Although yeast infection is in reality a particularly common condition, it is tiny debated.
The majority regard candida infection as a 'on the surface' problem that should be treated with creams and antibiotics while few are conscious of its doubtless dangerous complications. Yeast Infection is basically an internal problem. The issue is that the bulk of yeast infection sufferers decide to leave it in the hands of others : Doctors, pharmacists, drug and over the counter industries. They happily select NOT to accept responsibility for their candida condition, for their health and for their own body.
If you suffer from yeast infection then you should have experienced the confusion stemmed from clashing recommendation and from info overload. Fair info about vaginal yeast infection or any other kind of candida infection is harder to come by than previously, and almost everybody has been misled at a previous point or another. I wasted literally thousands of bucks on candida treatment programs that did not "work out" and anti-yeast infection products that did not do anything.
To effectively overcome candida infection, you want to be conscious of the genuine reason for yeast infection and be ready to identify its symptoms. By training yourself about the steps you want to take to deal with your candida infection condition and help your body heal itself and control the fungal overgrowth from the interior out you can and will eliminate the agony, annoyance, humiliation and disappointment related to this condition and feel more in control. In addition, as a side benefits you will feel more energised, fitter and colourful. You may enjoy improved digestion, reinforced vision, and fitter hair, skin and nails. Share it and apply it and you can be yeast infection free.
There are few more resource here
Yeast Infection - What Other People Are Not Telling You About Treatment For Yeast Infection
All You Need to Know About Male Yeast Infections and How to Cure Them
Yeast Infection Or Candidiasis - Cure Yeast Infections Naturally by Practicing Homeopathic Treatment
Cure Yeast Infection Naturally - Few Effective Natural Remedies and Methods to Cure Yeast Infection
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
The Importance of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are found in certain types of food and are extremely beneficial to our health. Essentially antioxidants are substances which deactivate particles called free radicals. Free radicals can over time be very harmful to the body and cause damage to cells and DNA. This can lead to certain diseases such as cancer. A diet which is rich in antioxidants has been shown to prevent and protect the body from disease. Therefore getting plenty of antioxidants in our body is very important.
What do Antioxidants do?
Antioxidants act by deactivating, or turning off free radicals. Free radicals are particles which can be very harmful but unfortunately are not entirely avoidable on their own. Free particles come from a variety of sources such as air pollutants and cigarette smoke. Antioxidants work to protect our bodies from these free radicals which can be very damaging.
Types of Antioxidants
Vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium are all antioxidants and vital to a healthy diet and body. These antioxidants are found in many types of vegetables, fruits, and grains, and it is vital that we get the recommend amounts in our diets. If you aren’t getting the daily recommended amounts you should supplement with a multi-vitamin. However, never rely on a supplement for all your antioxidant needs since there is no proper substitute for the real thing.
Foods Containing Antioxidants
Luckily there are many varieties of foods that contain the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene. Be sure to vary your food choices to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals that you need:
• Vitamin C is primarily found in citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. Other great sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, red peppers, green peppers, yellow peppers, pineapple, and dark green veggies.
• Vitamin E is found in many vegetable oils, nuts, brown rice, legumes, whole grains, and dark leafy green vegetables.
• Selenium is found in some seafood, Brazil nuts, poultry, dairy, whole grains, onions, garlic, and wheat germ.
• Beta-carotene is found in carrots, red and yellow peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, mangos, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables. Please note this is not an exhaustive list of food containing antioxidants.
Green Tea Antioxidants
While on the seemingly never ending search for the perfect anti-aging skincare product, the industry seems to be making a shift away from the engineered and towards the natural. Skincare products made with green tea are hitting shelves and women everywhere are experiencing the amazing benefits this simple plant offers. Green tea is good for your skin thanks to the many anti-aging antioxidants it contains.
Anti aging products seem to come in all shapes and sizes these days, with everything from retinol to vitamin C being touted as the answer to all our aging woes. However, cultures that have known the benefits of green tea have lower occurrences of certain cancers and seem to age later on in life. Green tea isn’t just for tea time anymore; it’s one of the best anti-aging products to emerge in recent years.
We’ve all heard about the amazing benefits of green tea for our bodies, inside and out. But very few of us know what the properties of green tea are that makes it so good for us. Polyphenols are the secret anti-aging ingredient, as they have been proven to eliminate free radicals. This is a skincare breakthrough that some have likened to the fountain of youth.
The polyphenols in green tea do much more than just fight free radical damage, they have recently been shown to actually prolong the life of cells which helps to slow down the process of premature aging. When science combines with natural products the result is skincare products that can turn back time. This isn’t your mother’s anti-aging product!
Extracts of green tea have been used in anti aging products for years. These powerful extracts have been an important part of any preventative skincare regimen. However new research into specific polyphenols has shown that green tea skincare products can actually help skin cells to be rejuvenated. These newly energized skin cells have a longer life which in turn slows the aging process and even repairs damage already done to skin. Green tea skincare products may just be the anti-aging fountain of youth!
Ingredients in many anti-aging products are often unpronounceable and seem to do nothing more than confuse consumers. While any skincare products will have some technical ingredients, many consumers enjoy buying and using something that is familiar to them. Anti-aging products that contain ingredients that are naturally good for you, such as green tea, are becoming increasingly popular.
While skincare products that you topically apply to your skin are important to the anti-aging fight, what you put into your mouth is important as well. Many skin care companies are marketing anti aging vitamins that can help your skin from the inside out. Green tea has also been shown to be beneficial to not only utilize as a skincare product but to drink as well. Green tea truly is a powerful agent in the fight against aging.
As youth becomes more of a hot commodity as it ever was, science searches for new and innovative ways to help us look younger, longer. Many miracle skincare products have been unveiled throughout the years but nothing ever seemed to be the anti-aging cure we were looking for. While aging is inevitable, many women and men deal with premature aging, thanks to the many environmental factors, and our lifestyles as well. By adding green tea not only to your diet but to your skincare regimen as well, we may be able to help turn back the clocks just a little bit.
What do Antioxidants do?
Antioxidants act by deactivating, or turning off free radicals. Free radicals are particles which can be very harmful but unfortunately are not entirely avoidable on their own. Free particles come from a variety of sources such as air pollutants and cigarette smoke. Antioxidants work to protect our bodies from these free radicals which can be very damaging.
Types of Antioxidants
Vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium are all antioxidants and vital to a healthy diet and body. These antioxidants are found in many types of vegetables, fruits, and grains, and it is vital that we get the recommend amounts in our diets. If you aren’t getting the daily recommended amounts you should supplement with a multi-vitamin. However, never rely on a supplement for all your antioxidant needs since there is no proper substitute for the real thing.
