Workout Secrets For Moms

St.Patrick’s Day and Beer Benefits

March 15th, 2010

Ladies, grab a mug and let’s all enjoy a beer as we toast that iconic day that is celebrated every March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day!

In fact we can toast the healthy benefits of beer at the same time we concoct a loquacious toast to the Patron Saint of Ireland. Yes, t’is true for a fact that this flavorful, hearty beverage is good for your health and can be a helpful element when you’re on a diet to lose weight.

It seems that researchers have discovered that people who enjoy moderate beer consumption actually have lower rates of heart disease than “teetotalers”. Reports show 30%- 40% lower rates of CAD (hardening of the arteries) in those individuals who drink a beer or two each day. The reason for this is thought to be because of the B6 that is found in beer. B6 stops the accumulation of homocysteine (which is connected to CAD) in the body.

There are antioxidants present in beer that help the body fight off the damages of free radicals. Antioxidant levels in beer are almost as high as those in red wine and compared to white wine beer comes out on top by delivering up to 5 times as many health promoting antioxidants.

Consider that the alcohol in beer can help prevent blood clots and it can also raise your HDL levels. Both of these beer facts translate into very good benefits for your health and body.

You can indulge in a glass of beer without worrying about fat and cholesterol because neither of these is present. To eliminate extra calories when you’re on a diet choose a light beer such as New Belgium Skinny Dip.

Today you can indulge in a wide variety of beer thanks to the growing number of private breweries and microbreweries available. If you’re new to the beer culture Ginger Wheat is a delicate and tangy brew that most women find to be a delightful taste experience. There are many ginger beers available and for a special taste treat you might try Frambois which is a raspberry beer in a bottl

Experiment, sample and learn what you’ve been missing because today’s beer varieties are definitely not the same ones your granny told you about.

3 Cheers, My Dears, for Healthy, Great Tasting Beer!

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Using Acupuncture For Better Health and Wellness

March 8th, 2010

Maybe you’ve seen a number of acupuncture offices on your travels up and about town. It would seem that acupuncture is all the new rage’ these days among those interested in improving health, fitness, and wellness. Well, acupuncture may be new to them but it;s actually thousands of years old. Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been around thousands of years. These days, it has grown very popular in the western world where many look towards its health benefits.

What does acupuncture entail? It’s a process that employs inserting small needles into the meridian (chi energy) points of the body in order to manipulate the flow of energy. By modifying the negative energy, it may prove possible to enhance your health and vitality as a result. And there are certainly many ways in which your health can be improved using this process. Basically, since – according to Chinese medicine – the totality of the body’s function is the result of energy flow, any proper manipulation of the flow can lead to an improvement in health. This allows acupuncture to be employed to handle a great variety of different conditions.

Acupuncture has been employed to treat a number of common maladies such as aches and pains, migraines, acne, and other physical issues. It has also been used to treat depression and anxiety. Some have even reported that it can successfully help you quit smoking or lose weight. Really, there are few limits to the benefits of acupuncture which is why its use remains so very helpful to those seeking a treatment for common maladies.

Of course, seeking the help of a qualified professional is also recommended. You would want to be sure the personal performing the procedure is definitely a top person in his/her field. This will enhance the odds of success.

Have you used acupuncture before? If so, share your experience in the comments section below.

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Health Benefits of Almond Milk

March 5th, 2010

We are currently living in a world of “substitutes”. And by substitutes I mean that one product can be exchanged for a different one, without having to worry about the lacking nutritional or vitamin effects. Almond milk has been used as a substitute product for a long time and offers many advantages to using it.

It’s most important in helping women lose weight as it has the benefits of high unsaturated fats and other minerals which break down carbohydrates, fats and glucose. Other benefits of this product includes the high amount of antioxidants which are present in it as they help fight off and assist in protecting your body from illnesses from bacteria and viruses.

It’s very helpful for those who suffer from cholesterol problems and are lactose-intolerant as it’s easy to digest and is a very good alternative.

As I mentioned above, due to the low amounts of saturated fats almond milk has been said to be an excellent choice for those who want to lose weight. There are also many other nutritional benefits of almond milk such as it’s very rich in protein as well as omega fatty acids. It also has high amounts of Vitamin E.

Nutrients that are in almond milk include calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and iron so you’re getting a big package of everything. This is something that other milks don’t offer.

Almond milk contains protein, carbohydrates, a low amount of calories, and low fat. For those who want children to drink milk but they don’t like the taste of it, give them almond milk and let them have a try. When you want to lose weight with a healthy choice, try almond milk and you’ll be satisfied.

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Video: Marci Lall on DayTime Toronto

March 3rd, 2010

Check out the segment I did with Drew and Myrocia, hosts of DayTime Toronto. I took them both through a few simple exercises and answered various questions as Drew and Myrocia put me in the hot seat.

