Atkins And Exercise

There is a lot of attention paid in the Atkins diet plan towards food and cooking. It’s true that your food choices on the diet are of utmost importance. But a lot of people make the mistake of ignoring exercise. The newly released Atkins food pyramid shows the importance of exercise. It shows an increase in food options with increased activity. Exercise is important on the Atkins diet, and important for everyone’s overall health.

Exercise is beneficial to body, mind and soul. It has many major benefits, even at limited levels. It not only burns fat but it boosts your metabolism and increases circulation. Daily exercise helps your body eliminate toxins through sweat glands and lymph systems. It is especially important to all low-carb weight loss programs because it regulates blood sugar levels.

Physical exercise is essential for Atkins diet success. Without exercise, your body isn’t configured to process carbohydrates successfully. Research has shown that sedentary individuals have extreme insulin reactions to even moderate amounts of carbohydrates. This means that exercise doesn’t only help you lose weight, it will help you keep it off too. Exercise will teach your body how to process the carbohydrates in your diet. When you exercise regularly, you’ll be able to eat more carbohydrates over time because your body will use them efficiently.

There are two basic types of exercise: aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise. The best regimen combines these two forms each week.

Aerobic exercise’s primary goal is to increase your heart rate. This causes your body to consume more oxygen and it gives all of your cells a fresh supply of oxygen. If you’ve been without physical activity for a while, many of those cells have been deprived. Aerobic exercise will regenerate them and help you feel better in times when you aren’t exercising.

If you’ve been inactive for a while, it may take some time to get used to your new aerobic workouts. You may want to get some advice from your primary care doctor or a professional aerobics instructor. Make sure to start slowly to give yourself time to adjust to your new movements. It’s essential that you learn how to stretch and warm up correctly in order to avoid muscle strain. Some good beginning aerobic activities include walking, golf, tennis and dancing. These activities won’t cause a lot of strain on your body, but they will get your heart moving. Start slowly and set small goals for yourself. For example, if you are starting a walking program begin by walking four blocks. Then increase your training to five blocks, then six. Your body will respond well to the exercise…after all your body was meant to move!

Anaerobic exercise includes any activity that isn’t technically aerobic. Most of the exercises in this category build muscle mass. Weightlifting and strength training are examples of anaerobic exercises. Working out with weights is an important part of losing weight. As you lose fat, you’ll need to replace it with muscle in order to stay lean. Don’t be afraid of working out with weights. You won’t need to become a bodybuilder. Weight bearing exercises like isometrics and resistance training will help improve your bone density, your posture and your fat burning potential.

If an exercise program is not part of your weight loss efforts, you are setting yourself up for failure. Make a commitment to incorporating exercise into your weight loss efforts and you’ll see the results immediately.

New Year, New You: Thousands Of Fitness Apps To Choose From

New year, new you: Thousands of fitness apps to choose from

How Do You Fight Fatigue?

By Christina Sullivan

When most people need an energy boost, they reach for a hit of caffeine from a cup of coffee, an energy drink or a chocolate bar. But there is a healthier alternative and more effective solution to sparking your energy. Exercise.

You might think this is odd, given that exercise burns energy. But, studies show that physical exercise is the secret to beating tiredness, and is the perfect lift when you're feeling fatigued. How? By improving your blood flow and carrying more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.

A little bit of exercise can go a long way to helping you feel livelier and boosting your energy levels, especially if you're tired and living an inactive lifestyle. Doing a low-intensity exercise three times a week has been shown to increase energy levels by 20% and lower fatigue levels by 65%.

Try breaking your exercise down into 10 minute chunks. Add up those 10 minutes bursts to get 150 minutes of exercise a week, which is the recommended amount of exercise each week. That's really only half an hour a day, five days a week. You could fit in a brisk walk for 10 minutes before work, 10 minutes at lunch, and 10 minutes after work. Alternatively, work in the garden, go on a short bike ride, take the kids to the park and kick a ball, play with the dog, or put on some music and dance like no-one is watching.

If you haven't been active for some time, start slowly. Increase your activity level a bit each week, with either a little more intensity or increasing the amount of time you exercise. Increase only to moderate-intensity exercise. High-intensity exercise can leave you feeling drained, especially if you're not used to it. Check with your doctor if you have health concerns. Stop if you experience pain, and seek advice.

Remember, the health benefits of exercise reach beyond getting an energy boost. Being fit has been shown to cut your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and some types of cancer. It can also help keep your weight down, ease your stress, and help you to sleep better.

You might be feeling tired now. So go for a walk. Don't put it off. NOW is the time to start feeling good.

Post your comments about what you did today to fight fatigue.

 

The Top Reasons Why Some Diets Don't Work

Many of us have had the experience of dieting rigorously and conscientiously but nevertheless, seeing few or no results.

Why's that?
Here are some of the top reasons why certain diets simply don't work.

1. Lying to oneself
Studies have shown that, very sadly, many of us are prone to subconsciously delude ourselves into how rigorously we have followed the diet.
Calorie-counting is particularly prone to this. Those occasional snacks or treats that we might be inclined to forget about as 'incidental' can often ruin any weight reduction regime.

