Showing posts with label healthy lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy lifestyle. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

How To Successfully Treat Snoring

By Mariah Smith

It is not unnatural to snore and many of us end up snoring either intermittently or on a regular basis. Nevertheless, when it has a bad impact on the quality of sleep, snoring becomes detrimental to health. This adversely affects the daily routine of the individual and can lead to numerous health issues and make the individual prone to bouts of irritation.

Despite the popular belief that there is no complete cure for snoring, there are a lot of cures that reduce snoring to a considerable extent. Treatments for dealing with snoring consist of a lot of home-based methods besides the medicinal and surgical treatments that have been found to be highly successful.

Choice of a snoring treatment depends on the way in which you snore - if your mouth remains shut or open while you snore and whether it occurs only when you sleep in a certain position. People who are not severe snorers can resolve their problem with some lifestyle changes, but regular snorers may require medical or surgical treatments. Lifestyle modifications include lowering weight, avoiding certain types of food and beverages like alcohol , and other changes like sleeping in a particular position with the head slightly raised and clearing your nasal passage regularly.

If these lifestyle changes are not successful in resolving your snoring habit then you have to approach a physician. Doctors can recommend a number of alternatives including use of a mechanical device whose purpose is to send puffs of air to a mask that is strapped on the face when sleeping. Nasal strips are another highly recommended method to ensure that you do not breathe through your mouth. Yet another treatment is usage of dental aids like mouth guards, which ensure continuous breathing and reduced snoring.

Lastly, there are a few surgical treatments available for snoring. These procedures involve removing tissues that create blockage and correcting the problems if any in the nasal area. Pillar procedure is one such surgical treatment for snoring, which involves placing tiny implants on the soft palate, and is quite effective.



Discover more about the latest snoring treatment at http://www.entsinus.com

Sunday, October 17, 2010

9 Reasons To Include Fiber In Your Diet

By Joey Bishop

If you've been looking for a way towards a high octane diet
plan, you are going to find soluble fiber to be precisely
what you need. Although studies have proven fiber to be
potent, lots of people aren't taking this nutrient
seriously.

To help you fuel your wellness with fiber, here are some
facts to help.

1. Dietary fiber fights illnesses. A diet full of fiber may
help to prevent colon cancer and heart problems. High
dietary fiber helps the body to eliminate cholesterol by
binding it in the digestive tract. For thousands of years,
soluble fiber has been utilized to stop constipation.

2. Soluble fiber can actually assist with overindulging. All
high fiber foods will take longer to chew and absorb, making
a person feel satisfied longer

3. Most popular foods don't have enough soluble fiber. If
you want the more well-liked foods, you most likely need to
increase your ingestion of soluble fiber.

4. Grains offer the most fiber. Soluble fiber is in fact
plant matter that individuals can't break down. The best
sources are whole grains and concentrated grain products.

5. Youngsters require fiber as well. Children that are older
than 2 years of age must eat a daily intake of dietary
fiber. Kids are most open to soluble fiber found in fruit,
vegetables, and also fortified breakfast cereals.

6. A lot more dietary fiber needs a lot more h2o. In order
to keep soluble fiber moving through your digestive tract,
you'll have to consume plenty of water. Together with your
diet of fiber, you may need eight or more glasses of water
every day.

7. Dietary fiber cannot be cooked away. Whenever you cook
your fruits and vegetables, don't be concerned about cooking
the fiber out, because it stays. The fiber found in fruits
and vegetables are certainly not just in the skin or
in the peel.

8. You can get enough dietary fiber. If you eat a lot more
than 50 grams of soluble fiber in a day, you can get
diarrhea and bloating, which can restrict your system's
absorption of additional key minerals.

9. Consuming the correct amount of fiber in your diet does
not have to be tough.
Even though you might think so,
getting the amount of fiber you'll need just isn't extremely
hard to do. Almost all you need to do is take in the proper
food items and you will be on the way to a fiber abundant
lifestyle.

Among the important ingredients to healthy eating, fiber
is one area you don't want to skip. Soluble fiber can assist
many different purposes, which were included above. In the
event you aren't getting enough dietary fiber in your diet,
you ought to do something about it now instead of holding
out right up until it's too late.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

A List Of High Fiber Foods

By Beth Hoover

Fiber is a critical part of the diet. Ironically your body
isn't able to digest fiber so it passes right through your
body. Fiber food is necessary because it keeps your colonic
tract healthy and keeps your body regular.

Put simply, its main job is to scrub your guts. Here is a
high fiber food listing to help you get started with your
healthy lifestyle! You may also need to know that fiber can
help you control your blood sugar and can even lower your
cholesterol. Oh and it also releases poisons from your body.

