Fast food is a lot of things.
It is fast, convenient, and fun, but can it be healthy?
Are too many 'Happy Meals' the reason that more kids today are overweight?
The rise in families substituting a trip to McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, etc. for a family meal at home is likely one of the causes for the increase in overweight kids, but it is not the only cause. Other factors are also to blame, including an increased time watching TV and playing video games, decreased time in physical activity and unhealthy food choices.
An unhealthy food choices don't end at home, where kids may eat too many high fat and high calorie foods and snacks and sugary drinks.
The choices you make when eating fast food can also determine how healthy or 'unhealthy' it is.
How can you make fast food healthy?
One of the easiest ways is to just watch your portion sizes and understand how many calories and how much fat you add to a meal when you 'super-size' your order. It might seem like a good 'value' to go with the special or large meal sizes, but think about what those extra calories will cost you later as your child tries to burn them off to lose weight.
Healthy Choices
In addition to choosing smaller portion sizes, checking the menu at your favorite fast food restaurant will likely help you find other low calorie low fat alternatives to traditional fast foods that really are healthy. These might include a salad, baked potato, or grilled chicken salad.
With other types of fast food, like pizza, choose a thin crust cheese pizza and avoid adding a lot of cheese or extra meat toppings.
It can also help your child eat more healthy if you avoid 'fast food' at more traditional restaurants that you visit. It seems like almost every restaurant, whether it is Italian, Chinese, Mexican, etc. has a kids' menu with high fat and high calorie foods, like chicken nuggets, french fries, etc.
Instead of always relying on the kid's menu, consider getting a 1/2 order or child plate of a more traditional and healthier item at the restaurant.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Body Building Supplements-What Do You Need?
Whether you mix up your own body building supplement, or buy one off the shelf, you need to have a decent ratio of protein, carbos and fat in the mix. Protein for muscles, carbos for energy, and fat to balance it out. Check the ingredients on any premade supplement and be sure there is a balance of all three.
If you're making your own, I usually use some combination of the following:
Protein: whey, soy, yogurt
Carbos: fresh or frozen fruit and/or vegetables
Fats: coconut milk, flax oil, canola oil
The fats I use in my body building shake have some unique properties. Coconut milk is a medium chain tryglyceride, which means it is used more as energy. Flax and canola are high in omega 3 fatty acids which helps to balance the omega 6 fats that experts say we ingest too much of.
Mix and match these ingredients and see if you come up with a few that taste good to you. After all, if it isn't good you won't stick to the plan.
If you're making your own, I usually use some combination of the following:
Protein: whey, soy, yogurt
Carbos: fresh or frozen fruit and/or vegetables
Fats: coconut milk, flax oil, canola oil
The fats I use in my body building shake have some unique properties. Coconut milk is a medium chain tryglyceride, which means it is used more as energy. Flax and canola are high in omega 3 fatty acids which helps to balance the omega 6 fats that experts say we ingest too much of.
Mix and match these ingredients and see if you come up with a few that taste good to you. After all, if it isn't good you won't stick to the plan.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Body Building Supplements
For convenience, body building supplements are great for adding calories and fuel to your workout routine. The best thing to use is whey protein powder mixed into a shake. This is a proven and time tested method that gets good results for most people. Any decent name brand product will do.
What about all the other products such as selected amino acids, vitamins, herbs, etc.? Some are added to protein products already or you can take them individually but the best thing in my opinion is to add some fresh fruits and/or vegetables to your protein shake. This provides a real food boost and comes with all the natural phytochemicals inherent in those foods.
Here's an example of a shake/smoothie in which you can add or extract ingredients as you see fit:
grape juice
whey protein powder
banana
romaine lettuce leaves
1-2 ounces coconut milk
blend up good adding lettuce as you go
This is a perfect body building supplement as it combines engineered modern products with whole foods. It contains roughly 400 calories and will refuel you before or after a workout. You may discover a bunch of favorite shakes if you experiment with different fruits and veggies. Feel free to post comments on your favorite variations.
What about all the other products such as selected amino acids, vitamins, herbs, etc.? Some are added to protein products already or you can take them individually but the best thing in my opinion is to add some fresh fruits and/or vegetables to your protein shake. This provides a real food boost and comes with all the natural phytochemicals inherent in those foods.
Here's an example of a shake/smoothie in which you can add or extract ingredients as you see fit:
grape juice
whey protein powder
banana
romaine lettuce leaves
1-2 ounces coconut milk
blend up good adding lettuce as you go
This is a perfect body building supplement as it combines engineered modern products with whole foods. It contains roughly 400 calories and will refuel you before or after a workout. You may discover a bunch of favorite shakes if you experiment with different fruits and veggies. Feel free to post comments on your favorite variations.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Look Younger Now
By: Christopher Guerriero
Each of us yearns to maintain our youthful appearance, energy
and good health free from disease and sickness. We look for help
from the "discoveries of science" and "breakthrough drugs" or
"elixirs" full of promise. While we have made significant
progress in our understanding of the human body and of life,
still we find that the vital health and youthfulness we're
looking for is somewhat elusive. What we scientists have
ultimately come to recognize is that the "Fountain of Youth"
lies "naturally" within each of us.
As we take a look at nature and the lifestyles of earlier
cultures, we do not find the problems of disease, sickness or
excess weight that occur in our modern society. This should
prompt us to see what these cultures are doing that has proven
to work throughout time. For example, I try to live a more
natural lifestyle in regards to diet (loads of raw vegetables),
activity and exercise, environment, and pure distilled water. I
incorporate each of these as much as possible, though not
perfectly. Nevertheless, the result is a better quality of life
largely free from sickness and disease.
Our SAD (Standard American Diet) of today unfortunately consists
of highly processed "foods" that starve the body of nutrition
and create difficulties for the digestive system, which results
in colon problems. It's known in the natural health industry
that over 90% of all human diseases and sickness are from a
congested (constipated) colon. This also accelerates the aging
process. Modern science hasn't and won't find a break-through
drug that will restore your health. But they don't need to. The
solution simply is a more natural lifestyle involving the
integration of corrective and preventative measures over time.
Let me mention a few here.
One corrective measure is to cleanse and detoxify the body to
get rid of some of the causes of disease and sickness. This can
be done by:
Drinking adequate amounts of pure distilled water.
Stimulate the digestive track by reflexology massage on the sole
of the feet every other day. Reflexology charts are available in
health stores or online.
Stimulation of the elimination process. There are several great
ways to do this, but the easiest is to simply eat a large green
salad (full of fresh, raw, preferably organic vegetables) with
each of your meals throughout the day. Consuming 3 - 5 salads
per day not only helps you look younger, but it also adds years
to your life, gives you energy, and helps you lose excess body
weight - fast.
If your day is too busy to eat enough raw vegetables each and
every day - then simply find yourself a high quality vegetable
drink.
Some youth enhancing measures can involve the following:
Start today to migrate your diet from processed and refined
devitalized "foods" to whole, raw, organic foods that are full
of nutrition and are easily digested.
Increase physical activity and enjoy nature with regular outdoor
activities, or by integrating an exercise program, etc.
Take time outdoors each day to breath deeply clean, fresh air.
Be happy, smile often, and laugh daily. Sounds too easy, but
eliminating stress is proven to increase health.
Nature has everything to offer if you are willing to indulge.
Start today to make these suggestions a part of your new
lifestyle. Enjoy good health and long life and find the true
fountain of youth within yourself!
About the author:
Christopher Guerriero is the founder of the National Metabolic &
Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker,
and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning
'Maximize Your Metabolism' system. To learn more about this
step-by-step program, and to sign up for FREE how-to articles
and FREE teleseminars, visit: Maximize Your
Metabolism.
Each of us yearns to maintain our youthful appearance, energy
and good health free from disease and sickness. We look for help
from the "discoveries of science" and "breakthrough drugs" or
"elixirs" full of promise. While we have made significant
progress in our understanding of the human body and of life,
still we find that the vital health and youthfulness we're
looking for is somewhat elusive. What we scientists have
ultimately come to recognize is that the "Fountain of Youth"
lies "naturally" within each of us.