2. Exercise
It is something of a myth that you need to exercise in order to lose weight.
In fact, exercise without an appropriate dietary reprogram can often add weight by building muscle, which is typically heavier than fat. However muscle and fat are not the same thing, so while you can in theory gain weight as you develop those muscles you should also be burning off fat to fuel all that exercise.

So that's why many weight reduction programs stress the need for at least some exercise and many of us simply fail to comply with that requirement - even though we often maintain that we do.

3. Using the wrong type of diet
This really is the biggie and something that, surprisingly, has only relatively recently been grasped by experts in the area.

The simple fact of the matter is that different types of regime are likely to be more suitable for some people than others. For decades people have reported that one type of diet seemed to work far better for them than others but that fact was largely ignored by many people in the field as they continued to push their particular 'pet diet' as being suitable for everybody.

Today, weight reduction programmes are being defined based upon the individual's own biology rather than any view that one diet will fit all.

4. Failing to monitor and react to changing body status
A common complaint is that after an initial period of weight loss, suddenly everything stops and starts going into reverse, even though the regime is still being followed correctly.
In a sense, this is perfectly predictable. Your body will react to the changing nutrition it is receiving and will adjust its conversion of that into various substances including fat.

So, as your body changes over time in response to dietary success, you need to recognise that and make corresponding adjustments in your intake to continue the process.

Modern approaches cover this by taking periodic blood tests, checking your hormonal and other levels, then customising your meal plan for weight loss.

In other words, gone up are the days when you stuck to one approach rigidly for months and months on end, even if it wasn't working. Today a more reactive approach is defined by some weight loss specialists.

It is often said that no diet can really change your body weight - only you can do that. Although it may sound like something of a platitude, the reality of life is that it is very true.

By taking account of some of the above common inhibitors to dieting success, you may improve your chances of losing weight.

Ratna Rashid is an author and business manager in Adventures in Weightloss team. Adventures in Weightloss is a medically designed, personalised weight loss program resulting in rapid and permanent weight loss.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Top-Reasons-Why-Some-Diets-Dont-Work&id=8833232

Optimise Your Body Type

By Kathryn Broome  |   Submitted On November 24, 2014  
                                 
Our "body type" not only describes the way we look, it also tells us about hormonal traits, the system in our bodies that constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure and accelerates heart rate as well as lets us know how each of us react to the food we eat.

Features of our body structure are linked to differences in our metabolism. Once you identify your body type, you can then fine-tune what you eat to maximize your physique and your ideal health objectives. Where your body stores fat is directly related to what you put on your plate. A diet that is comprised of particular foods earmarked for your body type will help you maintain an ideal weight and optimal health.

There are three basic body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. People are usually a mixture of these body type characteristics. It is rare that someone is a perfect match to only one of the three body type categories and years of exercise and a healthy diet can outwardly alter one's appearance.

Most people will find that their body type falls within one of these three categories.

Ectomorph
This is your typical "skinny guy." They have a slim build, small ankles and wrists with lean muscle tone. Ectomorph's usually have small, narrow shoulders with sinewy muscles on long thin arms and legs.

Long distance runners, basketball players and fashion models tend to have this body type. Now you might think that this sounds great but ectomorphs can have body concerns too. They can lack curves, look lanky, can spend hours working out on a regular basis, and might not see any change, which is exasperating.

Typical traits of an ectomorph:

• Long
• Skinny
• Small "delicate" frame and bone structure
• Flat chest
• Small narrow shoulders
• Thin
• Lean muscle mass
• Finds it hard to gain weight
• Fast metabolism

It is very difficult for Ectomorphs to build a muscular physique or gain any weight. With their fast metabolism, calories are burned up quickly and easily. They require a huge number of calories to gain weight and their diet should include dietary supplements. When exercising at the gym they should concentrate on the big muscle groups, such as thighs and "glutes" in a short yet intense routine.

Ectomorphs should eat before bed to prevent muscle catabolism during the night.

Recommendations
Diet

• Don't skip meals & eat often - every hour and a half - at least six meals a day
• Eat up to 2g of protein daily per kg of body weight

Your diet should be comprised of:
40% Protein
40% Carbohydrates
20% Fat
Legumes
Whole grain breads
Avocado
Protein shakes
Pasta
Olive Oil
Nuts
Brown rice
Coconut Oil
Salmon
Potatoes
Nuts
Dried Fruits

Exercise
Focus on strength training large muscle groups. Things like dead lifts, squats, leg press and bench press work multiple groups. Increase your weights and lower the repetitions. Decrease cardio. Have a protein shake before or after your work out.

Mesomorph
A mesomorph has a large bone structure, large muscles broad shoulders, bold look and a naturally athletic physique. Mesomorphs are the best body type for bodybuilding. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight. They are naturally strong which makes it easier for them to build muscle. They are naturally fit, however if there is any slacking with diet or workouts then they will gain weight. Their large appetite can lead to large portions sizes and overeating.