Almonds

Cashews

Flax seeds

Garbanzo beans, well cooked

Kidney beans, well cooked

Lentils, red cooked

Lima beans, cooked 1 cup

Gooseberry

Elderberry

Grapes

Grapefruit

Kiwi fruit

Rhubarb

Pawpaw

Papaya

Peanuts

Pistachio nuts

Pumpkin seeds

Soybeans

Sunflower seeds

Walnuts

Apple

Crabapple

Hawthorn

Pear

Apricot

Peach

Nectarines

Plum

Cherry

Blackberry

Raspberry

Mulberry

Strawberry

Cranberry

Blueberry

Barberry

Currant

Melon

Watermelon

Figs

Dates

Olive

Jujube

Pomegranate

Lemon

Lime

Key Lime

Mandarin

Orange

Sweet Lime

Tangerine

Avocado

Guava

Kumquat

Lychee

Passion Fruit

Tomato

Banana

Gourd

Bitter Gourd

Bottle Gourd

Cashew Fruit

Cacao

Coconut

Custard Apple

Jackfruit

Mango

Pineapple

Carrot

Wheat-bran cereal

Oatmeal

Whole wheat bread

Rice

Corn tortilla

Enriched pasta

Bulgur

Whole wheat spaghetti

Wheat flakes

Barley

Wheat bran muffin

Fig bars

Whole wheat tortilla

Couscous

Graham crackers

Pita bread

Enriched white rice

Try to add fiber to your diet steadily so that your body has
time to adapt to the rise in fiber content. Fiber has also
been shown to help with a weight loss plan, nevertheless, be
certain to talk with your health practitioner prior to
beginning any diet regimen or if you have got any illness
that may require less fiber. This is the best way to make
sure you stay healthy, especially since your physician knows
tons about you.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Why You Should Go Organic

benefits of organic food, organic food, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, nutrition, healthy food

In today’s society – with an ever vigilant eye towards health consciousness – we are forever in search of those factors that will give us the edge in achieving maximum health. As we’ve learned, a healthy diet, a consistent regime of physical activity, and plenty of rest all has a profound impact on our overall vitality. Subsequently, there has been an overwhelming group of people that swear by the benefit of organic food.

Produced by organic farms, organic food is grown under strict government supervision. Under these guidelines, organic produce is grown and packaged without the use of any chemicals or pesticides. Traditionally grown, non-organic produce is subjected to a myriad of chemicals – most of which are have not been studied thoroughly enough to understand or contemplate their long-term effects on the human body. Researchers are still undecided as to whether or not these chemicals can be linked to everything from food allergies to certain types of cancer. The benefit of organic food is that they are not subjected to these unreliable substances.

Meat and dairy produced under organic guidelines are also chemical free. Traditional agricultural farmers often subject livestock to a bevy of chemical supplements designed to speed their growth and weight. Further, dairy cows are often given chemicals to increase their milk production. The benefit of organic food is that livestock is given only organic feed that is chemical and supplement free.

Another benefit of organic food is its advantage to the environment. Traditionally grown produce are treated with chemicals; naturally the chemicals are then in the soil, changing the landscape and contaminating the ground and surrounding water supplies. The benefit of organic food is the ground in which it is grown is left unchanged.

Making a commitment to organic food means making a commitment to your health; the benefit of organic food lies in the chemical free enjoyment of natural whole food. Further, the benefits to the environment are varied and long lasting. The decision to go organic is a healthy and responsible one.


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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

How To Focus On Whole Foods To Achieve Optimal Fitness & Vitality

alternative medicine, natural herbs, natural medicine, natural remedies, natural health, natural lifestyle, home remedies

In a world of increased awareness of natural health – achieving optimum fitness and vitality through a focus on whole foods, organic ingredients, and a natural lifestyle – more and more attention has turned to the use of natural herbs in every day life. But while they may be once again gaining popularity, the use of natural herbs dates back to prehistoric times in the use of everything from food to medicine.

A variety of cultures along the way have identified the properties of specific herbs and classified them accordingly. Throughout history more and more natural herbs have been identified as having enormous medicinal benefits and continue to be used today in much the same fashion.

Chili peppers have been shown to reduce pain; nutmeg aids digestion; ginger helps combat nausea and vomiting – the list goes on and on. Whether used to sustain health and vigor or to remedy a host of maladies, natural herbs can be a healthy alternative to many over-the-counter medications; although they should never replace prescription medication for a chronic condition without the supervision of a medical professional.

Of course natural herbs also lend themselves to inclusion in a variety of different cuisines. Depending on the culture, specific natural herbs are used to enhance flavor and augment meals. Ginger, basil, and a host of others add tremendous flavor and health to a variety of meals. The added benefit to using natural herbs in cooking is increased flavor without the use of fats. Cooking with natural herbs can be an extremely healthy way to prepare food.

Another benefit to using natural herbs – whether in food or for medicinal purposes – is the convenience of finding anything you need in a variety of locations. Natural herbs can be found everywhere from the grocery store to local farmers markets to health food stores. Or, if you are so inclined, you can grow your own natural herb garden right in your backyard. Nothing beats the convenience of having natural herbs right at your fingertips.

No matter how you use natural herbs, you will find the benefits to be increased health, overall enjoyment of food, and a renewed focus on a natural lifestyle.




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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

10 Real World Diet Tips That You Can Use

real world diet tips, diet tips, food and related products, healthy diet, healthy eating tips, healthy eating, nutrition

Are you tired of diet tips handed out by someone with apparently unlimited income and time? For some of us, it may just not be practical to spend half of our Sunday preparing carefully portioned meals for the rest of the week, or financially feasible to buy all our meals prepackaged in just the right portions. And there are those of us who cringe at the thought of weighing food to achieve 'optimal portion sizes'. Here are ten real life diet tips for the rest of us.

1. Eating out? Restaurant portions tend to be enormous, and if it's on the plate, we tend to eat it. If it's possible, order from the kid’s menu, where portions are more reasonably sized.

2. Keep healthy snacks around and easily accessible. A bowl of fruit on the kitchen table, a container of celery or carrot sticks in the refrigerator, or a couple of pop-open cans of fruit salad in your desk at work will help you grab for something healthy when those first hunger pains begin. In other words, you'll be more likely to grab something low-calorie and good for you if it's easy to eat.

