25 Snacks That Will Give You Energy Throughout The Day

Our energy is integrally connected to the foods we eat. The foods we choose to put in our body can either boost our energy, or drag us down. Here are great energizing foods that will support our general well-being and health. There’s 25, so I’ll get right into it!

1. Apples:

Everyone knows “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and it’s true! Apples contain lots of vitamins and minerals, and are also a rich source of flavonoids and polyphenols, both of which are powerful antioxidants. Try eating them in the morning and include in smoothies.

2. Bananas:

Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, which helps maintain normal blood pressure and heart function in the body. Bananas are a convenient snack with a peel that you can throw in your purse or carry-on, that is sure to boost your energy levels during an afternoon lull.

3. Red Peppers:

Bell peppers are bursting with antioxidant vitamins A and C- also great for skin beauty. Red peppers in particular contain lycopene, which has been linked to cancer prevention. Red peppers are great to snack on if you want that satisfying crunch. Try dipping in salsa for an afternoon snack.

4. Hummus:

Hummus is a healthy energy-boosting snack that is sure to satisfy the creamy-salty cravings. It’s a great energy booster when paired with other items on this list, like red peppers, carrots and cucumbers. Try the Raw Chickpea-Free Hummus recipe with zucchini instead of cooked chickpeas, and raw tahini. You’ll still get amino acids and calcium from the raw tahini, but in a lighter, non-starchy form.

5. Organic Dark Chocolate:

If you have a sweet tooth, organic dark chocolate is sure to satisfy those cravings, and is better than having dessert snacks that contain refined starches, which will deplete B vitamins that we need for energy. I recommend non-dairy, organic dark chocolate because it contains the highest amount of powerful antioxidants. There is some sugar in it, so limit portion size to 1-2 oz a day.

6. Pumpkin seeds:

These seeds are packed with minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium, vitamin K and protein. These seeds will be sure to satisfy that crunchy craving when you need a boost. Lighter than nuts, try a quarter of a cup of them in the afternoon a few hours after lunch, especially if you are working out after work or have a long stretch before dinner.

7. Carrots:

Carrots are high in fiber, so they are a great crunchy way to take the edge off hunger, while providing some good nutrition. They contain high amounts of Vitamin A, in the form of Beta-Carotene, which is good for the eye sight. Since they are a veggie which combines well with most other foods, they are great to snack on throughout the day.

8. Celery:

Celery is a refreshing source of fiber, vitamin C and B-vitamins. It has a diuretic effect, due to its balance of the electrolytes potassium and sodium, which helps to flush out excess fluid from the body. Celery is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also great with hummus for a more substantial snack, or try adding it to the Glowing Green Smoothie (see below!)

9. Pureed veggie soup:

Making a pureed veggie soup is a great way to get in those veggies on a cold day. Nothing is more comforting than a warm bowl of soup, so try boosting your energy with a bowl of pure veggies! Because the soup is blended, your body can easily absorb the nutrients that become readily available, without wasting energy breaking them down.

10. Lemon Water:

It may sounds simple, but sipping water with lemon (cold or hot) is known to provide energy. One of the biggest forms of fatigue is dehydration, so make sure to sip up! Lemon gives an added boost of vitamins and enzymes. Be sure to start your day with a cup of hot water with lemon.

11.Oatmeal:

Oats are one of the healthiest carbs you can find. Try some natural oats (oat groats are my favorite) in the morning, at least 25 minutes after you’ve had some fruit or if you are still hungry after having the Glowing Green Smoothie. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for even more health benefits and more flavor.

12. Glowing Green Smoothie:

Try blending up a batch of my signature smoothie when you feel low on energy. It’s packs a huge amount of greens into one drink, with a bit of fruit to sweeten the taste so it is delicious. Loaded with vitamins, enzymes, minerals, amino acids and filling fiber, this is my daily ritual for breakfast and a mid-afternoon snack.

13. Watermelon:

Watermelon is a great snack, especially in the summer when it’s in season. It contains lycopene, which as mentioned earlier, has been linked to cancer prevention. Be sure to eat it on an empty stomach to experience its full benefits. As with other non-starchy/non-fatty fruits, it digests quickly and needs to pass out of the stomach so it doesn’t prematurely ferment behind slower-digesting foods.

14. Coconut water:

Drinking coconut water is one of the best ways to naturally re-hydrate the body. It is packed full of electrolytes and has detoxifying properties. Young coconuts are best, but are not always convenient (!). You can find coconut water in cartons in most health food grocery stores these days.

15. Green Salad:

There’s nothing like a nice, green salad to provide an energy burst. Greens are filled with vitamins and minerals, and digest fairly quickly so you’ll feel the energy. Use a light dressing that includes lemon, and this is a perfect way to get some nutrition when feeling low on energy.