Typical traits on a Mesomorph:

• Athletic
• Muscular
• Fit
• Generally hard body
• Well defined muscles
• Rectangular shaped body
• Strong
• Gains muscle easily
• Gains fat more easily than ectomorphs

Football players and fitness models tend to have this body type. Even though mesomorphs seem to have the ideal body type and respond best to weight training, those with this body type there are traits they have to control. They can gain muscle very easily and can lose or gain fat quickly, too. Their weight tends to fluctuate if they aren't careful. They can bulk up too much with working out, look stalky, gain fat if are not paying attention to their ideal diet and can look thick because of their underlying muscle. Since mesomorphs can gain fat more easily than ectomorphs, they have to watch their calorie intake. A balance of weight training and cardio is optimal for mesomorphs.

Recommendations

Diet

• Watch portion sizes
• Eat balanced meals
• Stop eating when 75% full to avoid overeating

Your diet should be comprised of:

40% Complex Carbohydrates
30 - 40% Lean Protein
20 - 30% Fat
Dried Fruits
Fish
Avocado
Oatmeal
Chicken
Olive Oil
Potatoes
Flax Oil
Yams
Nuts

Exercise
Focus on distance cardio, jogging, speed walking or use the elliptical at a moderate intensity to avoid bulking up. Avoid cardio activities that work the large muscle groups (sprinting and spin classes). Practice pilates or yoga.

Endomorph
The endomorph is a solid and yet soft body type. Endomorphs find it very easy to gain fat. They generally have thick arms and legs on a shorter build. Because they have strong muscles, especially in the upper legs, Endomorphs are strong in leg exercises such as the squat.

Typical traits of an Endomorph:

• Pear shaped
• Soft and round body
• Muscles not well defined
• Gains muscle and fat very easily
• Has hard time losing fat
• Round physique
• Slow metabolism
• "Stocky" build
• Generally short

This body type puts on fat easily and has difficulty losing it. Because of the natural layers of fat on this body type, their musculature is not well defined. This pear shaped body type tends to store their fat in the lower body, buttocks, hips and thighs. Women with this body have curvy, voluptuous shapes. When it comes to working out endomorphs gain weight easily and unluckily much of this weight tends to be fat not muscle. A combination of cardio and weight training will help to minimise fat gain. If a high protein diet is maintained, they can usually avoid the need for supplements.

Recommendations
Diet

• Watch portion sizes
• Avoid starch (breads, pasta, white rice) and sugar (desserts)
• Stop eating when 75% full to avoid overeating

Your diet should be comprised of:
40% Complex Carbohydrates
40% Lean Protein
20% Fat
Fruits
Fish
Avocado
Vegetables
Chicken Breasts
Olive Oil
Grains, Beans, Pulses
Low Fat Yogurt
Flax Oil
Oatmeal
Nuts
Brown Rice
Sweet Potatoes

Exercise
You need to get moving! High intensity circuit training and heavy weight training is required in order to boost metabolism and burn calories and fat. Hit the treadmill or elliptical bike for an intense workout instead of walking, pilates or yoga.

Work out the upper body with weights. This will help to balance the lower body's pear shape and realise a striking hourglass figure when combined with the right diet.

Which body type are you?
No matter which body type or combination of body types you are, if you follow the kind of exercises that best enhance your physique and eat the foods specific for your body type you will discover your optimal healthy you.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Optimise-Your-Body-Type&id=8822482

What Does It Mean to “Listen to Your Body?”

Fitness Tips / Move / September 20, 2014

 

“Pain is weakness leaving the body.”

Ah, yes, this statement and similar motivational(ish) quotes are go-to stock phrases of drill sergeants, tough guys, and, unfortunately, coaches and workout buddies everywhere.

 We get it: When it comes to working out, pushing ourselves is a tried and true way to make progress toward fitness goals. But what about when we push too hard in the face of pain, putting ourselves in danger of injury? Hello, rehab! It’s about this time when the physical therapist asks us things like, “Did you feel this coming on?” “When did the problem start?”

Their parting advice is often, you guessed it: “Next time, listen to your body.”

It’s all just a jumble of mixed messages. First, do we ignore the pain or push past it? And second, what the heck does “listen to your body” mean anyway? If we actually listened to our bodies, would we ever willingly participate in activities that make us tired, sweaty, and sore in the first place? OK let’s not get carried away.

One thing we know for sure: Exercise is good. Well, the right amount of exercise at the right intensity is good. The challenge is figuring out when enough is enough and when it’s just too much. The good news is that our bodies already know the answer. We just need to train our brains to recognize the signs for when to put the pedal to the metal and when to pump the brakes—and actually do it.

I Saw the Sign (But Did It Open Up My Eyes?)
It’s understandable to think that exercise- or sports-related injuries are just plain bad luck. But freak accidents notwithstanding, there’s a good chance that before that ACL tore or that hammie popped, your body tried to warn you that injury was a-comin’ for you.

It might come as a surprise, but our bodies are incredibly smart. If we take the time to listen to them, ”some very serious injuries or conditions could often be avoided,” says Dr. Doug Andrews, PT, director of sports medicine for Optim Healthcare. “When we experience pain, our body is definitely telling us that something is not right. It is up to each person to figure out what the signal means,” Dr. Andrews says.