As we take a look at nature and the lifestyles of earlier
cultures, we do not find the problems of disease, sickness or
excess weight that occur in our modern society. This should
prompt us to see what these cultures are doing that has proven
to work throughout time. For example, I try to live a more
natural lifestyle in regards to diet (loads of raw vegetables),
activity and exercise, environment, and pure distilled water. I
incorporate each of these as much as possible, though not
perfectly. Nevertheless, the result is a better quality of life
largely free from sickness and disease.
Our SAD (Standard American Diet) of today unfortunately consists
of highly processed "foods" that starve the body of nutrition
and create difficulties for the digestive system, which results
in colon problems. It's known in the natural health industry
that over 90% of all human diseases and sickness are from a
congested (constipated) colon. This also accelerates the aging
process. Modern science hasn't and won't find a break-through
drug that will restore your health. But they don't need to. The
solution simply is a more natural lifestyle involving the
integration of corrective and preventative measures over time.
Let me mention a few here.
One corrective measure is to cleanse and detoxify the body to
get rid of some of the causes of disease and sickness. This can
be done by:
Drinking adequate amounts of pure distilled water.
Stimulate the digestive track by reflexology massage on the sole
of the feet every other day. Reflexology charts are available in
health stores or online.
Stimulation of the elimination process. There are several great
ways to do this, but the easiest is to simply eat a large green
salad (full of fresh, raw, preferably organic vegetables) with
each of your meals throughout the day. Consuming 3 - 5 salads
per day not only helps you look younger, but it also adds years
to your life, gives you energy, and helps you lose excess body
weight - fast.
If your day is too busy to eat enough raw vegetables each and
every day - then simply find yourself a high quality vegetable
drink.
Some youth enhancing measures can involve the following:
Start today to migrate your diet from processed and refined
devitalized "foods" to whole, raw, organic foods that are full
of nutrition and are easily digested.
Increase physical activity and enjoy nature with regular outdoor
activities, or by integrating an exercise program, etc.
Take time outdoors each day to breath deeply clean, fresh air.
Be happy, smile often, and laugh daily. Sounds too easy, but
eliminating stress is proven to increase health.
Nature has everything to offer if you are willing to indulge.
Start today to make these suggestions a part of your new
lifestyle. Enjoy good health and long life and find the true
fountain of youth within yourself!
About the author:
Christopher Guerriero is the founder of the National Metabolic &
Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker,
and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning
'Maximize Your Metabolism' system. To learn more about this
step-by-step program, and to sign up for FREE how-to articles
and FREE teleseminars, visit: Maximize Your
Metabolism.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
10 Steps on Improving Your Metabolism
By: Karen Sessions
Copyright 2006 Karen Sessions
Are you sluggish and low on energy? Do you feel like you work
and work toward your weight loss goal and never seem to make any
dramatic improvement?
You could be suffering from a slow metabolism. Even though you
may have a slow metabolism, it does not have to destroy your
weight loss efforts. You can dramatically improve your
metabolism, and boost your energy levels without taking
supplements.
Your metabolism simply refers to the conversion of food to
usable energy by the body. It is the biological process, by
which energy is extracted from food, and the net result is how
fast or slowly the body burns those calories.
A few steps you can take to improve your metabolism naturally
are:
Drink Water - Water is great to drink and you should be drinking
a minimum of 8 to 10, glasses daily, of course, more is better.
It will help increase your metabolism and flush out sodium,
toxins, and fat. Drinking water before meals will fill your
stomach so you feel full and prevent overeating. Avoid excess
colas, coffee, teas, and sugary juices. Caffeine will dehydrate
you, and the sugar will do more damage than good in the long-run.
Eat Every Three Hours - Eat a small balanced meal every three
hours, including snacks. Meals and snacks should be balanced,
meaning they should contain a complete protein, carbohydrates,
as well as natural fat. Failure to eat consistently can lead to
a slower metabolism and fat storage. Also, skipping meals slows
down your metabolism. To ignite fat loss you need to be
consuming the right foods in a balanced manner throughout the
day.
Don't Skip Breakfast - Breakfast is the most important meal of
the day because it gets your metabolism running in high gear.
You wouldn't drive your car to work on an empty tank, and you
shouldn't start your day without adequate nourishment. Your
first meal sets your metabolism for the day and keeps it going,
as long as you eat every three hours. If you get up early and
eat a late breakfast, you miss out on several hours of burning
calories.
Don't Fear Fat - Fat has developed a bad reputation. Many people
think fat makes you fat. This is false. The type of fat and how
much fat you eat impacts your body fat composition. Fat is
needed by the body. Those who follow a very low-fat diet have a
harder time ridding their body of fat. Choose natural healthy
fats such as olive oil, avocados, various nuts, flax, and
natural peanut butter to receive your necessary fats.
Omit Trans Fat - Trans fat is the bad fat, the cause of weight
gain, low energy, depression, cancer, and heart disease. You
will never get the body you desire by eating "healthy" fast
food, frozen dinners, and other processed choices. If it's
man-made, it's not the best choice, and will halt fat loss
endeavors. Eat the foods Mother Nature has provided to meet your
fat loss goals.
Be Active Daily - Stay active at least six days a week. Take the
stairs when possible or park further out to get that little bit
of extra movement to keep the heart and lungs working optimally.
The more movement you get daily, the better you will feel
overall.
Do Cardiovascular Exercise - Cardio exercise is necessary for
heart and lung health. It also burns calories. Doing cardio
first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can tap into fat
stores, and keep your body burning calories at a high rate for
about an hour after cardio is finished. If you fail to eat
adequately daily, first morning cardio on an empty stomach can
work against you. Doing morning cardio on very low calorie diet
can burn muscle. Another good time to incorporate cardio is in
the evening after your last meal. This allows you to burn
calories so you are not sleeping on them. You do not have to
implement a morning and evening session, choose one or the other
or cycle between the two to prevent staleness and boredom.
HIIT It - Blend some High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
into your cardiovascular program from time to time to give your
body and metabolism a good shock. The body is programmed for
adaptation. Therefore, doing the same cardio format day in and
day out can become stale really fast. Take one or two days a
week and implement some HIIT to give the body an added shock.
HIIT is basically alternating low intensity and moderate to high
intensity cardio training. For example, a 20 minute HIIT session
would look similar to this:
Minute 1 and 2 - Low Intensity (Walking) Minute 3 and 4 - High
Intensity (Light jogging or running) Minute 5 and 6 - Low
Intensity Minute 7 and 8 - High Intensity and so on...
Weight Train - Resistance training builds muscle, which is
metabolically active tissue. The more muscle you acquire, the
faster your metabolism will be. Adding more lean muscle tissue
to your body will put curves in the right places and allow you
to eat more calories a day.
Listen to Your Body - Killing yourself with workouts is just as
dangerous as not working out at all. Listen to your body and get
proper rest. Don't train if you are ill, still sore from the
previous workout, or just simply too tired. Training in such a
state can cause more problems than it solves.
If any of the above fails to prove results in 4 to 6 weeks,
there could be an underlying problem, such as a food allergy,
sluggish thyroid, hormonal imbalance, toxins, parasites, etc. If
so, I recommend searching for a natural healer in your area to
determine the cause. and work from there. For the most part,
proper diet, detoxifying, and herbs can correct any ailments.
About the author:
Karen Sessions has been in the fitness industry since 1988. She
is a nationally qualified bodybuilder and holds two personal
training certifications. She has written 6 ebooks on fitness and
has helped hundreds of clients transform their bodies.
http://www.theelitephysique.com
Copyright 2006 Karen Sessions
Are you sluggish and low on energy? Do you feel like you work
and work toward your weight loss goal and never seem to make any
dramatic improvement?
You could be suffering from a slow metabolism. Even though you
may have a slow metabolism, it does not have to destroy your
weight loss efforts. You can dramatically improve your
metabolism, and boost your energy levels without taking
supplements.
Your metabolism simply refers to the conversion of food to
usable energy by the body. It is the biological process, by
which energy is extracted from food, and the net result is how
fast or slowly the body burns those calories.
A few steps you can take to improve your metabolism naturally
are:
Drink Water - Water is great to drink and you should be drinking
a minimum of 8 to 10, glasses daily, of course, more is better.
It will help increase your metabolism and flush out sodium,
toxins, and fat. Drinking water before meals will fill your
stomach so you feel full and prevent overeating. Avoid excess
colas, coffee, teas, and sugary juices. Caffeine will dehydrate
you, and the sugar will do more damage than good in the long-run.