Foods Containing Antioxidants
Luckily there are many varieties of foods that contain the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene. Be sure to vary your food choices to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals that you need:
• Vitamin C is primarily found in citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. Other great sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, red peppers, green peppers, yellow peppers, pineapple, and dark green veggies.
• Vitamin E is found in many vegetable oils, nuts, brown rice, legumes, whole grains, and dark leafy green vegetables.
• Selenium is found in some seafood, Brazil nuts, poultry, dairy, whole grains, onions, garlic, and wheat germ.
• Beta-carotene is found in carrots, red and yellow peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, mangos, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables. Please note this is not an exhaustive list of food containing antioxidants.
Green Tea Antioxidants
While on the seemingly never ending search for the perfect anti-aging skincare product, the industry seems to be making a shift away from the engineered and towards the natural. Skincare products made with green tea are hitting shelves and women everywhere are experiencing the amazing benefits this simple plant offers. Green tea is good for your skin thanks to the many anti-aging antioxidants it contains.
Anti aging products seem to come in all shapes and sizes these days, with everything from retinol to vitamin C being touted as the answer to all our aging woes. However, cultures that have known the benefits of green tea have lower occurrences of certain cancers and seem to age later on in life. Green tea isn’t just for tea time anymore; it’s one of the best anti-aging products to emerge in recent years.
We’ve all heard about the amazing benefits of green tea for our bodies, inside and out. But very few of us know what the properties of green tea are that makes it so good for us. Polyphenols are the secret anti-aging ingredient, as they have been proven to eliminate free radicals. This is a skincare breakthrough that some have likened to the fountain of youth.
The polyphenols in green tea do much more than just fight free radical damage, they have recently been shown to actually prolong the life of cells which helps to slow down the process of premature aging. When science combines with natural products the result is skincare products that can turn back time. This isn’t your mother’s anti-aging product!
Extracts of green tea have been used in anti aging products for years. These powerful extracts have been an important part of any preventative skincare regimen. However new research into specific polyphenols has shown that green tea skincare products can actually help skin cells to be rejuvenated. These newly energized skin cells have a longer life which in turn slows the aging process and even repairs damage already done to skin. Green tea skincare products may just be the anti-aging fountain of youth!
Ingredients in many anti-aging products are often unpronounceable and seem to do nothing more than confuse consumers. While any skincare products will have some technical ingredients, many consumers enjoy buying and using something that is familiar to them. Anti-aging products that contain ingredients that are naturally good for you, such as green tea, are becoming increasingly popular.
While skincare products that you topically apply to your skin are important to the anti-aging fight, what you put into your mouth is important as well. Many skin care companies are marketing anti aging vitamins that can help your skin from the inside out. Green tea has also been shown to be beneficial to not only utilize as a skincare product but to drink as well. Green tea truly is a powerful agent in the fight against aging.
As youth becomes more of a hot commodity as it ever was, science searches for new and innovative ways to help us look younger, longer. Many miracle skincare products have been unveiled throughout the years but nothing ever seemed to be the anti-aging cure we were looking for. While aging is inevitable, many women and men deal with premature aging, thanks to the many environmental factors, and our lifestyles as well. By adding green tea not only to your diet but to your skincare regimen as well, we may be able to help turn back the clocks just a little bit.
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Antioxidants,
Eating Healthy,
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Health,
Types of Antioxidants
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Taking Care of Your Skin
There is a lot of emphasis in today’s world to stay as young looking for as long as possible. There are many “miracle” products available to you that promise to keep you looking young and beautiful at any age. But how many of these products actually deliver what they promise? The honest truth is that there is no miracle product that is going to keep you looking young forever. However, taking good care of your skin can keep you looking and feeling fresh and healthy no matter how old you are.
Learn about Wrinkle Prevention
Facial wrinkles happen as you age. The skin cells begin to die at a rate faster than your body can create new ones. Skin looses its elasticity and the fine lines appear, growing deeper each year. Other than age, there are several factors that can increase the appearance of lines and deep wrinkles. Some of these include sun, diet, and anxiety. These can increase free radical damage, which in turn causes premature aging. In order to prevent wrinkles you must understand what causes them.
Sun Protection
The sun has been found to be a major factor in premature aging. The best defense against aging is protecting the skin from the sun. While it is unreasonable to try and avoid the sun at all costs, especially since a little sun exposure is good for us, there is something we can do. Wearing a moisturizer with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher can greatly reduce premature wrinkles. A SPF should also be used year-round since UVA/UVB rays are present even during the winter months. During the summer avoid the sun during the middle of the day and wear a hat when you’re outside.
Diet and Wrinkle Prevention
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can help ward off premature wrinkles, and there are certain foods that are particularly beneficial. Some of these include omega 3 fatty acids (found in food such as salmon and flax seeds), vitamin C (found in blueberries, strawberries, and citrus fruits), vitamin E (found in many seeds), and anything containing antioxidants (such as green tea).
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety have been shown to speed up aging, so being able to relax is important not only for your skin but your entire well-being as well. Many people can’t simply quite their stressful jobs or reduce their responsibilities, but there are many ways you can deal with stress. Exercise is the number one way to reduce stress. Choosing activities that are enjoyable is essential, such as swimming, walking, biking, or even dance classes. Relaxing activities are important as well. Some of these include yoga, tai chi, and meditation.
Taking Care of Your Skin without Cortisone
It seems to be the popularity among conventional doctors to treat skin conditions and diseases with medications that either doesn’t work or that have harmful or irritating side effects. There is no point in treating a skin condition with cortisone only to have the lingering side effects of cortisone within your body.
There are many natural alternatives when it comes to your skin and treating it for burns, eczema, acne, sunburn, minor wounds, or other skin conditions. Consider the
following alternatives to keep your skin healthy naturally and without the use of harmful medications:
• Aloe Vera is a natural plant that has healing properties that have been known about for many years and are often overlooked. Aloe Vera can be found as a gel form or you can purchase an Aloe Vera plant and break a leaf off the plant as you need it. If you are treating a skin disorder you will want to apply the Aloe Vera at least three times per day. If you are treating a wound you should liberally apply Aloe Vera and it can be used for as long as needed. Aloe Vera is a wonderful, natural way to heal skin conditions without any other side affects.
• Emu oil has been used for many years to treat pain and skin problems. Emu oil is very effective in the treatment of skin conditions since it has traces of three of the essential fatty acids: Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9. The oil can be used all over your body for many skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, shingles, rosacea, skin irritations, and dry skin.
• Red clover. Red clover is very effective against skin conditions that are caused by heat and dryness, such as allergic dermatitis and eczema.
• Copaiba. This natural resin is useful in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema.
