The Miracle GINGER - Lose abdominal fat before the summer with ginger!

It adds spark to dishes from salad to dessert. It’s a core ingredient that has been at the heart of cuisines from the Far East, the Caribbean and throughout Europe and has been valued for centuries for its healing qualities. But the many health benefits of ginger are more than mere culinary and ancient remedies. Today, ginger is used to treat a wide range of health problems, which is backed by scientific research.

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially confirms the amiable effect of this plant on the digestive system by preventing nausea and relieving an upset stomach.

Ginger is popular for helping the digestion of fatty food thus slimming you up for the summer season!

Slimming up for the summer ­- Ginger has a powerful thermogenic effect! Its frequent consumption accelerates your metabolism! And isn’t this what we are all looking for!? Ways to burn more fat in a natural way......

Ginger helps weight control in the following ways:

-     It inhibits the absorption of fats in the intestines

-     It decreases the levels of hepatic and blood cholesterol, aiding in the process of losing weight and in the reduction of abdominal fat.

-     It increases the release of certain hormones by the adrenal glands which stimulate the body to burn more calories. However to obtain this effect it’s important to consume a large quantity of ginger per day. It is ideal to mix it with other thermogenic foods.

To get its full benefits, it’s better to consume the fresh root raw, cooked or as part of an infusion!

The recommended quantity is a piece of around 2cm, three times per day!

Other great benefits of GINGER:

- Excellent for respiratory problems: Ginger is effective in treating various respiratory problems such as asthma, cold, chronic rhinitis (inflammation of nose & nasal membranes), the flu, coughing, and breathlessness

- Powerful anti-coagulant ─ i.e. it stops blood from clotting

- Alleviates High Blood Pressure: Ginger improves and stimulates circulation and relaxes the muscles surrounding blood vessels, facilitating the flow of blood throughout the body

- Reduces Nausea and Vomiting: Research has proved that ginger root and its oil is effective against nausea, motion sickness and vomiting

- Reduces Inflammation and pain: Ginger is an anti-inflammatory agent. It is analgesic in nature and reduces pain. Hot baths and bandages (compresses) of ginger are effective in relieving pains caused by joint inflammations, arthritis, headaches, and back pains. It also alleviates PMS (pre-menstrual symptoms)

- Cures Stomach Problems: It stimulates digestion, alleviates constipation, fights intestinal bloating, and even hangovers

- Protects Against Cancer: It protects against ovarian and other cancers. University of Michigan researchers found that ginger may cause cancerous cells to die

- It’s an aphrodisiac!

Samia Khoury Dietitian

On a Romantic Mood for Valentine’s? Check out some Foods for love…

“Love is in the air everywhere I look around and I don't know if I'm being foolish, I don't know if I'm being wise, but it's something that I must believe in....”

Sorry for interrupting you from singing the famous song by Tom Jones, but I should continue with these wise healthy words….

You must believe that Kissing your loved partner helps you burn calories, you must believe in choosing foods that will put you in the mood for romance, in avoiding the ones that can make your partner run away from you, in looking for lighter options when making plans with your love and also in knowing some aphrodisiac foods that can take you and your husband/or wife to an extreme sensation of pleasure when making L.O.V.E!


1- KISSING burns your calories off! Did you know that every 10 seconds you French kiss your love, you are burning 12 kcal (calories)?

When you french kiss your whole body is in action. At this point your heart rate accelerates and increases from the normal range of 60 to 80 beats per minute to a rate of 150 beats/ minute. During this process 29 facial muscles are working!

Let me give you some practical examples on how loving and kissing your boyfrend/girlfriend/husband/wife can help you get rid of some extra weight:

Using the following equation:  time (10 sec) + french kiss = calories burnt

- 1 can of regular soft drink or beer or small bottled juice = 12 kisses (you need to  give 12 kisses of 10 seconds to burn it)

- 100g chocolate = 45 kisses

- a regular burger = 50 kisses

- 1 candy = 5 kisses

2- Foods for Love: Did you know that some foods containing certain vitamins, minerals, or nutrients can inspire romance while others can interfere in the process?

-  Vegetables, grains, and fruits have the necessary physiological effects needed to maintain a good nerve function, increased energy levels and smooth blood flow, etc... All required for the romance process.

- Proteins found in meat, milk and dairy products provide high levels of vitamins to the body, especially B complex, which influence the nervous functions.. Their absence can cause irritability.

- Dairy foods low in fat, fortified grains and dark green vegetables contain riboflavin which protects the mucous membranes that line the female reproductive tract.

- Zinc, found in fortified cereals, yogurt, oysters and beef is linked to the sexual function and is needed by men for sperm production. Lack of zinc delays sexual development of children.