Eat Every Three Hours - Eat a small balanced meal every three
hours, including snacks. Meals and snacks should be balanced,
meaning they should contain a complete protein, carbohydrates,
as well as natural fat. Failure to eat consistently can lead to
a slower metabolism and fat storage. Also, skipping meals slows
down your metabolism. To ignite fat loss you need to be
consuming the right foods in a balanced manner throughout the
day.
Don't Skip Breakfast - Breakfast is the most important meal of
the day because it gets your metabolism running in high gear.
You wouldn't drive your car to work on an empty tank, and you
shouldn't start your day without adequate nourishment. Your
first meal sets your metabolism for the day and keeps it going,
as long as you eat every three hours. If you get up early and
eat a late breakfast, you miss out on several hours of burning
calories.
Don't Fear Fat - Fat has developed a bad reputation. Many people
think fat makes you fat. This is false. The type of fat and how
much fat you eat impacts your body fat composition. Fat is
needed by the body. Those who follow a very low-fat diet have a
harder time ridding their body of fat. Choose natural healthy
fats such as olive oil, avocados, various nuts, flax, and
natural peanut butter to receive your necessary fats.
Omit Trans Fat - Trans fat is the bad fat, the cause of weight
gain, low energy, depression, cancer, and heart disease. You
will never get the body you desire by eating "healthy" fast
food, frozen dinners, and other processed choices. If it's
man-made, it's not the best choice, and will halt fat loss
endeavors. Eat the foods Mother Nature has provided to meet your
fat loss goals.
Be Active Daily - Stay active at least six days a week. Take the
stairs when possible or park further out to get that little bit
of extra movement to keep the heart and lungs working optimally.
The more movement you get daily, the better you will feel
overall.
Do Cardiovascular Exercise - Cardio exercise is necessary for
heart and lung health. It also burns calories. Doing cardio
first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can tap into fat
stores, and keep your body burning calories at a high rate for
about an hour after cardio is finished. If you fail to eat
adequately daily, first morning cardio on an empty stomach can
work against you. Doing morning cardio on very low calorie diet
can burn muscle. Another good time to incorporate cardio is in
the evening after your last meal. This allows you to burn
calories so you are not sleeping on them. You do not have to
implement a morning and evening session, choose one or the other
or cycle between the two to prevent staleness and boredom.
HIIT It - Blend some High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
into your cardiovascular program from time to time to give your
body and metabolism a good shock. The body is programmed for
adaptation. Therefore, doing the same cardio format day in and
day out can become stale really fast. Take one or two days a
week and implement some HIIT to give the body an added shock.
HIIT is basically alternating low intensity and moderate to high
intensity cardio training. For example, a 20 minute HIIT session
would look similar to this:
Minute 1 and 2 - Low Intensity (Walking) Minute 3 and 4 - High
Intensity (Light jogging or running) Minute 5 and 6 - Low
Intensity Minute 7 and 8 - High Intensity and so on...
Weight Train - Resistance training builds muscle, which is
metabolically active tissue. The more muscle you acquire, the
faster your metabolism will be. Adding more lean muscle tissue
to your body will put curves in the right places and allow you
to eat more calories a day.
Listen to Your Body - Killing yourself with workouts is just as
dangerous as not working out at all. Listen to your body and get
proper rest. Don't train if you are ill, still sore from the
previous workout, or just simply too tired. Training in such a
state can cause more problems than it solves.
If any of the above fails to prove results in 4 to 6 weeks,
there could be an underlying problem, such as a food allergy,
sluggish thyroid, hormonal imbalance, toxins, parasites, etc. If
so, I recommend searching for a natural healer in your area to
determine the cause. and work from there. For the most part,
proper diet, detoxifying, and herbs can correct any ailments.
About the author:
Karen Sessions has been in the fitness industry since 1988. She
is a nationally qualified bodybuilder and holds two personal
training certifications. She has written 6 ebooks on fitness and
has helped hundreds of clients transform their bodies.
http://www.theelitephysique.com
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Weight Loss and Fitness - Facts not Fiction
Author: Martin Harshberger
Article:
Weight Loss and Fitness - Facts not Fiction
Weight Loss And Fitness
The world of weight loss and fitness is certainly vast, and the
American consumer can absolutely get lost in the thousands of
easy effortless and ostly useless ads if not careful. With my
books and research I want to clear the air about the various
myths and false statements regarding our health and fitness that
have clearly muddied the waters for many Americans.
What I want to stress in particular is that there is no magic
answer, potion, or diet pill that is going to make everything
better. The ad on TV where the pretty lady says "it's easy.
you'll love it", is appealing to our need for instant
gratification with no effort. We don't want to hear the facts so
we continue to look for the instant solution. If there was a
magic diet pill, or diet plan, over 60% of Americans wouldn't be
overweight, in spite of spending over $35 billion annually on
diet products.
Achieving weight loss and fitness requires a commitment on your
part to strive for a healthier you. What you will get in return
for all of your hard work and dedication is a fit body, a
renewed clarity of mind, better quality sleep, and perhaps even
a pronounced increase in your libido. I have found that through
the positive changes I have made in my own life regarding weight
loss and fitness, all areas of my life are exponentially better.
I wake up energized, I feel excited about my day and my
interactions with people, my body feels strong and capable, and
my entire outlook on life has improved significantly.
The Weight Loss and Fitness Commitment show that claims that
teach you shortcuts on how to drop 30 pounds in 30 days are
improbable at best and unhelathy at worst.
That claim is water loss pure and simple. You do the math: 1
pound of fat = about 3500 calories 30 pounds of fat = 105,000
calories. To lose 30 pounds of fat in 30 days you would need to
reduce caloric intake by about 105,000 calories or about 3500
per day. If you are eating 3,000 calories a day now, that might
be tough. OK you say I'll exercise it off. 1 hour on a
stationary bicycle running at an average over 20 miles an hour
burns about 400 calories. Meaning to burn 3,500 calories a day
on the bike, you'd need to ride it for about 9 hours.
If you are looking for a quick fix, you will continue to be
frustrated about health and fitness.
However, if you are tired of feeling fatigued and know for sure
that you are ready to make a solid commitment to your own health
and mind, Living to Be Younger can act as a guide. It is my hope
that you will read each page with an open mind and a willingness
to make some changes that will enable you to break out of your
rut.
First, lose the idea that there is a magic diet pill or
supplement that will transform your body to a svelte shape.
Losing weight requires that you expend more calories than you
ingest--plain and simple. This means that you must get up and
moving at least three to five days per week, for at least 30
minutes each session. If you were considerably overweight, it
would be ideal to aim for at least five workout sessions per
week. Always consult with your physician before embarking on any
new exercise plan. Second, take a good look at what you are
putting in your mouth on a daily basis. Aim for natural foods
that are high in vitamins and minerals, fiber, protein, and
complex carbohydrates. Limit your intake of foods high in
saturated fats, sodium, refined sugars, and preservatives. When
you take the Living to Be Younger Challenge, you will find that
your zest for life isn't gone--it's just been hiding.
Congratulations on taking this first step towards a healthier
you.
http://www.distribuidoromnilife.com/a1_word_directory_internet.ht
m
About the author:
Real nutrition, fitness and weight loss information for real
people. Learn how our everyday living environment impacts our
health and wellness. Click on the link to learn more:
www.livingtobeyounger.com
http://www.distribuidoromnilife.com/a1_word_directory_internet.ht
m
Article:
Weight Loss and Fitness - Facts not Fiction
Weight Loss And Fitness
The world of weight loss and fitness is certainly vast, and the
American consumer can absolutely get lost in the thousands of
easy effortless and ostly useless ads if not careful. With my
books and research I want to clear the air about the various
myths and false statements regarding our health and fitness that
have clearly muddied the waters for many Americans.
What I want to stress in particular is that there is no magic
answer, potion, or diet pill that is going to make everything
better. The ad on TV where the pretty lady says "it's easy.
you'll love it", is appealing to our need for instant
gratification with no effort. We don't want to hear the facts so
we continue to look for the instant solution. If there was a
magic diet pill, or diet plan, over 60% of Americans wouldn't be
overweight, in spite of spending over $35 billion annually on
diet products.
