Jan 24 2011

Lyvon Davis Investments In Health - Improving Your Odds For Healthy Eating

Happy family dining together

Happy family dining together

Lyvon Davis doesn’t believe that deprivation and constant dieting are healthy options, and she doesn’t want you to feel like you’re being “punished” when you sit down to your meals each day. She knows that a pattern of eating healthy, nutritious meals can help reduce your chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression and even some cancers. You’ll have more energy, feel refreshed, and will notice an improvement in mood as your body begins to get the healthy nutrients it craves. Her pointers for easing into the healthy eating lifestyle can improve your odds of sticking with the Lyvon Davis Investments in Health lifestyle.

Don’t Quit Your Favorite Foods “Cold Turkey,” Ease Into It The Lyvon Davis Way

If you’ve been eating cupcakes all your life or love to indulge in pancakes for breakfast every weekend, you aren’t alone. Quitting all of your favorite food indulgences all at once, however, is a difficult task. On the Lyvon Davis plan, it’s okay to ease into things. Start by cutting down on your portions. Instead of a few cookies, eat one. If you love pancakes, opt for the short stack and use reduced calorie syrup. If you’re in the habit of having dessert every day, opt for a creamy, flavorful fruit yogurt most nights. Over time, you’ll discover that you crave sugary sweets less often, and you can indulge on special occasions rather than every day.

Lyvon Davis Says, “Introduce Changes That Increase Your Food Enjoyment”

Many people dash through their lunches at their desk and shovel food in without being aware of it while watching television at night. It’s a set-up for eating unhealthy, fast foods that we aren’t even enjoying. Lyvon Davis stresses the importance of a healthy relationship with all the foods you eat. Go slowly, eat at a table whenever possible (a tray table is NOT a dinner table) and savor your food. If you chew each bite thoroughly and put your silverware down periodically, you’ll discover that you eat less food and feel more satisfied.

Lyvon Davis Investments In Health Recognizes The Importance of Socializing

Turning off the tube at supper time and engaging your family and friends in conversation over dinner will help transform your dining experience. You’ll be less inclined to gulp your food or get second helpings without thinking about it if you’re enjoying the social aspect of your meals as well as the textures and flavors of your food. When you’re out with friends, Lyvon Davis suggests you focus on socializing, but still take the time to enjoy the food without gulping it down. Opt for soup and salad, or check out the many heart healthy meals that are now clearly marked on most restaurant menus.

With Lyvon Davis Investments In Health, Grazing Can Be Healthy

You should always start your day with a good breakfast that contains some protein and healthy grains or fresh fruits, and the rest of your meals may need some changes. Although Americans usually have their largest meal at the end of the day, it should actually be the opposite. A hearty, healthy breakfast will kick your metabolism up a notch.

For the rest of the day, you should have a medium-sized lunch and a light dinner. Even better, keep both of these meals light and let yourself have a healthy and flavorful mid-afternoon snack and/or evening snack. Eating several small meals throughout the day will prevent the afternoon slump that’s tied to fluctuations in blood sugar. You’ll also feel more satisfied throughout the day.

After you’ve made the above changes, you’ll be well on your way to achieving one of the most important aspects of Lyvon Davis’ Investments in Health - respecting and enjoying your food in moderation!

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Nov 15 2010

‘Tricking’ Kids Into Eating Their Veggies

Published by Lyvon Davis under Healthy Eating

funny-face-kidYou’ve decided that investing in your health is a great idea and cooked up some new healthier meals for your family. Chances are you’ll get that infamous look of horror on your children’s faces. You know the one that clearly states that they think you must have lost your mind, if you really expect them to eat any vegetables other than peas and corn. Who are you kidding?

Don’t dismay — there are some tried and tested secret weapons for getting kids to eat veggies. With Lyvon Davis, investing in health can be simple — and fun! By simply adding these nutritious wonder foods to family favorite recipes like spaghetti, mashed potatoes, and hamburgers.

‘Hiding’ Vegetables in Common Places

You do need to be downright sneaky; as many a five year old will find the bits of mushrooms or zucchini that you didn’t chop quite small enough. This will give you a chanced to practice your chopping and mincing skills; else your cover will be blown!

Investing in your health when you have fussy vegetable hating kids to feed does require a little extra skillful planning.

Vegetable Sneaking Tips

• Use a blender to liquefy any cooked vegetables that you wish to add to your recipe, and they will never know that they are eating broccoli or pumpkin.

• Try to match the colors of the vegetables to the dish you are cooking. There is no point adding green spinach and broccoli to a white sauced pasta dish,  is there? Instead add it to a spaghetti or taco dish as it will be disguised by the tomato paste and meat.

Vegetable Art

veg-artAnother way to get kids to at least try vegetables is to serve them as part of a creative food masterpiece. For example carrots for the mouth, beans as spiky hair and zucchini slices for eyes. There is no guarantee that they will eat it, but they may surprise you.

If you are particularly worried about a picky and fussy eater, don’t be too alarmed because research shows that most children get all of the vitamins, minerals, amino and fatty acids as well as calories that they require on a daily basis.