• Neem. This plant is very similar to Aloe Vera and is just as beneficial in treating all kinds of skin disorders.
Learn about Wrinkle Prevention
Facial wrinkles happen as you age. The skin cells begin to die at a rate faster than your body can create new ones. Skin looses its elasticity and the fine lines appear, growing deeper each year. Other than age, there are several factors that can increase the appearance of lines and deep wrinkles. Some of these include sun, diet, and anxiety. These can increase free radical damage, which in turn causes premature aging. In order to prevent wrinkles you must understand what causes them.
Sun Protection
The sun has been found to be a major factor in premature aging. The best defense against aging is protecting the skin from the sun. While it is unreasonable to try and avoid the sun at all costs, especially since a little sun exposure is good for us, there is something we can do. Wearing a moisturizer with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher can greatly reduce premature wrinkles. A SPF should also be used year-round since UVA/UVB rays are present even during the winter months. During the summer avoid the sun during the middle of the day and wear a hat when you’re outside.
Diet and Wrinkle Prevention
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can help ward off premature wrinkles, and there are certain foods that are particularly beneficial. Some of these include omega 3 fatty acids (found in food such as salmon and flax seeds), vitamin C (found in blueberries, strawberries, and citrus fruits), vitamin E (found in many seeds), and anything containing antioxidants (such as green tea).
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety have been shown to speed up aging, so being able to relax is important not only for your skin but your entire well-being as well. Many people can’t simply quite their stressful jobs or reduce their responsibilities, but there are many ways you can deal with stress. Exercise is the number one way to reduce stress. Choosing activities that are enjoyable is essential, such as swimming, walking, biking, or even dance classes. Relaxing activities are important as well. Some of these include yoga, tai chi, and meditation.
Taking Care of Your Skin without Cortisone
It seems to be the popularity among conventional doctors to treat skin conditions and diseases with medications that either doesn’t work or that have harmful or irritating side effects. There is no point in treating a skin condition with cortisone only to have the lingering side effects of cortisone within your body.
There are many natural alternatives when it comes to your skin and treating it for burns, eczema, acne, sunburn, minor wounds, or other skin conditions. Consider the
following alternatives to keep your skin healthy naturally and without the use of harmful medications:
• Aloe Vera is a natural plant that has healing properties that have been known about for many years and are often overlooked. Aloe Vera can be found as a gel form or you can purchase an Aloe Vera plant and break a leaf off the plant as you need it. If you are treating a skin disorder you will want to apply the Aloe Vera at least three times per day. If you are treating a wound you should liberally apply Aloe Vera and it can be used for as long as needed. Aloe Vera is a wonderful, natural way to heal skin conditions without any other side affects.
• Emu oil has been used for many years to treat pain and skin problems. Emu oil is very effective in the treatment of skin conditions since it has traces of three of the essential fatty acids: Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9. The oil can be used all over your body for many skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, shingles, rosacea, skin irritations, and dry skin.
• Red clover. Red clover is very effective against skin conditions that are caused by heat and dryness, such as allergic dermatitis and eczema.
• Copaiba. This natural resin is useful in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema.
• Neem. This plant is very similar to Aloe Vera and is just as beneficial in treating all kinds of skin disorders.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Rheumatic Disease
"What is the single most important dietetic factor in causing Rheumatic Disease?
There are multiple dietary factors that may be responsible, and they will differ greatly from person to person. If you had to pick one single factor, it would be the usage of refined carbohydrates and overeating. An excess of even natural carbohydrates can be a potent contributing factor in some people. Food allergies are also a contributing factor in many patients. Some patients have eaten so much in the way of refined carbohydrate or excess carbohydrate overall over a number of years that they have thrown off their insulin/glucagon balance leading to an imbalance of eicosanoids with resulting lowered immunity and increased inflammatory responses."
Some things to keep in mind if you or someone you know is suffering from Rheumatic Disease include:
• Sugar is inflammatory: Thus sugar causes inflammation.
• Inflammation may cause intestinal permeability: Intestinal permeability may develop numerous food allergens.
• Daily intake of food allergens cause further long term inflammation.
• Long term inflammation may initiate autoimmune disease as the immune system is hyperactive.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.
• Remove food allergens.
• Restore intestinal health.
• These reduce inflammation.
• Reduced inflammation leads to a quiet immune system.
• Quiet immune system leads to dormancy of autoimmune disease.
Learning to control your diet is a major part of controlling Rheumatic Disease.
There are multiple dietary factors that may be responsible, and they will differ greatly from person to person. If you had to pick one single factor, it would be the usage of refined carbohydrates and overeating. An excess of even natural carbohydrates can be a potent contributing factor in some people. Food allergies are also a contributing factor in many patients. Some patients have eaten so much in the way of refined carbohydrate or excess carbohydrate overall over a number of years that they have thrown off their insulin/glucagon balance leading to an imbalance of eicosanoids with resulting lowered immunity and increased inflammatory responses."
Some things to keep in mind if you or someone you know is suffering from Rheumatic Disease include:
• Sugar is inflammatory: Thus sugar causes inflammation.
• Inflammation may cause intestinal permeability: Intestinal permeability may develop numerous food allergens.
• Daily intake of food allergens cause further long term inflammation.
• Long term inflammation may initiate autoimmune disease as the immune system is hyperactive.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.
• Remove food allergens.
• Restore intestinal health.
• These reduce inflammation.
• Reduced inflammation leads to a quiet immune system.
• Quiet immune system leads to dormancy of autoimmune disease.
Learning to control your diet is a major part of controlling Rheumatic Disease.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Diet Correctly
The word diet strikes fear in the heart of many of us, but diet doesn’t have to be a bad word. Learning how to eat healthy is a diet habit that we can do for the rest of our lives. Most people think of diet as being something that you do until your lose a certain amount of weight, and then you go back to regular eating. This is the precise reason why most diets fail; they are impossible to sustain in the long run. Learning how to diet right will help you get to a healthy weight and stay there.
Staying away from fad diets is vital to losing weight successfully. Low carbohydrate diets are a good example of this. Millions of people swear by the latest low carb craze, but how many of us know a friend or coworker who had lost a shocking amount of weight in a short period of time, only to gain it back in an even shorter period? Carbohydrates are an important part of a complete and healthy diet, so they certainly can’t be omitted forever. While your body may lose weight while on the diet, you’re bound to gain it back when you start eating carbs again.
Everyone knows that too much fat is a bad thing. While certain fats are very good for us, many people on low carb diets are getting too much of the bad fats, i.e. animal fats. It is a shame that people are so concerned with losing weight that they lose sight of the fact that their wonder diet may actually be doing their body harm.
