Eat Papaya to Lose Weight!

Papaya (Carica papaya L., Caricaceae family) has been proven natural remedy for various health ailments. Fruits are spherical or pear-shaped having yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is bright orange, with small black seeds clustered in the center. The ripe fruit is juice and sweet that makes it delicious and extremely enjoyable! Thoughpapaya is believed to be native to Southern Mexico and Central America, today it is cultivated extensively all over the tropical regions.

In traditional medicine, papaya seeds are anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and analgesic, and are used to treat stomachache and ringworm infections. The fruit is low in calories (39 calories/100 g) and contains no cholesterol; however, is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids, the B vitamins, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients also colon cancer,atherosclerosis, infections, colds and flu.  The vitamin A, C and E content of papaya are said to offer protection against heart diseases.

Papaya is rich in nutrients and can benefit several different health concerns, including weight loss. Papaya is a low calorie fruit with high fiber

content. Eating a bowl of ripe papaya as mid time snacks would help you feel full for a longer period of time. This keeps you satisfied, curbs the hunger cravings, and keeps you from overeating. Papaya fruit contains soft, easily digestible flesh with a good amount of soluble dietary fiber that helps to have normal bowel movements and cures constipation. The digestive enzymes papain and chymonpapain found in papaya are known to cleanse your digestive tract, further supporting fat loss. One can enjoy eating the ripe fruit or unripe papaya fruit can also be cooked and consumed.

10 Benefits of Fasting That Will Surprise You

Starvation literally means starvation. It doesn’t mean skipping a meal or not eating for 24 hours. Or not eating for three days even. The belief that meal skipping or short-term fasting causes “starvation mode” is so completely ridiculous and absurd that it makes me want to jump out the window.

Is it a good thing to ‘starve’ yourself each day, or a few days of the week? Well, a tonne of evidence indicates that timed periods of fasting are a good thing.

Fasting has become increasingly popular over the years, especially among the health community. Whilst most health practitioners are afraid to recommend eating less due to the stigma involved, it still doesn’t alleviate the incredible benefits of fasting when used sensibly.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 benefits of fasting that will surprise you, and how you can incorporate them into your own life.

1. FASTING HELPS WEIGHT LOSS

Fasting can be a safe way to lose weight as many studies have shown that intermittent fasting – fasting that is controlled within a set number of hours – allows the body to burn through fat cells more effectively than just regular dieting.

Intermittent fasting allows the body to use fat as it’s primary source of energy instead of sugar. Many athletes now use fasting as means to hitting low body fat percentages for competitions.

2. FASTING IMPROVES INSULIN SENSITIVITY

Fasting has shown to have a positive effect on insulin sensitivity, allowing you to tolerate carbohydrates (sugar) better than if you didn’t fast. A study showed that after periods of fasting, insulin becomes more effective in telling cells to take up glucose from blood.

3. FASTING SPEEDS UP THE METABOLISM

Intermittent fasting gives your digestive system a rest, and this can energise your metabolism to burn through calories more efficiently. If your digestion is poor, this can effect your ability to metabolise food and burn fat. Intermittent fasts can regulate your digestion and promote healthy bowel function, thus improving your metabolic function.

4. FASTING PROMOTES LONGEVITY

Believe it or not, the less you eat the longer you will live. Studies have shown how the lifespan of people in certain cultures increased due to their diets. However, we don’t need to live amongst a foreign community to reap the benefits of fasting. One of the primary effects of ageing is a slower metabolism, the younger your body is, the faster and more efficient your metabolism. The less you eat, the less toll it takes on your digestive system.

5. FASTING IMPROVES HUNGER

Just think about this, can you actually experience real hunger if you eat a meal every 3-4 hours? Of course you can’t. In fact, to experience the true nature of hunger, this would take anything from 12 to even 24 hours.

Fasting helps to regulate the hormones in your body so that you experience what true hunger is. We know that obese individuals do not receive the correct signals to let them know they are full due excessive eating patterns.

Think of fasting as a reset button: the longer you fast, the more your body can regulate itself to release the correct hormones, so that you can experience what real hunger is. Not to mention, when your hormones are working correctly, you get full quicker.

6. FASTING IMPROVES YOUR EATING PATTERNS

Fasting can be a helpful practice for those who suffer with binge eating disorders, and for those who find it difficult to establish a correct eating pattern due to work and other priorities.

With intermittent fasting going all afternoon without a meal is okay and it can allow you to eat at a set time that fits your lifestyle. Also, for anyone who wants to prevent binge eating, you can establish a set time in where you allow yourself to eat your daily amount of calories in one sitting, and then not eat till the following day.