Continue investing in your health and that of your family’s also by serving some vegetables that your children always turn their nose up at. Why? They may just decide to give them a try.

The idea is to not to react and by not compensating with other food choices it’s up to them whether they eat them or not. If you simply stop serving them, you’re really just encouraging them to never try it.

Peer Pressure

friends-eatingMany a parent has been pleasantly surprised that when little Jonny’s friend came for dinner; he not only ate his broccoli, cauliflower and pumpkin; but happily had seconds. Better still to their amazement their own child did the same thing!

By serving the vegetables despite your child not eating them, they still have the opportunity to try them and to hopefully decide that they actually taste pretty good. If the broccoli isn’t a big hit, one of the others just may be! Never use food as a reward for good behavior but rather offer something more tangible like having a friend over for dinner; especially that little one that loves eating veggies!

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Apr 30 2010

The Lyvon Davis Investments In Health System for Fitness Play Made Simple

investing-in-healthDid you know that childhood obesity is only partially accredited to “convenient meals” over healthy, nutritious diets? A healthy lifestyle has many components, and the sooner you start to live healthy… the easier it becomes. (Boy; that makes it sound like work to live a healthy lifestyle!)

The truth is, teaching children to eat, live, and play healthy can be more challenging than to give into the convenience of fast food dinners and video games as toys. But the Lyvon Davis Investments In Health System for fitness play only has one rule, and it’s straight-forward. As a parent, you must make the extra effort to provide carrot sticks over French fries. You must take the time to read a book instead of popping in a DVD. If you can be a positive role model, then the Lyvon Davis Investments In Health System will work!

Understanding Lyvon Davis Investments In Health Fitness Play

When children think that “playing” is sitting on a couch or chair for hours on end, exercising hand/eye coordination (and nothing else) through video games, there is something wrong with the world! Children these days are attracted to “lazy” toys, but the Lyvon Davis Investments In Health System for Fitness Play simplifies the process of turning playtime into a fun activity as it should be.

The Lyvon Davis Investments In Health Fitness Play system encourages the use of toys, games, and play time that will exert energy. Whether it’s playing catch or Frisbee in the yard, going for a nature hike, or playing on a playground, or even dancing to music… fitness play is a kid tested and approved fitness program that lays the foundation for a healthier mind and body.

Lyvon Davis Investments In Health Fitness Play is Not Just for the Kids!!!

Surprisingly, the results of Lyvon Davis Investments In Health Fitness Play are beneficial to the parents as well. First and foremost, fitness play promotes more bonding time with children… and even if only for 15 minutes each day, this time couldn’t be spent better anywhere else.

The Lyvon Davis Investments In Health Fitness Play system encourages parents to feel and play like a child again yourself, whether it be swinging on a swing set or having a hula hoop contest with a 10 year old. Exercise couldn’t be more fun any other way, and that’s why Lyvon Davis recommends the Fitness Play System to all parents.

But What About Rainy “Indoor Days”?

There are several toys and games that make play time a fun activity. In fact, you might be surprised to see some of the examples on the following list, but remember that Lyvon Davis Fitness Play is about building healthy bodies and healthy minds through fun activities.

Games & Toys Approved by The Lyvon Davis Investments In Health Program:

  • Hide & Go Seek
  • Simon Says
  • Musical Chairs
  • Scavenger Hunts and Relay Races (be creative!)
  • Many games for the Nintendo Wii are Fitness Play approved! (Especially games using the Wii Fitness Balance Board…)
  • Bowling (use water bottles and an orange.
  • Keep-The-Balloon-Off-The-Floor (the name says it all)

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Oct 12 2009

Lyvon Davis Tips for Healthy Kids: Homemade School Lunches From The Heart

Published by Lyvon Davis under Healthy Eating, Kids

colorful-lunch2Each weekday, our children head off to school to fill their minds with new knowledge, to meet and play with their friends and, hopefully, to fill their bellies with a healthy lunch. You can create healthy packed lunches that your child will not only eat, but will enjoy, on a regular basis. No trading for a cafeteria pudding or someone else’s sack of sweets need occur, interfering with your child’s good health, when you create healthy packed lunches from your very own kitchen.

Save Time And Money

Making healthy packed lunches can save you a significant amount of money. Creating a plan of action can save you a lot of time, as well. Buying in bulk and planning ahead are both to your advantage. Most ingredients can be stored long enough for you to create these masterful works of dietary delight over the weekend, freeing up what little time most families have available during the work week.

One of the best ways to make your child’s healthy packed lunch a success is to enlist their assistance in all stages of the process. Sit down with your child and discuss the basics of good nutrition and challenge them to come up with innovative ideas for their own healthy packed lunch. Your common sense and their creativity can work together to create memorable school lunches that their friends will envy and which will never get tossed in the trash.

