Chowing down on a McDonald’s #2 meal isn’t going to sustain you for the long haul. You’ll run out of gas fast. If you’re looking for more pep in your step, you’ve got to eat foods that give you the power. Otherwise, you’ll feel like Lord Slug. Let’s also dispel the notion that healthy foods that boost stamina can’t be tasty. The following power foods are big on taste and boosting energy.

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Blueberries

Blueberries have the highest antioxidant count in the fruit category. They strengthen your immune system and are a natural anti-aging agent. This tiny berry is also known for reducing belly fat, promoting vision and fighting cancer. Fresh blueberries can be a delicious addition to a hot bowl of oatmeal.

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I once read in a fitness magazine that 80 percent of weight loss is dependent on what you eat.  So, even if you work out like crazy, if you’re still eating a lot of junk, that work out is naught.  So, when I came across Julia Austin’s article on eating healthy on a budget, and she suggested buying foods with multiple purposes, a few examples came to mind.  So, here are 9 healthy food substitutions that could help you with your weight loss goals.

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We could all use a little encouragement to keep more produce in the house. But if your knowledge on what to do with it is limited, you’ll end up buying pricier, pre-made dishes with your favorite veggies. Save your money, and do it yourself with these 14 different ways to cook almost any vegetable.

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It took me a while to warm up to avocado. I distinctly remember my first introduction being someone scooping it out of it’s shell and eating it like ice cream. My face nearly turned as green as the avocado itself.  But after doing some research and learning all the wonderful benefits of this amazing food, it’s become a big part of my diet. And not only does it contribute to a healthy diet, but it can also be used externally in mixtures, moisturizers, and masks to keep hair and skin beautiful. Read it. Try it. Love it. Embrace the avocado! For all the recipes, choose a ripened avocado that has a dark green skin and has give–but not mush–when you press it, for easy mixing. If it’s still bright and has no give, you can set it in a paper bag on your counter and let it ripen for a day or two.

Do you ever wonder what attracts you to the refrigerator? Food can affect you in such a way that keeps you going back for second, third and fourth helpings where the prospects of feeling full are very slim. It’s a hurdle for many who struggle with hunger satisfaction, and overindulge on meals that are unhealthy for you. So is there a way to find your satisfaction in food and stay healthy? Here’s a list of foods that will make you feel full for a longer period:

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According to The National Stroke Association one half of African American women will die from stroke or heart disease. That’s a sobering fact.

But you can do something about it, today. Icilma Fergus, MD. FACC., assistant professor of clinical medicine at Columbia University Medical Center said one of the best preventative measures in avoiding these diseases, is eliminating processed foods and foods that include high fructose corn syrup.

Fergus, a member of the Association of Black Cardiologists, provided a list of foods that can prevent diseases that are so prevalent in the black community. She mentioned, green leafy vegetables, fish and kidney beans.

Check out the full list over at Black Voices.

I love food!! And there’s the old saying- “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  So if you love food as much as I do and you’re concerned about preventing some of the most common cancers in black women, why not kill two birds with one stone? Certain foods may help to prevent many common types of cancer in black women- like breast cancer, colon cancer, and even ovarian cancer. For many of us who’ve made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight by eating less, here’s a great reason to eat more! Here’s my recommendation – make sure you enjoy these yummy fruits, vegetables, teas, spices, and sweets to help protect you from some of the most common cancers in black women.  Here are 10 yummy cancer-fighting foods!

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Fruits and vegetables are a good source of fiber and provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals. They are rich in antioxidants and protect the body against certain cancers and chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables are often lower in calories and fat than other foods. Feeling hungry? Try baby carrots or a bowl of cherries. Fruits and vegetables taste better when they are in season. For a list of fruits and vegetables currently in season, click here.

For every mom, it starts the same way. You’re pregnant and begin your hunt for all the books and magazines you can find about what’s best for your soon-to-come bundle of joy. You know the “right” stroller, the “best” monitor, the detergent that won’t harm their newborn skin. You also know that “breast is best” (whether or not you choose to breast-feed is a whole other story), and that there are natural, organic, 100% fresh, good and healthy options as far as food goes. You imagine how, once your child is born, you’ll spend your days together snuggled up on the couch and when they take a nap, you’ll be in your #1 Mom apron, boiling fresh produce so that you can let it cool, puree it and store it in neatly labeled Ziploc bags. When the baby is actually here, that’s when reality sets in.

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