Chocolate bars, chips, pastries and jube jubes. There are few people who have had access to these processed foods who do not develop recurrent cravings for them – everyone has a favorite “taste” and a favorite time to eat these sinfully delicious treats. We enjoy eating these types of food because they stimulate the thousands of taste receptors on our tongue which in turn stimulate the reward and enjoyment portion of our brain. Our enjoyment of sugary, fatty foods in their virgin form and limited quantities is natural – by searching out and finding these foods our ancestors were provided with the energy needed to survive harsh conditions and hard work with limited available sources of calories. However, in our new age of sedentary lifestyles and processed foods the long term health effects of eating too much modern day junk can be detrimental to our physical and mental well-being. In may then be of no surprise that a new science has been developed by the food industry that hijacks our brain- finding out what the perfect combinations of salt, sugar and fat are designed to trigger downright addicting behaviors in human food consumption. So how can you avoid these traps? Reduce your processed food consumption. Doing this will offer so many health benefits and save you money! Starting the New Year off with health. With the New Year upon us comes a fresh start – Spring is on the way, the days are getting longer, and the cool January air fills our lungs with freshness and energy. The New Year can also serve as a fresh mental start to goals and aspirations – and one goal that almost everyone has is improving their health and wellness as well as the health and wellness of their family. Small changes can make big differences when it comes to our health – so, when it comes to changing our eating habits often “cutting down” versus “cutting out” is the goal. However, when it comes to the consumption of “junk food” it seems that even seemingly lower amounts can have huge negative effects. What’s scarier? The largest effects from junk food consumption are seen in adolescence! A recent Harvard study found that children consuming junk food high in fat and sugar more than 3 times a week had a 40% increase in the rate of asthma! And the risk of eczema and rhinitis also increased. Not surprisingly, the study also found that the consumption of fruit appeared to safeguard children with these ailments – with those consuming more than 3 portions a week reducing their symptoms by 11-14%. Staying on the same topic of healthy eating – it is no coincidence that within the same week another Harvard study was released finding that berries show heart boosting effects for women: 3 or more servings of blueberries or strawberries a week may slash a woman's chance of heart disease by as much as 33%! Women who ate these berries less frequently had a higher risk of heart disease, even if they consumed other fruits and vegetables. These two studies point out two important points: The first being that what you eat truly affects your overall current and future health, and the second being that simple dietary changes CAN make a huge difference.
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Accepting aging gracefully is an admirable intention that most of us would like to strive for. Yet, what most people are not willing to graciously accept is premature aging. We all know someone (or are someone!) who lost their hair in their early 20’s, while at the same time we have a relative who still has a full head at 80. Some women can do everything ‘right’ (eat well, sleep, use moisturizers, don’t smoke) yet have more wrinkles than their all too party hardy friend.
Everyone ages at different rates and what researchers call ‘biological age’ (the age your body’s cells seem) versus chronological age (the age you actually are) is something that has been of great interest for decades. Although these outwardly signs of aging may seem cruel to one’s (naturally!) proud self do they actually indicate anything greater than cosmetic changes to our bodies? A recent study showed that those individuals who look older for their age may actually have a greater risk of heart disease. By following 11,000 Danish people (men and women) over 35 years it was found that people who look old — with receding hairlines, bald heads, creases near their ear lobes or bumpy deposits on their eyelids — actually had a greater chance of developing of heart disease than younger-looking people of the same age. So what’s the bottom line? Pay attention to who’s looking back in the mirror. If you notice premature signs of aging get your heart and blood pressure checked. Also, make sure to take care of yourself! Eat right, exercise, sleep, reduce stress….we may not be able to change our genes (although sometimes it would be nice wouldn’t it?) but we can use the cards we were dealt to the best of our ability. Your health is your way to success ang god job. As for me, I found a good job of personal trainer thanks to a professional cv writer from Craftresumes. Stress: Not What You Need, But Probably What You Have Stress has always been a part of life – however, what has changed over the past years is the type and amount of stress individuals have to endure. Although the marvels of Western development have lead to great human achievements (such as conventional medicine, agricultural advancements and technology) what is becoming apparent is that all of this development may come at a potential cost: our well being. As important as it is to recognize the fortunes of living in a developed world it is equally important not to downplay the reality living in this world brings: we are constantly being inundated with information and expectations at all times of the day from all places and in all directions. We are living in a complex, connected and demanding society – which while allowing us to live longer, more rich and experienced lives than ever before, is also helping chronic stress be a normal part of daily life. So, how do you know if you're stressed…and how can stress actually affect your health? Common effects of stress … … On your body
Physical activity Relaxation techniques Meditation / Mindfulness Yoga Journal Writing Talking to others Asking for help Most importantly, it is crucial not to downplay the importance of nutrition in how you feel both physically and mentally. It is vital to get plenty of sleep and eat right! When stressed it is easy to turn to the nearest twinkie and can of Coke for quick relief. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
November 2017
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