How to Make Smoothie Shake Cups

 Coconut Green Smoothie Cups

 Apart from chugging it straight up, coconut water is a great addition to smoothies. But you don’t always want to take the time to gather up all the necessary ingredients and toss them into a blender. These coconut green smoothie cups are your answer to a hurry up smoothie. Simply blend up all the ingredients, freeze them in muffin cups and place them in a Zip-top bag for later use.

2 cups coconut water

1/3 cup almonds

2 cups spinach

2 celery stalks, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint

1/2 orange

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

Place the ingredients in the order listed in a blender container and whirl until smooth. Divide mixture among 12 muffin cups and freeze until solid. When ready for a refreshing drink, place 1 cup coconut water or regular water in a blender followed by two of the green cups and whirl. If you don’t have a powerful blender, you might need to cut the frozen smoothie cups into quarters first.
 recommend using silicon muffin trays when making frozen smoothie cups. Because they are non-stick and you can bend and twist them, extracting the frozen contents is a breeze. If using metal, you may need to place the bottom of the tray in warm water for a few seconds.

Thai Mango Shake Cups

2cups coconut milk

2 mangos

1/2 cup roasted peanuts

1/4 cup fresh mint

Zest of 1 lime

Juice of 1 lime

1-inch piece fresh ginger

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Place all of the ingredients in a blender container and blend until smooth. The mixture should be nice and thick.

Divide the mixture among 12 standard sized muffin cups and freeze until solid, about 4 hours.

Unmold smoothie cups, place them in an airtight container, and return to freezer until ready to use. If you did not use silicon muffin cups or liners and are having trouble unmolding the frozen cups, try placing the bottom of the muffin tin in warm water for few seconds, being careful not to thaw the contents.

When ready to make a smoothie, place 1 cup liquid of choice and 2 smoothie cups into a blender container and blend until smooth. For most blenders, its best to carefully slice the smoothie cups into halves or quarters first before placing them in the blender container. 

Java Chocolate Smoothie Cups

 

3 cups strongly brewed coffee, cooled

2 bananas

1/2 cup chocolate hemp protein or other protein powder of choice

1/2 cup almonds

1/3 cup pitted dried dates, chopped

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Place coffee, bananas, protein powder, almonds, dates, extract and cinnamon and in a blender container. Turn blender onto its low setting and process for 20 seconds. Switch to the high setting and blend until dates and almonds are pulverized, about 1 minute.

Divide mixture among 12 medium sized muffin cups. Place trays in the freezer and freeze until solid. Unmold coffee cups and store in the freezer in a zip-top bag.

When it comes time to make a smoothie, simply place a couple of frozen coffee cups in a blender along with about 1 1/2 cups liquid (I use 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup water) and blend until smooth. If your blender does not have a lot of power, you may want to carefully slice the frozen cups into halves or quarters before blending.  RECIPES FROM http://www.muffintinmania.com/

 http://www.muffintinmania.com/

 

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How the Ketogenic Diet Works

  

 

 

 

Understanding How the Ketogenic Diet Works  

There is a lot of talk lately about the ketogenic diet. What is interesting, is that this diet is not new. Originating back in the 1920’s, this very low-carbohydrate diet was originally used as a treatment for epilepsy.  Today, the ketogenic diet has become popular for weight loss, however, it is not right for everyone.

To better understand how the ketogenic diet works, we first need to know how macronutrients – carbohydrates, proteins and fats – are broken down by the body for energy.  Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose which is either used immediately as energy or stored as glycogen or fat which can be used later for energy.  Protein is broken down into amino acids, of which 50% are stored as glycogen or fat which can also be used later for energy. Fats, on the other hand are broken down into fatty acids and stored as triglycerides.
A typical diet consists of approximately 50% carbohydrates, 25% protein and 25% fat.  However, the ketogenic diet consists of approximately 5-10% carbohydrates, 10-20% protein and 80 – 90% fat, in addition to avoiding specific foods altogether. With a limited supply of glucose, which is a primary fuel for the brain, the body kicks into starvation mode and begins to breakdown fatty acids to produce ketones  as an alternate source of energy, thus creating a state of ketosis.  Since the brain needs a constant supply of energy, the body will continue to break down fat to survive, hence the weight loss.

What foods are included in the Ketogenic Diet?

Here are examples of common foods you would eat on the ketogenic diet. (This is not a complete list.)
Fat: avocado, coconut milk or oil, olive oil, nuts and nut butters, bacon, egg yolks, butter, heavy cream, cheese
Protein: meat, poultry, seafood, eggs
Carbohydrates: leafy greens, asparagus, cabbage, celery, zucchini
Off Limits: fruit, grains, legumes, sugar, processed foods

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Ketogenic Diet

As with most dietary approaches, there are benefits and drawbacks to the ketogenic diet. Keeping in mind that everyone is different and results may not be the same for everyone.  Benefits may include weight loss, blood sugar control, lower triglycerides and improved overall cholesterol.  However, the long-term safety of the ketogenic diet is still to be determined. Forcing the body into a state of ketosis can create side effects, including abnormally high levels of uric acid, which can cause painful conditions, such as gout and kidney stones. Very low carb diets have also been associated with adverse metabolic and emotional effects   Medical professionals suggest using caution with a ketogenic diet and be sure a physician is monitoring specific metabolic parameters such as thyroid, sex hormones, and mineral metabolism    JOIN MY E-MAIL LIST AND RECIVE YOUR FREE 5-DAY HEALTHY EATING GUIDE    

   

    Take control and upgrade your body, mind, and your life at Bulletproof.com           .If you want to learn more about how the ketogenic diet works, explore these links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367001/
http://sciencedrivennutrition.com/the-ketogenic-diet/
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/85/1/238.full
http://www.news-medical.net/health/Ketosis-Controversy.aspx?utm_source=TrendMD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=AZoNetwork_TrendMD_0
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21130529/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716748/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5357645/

 

What Does It Mean To Be Gluten Free?