Achieving weight loss and fitness requires a commitment on your
part to strive for a healthier you. What you will get in return
for all of your hard work and dedication is a fit body, a
renewed clarity of mind, better quality sleep, and perhaps even
a pronounced increase in your libido. I have found that through
the positive changes I have made in my own life regarding weight
loss and fitness, all areas of my life are exponentially better.
I wake up energized, I feel excited about my day and my
interactions with people, my body feels strong and capable, and
my entire outlook on life has improved significantly.
The Weight Loss and Fitness Commitment show that claims that
teach you shortcuts on how to drop 30 pounds in 30 days are
improbable at best and unhelathy at worst.
That claim is water loss pure and simple. You do the math: 1
pound of fat = about 3500 calories 30 pounds of fat = 105,000
calories. To lose 30 pounds of fat in 30 days you would need to
reduce caloric intake by about 105,000 calories or about 3500
per day. If you are eating 3,000 calories a day now, that might
be tough. OK you say I'll exercise it off. 1 hour on a
stationary bicycle running at an average over 20 miles an hour
burns about 400 calories. Meaning to burn 3,500 calories a day
on the bike, you'd need to ride it for about 9 hours.
If you are looking for a quick fix, you will continue to be
frustrated about health and fitness.
However, if you are tired of feeling fatigued and know for sure
that you are ready to make a solid commitment to your own health
and mind, Living to Be Younger can act as a guide. It is my hope
that you will read each page with an open mind and a willingness
to make some changes that will enable you to break out of your
rut.
First, lose the idea that there is a magic diet pill or
supplement that will transform your body to a svelte shape.
Losing weight requires that you expend more calories than you
ingest--plain and simple. This means that you must get up and
moving at least three to five days per week, for at least 30
minutes each session. If you were considerably overweight, it
would be ideal to aim for at least five workout sessions per
week. Always consult with your physician before embarking on any
new exercise plan. Second, take a good look at what you are
putting in your mouth on a daily basis. Aim for natural foods
that are high in vitamins and minerals, fiber, protein, and
complex carbohydrates. Limit your intake of foods high in
saturated fats, sodium, refined sugars, and preservatives. When
you take the Living to Be Younger Challenge, you will find that
your zest for life isn't gone--it's just been hiding.
Congratulations on taking this first step towards a healthier
you.
http://www.distribuidoromnilife.com/a1_word_directory_internet.ht
m
About the author:
Real nutrition, fitness and weight loss information for real
people. Learn how our everyday living environment impacts our
health and wellness. Click on the link to learn more:
www.livingtobeyounger.com
http://www.distribuidoromnilife.com/a1_word_directory_internet.ht
m
Monday, May 08, 2006
Why Choose Treadmills Over Other Exercise Machines
By: Matt Shupe
Obesity is one of the risk factors in many serious diseases like
diabetes, heart ailment or gastro-related illnesses. Man's
present lifestyle has made it almost impossible to avoid fatty
foods. A closer look at the most-sought after restaurants for
busy people includes diners that offer quickie but fat-filled
meals.
Added to the proliferation of tempting food outlets is the busy
schedules of people who barely have enough time to meet their
family, much more to exercise. There are those who make an
effort to lose a few pounds but are hampered by their busy
schedules.
One strategy to keep up with a regular exercise despite one's
busy schedule is to buy exercise machines that can be used for a
few minutes during one's free time, anywhere. If you have a busy
schedule, what you need is a machine that you can keep in the
office or in the house, and which can be easily stored in a
small space.
One of the most practical exercise machines is the treadmill. It
may cost more than the other exercise machines but it has proven
effective to most people who look at exercise with disdain.
Most people dread the times when they have to use their exercise
machines because these are either too complicated or a tad
difficult to operate. Using treadmills can come naturally for
most people because what it requires is the basic walking and
running skills, two skills that come naturally among humans.
If you have a tight budget, there are manual treadmills which
operate simply by treading or walking on the rubber. For those
who have more money to spare, there are electronic treadmills
that measure the calories lost, miles traveled and other
exercise data. No matter what treadmill you choose, you will
definitely be able to recoup such investment in a short time as
you will be able to stay on the machine longer than any other
exercise machines. Experts said that high-end treadmills with a
motor horsepower of 1.5 or 2.5 continuous duty should be
preferred. Also choose treadmills with a longer warranty period
for their motor.
You can avoid getting injuries by doing some stretching first
before starting out on the treadmill. Begin your treadmill
exercise by walking and getting the hang of the machine. Do not
try any antics as you can fall off the treadmill if you try
running without getting too familiar with the machine. You may
be excited when you first get hold of the machine but a 20
minute walk using the treadmill two to three times a week would
be a good start. Gradually increase your speed and frequency as
you get more comfortable with the machine.
Walking on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes every session
will help you lose fat. However, always check with your doctor
before doing any exercise routine to make sure you are not
aggravating any physical illness.
Other people use their treadmills while watching television or
listening to their favorite music. The secret of a successful
exercise routine is not just a good exercise machine; you also
have to enjoy what you are doing.
About the author:
The author is a contributing writer for Treadmill Specials
where more treadmill information is freely available.
Obesity is one of the risk factors in many serious diseases like
diabetes, heart ailment or gastro-related illnesses. Man's
present lifestyle has made it almost impossible to avoid fatty
foods. A closer look at the most-sought after restaurants for
busy people includes diners that offer quickie but fat-filled
meals.
Added to the proliferation of tempting food outlets is the busy
schedules of people who barely have enough time to meet their
family, much more to exercise. There are those who make an
effort to lose a few pounds but are hampered by their busy
schedules.
One strategy to keep up with a regular exercise despite one's
busy schedule is to buy exercise machines that can be used for a
few minutes during one's free time, anywhere. If you have a busy
schedule, what you need is a machine that you can keep in the
office or in the house, and which can be easily stored in a
small space.
One of the most practical exercise machines is the treadmill. It
may cost more than the other exercise machines but it has proven
effective to most people who look at exercise with disdain.
Most people dread the times when they have to use their exercise
machines because these are either too complicated or a tad
difficult to operate. Using treadmills can come naturally for
most people because what it requires is the basic walking and
running skills, two skills that come naturally among humans.
If you have a tight budget, there are manual treadmills which
operate simply by treading or walking on the rubber. For those
who have more money to spare, there are electronic treadmills
that measure the calories lost, miles traveled and other
exercise data. No matter what treadmill you choose, you will
definitely be able to recoup such investment in a short time as
you will be able to stay on the machine longer than any other
exercise machines. Experts said that high-end treadmills with a
motor horsepower of 1.5 or 2.5 continuous duty should be
preferred. Also choose treadmills with a longer warranty period
for their motor.
You can avoid getting injuries by doing some stretching first
before starting out on the treadmill. Begin your treadmill
exercise by walking and getting the hang of the machine. Do not
try any antics as you can fall off the treadmill if you try
running without getting too familiar with the machine. You may
be excited when you first get hold of the machine but a 20
minute walk using the treadmill two to three times a week would
be a good start. Gradually increase your speed and frequency as
you get more comfortable with the machine.
Walking on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes every session
will help you lose fat. However, always check with your doctor
before doing any exercise routine to make sure you are not
aggravating any physical illness.
Other people use their treadmills while watching television or
listening to their favorite music. The secret of a successful
exercise routine is not just a good exercise machine; you also
have to enjoy what you are doing.
About the author:
The author is a contributing writer for Treadmill Specials
where more treadmill information is freely available.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Eating for Energy: Tips for Managing Your Mood with Food
By: Susie Cortright
Here's a meal-by-meal guide to eating for energy and managing
your mood with food.
Breakfast Eating a good breakfast boosts your concentration and
revs your energy, particularly in the morning when you may need
it most. Without breakfast, you're more likely to make that
second pot of coffee by mid-morning.
Instead, keep your blood sugar on an even keel with complex
carbohydrates. Avoid refined carbohydrates, such as white bread
and white sugar. These have a high glycemic index, which can
cause spikes and dips in your blood sugar levels.
The right complex carbohydrates provide your brain and muscles
with the steady flow of the energy they need. Grains are great
sources of B vitamins, which aid in the metabolic production of
energy. The best carb choices for breakfast are natural
whole-grain breads and cereals.
