Archive for July, 2008

Here’s a very good article about carbohydrates, aka “carbs”. Many people believe they are the enemy while they really aren’t. Read some facts from registered dietitian Lisa Cicciarello:

Carbohydrates have gotten a bad rep these past few years due to various fad diets, when in reality- it’s what our bodies need most. Carbohydrates fuel our brain and muscles, and without them, we can’t function properly. However, the type of carbohydrate you choose can impact your blood sugar and insulin levels, which can enhance or impair your health.

Read more

From Garrett Braunreiter, Energy Coach:

It puts the fire within you – the fire that gets your inner power going. You’re lazy. No ambition. No energy. No imagination. You just don’t care. You’re totally without interest. You expect some magic pill will solve all of your health and weight problems and give you a perfect body. You expect life to hand you your dream job, dream house, and lots of money without any effort on your part.

What bothers me about most people who are like this, is that YOU HAVE the makings of having a leaner body, tons of energy, and vibrant health. YOU HAVE the ability to live the life you want. YOU CAN DO IT. You’ve got what it takes.

But you’re selling yourself short. Guess you may just be stuck where you are for the rest of your life.

I can hear the obscenities like fireworks.

“You don’t know me, mister! You can’t talk to me like that. Take your newsletter, your coaching, and YOU straight to h _ _ l!”

GOOD. You’ve got it. You’ve GOT IT. I KNEW you had it in you – if you just got motivated. NOW you’re fired up.

Now GET GOING. Show me up. Show up others who don’t believe in you. Show YOURSELF that you can do it.

Finish reading the article

They also specifically mention that you should still continue to eat fruit, but just avoid processed foods that contain high fructose corn syrup. The reason being is fruit also contains fiber which effects how the sugars get into the blood stream in the first place. This is a whole other area of research that one could delve into.

Take home message for today…

Avoid processed foods that contain high fructose corn syrup, continue to eat your whole fruits and most importantly be careful what you read from mainstream media. Research it further before coming to a conclusion.

- Jayson Hunter, http://getridofmygut.com

White refined sugar has become the most common form of sugar in North America as well as in Europe. Refined sugar can be made by dissolving raw sugar and purifying it with a phosphoric acid method similar to that used for blanco directo, a carbonatation process involving calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide, or by various filtration strategies. It is then further purified by filtration through a bed of activated carbon or bone char depending on where the processing takes place. Beet sugar refineries produce refined white sugar directly without an intermediate raw stage. White refined sugar is typically sold as granulated sugar, which has been dried to prevent clumping.

¹ Sugar, Wikipedia, English Edition

Do’s

• Write down your fitness goals. You’re more likely to stick with a program once you have set some specific goals.
• Always strive to eat a well balanced diet that includes ample servings of vegetables and fruit.
• Break down your meals so you are eating several mini meals per day.
• Assess your current fitness level before starting an exercise program. By doing so, you’ll be able to establish goals that meet your specific fitness needs.
• Consider talking with your health care provider before embarking on a fitness program, particularly if you are struggling with a health condition such as diabetes or obesity.
• Supplement your diet with essential fatty acids. You can do this by eating two servings of fish per week.
• Choose alternatives to satisfy your cravings when possible. Consider frozen fruit over ice cream or opt for a mini chocolate instead of the whole candy bar.
• Always stretch before and after your exercise routine.
• Don’t over do it! Try doing too much at once and you’ll burn out swiftly. Slowly increase the intensity of your workouts.
• Diversify your workout routine. If you do the same exercises day after day, you’ll quickly tire and are more likely to skip workouts.
• Work out with a friend. You’ll help motivate each other.
• Keep healthy snacks available at all times. You’re less likely to grab junk food if something good for you is readily available.

Don’ts

• Over-train. Your body needs time to recover in between workouts.
• Skip breakfast. Eating breakfast will jump start your metabolism and provide you with the energy you need to get through the day.
• Skip stretching.
• Skimp on sleep.
• Set unrealistic goals. A healthy rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. If you have 50 pounds to lose, don’t expect it to come off overnight, you’ll set yourself up for disappointment.
• Compare your successes and failures to others. Everyone is unique, and what works for some may not work for others.
• Work out randomly. Work out regularly to maximize the benefits you’ll reap from a consistent fitness routine.
• Give up. Consider talking with a friend in times of discouragement.
• Forget to reward yourself on occasion.

This another great article from SparkPeople.