Archive for the ‘Food’ Category
Almost everybody’s wishlist includes hitting the gym, dieting, and getting fit. No wonder that a long list of diet crazes seems to emerge as often as the latest style and fashion trends set in. Over the recent years, people especially women, are becoming predisposed to think that the ultra-thin bodies of models who walk the runway are the new standard of beauty and fitness, leading most to crash diet and lose too much weight too fast. On the opposite end, there are also those who suffer to another very real health problem nowadays which is obesity. This is due mostly to the abounding of junk foods and sweet treats that people indulge in which have driven junk and sugar cravings out of control. In addition to this is the thriving of fast food phenomenon in today’s society which has lead to a lifestyle of people thinking that a balanced diet is composed of a large soda, burger and fries. So it’s about time we get the lowdown on fad diets and reveal what really works to stay lean for life.
The safest way to having and maintaining a healthy and lean body will remain to be the basics: eating healthy and engaging in a meaningful physical activity. Eating healthy means consuming the recommended daily quantities of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. The body needs a daily supply of all of these nutrients to avoid disordered metabolism that may lead to serious deficiencies and diseases. However, it is recommended to eat the following in moderation: dairy products, sugary foods like cakes and chocolates, refined foods such as white breads and white sugar, fried and fatty foods, crisps and chips, carbonated drinks, jams and preserves. Furthermore, health experts advise to eating a hearty breakfast, a substantial lunch, and a light supper. This is mainly due to the fact that little to no physical activity is most likely to happen in the evening.
Another sure way to having a healthy and lean body is through exercise. Exercise or any other forms of physical activity brings beneficial effects to our bodies. First off, improved blood circulation is achieved from moving. A lifestyle of engaging in exercise keeps one’s figure toned, and weight maintained at the proper level. This would result to a stronger, more agile, and healthier body. There are many physical activities to choose from like walking, running, team sports (basketball, badminton, tennis, etc), dancing, yoga, and many more. To choose the best one for you, engage in something that suits your lifestyle and meets your goals.
Staying lean and healthy for life is possible by being consistent and disciplined with our food choices and exercise. As the word “diet” comes from the Greek word “diaiata” which means “a manner of living” , our goal to achieve a lean body should be a lifestyle and a way of life.
The Japanese people is well known to have the greatest longevity circles in the world and has the world’s largest number of centenarians- 50 out of 100,000 people (in Okinawa, Japan) are over 100 years old. Many attribute their long life expectancy to the Japanese diet. What’s more, Japanese women reportedly have the lowest percentage of obesity (only 2.9%) in the world.
The Japanese diet, particularly in Okinawa, is low in saturated fat and calories and high in sea foods, seaweed, fruits, and vegetables. This is due to the widely practiced cultural tradition of hara hachi bu (eat until you are only 80% full). Okinawa, Japan also reports 80% lower incidence of cancers like breast and prostate, compared to most developed countries including the US. There is also low incidence of heart disease, stroke, and the average body mass index or BMI (an estimate of an individual’s relative body fat calculated from his height and weight) is 18 to 22, with low body fat levels. It is also reported that Okinawans have a reduced risk of inflammation and autoimmune disease, which are the main cause of aging.
Based on the Okinawan experience, the aging process can be controlled best by watching those calories and concentrating on wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables are the main focus of the Okinawan meal and the more brightly colored they are, the better. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of of bioflavonoids and other antioxidants known to help neutralize free radicals. Moderate food serving sizes of quality over quantity is advised and eating slowly so as to savor the flavors of the food are recommended. The Japanese diet, alongside a healthy lifestyle will definitely help us increase our chances of living longer.
Aging is said to arise when free radicals (substances formed in the course of normal biochemical processes) accumulate in the body, damaging our tissues and DNA. This damage brings about chronic inflammation and irreversible DNA damage, which eventually lead to age-related conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
While a person’s genes naturally affect life expectancy, health specialists estimate that they account for only about 30% of the difference in longevity rates. Diet, lifestyle, improved health care, and other factors are believed to play a more telling role. Studies show that we can now take steps to slow down aging. A study of overweight people found that those who reduced their calorie intake by 25% for 6 months recorded lower fasting insulin levels and lower body core temperature, both of which are markers of longevity. Here are some tips to slow down aging to live longer life:
Have a meaningful physical activity. Staying active keeps body fat levels down and activates the brain. Studies show that those who are active tended to retain their cognitive function better and longer than those who are sedentary.
Eat right. Loads of fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants and bioflavonoids known to help neutralize free radicals. Stick to moderate serving sizes and offset your calorie intake by being active.