3. Substitute frozen vegetables for canned. Canned veggies tend to be high in sodium, which you don't need, and low in real nutrition, which you do. Buy economy size bags with zip closures to make it easy to pour out a single serving for a meal.

4. Buy a vegetable steamer. Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook vegetables. The food retains nearly all of its natural nutrients instead of leaching it out into the cooking water. Even better, it makes your veggies taste great - which means you'll be more likely to eat them instead of filling up on fatty foods that pack on weight.

5. Never eat standing up. One of the easiest ways to sabotage your diet is to 'eat without thinking'. Treat eating with the respect that it deserves. Fix yourself a plate. Sit down and eat properly. You'll be less likely to just pop food into your mouth without paying attention.

6. Spread your meals out. When you eat three meals a day, your body tends to store whatever it doesn't need right that moment. By adopting a 'grazing' habit, you'll keep your metabolism working throughout the day. Have a small breakfast, a piece of fruit with crackers or toast at mid-morning, a light lunch and an 'after school snack' mid-afternoon. Just remember that you're breaking up the same amount of food into smaller meals, not ADDING more food into your daily diet.

7. Grab a fruit juice or flavored water instead of soda. Soda is nothing but empty calories. No nutrients, lots of sugar. Instead, grab a bottle of 100% fruit juice, or water flavored with a spritz of fruit.

8. Drink water. Even the FDA recommends at least 8 full 8 ounce glasses of water a day to keep your body working right. When you're dieting, you should drink even more. It's not just that full feeling - water helps your body digest foods properly and cleans out your system.

9. Can't afford a gym membership? Make a pact with friends to exercise together. Make a date at least three times a week to play volleyball, take a walk or spend half an hour doing something active.

10. Skip the potato chips. Fatty snacks fried in hydrogenated oil like potato chips contribute fat and calories and not much else. Instead, grab a handful of dried fruit or a cup of yogurt for the same amount of calories and a lot more nutritional benefits.






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Friday, June 26, 2009

Improve Your Digestion By Chewing Properly

how to improve digestion, digestive system, chewing properly, nutrition, healthy eating habits, healthy lifestyle, mastication, how to chew properly, health

Learn how to eat better by taking the time to chew your food. Don't be in such a hurry to eat and run. Your healthy digestion begins with your mouth, so chewing your food properly aids in a better digestive experience.

When you chew your food longer, it breaks up into smaller pieces and mixes it with the saliva in your mouth better. The saliva in your mouth contains digestive enzymes. The longer the food particles spend in your mouth, the more saliva they contain. When we take the time to chew our food properly we also retain the flavor longer and can enjoy the eating experience better than when we rush through the process of eating. Remember again, the joy of enjoying your food by taking the time to chew it thoroughly.

Digestion works better when it is not done while the body is being stressed out. Eating while you are working, driving, or watching a disturbing program or the evening news can create stress that does not benefit the digestive process. Another good reason to avoid arguments, lectures, and confrontations at the dinner table is that when these things occur stress is caused on all members gathered around the table, which means everyone, is eating while being stressed. To avoid stress while digesting foods, make snack and mealtimes a quiet, enjoyable experience by setting an atmosphere that will be enjoyable and soothing to eat by. You can light candles, or play music during the meal.

It is important to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Stop eating when your body signals that you are full. If you eat slowly, and pay attention to how your stomach is feeling, you are more likely to avoid overeating. It is a good thing to plan on eating only to satisfy your hunger and not just to be eating. When you eat only enough food to satisfy your hunger, you remain alert, relaxed, and you will not be placed into a "food coma", from overeating.

FACT: You should chew your food 30 times before swallowing!






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Thursday, June 25, 2009

7 Tips On How To Easily Lose Weight And Get Fit

how to easily lose weight, how to easily get fit, how to easily lose weight and get fit, energy density, diet tips, health and fitness, volumetrics eating plan, healthy eating plan,

You might end up thinking, "That could not probably make enough of a difference.And I'd feel silly doing it." First, the longest journey starts with a single step. And second, would you rather feel stupid being fat and unfit or doing something about it? I thought so. Here are 7 tips to change your life.

Diet Tip 1 : Move. Twiddle your thumbs. Squeeze one of those little exercise balls while you watch television to burn energy and tone your arms at the same time. Take that more distant parking spot. Even if you have physical restrictions, you can tailor a program to your requirements. Move whatever you can, whenever and wherever you can. And just think - laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.

Diet Tip 2 : Portions and Proportions. Concentrate on portion sizes according to the eating plan you select. Use a smaller size plate – don’t supersize it! Use some of the simple guidelines like “3 oz. of protein is about the size of your palm or a deck of playing cards” or “one serving of rice is the size of a tennis ball”.

Diet Tip 3 : Substitute low calorie Density Foods for High. Select foods with low cal density foods that have less calories relative to their weight. If you decrease the energy density of your diet, caloric intake will decline, says Barbara Rolls, professor of nutritive sciences at Pennsylvania State School and co-writer together with Robert Barnett of The Volumetrics Eating Plan. Foods like fruit and vegetables and salad greens and broth. The magic ingredient these foods possess is water! Water has zero calories, so the more volume represented by water, the less room there is for calories. Water also creates a feeling of fullness, helping one to eat less.

Diet Tip 4 : Be conscious of What You Eat. Keep a food diary and be honest, because no one but you is going to see it. Don't forget the spoon that you licked while putting away the left-overs or the sampling ( s ) you had while changing the seasoning. It will help you determine your eating habits. Keep it long enough and patterns begin to appear.

