Your body uses calories in each function that it does, from blinking your eyes to typing on your computer to physical movements, that it obtains when you eat food. Zero calorie foods, or Negative calorie foods, are foods that you consume that actually require more calories to breakdown and use as energy than the amount provided by the food itself. These foods can be a tremendous help when battling hunger and can help you feel more satisfied throughout the day. Beware though, you should still be eating foods that are good sources of protein, carbohydrates and fats - don't just eat negative calorie foods!

Note: There are many other negative calorie foods. This is not a comprehensive list.

What is your favorite negative calorie food?

Clean Eat Education: Cholesterol - What's Really Behind Those Numbers

August 13, 2013EducationWhitney Carlson2 Comments

You hear the ads left and right - "Lower Your Cholesterol," "Part of a Heart Healthy Diet." But what does that really mean? Is everyone at risk of having high cholesterol and should I avoid certain food groups all together? Not entirely!

There are 3 types of cholesterol in the body:

LDL - This is the lower density cholesterol and is also known as "BAD" cholesterol.
HDL - This cholesterol is higher density and is the "GOOD" cholesterol.
Triglycerides - This cholesterol, in a simple sense, is just your body's fat storage.

You can remember which one you want, the HDL, by simply remembering that your goal is to make your body more lean, more dense with muscle. Therefore, the higher muscle density your body has the more toned you will look and faster your metabolism will be. Hence, you want a higher number on your HDL cholesterol.

What does Cholesterol do? Is it really that important?

The short answer - it controls A LOT and YES, it IS that important!

Cholesterol is responsible (partly or solely) for the following functions:

Essential in proper adrenal function including producing cortisol, corticosteroids, aldosterone and more. This is HUGE!! You will NEVER reach your goals if your adrenals do not function properly.
Metabolism of fat soluble vitamins - A, D, E and K
Conversion of sunshine to Vitamin D
Aids in producing stomach bile - essential to the breakdown and metabolism of the food you eat
Involved in producing sex hormones - androgens and estrogens

How do I determine my cholesterol levels?

You will need a blood test to determine your cholesterol levels. This can be ordered fairly quickly and easily by your Primary Care Physician and is covered by most insurances at the time of your yearly physical.

Do you have high LDL and/or triglycerides?

We will talk soon about natural ways to lower your cholesterol.

Clean Eating Breakfast Ideas for Back to School

August 6, 2013EducationWhitney CarlsonComment

Yesterday we shared our clean lunch and snack ideas for back to school. Today we are going to back up and share breakfast ideas! Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The same is true for your kids! Don't let them start the day off with processed, sugary treats. We will share with you some of our favorite options for breakfast!

Most breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar. Say no to the bagels, donuts, and cereals and try these breakfast ideas instead!

Short on time? Here are two recipes that only require FOUR ingredients! They are super easy and quick to make!

Is your child the type that wants a sandwich for breakfast? Try this Egg White Breakfast Sandwich! Or make these Egg Quiche Muffins ahead of time so you can grab-and-go!

For the days when you have a little bit more time or just want to give them a special treat for breakfast, take a look at these:

We always keep protein bars and protein powder "in stock" just in case we are having "one of those days". It sure beats driving through a drive-thru.

Don't forget to check out our post for clean lunch and snack ideas here. Check out our breakfast recipe page for even more breakfast ideas!

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