fitladyzone - Tumblr blog

[fitladyzone]

19 food & drink items that have been around for thousands of years

There are plenty of foods and drinks currently consumed that are recent inventions—Red Bull, plant-based burgers, the Cronut—while others have existed for hundreds of years or more. In fact, some things we still eat and drink today have been consumed by humans for millennia. (And for the record, we’re not even talking about fruits, vegetables, and other produce you simply pick off a plant or tree.) Here are 21 foods & drinks that have been around for thousands of years.

Beef jerky

The first written records of modern-day jerky come from the 1550s when Spanish conquistadors spoke of “ch’arki,” a dried form of llama or alpaca meat made by the indigenous people of what is now Peru. However, earlier versions of jerky have been made by Native Americans for thousands of years and there’s also evidence of dried meat found in tombs in Ancient Egypt from the 14th century B.C.E.

Bread

Bread—specifically the leavened kind that’s made with yeast—has been baked in Egypt for at least the last 3,000 years. Some researchers date the first use of yeast even farther back, claiming that there’s evidence that sourdough bread was first made 6,000 years ago!

Butter

The first known instructions for preparing butter were written on a Sumerian tablet that dates back to 2,500 B.C.E.—but it’s likely butter predates that ancient recipe by several thousand years. Historians believe that 10,000 years ago, herdsmen discovered that milk transported in sheepskin bags would curdle into a tasty, solid form after being jostled for hours on end during long journeys. 

Cheese

Like butter, cheese was likely invented by accident some 10,000 years ago. The enzyme mixture known as rennet is produced in the stomachs of young mammals, and milk stored in these stomachs led to the creation of the first cheese. Instructions for cheesemaking have survived from Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt—making them 4,000 years old or more!

Cheesecake

Not only do we know how long cheesecake has been around, but we might even know who published one of the earliest recipes. Cheesecake was apparently popular all the way back in Ancient Greece, with the Greek physician Aegimus—who lived in the 5th century B.C.E.—writing an entire book on the art of making a dessert similar to the one we know today. A more modern version, as well as the name “cheesecake,” dates back to 14th or 15th century England.

Chocolate

Cacao has been harvested for nearly 4,000 years in the areas now known as North and Central America, and it was so valuable to the Mayans that cacao beans were once used as currency. The Olmecs—the earliest known major civilization in the area—were known to use cacao to make a chocolate beverage, and there’s even some evidence that chocolate drinks predate the Olmecs!

Curry

Curry generally refers to an Indian stew made with a sauce consisting of various spices, so it’s not surprising that evidence suggests this simple dish has been made on the Indian subcontinent for some 4,500 years. That’s a long time, which explains why regional curries now exist in nearly every continent. 

Flatbread

Researchers in Europe found evidence of grains from cattails and ferns on grindstones and pestle grinders at three sites in Italy, Russia, and the Czech Republic that date back 30,000 years. Evidence of a more modern version of flatbread—made from wild wheat and barley—was also found in Jordan’s Black Desert and was estimated to be some 14,000 years old. Scientists from the latter site speculated the flatbread may have been used to wrap meat, so that find could also be the oldest evidence of sandwiches!

Honey

A rock painting in Valencia, Spain that dates back to 6,000-8,000 B.C.E. depicts a hunter gathering honey from wild bees, confirming that humans have been eating this bee byproduct for at least that long. Even beekeeping has ancient origins, as there are written records of this practice that originate from Egypt circa 2,500 B.C.E.

Noodles

In 2005, archaeologists made a historic discovery in northwestern China: A 4,000-year-old bowl of noodles. Historians knew noodles have been around for thousands of years, but this finding provided evidence of an even earlier date. And if you’re wondering about the type of noodle found, it was similar to the wheat flour-based lamian noodles still consumed today.

Olive oil

In Israel, just a mile west of Nazareth, researchers discovered ancient pottery that was found to contain traces of olive oil. Those researchers estimated the age of the pottery to be 8,000 years old! In addition to cooking, olive oil was used for lamp fuel, medicine, soap, religious ceremonies, and even perfume.

Pancakes

The first recorded mention of pancakes comes from the 5th century B.C.E., when a pair of Ancient Greek poets described tagenites, a food made from wheat flour, oil, honey, and milk. This meal was prepared in a frying pan, called a tagenon, hence the origin of the name tagenites. However, it’s possible pancakes were invented even longer ago…maybe even thousands of years prior, as Otzi the Iceman—a mummified man who lived around 3,200 B.C.E.—had what researchers believe to be pancakes in his stomach.