Diet Tip 5 : Eat More Slowly. This allows your body the several minutes it takes to signal your brain that it is full.

Diet Tip six : Try New herbs and spices in the place of Butter and Salt. When food tastes different or more flavorsome, we have a tendency to savor it more and eat slower.

Diet Tip 7: Add Variety. Along the same lines, The American Dietetic Association recommends increasing variety. Often adding a single new food to your diet can end boredom and increase nutrition.

Do you have any tips you feel should be added to the above that you have successfully applied to change your health?






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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Peer Pressure And Healthy Eating - How To Say No

Man Holding Drink and Pointing

If you are on a diet or simply enjoying a healthy lifestyle, then you probably know that peer pressure to eat foods that are not good for you is a major part of your life. If you are worried about the food that goes into your mouth, don’t worry—there are ways to overcome peer pressure. It simply takes a little know-how to get people off your back!

Parties are a major source of peer pressure, especially with alcohol. However, remember that alcohol contains hundreds of empty calories in just one drink. When you go to a party, people might be pressuring you to have a drink and relax, and it can be difficult to say no when they are constantly trying to convince you. Instead, offer to be the designated driver. This way, people won’t want you to drink and, in fact, they will probably be purchasing you waters and maybe even helping to pay for your gas. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Another time when you may feel pressured to eat is at work when the boss orders lunch for everyone at a meeting or when you have to visit a client. Instead of giving in to temptation, simply politely decline the food by letting your boss know in advance or order a meal that is healthy and split the portion in half so you have a meal for tomorrow’s lunch as well.

Baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, and other special events can also wreak havoc on your diet, even if you are good at resisting temptation on your own. When someone hands you a piece of cake and won’t take no for an answer, it can be difficult to know what to say! Here, little white lies might be appropriate. For instance, saying that your stomach was upset earlier in the day will convince a person that you don’t want to eat at the moment or pretending to have a chocolate allergy will get people to allow you to enjoy the party without a hassle surrounding food.

Remember, however, that while refusing bad foods is fine, you should be eating good foods. If you do not, dangerous eating habits and disorders can develop, which will give you, your friends, and your doctor a real reason to worry. It’s ok to say no to peer pressure, but don’t say no to food in general!


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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Water - Nature's Wonder Drug

Lemons and Glass of Water

It will not be wrong to say that we are made of water
because two-thirds of our body contains water. Blood,
muscles and bones are all made of water. So it is not
surprising that we must keep drinking water to remain alive.
We can remain without food for several days but without
water we feel tired and exhausted within hours. Water is a
wonder drug from nature, whose benefits are many.

Nourishment of the body - Blood is 83% water and muscles are
75% water. Water supplies the essential vitamins and
minerals produced in the digestion process to all the organs
of the body in the form of blood. We can flex our muscles
because they contain water. If they do not get water, they
cry out with a spasm or a cramp. Our brains also need water
to function well. Physicians advise pregnant women to drink
a large quantity of water since the embryo needs it for
growth.

Body's detoxification - Water is very essential to the
proper functioning of the liver and kidneys. These organs
function to clean up the system from waste products and
toxic substances. Water, as urine, mucus and sweat then
effectively transports these substances out of the body. If
water is not sufficient, then these substances form kidney
stones
and other complications. Water also helps to maintain
the alkalinity of the digestive system.

Water keeps the skin young - Drinking lots of water
maintains the skin moisture levels, otherwise the skin
becomes dry and flaky. Water also nourishes the skin with
nutrients and keeps it smooth and elastic. It is the not so
closely guarded secret of many women who do not seem to age
with years. Regular water consumption cleans away the
accumulation of fat and helps in maintaining weight.

It is sad to see that many young people resort to coffee and
tea when they are thirsty. Even though they are aware that
caffeine products cause dehydration, they continue to drink
them. This leads to more dehydration. The best solution is
to drink water. If you do not like the plain taste of water,
add some lemon or lime for flavor.

Normal human beings require 8 glasses of water everyday. It
might vary depending on your age, weight and body size, but
not too much. If you engage in athletic activities, your
water requirements will be more than normal. No one has ever
reported sick because of drinking more water. Always carry a
water bottle with you so that you will not drink sodas and
other dehydrating fluids.


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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

AND YET ANOTHER 8 WAYS TO GET YOUR 5 A DAY

Woman eating watermelon


1. Start your day with a healthier sundae, by layering your
muesli or high-fiber cereal with plain low-fat yogurt,
slices of fresh fruit, and a sprinkling of nuts drizzled
with honey - delicious!

2. Thread strawberries, grapes, and cubes of Kiwi fruit,
watermelon, and paw-paw onto skewers, and serve as tropical
poolside kebabs.

3. Banana wheels on top of wholewheat toast? Try it. Its too
good a treat to be enjoyed by five-year-olds alone.

4. Broaden your horizons. Try a fruit or vegetable you have
never tried before, or try an old favorite prepared in a new
and interesting way. For instance, if you are fond of
steamed asparagus, why not try asparagus raw, with just a
little balsamic vinegar and lemon zest on hand?

5. Turn an ordinary sandwich into a culinary masterpiece by
adding layers of fresh or grilled veggies to your chosen
filling.

6. Peel and slice a paw-paw into petals, and serve with a
zesty squeeze of lemon for a breakfast treat.

7. Pop some seedless grapes into the freezer overnight.
Serve as little bites of chilled dessert, or plop into a
tall glass of water for an icy touch of flavor.

