Did You Get Your Flaxseed Today?

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

30 May 2007 02:40 PM

I mentioned in my first blog in weight loss, how I felt like weight loss was all about making small changes for a total cumulative effect rather than making huge changes only to find that you can't sustain them long term. A little extra water here, a skipped dessert there and you'll find that you're building healthier habits that lead to long lasting weight loss. Adding a little flaxseed to your diet is one of those 'little changes' that can really go a long way towards helping you reach your weight loss goals.

How Flaxseed Helps Weight Loss

Flaxseed has numerous benefits. It is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids so it helps regulate blood sugar, which in turn will boost energy and help stop those cravings! But the real key is that flaxseed is full of good fiber so it is very filling. One quarter cup of ground flax seeds has 11 grams of fiber. Fiber is very, very filling. And of course if you're filling your tummy with healthy flax seed, you are NOT filling your tummy with other less healthy alternatives. Essentially, eating flax seed is a natural way to curb your appetite.

Ways to Incorporate Flaxseeds Into Your Diet

So now you have to be wondering exactly how to do you get flaxseed into your diet? You can check out the food blog later today for some recipes that incorporate flaxseeds but here are just a few quick and easy ideas.

You should grind flaxseeds because it increases the digestibility and therefore grinding them also increases the nutritional value. You can add ground flaxseeds to any easy baked recipe like a quick bread, cookies, or brownies. (You can make these with applesauce instead of butter to eliminate the fat.)

My favorite way to incorporate flaxseeds into my diet is in my morning smoothies. Smoothies are very easy to make: I essentially combine a fruit, vanilla yogurt and some milk to reach my desired consistency. Adding one quarter cup of ground flaxseeds to this concoction will make it a super healthy smoothie to start your day off right.

Flaxseeds have a nutty flavor and so they are delicious on top of salads as well. Sprinkle them on top like you'd sprinkle sunflower seeds.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Tristi Pinkston (10839) 30 May 2007 04:08 PM

Yes, it's me, the Flaxseed Fairy!! :) I take flaxseed capsules regularly to control my carpal tunnel. It's fabulous stuff!

Lauri Griffin (2703) 30 May 2007 05:45 PM

I like to mix it in my oatmeal.

Valorie Delp (49340) 30 May 2007 07:24 PM

Wow--a real live flaxseed fairy? After reading up on it, I'm going to start adding it to my stuff as well. Go check out the granola recipe that has flaxseed in it.