   

  What Does It Mean To Be Gluten Free?
These days, more and more food manufacturers are providing gluten-free alternatives of their products, from bagels up to pasta. However, the prevalence has led to a lot of misconceptions. The term “gluten free” is widely linked with being healthy, but often in the sense of a dieting fad. Not everyone stops to think about what gluten free really means and why individuals should or should not eat certain foods.

So, What Does it Really Mean to be Gluten Free? 

 

Gluten pertains to the protein found in rye, wheat, and barley and the cross between barley and wheat known as triticale. There are individuals who truly need to follow a gluten free diet for the sake of their health, such as those with celiac disease; for these people, gluten can result in damage to the lining of small intestines. But the vast majority of people have no problem digesting gluten.
Being gluten free means eliminate gluten foods or products from your diet. Following any type of diet is challenging but adhering to a gluten-free diet is even more difficult. But with patience, time, and some creativity, you can find ways to effectively substitute gluten free products and still enjoy the taste of your food. If you are following the advice of a doctor for any type of gluten-sensitive disorder, then you should also consult a nutritionist to help you plan your meals.
Many foods are naturally gluten-free, such as nuts, vegetables, fruits, fresh meats, and some dairy products. To be gluten free means avoiding bread, desserts, pasta, cereal, beer, and many other foods on an extensive list.

Can Anyone Really Go Gluten-Free?  

 

There is really no serious danger in eliminating gluten. However, if you are eliminating a particular ingredient, take some precaution and be careful in replacing this ingredient. Experts recommend sticking to foods that are naturally gluten-free like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and dairy. However, double check labels for sugar and sodium content.
Experts also recommend paying close attention to your fiber intake; a diet loaded with vegetables, fruits, quinoa, and many other non-gluten grains should do the trick. Individuals are also advised to take multivitamins to ensure that they are getting sufficient vitamin D.
Being Gluten Free Is Not Just About Giving Up Pasta and Bread
Gluten shows up in unexpected places, like in foods containing soy sauce, which often contains hidden traces of wheat. Gluten is also found in potato chips, hot dogs, candy bars, lunch meats, prepared eggs, and salad dressings. Since the lists of ingredients do not usually include the term “gluten,” it can be tricky to spot unless package specifically indicates that it is gluten free.
You want to avoid things that say, “malt flavor” or “malt extract.” Experts have also found gluten in rye, barley, wheat, and brewer’s yeast. Even if these foods are labeled with “gluten free,” they might contain gluten due to cross contamination.
If you are considering removing gluten from your diet, it is best to speak with an expert, regardless of what your reasons are. Avoid self-diagnosis; it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a gluten free diet.   

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What is Leaky Brain Syndrome?

What is Leaky Brain Syndrome?
Your brain houses your memories, your communication and language skills, and your ability to move your body. It also controls automatic functions such as breathing, body temperature, and heartbeat. Your brain is one of the most vital parts of the body, performing important functions, and it needs serious protection.
Despite the brain’s incredible superpowers, there are instances when the brain, as well as the Blood Brain Barrier—or BBB—is compromised. Leaky brain happens when the protective BBB is breached and naturally occurring substances cross through the walls of the vessels to the brain.
What are the Symptoms of Leaky Brain Syndrome?
The following are common signs of Leaky Brain Syndrome:
Headaches
A headache is one of the common signs of a leaky brain. The headaches are unexpected and severe. Studies also revealed that pain associated with these headaches is more intense especially when a person is standing.

Cognitive Decline
This includes memory loss and can happen for various reasons, such as from blood brain barrier dysfunction. Studies have revealed that this dysfunction can contribute to the cognitive decline that is often observed in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Chronic Fatigue
Leaky brain syndrome can lead to tiredness that does not go away even with rest or sleep. It has been discovered that the change in BBB’s permeability may resemble the continuing symptoms and signs of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Depression
The breakdown in BBB is often observed in patients with serious psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia and depression.
Causes of Leaky Brain Syndrome
If you are suffering from leaky gut, you are more prone to leaky brain syndrome. Things such as gluten and other known food allergies that damage the villi of the small intestine may eventually damage the blood brain barrier, too. Drug and alcohol abuse also poses risks to BBB permeability.
Infections, environmental toxins, and stress also take their toll on the blood brain barrier. There is a substance in the body known as Zonulin that determines the brain and the gut's permeability. Studies revealed that consuming gluten tend to increase Zonulin levels within the body, resulting in elevated permeability on both barriers. This is also common for individuals with gluten sensitivities to develop both leaky brain and leaky gut.

In order to effectively treat leaky brain, it is important that any issues concerning the gut are addressed due to the connection between the brain and the gut. Gluten must be eliminated from your diet since this increases the permeability of tight junctions, resulting in a broken down BBB.  Food sensitivities are often linked to the inflammation.
Many individuals suffer from leaky brain syndrome.  If you are at risk for developing this, you need to protect your brain. You should embrace a healthy lifestyle and engage in activities that promote ideal mental health. If you have been diagnosed with leaky brain syndrome, however, there are many effective treatments today that you can consider.    JUMP START YOUR CLEAN EATING WITH MY FREE 5-DAY CLEAN  EATING CHALLENGE   E-GUIDE