Approaching losing weight with an attitude of health and longevity is the secret to dieting success.
Calorie counting can be a great way to learn how many calories you are consuming each day compared to how many you are using. If you consume more than you use, you will gain weight. However, this type of dieting can be done to the extreme as well which is unhealthy. Make sure you discuss what range of calories you should be consuming each day to make sure you’re getting the recommended amounts.
Calorie counting can actually be detrimental to your diet. If you find yourself constantly hungry your body is probably in starvation mode. This means that your metabolism slows down and any calories consumed are stored as fat. Not exactly what you want to have happen. Be sure to eat a wide variety of food and get the required calories so that you’re losing weight in a healthy way.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to diet and lose weight. He or she can give you a recommended plan, or even put you in touch with a nutritionist who can help you look at your current eating habits and how to change them.
Adapting Recipes for Good Health
Most of the recipes of some of our favorite foods are full of fat and calories, as well as other ingredients that people with food allergies and intolerances aren’t able to eat. However, most of these recipes can be altered and adapted to suit anyone’s dietary restrictions. All it takes is a bit of knowledge about what makes a recipe healthy and how you can make these alterations so that the recipe still tastes good.
Having restrictions on what you eat doesn’t mean that you have to give up food that tastes great or that you need to limit yourself to what you eat. By incorporating some of the following changes to any recipe you’ll be able to add lots more food ideas to your daily food plan.
One of the most important things that you can do to reduce the number of calories that a recipe has is to cut back on the amount of sugar that you’re using. No matter how much sugar that a recipe calls for, you can reduce the sugar by 1/3 of the original amount. To keep the taste of the recipe you can add nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla flavoring. Recipes that can be successfully adapted by reducing the amount of sugar include cakes and cookies, muffins, quick breads, fruit recipes, custards, and puddings.
Reducing the amount of fat in recipes is important if you need to watch the fat content in your daily diet. You can reduce the amount of total fat used in recipes by up to 1/3 without significantly altering the texture of the recipe or the way that it tastes.
For cake recipes a general rule to follow is to use 2 tablespoons of fat for every cup of flour that you’re using. For cookie recipes you can add apple juice as you reduce fat by 1/3 but you may have to add a bit more flour to get the cookie recipe to the right consistency.
Many recipes use too much salt that is entirely unnecessary for the taste of the dish. You can reduce the amount of salt that you use in a recipe by up to 1/2 (for some recipes you can eliminate salt altogether) by using salt-free seasonings, herbs, and spices to get the taste and flavor that you’re looking for. Adding garlic to many main dishes is a great way to get added flavor without the use of salt.
Changing recipes for health is easy once you’ve adapted one or two recipes. You’ll find that you can eat the foods that you want by making modifications to any recipe to improve the overall health and nutrition of the final product.
Staying away from fad diets is vital to losing weight successfully. Low carbohydrate diets are a good example of this. Millions of people swear by the latest low carb craze, but how many of us know a friend or coworker who had lost a shocking amount of weight in a short period of time, only to gain it back in an even shorter period? Carbohydrates are an important part of a complete and healthy diet, so they certainly can’t be omitted forever. While your body may lose weight while on the diet, you’re bound to gain it back when you start eating carbs again.
Everyone knows that too much fat is a bad thing. While certain fats are very good for us, many people on low carb diets are getting too much of the bad fats, i.e. animal fats. It is a shame that people are so concerned with losing weight that they lose sight of the fact that their wonder diet may actually be doing their body harm.
Approaching losing weight with an attitude of health and longevity is the secret to dieting success.
Calorie counting can be a great way to learn how many calories you are consuming each day compared to how many you are using. If you consume more than you use, you will gain weight. However, this type of dieting can be done to the extreme as well which is unhealthy. Make sure you discuss what range of calories you should be consuming each day to make sure you’re getting the recommended amounts.
Calorie counting can actually be detrimental to your diet. If you find yourself constantly hungry your body is probably in starvation mode. This means that your metabolism slows down and any calories consumed are stored as fat. Not exactly what you want to have happen. Be sure to eat a wide variety of food and get the required calories so that you’re losing weight in a healthy way.
Talking to your doctor is the best way to diet and lose weight. He or she can give you a recommended plan, or even put you in touch with a nutritionist who can help you look at your current eating habits and how to change them.
Adapting Recipes for Good Health
Most of the recipes of some of our favorite foods are full of fat and calories, as well as other ingredients that people with food allergies and intolerances aren’t able to eat. However, most of these recipes can be altered and adapted to suit anyone’s dietary restrictions. All it takes is a bit of knowledge about what makes a recipe healthy and how you can make these alterations so that the recipe still tastes good.
Having restrictions on what you eat doesn’t mean that you have to give up food that tastes great or that you need to limit yourself to what you eat. By incorporating some of the following changes to any recipe you’ll be able to add lots more food ideas to your daily food plan.
One of the most important things that you can do to reduce the number of calories that a recipe has is to cut back on the amount of sugar that you’re using. No matter how much sugar that a recipe calls for, you can reduce the sugar by 1/3 of the original amount. To keep the taste of the recipe you can add nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla flavoring. Recipes that can be successfully adapted by reducing the amount of sugar include cakes and cookies, muffins, quick breads, fruit recipes, custards, and puddings.
Reducing the amount of fat in recipes is important if you need to watch the fat content in your daily diet. You can reduce the amount of total fat used in recipes by up to 1/3 without significantly altering the texture of the recipe or the way that it tastes.
For cake recipes a general rule to follow is to use 2 tablespoons of fat for every cup of flour that you’re using. For cookie recipes you can add apple juice as you reduce fat by 1/3 but you may have to add a bit more flour to get the cookie recipe to the right consistency.
Many recipes use too much salt that is entirely unnecessary for the taste of the dish. You can reduce the amount of salt that you use in a recipe by up to 1/2 (for some recipes you can eliminate salt altogether) by using salt-free seasonings, herbs, and spices to get the taste and flavor that you’re looking for. Adding garlic to many main dishes is a great way to get added flavor without the use of salt.
Changing recipes for health is easy once you’ve adapted one or two recipes. You’ll find that you can eat the foods that you want by making modifications to any recipe to improve the overall health and nutrition of the final product.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Eating Healthy
When it comes to healthy eating there are many different aspects to consider. Perhaps the easiest to place to start is by understanding what your food is all about. Your focus should be to try to eat a diet that is balanced and nutritious.
Eating a balanced diet means getting all of the five basic food groups each day. A great guide is the food pyramid which tells you how many servings of each food group you should be getting each day. A balanced diet means eating a wide variety of foods and eating everything in moderation.
