Owner: Duckeys Health Corner URL:www.duckeyshealthblog.blogspot.com Join Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:08:15 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: A general health blog with advice, tips and resources to kick start your health plan! This blog includes recipes, workout plans and personal experiences! Site statistics:Click here
Banish E numbers... 2008-04-10 04:49:45 It is extremely wise to avoid eating food with harmful food additives - E Numbers in them. Not all E Numbers are bad for you. On the new this morning I watch a case study that was suggesting a link between a Childs behaviour and IQ was effected by the intake of E numbers.E numbers personally have effected me over the years, when I was younger I would become completely hyperactive after a packet of Smarties, Wine Gums or any sweets that included E numbers, I wouldn’t sleep, I would wake up screaming having had a nightmare. It is worrying to think that this is still effecting many children in the UK today and that nothing has been done to prevent the adding of artificial colours and flavouring to our food.I believe that natural colours can be found in healthy food such a blueberries, which
Looking for a good hobby... Try Martial Arts! 2008-04-10 04:34:26 Martial
Arts not only keeps your body in top shape but also trains your mind. It is a way to turn off and relax, to escape from the chores of day to day life! Martial Arts works out most parts of your body through fast, slow and moderate exercise. You start as a white belt, a basic level, to which you work your way up in the ranks, gaining more confidence... fitness... and skills.Martial Arts teaches you important values such as:Self disiplineConcentration Focus RespectPerserverance I have been training in Martial Arts since I was a baby! My dad my instructor started my training and development at a young age and I cannot stress how far this has got me in life at only 21 years old! I have learnt that I can achieve anything I want to achieve in life by using the power of my mind. The Mart
Top fruit and Veg! 2008-04-10 04:33:44 TOP 10 VEGETABLESSweet PotatoSpinachKale and Collard GreensCarrotsBroccoliBrussel SproutsPotatoPeasTomatoArtichokeTOP 10 FRUITSPapayaStrawberriesCanteloupeTangerinesMangoApricotsPersimmonsPeachesWatermelonsPineapple
Top Superfoods! 2008-04-10 04:29:15 CarrotsThey may or may not make you see in the dark, but carrots contain the powerful beta carotene, an important aid in reducing your risk of stroke. Steam or stir fry for that satisfying crunch, or serve as a snack – great with a healthy low fat yoghurt dip. (And the healthy bacteria in yoghurt will help your immune system!)SpinachPopeye had the right idea – because not only is spinach loaded with fibre and cancer-fighting substances, it can also improve your eyesight. So carrots don't get all the glory then … Perfect for salads and stir fries, or for a quick and easy fix just add to soup just before servingApplesOften losing out in the publicity campaigns to its high profile colleague the orange, recent studies have shown that apples can reduce the risk of asthma and may help prev
My awesome tip to poaching eggs... 2008-04-10 04:06:27 Eggs are a great source of nutrients including protein, essential vitamins A, D, E, and B group as well as minerals iron, phosphorus and zinc.They’re relatively low in saturated fat, making them a healthy fast food for all the family. They are very low in calories with only around 80 kcals per medium egg – so they are great if you’re health concious, especially combined with vegetables and salads as part of healthy balanced meals!Do you want to pefectly poach eggs but have little time to play around with choosing a method that works... well try this solution...1. Take a tea cup and insert clingfilm to line the cup2.. Crack a medium sized egg into the clingfilm3. Season with pepper, chilli or another spice or herb of your choice... garlic salt tastes wonderful!4. Twist the top of the Read more:awesome
Top Ten Reasons to go Organic! 2008-04-10 03:57:58 1. A perfect taste...Many people buy organic food because they believe it tastes better than non-organic. This could be because organic fruit and vegetables tend to grow more slowly and have a lower water content, which may contribute to the fuller flavour some people experience. A poll in 2005 showed that quality and taste of food are important to more people than low prices. 2. It's healthy...On average, organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants. Organic
milk is naturally higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin A (beta carotene) and certain other antioxidants than non-organic milk. 3. No nasty additives...Only 32 of the 290 food additives approved for use across t Read more:Reasons
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Why Organic? 2008-04-10 03:57:15 OK so now a days we are lucky enough to say that now a days we can pretty much import in any food we like. For example we can get strawberries anytime of the year now where as in the past this was not a luxury we had. Recently we are seeing a big rise in the purchasing of Organic
foods… it is cool to be Organic! This is the message we are presented with in this current Eco Friendly Society. So my friends why Organic?The following definition of "organic" was passed by the NOSB at its April 1995 meeting in Orlando, FL."Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological
Top notch smoothie... 2008-04-10 03:55:15 If you are looking for a fat free alternative dessert then here is a simple answer... try having a smoothie
, they are quick and easy to make and leave you with a healthy buzz of satisfaction. RECIPE:A smooth emulsion of ripe strawberries and soft banana, pureed with light Greek yogurt and cubes of ice, garnished with a refreshing rose red strawberry.You will need: 8-10 Strawberries (save 2 for the presentation) 2 Bananas 2/3 tablespoons of fat free Greek yogurt 6-8 ice cubes In a blender first add the ice, followed by the fruit and lastly the yogurt... if you wanted to add a bit more flavour you could add some desiccated coconut or honey.Once blended into a smooth liquid pour the smoothie into 2 glasses. You can spice up the presentation by putting a slot down a half of a strawberry and s
How to make the perfect loaf... 2008-04-10 03:49:26 I love to eat healthy bread... I cant say I am particulaly fond of white bread as it tends to lay more heavy once eaten.So I wanted to have a little play taking the basics of bread making and creating something scummy! So I did... and not only did it go great with the homemade soup I made but also made a fantastic dessert. I always find you make bread in two stages, there is the preparation and the cooking...RECIPE:A delicious light wholemeal loaf, lightly seeded with pumpkin seeds, thinly flaked almonds and healthy sunflower seeds, which melts in your mouth warm and hits a real crunch cool.You will need: 1oz 4 of wholemeal flour 2 tspns salt 1 tspn of light brown sugar 1 packet of Yeast 25g of pumpkin seeds 25g almond flakes 25g of sunflower seeds 400ml warm waterSTAGE ONEFirst of all mix
Prawns... so healthy but tasty! 2008-04-10 03:42:30 Prawns are an excellent source of protein and a great way to get iron, zinc and vitamin E.They have very little fat and virtually no saturated fat and are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. These valuable fats lower triglyceride levels and have many other benefits for heart health!As Prawns have less fat theytherefore contain a lower level of omega 3s than some other seafood (like salmon), however they do contain a higher level of cholesterol. Problems arise in foods which combine high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol for example, fried bacon and eggs, or seafood battered or crumbed and then fried in saturated fat.Prawns have virtually no saturated fat, so as long as you have them grilled, barbecued, steamed or cooked with a 'good' unsaturated fat like olive oil, they should not Read more:Prawns
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Yoga Basics... 2008-04-10 03:36:04 Every morning I like to wake up at 6.30am, the first thing I want to do is stretch... so what better than to tone up with a 20 minute yoga session. I will talk you through my basic routine...1. Warm up your arms... I do five shoulder rotations on the right arm and five on the left...then both togetherThen I repeat this step making full swings with my arms... and both togetherI the stretch my right elbow up towards my head and repeat this with my left elbow... I do this process four times 2. Prep your tummy muscles...Standing straight with your feet hip width apart move left to right keeping everything below your waist still you should feel the stretch in your waist and your arms.3. Salute to the sun... A common yoga exercise, start by stretching the body upwards with your hands in the air Read more:Basics
Healthy post gym meal... 2008-04-10 03:35:32 In my spare time I like to create my own recipes. This week I have decided to focus on eggs! After a smashing gym session yesterday Rob and I thought we needed some extra protein for our dinner.Eggs are full of protein and really high in all of our essential vitamins... so I wanted to make the perfect omelette in the form of a Frittata, which is an Omelette baked in the oven to finish.RECIPE:A Warm Baked Frittata, topped with baked coronation tuna, seasoned with paprika, served on a bed of fresh green asparagus salad, flourished with plump black olives and juicy red tomatoes dressed balsamic vinegar.To make the Frittata:1 egg white1 whole egg1/4 pint of skimmed milkSalt, pepper, basil and paprika.1. Mix above ingredients in a bowl2. Pre heat a specialised omelette pan using some 1 calorie
Healthy yogurt treat dessert... 2008-04-11 09:03:54 So you’re looking for an alternative version to a tasty dessert which will leave you guilt free…Well why not try my tasty yogurt
dessert…You will need:3 tbsp of fat free Greek yogurtHalf tsp honey25g Blueberries25g Raspberries25g Porridge oatsTake either a martini glass or a dessert bowlIn a pan boil down some blueberries with a drop of water creating a compotePour this mixture into the bottom of the glassThen add a small layer (tbsp yogurt) then a layer of raspberries another layer of yogurt, blueberry compote then yogurt and finally another section of raspberriesTake a pinch of porridge oats you can toast these in the oven before hand to bring out the flavours if you wishLace this with a shot of honeyIf you want an extra treat
serve this with a biscotti!And finally serve!
