by Lovena Suson | May 8, 2021 | Health & Fitness
Top 5 Energy Boosters
With so many ads about which superfoods are best, it can be confusing to decipher what’s a scam and what’s the truth. That’s why I compiled a list of the top five energy-boosting foods that will give you true, lasting energy to keep you hopping all day!
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Oatmeal
Oats contain the energizing and stress-lowering B vitamin family, which helps transform carbs into usable energy. Oats are also low on the glycemic index because they have a lot of fiber. That means that your body gets a steady stream of energy, as opposed to a short-term spike because the carbohydrates gradually flow into your bloodstream.
The key here is to look for high-fiber oatmeal, like oat bran. For the best nutrition kick, avoid instant oatmeal and stick with more natural varieties, then add your own sweetness.
Lentils
Beans are a great source of fiber, which translates to a slow release of glucose, as well as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium, and copper. Lentils provide both carbohydrates and protein, making them a great addition to any meal. Lentils help reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure, and they’re low in fat and calories to boot.
Bananas
Bananas provide a lot of potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function. Unlike some nutrients, the body doesn’t store potassium for long periods of time. This means that your potassium level can drop during times of stress or during strenuous exercise when the nutrient is lost through excessive sweating. The sugar in bananas is an easily digested form of carbohydrate.
Other fruits such as apples, grapes, peaches, and pineapples also make great energizing and refreshing snacks. We all know we need to be eating more fruits in our diet!
Chocolate
Studies show that chocolate can elevate your energy levels by way of certain bioactive compounds such as tyramine and phenylethylamine. Chocolate has also been claimed to improve anemia, awaken the appetite, aid in digestion, and improve longevity. Chocolate contains sugar and caffeine along with fat and calories so consume in moderation. When possible, opt for dark chocolate or raw cacao for the highest source of antioxidants.
Almonds
These little guys are great if you’re looking to improve your focus and mental clarity. Monounsaturated fats such as almonds provide essential fatty acids, known as omega-3s and omega-6s that produce an alert mental state.
Healthy Fats
Other healthy fats to include in your diet are avocados, seeds, nuts, olive oil, and fish oil. Of course, you’ll want to check with your health practitioner before making drastic changes to your diet.
Incorporating these foods into your daily menu takes some planning, so here are some ideas you can use to ensure you’ll have all the energy you need every day.
Breakfast
- Smoothies: For breakfast, a banana fruit smoothie is a quick and easy way to get the potassium your body requires for normal function. In a blender, combine a small banana, some frozen berries of your choice, ice, 1/2 cup low fat milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla. You can also add a tablespoon of peanut butter or some raw cacao powder as well.
- Oatmeal: If you need a quick breakfast, you may not always think of oatmeal, or you may think of instant oatmeal, which isn’t as nutritious. Some companies are making instant oatmeal healthier by not adding as much sugar and artificial flavoring, but you’ll always want to compare the sugar and fiber amounts across a few different brands to find the most nourishing oatmeal.
- Cereals: Another great alternative to a bowl of hot oatmeal is bran and muesli cereals. They contain a lot of the energy-boosting nutrients of oatmeal and often contain healthy nuts and dried fruits as well.
Snacks
- Almonds: These nuts are perfect as a mid-afternoon snack. Grab a handful and take them to work with you in a snack cup or baggie.
- Dark Chocolate: When you’re feeling sluggish, a small dark chocolate bar is all you need for a great pick me up that will last longer than an hour or two.
Dinner Side Dishes
- Beans: Lentils are a great side dish to enhance many dinner entrees such as tacos and burgers. You can also make lentils a main dish by combining several types into one dish as bean soup or bean casserole served with cornbread. Another way to eat lentils is to add some pepper and melted shredded cheese as part of a healthy lunch.
Working these naturally energizing foods into your daily routine doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little imagination and effort, you can have all the energy you need to stay awake and alert throughout the entire day!
by Lovena Suson | May 8, 2021 | Health & Fitness
Natural Methods That Boost Your Immune System
You depend on your immune system to fight off foreign substances that could make you sick. It will even help you recover if any of these contaminants attack your body.
A healthy lifestyle strengthens your body’s defense network. As a result, you catch fewer colds and reduce your risk for many serious health conditions. Try these natural methods to boost your immune system and enjoy better health.
Foods and Eating Habits That Boost Your Immune System
1. Fill up half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are what superfoods are all about. They help prevent and repair cell damage. Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is the best way to meet your requirements for important nutrients. Most significant are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
2. Get enough zinc and selenium. Two other important antioxidants are zinc and selenium. Good sources for zinc include seafood, beans, red meat, poultry, whole grains, nuts, and dairy products. Selenium is also found in many foods like beef, poultry, tuna, and whole grains.
3. Watch your calories. Studies show that being overweight can depress your immune system. Excess fat cells are linked to chronic inflammation and decreased production of antibodies. Maintaining a healthy body weight can help fend off diabetes, heart disease, and other threats.
4. Limit sugars and fats. Diets high in sugar and saturated fats make your white blood cells less effective in guarding against bacteria. Stick to sensible portions of healthy fats like olive oil and cut back on soft drinks.