- The consumption of saturated fats in butter, yellow cheese and in fatty meats causes increased plaque fats in the blood vessels and can interfere with sexual performance.

- Alcohol in excess has an action similar to the female hormone estrogen and can have a devastating effect on men, causing impotence.

3- Aphrodisiacs foods that can spice up your sexual life with your husband/or wife!

Aphrodisiac foods such as honey (previously given to Greek brides on their wedding day as they used to believe that she would say lovely words on this night, the so-called honey-moon!), avocadoes, spices, curry, ginger, cinnamon, chocolate, anis herb, oysters have the power to increase your sexual appetite so if you are married and want to satisfy your partner just make sure you include these foods in your diet!

4- Foods that can make your LOVE Runway from you!

- Foods containing spices such as garlic and onion is better to be avoided on Valentine's Day.

- Legumes and vegetables that might cause bloating and gases such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower should also be avoided.

5- Lighter meal/snacks options when Entertaining your LOVE!

- If you guys decide to go to the movies, have diner at home before heading out so you don’t end up eating all the chocolate, caramel popcorn, and soft drinks in the world! If you're going late afternoon, then its fine if you order a small box of salty popcorn and share it with your love.

- At a pub/night club/party try to minimize intake of non-alcoholic cocktails as they are high in sugar. Avoid drinks high in alcohol % and prefer ordering a glass of red wine, iced tea or just water! Focus more on enjoying your good company instead of sipping on high-caloric drinks!

- DVD at home: Easy…a light big portion of salad with slices of turkey ham or grilled chicken, or a small sandwich with low-fat cheese. You can also order and share a small veggie pizza!

- Dinner outside: Prefer ordering on the light side of the menu, one salad and one main meal, no appetizers or deserts and again share with your love!

Happy Valentine’s Day! I guess these special tips will guarantee a Special Valentine’s Day for you and your loved one! But never forget that you should renew your love for your partner and make it Valentine’s Day everyday!

God bless your union!

And if any of you needs to lose some extra weight to look more attractive for your partner, think of contacting me for a healthy balanced diet.

Samia Khoury Dietitian

How can Good Nutrition reduce the risk of cold and FLU?

Influenza season was tough this year! Who didn't have at least a family member come down with the cold or flu? I tell my clients before this period starts that "prevention is the best cure" and the best barrier to avoid the stuffy noses, severe aches and fever is a strong immune system fueled by the essential mix of a balanced healthy diet and a smart living style.

Rely more on fruits and vegetables:

People tend to eat fewer servings of fruits and veggies during winter time when they should be having more. Make sure to rely more on those in each and every meal to get the required vitamins and anti-inflammatory agents

·     Choose foods and juices that have vitamin A (in oranges, yellow fruits and vegetables, and dark green leafs), vit. C (in kiwi, orange, strawberry, broccoli, parsley), vit. E (in walnuts, almonds, vegetable oils), and flavonoids (red wine, red onion, dark chocolate).

·     Provide your body with anti-inflammatory agents that are essential to both preventing and healing from the bothering colds and getting you up and going again! Anti-inflammatory agents exist in garlic, sweet potato, broccoli, olive oil, blueberry, papaya, green tea, spices such as ginger, curry and more.

Choose healthy living and eating styles

In addition to the required fruits and veggies, don't forget to boost your immunity with other healthy eating and living choices

·     Yogurt, with probiotics, is essential to making you feel strong and healthy! Include it in your daily menu!

·     Protein sources such as lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and beans provide you with the needed amino acids to form the components of your immune system. They will also provide you with iron which is essential to making you feel stronger

·     Don’t forget to drink lots of water to hydrate your body. The lack of adequate hydration, which usually occurs in winter months, makes the lining of the respiratory system thicker and conducive to the establishment and development of viruses and bacteria and thus the contraction of the flu.

·      Avoid sugary and fatty foods as they are not a source of vitamins or minerals and will, most probably, take the place of other foods that can fortify your immune system.

·       Exercise! It has been proven that there is strong correlation between exercise and desease prevention. Exercise is important all year round, especially in winter, so have a set plan to stay active during that season. Don't forget to take your training tools when you travel; almost all hotels have gyms and indoor pools where you can practice some sports!

As a final note, from personal experience I tend to find that a good bowl of soup made with fresh vegetables and a bit of chicken or lean meat on winter nights can only do good to you so "use and abuse soups :)". Having a hot cup of herbal tea in-between meals will work wonders in keeping you warm and providing hydration. Another tip is to boil garlic and lemon with skin and drink to help you get healed quickly!

Hoping that no one of you will get a cold this winter!

Samia Khoury Dietitian