Happy Thanksgiving!

Nothing like home cooking' on thanksgiving day! Stuffing, mashed potatoes, asparagus, gravy, and last but not least TURKEY! 

Sweet ending with a slice of pumpkin pie. 

On a day like this nothing beats cooking everything from scratch and share a warm meal with your loved ones. 

Happy Thanksgiving from Boston! 

From my plate to yours, 

Maria 

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Balance & Moderation is Key!

"So hey! I am on this cool diet". "I start dieting on Monday". "Did you hear about this new diet?" The topic that blows everyone's mind. Diet more like die-it. People always like to venture out with new and hip regimes. With the boom in social media, diets have become a modern trend. The cabbage diet, the green tea diet, the starvation diet, the diet cleanses, the paleo diet... I could go on and on ad nauseam but what's the point?

Face it people do you really want know the trick? It's easy, it's simple, it's a lifestyle! 

You don't have to starve yourself to death. You don't have to part ways with your favorite cupcake, the mouthwatering gelato, or the yummy french fries. The secret is... Moderation is Key!

The first step to a successful diet is not to diet. Here are a few steps that would lead you to a healthier you:

1) Have a balanced diet --> include protein, carbohydrates, veggies, fruits, and dairy in almost all your meals
2) Have small frequent meals --> breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner
3) Indulge once or twice a week --> if you have a sweet tooth or if you are into savory heaven you can always indulge but do so during one meal only
4) Exercise --> 3 times a week and include 20 minutes of cardio each time
5) Eat high value foods --> what looks good, tastes good, feels good is most probably good for your body. Junk foods and low-nutrient value foods usually make you feel nauseous or bloated after.
6) Variety --> eat a variety of foods don't stick into one common routine
7) Don't drink your calories --> have alcohol 2-3 times per week

From my plate to yours, 

Maria 

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Detox Diets... Too good to be true!

What are Detox Diets?

There is still no consensus on a specific regimen that characterizes the detox diet. A variety of detox diets are available in the market and numerous opinions on what it should consist of exist. In general, detox diets are extreme weight loss diets that include changes in food and beverage consumption. The goal of these diets is to flush the body from unwanted toxins and contaminants found in processed foods. By doing so the metabolic functions of the body are improved and this would enable weight loss. Most detox diets last around 7 to 10 days and consist of a very low calorie regimen that includes small amounts of fruits, vegetables, juices, and water. Some diets include herbal teas such as green tea and vitamin/mineral supplements.

However, there is still no scientific evidence that proves the effectiveness of these diets in helping with the removal of toxins from the body. The risks of detox diets outweigh the benefits as these diets may potentially be dangerous for your body. Potential side effects include low blood sugar levels, low energy, fatigue, dizziness, muscle pain, and nausea. Not to mention that most people don't feel well on low-calorie diets and might eventually regain the weight they lost! These diets set unrealistic goals and expectations that are based on the dieters' lack of knowledge on how the body works.

Solution? Don't worry I've got it covered!

If you are looking for cleansing your body from it's toxins or promoting weight loss you can do simple modifications to your diet. This is a list of the 8 Steps for success! 

1) Increase fruits & vegetables intake
2) Replace refined grains by whole grains such as whole wheat bread instead of white bread
3) Include beans
4) Have healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, and raw nuts
5) Drink at least 1.5 L of water a day
6) Drink herbal teas such as green tea
7) Limit alcohol consumption
8) Aim for regular physical activity at least 90 minutes per week




From my plate to yours,
Maria

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