Check out the video below for some great spring tips and a few simple exercise ideas you can do right in your home with no equipment.

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Can Sin Taxes Curtail Junk Food Use

March 1st, 2010

It’s not exactly a secret that eating junk food has contributed greatly to obesity. And certainly, obesity has contributed to some commonly avoidable health issues. Heart disease, strokes, and even some forms of cancer have been linked to obesity. Among the many causes of obesity, eating excessive junk food has most definitely been a major culprit. And despite many of the warning about eating junk food, there are those that simply will not get into the habit of quitting their poor dietary choices. This is why many states are considering taxing junk food.

But, will there really be much of an effect if you tax junk food? As one study suggests “…taxing unhealthy foods reduced overall calories purchased, while cutting the proportion of fat and carbohydrates and upping the proportion of protein in a typical week’s groceries.”

Why is this so? Well, when you add a tax to the cost of an item, you make it more difficult to purchase. And even if the person does make a purchase, the tax decreases the individual’s budget. As a result, there is less money to purchase junk food items in the future. This means that the state will have literally taxed away the unhealthy diet! Or, at least that is the hope. It would take years of study in practice to see if such a plan would truly be effective. Human behavior in the consumer market is not always easy to predict. Some may opt to pay the tax on the junk food and cut their spending elsewhere. It becomes difficult to truly predict how people will behave under certain conditions.

So, it may take some time to see if “sin taxes” on junk food actually work. Hopefully, the impact will have the desired result those in charge hope to deliver.

What about you? Would you still buy junk food even though you’d get taxed on it more? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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How To Find Time For Breakfast

February 26th, 2010

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped. It’s what gets you going, and can prevent early morning junk food snacking, which is not a good idea if you want to be healthy and maintain a good weight. There’s really no excuse for not eating breakfast, and there are some tips and ideas to help ensure that you don’t skip this all important meal. One of them is to have some kind of healthy microwaveable meals in the freezer, one that will take just long enough for you to shower or do your hair. There are a number of breakfast bowls, sandwiches and other products that are quick and easy to throw in the microwave.

You can also just partially prepare morning meals the night before. If you’re going to have pancakes with the family, then put all the dry ingredients together in a bowl the night before, and have the liquid pre-measured and waiting in the refrigerator. You can literally prepare a complete meal the night before, and all you have to do is cook it in the morning. At the very least, you should try to have nutritious cereals and low fat milk on hand.

You need to make breakfast a priority, just like turning on the coffee pot, having a morning cigarette (which you should try and stop) or whatever else your morning routine includes. Don’t give the excuse that you don’t have the time, stop hitting that snooze button and just get up – Make the time for breakfast! Not only will you be able to have time for breakfast, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the sun coming up. Everyone needs to see a sunrise at least once a week.

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Menopause Takes Away More than Your Period

February 24th, 2010

If you sighed a breath of relief because you no longer have to purchase feminine hygiene products and finally had your last hot flash, think again. You’re now far more susceptible to a heart attack than ever before, according to an article on Science Daily.

Higher estrogen levels in premenopausal women protect them from heart attacks. Women’s susceptibility to coronary disease increases dramatically once the levels of estrogen begin to drop because of menopause. It may be more than just the presence of estrogen that promotes the potential for a coronary event.

Weight gain during menopause is common and often a factor in not only increased cholesterol levels but also diabetes and high blood pressure. These also play an important role in a woman’s risk for a heart attack. The increased weight gain often comes in the 50’s and many women consider it a normal part of aging. At one time, doctors considered it normal for a 10-pound weight gain for every decade past the age of 50. Today, doctors and scientists agree that the increase in body mass only puts extra strain on the heart and increases the risk for a coronary event.

While women may experience coronaries as frequently as men do after menopause, their road is far rockier since the typical symptoms for a woman’s heart attack is not like a man’s symptoms. Women might have the gripping pain in their chest as men do, but more frequently, they have other symptoms such as fatigue, jaw pain, shortness of breath or even discomfort in the abdominal area. Often this leaves them to avoid seeking treatment for a potential life-threatening incident.

Therefore, even if menopause takes away more than just your period and gives you more potential for a coronary, there are things you can do to prevent a heart attack. If you smoke, quit. Change your diet to more fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid fatty foods. Exercise a minimum of three times per week. Not only will you be heart healthy, you’ll find that you have more energy and enthusiasm for life.

If you need a good place to start in regards to changing your lifestyle as a whole, make sure you take a look at the Rebound Workout for a total body and life makeover.

Tags: Health & Wellness, Lifestyle, menopausal health, menopause health, women health menopause, women's health and menopause, women's health menopause
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Bread Showdown: Wheat Vs. Rye

February 22nd, 2010

Like most women, you’re probably doing your best to stay informed about the healthiest foods to eat. If you’ve ever wondered if eating wheat bread is truly beneficial, you might be surprised to find out that it might not be as healthy as you thought. As children, our parents usually encouraged us to eat wheat bread instead of white bread, but it’s a little known fact that white rye flour is actually a healthier alternative to whole wheat flour.