De-stress. Take time to relax, it maybe meditation, yoga, religion, a cup of tea, or a simple walk in the garden.
Sleep well. Lack of slee increases the risk of obesity and can affect metabolism and hormone production. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
The body needs fat for energy to pad organs and to transport nutrients. However, too much fat can cause obesity, high cholesterol and heart disease. The issue on obesity is a very real health problem and is looming as one of the most pressing public health issues of the 21st century. The number of people diagnosed with obesity is rising even as the age at which they are diagnosed is falling.
Studies show that intensive lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise prevent the onset of obesity. The recommended daily quantities of the essential nutrients should be included in a diet like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Neglecting any of these may lead to harmful effects such as a disordered metabolism, which in turn may lead to other serious deficiencies like obesity. If you are going on a diet, avoid crash diets that include eating from only one or two groups of food as it is unhealthy. Make sure that your chosen diet is nutritionally well-balanced. In the same way, choose safe and effective diet pills to maximize the process of losing unwanted fat. Diet pills also help increase the rate of absorption of nutrients in the body and boost metabolism to help your body improve its ability to burn calories. To make sure that you are not using fad diet pills, choose all-natural weight loss supplements that are safe and effective. Natural ingredients in food and supplements benefit almost every aspect of your life.
Keep your figure trim and toned with the proper diet and healthy lifestyle. For a daily diet, you can eat freely from lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans (peas or lentils), bread, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, try to eat the following in moderation: dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, margarine), fried and fatty foods, carbonated drinks, chips, and refined foods. Be consistent and committed to a healthy lifestyle and use only safe and reliable supplements.
Many people around the world suffer from obesity and diabetes because of sugar cravings gone out of control. It is best to take a low down on this sweet treat and also be aware of other risks you take of too much soda in your body.
Weak bones. A study shows that the phosphoric acid in soft drinks causes calcium to leach from the bones making a person more prone to bone fractures than non-soda drinkers.
Gas and stomach irritation. Drinking carbonated beverages can cause gas and stomach irritation especially in those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Tooth Decay. Sodas contain carbonic and and phosphoric acids that dissolve the calcium in teeth making them more prone to cavities. Acid can also come from bacteria turning sugar into acid. Even diet sodas are no exception especially when you drink it together with a carbohydrate-rich snack or meal that produces sugar-acid combination which is bad for your teeth.
Youthfulness and beauty seem to go hand in hand together. As you get older, some beauty spoilers start appearing so it is best to take preventive measures early on to preserve your young and glowing look. Here are wonderful tips that work:
- Get defensive on your skin with a daily SPF. This helps prevent wrinkles, blotches, and protects skin from cancer and other diseases.
- Avoid foods that have anything with a dark pigment like wine, soy sauce and coffee as these may cause yellowish teeth. You may chop on apples, carrots and cucumbers instead that naturally cleanse the teeth.
- Add saltwater fish in your diet that contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which help regulate skin’s glow and luster.
Your body needs fuel for exercise, but eating a large meal right before working out can cause discomfort. Exercising muscles draws blood away from the stomach, slowing digestion and causing stomach upset. To avoid this, wait 1 hour to 4 hours after a meal before exercising. The larger the meal, the longer you should wait.
If you haven’t eaten in several hours, however, your fuel tank will be on empty. A small snack (such as yogurt , half a bagel, or a piece of fruit) eaten 30 minutes to 60 minutes exercise will boost flagging blood sugar levels without causing you nausea or indigestion.
Carbohydrate is your body’s preferred fuel, so include whole grains starchy vegetables, fruit, or non-fat or low-fat dairy products in meals and snacks eaten before workout. Liquid meals, such as milk and fruit smoothies, are also an option. Avoid high-fat foods, because they slow digestion. It’s important to drink enough water during exercise.
The great news is science has granted you one more great reason to enjoy your daily cup of coffee.
One answer to keep you youthful through the years is to take a balanced diet that supplies antioxidants.
What’s the big deal about antioxidants? They are nature’s way of protecting the body from physical illness and degeneration by helping neutralize harmful substances called free radicals accumulate naturally at low levels but harmful environmental factors such as too much sun exposure and pollution from cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes can speed up their toxic effects. That includes making you look older than you should.
Chicken soup has been exalted through the ages as a universal panacea for the common cold. Modern-day researchers attribute this to essential fatty acids and vitamins in the soup that boost the immune system. The hot soup’s warm vapor raises the temperature of the respiratory passages and loosens thick secretions, making the easier to unclog. The same principle is behind steam inhalation, which also unclogs the nasal passages. If both soup and steam fail, a few drops of saline water into the nostrils will dilute the thick mucus blocking the nasal passages.