Rice

The exact time when rice was first cultivated is still up for debate, but it’s generally cited as being about 10,000 years ago, according to archaeological findings. The world has yet to get sick of this seed—much to the contrary, as about half of the world’s population, eats rice every day.

Sauerkraut

Although it’s most associated with German cuisine, sauerkraut, like many other foods, likely originated in China. Laborers who built the Great Wall of China 2,000 years ago subsisted on cabbage and rice, and would use rice wine to preserve the former during the non-growing season, resulting in its fermentation.

Soup

Man discovered fire about 400,000 years ago, but soup isn’t quite that old—at least according to the evidence found thus far. In 2013, archaeologists from Harvard discovered 22,000-year-old pottery in a cave in China that featured scorch marks, suggesting it was heated over a fire. Although it’s possible something other than soup was cooked in the bowls, it’s highly likely that broth or stock was regularly consumed by our ancient ancestors in an effort to render fat from animal bones and avoid protein poisoning. 

Soy sauce

Soy sauce is a popular condiment in Asian cuisine, and it has had plenty of time to build up a following. Historians say early versions of this salty sauce were first invented in China 2,200 years ago during the Han Dynasty and were used to preserve meat, vegetables, and grains. 

Tamales

While the folks in Asia were cultivating rice, people in what is now Mexico and Guatemala were making tamales. That’s right, the tamale might date back as far as 10,000 years! As this meat, cheese, and/or bean-filled food is wrapped in dough inside a corn husk or banana leaf, it was the perfect portable meal for hunters and warriors alike.

Tofu

Prince Liú Ān ruled during China’s Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago. The scholar is credited with editing and publishing numerous pieces of classic Daoist literature, but also for inventing tofu! Whether he personally invented bean curd is still up for debate, but this timeframe for tofu’s invention is generally agreed upon.

Yogurt

Historians believe yogurt was first invented—likely when milk was accidentally fermented—around 5,000 B.C.E, after the domestication of milk-producing animals in Central and Western Asia. Since then, it has become a staple of diets around the world, especially in Turkish culture, which gave the food its name!

[fitladyzone]

The 21 BEST Foods for Weight Loss! How Each Can Help You Lose Weight

Losing Weight Isn't Just About Cutting Back on Calories. The What and How You Eat Can Help you Lose Weight, Too. In this blog, we'll cover the 21 best foods for weight loss. We'll also break down how and why they help you slim down, along with which eating habits you should adopt for maximum results.

[fitladyzone]

4 Easy Energy Bites

Energy bites are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and boost your energy levels. They are easy to make, require no baking, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Here are 4 delicious energy bite recipes that you can try at home.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

These classic energy bites are made with creamy peanut butter, oats, honey, and chocolate chips. They are rich in protein and fiber, and taste like a decadent treat.

Ingredients: ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, 1 ½ tablespoons honey, ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup flax seeds (optional)

Directions: In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, oats, honey, chocolate chips, and flax seeds until well combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up. Roll into 16 balls and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Cranberry Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites

These energy bites taste like cranberry oatmeal cookies, but are much healthier. They are gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup.

Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup almond butter, ¼ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Directions: In a food processor, pulse the oats until they are coarsely chopped. Add the almond butter, maple syrup, cranberries, and chia seeds and process until a sticky dough forms. Roll into 24 balls and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Sunbutter Energy Bites

These energy bites are perfect for anyone with nut allergies or sensitivities. They are made with sunflower seed butter, which has a similar texture and flavor to peanut butter, but is nut-free. They also have dried fruit for a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients: 1 cup sunflower seed butter, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, ⅓ cup honey, ¼ cup dried apricots (chopped), ¼ cup dried cherries (chopped), 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

Directions: In a large bowl, stir together the sunflower seed butter, oats, honey, apricots, cherries, and sunflower seeds until well combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up. Roll into 16 balls and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Coconut Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

These energy bites are for the coconut lovers out there. They have toasted shredded coconut, coconut oil, and coconut extract for a burst of tropical flavor. They also have chocolate chips for some extra indulgence.

Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned oats, ⅔ cup toasted shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened), ½ cup creamy peanut butter, ½ cup ground flaxseed, ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (or vegan chocolate chips), ⅓ cup honey, 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted), 1 teaspoon coconut extract

Directions: In a large bowl, stir together the oats, coconut, peanut butter, flaxseed, chocolate chips, honey, coconut oil, and coconut extract until well combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up. Roll into 24 balls and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

[fitladyzone]

Is it possible to lose belly, thigh and buttock fats at the same time without doing anything extra or special?