The Five Food Groups
The five food groups are grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and meat/meat alternatives. A balanced diet will contain something from each of these food groups every day. Some food groups require more servings than other, for instance you should be eating more vegetables than dairy. There is also another part of the food pyramid, which is oils and sweets, which don’t necessarily need to be part of your daily meals and should be consumed with discretion. Each recommended daily serving depends on several factors such as age and activity level. This should be taken into account when determining your personal daily food pyramid.
It is recommended that to eat a healthy, balanced diet you should have from three to five servings of vegetables a day. Vegetables are a primary source of vitamins and minerals and we cannot live without them. Fresh vegetables are the best choice but cooked vegetables and vegetable juice are also acceptable. Try to eat a large variety of vegetables each day, including many different colors.
Fruits are also full of vitamins and minerals. You should have anywhere from two to four servings of fruit a day. If you are choosing fruit juice make sure it is 100% and has no sugar added. You should also try and choose whole fruits as much as possible since they have the added bonus of fiber.
The dairy group includes milk, yogurt, and cheese. Two to three servings a day is recommended and you should try and choose low-fat options. Dairy is an important provider of calcium and other vitamins. If you are lactose intolerant or vegan it is important that you get these vitamins elsewhere. Soy milk is a great option.
It is recommended that you get anywhere from six to eleven servings of grains each day, depending on your age and activity level. Grains include bread, rice, pasta, and cereal. Try and choose whole grains and avoid the “white” grains such as white bread and white rice. You can find almost all grain foods in a whole grain variety, including pasta and bread.
Meat and meat alternatives are an important source of protein and many other vitamins and minerals. Some foods that fall into this category include fish, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, beans, nuts, and of course tofu. The recommend daily servings are between two and three. Try to choose leaner meats since they have fewer animal fats which aren’t healthy.
Try and limit this food group as much as possible. Remember a little fat is good for you, preferably in the form of vegetable oils such as flax seed oil.
Learn about Losing Weight
At some point in time almost everyone wants to lose a little weight. Whether you have five pounds to lose or a hundred pounds, losing weight can be very difficult and frustrating. Everyone is different but there are certain fundamentals which we must understand in order to lose weight and keep it off.
A good rule of thumb on how much weight you need to lose (if any) is the body mass index, or BMI. The BMI takes into account your height and give you a weight range in which you should fall into. Determining your BMI will give you a good idea of how much weight you can safely lose, or if you don’t need to lose any.
With all the fad diets out there it can seem very confusing which way is the best way to lose weight. Everyone has heard the many diet myths and many of us jump from diet fad to fad in hopes of permanently losing our excess weight. When it comes down to it weight loss is no great mystery. If the calories you consume in a day exceed the calories you use, you will gain weight. If you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. If the calories consumed and used are approximately the same you will stay the same weight.
Many people loath the thought of calorie counting, but getting a good idea of how much calories are in your food is a great way to either lose or maintain weight. Start by figuring out approximately how many calories are in your daily meals, and soon it will actually become second nature. You don’t need to be exact down to the calorie but a general idea should help you. It is also important that you know how many calories your body needs to function properly and ensure you never go below that number.
One of the biggest diet traps is portion sizes. In today’s society our portion sizes are often double what they would have been only 30 years ago. Try taking smaller amounts of food and eating slowly, thus allowing the stomach to signal the brain that it is full. Eating smaller meals throughout the day is another great way to control portion size. Many people eat large meals because by the time their scheduled meal time rolls around they are starving. If you go out to eat, getting half your meal wrapped up for later is a great way to control your portions.
Diet and exercise go hand in hand when it comes to weight loss. Getting some sort of exercise everyday is important for our health. Even if you just go for a 30 minute walk everyday you are still contributing. Losing weight means a lifestyle change for most people that include healthy and nutritious food as well as getting your body on the move.
Eating a balanced diet means getting all of the five basic food groups each day. A great guide is the food pyramid which tells you how many servings of each food group you should be getting each day. A balanced diet means eating a wide variety of foods and eating everything in moderation.
The Five Food Groups
The five food groups are grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and meat/meat alternatives. A balanced diet will contain something from each of these food groups every day. Some food groups require more servings than other, for instance you should be eating more vegetables than dairy. There is also another part of the food pyramid, which is oils and sweets, which don’t necessarily need to be part of your daily meals and should be consumed with discretion. Each recommended daily serving depends on several factors such as age and activity level. This should be taken into account when determining your personal daily food pyramid.
It is recommended that to eat a healthy, balanced diet you should have from three to five servings of vegetables a day. Vegetables are a primary source of vitamins and minerals and we cannot live without them. Fresh vegetables are the best choice but cooked vegetables and vegetable juice are also acceptable. Try to eat a large variety of vegetables each day, including many different colors.
Fruits are also full of vitamins and minerals. You should have anywhere from two to four servings of fruit a day. If you are choosing fruit juice make sure it is 100% and has no sugar added. You should also try and choose whole fruits as much as possible since they have the added bonus of fiber.
The dairy group includes milk, yogurt, and cheese. Two to three servings a day is recommended and you should try and choose low-fat options. Dairy is an important provider of calcium and other vitamins. If you are lactose intolerant or vegan it is important that you get these vitamins elsewhere. Soy milk is a great option.
It is recommended that you get anywhere from six to eleven servings of grains each day, depending on your age and activity level. Grains include bread, rice, pasta, and cereal. Try and choose whole grains and avoid the “white” grains such as white bread and white rice. You can find almost all grain foods in a whole grain variety, including pasta and bread.
Meat and meat alternatives are an important source of protein and many other vitamins and minerals. Some foods that fall into this category include fish, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, beans, nuts, and of course tofu. The recommend daily servings are between two and three. Try to choose leaner meats since they have fewer animal fats which aren’t healthy.
Try and limit this food group as much as possible. Remember a little fat is good for you, preferably in the form of vegetable oils such as flax seed oil.
Learn about Losing Weight
At some point in time almost everyone wants to lose a little weight. Whether you have five pounds to lose or a hundred pounds, losing weight can be very difficult and frustrating. Everyone is different but there are certain fundamentals which we must understand in order to lose weight and keep it off.
A good rule of thumb on how much weight you need to lose (if any) is the body mass index, or BMI. The BMI takes into account your height and give you a weight range in which you should fall into. Determining your BMI will give you a good idea of how much weight you can safely lose, or if you don’t need to lose any.
With all the fad diets out there it can seem very confusing which way is the best way to lose weight. Everyone has heard the many diet myths and many of us jump from diet fad to fad in hopes of permanently losing our excess weight. When it comes down to it weight loss is no great mystery. If the calories you consume in a day exceed the calories you use, you will gain weight. If you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight. If the calories consumed and used are approximately the same you will stay the same weight.