Helpful Lifestyle Changes
1. Reduce stress. Chronic stress bombards your body with hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that interfere with your immune system. Find relaxation techniques that work for you like meditation or massage.
2. Get adequate sleep and rest. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to keep their immune functions in top shape. As much as possible, go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
3.Indulge in healthy pleasures. During exercise and enjoyable activities, your brain releases chemicals that reinforce good feelings. As a result, this helps triggers the production of IGA proteins that boost your natural defenses.
4. Cultivate friendships. Social connections are essential to our physical health. The quality of friendships is more important than the quantity, so focus on whatever arrangements make you feel loved.
5. Engage in regular exercise. People who exercise regularly produce more leukocyte cells. Furthermore, they have a better chance of avoiding infection. Moderate exercise is all it takes, so go for a walk for a half-hour at least three days a week.
6. Drink alcohol in moderation. Repairing the damage from heavy drinking can weaken your immune system. As a result, you are more likely to succumb to any bug that’s going around. Play it safe by sticking to a daily maximum of two drinks for men and one for women.
7. Consider herbal treatments. Medical experts caution that further research is needed, but people have been using herbs for centuries to promote good health. Work with an experienced practitioner. Check references carefully and tell your doctor about any products you decide to take.
8. Observe good handwashing habits.. The benefits of frequent and thorough hand washing are indisputable. Use soap and water or hand sanitizers to reduce the risk of infection for yourself and others.
Take care of yourself so your immune system. By doing so, can focus on unwanted invaders like germs and viruses. Simple steps like eating right and reducing stress will pay off in fewer sick days. It may even extend your life by reducing your risk for cancer and other serious conditions. Add some of these immune-strengthening strategies to your life today.
by Lovena Suson | Mar 26, 2021 | Health & Fitness
Switch on Your Natural Fat-Burning Machine, Your body!
Who would have known? Our body is capable of being a fat-burning machine! You just have to turn on the switch!
If you want to drop some pounds or hold off the middle-age spread, there are easy ways to help your body burn fat. Simple lifestyle changes can transform your body into a fat-burning machine. Speed up your metabolism by adjusting the way you eat, exercise, and even sleep.
Eating to Burn Fat
1. Consume fewer calories. Weight gain is usually caused by eating more calories than you burn. You’ll save yourself a lot of money and frustration by accepting this simple truth.
Your metabolism naturally slows down with age so over time you need to eat less and exercise more to avoid storing fat.
2. Eat breakfast. Most busy people skip breakfast. You need that boost to jumpstart your day! You can still enjoy a hearty breakfast. Your metabolism slows down while you sleep so get it going again with a healthy feast. Oatmeal with cinnamon or fruit yogurt and granola are both excellent breakfast choices.
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3. Eat frequently. Eating often also speeds up your metabolism. Replace the usual 3 big meals per day with 4 or 5 smaller meals and snacks. Enjoy whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. As an added benefit, you’ll feel full much of the time so it’s easier to resist junk food.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down your central nervous system. You can still drink a glass of wine with dinner if you balance it out with lots of water. Water aids digestion and gives your metabolism another modest boost.
5. Be smart about using supplements. You’ve probably seen advertisements for expensive fat loss supplements. Many of these products produce no significant effects or contain caffeine that can make you jittery. Supplement claims are not evaluated by the FDA, so be careful and let your physician know about any supplements you take.
Exercising to Burn Fat
6. Build up your muscle mass. Even seniors can increase their muscle mass with weight training. It’s worthwhile because a pound of muscle burns more calories than a pound of fat. If you’re new to weight training, start off gradually to avoid injury.
· If you prefer other activities, you can get similar benefits from movements that use your own bodyweight for resistance like push-ups, crunches, and Pilates. Yoga and Tai Chi is also a good choice.
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7. Vary your routine. Your body adapts to any familiar activity so you use up fewer calories over time. Cross-training will stimulate your body’s metabolism. Get off the treadmill and take a dance class from time to time.
8. Do interval training. Interval training is another proven strategy for burning more fat. Break up your morning jog with a few sprints. Jump rope for a couple of minutes during low-impact aerobics. This way you train both your aerobic and anaerobic energy systems so you lose more calories from fat.
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Other Lifestyle Tips For Burning Fat
9. Sleep in a cool room. Get a full night’s sleep in a cool room. Your body processes calories more efficiently when it gets 6 to 8 hours of slumber. Studies show that room temperatures of about 60 to 65 degrees can help you fall asleep faster and burn more calories per hour.
10. Start fidgeting. On average, people who fidget are thinner than those who don’t. As long as you’re not distracting others, swing your leg and shift around. Even better, get up during TV commercials to do some lunges and take the stairs whenever you can.
11. See your doctor. If you need more help, talk with your doctor. Testing and treatment are available for many conditions that make it harder to lose weight such as hypothyroidism. Your doctor can also advise you on dieting and exercising safely.
Daily activities can trigger your body to burn fat more effectively. With these simple lifestyle choices, you can reduce your body fat and stay lean and healthy for life!
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