Think of pain like the “check engine” light in a car. Turning a blind eye to this blinking light will inevitably result in a breakdown, granted the body’s warning signs can be more subtle than a car’s. (If only our knees came with a “Check ACL” light.) But when it comes to preventing small problems from turning into lasting injuries, there are symptoms and signals that act as the first line of defence . Sure, soreness and fatigue accompany many exercise routines, but being able to identify more serious aches and pains is more important than many endorphin-seeking, active folks might think.

Tune In to Common Warning Signs
It’s easier to hear the alarms our bodies are sounding when we know what to listen for. Get familiar with the warning signs of three common conditions that could be compromising performance in the gym or in everyday life.

1. OVERTRAINING
Caused by too many intense workouts and not enough time recovering from them, overtraining feels, well, terrible. If you’ve ever experienced some combo of prolonged periods of fatigue, soreness that won’t go away, insomnia, a cold you can’t seem to kick, and heart rate fluctuations, chances are you’ve been overtrained.

What to listen for: While there’s not a single diagnostic test that determines overtraining, it does make its presence known pretty clearly. Be on the lookout for symptoms described above and consider using a heart rate monitor to establish your resting heart rate and your maximum heart rate. An elevated resting heart rate and/or an inability to raise your heart rate during vigorous exercise can both be signs of overtraining. If you suspect you’re overtrained, it’s time to take a break from your workouts to focus on recovery. Take some rest days ASAP and focus on getting quality sleep and eating nutritious whole foods.

2. INJURY
Just because some of our favourite pro sports moments involve an elite athlete heroically pushing through the pain of a brutal injury doesn’t mean we should follow suit. In fact, even minor sports-related injuries generally require intervention. So how do we know when to take a knee?

What to listen for: Dr. Andrews warns of chronic and persistent pain, saying that managing it to allow for continued participation in sports or training is a bad idea. (In other words, don’t pop ibuprofen and wrap your knee in a brace just so you can make it through a run.) That not-so-bad-but-constantly-nagging ache in your calf or bothersome knot in your shoulder? It’s trying to tell you something. Avoid injuries altogether by recognizing the warning flares, no matter how faint they might be. First, acknowledge that you’re dealing with some ongoing pain, no matter how minor you think it is. Then back off from your exercise routine for long enough that you can care for the achy part of your body with targeted mobility work.

According to Dr. Andrews, most instances of soreness are caused by restriction of the fascia, or the connective tissue that interconnects our muscles and joints, which leads to aches, pains, and limited range of motion. His solution: Use a foam roller to break up the fascia then follow up with stretching.

 After resting and stretching the ailing body part, it’s time to do some strengthening. But this time it’s not about PR-ing a lift. Dr. Andrews recommends focusing on strengthening “the muscles that are weak… not the ones that are already strong.” He also points out that this might be a good time to seek out a physical therapist, or someone trained in movement science, to assist in the recovery process.

3. DISORDERED SLEEP
While some of us wear our late-night-early-morning routines like badges of honour, lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can wreak havoc on the body, productivity, fitness routines, and overall sense of well-being. And poor sleep isn’t an isolated event. Sleepiness compounds to create energy crashes during the day, increases stress hormones, and promotes poor eating habits. As the energy roller coaster dips, we often turn to caffeine, sugar, and energy drinks to combat fatigue. These quick fixes further complicate the energy crisis. It’s only a matter of time until illness, depression, or chronic fatigue set in, but it’s not until the daily energy crash turns into an all out well-being train wreck that we begin to take notice.

What to listen for: Everyone has a bum night of sleep every now and again, but paying attention to how frequently you suffer insomnia or fitful, interrupted sleep is important. If you notice unusual hunger, increasingly frequent bad moods, problems concentrating, trouble staying awake and alert despite pounding caffeine and energy drinks, and even poor motor function, you might be suffering from a sleep problem that requires intervention. Instead of trying to self-medicate with sugar and caffeine, try setting a grown-up bedtime routine. Sleep debt must be repaid on the road to restoring energy levels. Adding an hour or two a night over the course of a month will help restore natural sleep patterns.

Once you feel a bit more well-rested, turn your attention to fuel that provides lasting energy: Nutritious foods (protein instead of sugar, for example), plenty of water, and snacks when you need them. Put some limits around your coffee consumption coffee, like having it only early in the day and perhaps in limited amounts.