Creating Healthy Packed Lunches

bagged-lunchesGone are the days of four square meals, so be ready to gain some new knowledge of your own as you work with your child to create healthy packed lunches. Harvard Medical School has conducted intensive research in the area of nutrition. Use their latest Healthy Eating Pyramid to design and create balanced and delicious school lunches with your child. Make it a game, a challenge, an adventure for both of you. Show your child that you are learning with them as you consider the importance of whole grains as opposed to “white starches”, the surprising need for healthful oils in your diet, and the high need for fresh fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors each day.

By involving your child, they will be far more likely to take ownership of their creations as they (and you) learn how to create healthy menus. You can even create a game out of searching for menu ideas that will fulfill each of the healthy food categories. Teach you child how combining seeds, such as wheat, and legumes, such as peanut butter, can give them a complete protein that their body needs to build strong muscles.

Add That Special Touch

packed-lunchesOur children need to know that we love them and that they are precious to us. There are many ways parents can use healthy packed lunches as a means to express that love and affection. The addition of little notes, special reading material, a flower, a sticker or a coupon for a weekend trip to the movies are all ways that parents can add that special touch to their child’s healthy packed lunch.

Your child will eagerly look forward to lunch time, knowing that the two of you created it together and that there is going to be something special in it for them, just from you. Healthy food is crucial to good health, but it does no good if it never gets eaten. You and your child can enjoy the rewarding experience of building healthy lunches, and other meals, together, helping each other to learn important skills and to share special moments that will strengthen your relationship and provide your child with the confidence and good health they need to become the best that they can.

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May 05 2009

Lyvon Davis: Investments In Your Health Made Simple!

Published by Lyvon Davis under Healthy Eating

healthy-eatingThere’s been a great deal of talk about healthy eating lately; especially with the volatile explosion of childhood obesity which sadly continues to steadily rise. With Lyvon Davis, Investments in your health are relatively easy to do! I’ll show you exactly how to avoid unhealthy calorie laden foods and replace them with tasty low fat, healthier options.

Old habits die hard and changing them can be difficult at the start. No doubt investing in your health is one of the best favors you can do for yourself, as you’ll definitely feel much better in the process as well as maximize your well being.

Choosing fresh wholesome foods, new healthier cooking methods and understanding how good nutrition helps your body will start you on the right road to investing in your health. Likewise, learning all you can about the consequences of frequently consuming fatty or fried foods and snacking on sweets, cakes or biscuits helps break the poor eating habits that you’ve practiced for years.

Investing in your health through preparing and cooking healthy meals for your family is as simple as substituting healthier ingredients in place of the unhealthy ones. Add herbs, spices and stocks for extra taste without jeopardizing any of the beneficial nutritional value. It’s so simple.

Choosing Healthier Meats

salmonTry eating leaner cuts of meat and especially look at adding more fish and chicken to your diet if you are serious about investing in your health. If you like red meat go for ’sirloin’ and ’round’ cuts which are naturally lower in fat. To avoid the tendency of lean meat drying out during the cooking process; use a marinade as these don’t just add flavor but also break down any tough connective tissues present in the meat.

Some of the healthiest meats include salmon, turkey, and chicken. But be careful… even some of these healthy meats can have hidden fat. Ground chicken for example can contain quite a high fat content, as the skin is often ground in with the meat. If you’re choosing ground turkey, be sure to choose ground turkey breast vs. ‘ground turkey,’ which has a significantly higher fat content.

Low fat marinades and sauces are readily available in supermarkets or you can easily make them with your own blend of balsamic or red wine vinegar, herbs and spices. Yogurt is a great marinade base for chicken. Add lemon juice, herbs and spices, coat and leave for at least eight hours or overnight. Tasty!

Fun With Vegetables

vegatablesIf you’re serious about investing in your health, the ever so humble vegetable comes in lots of fabulous varieties, countless flavors and is jam packed with a heap of terrific nutritional benefits. It’s also one of the best options for adding variety to your new healthier food options. You can steam, roast; sauté, mash, and stuff or even eat some vegetables raw or cold in salads.

There is nothing bland or boring about vegetables as long as you take the time to discover how versatile and tasty these natural staple foods can be! The key to cooking healthy meals is to stay away from oils and fats by choosing cooking sprays instead, or sautéing in a little chicken or vegetable broth. You can also add herbs and add a zesty new taste with fresh chopped basil, chives or a light sprinkling of curry powders, cajun blends or Italian seasonings. Who said that healthy has to be bland or boring?

Indulging With Healthier Desert Choices

yogurtWhat about a sweet delectable dessert? You really don’t have to give up your sweet tooth if you are planning a diet that invests in your health. Honest. Just substitute full fat, full cream varieties of ice cream, cream and milk for low fat varieties or flavored frozen yogurts. Jello fat free, sugar free instant puddings are one of my absolutely favorite deserts. Not only do they satisfy the sweet tooth, but these tasty treats are fast and easy to whip up!

Choose fruit more often, and also add cinnamon and vanilla extract for flavor for baked fruits. If you still want a slice of cake, stick to ones that have plenty of fruit and substitute apple sauce for oil and your cake will be deliciously moist, sweet and also contain less fat. In recipes that call for cream, try using evaporated skim milk instead.

Just a few swift changes to your home cooking and you and your family will start reaping the benefits immediately!

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