8. For a Protein-packed anytime snack, spread a little
peanut butter along the inside of a celery stick. Paste a
line of raisins or dried cranberries on top, and crunch to
your heart's content.

There you have it. Now you have no excuse for not getting
your 5 a day! Replace any fruit or veg not available or not
to your liking with any alternative of your choice. Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

ANOTHER 8 WAYS TO GET YOUR 5 A DAY

Woman eating fresh fruit


1. Spread low-fat chunky cottage cheese onto granary bread,
and top up with cherry tomato, thinly sliced cucumber,
grated carrot and sprouts for a filling snack.

2. Take the top off a leathery looking granadilla (that's
how you will know its ripe) and spoon out the seeds with a
slurp.If you don't mind waiting a little longer for your
fix, sprinkle the seeds over plain low-fat yogurt instead.

3. Introduce a few leaves of fresh mint to a bowl of
watermelon cubes, for an irresistible appetizer or summary
salad.

4. Make a well stocked fruit bowl the welcoming centerpiece
of your home. Top it up with the colorful bounty of the
season, and encourage family and friends to treat it as a
help-yourself snack bar, rather than an ornamental
arrangement.

5. Half-moon slices of Granny Smith apple, served on a bed
of celery stalks and leaves, with a topping of chopped
walnuts. Yes, its a Waldorf salad, but something's missing:
the mayonnaise. That's because all you need is a dash of
lemon juice or olive oil to enjoy this crispier, crunchier,
healthier version of the famous dish.

6. Spicy rice tastes even nicer when you mix it up with
choppings of cold pineapple and cuts of mango.

7. Haul out the cookie cutters, call in the tikes,and spend
some quality time crafting pretty vegetable carvings.

8. Toast a pita bread, fill it up with veggies - grated
cabbage, red onion rings, peppers, cherry tomatoes,
cucumbers - and voila, you've got a quick and healthy salad
in your pocket.

Monday, April 6, 2009

9 WAYS TO GET YOUR 5 A DAY

Woman eating bowl of fruit


Rich in nutrients and vast in variety, fruit and vegetables
are a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Try these tips to
meet or exceed your recommended daily ration of nature's
health boosting bounty.

1. Blend a banana with frozen berries, plain low-fat yogurt
and milk for a delicious fruit smoothie.

2. Couscous is a nourishing staple of African cuisine,
painstakingly prepared from semolina or barley. But don't
just eat it on its own: mix it with crispy roast vegetables,
browned in their own juices, and add a topping of green
salad and lemon juice to make a meal on its own.

3. Test your fruit and veggie literacy by working your way
through the alphabet of options on your 5 a day plan. A is
for Artichoke, B is for Butternut, C is for Courgette... and
if you get stuck at X, try Xigua, the Chinese name for a
variety of small watermelon.

4. Slice a banana along its length and coat the inside with
peanut butter. Stick it back together, and serve it to your
kids as a Peanut Butter Banana Boat.

5. Take a dip-bowl of low fat cottage cheese and, taking a
circular tray, surround it with alternating slices of fresh
fruit and vegetables. Tuck in at your convenience.

6. Peel and cut a pineapple into hefty vertical slices.
Slide it onto some skewers, and sprinkle lightly with curry
powder for an authentic street-stall treat.

7. The Kiwi fruit adds an exotic burst of flavor to a salad
or desert. Its tangy on the tongue with just a hint of
sweetness. But to really enjoy it to its fullest, eat it like
the Kiwis do: bite by juicy bite, with the skin on. Don't
forget to give it a good wash first, and remember, all that
extra fiber is good for you!

8. Take a big red apple and slice it into little strips,and
cunningly serve as "apple chips" to the young ones.

9. Raid your vegetable drawer to make a hearty soup or stew,
and you are guaranteed to get your recommended quota of 5
healthy portions a day!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Get Better Health Through Health Wellness Coaching

Fitness Instructor


By Randal Pike

When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, it's far from
easy. Yet it is achievable with health wellness coaching.
With health wellness coaching, a proactive approach is taken
through lifestyle changes or enhancements to ensure good
health and wellness. Through the expert guidance provided by
health wellness coaching, you can achieve, regain and
maintain optimal health and wellness.

Frustrated from not seeing results from your current health
and wellness efforts? Health wellness coaching evaluates
what you are currently doing and identifies problem areas.
Have low energy, or low self-esteem because of how you look?
Health wellness coaching can put you on track to feeling and
looking good. Have trouble getting started with something
new? Health wellness coaching includes trained professionals
to provide the motivation that you need.

Health wellness coaching features live personalized sessions
that can be conveniently accessed in person, over the
telephone, or online. Companies also utilize health wellness
coaching right on the work site. It provides an affordable
method for addressing high-risk behaviors of employees that
can become costly to a company. Many times, people have good
intentions for starting better health and wellness practices,
but simply don't have the time. Health wellness coaching is
designed to meet anyone's lifestyle, with sessions that are
under an hour for those with time concerns. It can also be
customized to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

There are many benefits realized from health wellness
coaching. One major benefit is easy access to an experienced
professional who can help you establish a health and
wellness plan and serve as a mentor as need be. Those who
utilize the coaching can reduce preventable medical problems,
which in turn lower health care costs. It is also beneficial
for dealing with life's many challenges and stresses, thereby
improving your overall health.