Birthday sponge cake... 2008-04-11 06:11:00 It’s my friend Maxxy’s birthday and I’m sure he wont mind me telling you that he is a little bit fussy when it comes to food. The only dessert or cake he will eat is a good old traditional sponge cake. This weekend he is travelling from Bournemouth to come and stay with me and Rob to celebrate with us in Brighton.So as a surprise I am going to bake him a sponge cake… so I will share with you my very healthy adaptation of this recipe.A fluffy moist sponge cake, with a hint of coconut, filled with a thin layer of light fresh vanilla cream sandwiched with strawberry jam conserve… glittered with a dusting of icing sugar to finish… (And on this occasion a few birthday surprises to turn the sponge cake into a birthday cake)Ingredients2 Eggs3oz/75g Caster Sugar3oz/75g Plain Wholemeal Read more:Birthday
Tuna cakes with fresh vegetables... 2008-04-11 06:08:59 For a change instead of having something like a simple salmon fillet or chicken breast I thought I have heard of salmon cakes why not make tuna cakes.RECIPE:Grilled fragrant tuna cakes, combined with fresh
chilli, butter beans and fresh breadcrumbs served with an assortment of colourful vegetables with a mixture of sweet potato mash and wedges.You will need:2 cans of tuna in spring waterFresh chilli1 can of butterbeans4 slice of wholemeal bread for bread crumbs3 sweet pototoesFresh vegetables of your choiceSalt and pepper for seasoningStart with the sweet potato…Take 1-2 potatoes and cut it up into wedges, season with salt and pepper and spray 1 calorie spray over the top bake in the oven for 30 minutesAfter 15 minutes take the remaining two potatoes peal, wash and boil in a sauce pan fo
Healthy food to snack on... 2008-04-11 04:36:36 We all like to graze, but sometimes its hard to know now a days what the best things to snack on are... so here are a few of my favourite healthy snacks!Oatcakes You can get many different types of oat cakes I prefere Narins Oatcakes flavours such as Rough Cheese Organic Fine Milled Herb Mini or in fact a biscuit version including Mixed BerriesStem Ginger Fruit and SpiceRice CakesAre great on their own or with some low fat spread or low fat hummous I prefere Kallo Rice Cakes they also come in a range of sizes and flavours including some scrumpious dark chocolate ones which are only 53 calories per sliceCorn CakesKallo also produce an organic corn cake which is very similar to a rice cake but made from corn.Eat Natural Bars Eat Natural Bars are great for treats or if you get the snack size
Baked Sweet Potatoes... 2008-04-11 02:53:42 Now we have all heard of jacket potatoes but have you ever tried the same process with a sweet potato. I find they compliment a light salad delightfully.Simple take one sweet potato and wash it thoroughlyPrick the skin a few times with a sharp utensilPut it in the microwave and cook for 7-10 minutes...Prepare a fresh bowl of green salad. Add to it some pickled onions and green olives for flavourThen place some thin carrot sticks around the outside of the dishPlace the sweet potato onto the salad, I serve mine with some low fat cream cheese instead of shavings of cheese, however you could fill it with the usual toppings of tuna, baked beans, chilli, prawns anything that doesn't spoil the health benefits of the sweet potato.Sweet
potatoes are one of the unsung heroes of a balanced diet. For Read more:Baked
Monday night supper Mexican style... 2008-04-14 08:22:48 Tonight for dinner I am encountering a Mexican
theme, as it’s the start of the week after a day at work the last thing you want to do sometimes is head home and cook, however I have this one solved with my quick vegetable Mexican wrap… healthy style!RECIPE:A toasted warm wrap, filled with stir fried Mediterranean vegetables top with some black olives and hummus baked with tomato sauce and and melted mozerrella served with a light green salad with brown pea rice.You will need:1 Aubergine2 Courgettes1 onion1 pepper2-4 wholemeal wraps (2 per person)HummusLow fat Mozzarella25g pine nutsSalad leaves50g PeasSalt, Pepper and chilli powder200g brown riceIn a wok heat the pan with some 1 calorie spray and infuse with rosemaryTake an assortment of vegetables I have used aubergine, courgette, pep Read more:Monday
The best breakfast... 2008-04-14 06:42:00 It is said that the most natural food you can eat for breakfast that is substantial and keeps your energy high for up to 4 hours is porridge. Now I must admit I am a keen porridge fan and have been perfecting my technique now for a few months. Here is how I have mine…RECIPE:Scotch porridge oats, heated and cooked with warm skimmed milk, sprinkled with currents topped with thick oats and a drizzling of organic honey.6 dessert spoonfuls of porridge oats200ml of skimmed milk2 tsp of currents½ tsp honey15g of thick oatsIn a microwavable bowl add 6 spoonfuls of Quaker Scotch Porridge oats and fill just below the top of the oats with skimmed milk. The add 2 tsps of current and cook in the microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds. By this time the consistency should be thick but soft and warmed, the