16. Pineapple:

Pineapple is easy to digest, and contains the enzyme bromelain, which helps aids in digestion and has cleansing properties. Again, be sure to eat on an empty stomach and alone.

17. Blueberries:

Blueberries are a delicious, energetic snack. These berries are also known to promote brain function and boost energy, so they are a good thing to eat before a test, or when you need to focus. They are abundant and in season at the moment!

18. Avocado:

Filled with fiber and healthy fats and fiber, avocados are one of my daily staples. They are awesome to keep your skin smooth and youthful as well. They are also known to help lower cholesterol. If you don’t like to eat them plain, try adding avocados to salads.

19. Raw Granola:

Granola is a great snack when you’re feeling hungry mid-day. Make sure you choose a granola that is not overly processed (a raw variety if you can find it), is preferably gluten-free and does not have a ton of added sugar. Its best to try and make your own, with a base of buckwheat groats.

20. Herbal Tea:

This is a nice thing to sip when you don’t want to eat anything late at night or in the mid-morning or afternoon. Make sure to go caffeine free. I suggest red rooibos because it contains lots of antioxidants and has a nice flavor.

21. Dried Figs:

Dried figs are an amazing blood purifier and help dissolve mucus and toxins from our system. Make sure you choose brands that don’t add sugars or additives. Figs have a fairly high amount of sugar, so really limit portion size to only a few. If you have  Candida or another sugar issue, you should avoid dried and regular fruit.

22. Strawberries:

A great snack for some fiber, tons of vitamin C, as well as biotin (great for skin/hair/nails) and folic acid. Strawberries contain high levels of antioxidants. Perfect for the summer!

23. Quinoa:

Quinoa is a great grain to add to your diet because it is a complete protein, and contains all the essential amino acids. It is one of the most nutritious, filling grains you can choose.

24. Cucumber:

Cucumber is known to be a beauty vegetable and full of the beauty mineral silicon. It’s a delicious, hydrating and nutrient-rich snack that tastes great on its own, or dipped in hummus. Try making cucumber salad with raw apple cider vinegar.

25. Raw Sauerkraut:

Sauerkraut is a probiotic-rich food. Probiotics help create B vitamins which will be sure to give you the energy you need throughout your day. Try my Probiotic & Enzyme Salad recipe so you can make your own raw sauerkraut for cents a day.

source: kimberlysnyder.net

Avoiding Repeat Miscarriages

Q: How do I avoid recurrent miscarriages?

A: Any known pregnancy loss can leave an emotional scar along with feelings of guilt and self-doubt. But even when a mom has done everything right—taken all precautions possible, exercised, ate a nutritious diet—miscarriages still can happen.

A miscarriage is a pregnancy loss that occurrs less than 20 weeks from a woman’s last menstrual period. It’s estimated that up to 50 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Most of these miscarriages happen, however, before women even know that they’re pregnant. Of known pregnancies, about 15 percent miscarry.

As disturbing as these statistics sound, imagine when a woman miscarries three or more times in a row. About 1 percent of all women deal with this gut-wrenching condition, known as recurrent pregnancy loss or recurrent miscarriage.

The reason for the majority of recurrent pregnancy losses is unknown. However, some medical conditions in the mother and in the fetus have been linked to these miscarriages:

• Random chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo; this unexplained “chance” event is the most common reason.
• Inherited genetic cause.
• Age of the mother; the chance of miscarriage increases with age—approximately one-third of all pregnancies for women 40 and older miscarry.
• An abnormality of the uterus, such as double uterus, fibroids and uterine polyps; some of these could be corrected by surgery.
• Hormonal and metabolic abnormalities in the mother; such as, poorly controlled diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome and possible association with low levels of progesterone.
• Autoimmune disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome in the mother; this requires blood tests to check for the lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies.
• An inherited blood clotting disorder in the mother, such as Factor V Leiden, elevated levels of fibrinogen and others.

When a woman has had two or more known miscarriages in her first trimester, or one miscarriage in her second, she should be thoroughly evaluated by an obstetrician, a reproductive pregnancy loss specialist or a family physician trained in obstetrics and reproductive health. This examination likely will include: Blood tests (checking for immune disorders in the mother, hormone levels, chromosome abnormalities and other related conditions), an ultrasound of the uterus, hysteroscopy (viewing the uterus through the cervix using a special device) and endometrial biopsy.

Even with the best experts studying the results of the most accurate tests, we are left without a clear explanation for more than half of the repeat miscarriages.

However, there’s hope. Sixty percent to 70 percent of women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages will go on to have a successful pregnancy. And, if the cause is recognized and treatable, the success rate increases by up to 90 percent.

