Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Women - Menopause - Thyroid and Weight Gain

Menopause is a time of profound transition which is a nice way of saying Yipes! I'm getting old!

Menopause effects both the mind and body, particularly the thyroid and for those of you who don't know - Hypothyroidism makes you FAT!! In my opinion, the best way to restore healthy thyroid function is naturally through food and supplementation. My opinion comes from my personal expereince working with a wonderful women Naturopath - Dr. Laura Heib, Renton, Washington.

Nutrient-rich foods to replenish thyroid health

* Iodine (I): seaweed (e.g., nori), clams, shrimp, haddock, oysters, salmon, sardines, pineapple, eggs.
* Selenium (Se): smoked herring, smelt, wheat germ, Brazil nuts (just one nut provides ~139 mcg), apple cider vinegar, scallops, barley, lobster.
* Zinc (Zn): fresh oysters, ginger root, pecans, dry split peas, Brazil nuts, egg yolk, whole wheat, rye, oats, peanuts.
* Vitamin E: wheat germ oil, olive oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts.
* Vitamin A: dark green leafy veggies, liver, winter squash, cantaloupe, stone fruits, papaya, and cod liver oil.
* B vitamin complex: brewer’s yeast, wild rice, brown rice, whole wheat, beans, peanuts.
* Vitamin C: Red chili, guava, parsley, dark green leafy veggies, strawberries, papaya, citrus fruits.
* Support your adrenals. If this is the only thing you do, I promise it will benefit your health on many levels. Not only will supporting your adrenals lighten the burden on your thyroid, it will also help restore your energy levels and overall well-being.
* Start using a quality multivitamin–mineral. I encourage all my clients, especailly perimenopausal and menopausal, to take a pharmaceutical-grade supplement like our Essential Nutrients. Giving your body proper nutrition by supplementing your diet may be all you need to get yourself back on track.PLEASE NOTE: The FDA regulates supplements in the USA - they only check the health standards of the manufacturing company. The DO NOT check for quality and quantity of ingredient in the products. In other words, They often RIP YOU OFF AT THE COST OF YOUR HEALTH.
* Consider supplementing with selenium and iodine. Ask your practitioner to test your iodine levels in addition to your multivitamin. You can do this through the foods you eat or with selenium or iodine supplements.

Please work with a professional Naturopatic Doctor to monitor your levels appropriately. And when it comes to selenium supplements, I do not recommend taking more than 200 mcg/day.
* Reduce stress. Most Women give too much to those around us. Learn to say "No, I can not do that for you." and reduce YOUR Stress. Don’t feel guilty about asking for help yourself. You deserve a break — and so do the cells in your body!

Remember to have your Naturopath check your thyroid levels once a year, to stay on top of any changes. Prevention is easier than repairing your thyroid.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Snacks to Help Stop your Sugar Addiction


Low-glycemic snacks that will help break your sugar addiction.


Snacking can be the quickest way for somebody with a sugar addiction to undo all of their weight loss efforts. You can keep your sugar cravings at bay by grabbing some low-glycemic alternatives when you get the munchies. Try these Sugar Buster, smart snacks:

Caution: Low-Glycemic does NOT guarantee healthy READ THE LABELS.

*A USANA Nutrition Bar
* A small handful of raw nuts or trail mix
* A few 100% whole-wheat crackers topped with low-fat cheese
* Celery or a banana topped with natural peanut butter (read labels for sugar
and partially-hydrogenated oils)
* Some 100% whole-wheat pita chips topped with hummus (watch for the partially-
hydrogenated oil in all baked goods)
* A handful of baked tortilla chips with fresh salsa
* String cheese and an apple (choose organic since you'll be eating the skin)
* Fresh or dried fruit (read label No Sulfates)
* A hardboiled egg
* Fresh cut vegetables
* An oat bran muffin (Read Labels - 100% whole grain only!)
* A 100-percent-juice bar (Read for hidden sugars and real % of fruit)

Friday, August 27, 2010

New Technology Means Less Suppliments for the Same Bang

I don't understand the technology but I love the idea of taking less pills each day. Remember - always choose Pharmacological Grade Supplements. Get what your paying for.

Usanais proud to be a leader in the evolution of nutrition technology,” said Dr. Tim Wood, USANA Executive Vice President of Research and Development.

UsanaNutritional Hybrid Technology illustrates our commitment to innovative manufacturing practices and production of high-quality nutritional products.”

Through Nutritional Hybrid Technology, Usana can now combine two distinct formulas into one bilayered tablet, allowing for advanced ingredient combinations while providing product stability. The technology will also help consumers simplify their nutritional regimen by decreasing the number of tablets they take each day.

Two new Usanaformulas, Proflavanol® C100 and Hepasil DTX™, were created with the new manufacturing technology and also unveiled at the company’s convention.

Proflavanol C100 combines powerful proanthocyanidins from grape-seed extract with high-potency vitamin C to promote sound cardiovascular health, immune function, and healthy-looking skin. An in-house Usanastudy found that the combination of grape-seed extract and vitamin C in Proflavanol C100 provides long-term antioxidant activity and better protective effects than if they were not combined.

Usanaupgraded Hepasil DTX formula contains a proprietary blend of ingredients to maintain optimum liver support and aid in the body’s detoxification processes.

Nutritional Hybrid Technology allows USANA Usanato boost key ingredients in the supplement while maintaining product quality and stability

Thursday, August 26, 2010

This is NOT Good Food

This was copied from the Center for Science in the Public Interest

ACESULFAME-K

Artificial sweetener: Baked goods, chewing gum, gelatin desserts, diet soda, Sunette.

This artificial sweetener, manufactured by Hoechst, a giant German chemical company, is widely used around the world. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. In the United States, for several years acesulfame-K (the K is the chemical symbol for potassium) was permitted only in such foods as sugar-free baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatin desserts. In July 1998, the FDA allowed this chemical to be used in soft drinks, thereby greatly increasing consumer exposure. It is often used together with sucralose (see SUCRALOSE).

The safety tests of acesulfame-K were conducted in the 1970s and were of mediocre quality. Key rat tests were afflicted by disease in the animal colonies; a mouse study was several months too brief and did not expose animals during gestation. Two rat studies suggest that the additive might cause cancer. It was for those reasons that in 1996 the Center for Science in the Public Interest urged the FDA to require better testing before permitting acesulfame-K in soft drinks. In addition, large doses of acetoacetamide, a breakdown product, have been shown to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits, and dogs. Hopefully, the small amounts in food are not harmful.

On-Line Weight Loss Coach's Fat Fighting Hints

More Muscle Burns More Fat


Muscle is built when you tear the the existing muscle fibers. The healing process creates bigger, stronger muscles. It is one of the many amazing protective qualities of out bodies.

So how to build muscle without going to the gym? I actually love the gym but I know plenty of people either don't have the time or interest to go. So here is a list of idea's to add some muscle building into your daily activities.

1) Straighten your arms all the way out (t shape) and carry in your groceries bags. Give your middle deltoids some work.

2) Same as above but hold your arms straight in front of you to work your front deltoids.

3) Or put your elbows at a 90' angle in front of you and carry your bags that way. Good for your bi-cepts.

I think your getting the idea with the grocery bags.

4) Put the front of your foot on the curb at the gas pump island and raise your heels up and down to work your calf muscles.

5) Walk on your tip toes to strengthen your calf muscles.

6) Squat and hold the pose while you brush your teeth and blow your hair. Great for the quads.

7) Use the counter to do standing push ups to build your chest strength.

Get Creative - There are unlimited ways to build your muscles all day long. Whatever your doing just do it till your muscles start to burn. Better yet - do it till they shake.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Are You are a Sugar Addict.?

Top Ten Ways to Know You are Addicted to Sugar:

1) Do your kids hide their Halloween candy from you?

2) Do you buy your "stuff" at different stores so nobody will know how much you eat?

3) Do you get really tired and crave sugar in the afternoon?

4) Do you feel happy and excited right after you eat some sugar only to get
irritable and tired within a short time?

5) Are you sure everything would be better if only you lost wieght?

6) Do you keep trying diet and diet knowing "this time will be different"?

7) Do you hide food so you can have some "later"?

8) Have you hid your candy wrappers under the other trash so nobody will know how
much you were eating?

9) Have you eaten strange combinations of food to rationalize eating sugar; brown
sugar and peanut butter sandwiches, tortilla's with butter and sugar.

10)Have you read all these questions? That alone says you are a sugar addict.

Welcome to the Club!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Secret of Spring Water

One of the 5 Rules for Maintaining a Permanent Healthy Weight at all ages is WATER. Drink pure - clean - water. I recommend 80 oz. per day. If it sounds like too much set goals and build up. 10 oz. before noon, 10 oz. before 3pm, 10 oz. before 6pm and 10 more before 9pm. Set your phone alarm as a reminder if you need to.

Here is a fun link Find A Local Water Spring
Explore some really fresh water in your area.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Staying Strong and Healthy at 50 and Beyond:

My life's desire is to stay strong, healthy and fit at fifty. And now that I am 50 years old I am focusing a little bit harder on my health.

Some Good Info


You can slow down your aging process and help stave off heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. U.S. News & World Report offers some tips on how to do it:

1. Free radicals. Free radicals are chemically unstable molecules that attack your cells and damage your DNA. You can limit your exposure to them by avoiding cigarettes, trans fats, charred meats, and other sources.

Organic fruits and vegetables will also limit your exposure to pesticides and herbicides, which contain the harmful molecules.

2. Inflammation. Inflammation is a major player in many diseases of aging, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. One way to avoid it is to follow a Mediterranean-style diet.

Other great anti-inflammatory foods include turmeric, dark chocolate, and the anti-aging chemical resveratrol. Exercise is another great way to lower inflammation.

3. Glycation. Glycation is what happens when sugar mixes with proteins and fats to form molecules that promote aging. Advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, are thought to accelerate your aging process by churning out free radicals and promoting inflammation. One way to avoid ingesting AGEs is to turn down the heat when you cook. The browning effect of high-heat cooking causes these molecules to form. Limiting your intake of sugar-filled foods in general will also help.

4. Stress. Stress initiates the release of a variety of hormones that make your pulse race and cause your blood pressure to rise. The hormone cortisol, released to lessen these effects, also creates problems when it remains chronically elevated. Try practicing relaxation techniques to help manage stress, and get enough sleep every night.

Sources:
U.S. News & World Report July 29, 2010

Sunday, August 8, 2010

So You Want to be Fit at Fifty?

So you want to be fit at 50?

By 50 years old we have done so much to our bodies. We need to start by learning how to protect ourselves if we want to be strong, healthy and fit at fifty. No matter what your age I promise you will have more energy, be stronger, less headaches..... if you avoid the following toxins.

Carcinogens cause genetic alternations that lead to cancerous tumors and promote the growth of cancer cells.

Immunotoxic Chemicals damage or interfere with your bodies immune system

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's found in many household products such as cleansers, aerosol sprays, dry cleaned clothing, paint, gasoline. All are toxic to both the nervous and immune systems. They have also been linked to brain tumors and leukemia in children.

Phthalates are used to make countless household items: toys, shower curtains, nail polish, wall paper. These chemicals have been linked to birth defects, miscarriages, cancer, heart and lung problems.

A 2002 EPA study showed at least 2/3 of Americans live in areas where toxic chemicals in the air raise the risk of cancer.

So vigilance is the first step in being fit at 50 or any age for that matter. I have made alot of changes over the last few years and my fitness at fifty is better than ever. Good enough to keep up with my four kids (3 of which are under 10 years old)

Saturday, August 7, 2010

What's the Connection between Disease and Inflamation?

Inflammation is the bodies way to protect itself for diseases. Working correctly it is one of our bodies natural and best defenses. But like so many other things affected by out modern lifestyles. The inflammatory response is messed up too. Rather than protecting us from disease there are many indications inflammation causes or encourages their spread.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a perfect example of the body perceiving an injury where none exists and launches a sustained attack on cartilage and healthy cells. High levels of inflammation are associated with diabetics and heart problems. And while inflammation doesn't cause cancer. Cancer does need inflammation to grow and spread.

Fat, because it leads to chemical changes in the liver is a primary cause of inflammation. All the foods that lead to Insulin Resistance raise inflammation levels.

So once again, the same song I keep on singing. We have to get back to basics. You need a program that includes eating good food every 2 1/2- 3 hours, drinking 80oz. of pure clean water, getting proper cellular nutrition, eating 6 super foods a day and getting moderate exercise. It is not natural for our bodies to swim in inflammation. We do not have to live with degenertive disease. It's simple to be healthy but most people find it hard to do. Most of us need help. What we can't do alone we can do together. Reach out - there are lots of hands waiting.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Comfort Food and Cancer

Comfort Food Linked to Heart Disease and Cancer??

Does it ever end???

You would think they have better things to do than check the chemicals of pizza (or and high-carb food) heated past 250" but it seems they don't. News from the labs is it creates harmful chemicals that have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease. So what to do? How can I still enjoy comfort food like pizza?

Antioxidents in one tablespoon of fresh rosemary added to the dough can slash the chemicals by 60%.

Mom always said eating the "green stuff" was good for you. Now it can help me eat comfort food. Yeah!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Chocolate; More than a Comfort Food.

Chocolate Delight

Not only does it do a great job with the morning after alcohol jitters but a few squares of dark chocolate can lower your blood pressure in as little as two hours. Have two ounces of chocolate made of at least 60% cocoa for desert or first thing the morning after.

I told you. Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food.