Nov 20
When the stress hormone Cortisol is released, it triggers a complex interaction of brain chemicals. As a result, levels of the "feel-good" brain chemical serotonin drop, producing a craving for carbohydrates. (You may experience similar food cravings right before your period starts. The physical reason is the same—low-serotonin levels in the brain—but rather than stress hormones causing the dip, it's lowered estrogen levels.)
Often, we satisfy these cravings with sweet, high-calorie foods— like chocolate. Researchers speculate that we crave these foods because fat and sugar stimulate the brain to release morphine-like endorphins—the same brain chemical that makes you feci calm after vigorous exercise.
Plus sugar triggers a pleasurable serotonin boost. Chocolate also contains several stimulants as well as other drug-like compounds that can affect mood. Some scientists, however, are skeptical of chocolate's much ballyhooed mood-altering powers and remind us that cheddar cheese, salami and pickled herring contain even more of these drug-like "magic ingredients." But few of us are dying for a slice of salami.
There's nothing wrong with satisfying a food craving with a creamy sweet like chocolate. In fact, if you deny your cravings, you're likely to add to your stress and end up bingeing later. The key is moderation. It doesn't take a whole bag of peanut M & M's to kill the craving. Have a small piece of chocolate rather than an entire chocolate bar. And there is some potential good news about chocolate: Even though it is high in saturated fat, the particular type of saturated fat (stearic acid) it contains does not raise cholesterol levels.
Nov 14
Researchers compare bone health to a three-legged stool. To prevent bone loss, you need all three legs—estrogen, exercise and a well-balanced diet containing calcium.
Estrogen reduces the rapid bone loss of the early menopausal years and has some ability to rebuild bone. If you decide to take estrogen, keep in mind that it doesn't promote strength, balance or muscle mass—all of which can help to improve your risk of falling and suffering a fracture. Those benefits come with exercise, the second leg of the stool.
Weight-bearing exercise, in which you carry your own weight— as in walking, running or stair climbing—is important in childhood when bones are being built. Once you've reached your peak bone mass, exercise helps keep bones strong. Studies have shown that postmenopausal women who exercise with weights twice a week can preserve bone density, become stronger and have greater balance than their sedentary counterparts.
Strong back muscles can prevent the spinal compression fractures that lead to loss in height and stooped posture in osteoporosis victims.
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Oct 27
This is for people who are determined to lose weight as quickly as possible. This is an acquired skill. Once you can predict when your hunger urges will start, you can eat just enough to control them. Get to know your own body. Through trial and error, you will eventually learn when to eat a snack to prevent overwhelming hunger. You will also learn what to eat.
The right mix of 1) fruits and vegetables, 2) protein and 3) complex carbohydrates will work. If you are trying to lose weight, fruits and vegetables should be your main weapons. But you need certain amounts of protein and complex carbohydrates. If at all possible, learn to like egg whites. At strategic times during the day, you can eat one egg white. More than likely, five egg whites will satisfy much of your daily protein needs. Five egg whites, four handfuls of a complex carbohydrate mix, and heavier consumption of fruits and vegetables should be enough to get you through a day, Mix each category throughout the day.
If you are intent on losing weight quickly, this will definitely work. Just make sure you don't push it too far. Feeling a little weak is normal. Don't let it get much further than that. Learn to know when to eat that snack. After a few days of this, your body will tell you when it needs fuel. Your goal should be to give your body what it needs, not what it wants. Once you determine where that line is drawn, you can reach optimum efficiency in weight loss, yet retain your strength. This is not at all easy, especially in the beginning. The sooner you learn to beat the hunger before it reaches you, the easier it will be.
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Oct 23
Life is full of choices. Every minute of every day people make decisions that affect their lives. Habits are hard to break, especially when you are an adult who has developed a lifetime of them, some good and some bad. You are going to have to make some sacrifices to enable your fitness program to work. Some hard choices will have to be made. There is only so much time available. Something will have to give. Take a hard look at your responsibilities. Put fitness at the top of the list.
Sure, there is no immediate financial reward for it, but it is of the utmost importance. Except for your family's immediate needs, there should be nothing more important than fitness. If your friends want to call you weird, let them. Do something for yourself. As you succeed, they will envy you and your determination. Be determined to maintain your exercise routine and healthy eating habits at all costs. Remember that you are in a war. Do not give in. Maybe there is a party you would love to attend on Friday evening. However, it's late in the afternoon and you have yet to complete your daily exercise routine. Skip the party or show up very late. Your workout is more important. It is top priority. This mindset becomes easier as you practice it more. You have to put nearly everything at a lower priority than fitness. In the beginning, you will need to have the strength of a God to keep fitness your top priority. Turning down great tasting meals will always be tough. You can do it though. Sacrifice, determination, hard work, and discipline are all required. It will not be easy, but FITNESS IS TOP PRIORITY.
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Oct 16
Deliciously Yours diet program from eDiet has become popular and was named the “most delicious” food delivery program in 2007.
In today’s world, it seems that people don’t have much time to cook anymore; instead they eat lots of junk food during the day and wonder why they gain weight. The diet program “Deliciously Yours” was designed for people whose intention is to lose weight with food rich in protein and fiber and is delivered to their door for their convenience.
If you are looking for a new food delivery diet program, Deliciously Yours is a great choice. With Deliciously Yours, you are not only shedding pounds, but enjoying the food at the same time.
When you sign up today, you will receive the following as an added bonus:
- FREE day of meals with your first order ($15.95 value)
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- FREE eDiets Success Pack (up to $40.00 value)
- Over $50 of FREE merchandise & support included with your very first order