Through health wellness coaching, you identify your goals,
write down questions that you have about any health or
wellness issue, and set an action plan with your coach to
address your concerns and meet your goals. It can include
various components, among them establishing proper diet and
nutrition, maintaining a consistent fitness program, reducing
or eliminating health risk factors and helping to address
family concerns.

Health wellness coaching is beneficial for reinforcing the
healthy living and wellness goals you have set. Speaking
with someone reassures that you are on the right path to
healthier living. Through it, you gain the support of an
expert who can help you determine the best nutrition for you,
start you on an exercise program customized for your goals,
identify measures of self-care and address physical and
emotional measures that can hinder you from achieving your
health and wellness goals.

There is so much information out there about health and
wellness, some of it conflicting. But determining what
applies to you and what is right for your body can be
overwhelming. Wellness coaching helps to make sense
of all the information out there and apply it to your
particular situation, your needs are defined and met.

Health wellness coaching is a great way to help you start
and continue your journey to better health. Those who take
part in one-on-one coaching sessions are out fewer days from
work, are more productive and lead happier, healthier lives.
Health wellness coaching is a viable solution for making
lifestyle changes to ensure you remain feeling healthy and
staying well.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Want To Live A Better Life? Help The Environment

If you start to live green now you will be adding more time
to your life because natural food is better for your health.
It is also better for the environment. Eating naturally
grown food and walking more will definitely improve anyone's
health. There are many more things you can do to improve your
health and at the same time make the earth a greener place
to live.

There are several ways you can live a greener life that
are easy to implement. Most cities have garbage services
that pick up recyclable materials in addition to your trash.
It is simple to set up a separate container for cardboard,
plastics and other recyclables. On trash day, your garbage
service takes it away and does all the hard work of
recycling all those materials.

Try to drive less. By combining your errands, you not only
save fuel and reduce the traffic on the roads; you are
giving yourself less stress from dealing with traffic jams
and other drivers. Carpool or use public transit when you
can. If you choose to ride a bike or walk for some of your
errands, you also get needed exercise. This will help keep
your heart healthy and keep you limber and toned.

Instead of tossing everything in the garbage, try tossing it
on a compost pile to fertilize your garden in the spring. It
will save you money because you won't have to go to the
store and buy organic fertilizer, in fact it may even save
you a trip to the store. Throw all the old vegetables and
fruit in and any clippings you have from cooking in the
pile. Coffee grounds, egg shells, leaves and grass can all
go in the compost pile. Do not put in meat or bones as it
will attract insects and takes too long to decompose. Hose
down the pile occasionally to keep it from drying out; it
won't break down as well if it is dry.

There is a lot you can do in your home to get more green.
Open up the curtains and let the light in. Natural light is
the best light to see by and you can avoid using energy by
leaving your lights off more. Start using the new compact
fluorescent light bulbs and stop wasting money and energy on
the standard bulbs. These bulbs will last much longer and
use less energy. You will love not having to change light
bulbs all the time.

Small things like recycling cans, bottles and plastic
packaging helps lower your garbage bills and helps reduce
your carbon footprint. Use cloth bags when you shop instead
of taking their paper or plastic bags. Some stores even
knock off a few cents when you use your own bags. All of
this will help reduce pollution, which is healthier for you
because you'll be breathing cleaner air.

Once you get started, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to
live greener. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel?
both physically and mentally. Plus, you'll feel better
knowing you're doing your part to have a healthier planet to
live on. So go ahead? live greener and live longer. You'll
be happy you gave it a try.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Whose Responsibility Is The Health Of Your Child?

Can you be sued in the future for what your child is eating
now?

Scenario: Two or three decades from now, scores of adults
with health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular disease
and obesity will be suffering serious self esteem issues and
spending tons of money on medicine and treatment. This will
have been caused by what they were fed in their daily
activities during their childhood.

These obese adults burdened by mountains of bills and
feeling ostracized by their healthy peers will then band
into support groups and in their frustration look for
someone to point an accusing finger at- their parents.
Looking for a way to lighten the medical expenses, they then
press lawsuits against the ones responsible for the bad diet
and lifestyle habits they formed in their youth- their
parents. You know what? They might even win because given
the number of junk food-eating kids these days, the judge
will most likely be obese and sickly too.

Such a story may be funny, but believe it or not, it might
really happen. Young adults these days have been blaming Mom
and Dad for their current problems and health and dietary
issues might easily include this. One thing's for sure, the
US government or the American fast food industry won't be
taking the blame for it.

Believe it or not, the diets of a lot of babies and toddlers
these days are actually as bad as those of their chip n
dip munching teenage counterparts who dine mainly on
fast-food. The American Dietetic Association published a
recent study proving this in one of the journals.

Researchers from the Tufts University School of Medicine
held a survey and discovered that 33.3% of the respondents
did not have vegetables or fruits as part of their diet.
Even worse, most of those that did declare vegetables in
their diet were referring to French fries which doesn't really
qualify as healthy food.

It's bad enough that a lot of children these days aren't
getting much exercise sitting in front of the boob tube the
whole day watching cable TV, but researchers also discovered
that some parents were even pouring soda into baby bottles
designed for milk. Cola drinks and other types of carbonated
drinks are a major cause of obesity in adults.

As can be expected, 25% of preschoolers are obese and those
numbers are increasing every year. Given that eating habits
are formed during the ages of 2 and 3, you can bet the
statistics will get worse. Most cases of diabetes and
cardiovascular disease stem from unhealthy food and lack of
exercise in a person's formative years.

