespoons a day, that's it! I usually put two tablespoons in a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. This is a great way to start the day. It's not the best tasting stuff, so I make sure and add almonds(you can add any kind of nut you like. i get all my nuts unsalted, and dry roasted if possible), blueberries, which are high in antioxidants, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds(without the shell). I don't always add all of these, but do make sure to add one(usually almonds) or a mixture of them to my oatmeal, this helps hide the taste of the flaxseed meal and adds flavor as well. You can add flaxmeal to a variety of things, such as: cereal, sauces, soups, etc. Remember to keep it stored in the fridge; that's where I keep mine, but I've read that it can be stored in the freezer as well. You may want to do the latter since that's what is suggested.Here is how I start my day: a bowl of hot oatmeal that has flax already in it, of which I still add one or two tablespoons of flaxseed meal, almonds, blueberries, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Yum! It's not the lightest breakfast, but it does pack a punch with the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants it contains, which makes it a good meal to start the day with. I get the flaxseed meal, flax oatmeal, and roasted - no salt almonds, at Sprouts.
Blueberries remind me of summertime; they're a good, wholesome snack. Grab a handful(or a bowl full like my little country gal has) today and munch away! :)
Check back next Thursday for my next tip...
