Nutritional Approach for Alzheimer's disease

In today's Boston Globe their is an article www.boston.com/dailydose entitled "Is Alzheimer's Disease akin to type 3 Diabetes?"  This article discusses research that has found that persuasive evidence linking diet to the development of Alzheimer's disease.  Guess what- The researchers discovered that eating a diet in whole foods, low glycemic carbohydrates (low sugar, low processed foods, and little pasta, rice, potatoes, breads,  baked goods, and other starchy foods), limiting excess fat, and limiting nitrates (cured meats such as hot dogs, salami, and sausages), and exercising, has shown to help reduce the incidence of alzheimer's.  Could it be that eating the way ZonePerfect Cooking Made Easy, by Gloria Bakst suggests will help you reduce not only diabetes, heart disease and obesity but also help with reducing the incidence of Alzheimer's disease.  If you want to preview some great low glycemic recipes that are tasty and flavorful go to http://www.chefgloriab.com/healthy-recipes.html.  If you need help preparing meals Chef Gloria B will help.  Contact her at Gloria@ChefGloriab.com or visit http://www.chefgloriab.com/personal-chef-service.html

Quit Smoking: A Nutritional Guide

Quit Smoking:  A Nutritional Guide

There are plenty of studies linking cigarettes to various diseases and health problems, and many people have surely witnessed disturbing ads on TV, which illustrate the dangers of cigarettes by featuring former smokers who use tracheotomy devices to speak or bear scars from removal of a diseased lung.  It’s clear that smoking is bad for our health.  This increased awareness hopefully sparks more people to quit the habit, but the process is no doubt a test of determination and willpower.  Focusing on a holistic plan that emphasizes nutritious foods and exercise can help ease the process of kicking cigarettes to the curb—for good.

Many smokers fear that quitting will cause weight gain.  Smoking cigarettes burns an extra 200-250 calories per day, depending on the number of cigarettes and the smoker.  This can slightly elevate their metabolism.  Nicotine also acts an appetite suppressant, so smokers tend to eat less.  Quitting smoking can easily pack on the pounds for smokers who grab a cigarette because they're stressed or want to feel calm.  They may replace smoking with food, and since starchy and sweet foods that are high in carbohydrates increase serotonin levels, just like nicotine, quitters-in-progress can make the mistake of turning to unhealthy foods to get a similar fix.

In 2007, Duke University Medical Center conducted a study that showed dairy products, vegetables and fruits can help break the smoking habit.  Nineteen percent of participants reported that dairy products worsened the taste of cigarettes, 14 percent had a similar effect with non-caffeinated beverages, and 16 percent reported the effect with vegetables and fruits.  However, alcohol, caffeinated beverages and even meat, enhanced the flavor of cigarettes. 

With the average person gaining four to 10 pounds after quitting smoking, choosing low-glycemic foods that are filling and help regulate blood sugar levels can help control weight.  Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, along with lean, protein-rich sources such as beans, fish and egg whites, can result in a satisfying meal that’s low in bad fats and high cholesterol.  Providing the body with proper nutrition from natural foods boosts antioxidants, aiding the immune system that might have been damaged by smoking.

Smoking is both physically and emotionally addictive, which only increases the difficulty of quitting.  However, a smoker can choose from several options to help gain support in their journey.  Consulting a doctor on a regular basis to help with exercise and nutrition plans or joining a support group can aid in recovery.  Choosing to participate in a holistic drug rehab program is also beneficial, as these programs emphasize a detoxification process through proper nutrition, exercise, and spiritual exploration to help understand emotions and deal with stress.  By discovering what led the person to smoke in the first place, they might be less likely to relapse and start again.

It’s important to remember that quitting is a process—smokers who are trying to quite should be patient with their body and allow it to detoxify the natural way with proper nutrition. They should avoid crash diets and give their body time to restore its balance so it can provide for them in the future, smoke-free.

Written By: Alex Kerwin is a creative writer from Florida who has a passion for health and wellness.  In addition to guest posting, he writes for Best Drug Rehabilitation, to spread awareness on the benefits of drug rehab to those in need.

If you are interested in learning how to cook or have someone prepare foods that will help you quit smoking email me at Gloria@ChefGloriaB.com or visit my website www.ChefGloriaB.com

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome & Type 2 Diabetes, Treatment

Do you or anyone you know have PCOS, otherwise known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?  Or do you have or know anyone who has Type 2 diabetes?  You maybe surprised to learn that the treatments for both diseases are remarkably similar.  Both can be managed with lifestyle changes.  Both have the similar drug    treatments recommended.  If you or someone you know has this drugs aren't necessary,  if they make significant changes in their lifestyles through diet and exercise.