The Takeaway
Considering how busy most of us are with school, work, relationships, family, working out, and the countless tiny things we make time for each day, it’s not surprising that we sometimes lose perspective on how we’re physically getting through it all. Sometimes the opportunity to rest, eat healthfully, or ditch the energy drink in favor of going to sleep a little earlier slips right past us. But resolving to pay extra close attention to our bodies’ “check engine” lights could be the difference between taking a few days off to tend to an ache or a cold and losing weeks or months to an injury or sickness you just can’t kick.
—Joe Vennare for Greatist
 
Sources:

• Acute high-intensity endurance exercise is more effective than moderate-intensity exercise for attenuation of postprandial triglyceride elevation. Trombold JR, Christmas KM, Machin DR, et al. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2013 Mar 15;114(6):792-800.
• Effect of exercise training intensity on abdominal visceral fat and body composition.Irving BA, Davis CK, Brock DW, et al. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2008 Nov;40(11):1863-72.
• Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the overtraining syndrome: joint consensus statement of the European College of Sport Science and the American College of Sports Medicine. Meeusen R, Duclos M, Foster C,, et al. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2013 Jan;45(1):186-205.
• Seven to eight hours of sleep a night is associated with a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and reduced overall cardiometabolic risk in adults. Chaput JP, McNeil J, Després JP, et al. PLoS One. 2013 Sep 5;8(9):e72832.
• Neurocognitive consequences of sleep deprivation. Durmer JS, Dinges DF. Seminars in Neurology. 2005 Mar;25(1):117-29.
• Water, hydration, and health. Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Nutrition Reviews. 2010 Aug; 68(8):439-58.

http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/2014/09/what-does-it-mean-to-listen-to-your-body/?utm_source=MFP&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly_20141124&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRons63OZKXonjHpfsX76%2BQqW6W2gYkz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMTcpqPa%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7DBLM153N8QXRTg

Low-Carb Diets: Are They The Best Way To Lose Weight?

Low-carb, starch-free, no bread – there’s a lot of hype around low carbohydrate diets following an investigation by ABC TV’s Catalyst program last week – but are they any good for weight loss? LiveLighter campaign manager and dietitian Alison Ginn takes a closer look.

 

Low carbohydrate diets often help you lose weight initially because they restrict the amount of energy (kilojoules) you eat. While following a low carb diet you’ll probably skip the office treats, reduce some meal sizes (because there is no bread, potato, rice or pasta) and possibly have fewer snacks, too.

But long term, a low-carb diet is pretty hard to maintain. All of the restriction can lead to binge eating. So while you may lose weight initially, there’s no reliable evidence to say it lasts.

Are they safe?

In a word, no. Carbohydrate foods break down into glucose (a simple sugar) after we eat them. Our body needs glucose to power the brain and many of our organs. 

There is variation across low carb diets in severity of carb restriction and total amount of food. Starchy foods may be replaced with either protein or fat. Fruit and milk may be permitted, limited or forbidden. 

While severe carbohydrate restriction can be dangerous, the main safety issue is missing essential nutrients when skipping an entire food group (or two or three if fruit and dairy are limited).

Apart from energy the other benefits of carbohydrate foods are

• Fibre: you will get some fibre from fruit and veg but wholegrain foods are the highest source.
• Antioxidants: from wholegrain foods and from a variety of colours of fruit and veg.
• Calcium: yoghurts and milk (dairy or fortified alternative) are some of the best sources of calcium in the western diet.

Complete nutritionally balanced meals reduce the need for frequent snacking which can lead to unintended overeating.

The consensus?

Instead of a low-carb diet include vegetables, fruit, wholegrains lean dairy and protein foods every day to help you lose weight and while ensuring you get all the nutrients you need to keep your body healthy.

How to eat a balanced diet
Balanced meals: Try to have some carbohydrates, vegetables and a protein food (such as lean meat, fish, eggs, tofu and low-fat dairy) with each meal. Eating a balanced meal every time you eat will ensure you get all the nutrients you need and help you feel fuller.
Livelighter.com.au has a meal and activity planner and many delicious recipes to help you achieve your goals.

Move more: Regular exercise will help you feel energised and shed those extra kilograms.

Eat less processed food: Though strict carbohydrate restriction is unnecessary, and even dangerous, it is beneficial to watch the amount of processed sugar you’re eating (and drinking) and also limit added fats. Pay attention to limiting sugary drinks, processed snacks and white starchy foods (opt for wholegrain). Eat more vegetables, fruit, wholegrain foods, low fat yoghurt, eggs, nuts and fish. Water is the best drink for your waist and your teeth. 

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/weight+loss/diets/low+carb+diets+are+they+the+best+way+to+lose+weightr,34411

19 Small Changes You Can Make to Improve Your Health

  

 

Posted by: Bon Heur in Daily Health Tips, Featured November 15, 2014

 

You don’t have to go vegan or sign up for boot camp to give your well-being a nice boost. This month, try one of these refreshingly easy feel-good tips from fellow Real Simple readers.
 
Sometimes big changes start with small shifts. Whether you’re trying to eat better, get more active or ward off germs, a healthier you doesn’t have to mean a total lifestyle makeover. We asked our readers which small change has made the biggest impact on their health.