If you are trying to lose weight, you might be paying attention to what you eat and how much you exercise. But have you considered the impact of liquid calories on your weight loss journey? Liquid calories are the calories that you get from drinking beverages, such as soda, juice, coffee, tea, alcohol and smoothies. These drinks can add up to a lot of extra calories that you may not be aware of or account for in your daily intake. In this blog post, we will explore how liquid calories can sabotage your weight loss efforts and what you can do to avoid them.

How Liquid Calories Can Hinder Your Weight Loss

Liquid calories can be a major obstacle for weight loss for several reasons:

They are easy to consume and overconsume. Drinking a beverage takes less time and effort than eating solid food, and it may not make you feel full or satisfied. You may end up drinking more than you need or want, especially if you are thirsty, bored or stressed. For example, a 20-ounce bottle of soda contains about 240 calories, which is equivalent to 15 teaspoons of sugar. You could easily drink this amount in a few minutes without realizing how much you are consuming.

They are often high in sugar and low in nutrients. Many beverages that contain liquid calories are loaded with added sugar, which can spike your blood sugar levels and trigger cravings for more sweets. Sugar also provides empty calories that do not offer any nutritional benefits. For example, a 16-ounce glass of orange juice has about 220 calories and 48 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily limit for added sugar for women (25 grams) and men (36 grams). Even though orange juice contains some vitamin C and other nutrients, it does not have the same health benefits as eating a whole orange, which has fiber and other phytochemicals that help regulate blood sugar and appetite.

They can interfere with your metabolism and hormones. Drinking too many liquid calories can also affect your body's ability to burn fat and regulate hunger and satiety hormones. Studies have shown that liquid calories do not stimulate the production of leptin, a hormone that signals your brain that you are full, as much as solid calories do. This means that you may not feel satisfied after drinking a high-calorie beverage and may end up eating more later. On the other hand, liquid calories can increase the secretion of insulin, a hormone that promotes fat storage and inhibits fat burning. This can lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

How to Avoid Liquid Calories and Boost Your Weight Loss

The best way to avoid liquid calories and enhance your weight loss is to drink mostly water or other calorie-free beverages, such as unsweetened tea or coffee, sparkling water or herbal infusions. Water is essential for hydration, digestion, detoxification and metabolism. It can also help you feel full and reduce your appetite. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, or more if you are active or live in a hot climate.

If you want to add some flavor or variety to your drinks, here are some tips:

Use natural sweeteners sparingly. If you need to sweeten your tea or coffee, use a small amount of honey, maple syrup, stevia or monk fruit extract instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners. These natural sweeteners have fewer calories and may have some health benefits, such as antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties. However, they are still sources of sugar and should be used in moderation.

Add fresh fruits or herbs. You can infuse your water or sparkling water with slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, berries, mint, basil or other fruits or herbs for a refreshing and flavorful drink. These ingredients can also provide some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can support your health and weight loss.

Make your own smoothies or juices. If you enjoy smoothies or juices, make them at home with fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk or yogurt, nuts or seeds, and ice. This way, you can control the ingredients and portions and avoid added sugar or preservatives that are often found in store-bought products. You can also add some protein powder or fiber supplement to make your smoothie or juice more filling and nutritious.

Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol is another source of liquid calories that can hinder your weight loss. Alcohol has 7 calories per gram, which is almost as much as fat (9 calories per gram) and more than carbs or protein (4 calories per gram). Alcohol can also impair your judgment and make you more likely to overeat or make poor food choices. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and opt for low-calorie options, such as light beer, wine or spirits mixed with water or club soda.

Liquid calories can be a hidden culprit behind weight loss plateaus or difficulties. They can add up to a lot of extra calories that you may not be aware of or account for in your daily intake. They can also affect your blood sugar levels, metabolism and hormones, and make it harder for you to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. To avoid liquid calories and boost your weight loss, drink mostly water or other calorie-free beverages, and limit your intake of sugary drinks, alcohol and high-calorie smoothies or juices. By doing so, you can stay hydrated, reduce your appetite, improve your health and achieve your weight loss goals.

[fitladyzone]

Slim Your Legs: Best Slimmer Legs Workout for Home

Don't waste time in the gym! This high-intensity home workout will help you slim your legs in no time. The routine includes bodyweight exercises that target your legs and increase your muscle tone. With regular repetition of this routine, you'll see your legs slimming down in no time.