Getting 5 days of exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes is very important. The exercise needs to raise your heart rate to get maximum benefit.  Walking, biking, running, swimming, dancing, single's tennis, rowing, kayaking are some of the vigorous exercises that will help with changing your conditions.

The diet part is the other big piece of the picture.  Eating a balance of lean protein (fish, soy, eggs, or egg whites, low fat diary products, white meat chicken & turkey, bison, or very lean cuts of beef) (approximately palm size and thickness), low glycemic, high fiber carbohydrates, and some monounsaturated fats at each meal will help change your conditions.  Staying away from sugar and sweetened drinks will help you reach your health goals.

For a list of the top high fiber foods with recipes, go to http://www.chefgloriab.com/high-fiber-foods.html
If your looking to improve your health and confused about how to get healthy see www.balancednutritionallifestyles.com  We can help make it easy, simple, and delicious.  Try some of our free recipes to help you get started with your new lifestyle. We can teach you how to make them or do it for you with our personal chef services.

What is Dysphagia and How to Cook

Dysphagia affects mostly the elder population.  It is when food is unable to be chewed because of swallowing issues.  Swallowing becomes painful or difficult.  Eating becomes a problem and often people lose a great deal of weight.  I have been working with patients with dysphagia for five years now and have learned how to prepare the food so that it tastes delicious and patients can begin to eat better.

How Does Dysphagia Occur?

“Dysphagia occurs when there is a problem with any part of the swallowing process. Weak tongue or cheek muscles may make it hard to move food around in the mouth for chewing. Food pieces that are too large for swallowing may enter the throat and block the passage of air.

Other problems include not being able to start the swallowing reflex (a stimulus that allows food and liquids to move safely through the pharynx) because of a stroke or other nervous system disorder. People with these kinds of problems are unable to begin the muscle movements that allow food to move from the mouth to the stomach. Another difficulty can occur when weak throat muscles cannot move all of the food toward the stomach. Bits of food can fall or be pulled into the windpipe (trachea), which may result in lung infection.” By ORALFLO.com

I have several recipes on my website: www.ChefGloriaB.com that have been converted to patients with Dysphagia.  For example the Chicken Avocado Salad

I find that a food processor with a chopping blade is indispensable in cooking for people with dysphagia.  If you are interested in more recipes please contact me at Gloria@ChefGloriab.com

The one important understanding if you are cooking for people with Dysphagia is don't just cook the meal and put it in the food processor.  For something like steamed vegetables that is fine.  However, if you are doing a recipe such as the chicken avocado salad, it is important to process in steps so the food has the most flavor.

Men -Their Health, Heart and Wellness

SAMUEL SHOULD NOT HAVE DIED

Recently an acquaintance of mine named Samuel had a heart attack and died. It was very sad. He had a loving family, great job, and wonderful life. He had all the signs. He was overweight, had high cholesterol and other unhealthy lifestyle issues. If he contacted me, I would have been able to save his life.

He loved to eat. I would have prepared delicious foods to his liking, or taught his significant other how to do it. I would have provided him with a lifestyle support plan that would have been easy to incorporate into his daily life. I would have been there for him everyday to triumph over the challenges. He was so happy. I could have made him happier. I would have gently taught this kind and generous man that you can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. I would have nurtured him each step of the way so that he did not faultier.

As men get older they get into this pattern of reactive care. They don't understand about proactive health care. They don’t listen to their wives. For the most part men unlike women are not in tune with their body and don’t take care of it. When men do unhealthy things like drink too much, are overweight, or limit physical activity they are not in tune with the harmful impact that these things can have on their bodies. They don't realize that’s "never happening to me,” changes to “it will happen”, and then that crisis is just around the corner. By then it's often too late. When they recognize the value of our working together, the quality of their life experience will be dramatically improved.

By the time men become aware that it's too late, they've lived through years of abusive behaviors. They've eaten the wrong foods, they've had too much to drink, they might smoke, have hypertension, diabetes, liver disorders, and cholesterol problems. Those are the guys, you read about: people who suddenly get a heart attack and die or have a massive stroke. It doesn't make sense. Sometimes its random bad luck but for my clients its things they've been doing all these years.