7. FASTING IMPROVES YOUR BRAIN FUNCTION

Fasting has shown to improve brain function, because it boosts the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF.)

BDNF activates brain stem cells to convert into new neurons, and triggers numerous other chemicals that promote neural health. This protein also protects your brain cells from changes associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

8. FASTING IMPROVES YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Intermittent fasting improves the immune system because it reduces free radical damage, regulates inflammatory conditions in the body and starves off cancer cell formation.

In nature, when animals get sick they stop eating and instead focus on resting. This is a primal instinct to reduce stress on their internal system so their body can fight off infection. We humans are the only species who look for food when we are ill, even when we do not need it.

9. FASTING CONTRIBUTES TO SELF-ENLIGHTENMENT

Fasting has helped many people feel more connected to life during the practices reading, meditation, yoga and martial arts etc. With no food in the digestive system, this makes room for more energy in the body – the digestive is one of the most energy absorbing systems in the body.

Fasting for self-enlightenment, allows us to feel better both consciously and physically. With a lighter body and a clearer mind we become more aware and grateful for the things around us.

10. FASTING HELPS CLEAR THE SKIN AND PREVENT ACNE

Fasting can help clear the skin because with the body temporarily freed from digestion, it’s able to focus its regenerative energies on other systems.

Not eating anything for just one day has shown to help the body clean up the toxins and regulate the functioning of other organs of the body like liver, kidneys and other parts.

30 Healthy And Tasty Recipes For Breakfast That You Can Make The Night Before

Many of us are pressed for time in the mornings but starting your day with a healthy breakfast may not be as hard as you think. Here are 30 recipes that you can easily make the night before. This way you can start your day the best way possible. Enjoy!

1. RAW BANANA CINNAMON CHIA PUDDING

Chia seed puddings are a great way to start your day and are so easy to make. Chia seeds give you a huge amount of nutrients, are loaded with antioxidants and are high in quality protein which should keep you feeling fuller for longer. These can be made in mason jars and stored in the fridge for a few days.

2.  APPLE-QUINOA BREAKFAST MUFFINS

Quinoa is high in protein and is a complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index which is said to be good for weight management. These tasty muffins can be made ahead of time and you could also make up a big batch and store some in the freezer.

3. SPRING VEGGIE AND POTATO FRITTATA

Check this article out to see just how good eggs are for breakfast. Frittatas are an easy way to add eggs to your diet. This recipe includes asparagus and potato but you could also include things like spinach leaves, mushrooms, zucchini, sweet potato, feta - whatever you fancy.

4.  BLUEBERRY, BUCKWHEAT + CHIA SEED MUFFINS {GLUTEN-FREE; NATURALLY-SWEETENED}

The amazing creator of this delicious breakfast muffins said “I made it my business to come up with the healthiest version of a muffin that I could: nutrient-dense, full of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.” Sounds perfect to me!

5. GREEN SMOOTHIES

“The most powerful way to up our mineral consumption is to consume a plant-based drink every day, by either blending or juicing vegetables and fruit together,” says Kimberly Snyder, nutritionist and detox specialist. This is why green smoothies are the perfect way to start your day. They are so easy to make the night before. Just chuck all of your ingredients in the blender and store it in a mason jar in the fridge. Perfect for breakfast or a snack on the go.

6. OVERNIGHT OATS

Overnight oats are extremely versatile. You can top them with nuts and seeds, berries, fruit, natural yoghurt, honey, grated coconut, the options are endless. Oats have many beneficial nutrients including protein and fibre. They keep you feeling full and may help to reduce cholesterol.

7. YOGHURT AND MUESLI PARFAITS

Yoghurt is a source of protein and has several other nutrients including calcium, Vitamin B2 & B12, potassium and magnesium. Make sure you are consuming a natural yoghurt as many of the flavoured yoghurts contain large amounts of sugar. Match your natural yoghurt with some fruit and muesli and you have a delicious, healthy breakfast.

8.  BAKED EGG BREAKFAST CASSEROLE WITH MUSHROOMS, SPINACH & SALSA RECIPE 

This one will take about 35 minutes of your time the night before and is a perfect way to include more greens in your diet. Spinach and other leafy greens are important for skin, hair and bone health, and provide protein, iron, vitamins and minerals.

9. BACON AND EGG CUPCAKES

I absolutely love this one. These are so easy to make and are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Just line a muffin tray with bacon, crack in an egg, sprinkle some herbs and bake.

10. SWEET POTATO, KALE + FETA MUFFINS

This ‘meal-in-a-muffin’ is full of protein and vegetables. A perfect healthy breakfast or snack when you are on the run.

