Processed foods- how healthy they are

The supermarkets, food stalls, grocery shops etc are today founded to be packed with processed food items which are being claimed to be the healthiest and the best for consumption. But before picking those blindly, it is necessary that you must know whether those are actually good for your health and whether you should stuff your shopping bag with such ready to eat and yummy looking things. 

There is no doubt that the processed foods are bacteria free and can be kept stored for longer time to be immediately eaten and cooked later, but is this process really healthy for the body? The actual fact is that the processed foods are obtained from laboratories and not nature. Hence, the natural goodness of the food is always missing. This leads to causing issues like gastrointestinal disorders, infertility and probable damage of organs.

Also, the processed foods lack some of the nutrients, vitamins and fiber present in the natural raw food. Another disadvantage of processed foods is that its regular intake can make people become angry and irritable. The mood and energy levelling benefits of natural whole foods is missing in the processed foods.

s like gastrointestinal disorders, infertility and probable damage of organs.

This is not enough, that trans fats and sugar contained in processed food may cause obesity, inflammation and asthma as well. The pre-cut vegetables and meat are good for the people who are always in a hurry, but in reality these hardly possesses the freshness and the vitamin quotient of the fresh vegetables and freshly produced meat.

However, there are healthy choices too in the processed foods which can be picked for consumption. Some of such right choices would be like peanut butter, blueberry jam, homemade cranberry juice, apple juice and grape juice etc. So, the next time you are in the grocery shop for picking some processed foods, keep these little things in mind. 

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Pack Nutrition Into Your Food Choices

Do you want to get more health benefits from the food you eat? The following tips will help you pack more nutrients into each bite:

Think Variety Among Food Groups

Eat a wide selection of foods each day from all of the food groups:

Milk + Milk Products
Vegetables
Fruits
Grains

Meat + Beans 

Think Variety Within Food Groups

Eating five different fruits and vegetables each day provides far more nutritional benefits than simply eating five apples or five servings of green beans. A glass of milk isn't your only option in the Milk + Milk Products group – think cheese, yogurt or a latte for variety and good taste. Lean meats, fish, shellfish, nuts and legumes - all from the "Meat + Beans group" - provide a variety of essential nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin E1.

Think Color

Eat plenty of brightly colored fruits and dark green leafy vegetables, as well as whole grains, fortified cereals and legumes for vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber (which can help alleviate constipation problems). 

Think Benefits

Plant foods contain powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals which may protect cells against cancer and other degenerative diseases. Three daily servings of low-fat milk and dairy foods such as yogurt and cheese will meet your daily calcium needs and help protect your bones.

Some dairy foods like yogurt and kefir also provide beneficial bacteria called probiotics that help maintain your digestive tract, and may boost your immune system. 

Think Moderation

You don't need to give up your favorite foods that are high in fat, sugar, calories or sodium. Just eat those foods less often and in smaller amounts. No one food or meal has ever been shown to make or break a healthy eating plan.

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5 Healthy Breakfasts for Busy Mornings

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast provides you with the energy and nutrients that lead to increased concentration in the classroom. Studies show that breakfast can be important in maintaining a healthy body weight.

1. Avocado Toast With Egg

Sometimes, simple is just better. In this recipe, 2 slices of whole-grain bread, lightly toasted, topped with smashed avocado and a sprinkling of salt and pepper makes for a flavorful and rich base. Top that with two sunny-side-up eggs for a healthy dose of protein, and you've got a well-rounded breakfast. Stack 'em in a tupperware container for easy transport or cook the yolks a bit more and make the whole thing into a sandwich.

2. Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie

Here’s a simple and delicious smoothie recipe for the morning rush. Blend 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 cup frozen fruit (banana and berries work very well) with 1/2 cup liquid (milk, juice, coconut water—whatever you like). Freeze overnight and thaw throughout the day to enjoy in the afternoon, or blend up in the morning.

3. Quinoa Fruit Salad

Spice up a plain old fruit cup with a scoop of quinoa. Toss the whole shebang around until the quinoa is evenly distributed through the fruit. Add a scoop of plain yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a little extra body.

4. Oatmeal Squares

Oatmeal is a great option for a hearty snack or breakfast. 

5. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Smoothies are a perfect on- the- go- snack any time of day. Blend 1 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 cup almond milk, and a few ice cubes. If this is a morning snack, keep it in a tight-sealing container and throw it in a gym or work bag. For an afternoon boost, prep it the night before and freeze, remove in the morning, and it will be thawed and ready to enjoy after lunch. Tip: Add a scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein for an extra protein boost.

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An evening at Mocha

Ever since I went to Mocha for the first time, I always had this crave in me to revisit this place as I don’t know what but I feel a kind of refreshment and homely surrounding in this eating joint which is a rare scene in most of the reputed food chains found in the Guwahati city. The myth that well-located, best tasted and beautifully decorated food joints charge sky high bucks from the customers was proved wrong right on my first visit to Mocha as I found it simply charging the same as any other self proclaimed best food joint based in any corner of the lanes of the city. So, the one factor that may irk one while thinking about stepping into the Mocha, that is, the price factor is just an useless tension and yes, anybody and everybody can find this eatery as homely and welcoming as I find it every time. 

This time, I chose to order for one of the best coolers of the restaurant on the suggestion of your waiter at service. He was friendly enough in helping me to order for a Strawberry Cheese Cake, which although sounds like a desert but actually is a shake and a jar of Country Lemonade. Smiles came automatically to the faces of me and my husband, when we got to see our waiter carrying those giant coolers towards us. The Strawberry Cheesecake shake is a thing that will alone fill up your stomach leaving no space for you to even think about stuffing food. At the same time, the Country Lemonade was so refereshing, perfect in taste and equally big in size that we had to share each others’ coolers and yes, cherished the tastes a lot!    

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