Many people loath the thought of calorie counting, but getting a good idea of how much calories are in your food is a great way to either lose or maintain weight. Start by figuring out approximately how many calories are in your daily meals, and soon it will actually become second nature. You don’t need to be exact down to the calorie but a general idea should help you. It is also important that you know how many calories your body needs to function properly and ensure you never go below that number.
One of the biggest diet traps is portion sizes. In today’s society our portion sizes are often double what they would have been only 30 years ago. Try taking smaller amounts of food and eating slowly, thus allowing the stomach to signal the brain that it is full. Eating smaller meals throughout the day is another great way to control portion size. Many people eat large meals because by the time their scheduled meal time rolls around they are starving. If you go out to eat, getting half your meal wrapped up for later is a great way to control your portions.
Diet and exercise go hand in hand when it comes to weight loss. Getting some sort of exercise everyday is important for our health. Even if you just go for a 30 minute walk everyday you are still contributing. Losing weight means a lifestyle change for most people that include healthy and nutritious food as well as getting your body on the move.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Your Health and Effectively Treating Arthritis
Arthritis is a disease that affects thousands of people each year. In most cases doctors will be agreeable to prescribe medication to you for both the disease and for the pain that is associated with all forms of arthritis. There are many natural and alternative ways to treat arthritis and the symptoms associated with it.
One of the first things that you may want to consider is looking at your diet and what you are putting into your body. Studies show that there may be a direct correlation between what you eat and your risk of arthritis. These studies showed that those people who ate a diet that was rich in certain vitamins and antioxidants had a reduced risk of pain associated with arthritis as well as further progression of the disease. The vitamins and antioxidants in question are as follows:
• Vitamin E. Studies show that a dietary supplement of Vitamin E helps to reduce arthritis inflammation.
• Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to slow all forms of arthritis as well as reduce knee and joint pain.
• Beta-carotene. Beta-carotene works the same as Vitamin C in reducing inflammation and slowing down arthritis.
• Lutein (antioxidant). Studies show that lutein lowers the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
• Lycopene (antioxicant). Lycopene is another antioxidant that is effect for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Exercise is also very important in the treatment of arthritis. Many people with all forms of arthritis avoid exercise due to the pain but it is important to keep as mobile as possible and to incorporate some form of beneficial exercise into your daily routine. Exercises that work well with all forms of arthritis include Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Both of these exercise methods but little strain on your muscles and limbs, therefore giving you the movement that you need.
Living with the chronic pain of arthritis and osteoarthritis takes a great deal of courage and perseverance. Try to include some of the about herbs and supplements into your diet to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort that arthritis causes.
One of the first things that you may want to consider is looking at your diet and what you are putting into your body. Studies show that there may be a direct correlation between what you eat and your risk of arthritis. These studies showed that those people who ate a diet that was rich in certain vitamins and antioxidants had a reduced risk of pain associated with arthritis as well as further progression of the disease. The vitamins and antioxidants in question are as follows:
• Vitamin E. Studies show that a dietary supplement of Vitamin E helps to reduce arthritis inflammation.
• Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to slow all forms of arthritis as well as reduce knee and joint pain.
• Beta-carotene. Beta-carotene works the same as Vitamin C in reducing inflammation and slowing down arthritis.
• Lutein (antioxidant). Studies show that lutein lowers the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
• Lycopene (antioxicant). Lycopene is another antioxidant that is effect for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Exercise is also very important in the treatment of arthritis. Many people with all forms of arthritis avoid exercise due to the pain but it is important to keep as mobile as possible and to incorporate some form of beneficial exercise into your daily routine. Exercises that work well with all forms of arthritis include Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Both of these exercise methods but little strain on your muscles and limbs, therefore giving you the movement that you need.
Living with the chronic pain of arthritis and osteoarthritis takes a great deal of courage and perseverance. Try to include some of the about herbs and supplements into your diet to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort that arthritis causes.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Fitness in Small Steps
One of the fatal mistakes that many people make when they’re deciding to get into shape is to tackle the entire concept of “fitness” at one time. Incorporating fitness into your life takes time and won’t happen overnight. Your body, mind, and spirit need time to adjust to the many changes that will be happening as you start to add exercise to your daily routine. This is why fitness in small steps is so important and will ensure that you’re less likely to quit when you become overwhelmed with the changes in your life.
The first thing that you need to do is start moving. If you haven’t been active in a while you’ll want to start by adding walking to your day. You need to walk for at least 30 minutes each day before you start to see changes in your fitness level. You may decide that you want to continue walking after you’ve become more fit, or you may decide that you want to start power walking or hiking so that you can start to increase your fitness level.
Make sure that you invest in a good pair of walking shoes so that your feet are well supported and cushioned as you walk. If you get sore feet from walking you won’t want to continue your fitness routine. You might also want to buy a pedometer so that you can keep track of how far you walk each day.
For the first couple of weeks stick to the same walking routine so that you get used to some type of fitness. You should measure the distance that you walk, as well as how long it takes you each day to walk this distance, so that you have a measuring stick against which you can calculate your fitness progress. After a couple of weeks you can add some distance to the original total so that you’re slowly starting to walk more and more each week. This way you won’t injure yourself by attempting to do more than your body is ready for.
Besides your daily walking routine you can find any and all ways to get moving. This means taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car around the corner from your destination and walking a block or two, and leaving your car at home whenever you can. Your goal for fitness is to get moving and to keep moving.
After a couple months of taking the above small steps towards fitness you’ll start to see a significant change in your fitness level. You’ll find that you feel better, have more energy, are sleeping more soundly, and feel better about yourself.
Chinese Forms of Exercise
There are specific Chinese forms of exercise that you will want to concentrate on when are introducing Chinese medicine into your life. These forms of Chinese exercise include:
• T’ai Chi. This form of Chinese exercise uses movement to achieve peace and harmony in your mind and body.
• Martial arts. Use a variety of marital arts, such as Kung Fu, to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
• Qi Gong. This form of Chinese activity combines breathing exercises and mental exercises to prevent as well as treat health problems and disease.
The more different types of exercise that you can include in your week the most results you will see in your level of physical health. The combination of diet and exercise are very important parts of Chinese medicine.
The first thing that you need to do is start moving. If you haven’t been active in a while you’ll want to start by adding walking to your day. You need to walk for at least 30 minutes each day before you start to see changes in your fitness level. You may decide that you want to continue walking after you’ve become more fit, or you may decide that you want to start power walking or hiking so that you can start to increase your fitness level.
Make sure that you invest in a good pair of walking shoes so that your feet are well supported and cushioned as you walk. If you get sore feet from walking you won’t want to continue your fitness routine. You might also want to buy a pedometer so that you can keep track of how far you walk each day.