11. RASPBERRY, WALNUT + BUCKWHEAT BREAKFAST PUDDING

Diets that contain buckwheat have been linked to lowered risk of developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure and this recipe is a perfect way for you to incorporate it. Put it in some jars with rice/almond milk, walnuts and raspberries and you have a nutritious way to start your day.

12. MIXED BERRY PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

Here is another amazing recipe from Sarah Wilson. All you do is chuck your favourite ingredients in the blender, blend and go.

13. BANANA OAT SMOOTHIE

Another simple smoothie recipe but this time you are including Banana and oats. This article from Foodmatters.tv explains just how powerful Bananas can be if we include them in our diet for example they “aid digestion and gently chelate toxins and heavy metals from the body.”

14. PALEO BREAD

Many of us like a quick piece of toast in the morning, but why settle for white refined bread with very little nutritional value when you can eat this paleo bread packed full of fruit, seeds and nuts.

15. BLUEBERRY CHIA AND SEED BOWL

This one is so simple and so nutritious. Just put your seeds, nuts, dates and yoghurt into a blender and blitz until combined. Then top with other ingredients of your choice. This one uses goji berries, blueberries, nuts and dried coconut. Make it into a mason jar and have it for breakfast.  Yum!

16. BLUEBERRY AND BANANA BREAD

This one will take you about 1 hour and 35 mins the night before. You can whip it up while you are cooking dinner and leave it in the oven to cook while you finish your meal. I promise you the delicious results are worth it! Just try not to eat it all that night.

17. MINI MAKE-HEAD & FREEZE FRITTATAS

This is another great recipe that sees you utilising your muffin trays!  Just mix up your ingredients, pour them into the tray and bake.  So easy and simple! If you want you can make two trays worth and store them in the freezer.

18.  ORANGE MAPLE POLENTA 

Polenta is a low carbohydrate food rich in vitamin A and C making it a good source of the caroteinoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. This dish can be served hot or cold, which means it is a perfect option for you to make the night before.

19. CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BREAKFAST BARS

Chocolate and peanut butter for breakfast? Yes please! This wonderful recipe from Vegan Heartland is packed with nuts and seeds and are rich in protein, fibre, antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

20. FRUIT SALAD

What a better way to start your day then with a refreshing salad bowl. Cut up your favourite fruit the night before and store it in a container. In the morning, just add yoghurt and muesli and you can be on your way.

21. AVOCADO TOAST WITH EGG

This one is very simple. You can boil your eggs the night before or even in the morning. Then just toast your bread, scoop on your avocado and slice up your egg.

22. BREAKFAST BURRITO

These are a delicious and easy snack to keep on hand. Cook your ingredients the night before and wrap them in a small whole-wheat tortilla. You can make a few of them and then keep them in the freezer.

23. BRUNCH EGG & CHEESE CUPS

I can’t help but include more egg cup recipes in this list. I think it’s because they are so tasty, easy and nutritious. This one uses onion, cherry tomatoes and thyme.

24. ZUCCHINI BREAD OATMEAL

I know zucchini in your oatmeal may seem a little crazy but I love this recipe from Oh She Glows. Zucchini is a good source of potassium and contains antioxidant vitamins that help boost immunity and support healthy aging. I don’t know why, but it just works in this recipe. Give it a try!

25. HARD BOILED EGGS

Hard boiled eggs are easy and affordable. Boil a few up at a time and leave them in the fridge for a couple of days. They are a great source of protein.

26. SIX-GRAIN SLOW COOKER PORRIDGE

I love using my slow cooker as it is so quick and easy but I have never thought to use it for breakfast!  Put some grains, oats, seeds, fruit and milk in the night before and wake up to some delicious slow cooked porridge.

27. CROCKPOT COBBLER

This easy and delicious recipe will take a few minutes to prepare and tastes like apple crumble. It looks naughty but is actually a great healthy alternative. Why not cook it the night before and take some for breakfast in the morning. Top it off with some yoghurt and berries.

28. BANANA SPLIT WITH YOGURT AND JAM

This healthy twist on a banana split is a great healthy breakfast. Top your banana off with some natural yoghurt, coconut, granola, honey or a little bit of jam.

29. AVOCADO BREAKFAST PUDDING

Avocados are full of healthy fats and are an excellent source of potassium. They are rich in vitamin K, B, C and E. Research suggests that there may be a number of other benefits including: lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of diabetes, promoting lower body weight, and preventing cancer.

30. BERRY BREAKFAST QUINOA

Berries and quinoa are a perfect breakfast combination. This is a great recipe but I would use natural/full fat yoghurt. In my opinion, full fat is always a better option and you can read why here.