[fitladyzone]

8 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight

8 Common Mistakes That Keep You Fat

[fitladyzone]

What is the most effective weight loss method or program?

Losing weight is a common goal for many people, but it can also be a challenging and confusing one. There are so many different methods and programs out there, claiming to help you shed pounds and improve your health. But how do you know which one is right for you? And how do you measure your progress and success?

In this post, we will explore some of the key factors to consider when choosing a weight loss method or program, and how they can help you reach your fitness goals. We will also share some tips and resources to help you get started and stay motivated.

Factor 1: Your personal preferences and lifestyle

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a weight loss method or program is your personal preferences and lifestyle. This includes your likes and dislikes, your budget, your schedule, your health conditions, your family and social support, and your readiness to change.

For example, if you enjoy cooking and eating fresh foods, you might prefer a method or program that allows you to plan and prepare your own meals, rather than relying on pre-packaged or frozen ones. If you have a busy schedule and limited time, you might prefer a method or program that offers convenience and flexibility, such as online coaching or apps. If you have a medical condition or take medication that affects your weight or metabolism, you might need to consult with your doctor before starting any weight loss method or program.

The bottom line is that you should choose a method or program that suits your preferences and lifestyle, and that you can stick to in the long term. If you hate the food or the exercise that you are doing, or if you feel deprived or stressed by the rules or restrictions, you are more likely to give up or binge. On the other hand, if you enjoy the process and feel satisfied and empowered by the results, you are more likely to sustain your weight loss and improve your overall well-being.

Factor 2: Your goals and expectations

Another key factor to consider when choosing a weight loss method or program is your goals and expectations. This includes your reasons for wanting to lose weight, your desired outcomes, your timeline, and your indicators of success.

For example, if you want to lose weight for health reasons, such as lowering your blood pressure or cholesterol levels, you might have different goals and expectations than if you want to lose weight for aesthetic reasons, such as fitting into a smaller size or looking better in photos. If you want to lose a large amount of weight in a short period of time, you might have different goals and expectations than if you want to lose a moderate amount of weight in a gradual and sustainable way. If you measure your success by the number on the scale, you might have different goals and expectations than if you measure your success by how you feel or how your clothes fit.

The bottom line is that you should set realistic and specific goals and expectations for yourself, based on your personal reasons and motivations for losing weight. You should also monitor your progress and adjust your goals and expectations as needed. If you set unrealistic or vague goals and expectations, such as losing 50 pounds in a month or being happy with your body no matter what, you are more likely to feel frustrated or disappointed by the results. On the other hand, if you set realistic and specific goals and expectations, such as losing 10% of your body weight in 6 months or being able to run a 5K without stopping, you are more likely to feel motivated and proud of yourself.

Factor 3: The evidence and effectiveness

The final key factor to consider when choosing a weight loss method or program is the evidence and effectiveness. This includes the scientific research, the testimonials, the ratings, and the results of the method or program.

For example, if you are considering a method or program that claims to help you lose weight by eating only grapefruit or drinking only lemon water, you might want to check the evidence and effectiveness of such claims. Is there any scientific research that supports them? Are there any testimonials from real people who have tried them? Are there any ratings from reputable sources that evaluate them? Are there any results that show how much weight people have lost using them?

The bottom line is that you should do some research and comparison before choosing a weight loss method or program. You should look for evidence-based methods and programs that have been proven to work for many people over time. You should also avoid methods and programs that are too good to be true, that promise quick fixes or miracles, that lack scientific support or credibility, or that pose potential risks or harms to your health.

Conclusion

Choosing a weight loss method or program can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By considering these three key factors - your personal preferences and lifestyle, your goals and expectations, and the evidence and effectiveness - you can find a method or program that works for you and helps you achieve your fitness goals. Remember, losing weight is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a personal journey that requires commitment, patience, and support. You can do it!

[fitladyzone]

How to Achieve Sustainable Weight Loss

Many people who want to lose weight fall into the trap of looking for quick fixes and miracle solutions. They may try to follow fad diets, extreme calorie restriction, or unrealistic exercise routines that promise to shed pounds in a matter of weeks or even days. These methods are not only ineffective in the long run, but also harmful to health and well-being.

The truth is that there is no shortcut to weight loss. Losing weight and keeping it off requires a gradual and consistent approach that involves making small changes in diet and activity over time. These changes should be realistic, enjoyable, and aligned with one's personal goals and preferences. By doing so, one can achieve sustainable weight loss that improves health and quality of life.

In this post, we will discuss some of the key principles of sustainable weight loss and how to apply them in your daily life.