For the first couple of weeks stick to the same walking routine so that you get used to some type of fitness. You should measure the distance that you walk, as well as how long it takes you each day to walk this distance, so that you have a measuring stick against which you can calculate your fitness progress. After a couple of weeks you can add some distance to the original total so that you’re slowly starting to walk more and more each week. This way you won’t injure yourself by attempting to do more than your body is ready for.
Besides your daily walking routine you can find any and all ways to get moving. This means taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car around the corner from your destination and walking a block or two, and leaving your car at home whenever you can. Your goal for fitness is to get moving and to keep moving.
After a couple months of taking the above small steps towards fitness you’ll start to see a significant change in your fitness level. You’ll find that you feel better, have more energy, are sleeping more soundly, and feel better about yourself.
Chinese Forms of Exercise
There are specific Chinese forms of exercise that you will want to concentrate on when are introducing Chinese medicine into your life. These forms of Chinese exercise include:
• T’ai Chi. This form of Chinese exercise uses movement to achieve peace and harmony in your mind and body.
• Martial arts. Use a variety of marital arts, such as Kung Fu, to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
• Qi Gong. This form of Chinese activity combines breathing exercises and mental exercises to prevent as well as treat health problems and disease.
The more different types of exercise that you can include in your week the most results you will see in your level of physical health. The combination of diet and exercise are very important parts of Chinese medicine.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Making Exercise a Fun Part of Your Life
Leading a healthy lifestyle means eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. But what do you do if exercise is that one thing that you can’t bring yourself to follow through with on a regular basis? There are many forms of exercise that you can incorporate into your life that are fun to do and participate in so that you get the workout that you need to stay fit and healthy.
One way that you get moving is to join a sports team. There are many types of sports that you can choose to play depending on your interests: basketball, soccer, volleyball, or baseball. When you play on a team you’ll find yourself getting the physical activity that your body and heart needs without having to spend hours each week motivating yourself to make it to the gym.
Group exercises are another choice that you can make when it comes to getting in your weekly quota of physical fitness. Group exercises generally take place at the gym and more and more fitness centers are offering group exercises that are fun and a step away from the normal and boring routine of lifting weights.
Some popular choices of group exercises include belly dancing, kickboxing, hip hop dance, Pilates, and all levels of step classes. When you exercise with a group of people you’re often more motivated to keep going since being part of a team with the similar goal of getting in shape is a powerful incentive.
Another way that you can introduce and maintain an adequate level of fitness in your life is to find an activity that you enjoy doing. Don’t join the ranks of people at the gym, only because it’s the “in” thing to do to stay in shape, if you hate lifting weights or walking on the treadmill. Find something that you love to do that gets you up and
moving.
Some choices that you might want to consider include biking, hiking, canoeing, or power walking. All of these fitness activities will give your heart the required workout, strengthen your muscles, and get your body mobile.
If you like being around other people who share your same fitness interests you can join a biking or hiking club, joining others just like you as you plan your workout. Or you may find that you enjoy biking by yourself, using it as the perfect opportunity to become Zen-like and focus on your own thoughts.
No matter where you are in your life fitness should become a daily part of your routine. Pregnant women can stay in shape by modifying their exercise routine so that it’s safe for every stage of pregnancy. And seniors need to keep their bodies and muscles toned so that they can combat the effects of aging, such as arthritis.
Exercise is essential if you’re going to lead and maintain a healthy life. Find you favorite form of exercise and stick with it so you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy body and mind.
One way that you get moving is to join a sports team. There are many types of sports that you can choose to play depending on your interests: basketball, soccer, volleyball, or baseball. When you play on a team you’ll find yourself getting the physical activity that your body and heart needs without having to spend hours each week motivating yourself to make it to the gym.
Group exercises are another choice that you can make when it comes to getting in your weekly quota of physical fitness. Group exercises generally take place at the gym and more and more fitness centers are offering group exercises that are fun and a step away from the normal and boring routine of lifting weights.
Some popular choices of group exercises include belly dancing, kickboxing, hip hop dance, Pilates, and all levels of step classes. When you exercise with a group of people you’re often more motivated to keep going since being part of a team with the similar goal of getting in shape is a powerful incentive.
Another way that you can introduce and maintain an adequate level of fitness in your life is to find an activity that you enjoy doing. Don’t join the ranks of people at the gym, only because it’s the “in” thing to do to stay in shape, if you hate lifting weights or walking on the treadmill. Find something that you love to do that gets you up and
moving.
Some choices that you might want to consider include biking, hiking, canoeing, or power walking. All of these fitness activities will give your heart the required workout, strengthen your muscles, and get your body mobile.
If you like being around other people who share your same fitness interests you can join a biking or hiking club, joining others just like you as you plan your workout. Or you may find that you enjoy biking by yourself, using it as the perfect opportunity to become Zen-like and focus on your own thoughts.
No matter where you are in your life fitness should become a daily part of your routine. Pregnant women can stay in shape by modifying their exercise routine so that it’s safe for every stage of pregnancy. And seniors need to keep their bodies and muscles toned so that they can combat the effects of aging, such as arthritis.
Exercise is essential if you’re going to lead and maintain a healthy life. Find you favorite form of exercise and stick with it so you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy body and mind.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Adding Exercise to Your Life
Getting exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are many different types of exercise that you can do, each of which is can be beneficial to your body in a different way.
How Exercise Benefits the Body
Exercise is essentially movement using certain muscle groups. By this definition just about any sort of activity can be considered exercise. Muscles require energy to move them and so the body focuses on using its energy to help the muscles. For instance the heart pumps faster in order to get blood to the muscles faster. The more your muscles and body work to keep going the stronger they become.
There are many benefits to exercising, such as increased energy, weight loss, and even reducing the risk for certain diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. Exercise is very important, especially given the sedentary lifestyle that most Americans tend to lead.
If you want to lose weight and keep it off, exercise must be added to your daily routines. Exercise burns calories which in turn can mean stored fat if you are burning more calories a day than you are consuming. However, if you are starting any exercise regimen it is important that you are still getting enough calories each day to sustain your body’s functions. A healthy diet combined with a varied exercise regimen is a surefire formula for successful weight loss and maintenance.
Types of Exercise
There are many different types of exercise, such as running, biking, aerobic classes, yoga, and walking. Many people argue on the best type of exercise, for instance running may get your heart rate going but it can also be very hard on your joints. The best strategy for incorporating beneficial exercise into your lifestyle is to do a variety of exercises. For instance a good exercise regimen will include both cardio (biking, swimming, running) with weight training.