You have to wonder why the guy isn't there asking the question himself about health. It's because that's not what guys do. I don't know whether its fear or denial, or maybe they don't value themselves enough, but the wives are the ones that will go online or call me to ask the questions. If you care and love someone like Sam, I can truly make the difference. For more information call me at 781-598-9313 or e-mail at gloria@mybnl.com. Visit my website at http://www.chefgloriab.com

Saving Yourself at Thanksgiving! Some Tips!

Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday of the year. What's not to love, lots of delicious food, family and close friends! However, many people go into food overload and get food hangovers from eating too much! It's difficult not to overeat when there is so much food on the table. I have a few suggestions to have a great holiday and not get sick!

1. When making stuffing, be sure and do it outside of the bird. When the turkey stuffing is put inside the turkey all the fat drippings of the turkey end up in the stuffing. That is pure saturated fat and will create stomach pains!
2. Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast. Starvation creates more hunger and you will end up eating more than your stomach can physically handle. Eating small meals a few hours apart will be much more satisfying and healthful. Start your morning with an egg and steel cut oats with some almonds to keep satisfied for hours or have some low fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with fruit and a few almonds.
3. Drink plenty of water. Be sure and keep hydrated, especially if consuming alcoholic beverages.
   
4. Take small tastes of everything that you desire. If Aunt Sarah's sweet potato pie isn't one of your favorites, move on to the things you really enjoy. Ask for a doggie bag if you can't finish everything you desire.
5. Be sure to walk or get some exercise the morning of the holiday.
6. Focus on socializing with the ones you love. Give thanks to be together and enjoy this wonderful holiday.
7. For great holiday recipes that taste delicious and are healthy see my website at www.Mybnl.com or get my book Zone Perfect Cooking Made Easy.
8. If you need help with the holidays email me at Gloria@Mybnl.com
   

Looking for a Great Party Idea in the Greater Boston Area?

On Saturday night I did a Surprise Birthday Cooking Class for the birthday boy(man) and 15 of his closest friends. It was a blast! We prepared five different dishes and everyone had enough food for a complete meal. The birthday man's wife and I spent an hour a couple of weeks before the party going over the foods he likes and what they would like to learn how to make. She wanted to surprise him! We planned everything out and I shopped for all the ingredients and brought everything to the party including a special birthday chef's hat and apron I created and gave him as a gift. Everyone got involved in someway, either cutting, serving, cooking or just observing. The cooking party took three hours and after I left they were still having a good time. What a fun way to spend your birthday: with people you love, eating delicious food, drinking good wine, and learning a few new recipes and techniques. To find out how to have a cooking class party in your home call Gloria - 781-598-9313 or visit my website at http://www.chefgloriab.com or email me at Gloria@mybnl.com

Benefits of Grocery Tour and Cooking Class

What is a grocery tour I'm asked? The grocery tours I give are very detail oriented, they are 90 minutes. I spend at least 45 minutes in the produce section. Many people do not realize all the vegetables and fruits they are overlooking due to FEAR of the Unknown! Understanding when a fruit is ripe, how a vegetable looks that has been sitting around for a week in the store or on the truck, and what to do with the produce is part of the educational process, but that isn't all. Knowing how long to cook your produce, when it should be cooked after purchasing? Are you able to distinguish the ripeness of a fruit? Do you know how to pick an avocado, when to use it, how to store it so it won't turn black? The rest of the 45 minutes are in the other parts of the store. learning how to read those food labels, how to tell if fish is fresh, which cuts of meat are the leanest, which are tough? Understanding all the different herbs and which are appropriate for different dishes? Mastery of the different kinds of oils and fats that are offered, which are healthy and which are not. Gain new knowledge about how to shop and save money. Which stores have the best deals. These are some of the benefits of a grocery tour. It will leave you with confidence in shopping, you will shop much more expediently and save money in the process.


Combining a grocery tour with a three hour cooking class will you give the best of both worlds. You will be able to pick out the finest fruits, vegetables, fish and meats and return home and prepare at least 4 complete meals that will leave you read for the week. We can be spontaneous in picking out our selection based upon what looks the freshest, what you want to try, and price. The cooking classes come complete with recipes, tips, and lots of cooking techniques.

The combination is wonderful for those who are newly married or those who want to do something fun together, or with another couple. It is very productive for those with newly diagnosed conditions that need special dietary considerations such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, celiac, or other food sensitivity.
Please visit http://chefgloriab.com for more information on how to get started today. Mention this blog and receive $25.00 off the combination of grocery tour and cooking class.