To like quinoa is to love quinoa

           

Here at Pampering4life blog we like to keep you updated on all recent health crazes and super foods so here is the next big thing, quinoa! This healthy ingredient may be masquerading as a grain, but it is actually the seed of the Chenopodium, or Goosefoot plant. So what is all the fuss about this extremely tiny seed? Well we will tell you! Quinoa is gluten free, highly nutritious, and is the only plant-based protein to contain the nine essential amino acids. Amino acids cannot be produced in great enough quantities by the body, so they must come from food. This high amount of proteins makes the seed ideal for vegetarians. This is seed is also a great alternative from gluten-free carbohydrates for the gluten-intolerant and celiacs. Quinoa is also great for those suffering from migraines; it is a source of magnesium, which relaxes blood vessels.

 

Quinoa is also not fattening, which is something I know we are all looking for in a new food. There are only 172 calories per ¼ cup dry  (24 calories from protein and only 12 from sugars, the rest are complex carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats! Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. Fiber helps to prevent heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and diabetes. Fiber also lowers cholesterol and glucose levels. Quinoa contains iron and iron can keep your red blood cells healthy and is the bases of hemoglobin formation.

 

Quinoa is high in Riboflavin, which improves energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells and is known to help create proper energy production in cells. It is clear there are countless health benefits of this tiny seed!

 

Here are some tips when it comes to actually eating and cooking quinoa once you decide to introduce it into your diet! Always rinse quinoa. Place quinoa in a strainer, then run cold water over it until the entire soapy residue has been washed away. You can taste the seeds; if they still have a bitter taste, run more cold water over them. Use quinoa flour in your gluten-free baking! Even the leaves of the quinoa plant are edible; they taste similar to spinach. The benefits of quinoa are endless be sure to pick them up in the store today!

          

 

 

 

Pampering the mind, body, and spirit

            Pampering4life is living up to its name by opening up a new branch in the company that now offers aromatherapy! Here at Pampering4life we have decided to provide this new service to customers because we understand how important it is to truly pamper the mind, body, and spirit and aromatherapy is definitely the way to do that!

 

So what is aromatherapy you may ask? It is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds, which are aimed at improving a person’s health or mood. Aromatherapy is an exploration of creativity and expression from knowing the characteristics of oils and envisioning new combinations of scents.  Essential oils can stimulate the part of the brain that affects emotion. The shape of an essential molecule is like a key that opens lock-like structure in the olfactory nerve receptors in our nostrils. The impression of the aroma is sent directly and immediately to the limbic system where memories are stored and pleasure and emotions is perceived. Inhaling essential oils can help us attain a pleasurable emotional balance.

 

Aromatherapy will also pamper the body by having the essential oils quickly absorb through the skin, then traveling around individual cells and into hair follicles and enter into to certain glands that mingle with the skin’s natural moisturizers. The chemical properties of the oils can be cleansing, deodorizing, and balancing. Certain oils are especially appropriate to benefit the skin. The largest organ on the body reflects our inner state of well being while protecting us from daily pollutants.

 

Essential oils have positive effects on every level of being. Their unique properties enhance the body, spirit, and mind. Be sure to look into this new service being offered by Pampering4life and take the time to participate in this therapy that will elevate every part of your body!

SBWire - The Small Business Newswire | SBWire Distribute

SBWire - The Small Business Newswire | SBWire Distribute

Pampering4life Healthy Recipe:Sparkling Lime-Mint Drink

            In the midst of these scorcher summer months we must find the perfect beverages to keep us satisfied and more importantly hydrated! Sodas will certainly not do the trick with their high sugar content; they will only make us thirstier. So how about a simple drink recipe that can be refreshing as an ice-cold mojito minus the alcohol! This Sparkling Lime-Mint drink is healthy, fresh, and extremely easy to whip up for a gathering or just to keep your family cool and refreshed this summer!

Ingredients:

·         1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

·         1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed

·         2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, more to taste (stevia or agave nectar can be used as an alternative...you may prefer your drink a little sweeter as this recipe is slightly tart)

·         2 cups sparkling seltzer water (be sure it says Sparkling Seltzer Water and not club soda or tonic water...seltzer water contains only carbonated water)

·         1 cup ice

 

Directions:

 

Add the first 3 ingredients to a large glass, stir to combine. Add ice to 2 glasses, equally divide mixture between glasses and top each off with one cup sparkling seltzer water. Add a few half slices of lime to each glass, if desired. Learn more about healthy eating at nutritionyoudesign

 

Make this the new summer drink that is always at hand!

Top Hydrating Foods for the Summer

We all know one of the most important things during these hot summer months is staying hydrated! Whether at the beach or maybe just doing some work outside, hydration is key to staying healthy and productive in the heat. Your body depends on water for survival and water makes up more than half your body weight! Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function. Water during these sweltering days is essential for good health. However, it’s not just drinking water that can keep you hydrated, but eaten certain foods that contain high levels of water as well!

 

Low-fat yogurt is a good choice when it comes to a refreshing summer treat! Ice cream and frozen yogurt may be the traditional dessert of the summer, but low-fat yogurt contains more water and will make you feel fuller after you eat it. You can also flavor your yogurt by adding seasonal fruit such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries!

 

Cucumbers are also a good hydrating food being that they are primarily water and can act as a diuretic, which help cleans out your system. Cucumbers also contain Vitamin C and are rich in caffeic acid, which helps soothe the skin. You can even add cucumber to your water for a double whammy of hydration!

 

Eat more green salads! Most lettuce contains more than 90% water. Lettuce also containts fiber, which will help keep you fuller longer. So not only do green salads make for a delicious appetizer, snack, or lunch, but they also keep you hydrated in the summer weather.

Watermelon is also a summer favorite when it comes to refreshing treats and for good reason too! It’s made up mostly of water, but also has essetnial hydrating sals, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when you need to replenish your body!

 

As you can see it’s not just water that can do the trick when it comes to rehydrating your body so be sure to add these foods to your summer diet! You will be able to stay happy, hydrated, and healthy.

Pampering4life Healthy Recipe: July 4th Dessert

        

Happy July everyone! Summer sure is flying by with our entrance into July, but with the beginning of this month comes the excitement of the Fourth. I can already smell the bbq’s and delicious fresh fruit. As I am sure most of you will be attending Fourth of July parties or just keeping it small with the family in the backyard I wanted to share with you an easy and of course healthy dessert recipe to share with family and friends for this holiday! It is Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers with Cheesecake Yogurt dip.

Ingredients:
For the cheesecake dipping sauce:

• 4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup fat free Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup raw sugar

For the skewers:

• 14 oz angel food cake, cut about 1-inch cubes
• 72-84 medium strawberries (about 3.5 lbs) stems removed
• 1 pint blueberries
• 24 to 28 skewers

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese with yogurt, vanilla and sugar. Mix well until sugar dissolves; set aside

Thread 3 strawberries and 2 cubes of cake onto each skewer, alternating between strawberries and cake. Finish each skewer with 3 blueberries. Place finished skewers on a platter and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Serving size: 1 skewer, 1tbsp dip
makes about 24-28 skewers

Enjoy this festive and healthy dessert on your Fourth of July!