For the best breakfast, add a low-fat protein, such as yogurt,
cottage cheese, or skim milk, and watch your fat intake as well
as your meat consumption (meat takes more energy to digest).
Mid-morning snack Turns out, snacking may not be such a bad
idea. Eating every few hours helps your body use nutrients more
efficiently. It stimulates your metabolism, keeps your blood
sugar levels steady, reduces stress on your digestive system,
and decreases hunger, which means you'll be less likely to
overeat when mealtime finally rolls around.
If you're craving carbs, which many of us do at this time of
day, choose whole-grain bread, cereal, or fruit. Fruits and
vegetables deliver a low-fat, high-fiber alternative to the
vending machine choices. Raw carrots and sugar snap peas, for
example, provide a crisp, satisfying crunch and won't zap your
energy. Challenge yourself to eat at least five servings of
fruits and vegetables each day.
For maximum energy throughout the day, avoid foods that are
laden with simple sugars, such as cookies, pastries, candy bars,
and sodas, which can bring on erratic blood sugar levels.
Instead, try some lean protein (low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese
or lean meat) to help tide you over until lunch.
Lunch At midday, go light. Because a hefty helping of
carbohydrates can increase the amount of seratonin in the brain
and cause that sleepy feeling, focus on low-fat protein. Protein
can actually raise energy levels by increasing brain chemicals
called catecholamines. Eat a lunch of low-fat cheese, fish, lean
meat, poultry, or tofu.
Mid-afternoon snack Choose something that will keep you
satisfied until dinner. A little bit of fat is fine. It gives
those carbohydrates and proteins some staying power. My
favorite? All-natural peanut butter and a few crackers.
Before your work-out Carbohydrates are fastest to digest and
pack quick energy. Add protein for staying power, but stay away
from fats. They can make you cramp.
Dinner The agenda for the evening can dictate what you'll eat
for dinner. Need to stay on overdrive for back-to-school night?
Choose low-fat proteins. If you're in relax mode, indulge a
little.
Whatever's on the menu, remember the Pie Test. Envision your
plate as a pie. Seventy-five percent of the pie should be filled
with fruits, vegetables, and grains and 25 percent with other
foods, such as diary products and meat.
Before bed Before turning in, a carbohydrate-rich snack can
supply seratonin to help you fall asleep. But go easy. Too much
food can reduce the quality of your sleep.
Eating for energy is one of the most effective, powerful, and
fast-acting mood-boosters. Try it today and see!
Check out these diet and weight-loss resources: Burn the Fat, Feed
the Muscle and The Idiot-Proof
Diet. Susie Cortright is the creator of The Free Article
Bank, http://www.free-article-bank.com
Here's a meal-by-meal guide to eating for energy and managing
your mood with food.
Breakfast Eating a good breakfast boosts your concentration and
revs your energy, particularly in the morning when you may need
it most. Without breakfast, you're more likely to make that
second pot of coffee by mid-morning.
Instead, keep your blood sugar on an even keel with complex
carbohydrates. Avoid refined carbohydrates, such as white bread
and white sugar. These have a high glycemic index, which can
cause spikes and dips in your blood sugar levels.
The right complex carbohydrates provide your brain and muscles
with the steady flow of the energy they need. Grains are great
sources of B vitamins, which aid in the metabolic production of
energy. The best carb choices for breakfast are natural
whole-grain breads and cereals.
For the best breakfast, add a low-fat protein, such as yogurt,
cottage cheese, or skim milk, and watch your fat intake as well
as your meat consumption (meat takes more energy to digest).
Mid-morning snack Turns out, snacking may not be such a bad
idea. Eating every few hours helps your body use nutrients more
efficiently. It stimulates your metabolism, keeps your blood
sugar levels steady, reduces stress on your digestive system,
and decreases hunger, which means you'll be less likely to
overeat when mealtime finally rolls around.
If you're craving carbs, which many of us do at this time of
day, choose whole-grain bread, cereal, or fruit. Fruits and
vegetables deliver a low-fat, high-fiber alternative to the
vending machine choices. Raw carrots and sugar snap peas, for
example, provide a crisp, satisfying crunch and won't zap your
energy. Challenge yourself to eat at least five servings of
fruits and vegetables each day.
For maximum energy throughout the day, avoid foods that are
laden with simple sugars, such as cookies, pastries, candy bars,
and sodas, which can bring on erratic blood sugar levels.
Instead, try some lean protein (low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese
or lean meat) to help tide you over until lunch.
Lunch At midday, go light. Because a hefty helping of
carbohydrates can increase the amount of seratonin in the brain
and cause that sleepy feeling, focus on low-fat protein. Protein
can actually raise energy levels by increasing brain chemicals
called catecholamines. Eat a lunch of low-fat cheese, fish, lean
meat, poultry, or tofu.
Mid-afternoon snack Choose something that will keep you
satisfied until dinner. A little bit of fat is fine. It gives
those carbohydrates and proteins some staying power. My
favorite? All-natural peanut butter and a few crackers.
Before your work-out Carbohydrates are fastest to digest and
pack quick energy. Add protein for staying power, but stay away
from fats. They can make you cramp.
Dinner The agenda for the evening can dictate what you'll eat
for dinner. Need to stay on overdrive for back-to-school night?
Choose low-fat proteins. If you're in relax mode, indulge a
little.
Whatever's on the menu, remember the Pie Test. Envision your
plate as a pie. Seventy-five percent of the pie should be filled
with fruits, vegetables, and grains and 25 percent with other
foods, such as diary products and meat.
Before bed Before turning in, a carbohydrate-rich snack can
supply seratonin to help you fall asleep. But go easy. Too much
food can reduce the quality of your sleep.
Eating for energy is one of the most effective, powerful, and
fast-acting mood-boosters. Try it today and see!
Check out these diet and weight-loss resources: Burn the Fat, Feed
the Muscle and The Idiot-Proof
Diet. Susie Cortright is the creator of The Free Article
Bank, http://www.free-article-bank.com
Friday, May 05, 2006
Strength Training
By: Ralph Ruckman
Strength training is a lot more than just going to the gym and
lifting some weights. Strength training has a lot to do with
desire and set routines. When you are strength training with
weights you need to know that you are using your muscles to work
against the extra pounds that you added on. This will not only
strengthen the amount of muscle mass in your body, but it will
help increase it as well. It does this by making your muscles
work a lot harder than they are used to working. Using aerobic
exercise, such as running or using bikes, you can make your
muscles use oxygen more efficiently. By doing this process you
are strengthening your heart and lungs as well.
Most of the people that use weights and work out with them use
two different kinds of weights. The most popular types are free
weights and weight machines. Free weights include barbells and
dumbbells, while weight machines are specifically made by
companies. Weight machines are designed to help isolate and work
on certain muscles, whereas free weights are designed to work on
a group of muscles at the same time.
Here is a typical instance using squats: you can do a squat
using free weights by placing a barbell across your back and
shoulders. You then proceed with the exercise by using squatting
and back-up motions. Squatting works multiple muscles all at the
same time. Now if you were to go to a machine and do a leg
extension exercise, you would be exercising just your
quadriceps. Knowing what you want to work on and how to do is an
important part of strength training. You can work certain
muscles at once, or you can break up the exercises and focus on
just one muscle.
There is a huge difference when it comes to strength training
and weightlifting. Strength training uses resistance methods
like the free weights, weight machines, and resistance bands to
build your strength and muscle. Weightlifting or more
specifically power lifting concentrates on how much weight you
can lift at one time. This type of lifting is not recommended
for younger people. Younger people's bodies may still be
developing during their younger years, and this can lead to
injuries of their bones, joints, and muscles.
Knowing proper lifting techniques goes a long way when it comes
to strength training. If you are not using them properly then
you run the risk of a serious injury. You also could be wasting
your time if you are not working the specified area that you are
focusing on. Read up on the muscles you intend to work, and
study the exercises involved very thoroughly so that you can get
the most out of your strength training.
