Ten Foods That Enhance A Girlish Figure

By Roberta Angela Dee

Mother was absolutely correct. But what is a girl to do when sheís hungry and loves to eat as much as I do?

No -- Iím not going to put anyone on a God-awful diet of bananas and boiled eggs. That would be cruel. What I have for TG Forum are 10 foods that most people enjoy and which can actually do two things: 1) help satisfy your craving for more calorie-rich foods, and 2) help you to lose weight.

Iím not only going to provide a list of these ten essential foods. Iím also going to tell you why we CD and TS girls need them.

1. POTATOES

Did you know that eating potatoes could elevate your mood? Well, they can. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6 and have been proven to help prevent depression. This is especially important if youíre taking female hormones and are already subject to those mood swings so many of us have experienced.

2. STRAWBERRIES

When youíre in the mood to be with someone special, strawberries can enhance that mood. They can also help you live longer, relieve pain, and look more beautiful. ìImpossible,î you say. Well, youíd better listen to Roberta, girl friend. I donít make these things up. Everything I write has been thoroughly researched.

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C and folic acid. Vitamin C inhibits the formation of cancer-causing (nitrosamines) in the body, so youíll live longer. Vitamin C also helps your body to manufacture collagen.

Collagen improves both the skin and helps to prevent gum disease. See, youíre looking better already. Collagen also helps to reduce pain that is the result of an arthritic condition.

Folic acid helps prevent spinal bifida -- a type of deformity. And, best news of all, strawberries only contains 50 calories per cup.

3. YOGURT

Ah, some find yogurt to be a bitter tasting food, but no heath food could be sweeter. One cup of yogurt provides nearly half the daily requirement for calcium. It also helps to lower blood pressure. And yogurt containing active cultures can help improve your immune system.

4. CANTALOUPE

Cantaloupe provides both vitamin C and beta-carotene. Additionally, it provides much needed potassium. The combination can lower blood pressure, prevent strokes, and improve kidney functions.

5. KALE or COLLARD GREENS Kale is similar to spinach. Collard greens can be said to be a type of cabbage. Both fill our need for vitamin C and beta-carotene with only a half-cup serving, and both -- if properly prepared -- are low in calories.

Beta-carotene lowers the risk of oral and lung cancers. There is also the possibility that -- for those of us who are taking female hormones -- it inhibits breast cancer growth.

6. BEANS Youíll remember what Roberta has to say about beans, because it so significantly affects all our lives. Beans are not only a low fat nutrient, but also serve as a source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. It provides folic acid and may also lower cholesterol levels. Now, how can you tell me we couldnít all benefit from adding more beans to our diet?

7. SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Think of a girdle when you think of sunflower seeds. The seeds are a good source of niacin and vitamin E. Both work to prevent cell damage. But one ounce contains 14 grams of fat. So, itís not a low fat food and must be eaten in moderation.

8. BREAKFAST CEREALS

A bowl of breakfast cereal is a wonderful way to start the day. Itís typically vitamin fortified and rich in fiber. Many nutritionists believe that those who eat a healthy breakfast are less likely to eat fatty snacks during the day.

9. SALMON

Although the smoked varieties of salmon may be high in sodium, this niacin-rich food significantly lowers the risk of a heart attack. And for those who may have already had a heart attack, eating salmon could reduce the risk of future attacks.

10. LEAN BEEF Some say that all red meats are bad. However, lean beef can provide much needed iron. This mineral helps to carry oxygen through the blood. Iron is also essential for the formation of amino acids and hormones, and aids to ward of infections.

Well, thatís all of I have to say about eating this month. I think Iíll run off now and treat myself to a cup of strawberry yogurt. See ya later, ladies.