Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Green Tea and its Antioxidant Benefits

Living Well: Green tea brims with benefits
Last updated September 28, 2008 11:37 a.m. PT

By BOB CONDOR
SPECIAL TO THE P-I

As a naturopathic physician and faculty member at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Paul Anderson has plenty of opportunity to practice what he prescribes. In the case of drinking green tea for health protection, Anderson says he is a regular -- but not daily -- drinker.

"Green tea has a significant amount of antioxidants," said Anderson the other day, taking a break from moving to a new office. "That helps with regulating cholesterol and burning fat."

For the rest of this very interesting story, go to this link from the Seattle PI on Sept 30, 2008:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/printer2/index.asp?ploc=t&refer=http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/health/380806_condor29.html?source=mypi

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Researchers have found that people who eat breakfast think better and faster, remember more and react quicker, and are mentally more alert than people who skip breakfast.

My breakfast each day is "Ellouise's Super Duper Start to the Day". You can find the recipe in one of my previous blogs. It's a great start to the day.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Beans Benefits?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Increasing bean intake as part of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables might help prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol and even lower blood pressure." Dr. Lydia Bazzano Harvard Clinical Fellow in Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital.

Monday, September 22, 2008

What Can Help Your Blood Sugar?

Like going a couple of rounds with Tyson, high blood sugar can do a number on your vital organs. But eating this may give it a one-two punch right back: broccoli.

The tasty green florets are ripped with sulforaphane, a compound that seems to help keep high blood sugar goons on their best behavior, so they do less damage.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Two For One Day!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A Harvard School of Public Health Study discovered that on days people eat fast food they consume an average of 187 extra calories. These extra calories can lead to a six pound weight gain in one year.

A Harvard School of Public Health Study found that women who ate fast food more than twice per week had an 86% increase risk of being overweight.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

How's Your Brain?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Omega 3 fatty acids found in flax and hemp seeds have been shown to make positive changes in the brain. Researchers discovered that people with increased levels of these essential fats had more gray matter in the parts of their brain that regulates moods and emotions.

I put flax seeds into the healthy blender drink I make for breakfast each morning. For my blender drink recipe, just email me and I'll send it.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Are You Stressed?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Research has shown that being out in nature relieves mental stress and fatigue and creates a positive mood.
If you are feeling stressed go for a walk in the park instead of grabbing a candy bar.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Decrease Housework? I'm For It!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Cleaning experts have found that eliminating your home of clutter will decrease your housework by 40%. This allows you to have more time to do the things you enjoy.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Healthy Popsicles? YUM!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

To create a nutritious, delicious homemade popsicle:
blend 2 cups of berries and 4 oranges until smooth, then pour into an ice cube tray with popsicle stick and freeze.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Where's Your Focus?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

When changing your lifestyle habits from unhealthy habits to healthy habits, focus on progress not perfection.

I have found that if you take a baby step in the right direction, and keep taking those baby steps, you will make it to your goal...whatever that might be.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Great Exercise Tip!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Gardening can be a great form of exercise. It builds stamina, strength and flexibility - the three keys to overall fitness.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Stressed? Here's a quick fix!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Deep breathing is an excellent stress management technique. A simple breathing technique to reduce stress and bring you into the present moment is to breathe in deeply to the count of 6, hold your breath for a moment and listen to the sounds in your environment, then exhale to the count of 6.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Yea! Popeye Was Right!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Spinach is loaded with nutrients such as iron, magnesium, manganese, folate, vitamin A, C and K and is rich in carotenoids. It strengthens bones, protects your heart, boosts your immune system and combats cancer.

Note: the slimy, canned kind isn't well liked by kids. Just eat it raw in a salad instead of iceberg for a delicious taste and more nutrition.

Friday, September 5, 2008

The hypo.....what?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Physical activity is believed to influence the hypothalamus. This part of the brain helps regulate body weight. Exercise has been shown to lower the body's set point weight, which helps keep the body from fighting to return to its original weight.

Helping your children increase their activity level will help them maintain a normal weight. Be sure to include cross lateral activities to help build the dendrites in the brain (cross lateral activities include walking and running).

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Are You Concerned About Alzheimer's?

Many people are concerned about the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease. The disease takes away portions of the brain and leaves a shell, with the person eventually unable to do the simplest things. But, before that end time, the person loses him/herself and the families are devastated.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could STOP this diseas?

An article in today's Seattle Times states that:

"Adding even a small amount of exercise to a person's daily routine can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association."

You can read the entire article at http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/377495_memory03.html

Ginger Can Do All That?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Ginger is a tasty spice with several health benefits.
Studies have shown that ginger lowers LDL cholesterol, keeps your blood from clotting by reducing the stickiness of your platelets, and is a powerful antioxidant.

But, don't diminish the positive effects of ginger by eating it with tons of sugar as in ginger cookies! Take the natural soda idea and just put in ginger instead of the other and you have a natural ginger ale. YUM!