The situation may appear bleak, but we are not at all
hopeless. As parents, we can set guidelines that promote
healthy habits early in our children's lives and be good
role models by adopting a healthy lifestyle ourselves. Being
good examples can have dramatic effects on the well being of
our family's health.

Perhaps a few decades from now, babies that have had the
fortune of developing good eating habits and healthy
lifestyles will grow up and praise their parents for playing
a major role in letting them turn out to be smart, fit and
healthy adults. Wouldn't this be a better scenario than
seeing your offspring in court because of the bad stuff they
ate during childhood?

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Common Causes Of Migraine Headaches

With the fast paced lifestyle we all lead nowadays, it's not
uncommon that more and more people are getting migraines as
a result of the stress. This greatly affects our productivity,
not to mention our quality of living. Thus, modern medicine
has tried to come up with a battery of drugs to battle this
growing pandemic.

But even with recent medical and technological advances,
most doctors and scientist still can't identify the specific
factors involved in causing migraines. Some argue that it
has to do with the amount of serotonin in our brains. They
claim that when serotonin levels drop, the sudden imbalance
can lead to a migraine.

A migraine usually presents itself with a number of symptoms.
People often experience light sensitivities, with some saying that
they can see colors or spots in their vision. Others claim
that their scalp feels soft to the touch.

Mood swings are also a common symptom of migraines. People
can go from happy to sad, calm to angry, right before a
migraine hits, making it uncomfortable for the suffering
person and the people around them.

Most migraines usually come and go, but one that lasts for
days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Most stem
from personal bad habits, such as stress and an unhealthy diet.
Sleep and drinking plenty of fluids usually help, but you
can also take a few of the dozen or more over the counter
medicines designed to help relieve migraines.

With all that said, it's important to reduce the amount of
stress in your life. Not only is it unhealthy, but it is
one of the most common causes of migraine headaches. If
you do get a migraine headache attack, just try to relax and
find a quiet place to lie down. Pick some place dark, to
cut the effects of light sensitivity, and apply a cold
compress to your head, while gently massaging your scalp
every so often.

Food sensitivities are also known to trigger migraines.
Dairy and those containing dairy products, such as milk and
coffee, can also trigger migraine headaches, as well as food
additives like MSG. Excessive consumption of these foods
react with a person's body chemistry, triggering the onset of
a migraine headache.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Energy Drinks Are Not Healthy

How can energy drinks be healthy? They are usually full of
artificial caffeine, HFCS (ref:
(http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html)
Double Danger of HFCS), Taurine and of course, to somehow
validate everything, synthetically produced vitamins. This
cocktail of chemicals will do more harm than good. It
already has.

More and more people that consume the traditional energy
drink regularly or even daily have already or are destined
to eventually suffer from stomach, kidney, liver or heart
problems. Not to mention the effects these chemical
cocktails can have on one's teeth (premature enamel
degradation) or skin (dehydration related blotching).

An entire new generation is coming into adulthood without
their parents' coffee routine, but with a morning, afternoon
or evening energy drink. Sometimes all three. Many spend
hours online gaming, instead of exercising, which
accentuates the problem with energy drinks, introducing type
2 diabetes and other sedentary diseases.

Why should we be concerned about this new variety of mental
stimulant? A cup or two of coffee every day has never caused
serious health effects. The big difference relates to where
the buzz comes from: natural coffee beans vs. laboratory
produced synthetic caffeine.

Just like with any other product found in nature, the
caffeine in the coffee beans comes with many by-products
which are not easily separated from the pure caffeine
elements. natural caffeine comes with fibers and other
organic substances which reduce the absorption of the
caffeine into the bloodstream.

In most energy drinks, the caffeine is synthetically
produced in a factory. This synthetic caffeine has one
advantage over natural caffeine: it is extremely potent.
All of the natural byproducts that come with natural caffeine
from coffee beans or Guarana are not present with laboratory
caffeine. It is also much cheaper to produce than natural
caffeine, another great thing, from the manufacturer's point
of view. Unfortunately, from a consumer's point of view, this
concentrated caffeine blast is absorbed into the bloodstream
almost as soon as it hits the stomach.

Natural products like the actual coffee from coffee beans,
Guarana seeds or tea leaves, are absorbed more gradually by
the body. They are also not as concentrated and therefore
less toxic than the chemical caffeine in most energy drinks.

Here are some advantages of natural caffeine (whether it be
in coffee, tea or Guarana). Firstly, the increased mental
alertness is longer. Instead of the instant high you get
from most energy drinks and then the subsequent downfall,
you get a sustained feeling of mental clarity for a few
hours and the effect eventually wears off more naturally and
gradually.

Secondly, continuous exposure to synthetic caffeine over
saturates our nervous system. If this excessive exposure
continues, our nerves go haywire. This is Mother Nature's
way of telling us to be careful. Our hands may quiver,
nervous habits develop; our body starts to show signs of
stress not different from those related to anxiety or
depression. Not recommended for anyone.

With guaranine or tea or natural coffee beans, our digestive
and circulatory system can easily eliminate the excess
quantities without unduly affecting the nervous system. But
even with natural stimulants, they must be used carefully
and not in excessive amounts. It is best to stick with one
cup per day; of coffee (not the grande which is really like
6 coffees) or one 12 oz can of a natural energy drink or
unsweetened cold tea.

Organic coffees don't contain any of the chemicals used in
large farming operations. (http://www.wholefoods.com) Whole
Foods Markets has a wide variety of these.