Before you begin any new exercise regimen it is very important that you consult your doctor beforehand and start off very slowly. It can take some time for your body to get used to exercising and sports injuries are very common. Stretching the muscles that will be used beforehand is a great way to avoid injuries and warm the muscles up before engaging them in strenuous exercise.
Learn about Pilates
Pilates is a type of exercise that has seen great popularity in recent years. Pilates was created by Joseph H Pilates in the early 1900s. Pilates was first done using a series of machines that are designed to stretch the body in certain ways. Pilates can also be done without the help of any machines with the use of only a floor mat. Pilates often focuses on the “core” muscles which are around your midsection. Pilates aims to tone and strengthen the body’s muscles without adding bulk.
Anyone can practice Pilates since it is low impact and gentle on the body. Even pregnant women can typically practice some form of Pilates, although they should do so under strict supervision. Pilates can be done anywhere from an expensive studio with all the machines to a fitness class using only a floor mat, or even in your home. Pilates is very versatile and can be modifying to fit into almost everyone’s fitness levels.
There are many benefits to Pilates since it is such a low impact workout. Pilates works to strengthen your body’s muscles, particularly your core muscles. These primarily include your abs and back, as well as your legs in some moves. Pilates can help to align your body and make the body lithe and flexible. Pilates also helps you to learn to breathe full breathes and can be very relaxing, despite the often intense workout your muscles are getting. Regardless of your fitness level, it is important that you take any Pilates instructions very seriously and follow them exactly. Proper form is vital in a successful Pilates practice.
If you are new to Pilates getting a good understanding of how it works and what benefits you can expect to see are very important. If you belong to a gym or health club, most offer some type of Pilates class or private instruction. Getting instruction from an experienced instructor is important since the positioning of the body is very important in Pilates. If you prefer to do your Pilates practice at home there are hundreds of videos you can buy or rent that show a complete Pilates workout. Always start with a beginner Pilates workout even if you feel you have a more advanced fitness level since Pilates can often work muscles that you may not be used to. Be careful and gentle with your body. You should also remember to always discuss any new fitness regimen with your doctor before beginning.
How Exercise Benefits the Body
Exercise is essentially movement using certain muscle groups. By this definition just about any sort of activity can be considered exercise. Muscles require energy to move them and so the body focuses on using its energy to help the muscles. For instance the heart pumps faster in order to get blood to the muscles faster. The more your muscles and body work to keep going the stronger they become.
There are many benefits to exercising, such as increased energy, weight loss, and even reducing the risk for certain diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. Exercise is very important, especially given the sedentary lifestyle that most Americans tend to lead.
If you want to lose weight and keep it off, exercise must be added to your daily routines. Exercise burns calories which in turn can mean stored fat if you are burning more calories a day than you are consuming. However, if you are starting any exercise regimen it is important that you are still getting enough calories each day to sustain your body’s functions. A healthy diet combined with a varied exercise regimen is a surefire formula for successful weight loss and maintenance.
Types of Exercise
There are many different types of exercise, such as running, biking, aerobic classes, yoga, and walking. Many people argue on the best type of exercise, for instance running may get your heart rate going but it can also be very hard on your joints. The best strategy for incorporating beneficial exercise into your lifestyle is to do a variety of exercises. For instance a good exercise regimen will include both cardio (biking, swimming, running) with weight training.
Before you begin any new exercise regimen it is very important that you consult your doctor beforehand and start off very slowly. It can take some time for your body to get used to exercising and sports injuries are very common. Stretching the muscles that will be used beforehand is a great way to avoid injuries and warm the muscles up before engaging them in strenuous exercise.
Learn about Pilates
Pilates is a type of exercise that has seen great popularity in recent years. Pilates was created by Joseph H Pilates in the early 1900s. Pilates was first done using a series of machines that are designed to stretch the body in certain ways. Pilates can also be done without the help of any machines with the use of only a floor mat. Pilates often focuses on the “core” muscles which are around your midsection. Pilates aims to tone and strengthen the body’s muscles without adding bulk.
Anyone can practice Pilates since it is low impact and gentle on the body. Even pregnant women can typically practice some form of Pilates, although they should do so under strict supervision. Pilates can be done anywhere from an expensive studio with all the machines to a fitness class using only a floor mat, or even in your home. Pilates is very versatile and can be modifying to fit into almost everyone’s fitness levels.
There are many benefits to Pilates since it is such a low impact workout. Pilates works to strengthen your body’s muscles, particularly your core muscles. These primarily include your abs and back, as well as your legs in some moves. Pilates can help to align your body and make the body lithe and flexible. Pilates also helps you to learn to breathe full breathes and can be very relaxing, despite the often intense workout your muscles are getting. Regardless of your fitness level, it is important that you take any Pilates instructions very seriously and follow them exactly. Proper form is vital in a successful Pilates practice.
If you are new to Pilates getting a good understanding of how it works and what benefits you can expect to see are very important. If you belong to a gym or health club, most offer some type of Pilates class or private instruction. Getting instruction from an experienced instructor is important since the positioning of the body is very important in Pilates. If you prefer to do your Pilates practice at home there are hundreds of videos you can buy or rent that show a complete Pilates workout. Always start with a beginner Pilates workout even if you feel you have a more advanced fitness level since Pilates can often work muscles that you may not be used to. Be careful and gentle with your body. You should also remember to always discuss any new fitness regimen with your doctor before beginning.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Welcome
Hi all! Welcome to Get Ready To Live Healthier!
Are you ready to take the steps to live a healthier life? These days more and more of us want to make changes in our life so that we live healthier and happier lives. This blog will point you in the right direction towards making significant changes in your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
In the coming post, I will cover at least ten categories of health that will make a huge improvement in your life. You will not only feel better physically, but you will also have that positive mental health that is so vital to your spirit.
Don’t put off tomorrow what you can start today. Listed in this tiny blog are small ways that you can get started in improving your health no matter what your specific health circumstances are. Whether you are young or old, in the middle of your pregnancy, or the parent of baby or young child, this blog has the answers you need to improve your health and the health of those you love.
Stay tune
Are you ready to take the steps to live a healthier life? These days more and more of us want to make changes in our life so that we live healthier and happier lives. This blog will point you in the right direction towards making significant changes in your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
In the coming post, I will cover at least ten categories of health that will make a huge improvement in your life. You will not only feel better physically, but you will also have that positive mental health that is so vital to your spirit.
Don’t put off tomorrow what you can start today. Listed in this tiny blog are small ways that you can get started in improving your health no matter what your specific health circumstances are. Whether you are young or old, in the middle of your pregnancy, or the parent of baby or young child, this blog has the answers you need to improve your health and the health of those you love.
Stay tune
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