Self Defence tips... 2008-04-14 14:27:21 In this day and age we all need to be careful especially us girls. You may have heard about self defence but do you know how to implement it? If the answer is no… then lets start here!The basic ways to escape an encounter is via pressure points, wrist locks and avoiding the situation!Pressure points… Using your fingers to apply pressure to the most sensitive parts of the human body as a distraction to escapeWrist locks… Lock the joint of an opponent allowing you time to escapeOK so the best way for me to talk you through this is to come up with some scenarios and then explain how you could overcome them. Although 9 times out of 10 no scenario will be the same however just a hint of knowledge could give you that upper hand working along side your natural reactions.You’re walking hom
Dark chocolate coated fig balls... 2008-04-14 14:10:26 Sometimes we all need a bit of indulgence to accompany something totally healthy, so here is the perfect remedy!RECIPE:Dark chocolate coated fig balls, combined with crystallised ginger and luxurious cinnamon bonded with honey.You will need:200g dried figs50g crystallized ginger1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 tablespoon honey80g dark chocolateIn a blender mix the dried figs, ginger honey and cinnamonMelt the dark chocolateForm small balls out of the blended mixtureDip these into the melted chocolate (you can also dip some strawberries in at this point)On a lined tray allow these to cool in the fridge this usually takes about 15 minutesServe with some natural yogurt and strawberries and layer with the left over chocolate sauce!Add a chocolate dip strawberry to serve.Remember dar
Duckeys Chocciehotpots... 2008-04-16 06:16:40 OK below is the recipe that will knock any choccie lovers socks off…It really is my most favourite dessert and I know when people come for dinner it is theirs also!The great thing about theses desserts is that you can make the mixture in advance and then cook them when desired they will even last a few days in the fridge if you want to have them on simultaneous days.RECIPE:Melt in your mouth hot chocolate filled pots… soufflé style warm gooey chocolate encased in a soft dark chocolate sponge served with crème freshYou will need:125g plain flour (I use wholemeal to feel less guilty!)125g brown sugar (again I use less but sweeten to your own taste)2 eggs125g Dark Green and Blacks Organic Chocolate125g ButterIn one bowl mix125g of chocolate125g butterMelt the chocolate and butter in a b
Sushi the natural way... 2008-04-16 06:16:03 I like to experiment with different cuisines so here is a traditional adaptation of a Japanese dish... Sushi
anyone?So let’s talk Sushi… you love it or you hate it!I thought that Sushi would be quite complex to make but I was shocked when I realised how easy and healthy it was.RECIPE:Traditional Japanese Nori filled with Sticky warm Sushi Rice lined with tuna fish and sesame seedsYou will need:2 Sheets of Nori100g of Sushi Rice1 can of Tuna10g of Mayonnaise1 tsp sesame seeds1 carrot1 spring onionNow if like me it would make you feel squeamish using raw fish simply take a can of Tuna in spring water, add to a tiny bit of light mayonnaise for consistency and this will be your fish baseTake a Sushi mat and lay out a sheet of Nori (seaweed) this is incredibly healthy for you. In Japan they
Live life... Drink green Tea... 2008-04-16 03:33:44 Green Tea has so many positive health benefits… it is my favourite type of tea and comes in so many varieties now a days. Becoming more popular it is now linked to burning fat, raising the metabolism, lowering cholesterol as well as preventing dieses and cancer.They say that drinking 5 cups of green tea a day helps the body burn an extra 70-80 calories per day and comes as either de-cafe or contains about a quarter of the caffeine content in coffee at worst.It contains the antioxidant EGCG, this not only inhibits the growth of cancer cells, and it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue, evening containing more antioxidants than fruit and vegetables.Green tea can be served with lemon for more flavour or as the Koreans do – add honey while drinking it.You can buy it loose or i Read more:Drink
