To wrap up the April theme of nutrition action month we have some info here to help keep you inspired and eating well.  

 

Eat Healthy - Feel Healthy - Be Healthy  

         

 

Get ready for the May challenge - 30 Days of Cardio.  Details will be out soon.  Check out the Facebook group for updates.  Summer is right around the corner, get ready and make it a great one!  

 

5 Nutrients You're Probably Not Getting Enough Of
 (and How to Fix That)

 
 Unfortunately the Standard American Diet, also known as "SAD," is, well, pretty sad. Over the  last 100 years , the majority of Americans have gone from eating "normal" portions and home-cooked whole foods (after all, the processed foods we see lining store shelves today didn't' exist), to consuming high levels of over-processed simple carbohydrates and refined sugars. With this shift in eating habits, there's been a huge increase in diet-related chronic diseases, which represent the  largest cause  of obesity and death. Luckily improving the situation could be pretty easy: Eat more whole, unrefined foods - fruits, veggies, whole grains, and other natural products that go through little processing.
 
WHAT'S THE DEAL?

This sad Standard American Diet is lacking in essential nutrients that can easily be provided by eating more healthy whole foods. Unrefined foods - fruits, veggies, grains, and other natural products that go through little to no processing - provide high levels of antioxidants and other nutrients (since they arrive to you in the form nature intended). They're also nutrient-dense, meaning they pack in beneficial nutrients and minerals and contain no added sugars, fats, starches, or sodium, making every calorie worth something very useful for the body.


 

These healthy, natural foods are packed with essential nutrients such as potassium and fiber, which can protect against chronic diseases, aid in digestion, and even improve muscle development and physical performance. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the average American diet lacks the appropriate intake of these powerful nutrients (and a few others) and the under consumption of potassium, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin D has become a 'public health concern.' Adding these nutrients to your diet (or making sure you're getting enough of them) can help your body recover from exercise better, improve digestion, and just be healthier overall. 

 
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR ACTION PLAN  and 
See the full article here

 



Here's a 
great excuse to gorge on pumpkin pie, blueberry cobbler, apple streusel, and chocolate-covered strawberries! Well, kind of. Yep, they're all Greatist superfoods - just hold the sugar to get the most benefits. Here are the reasons these fruits, veggies, grains, and dairy products have made our list of the world's best superfoods.
 

1. Greek Yogurt  Regular yogurt's thicker, creamier cousin is chock-full of protein and probiotics. It fills the belly, improves digestion, and bolsters the immune system. Plus, it's a greathealthy recipe substitute for sour cream, cream cheese, and even mayonnaise!

 

2. Quinoa This teeny-tiny, grain-like seed packs some serious nutritional prowess. With a mild, nutty flavor and a texture similar to rice or couscous, quinoa is one of the only grains or seeds that provides all nine essential amino acids our bodies can't produce themselves. And it's filled with protein- eight grams per one-cup serving, to be exact!

 

3. Blueberries  Don't worry; these berries won't cause an oompa-loompa-like reaction. In fact, they're nutritional superstars, filled with fiber, vitamin C, and cancer-fighting compounds. And studies suggest blueberries may even improve memory!

 

4. Kale This rough and tough green beats out all the rest in terms of nutrition, providingmore antioxidants than most other fruits and veggies! It's also a fantastic source of fiber, calcium, and iron. Prepare it virtually any way, from boiled or steamed to roasted (try it as a chip!) or stewed.

 

5. Chia Ch-ch-ch-chia! Yep, this little seed is the same as those adorable little ceramic animal planters of the 90s! But don't worry, the nutritious part is not the clay pot. Chia seeds are actually loaded with the most essential fatty acids of any known plant! Plus, one serving of the stuff is loaded with magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium.

 

6. Oatmeal High in fiber, antioxidants, and tons of other nutrients, this breakfast staple has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, aid in digestion, and even improve metabolism. And it's downright delicious- especially when flavored like pumpkin pie!

 

7. Green Tea This ages-old health secret has been used as a natural remedy for everything from cancer to heart disease! The secret to this delicious drink? Antioxidants! The main superhero here is Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, a phytochemical that slows irregular cell growth, which could potentially help prevent the growth of some cancers.

 

8. Broccoli  This lean, mean, green machine is packed with vitamins, minerals, disease-fighting compounds, and the fiber essential in any diet. Though all members of the cruciferous vegetable family are super-duper healthy, broccoli stands out for its exceptionally high levels of vitamin C and folate (which can reduce risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and stroke).

 

9. Strawberries Vitamin C is the superstar of this superfood. Just one cup of these red beauties satisfies the daily requirement for vitamin C (74 milligrams per day for women, 90 for men)! Studies suggest the antioxidant helps build and repair the body's tissues, boosts immunity, and fights excess free radical damage. And the vitamin C in strawberries could help promote healthy eye function.

 

10. Salmon  This heart-healthy fish is packed with protein and a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which studies suggest may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. And bonus points: Salmon may also protect skin from the sun and the damaging effects of UV rays

 

Click here for the rest of the list.

 

 

Recipe: Vegan Spring Soba Noodle Bowl
by Kelli Dunn - shared from Greatest.com

 

 

What You'll Need:
6 ounces soba noodles
1 cup shelled frozen edamame (or fava beans)
10 radishes, cleaned and sliced thin
3 scallions, sliced
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
salt
fresh ground pepper

 

What to Do:
1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, fresh ground pepper, and if you want to add a slight kick, chili flakes. Set aside.
2. Cook the soba noodle in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 6 to 8 minutes. In the last minute of cooking, add the frozen edamame to the pot. Drain off the water and return the noodles and edamame to the pot.
3. Add a couple spoonfuls of the dressing to the noodles and stir to combine.
4. Stir in the the radishes and scallions. Mix in the desired amount of dressing.
5. Divide the soba noodles between bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and a pinch of chili flakes.

 

cardiochallengemay
Are you READY? The A Sante' Fitness 30 Day Cardio Challenge begins on Friday, May 1st. We encourage you to take  this challenge! Summer is right around the corner and this is a great time to strengthen and tone up your body for the sun filled adventures ahead.

Remember, these are some of the healthy benefits of cardio exercise.  

 

  • Weight loss
  • Stronger heart and lungs
  • Increased bone density
  • Reduced stress
  • Reduced risk of heart disease and some types of cancer
  • Temporary relief from depression and anxiety
  • More confidence about how you feel and how you look
  • Better sleep
  • More energy
  • Setting a good example for your kids to stay active as they get older

  • Are you ready to commit to feel great and see amazing results?  Be sure to invite your friends to join in as well. It is always fun to work out with a partner. Everyone is welcome. Good Luck!    


    A Sante Lakeside Fitness
    850 North Lake Blvd.
    (530)583-4283
     
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