So what can you do to maximize your chances for a successful pregnancy? For starters, ask your physician if you would benefit from taking a daily vitamin B supplement known as folic acid. Next, consider incorporating a healthier lifestyle into your daily routine. Some suggestions:

• Eating a nutritious and well balanced diet.
• Quitting the tobacco habit.
• Avoiding secondhand tobacco smoke.
• Ceasing any alcohol consumption.
• Incorporating regular and low-intensity exercise, such as walking.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Reducing caffeine intake.
• Keeping clear of unwanted radiation or toxic chemical exposure, including work-related chemicals.
• Checking with your physician or pharmacist before taking over–the-counter or prescription medications.
• Avoiding the use of illegal drugs.

How long you wait before attempting another pregnancy is a highly personal decision. While many experts recommend waiting until you have had at least one or two normal menstrual cycles for evidence of a physical recovery, it is just as important to give yourself time to heal emotionally and spiritually.

Source: MSN Health

Bizarre condition causes woman to collapse every time her phone rings

Most people love nice surprises, but they are agony for Caitlin Wallace, who collapses whenever something unexpected happens.

The 26-year-old suffers from cataplexy, where moments of extreme emotion cause muscular weakness. This can range from a slackening of the facial muscles, weakness at the knees to total collapse.

Laughter, anger, excitement and fear can all cause reactions, but for Caitlin her trigger is surprise.

Surprise: Even an unexpected phone call can trigger a cataplexy attack

Simple things like her phone ringing, bumping into an old friend and letters coming through the door have all made her collapse - at it's worst up to 20 times a day.

It can leave her paralysed for several minutes and although she can hear everything, she cannot see.

Mrs Wallace from Liverpool, said: 'It started off with a very small feeling of falling whenever I laughed at something, and by the end of the week when someone at work told a funny story, I just lost muscle control and fell onto the floor.

'It's developed from laughter to shock and surprise. I can collapse just because my mobile rings when I'm holding it.

'I was shopping in the supermarket a couple of months ago when I bumped into an old friend I hadn't seen for about five years.

'It was so unexpected that I collapsed. It's really embarrassing.

'With cataplexy you can't put your arms out to break your fall. You have no control or no way stopping yourself from falling.

'I'm covered in bumps, bruises and scars from falls. I can hear people when I have an attack but I can't see or speak. It's like I'm paralysed.' 

Collapse: Caitlin Wallace during an attaqck on holiday in June 2011. 
She is conscious but cannot move during the episodes

Her husband John, 35, who is a lift engineer, knows not to surprise his wife with flowers or chocolates and made sure their wedding in June last year was a low-key affair.

Caitlin said: 'A surprise party would be my idea of hell. If John has something to tell me, he asks me to sit down first in case I collapse.

'If he walks into a room and I don't realise he's there, it can happen. Once, I was sat blow drying my hair with my back to the door. He walked in and made me jump. I fell face down onto the bed.

'John is very good. He always tries to catch me when I fall.'

Symptoms started in February last year, and after her first attack she went to her local accident and emergency department fearing she had suffered a stroke.

Doctors there suggested Caitlin see a neurologist, who carried out tests, including a brain scan, before referring her to a specialist sleep clinic at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

It was there she was diagnosed with cataplexy and narcolepsy, which causes excessive daytime sleepiness.

Her condition means she has had to give up her driving licence and her job as a receptionist at a dental practice.

Caitlin said: 'I kept falling asleep on the phone and making mistakes because of the tiredness. It was causing a lot of problems so I had to leave.

'Work were very good and patient, but it wasn't working out to anyone's 

Caitlin pictured with her husband John who must catch her when she falls

Last Christmas, the attacks became so severe Caitlin was scared to leave the house on her own and she would use a wheelchair in public, despite being able to walk.

She wasn't able to cook and have a bath on her own in case she had a catapletic attack.

She had to stop exercising because it was too dangerous, causing her to put on more than two stone.

With medication, her condition has improved and she has started doing voluntary work with the hope of getting a part-time job next year.

Caitlin said: 'A few months ago, I wouldn't have thought about the future, but I'm feeling more positive.

'When my condition was at it's worst, I spent so much time indoors. I got bored of watching television so I started reading a lot of books.

'It's made me realise I want to be a writer, and now I have my days free to try and make that happen.'

Dr Paul Reading, consultant neurologist at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, and president of the British Sleep Society said: 'People with narcolepsy lack a chemical in their brain that regulates sleep, without which they cannot stay awake for more than a couple of hours or so.

'Cataplexy is found only in people suffering from narcolepsy.

'It is triggered by intense emotion, particularly laughter or surprise, as with Caitlin, but occasionally anger or frustration.

'I have a patient who has a cataplectic attack whenever he gets a good shot while playing golf.

'Cataplexy can be treated with anti-depressants, not because the sufferer is depressed but because these drugs create a chemical state in the brain that inhibits cataplexy.'

source: daily mail