A study conducted at the Lund University Faculty of Engineering stated that eating the white interior portion of the of the rye kernel actually resulted in healthier insulin and blood sugar levels than wheat bread or rye bran. Spikes in insulin levels are not only harmful to those who suffer from diabetes, but those spikes can lead to more serious problems down the road. These elevated levels of insulin, over an extended period of time, can make it more difficult for your body to respond to insulin, resulting in insulin resistance.   “Insulin resistance can result in high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and bad blood fats, which in turn increase the risk of age-related diabetes and cardiovascular diseases,” says Liza Rosén, a doctoral candidate in Applied Nutrition and Food Chemistry Lund University and leader of the study.

Rosén suggests that the best types of breads to eat are the ones where the entire grain is included. The participants of Rosén’s study were fed boiled rye kernels, rye porridge and wholegrain rye bread. Not only are these types of true whole grains filled with vitamins and antioxidants, but the fiber that they contain helps you feel more satisfied.

Although the exact chemistry behind all of the benefits of white rye bread has yet to be discovered, Rosén is confident that they are “getting closer and closer to an answer.”

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The Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

February 19th, 2010

Most women who are trying to lose weight don’t consider peanut butter to be a diet food. But, despite the calorie and fat content, this childhood favorite can actually be helpful for weight loss. Though people who want to lose weight should eat a well balanced, low fat diet, peanut butter does hold some benefits that are supportive for weight loss. Studies have shown that because peanut butter is high in monounsaturated fats, it’s beneficial in helping to lower cholesterol levels.

Peanut butter is also a great source of protein and fiber, two components that are essential for a healthy, long term weight loss regime. Because the fiber and fat in peanut butter digests slowly, they allow you to feel more satisfied for longer periods of time, which helps to decrease hunger. In addition, the fiber and fats also help prevent blood sugar spikes, which is essential for weight loss.

Peanut butter is often seen as a junk food, but it’s high in vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamin E and Vitamin B3. The skin of peanuts is very beneficial, so it’s a good idea to try and incorporate “raw” peanut butter into your eating. Simply put, raw peanut butter isn’t as processed as traditional peanut butter, and it still has its amazing health benefits. Not only does raw peanut butter contain vitamins, it also contains iron and calcium. Those two elements are essential in maintaining proper bone and blood cell health.

Holly McCord, author of the book, The Peanut Butter Diet, suggests that incorporating 4-6 tablespoons of peanut butter into a low calorie diet, along with regular exercise can help boost and maintain weight loss results. Even though peanut butter has a reputation for being a lunchbox sandwich filler, adding it to a balanced eating plan may go a long way in helping you reach your weight loss goals.

If knowing what kinds of foods you should be eating to lose weight is a priority make sure you check out The Rules of Eating Guide by clicking here.

Tags: health benefits of peanut butter, peanut butter health, peanut butter health benefits
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Things You Need To Know Before Grabbing a Workout Buddy

February 17th, 2010

Working out alone can be tough task. you may find that working with an exercise buddy or in groups may spice up your workouts and help you succeed with your weight loss at a much faster rate.

Although this is a great way to achieve your goals, there are some things to keep in mind when working out with a partner or group.

If you make an effort to push and motivate one another, then seeing results will come faster than you think. Being able to be there for one another is important because if one person from the group lacks a certain skill or isn’t as conditioned as other participants, then that person will need your help to continue on.

This motivation could be verbal or physical, such as calling them after they haven’t shown up for a workout session, or where you help each other get through difficult exercises.

Either way, everyone will be surrounded by a positive support group, which will ensure that you and your girlfriends continue to stay committed.

Sometimes weight loss success does come with a catch…unfortunately. Especially in a group setting, if for instance one person is seeing more results than another, then this might cause a jealous feud to begin.

Frustration will kick in because one individual might think she’s putting in the same time and effort with no, or little results. This is why picking and choosing whom you work with is very important. If the group understands that everyone’s body is different and will respond differently to different exercises, then it shouldn’t be a problem.

Take your time and choose your exercise companions with care. The last thing you want to do is have a super negative person join you and suck your energy, enthusiasm and health straight down the drain.

It’s also a good idea to workout with women who share similar goals, this way you can all be on the same page and progress at the same rate. There are a lot women pairing up and even forming workout groups to get through their workouts. It’s a great motivational tool to keep you on track and achieve your goals at a much faster rate than if you did it alone.

So if you’re stuck in a rut with your workouts grab a friend to help you skyrocket your fitness to the next level.

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Workout Secrets For Moms