John Aaron Wellness

Ok. If you've been keeping up with my posts then you know that there are certain fats needed in order to maintain a healthy active body. But when it comes to designing your nutritional program, how much of this stuff do you really need? Most dieticians and government regulated nutritional organizations suggest that 20 to 30% of your total daily calories should come from “good fat” sources. To help you, here are a couple of tips on how you can accomplish this: Try adding 2 tablespoons of extra Virgin olive oil to your meal by roasting your vegetables in it. I love this! Place a peeled sweet potato, beets, carrots and celery (all cut into chunks & wedges) in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and toss with a little salt, pepper and roast on a rimmed baking sheet in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes (or until vegetables are at your desires tenderness). However, do NOT add oil to a meal if you are already planning to eat a fish like salmon which is already rich in goo

There's no doubt about it; your body and mind are directly linked. What you think about has a clear effect on your health and vice versa. In fact, there’s a fascinating study that suggests that the mind-body connection is quite powerful. Publishing their findings in the online journal Health Psychology, researchers at Yale University focused on ghrelin levels in the body to determine how thoughts affect the body's response to food. Ghrelin is also known as the "hunger" hormone. It sends a signal to your brain that makes you want to eat. If your body's ghrelin levels are high, you'll tend to overeat... even if you are already feeling full. Likewise, low ghrelin levels are associated with feelings of satiety and not needing to eat more. Typically, ghrelin levels increase before meals and decrease after eating. The researchers recruited volunteers and divided them into two groups: Group 1 - received a milkshake that they were told was a 620-calorie &quo

This recipe is simple, great tasting and makes enough to serve four. You can even save leftovers for a deliciously healthy lunch the next day Give it a try tonight! Supplies Needed: 1 cucumber - peeled, seeded and chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1/8 cup chopped red onion 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon chili powder 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1. In a medium bowl, prepare the relish by mixing together the cucumber, parsley, chopped onion, bell pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, mix the cumin and chili powder with the olive oil. Rub the mixture onto the chicken, and place in a shallow dish. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour. 3. Prepare the grill for medium heat. 4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken 8 minutes per side, or until juices run clear. Serve with cucumber relish. Prep: 15 mins / Cook: 15