About the author:
Ralph Ruckman is the owner of a strength training weblog. Feel
free to visit the blog for more information at: Strength Training
Strength training is a lot more than just going to the gym and
lifting some weights. Strength training has a lot to do with
desire and set routines. When you are strength training with
weights you need to know that you are using your muscles to work
against the extra pounds that you added on. This will not only
strengthen the amount of muscle mass in your body, but it will
help increase it as well. It does this by making your muscles
work a lot harder than they are used to working. Using aerobic
exercise, such as running or using bikes, you can make your
muscles use oxygen more efficiently. By doing this process you
are strengthening your heart and lungs as well.
Most of the people that use weights and work out with them use
two different kinds of weights. The most popular types are free
weights and weight machines. Free weights include barbells and
dumbbells, while weight machines are specifically made by
companies. Weight machines are designed to help isolate and work
on certain muscles, whereas free weights are designed to work on
a group of muscles at the same time.
Here is a typical instance using squats: you can do a squat
using free weights by placing a barbell across your back and
shoulders. You then proceed with the exercise by using squatting
and back-up motions. Squatting works multiple muscles all at the
same time. Now if you were to go to a machine and do a leg
extension exercise, you would be exercising just your
quadriceps. Knowing what you want to work on and how to do is an
important part of strength training. You can work certain
muscles at once, or you can break up the exercises and focus on
just one muscle.
There is a huge difference when it comes to strength training
and weightlifting. Strength training uses resistance methods
like the free weights, weight machines, and resistance bands to
build your strength and muscle. Weightlifting or more
specifically power lifting concentrates on how much weight you
can lift at one time. This type of lifting is not recommended
for younger people. Younger people's bodies may still be
developing during their younger years, and this can lead to
injuries of their bones, joints, and muscles.
Knowing proper lifting techniques goes a long way when it comes
to strength training. If you are not using them properly then
you run the risk of a serious injury. You also could be wasting
your time if you are not working the specified area that you are
focusing on. Read up on the muscles you intend to work, and
study the exercises involved very thoroughly so that you can get
the most out of your strength training.
About the author:
Ralph Ruckman is the owner of a strength training weblog. Feel
free to visit the blog for more information at: Strength Training
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Treadmill Workouts
By: Richard Romando
When the weather gets nasty outdoors, especially in the cold
winter months, an indoor treadmill can be an excellent way of
exercising. However, treadmill users have a common grouse - that
working out on the treadmill gets to be monotonous and boring
after a while. And that is justified, because staring at the
same four walls during a treadmill workout is much less
appealing than jogging outdoors among the sights of nature.
In order to make a treadmill workout more appealing, experts
have devised many methods of workouts. A good treadmill workout
should be able to work the muscles of the calves, thighs, hips,
butt, abdomen and chest, plus improve circulation. People who
just walk on the treadmill at home without expert surveillance
often end up only exercising their lower limbs and do not
extract the maximum advantages that a treadmill provides.
Other things have to be borne in mind. While treading indoors,
you don't put as much effort as you would outdoors. There is no
wind and no air resistance to drag you behind. The path outside
is stony too, and that means there is no cushiony comfort of the
conveyor belt in the great outdoors. Then there may be traffic
or other people milling around in the opposite direction, which
may require you to deviate from the path. Taking these turns
also requires extra effort. So, since a treadmill workout is
easier than an outdoor sprint, you should tread at a little
higher speed and incline as you would do outdoors.
Listening to music or keeping the television on reduces the
boredom of an indoor workout. It is also necessary to keep the
room well-ventilated and airy to prevent sweatiness and
slipperiness of the belt.
Begin your treadmill workout with a low speed and gradually work
upwards. In order to compensate for lack of air resistance, keep
the speed a little higher than what you are accustomed to
outside. Gradually step up the speed. After a couple of minutes,
you should be sprinting, not walking, but make this an automatic
increase so that you do not realize when you have to begin
sprinting. While stepping on the belt, do not press the belt too
hard, as this would exert more pressure on the shin, causing
shin aches and other muscle aches. Also, take care that the
speed does not go so high that you have to pant and gasp, and
can't speak clearly. Treadmill workouts work best in accordance
with the body capacity of the user.
Reserve half the time of a treadmill workout each day for
incline treading. If you work out for 50 minutes each day (this
time should be possible when you are treading for at least 4
weeks on a daily basis), then keep 25 minutes for inclines. The
same policy works for inclines as horizontal treading. Begin
with a mild incline, like 3 or 4, and gradually work it upwards
up to 8. Treadmill manufacturers try to hook their customers by
providing more inclines, sometimes up to 25, but that limit is
not necessary. A person can increase the incline as days
progress.
As the weeks pass, treadmill users find it boring to do the same
things again and again. There are several fancy treads devised
for them. Walking slowly and then suddenly increasing the speed
is one of them. Another is to hold the console bar with one hand
and slowly sidestep, like trying to move out of the belt. This
works the thigh and the calf muscles. Then there is the backward
walk, which helps to maintain grips especially for ballet
dancers.
About the author:
Treadmills
provides detailed information on treadmills, treadmill reviews,
best treadmills, used treadmills and more. Treadmills is
affliated with Running
Of The Bulls.
When the weather gets nasty outdoors, especially in the cold
winter months, an indoor treadmill can be an excellent way of
exercising. However, treadmill users have a common grouse - that
working out on the treadmill gets to be monotonous and boring
after a while. And that is justified, because staring at the
same four walls during a treadmill workout is much less
appealing than jogging outdoors among the sights of nature.
In order to make a treadmill workout more appealing, experts
have devised many methods of workouts. A good treadmill workout
should be able to work the muscles of the calves, thighs, hips,
butt, abdomen and chest, plus improve circulation. People who
just walk on the treadmill at home without expert surveillance
often end up only exercising their lower limbs and do not
extract the maximum advantages that a treadmill provides.
Other things have to be borne in mind. While treading indoors,
you don't put as much effort as you would outdoors. There is no
wind and no air resistance to drag you behind. The path outside
is stony too, and that means there is no cushiony comfort of the
conveyor belt in the great outdoors. Then there may be traffic
or other people milling around in the opposite direction, which
may require you to deviate from the path. Taking these turns
also requires extra effort. So, since a treadmill workout is
easier than an outdoor sprint, you should tread at a little
higher speed and incline as you would do outdoors.
Listening to music or keeping the television on reduces the
boredom of an indoor workout. It is also necessary to keep the
room well-ventilated and airy to prevent sweatiness and
slipperiness of the belt.
Begin your treadmill workout with a low speed and gradually work
upwards. In order to compensate for lack of air resistance, keep
the speed a little higher than what you are accustomed to
outside. Gradually step up the speed. After a couple of minutes,
you should be sprinting, not walking, but make this an automatic
increase so that you do not realize when you have to begin
sprinting. While stepping on the belt, do not press the belt too
hard, as this would exert more pressure on the shin, causing
shin aches and other muscle aches. Also, take care that the
speed does not go so high that you have to pant and gasp, and
can't speak clearly. Treadmill workouts work best in accordance
with the body capacity of the user.
Reserve half the time of a treadmill workout each day for
incline treading. If you work out for 50 minutes each day (this
time should be possible when you are treading for at least 4
weeks on a daily basis), then keep 25 minutes for inclines. The
same policy works for inclines as horizontal treading. Begin
with a mild incline, like 3 or 4, and gradually work it upwards
up to 8. Treadmill manufacturers try to hook their customers by
providing more inclines, sometimes up to 25, but that limit is
not necessary. A person can increase the incline as days
progress.
As the weeks pass, treadmill users find it boring to do the same
things again and again. There are several fancy treads devised
for them. Walking slowly and then suddenly increasing the speed
is one of them. Another is to hold the console bar with one hand
and slowly sidestep, like trying to move out of the belt. This
works the thigh and the calf muscles. Then there is the backward
walk, which helps to maintain grips especially for ballet
dancers.
About the author:
Treadmills
provides detailed information on treadmills, treadmill reviews,
best treadmills, used treadmills and more. Treadmills is
affliated with Running
Of The Bulls.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
The Perfect Meal To Boost Your Health
By: Ryan Cote
Good nutrition is vital to a strong and healthy mind and body.
It's true what they say - you are what you eat.
This statement points out very effectively that if you feed your
body with low nutritional and sugary garbage, your body has
nothing to work with and you'll end up eventually feeling like
garbage.
On the other hand, if you nourish your body with food that is
packed with nutrients such as vitamins, fiber, healthy fats,
whole grains and omega-3's, you'll notice a huge difference in
how you look and feel...especially if you make this type of food
a dietary habit.