Some natural energy drinks that are recommended :
GURU Energy Drinks and Syzmo. They are both made with
natural caffeine from Guarana and/or coffee. What's good
about GURU is that it is entirely natural, has no
artificial sweeteners or vitamins. Sysmo is made from good
ingredients but is more costly, and is an acquired taste.

Both of these are available on the
respective companies' website and at
(http://www.wholefoods.com) Whole Foods Markets.

With regards to teas; cold, brewed teas will provide the
best combination of anti-oxidants and natural caffeine. A
good brand is ITOEN, from Japan. Itoen Teas seems to be
the purest, unsweetened product out there. The Zen taste
grows on you after a couple of bottles. Another cool brand is
the US based Honest Tea, but they recently sold out to Coke
and now it seems they're selling out to the sweeter American
taste buds.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

How To Banish Belly Fat With 3 Easy Changes

Losing belly fat can be easy, as long as you implement these
healthy techniques! They are not only easy, but they don't
require you to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle.
And no, its not a new diet or special exercise! Instead they
are simply a few changes in the way you do everyday things!

1. Breakfast is the king: Every morning you wake up from a 9
or 10 hour fast. So you need to re-fuel your body by eating,
or by breaking the fast, hence the word break-fast!

We all know the rule that breakfast is the most important
meal of the day. Only most people don't know that not eating
a proper breakfast leads to weight gain. Most people eat a
small breakfast (some people skip breakfast all together),
a medium sized lunch and a large dinner. Eating this way
only increases the odds for weight gain.

In order to lose fat fast, you need to reverse your eating
schedule. This means your breakfast should be the largest
meal of the day, and your dinner should be the smallest one.
If you have a large dinner, you will usually go
to sleep soon after. As a result, your body won't be able to
burn all those extra calories from your large dinner. It
will instead store them as excess fat deposits.

If you make breakfast the biggest meal of your day,
your body will have the entire day to filter those calories,
using what it needs and eliminating what it doesn't. This
means that weight gain will reduce dramatically.

2. Sugar causes weight gain: Sugar is a major cause of
weight gain. The human body can convert sugar into fat
deposits really fast. Sugar can give you a speedy burst of
energy when you think you need it, but it will also cause
cravings, which inevitably lead to weight gain.

The more sugar you eat, the stronger the cravings become,
the more weight you gain, and the less happy you are. Rather
than sugar, you should eat potatoes, rice, natural fruits
and vegetables, bread, and pasta, all of which produce good
glucose.

3. Water speeds up fat loss: Drinking plenty of water is
essential for losing weight naturally and staying healthy!
Remember that no matter how much water you drink you wont
gain weight, water cant convert into fat. And if you have a
hard time waking up in the morning, it is probably because
you are dehydrated.

Remember that your body requires sufficient water in order
to maintain even minor bodily functions. If you don't supply
it with enough water, it will begin storing water instead of
flushing it out. This results in increased weight gain,
which is not much fun!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Relaxation And Stress Management

Many people get caught up in their day to day lives and
focus on the future which can bring about anxiety or stress.
Stress can cause many problems such as concentration issues,
lack of good judgment, negativity and lack of productivity.
The best way to combat these feelings of stress is through relaxation.
Relaxation plays a key roll in leading a healthy happy life.
Relaxation takes as little as ten minutes a day and can be as simple
as breathing exercises, or as challenging as a kick boxing class,
the choice is yours.

Relaxation can happen anywhere, at work, at home or on a
little deserted island off the coast of Mexico. Unfortunately
not everyone can take a nice vacation to that dream island or
a seven year sabbatical. Many need to learn to relax in the
comfort of their own homes and lives. The key is to find something
you enjoy and teach your mind to relax when you do it.

There are many ways in which you can relax. Finding your
method is really your biggest obstacle, but it is easy, just
think about what you enjoy most. Maybe you like listening to
music, reading, meditating or walking. Any of these
activities can be a relaxation method and can be scaled down
to as little as ten minutes.

Watching TV, listening to music, surfing the web and
reading all offer a break from regular day to day
situations. They each create an alternative world that is
entirely your own. Your mind visually escapes into a place
that is different and exciting instead of dull, boring and
always the same as so many of us think our lives are.

Learning to control your breathing and meditation can be a
little more complicated since you must learn these
techniques in order for them to work properly. Meditation
can help you learn to reflect on situations and to control
your breathing to calm your mind. These techniques need to
be mastered and exercised in order to achieve the maximum
result. Once you have achieved your goal, you can relax at
the drop of a hat and find inner control in as little as ten
minutes.

Other people prefer to hit the gym to relax. Some like to
run, walk or lift weights. Others might prefer cycling,
kick boxing or tai chi classes. Running and walking burn off
excessive built up energy, however not everyone wants to run
a marathon. For them there are other types of classes which
sole purpose is relaxation such as yoga. Many people choose
to skip the classes and gym all together and simply walk
their dogs in the park.

Your body will tell you what it likes and what it doesn't
like, you just need to learn to listen. Take note of what
worked and what didn't while you were practicing different
relaxing techniques. If one doesn't work don't be afraid to
try a different approach. Make sure to keep yourself
motivated by reminding yourself you will be healthier and
happier in the end and think how nice it is to do something
enjoyable.

Teaching your body something new is always a challenge,
however once you get the hang of it, it is like riding a
bike, your body won't forget how. It is important to find an
activity which you enjoy and know you will stick with, but
you must make a conscious effort to remind and train your
body to relax while performing this task. It may take time,
but in the end the rewards will be fantastic for your mind,
body and lifestyle.