Martha A. Cheves's Blog, page 15

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 7

7. Green tea

While black tea, oolong and green tea all come from the same plant, green tea leaves are prepared differently. As a result, green tea is richer in antioxidants called catechins, which may trigger a boost in metabolism (and weight loss) by stimulating the body to burn calories.

Comment:  I haven't been a hot tea drinker since childhood.  Mother used to make it for me when I was sick so my mind seems to relate it to being ill.  Might try to give it another chance.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 6

6. Coconut
These are chock full of a fat called medium chain triglycerides. MCTs promote the breakdown of excess fat stores, helping you burn fat and increase energy and stamina.

Comment:  Since I consider coconut one of the major food groups I have no problem adding this one to my diet!  Love coconut

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 5

5. Water
Yep, it’s that simple. Hydration plays a role in an efficient metabolism. Drink a large glass of water with lemon when you wake up and continue to drink throughout the day — at least eight cups. Not only will being properly hydrated help boost your metabolism slightly, but it will also help you not mistake hunger for thirst. Get chugging!
Comments:  I've always been a BIG sweet tea drinker.I drank it at every meal and all day long.  Some time back I started drinking more water and cutting down on the tea.  I now drink no tea with my meals and drink only water.  I also drink a several glasses throughout the day.  Had my physical a few weeks ago and my sugar, which was well over 100 is now 86!  So, if water does nothing else it can really lower your sugar.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 4

4. Celery
Celery is low in calories, requires a lot of noshing, and has so much fiber and water that it takes a lot of work to get it through the body. Because chewing stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, the act in itself raises your metabolic rate, or how fast and efficiently your body can absorb, store and eliminate. This is the beauty of the “thermal effect” of food; or the amount of calories burned from digesting and eliminating the things you eat.
Comment:  I've never been a very big celery fan but maybe I could become one.  Especially if it does all this.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 3

3. Chili powder
Spicy lovers rejoice. Capsaicin, an antioxidant found in red chili peppers, has been shown to curb appetite and boost your metabolism. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on your eggs at breakfast, salad at lunch, veggie side at dinner and even into your lemon water.

Comment:  I love the taste of Chili Powder but never thought about sprinkling it over my eggs.  I do see a lot of people adding hot sauce to their eggs but after trying that just once decided it just wasn't for me - too hot, but the actual chili powder might just work for me.  I think I'll even try it over my veggies and even my salad.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 2

2. Nuts
The monounsaturated fats found in nuts can help burn belly fat and like all fat, they help keep you satiated. The trifecta of fiber, protein and fat helps to keep hunger at bay and your body energized. Need a fast breakfast? Greek yogurt with a handful of almonds and dash of cinnamon. No time to stop and snack? Pick up a green juice and couple it with cashews. Made too much for dinner? Use the leftover quinoa, add walnuts and avocado and call it a day.
Comment:  I love nuts and and yogurt so this one will work great for me.  Just make sure you don't have any nut allergies before trying this one.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 1

Like a lot of us, I'm trying to lose weight and eat healthier so I'm on the constant watch for tips that might help.  I found this series on Today.com and wanted to share.


1. Grapefruit
This is more than a breakfast food — it’s a weight-loss jumpstart! Besides being packed with vitamin C and fiber, this citrus fruit speeds weight loss.  One study found that people who ate half a grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6 pounds, while those who drank a serving of grapefruit juice three times a day lost 3.3 pounds. Many people in the study lost more than 10 pounds — without making any other dietary changes.
Comment:  I will be buying a bag of grapefruit as well as the juice.  Just remember to check with your doctor if you're taking cholesterol meds.  From what I remember reading somewhere, the 2 don't mix.

10 Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar - Part 5 (end)

#9 - Stop a Bruise from Forming (I bruise easily so this is something I will be trying)

To ensure you don't develop an unsightly bruise, soak a piece of gauze in apple cider vinegar and place it on the sore spot.  Secure it with a bandage and leave it in place for about an hour.  The apple cider vinegar boosts circulation to the skin's surface, which prevents blood from pooling so you won't get a black and blue mark.

#10 - Soften Laundry Naturally (Another one I'll try as long as it doesn't leave a lingering smell)

If you'd rather avoid chemical-laden fabric softeners, which can irritate the skin, use apple cider vinegar instead.  To do:  Wash clothes as usual, adding 1/2 cup of the vinegar to the rinse cycle.  Acetic acid in the vinegar helps break down detergent buildup and relaxes clothing fibers for noticeable softer laundry.

10 Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar - Part 4

#7 - Banish Fruit Flies for Good (They seem to love my bananas!)

To get rid of these pests, fill an empty wine bottle halfway with apple cider vinegar and 5 drops of dish soap and place it near the fruit bowl.  The apple cider vinegar's aroma will draw the flies in but the sticky layer of soap will trap them in the liquid.

#8 Clean an Iron Effortlessly (As seldom as I iron I may never try this but it sounds good)

If your iron isn't getting wrinkles out as well as it should, there may be built-up gunk clogging the steam holes.  The fix is:  Fill the water tank with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, set the iron upright and turn it on the steam setting for 5 minutes.  Pour out any excess liquid, refill with water and repeat.  The vinegar helps break down the deposits so your iron will work like new.

10 Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar - Part 3

#5 - Clean Dirty Pans (got to try this one)

When your rice sticks to the pan, clean it with this mixtures.  Fill the dish with warm, sudsey water and 2 Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar.  Soak for 30 minutes.  The acids in the vinegar dissolves the particles, making cleanup a breeze.

#6 - Get Shiny Hair for Less (as long as it doesn't leave my hair smelling I'll could try this)

Got dull hair?  After washing combine 1 Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.  Mist all over your hair, let sit 2 minutes then rinse.  Vinegar seals cuticles so strands better reflect the light.