Duckeys Health Scones... 2008-04-18 11:18:46 Scones are a traditional favourite! So I have adapted a health version of these, often scones are served as an afternoon treat with a pot of tea... something I consider to be truly English!RECIPE:Deep warm Scones... filled with plump currents, mixed with a hint of cinnamon served with freshly whipped cream and raspberry jam.You will need:100g wholemeal flour50g caster sugar25g currents2 Eggs1/2 tsp cinnamon1. In a bowl mix together the flour and sugar2. Add the eggs and mix into a thick dough3. Kneed the dough until you form a soft non sticky texture4. Add the currents5. Add a hint of cinnamon6. Form into reasonably thick balls and lay on a papered tin7. Bake in the oven for around 15-20 minutes8. Serve warm with fresh whipped cream and jamThese are perfect when you have afternoon company! Read more:Health
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Abdominal bicycle crunch! 2008-04-18 11:18:07 In order to maximize stimulation of the abs, the bicycle
crunch is the most effective exercise. What makes it the best is that is that it is the only ab exercise capable of stimulating four different sections of the abs.They key to making it work is perfect form. Here are the steps for perfect form on this ab exercise: 1.) Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. For this exercise, you will need to put your hands beside your head. Be careful however to not strain with the neck as you perform it. Now lift your shoulders into the crunch position.2.) Bring knees up to where they are perpendicular to the floor, with your lower legs parallel to the floor. This will be your starting position.3.) Now simultaneously, slowly go through a cycle pedal motion kicking forward Read more:Abdominal
Go fish... go Salmon! 2008-04-18 11:14:47 Not many people know why Salmon is so good for us but we talk about it all the time! Below you will find the best benefits eating Salmon can bring to your diet… 1. Salmon is loaded with protein and muscle-building amino acids so great if you are training. 2. Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help your body make anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe body aches and pains, as well as support fat-loss.3. Omega-3's also help skin recover from skin damage from UV rays. 4. Salmon is high in Vitamin D, which supports strong bones and can help ward off colon caner. 5. Salmon is high in Selenium, which can help lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Daily healthy bites! 2008-04-18 11:14:25 If we had a choice of foods to eat everyday which ones would benefit us the most?I have produced some research into these areas and recommend the following: 1. Spinach - sexual enhancement, muscle growth, heart healthy
, bone builder, and enhances eye sight - include in your main evening meal. 2. Yogurt - cancer fighter, bone builder, boosts immunity, eat at breakfast or for dessert or in a smoothie! 3. Tomotoes - cancer fighter, heart healthy, boosts immunity, eat at lunch or during a main meal. 4. Carrots - cancer fighter, boosts immunity, enhances eye sight, eat at lunch or during a mainmeal. 5. Blueberries - brain stimulant, fights cancer, heart healthy, boosts immunity, eat for breakfast as a snack during the day or for dessert. 6. Black Beans - muscle growth, brain stimulant, heart h Read more:Daily
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Spice up your life... 2008-04-17 16:28:58 The best way to jazz up your food in a healthy manner is to use spices!They are great when used in a variety of different foods and cuisines, they also have many benefits here are my top five spices…Oregano – Is really high in antioxidantsCinnamon – Makes cells more responsive to insulin lowing your risk of developing a metabolic syndromeOnion powder - Have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects lower and reduce risks of heart attacks and strokesGarlic – Has an anti-infective antioxidant and also lowers cholesterol. It is a powerful antibiotic ingredientCayenne pepper – Can improve your digestive system can burn fat and speed up your metabolismGinger Ginger speeds metabolic rate, plus it inhibits nausea and vomiting often caused by morning sickness or motion sickness.Mustard Read more:Spice
Happy Chocolate Birthday Cake... 2008-04-19 16:01:37 Wednesday celebrates my mum's 42nd birthday! Yes everyone with me being 22 years old next month that makes my mum a yummy mummy. Anyway due to personal circumstances I am back for the weekend and in celebration of my mums birthday, while house bound I wanted to make her the most moist chocolate birthday cake as its her favourite.RECIPE:A tender moist double layered chocolate cake, sandwich together with light vanilla butter cream, fresh plump raspberries, smoothed over by dark chocolate scattered with chopped almonds.You will need:To make the cake:200g wholemeal self raising flour200g brown sugar200g light butter3 dessert spoons of G&B organic cocoa powder4 organic eggs1/4 tsp cinnamonTo make the butter cream:50g light butter150g Icing sugarFew drops of vanilla essenceFresh raspberries Read more:Happy
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