Set SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. A SMART goal is a clear and realistic statement of what you want to achieve and how you will measure your progress. For example, instead of saying "I want to lose weight", a SMART goal would be "I want to lose 10 pounds in 3 months by reducing my calorie intake by 500 calories per day and exercising for 30 minutes 5 times a week". A SMART goal helps you stay focused, motivated, and accountable.

Eat mindfully. Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues, your emotions, and your food choices. It helps you avoid overeating, emotional eating, and binge eating. To eat mindfully, you should:

Eat slowly and savor every bite.

Avoid distractions such as TV, phone, or computer while eating.

Stop eating when you are comfortably full, not stuffed.

Choose foods that are nutritious, satisfying, and enjoyable.

Listen to your body and respect its needs.

Balance your plate. A balanced plate is one that contains a variety of foods from different food groups: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and dairy or alternatives. A balanced plate provides you with all the nutrients you need for optimal health and energy. It also helps you control your portions and calories. A simple way to balance your plate is to use the following guidelines:

Fill half of your plate with vegetables and fruits.

Fill a quarter of your plate with whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, or whole wheat bread.

Fill the remaining quarter of your plate with lean protein such as chicken, fish, eggs, beans, or tofu.

Add a small amount of healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, or avocado.

Include a serving of dairy or alternatives such as milk, yogurt, cheese, or soy milk.

Move more. Physical activity is essential for weight loss and overall health. It helps you burn calories, build muscle, strengthen bones and joints, improve mood and mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and prevent chronic diseases. The recommended amount of physical activity for adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. Some examples of moderate-intensity activities are brisk walking,cycling,swimming, or dancing. Some examples of vigorous-intensity activities are running, jogging, hiking or skipping rope. Some examples of muscle-strengthening activities are lifting weights, doing push-ups, squats or planks.

You don't have to do all your physical activity at once. You can break it up into smaller sessions throughout the day. For example, you can do 10 minutes of walking in the morning, 10 minutes of cycling in the afternoon, and 10 minutes of dancing in the evening. You can also find ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from your destination, or walking or biking instead of driving.

Be patient and positive. Sustainable weight loss takes time and effort. It's not a linear process; there will be ups and downs along the way. Don't get discouraged by temporary setbacks or fluctuations in your weight. Instead, focus on the positive changes you are making in your lifestyle and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Remember that you are doing this for yourself and for your long-term health and happiness.

Sustainable weight loss is possible if you follow these principles and make them part of your everyday life. You don't have to deprive yourself or follow strict rules to lose weight. You just have to make smart choices and enjoy the journey.

[fitladyzone]

2 Oatmeal Bowls Are Great For Weight Loss OR Weight Gain

There's no magic to what's in either of these oatmeal bowls :) But when you consider calorie density it's a reminder of how important it is to monitor your total calorie intake if you're hoping to gain or lose weight. They're both equally delicious as well.

[fitladyzone]

5 Effective Exercises For A Flat Stomach.

Are you tired of that stubborn belly fat? Look no further than these top 5 effective exercises to achieve a flat stomach and a slim waist. These exercises are designed to target your abs and tone your waist, leading to a toned, fit midsection. Don't miss out on these easy-to-follow exercises that will help you see results in no time. Let's get to it!

[fitladyzone]

You can lose weight and gain muscle by eating the right macros. A high-protein, low-fat diet is most beneficial for those who want to retain muscle mass while cutting weight. Whole foods are better than processed foods for achieving healthy weight loss.

fitladyzone.blogspot.com

[fitladyzone]

Calorie Intake and Nutritional Guidelines for Healthy Eating.

A healthy and balanced diet, including caloric intake and nutritional guidelines for healthy eating. Incorporate these food groups into your daily meals and achieve your fitness and health goals.

[fitladyzone]

Get moving and burn calories fast! With just one hour of aerobic exercise, you can burn calories and aid in weight loss. Don't let weight loss be a challenge - get started now!

[fitladyzone]

Looking for an easy and effective way to lose weight? Try incorporating daily smoothies into your diet! Not only are smoothies a delicious and refreshing way to start your day, but they can also help you achieve your weight loss goals. One of the main benefits of smoothies is that they offer a convenient and healthy solution for those who struggle to get all the nutrients they need from their diets. Many people struggle to find the time to prepare healthy meals, but smoothies are a quick and easy way to get a balanced meal, packed with nutrients and fiber, in just a few minutes.

[fitladyzone]

[fitladyzone]