Right now we're at a crossroad - we know we should be eating
better, but there are so many restaurants available offering
"bad" food and it's making the obesity rate skyrocket. Even
restaurants that offer fish platters and other health-conscious
meals end up not so good because of the amount of calories you
ingest between the bread, large portions and dessert.
You have two options:
1. Stay away from fast rood restaurants - and when you eat out
at restaurants, be strict about what you eat. Stay away from the
bread and don't finish everything on your plate...bring the rest
home for a meal you can eat the next day.
2. Make a meal at home yourself using ingredients you buy at the
grocery store, not frozen entrees.
The focus of this article is on number two because by making
your own meal, you can control exactly what goes into it. The
end result is a meal that you know is nutritious and NOT packed
with health-deteriorating ingredients.
Here's an example of the perfect meal you can make at home. It
has everything you need for better health.
What you'll need is:
1 9-10 ounce bag of baby spinach 1 can of wild Alaskan pink
salmon 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic
vinegar 1/2-3/4 cup of brown rice
Here's a breakdown of each food's health benefits:
Spinach - this green leaf is packed with phytonutrients,
vitamins and fiber - and it's low in calories.
Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon - yes, canned! It tastes better than
you think. The reason this is recommended is because the food is
a powerhouse of good fats, protein and omega-3's and is low in
calories and carbohydrates. The salmon you would normally buy is
potentially high in mercury, which is bad. This Wild Alaskan
form is free of mercury...and it's inexpensive.
In case you're wondering, Omega-3's are vital for healthy weight
loss, brain health and a healthy cardiovascular system.
Olive Oil - full of good fat which your body does need. When you
buy olive oil, make sure it's 100% authentic. Some brands are
now mixing olive oil with refined oils...the end result is olive
oil, but not really.
Balsamic Vinegar - vinegar reportedly controls your blood sugar
level when eating which is important for overall health.
Furthermore, it gives the meal more taste.
Brown Rice - whole grains are full of vitamins and fiber. Check
out Uncle Ben's instant brown rice...it's pretty good and quick
to make.
Making the meal is easy. You simply lay the spinach out on a
platter- you can more or less use however much you want- and
drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the
spinach.
Let this sit for 10 minutes or so- this gives the spinach a
chance to soak up the oil and vinegar. While this is sitting,
cook the brown rice and open up the can of salmon.
When ready, simply spread the salmon over the spinach and put
the brown rice either on the side or in a separate bowl.
And now the best part of all - ENJOY!
This meal will take you 15 minutes max to make and each bite
will nourish your body from the inside out. And once you get
used to eating healthy, you'll find yourself experimenting with
all types of different meals.
This article shared with you one example of a perfect meal, but
there are many many more!
About the author:
For more free healthy
living information, please visit
http://www.SimpleHealth123.com and
http://www.GetHealthyReport.com
Good nutrition is vital to a strong and healthy mind and body.
It's true what they say - you are what you eat.
This statement points out very effectively that if you feed your
body with low nutritional and sugary garbage, your body has
nothing to work with and you'll end up eventually feeling like
garbage.
On the other hand, if you nourish your body with food that is
packed with nutrients such as vitamins, fiber, healthy fats,
whole grains and omega-3's, you'll notice a huge difference in
how you look and feel...especially if you make this type of food
a dietary habit.
Right now we're at a crossroad - we know we should be eating
better, but there are so many restaurants available offering
"bad" food and it's making the obesity rate skyrocket. Even
restaurants that offer fish platters and other health-conscious
meals end up not so good because of the amount of calories you
ingest between the bread, large portions and dessert.
You have two options:
1. Stay away from fast rood restaurants - and when you eat out
at restaurants, be strict about what you eat. Stay away from the
bread and don't finish everything on your plate...bring the rest
home for a meal you can eat the next day.
2. Make a meal at home yourself using ingredients you buy at the
grocery store, not frozen entrees.
The focus of this article is on number two because by making
your own meal, you can control exactly what goes into it. The
end result is a meal that you know is nutritious and NOT packed
with health-deteriorating ingredients.
Here's an example of the perfect meal you can make at home. It
has everything you need for better health.
What you'll need is:
1 9-10 ounce bag of baby spinach 1 can of wild Alaskan pink
salmon 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic
vinegar 1/2-3/4 cup of brown rice
Here's a breakdown of each food's health benefits:
Spinach - this green leaf is packed with phytonutrients,
vitamins and fiber - and it's low in calories.
Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon - yes, canned! It tastes better than
you think. The reason this is recommended is because the food is
a powerhouse of good fats, protein and omega-3's and is low in
calories and carbohydrates. The salmon you would normally buy is
potentially high in mercury, which is bad. This Wild Alaskan
form is free of mercury...and it's inexpensive.
In case you're wondering, Omega-3's are vital for healthy weight
loss, brain health and a healthy cardiovascular system.
Olive Oil - full of good fat which your body does need. When you
buy olive oil, make sure it's 100% authentic. Some brands are
now mixing olive oil with refined oils...the end result is olive
oil, but not really.
Balsamic Vinegar - vinegar reportedly controls your blood sugar
level when eating which is important for overall health.
Furthermore, it gives the meal more taste.
Brown Rice - whole grains are full of vitamins and fiber. Check
out Uncle Ben's instant brown rice...it's pretty good and quick
to make.
Making the meal is easy. You simply lay the spinach out on a
platter- you can more or less use however much you want- and
drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the
spinach.
Let this sit for 10 minutes or so- this gives the spinach a
chance to soak up the oil and vinegar. While this is sitting,
cook the brown rice and open up the can of salmon.
When ready, simply spread the salmon over the spinach and put
the brown rice either on the side or in a separate bowl.
And now the best part of all - ENJOY!
This meal will take you 15 minutes max to make and each bite
will nourish your body from the inside out. And once you get
used to eating healthy, you'll find yourself experimenting with
all types of different meals.
This article shared with you one example of a perfect meal, but
there are many many more!
About the author:
For more free healthy
living information, please visit
http://www.SimpleHealth123.com and
http://www.GetHealthyReport.com
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Rising Health Care Costs: What you need to know
Americans pay more than one and a half trillion dollars for medical care each year and costs related to all manner of health care, such as prescription drugs, continue to skyrocket. While some of reasons behind this booming bill are understandable, Americans caught in a cash crunch might be surprised to find out some of the lesser-known causes of high health care costs.
The words ‘health care’ might invoke images of doctors, nurses and hospitals, but the reality is that the medical field is a business and a ruthless one at that. Individual practitioners, researchers and participants may have wonderful intentions and a true desire to help people, but the structure of the American health care system ensures profit is the number one issue of importance.
Here are some facts that may help explain the high costs of American health care:
Pharmaceutical research and development companies spend roughly $20 billion each year on R&D, and about the same amount on advertising and self-promotional marketing activities.
Additionally, drug companies have as many sales people as there are doctors in the United States. One of the responsibilities of this sales force is to convince doctors to attend pharmaceutical company-sponsored seminars where drugs are showcased.
According to some economists, the purchase of new technology is responsible for more than 50 percent of new health care spending over the last three years.
Much of the money Americans pay for health care finds its way into the rising profits on health care-related products and services such as the provision of medical insurance. Even higher costs have been forecasted for the future, especially for prescription drugs.
For many Americans who are unable to afford the health care they need, rising costs represent an ever-increasing barrier to medical services and products. The financial burden is also felt on the larger national scale with about 15 percent of gross domestic product going toward health care costs. That is equal to about one quarter of the annual federal budget.
Comparatively, Canada invests around 10 percent of its GDP on its public health care program. Unlike the United States, Canada’s health care program is universally available to all citizens and permanent residents without cost. Other countries, such as Germany, where there is a public/private delivery system model for health care, manage to serve their populations for even less while still having better longevity than Americans. This proves that the quality of health care does not rise proportionally with the amount of money spent to attain it.
While many Canadians supplement their universal health care with added insurance to cover the cost of medication and perks such as semi-private or private hospital rooms, health care insurance is much more essential in the United States. Unfortunately, costs have been rising dramatically, making health care insurance out of reach for many Americans. Currently, more than forty million Americans do not receive any kind of health care benefit.
