The Leaf | Healthy Weight Loss Blog

You likely already know that eating a diet that is varied will help you to naturally get a wide range of important nutrients. But are you also fitting some fermented foods into that variety? If you’re like a lot of people, the idea of fermented foods might be new to you. However, research continues to point toward fermented foods being good for gut health and your immune system. That makes this a food type absolutely worth fitting into your diet. Fermented Foods for Gut Health and the Immune System In recent years, scientists have been learning more and more about the importance of gut health. We already know that the gut is made up of trillions of microorganisms that participate in digestion as well as overall health and wellbeing. In a new study out of Stanford School of Medicine and published in the journal Cell , researchers found that a diet rich in fermented foods enhances the diversity of gut microbes. So what are fermented foods? According to researchers, “Eating foods s

Remember when chickpeas were relegated to a small container tucked into the restaurant salad bar? Then there was hummus. Who knew that was chickpeas? These days, there’s no keeping chickpeas in the corner. They’re so popular, you can find endless recipes that feature or incorporate chickpeas online and in cookbooks. One reason: These legumes, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutritional superhero. They’re considered both a vegetable and a protein. One cup has 14.5 grams of protein. They’re a complete protein too, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that help your body function like a well-oiled machine. They pack plenty of filling fiber—12.5 grams per cup—plus calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. They have all the right stuff it takes to help you lose weight, improve your heart health, avoid constipation and help control your blood sugar, according to the Cleveland Clinic . They’re also incredibly versatile. They can easily be turned into bread, pasta and bak

Like it or not, summer can take a toll on your skin. The harsh effects of the sun and your body’s sweat can have a negative impact. But they don’t have to!  With just a little bit of forethought, there are some easy summer skin care tips to keep your skin glowing—even in the hottest weather. We’ve rounded up these eight summer skin care tips to help you look great all season long. 11 Hydrating Foods for Warm Weather Activities Read More  1. Eat more Fruit and Veggies. You already know that filling up on fruits and vegetables is a great way to satisfy your hunger with meaningful calories. Fruits and veggies pack in an abundance of nutrients that have a host of benefits. But, did you know that eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can also help your summer skin care routine? A study out of the University of St. Andrews School of Psychology, which was published in the online journal PLOS one , found that eating more fruits and vegetables may lead to a rosier and healthier

Summer exercising means it doesn’t have to feel like exercise: You’re enjoying the outdoors, walking on the beach, riding bikes with the kids, and moving because all that sunshine demands it. While many people try to lose weight “in time for” the hot months, being on a weight loss journey during the sunny season gets all that bonus calorie burn. Summer exercising can help you lose the weight so you feel great, reduce disease risks, and reach your goals by fall. 6 Awesome Summer Activities That Torch Serious Calories Read More Even if you usually hate to exercise, you’ll love these options. Here are five easy ways to turn fun, outdoor activities into bonus weight loss this summer: 1. Switch up your pace, even just a little. One of the best ways to burn fat while exercising is to perform interval training, alternating higher-intensity bursts of effort with lower-intensity resting periods. It’s a process used by elite athletes and every day dieters, and science shows that it