I gave my refrigerator a total makeover. First I placed fruits and veggies inside clear containers and put them, along with yogurt and salad fixings, on a shelf at eye level. Now when I open the door, those options grab my attention. I also threw out any takeout containers, because they only encouraged me to eat more takeout. As a result of this new system, I unconsciously make healthier choices, and it has helped to lower my blood pressure.
—Sharna Small, Borsellino Dedham, Massachusetts

About a year ago, instead of reading during my 15-minute break at work, I started taking brisk walks around my office-building complex. After a couple of months, I was so surprised at how my body shape had changed with that small amount of exercise. My midsection had slimmed down, and my legs were more toned. Now I feel more energetic throughout the day and sleep better at night.
—Karen Swanson, Taylor, Texas

My therapist suggested deep breathing as a tool to manage stress. I teach eighth-grade math, and my stress level is pretty high on some days. I breathe in to a slow count of five, hold for a slow count of five, then slowly release to a count of five. This instantly calms me down and keeps me centered. Think of it as a three-minute break that you can take anytime, anywhere.
—Cathy Morse, Forest City, North Carolina

There are tons of sweets and fatty snacks within arm’s reach at my office, so I fell into the habit of grabbing a bag of chips or cookies in the late morning and afternoon. Early this year, I began bringing healthy bites (like mandarin oranges, nuts, and granola) to work. Since I’ve cut all those refined sugars and empty calories out of my diet, I no longer experience a late-afternoon slump.
—Katy Lange, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Weight lifting has improved my flexibility and made the aches and pains in my back, neck, and shoulders subside. I spent most of my life believing that cardio was the key to a lean, healthy body and that lifting would only make me appear bulkier. Yet now, at age 41, I look and feel better than ever.
—Christi McCrary, Dallas, Texas

My family and I order all our groceries online. When shopping in the supermarket, I’m more likely to make impulse purchases. (Who can say no to “buy one, get one free” boxes of cookies? I certainly can’t.) It’s much easier for me to resist temptations online. We eat healthier and spend less money to boot.
—Becky Kenemuth, Washington, D.C.

I’ve struggled with weight issues my whole life, so a few months ago I adopted my 10-year-old daughter’s daily exercise routine: 40 situps and 20 push-ups. While she does it at night for her gymnastics class, I do it within the first 10 minutes of waking up. Not only do I feel stronger but the activity also puts me in a better mood and encourages me to make good choices throughout the day.
—Jenny Kober, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

In the past, I would drink coffee while getting ready for work, yet I still felt tired. So my fitness instructor advised me to drink water in the morning before my usual cup of joe. He said that this would get my metabolism going and wake me up. Since I’ve begun guzzling water and waiting until the midmorning slump to drink coffee, I’ve felt refreshed and energized.
—Abbie Dunham, Redondo Beach, California

When I gobbled down decadent breakfasts in the morning, like an egg and cheese on a bagel, I felt lethargic at work. Daily tasks, like sending e-mails and preparing for meetings, required more effort. By eating lighter morning meals, like a dairy-free smoothie or oatmeal with fruit, I have more energy in the morning and that lasts all day.
—Katie Muilenberg, Rockville, Maryland

Establishing a sleep schedule and sticking to it has cured my bouts of insomnia. I go to bed and get up at the same time every day, and I sprinkle my bed with lavender and play soothing music to help me fall asleep. With a full night’s rest, I have fewer mood swings and my mind stays sharp.
—Mare Hare, Marinette, Wisconsin

As part of my goal of getting fit for my wedding, over two years ago I started tracking what I eat on an app called MyFitnessPal. I quickly learned how the calories from my snacking added up, and I also saw how much exercise can make up for those extra calories. I still use the app, despite being a married woman now, as it has proven to be great motivation for eating well and exercising.
—Laura VanderLaan, Atlanta, Georgia

While I understand that fitness is important, I get embarrassed at the gym, and I won’t go for a run unless a bear is chasing me. However, gardening is a surprisingly great alternative to traditional exercise and relieves tension at the same time. Shoveling, tearing out weeds, and stomping on a pitchfork to loosen dirt definitely get my heart rate up.
—Merricka Breuer, Sunderland, Massachusetts

I am amazed by how paying closer attention to how food affects my body and then adjusting my diet accordingly has affected my overall health. For instance, after discovering that a lack of fat in my meals caused an upset stomach and bloating, I started eating more healthy fats. I have dropped 15 pounds and am experiencing less joint and muscle soreness.
—Jill L. Lindsey, Lebanon, Ohio

Since I think it’s more often the things we touch that make us sick as opposed to the air we breathe, I press upon my two boys the importance of washing our hands frequently. We have been an illness-free home for the last year, and I take much pride in that. No one has missed a day of school or work in the longest time. Either we are really lucky or we simply wash our hands.
—Pamela Jean Grady, Kalispell, Montana

After researching the potential sources of my back problems and fatigue, I learned that poor posture can cause these symptoms. So to help me sit up straight, I swapped out my office chair for a stability ball. My back issues have vastly improved, and I’m more alert, not to mention confident, at work.
—Felicia Goldsmith, Davis, California

Sugar has always been my biggest vice. I used to eat dessert after lunch, and I would start thinking about my nighttime dessert even before dinner. Now I refrain from having multiple desserts a day andsatisfy my sweet tooth with a piece of dark chocolate or a handful of raspberries instead of ice cream. Besides not having to deal with the constant crashes and the cravings, I enjoy the sweets that I do eat more than before.
—Abby Pfeiffer, Portland, Oregon