For employers, providing health care insurance for employees is also becoming more expensive, with increases dramatically outpacing inflation rates. Some years, the difference is four or six fold. Even if premiums were to remain static, offering health care insurance to employees still costs several thousand dollars per worker. For smaller companies, or for those who employ a large number of people, these costs can be prohibitive.
Measures to reduce health care costs are always under consideration, though many are not popular choices. Suggestions that have been put forward by various sources have included:
Increased drug awareness and education. Millions could be saved if health care insurance covered only generic versions of drugs that have been proven just as effective as their more expensive brand name counterparts.
Terminate expensive treatment options will only add a short amount of time to a patient’s life, particularly if it will not be quality time (i.e. patient is in a coma).
Promote preventative care such as smart lifestyle choices, proper nutrition and exercise.
Examine to ways to control drug advertising to consumers. There is speculation that advertising has led to prescriptions of non-necessary drugs.
Limit malpractice liability so doctors and medical professionals do not feel pressured to cover themselves by ordering unnecessary tests to substantiate conditions they already know to be present.
The words ‘health care’ might invoke images of doctors, nurses and hospitals, but the reality is that the medical field is a business and a ruthless one at that. Individual practitioners, researchers and participants may have wonderful intentions and a true desire to help people, but the structure of the American health care system ensures profit is the number one issue of importance.
Here are some facts that may help explain the high costs of American health care:
Pharmaceutical research and development companies spend roughly $20 billion each year on R&D, and about the same amount on advertising and self-promotional marketing activities.
Additionally, drug companies have as many sales people as there are doctors in the United States. One of the responsibilities of this sales force is to convince doctors to attend pharmaceutical company-sponsored seminars where drugs are showcased.
According to some economists, the purchase of new technology is responsible for more than 50 percent of new health care spending over the last three years.
Much of the money Americans pay for health care finds its way into the rising profits on health care-related products and services such as the provision of medical insurance. Even higher costs have been forecasted for the future, especially for prescription drugs.
For many Americans who are unable to afford the health care they need, rising costs represent an ever-increasing barrier to medical services and products. The financial burden is also felt on the larger national scale with about 15 percent of gross domestic product going toward health care costs. That is equal to about one quarter of the annual federal budget.
Comparatively, Canada invests around 10 percent of its GDP on its public health care program. Unlike the United States, Canada’s health care program is universally available to all citizens and permanent residents without cost. Other countries, such as Germany, where there is a public/private delivery system model for health care, manage to serve their populations for even less while still having better longevity than Americans. This proves that the quality of health care does not rise proportionally with the amount of money spent to attain it.
While many Canadians supplement their universal health care with added insurance to cover the cost of medication and perks such as semi-private or private hospital rooms, health care insurance is much more essential in the United States. Unfortunately, costs have been rising dramatically, making health care insurance out of reach for many Americans. Currently, more than forty million Americans do not receive any kind of health care benefit.
For employers, providing health care insurance for employees is also becoming more expensive, with increases dramatically outpacing inflation rates. Some years, the difference is four or six fold. Even if premiums were to remain static, offering health care insurance to employees still costs several thousand dollars per worker. For smaller companies, or for those who employ a large number of people, these costs can be prohibitive.
Measures to reduce health care costs are always under consideration, though many are not popular choices. Suggestions that have been put forward by various sources have included:
Increased drug awareness and education. Millions could be saved if health care insurance covered only generic versions of drugs that have been proven just as effective as their more expensive brand name counterparts.
Terminate expensive treatment options will only add a short amount of time to a patient’s life, particularly if it will not be quality time (i.e. patient is in a coma).
Promote preventative care such as smart lifestyle choices, proper nutrition and exercise.
Examine to ways to control drug advertising to consumers. There is speculation that advertising has led to prescriptions of non-necessary drugs.
Limit malpractice liability so doctors and medical professionals do not feel pressured to cover themselves by ordering unnecessary tests to substantiate conditions they already know to be present.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Is treadmill running as good as training outside?
By: Roy Palmer
Treadmill running differs from road running in a number of ways
and this should be considered when training. The first obvious
difference is the lack of wind resistance when running indoors.
Another difference is the surface. Although experts differ on
this issue a smooth moving surface underneath your feet is not
the same as an uneven stationary road. Most runners agree that
running on a treadmill feels different to road. This should be
taken into consideration when training.
Is running on a
treadmill better than the road? This comes down to preference.
Many prefer being outdoors whereas others have environmental,
climatic or personal safety concerns making treadmill running an
ideal choice.
Firstly let's look at the psychological
factors of running on a treadmill compared to the road. Unless
you have a large room for your machine you will most likely to
be facing a wall or window within a few meters. Research has
shown that runners on treadmills take shorter paces that may be
due to the proximity of a barrier or fear of falling off. It
does take time to learn how to run on a moving surface and even
when confident many runners will tighten their lower backs,
again possibly a psychological reaction to staying on the
machine.
When comparing physical technique, research has
found that when the foot lands on the belt the foot, ankle and
shin, become temporarily part of the belt and move backwards
from the centre and mass of the body at the same speed. This
means the shinbone of the leg landing is not as upright as with
normal running and has a greater range of motion.
Treadmill running can be useful for injured athletes, using a
mirror can be a good way to observe your technique (although it
must be recognised that it is not the same as training on the
road).
Whether using a treadmill or road you will need
to vary your running program for two reasons. Firstly, if you
continue doing the same distance and the same speed you will get
less and less benefit as your body adapts. Secondly, you can
soon become de-motivated by the same thing week in, week out.
Alternating between shorter faster runs and longer distances at
a slower pace will help to condition your body and improve
endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular function. It will
also provide you with variety and a different challenge for each
session.
I usually recommend runners to use one or the
other exclusively, because I see them as different activities.
About the author:
Roy Palmer is a teacher of The Alexander Technique and has
studied performance enhancement in sport for the last 10 years.
In 2001 he published a book called 'The Performance Paradox:
Challenging the conventional methods of sports training and
exercise' and is currently working on a new project about The
Zone. More information about his unique approach to training can
be found at
http://www.fitness-programs-for-life.com/treadmill_running.html
Treadmill running differs from road running in a number of ways
and this should be considered when training. The first obvious
difference is the lack of wind resistance when running indoors.
Another difference is the surface. Although experts differ on
this issue a smooth moving surface underneath your feet is not
the same as an uneven stationary road. Most runners agree that
running on a treadmill feels different to road. This should be
taken into consideration when training.
Is running on a
treadmill better than the road? This comes down to preference.
Many prefer being outdoors whereas others have environmental,
climatic or personal safety concerns making treadmill running an
ideal choice.
Firstly let's look at the psychological
factors of running on a treadmill compared to the road. Unless
you have a large room for your machine you will most likely to
be facing a wall or window within a few meters. Research has
shown that runners on treadmills take shorter paces that may be
due to the proximity of a barrier or fear of falling off. It
does take time to learn how to run on a moving surface and even
when confident many runners will tighten their lower backs,
again possibly a psychological reaction to staying on the
machine.
When comparing physical technique, research has
found that when the foot lands on the belt the foot, ankle and
shin, become temporarily part of the belt and move backwards
from the centre and mass of the body at the same speed. This
means the shinbone of the leg landing is not as upright as with
normal running and has a greater range of motion.
Treadmill running can be useful for injured athletes, using a
mirror can be a good way to observe your technique (although it
must be recognised that it is not the same as training on the
road).
Whether using a treadmill or road you will need
to vary your running program for two reasons. Firstly, if you
continue doing the same distance and the same speed you will get
less and less benefit as your body adapts. Secondly, you can
soon become de-motivated by the same thing week in, week out.
Alternating between shorter faster runs and longer distances at
a slower pace will help to condition your body and improve
endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular function. It will
also provide you with variety and a different challenge for each
session.
I usually recommend runners to use one or the
other exclusively, because I see them as different activities.
About the author:
Roy Palmer is a teacher of The Alexander Technique and has
studied performance enhancement in sport for the last 10 years.
In 2001 he published a book called 'The Performance Paradox:
Challenging the conventional methods of sports training and
exercise' and is currently working on a new project about The
Zone. More information about his unique approach to training can
be found at
http://www.fitness-programs-for-life.com/treadmill_running.html
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