The Spice of Life

All those spices and herbs in your spice rack can do more than add a little extra kick to your meals — they can rev up your metabolism and improve your health at the same time. Many spices are considered superfoods because they are full of antioxidants! Consider adding two to three spices to all your meals to make them not only taste great, but also help detoxify your body at the same time. (Don’t you just love nature!?) Here’s a list of some of the herbs and spices that will give a healthy (and flavorful) boost to your foods.

• Basil is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and C.
• Black pepper increases the hydrochloric-acid production in your stomach, aiding digestion.
• Cayenne pepper is a cardiovascular booster.
• Crushed red-pepper flakes contain capsaicin, a potent anti-inflammatory.
• Cumin primes the salivary glands and improves digestion.
• Curry powder combines all the benefits of cumin and turmeric in one quick pinch.
• Dill is a potent antioxidant and a good source of calcium.
• Fennel boosts levels of vitamin C and contains anethole, a phytonutrient that can prevent cancer.
• Garlic can help regulate the number of fat cells in your body and protect your cardiovascular system from disease.
• Lemon and lime brighten up the flavor of plain water — and boost your intake of vitamin C.
• Mint can help fight cancer.
• Nutmeg can help you get sleepy at night.
• Onion offers similar cardiovascular benefits as garlic.
• Oregano is, pound for pound, one of the most antioxidant-rich foods around.
• Paprika is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
• Rosemary may be a weapon in the fight against cancer by preventing carcinogens from binding to cells.
• Sage contains the same cancer-fighting compounds as rosemary.
• Tarragon can aid digestion and help improve heart health.
• Thyme is a relative of mint and a potent antioxidant.
• Turmeric has been shown in several studies to have anti-inflammatory properties — and could help protect against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
• Vanilla is not only a sweet flavoring but also a stellar antioxidant.

Variety is the spice of life!  By learning how to incorporate delicious flavors into your meals, you’ll  not only enjoy a longer and healthy life, you will enjoy a savoury dish!

You Came into My Life

I didn't want to lose my heart

But then I met you and had to restart.

I thought about my feelings, and didn't intend

on spending my life with you until the end.

However, we were surely meant to be

It was our true destiny.

With some magic we did fly

finding love you and I.

I just could not resist

that one special goodbye kiss.

It really wasn't supposed to happen like this

but it was something we couldn't dismiss.

I wasn't meant to be alone

and certainly not a rolling stone.

I had been living with a shadow overhead,

until we met and smiled instead.

I had been putting my heart far away

I had been saving it for a special day.

But then you came along my way

And this is all I have to say:

You are the spice of my life!

and I  love you!

From the Book "Awakening Love"

Written by Yolanda Pacheco Garcia

www.victoryp.com

Fill up on Fiber

Fill Up on Fiber


Fiber — or roughage — is a type of carbohydrate that the body can't digest and yet is so important to eat. Why would I stress eating something that your body can’t absorb? Well, therein lays the trick: Fiber actually does a lot for you. Consider it the MVP of the digestive tract. It helps move food along quickly so it doesn’t stagnate, thus preventing toxins from being absorbed into the body — and its bulk will fill you up without adding a whole lot of calories to your diet.
You need at least 35 grams of fiber each day, but the average American gets only about 20 grams, leaving so many of us with constipation and other digestive issues. By making a few key changes to your diet, though, you can easily increase the amount of fiber you eat and help keep your body free of toxins.


•Just say no to white flour. When whole grains are refined — as they are to create white flour and white rice — the fiber is removed as well as all the benefits that come with it. Look for whole-grain bread, pasta, and brown rice, which retain the original fiber.

•Stock up on produce. Nutrient-packed fruits and veggies also come with plenty of fiber — especially cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.

•Consider a supplement. If you can’t get enough fiber from your regular diet, supplementation is possible. Look for all-natural fiber supplements that don’t contain unwanted chemicals.

•Determine if you need a little more help. Some people suffer from insufficient peristalsis — which means that no matter how much fiber they eat, their colon lacks the strength to contract and complete elimination. Drinking vitamin C powder that’s buffered with magnesium or potassium on an empty stomach several days a week can actually help stimulate your intestines and keep you regular.

Eating the correct amount of fiber is one ultra-easy way to keep your body in good health. By staying regular you’re supporting your gastrointestinal health, which is crucial to keep in tip-top shape if you’re truly interested in losing weight and becoming Sexy Forever. Continue committing to a new, healthy you, and you’ll have the body you’ve always dreamed of in no time!