Jicama is a root vegetable that resembles a very large potato or brown turnip. When eaten raw, it has a mild flavor with a crisp texture, not unlike an unripe pear. Eat it raw, sprinkled with salt and lime juice, or use it as a vehicle for dips from ranch dressing to hummus.
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If someone tells you they never pass gas, don't believe them. Everyone has gas -- air that passes through the mouth as burps or through the anus as flatulence. Carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and sometimes methane make up this gas, which can be quite noxious if the gas contains a lot of sulfur.
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A 4,000-calorie per day diet is appropriate for young, highly active individuals or underweight people seeking to gain weight for health. Four thousand calories is 1,000 to 2,000 calories higher than the average amounts generally recommended by the Institute of Medicine for adults.
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Vitamins don't provide energy, like carbohydrates, proteins and fats, but they are essential compounds that help the body grow and function optimally.
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Skinless chicken breasts are often recommended for dieters because of their high protein content and low fat content. Skinless chicken thighs offer important nutrients, are high in protein and tend to be moister and more flavorful than breasts.
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Chicken eggs are often maligned for their high cholesterol content. But these inexpensive sources of protein actually offer tremendous nutrition and can play a role in a healthy diet. Eggs can be eaten on their own or used in baked goods, sauces, puddings, ice cream and casseroles.
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When you're on a low-carb diet, you're generally limited to 20 to 150 grams per day of net carbs -- total carbs minus fiber. Pasta, which has 30 grams of net carbs per cup, is usually off the menu.
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Your body produces ketones from your fat tissue when you don't get enough carbohydrates for energy. When glucose is not available, ketones are formed in your liver from fatty acids and are used to fuel the body, including the brain.
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A vegan diet eschews all animal products, including dairy and eggs, and relies on plant foods for nourishment. While it is possible to get all the nutrients you need by eating a plant-only diet, it takes careful planning. In some cases, a lack of proper nutrition can lead to excessive hair loss.
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Coconut flour, made from dried, ground coconut meat, is no longer only found on the back shelves of your local health-food store. Due to its numerous health benefits, light coconut flavor and airy texture, coconut flour is making its way into mainstream stores and recipes.
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Nutritional yeast, which is available in health food stores, is different than the yeast used to bake bread or brewer’s yeast. It is used as a supplement in smoothies, gravies, soups and casseroles or is combined with nuts to make a raw “cheese.” Its cheesy flavor makes it a tasty addition to popcorn and salads.
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One of the Quaker Oats Company's classic products is Old-Fashioned Oatmeal, made from rolled oats. This form of oatmeal is made by cleaning the husk from the oat grain, steaming it and then rolling it flat between heavy metal rollers. Oats are a source of whole grains and offer multiple nutritional benefits.
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A chili rich in beans and tomato paste, served over rice or with biscuits, boasts a high carb count. But, if you pare down the recipe to its essentials -- meat and spices -- you've got a low-carb meal sure to satisfy. Vary the meat, sauce and vegetable ingredients to create different versions of this Crock-Pot meal.
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If you want the benefits that whey protein has to offer, but you're tired of smoothies, add it to baked goods to increase their protein content. Create protein-rich brownies, cookies and muffins, without having to shell out big bucks for the prepackaged, protein-enhanced versions.
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Brazil nuts come from a tree that is grown in many parts of the Amazon, not just Brazil. They are large, in comparison to other nuts, and are often included in nut mixes. Just six nuts comprise a 1 ounce serving. Brazil nuts offer many nutrients, but are dense in calories and fat.
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If you check out the label on protein bars, yogurt, cereal bars or sports recovery drinks, you may see the ingredient "milk protein isolate." As suggested by its name, this substance is a concentrate that provides the same proteins found in fresh milk.
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If you reflexively order a large popcorn whenever you head to the movies, a low-carb diet might throw off your routine. Popcorn contains carbohydrates and could negatively affect your count for the day.
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You naturally lose up to 100 hairs per day, but excessive hair loss, known as alopecia, can be alarming. You may lose more hair than usual due to genetic male-pattern balding, certain medications, postpartum hormones or nutritional deficiencies.
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Lipton Noodle Soup is a dehydrated, chicken-flavored soup mix. You add hot water to the mix to rehydrate the noodles and create a broth. Lipton Noodle Soup is convenient, but consider its nutritional information before making it a regular part of your diet.
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Maintaining a healthy weight requires balancing calories consumed with calories burned. A 10-year-old girl needs enough calories to support growth and provide energy. The exact number of calories a girl needs depends on her activity level.
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