I used to think that stretching was a total waste of time, but after being told to stretch daily after a painful knee injury, I discovered what a difference it makes. When I stretch after a workout, my body is much less sore and achy. My legs used to feel really tight all the time, but as long as I stretch in the morning and at night, they’re pain-free.
—Teresa Tobat, Burke, Virginia

Thanks to our new practice of reading nutrition labels, my kids and I are able to look at a product and know whether it will make us feel good or not. If a food doesn’t pass our criteria (no hydrogenated oils or high-fructose corn syrup, a small amount of sugar, and at least two grams of fiber per serving), we don’t buy it. We love knowing exactly what we’re putting into our bodies.
—Erica Privitelli, Los Angeles, California

About five years ago, when I returned to work after being a stay-at-home mom, I realized that waking up at the same time as my daughter and husband made me cranky. I felt overwhelmed having to immediately prepare breakfast and get everyone ready for the day. So now I wake up 30 minutes before the rest of the household. I enjoy a cup of coffee and read or watch a funny TV show. This daily ritual helps me feel more awake and relaxed and puts me in a better state of mind.
—Michele Gorka, Bridgewater, New Jersey

http://www.healthdigezt.com/19-small-changes-you-can-make-to-improve-your-health/

Landmark 35-Year Study Proves Active Lifestyle And Wholesome Diet Are Key To Healthier Old Age

Lamiat Sabin  Friday 31 October 2014

Participants had to report every five years on their diet and exercise routine

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If you have been looking for a reason to skip the gym today then bad luck, as a 35-year-long study has revealed that a healthier lifestyle could prepare for good health in old age.

A total of 2,500 men in the 1979 HALCyon experiment were asked to eat well, take regular exercise, drink less alcohol, keep trim and never smoke.

Only 25 participants stuck to the health regime more than three decades later and they have dramatically cut their risk of cancers, diabetes, heart-attack, stroke and dementia.

Their overall fitness was far better than the 2,475 pensioners that had given up on the experiment, part funded by Alzheimer's Society, and the development of heart disease was slowed by up to 12 years and dementia six years.

The volunteers, all from Caerphilly in Wales, gave researchers regular updates every five years on their diet and levels of recommended physical activity such as walking, cycling and sports.

Ray Grace, 80, travels all over Wales and the West Country to referee American football matches and jogs two miles every day in his village of Llanbradach.

He told The Telegraph: "I'll go on as long as I am able to. I've been refereeing for nearly 30 years now and still get a thrill out of it."

Study leader Professor Peter Elwood, of Cardiff University, had said: "As a nation, we must wake up to the preventive power of living a healthy life."

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/landmark-35year-study-proves-active-lifestyle-and-wholesome-diet-are-key-to-healthier-old-age-9831572.html

 

 

9 Foods That Actually Help You Lose Weight

 

Source: body and soul 

         

Yes, we all know the whole healthy diet and exercise part of weight loss, but did you know there are certain foods out there that help you shed kilos? Whether they've got metabolism-boosting powers or even help you stay fuller for longer, these foods will help you on your quest to losing weight. 

        

1. Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), which is a type of saturated fat that behaves differently from other fats. MCFA fats can be absorbed straight into the cell where it can immediately be burned up as energy, making it a fabulous energy source. Coconut oil is considered a thermogenic food that helps boost metabolism and increases fat burning. Adding coconut oil into the diet can also help to balance blood sugar levels, which is also beneficial for weight loss. Coconut oil is ideal to cook with, use in baked goods, protein balls or added to smoothies. 

 

2. Chilli

 

Adding chilli to meals can help speed up your metabolism too. Chillis are also packed with antioxidants and immune boosting vitamin C and beta-carotene. 

 

3. Maca

 

Maca is a root vegetable native to Peru, which has been used for thousands of years as a nutritious food staple. This Peruvian superfood works wonders for boosting energy levels and is popular with athletes to improve endurance. Maca contains plenty of B vitamins that are vital for energy production in the body. Maca can help give you that added energy you need to motivate you to exercise more, which will help you burn more fat and encourage weight loss. 

 

Source: body and soul

4. Ginger

 

Ginger is also a wonderful thermogenic food that also has the benefit of promoting healthy circulation, reduces inflammation in the body and supports healthy immune function. Add fresh ginger to veggie juices, curries, stir-fries and soups, or drink fresh ginger tea. 

 

5. Protein

 

Including healthy protein–rich foods with each meal and lowering your carbohydrate intake is beneficial for healthy weight loss. Having a higher protein diet is more thermogenic. Protein also keeps you full for longer and helps to keep blood sugar levels more balanced, which in turn helps prevent overeating and weight gain. Healthy protein-rich choices include raw nuts, seeds, fish, chicken, eggs, and legumes. 

 

Source: body and soul

6. Cinnamon

 

Adding some cinnamon to smoothies, warm drinks and porridge can help assist with weight loss. Not only can it help boost your metabolism and keep blood sugar levels balanced, it also improves circulation and is a very good source of antioxidants. 

 

7. Apple cider vinegar

 

Apple cider vinegar is another great thermogenic food that can help speed up your metabolism. It also helps boost digestion and improves the absorption of nutrients from foods eaten. 

 

Source: body and soul

8. Fibre

 

Consuming foods rich in fibre does wonders for helping you lose weight. Fibre gives you a sense of satiety after a meal so you are less likely to snack on unhealthy foods. Fibre-rich foods also have a lower GI. Eating low-GI foods is beneficial for helping keep blood sugar levels balanced and for weight loss. 

 

9. Green tea

 

Drinking a few cups of green tea a day has been found to be effective for assisting with weight loss. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, helps boost energy levels and can increase thermogenesis.

 

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/health/foods-that-actually-help-you-to-lose-weight/story-fnivsuep-1227110859608?nk=271a484b00af7104d86289aeb2842308

6 Undeniable Reasons You Are Overweight

The commonly held assumption that being overweight is simply a mathematical formula of calories in and calories out is an outdated way of thinking that needs to be changed. Weight gain is often a complicated dynamic between one's culture, environment, exercise habits, eating styles, genetics, and biochemical individuality. With that said, here are 6 reasons you are overweight.

Sluggish metabolism

There may be a few reasons for a sluggish metabolism, but one of the primary culprits is an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). When hypothyroidism causes metabolism to slow, the body will store rather than burn calories, causing an accumulation of fat. The consequence of this slowing metabolism can create:

• An accumulation of hyalouronic acid, a sugar that binds with water in the body, causing swelling and an increase in weight. This is characterized by puffy, thick skin and fluid retention.
• A sluggish digestive system, resulting in gastrointestinal problems that could lead to a more serious condition known as leaky gut. Weight gain is a potential result of digestive disturbances.
• A decrease in insulin production by the pancreas due to inflammation, also known as pancreatitis. When insulin imbalances occur, blood sugars are not burned off and they turn into fat.
• A decrease in the body's thermogenic (fat burning capacity), which can lead to increased fat storage.

Toxic loadToxicity is one of the primary reasons for weight gain, particularly for people who can't keep it off. When the liver becomes overburdened with toxins, it causes imbalances that can lead to weight gain, including blood sugar imbalance, essential fatty acid deficiency, and slowed metabolism. Our processed, genetically modified food supply is just one aspect of our toxic load.

An unhealthy toxic load can also cause stagnant lymph flow, which holds water and toxins so body weight accumulates. Toxic accumulation in the colon can also drain the body of energy, lower metabolism, and burden the detoxification organs, like the liver and kidneys.

Insulin imbalance

Many cases of being overweight are due to an imbalance of the hormone insulin. Insulin allows the body to use glucose (sugar) and carbohydrates. However, factors such as genetic predisposition, food allergies, eating habits, and stress can interfere with glucose and carbohydrate utilization, which can result in a condition known as glucose intolerance. Excess sugar consumption (refined carbohydrates) may also contribute to glucose intolerance and obesity.

Usually insulin will signal the body to stop eating, but if your glucose levels are chronically heightened due to inefficient insulin, you may eat more. This sets up a nasty cycle of eating more refined carbohydrates, which leads to even more hunger, which often ends to more weight gain.

Lack of exercise

The amount of exercise you incorporate on a regular basis will strongly affect your weight. We are generally much less active than previous generations and our time is more consumed by television. It is estimated that a quarter of the population is completely sedentary while up to 55% are inadequately active.

Without exercise, your metabolism slows down, your lymph becomes congested, and your lean muscle mass becomes depleted. All these factors facilitate excessive weight gain.
Dieting

Food restriction for the purpose of weight loss should be avoided. Ironically, we have become fatter as a culture, partly because of the yo-yo effects of dieting.

Whenever the body is deprived of food, whether it is because of famine or dieting, the body ensures survival by decreasing metabolic rate in order to compensate for fewer calories. Energy is stored so efficiently in adipose (fat) tissue that a person of normal weight can survive for 2 months without eating.

When the food restriction ends, the desire to binge kicks in as a result of another built in survival mechanism. This leads to an unhealthy trap that often results in a primarily overweight state.

Psychosocial factors

Many people overeat due to stress, anger, sadness, boredom, and other emotional factors unrelated to hunger or nutritional needs. Food is interwoven into our social activities, childhood memories, and the psyche. Holidays are filled with excessive food intake and bad food combinations that significantly contribute to weight gain.

It's important to note that food affects mood by triggering the release of endorphins (natural pain killers) and serotonin (mood boosters). Unfortunately, the types of foods eaten (chocolate, carbohydrates, and sweets) not only elevate your mood but trigger cravings for more. This emotional eating can contribute to significant weight gain if you lead a stressful life or have unresolved emotional issues.

Your intestinal flora play a huge role in how your brain works, from food cravings to mood. Your gut health effects your overall ability and desire to loose weight. Check out the first two sources for more information on intestinal health.

http://www.naturalnews.com/047180_obesity_overweight_metabolism.html?utm_content=buffer036a6&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer