Mind Body and Soul Rehab

Let's Discuss Bras.. I need some new ones, badly.

2011-01-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

All my life I have been top heavy, I actually started spouting breast when I was 8 years of age. Yes you heard correctly, 8 years old!!! It was cute up into my early 30's now at 44 and a son it's just sad. My breast size is 42 DDD, try harnessing that on a budget and let's not discuss the affects of gravity on a 42 DDD breast. I have the hardest time finding a bra that supports the front and back without looking like farm hand equipment, however I am determined to find one.

Linda The Bra Lady Store We Carry Sizes 30AA-56G. Shop Now!lindasonline.com/buybrasnyc

Queen Latifah Clothing Line

Curvaceous women rejoice: The Queen Latifah clothing line may be exactly what you are looking for in quality plus size lingerie. Curvation has bras that lift and support, as well as shapewear that hugs and highlights your curves. The line was launched in March 2007, and within months, had the celebrity singer/rapper/actress -- known for being a positive role model for plus size women -- as its spokesperson.

Curvation ® Super Sale - Greatly discounted Curvation Bras Seamless, Front Close, Minimizer HosieryStreet.com

Look Sexy in Shapewear - Vedette slims you down instantly 2 sizes down. Free Shipping! www.vedettestore.com

Women's Plus Size Coats - Shop New Plus Size Coats & Jackets Sizes 12W-44W. Love What Your Wear! www.WomanWithin.com

About Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is an award-winning plus size celebrity who is proud of who she is and what she does. She knows she is full-figured and has even worked her size into many of her popular movie and television parts. She is known for her roles in:

Hairspray (2007)
Beauty Shop (2005)
Taxi (2004)
Bringing Down the House (2003)
Living Single (1993-1998, television)
House Party 2 (1991)
Jungle Fever (1991)
One of the celebrity's goals is to help women feel sensual, vibrant and confident in their own skin. By showing off her own curves, she is letting plus size ladies know they can be beautiful even if they're not a size six. Her role as spokesperson helps women feel real by helping them celebrate their curves.

Her Work With Jenny Craig

Even though she continues to promote her plus size style, she also wanted to make sure she remained healthy. In January 2008, Queen Latifah signed on to be a spokesperson for the Jenny Craig Weight Loss Program, not specifically to lose weight, but to show full-figured gals that they, too, can make healthy choices. While she did lose some weight on the program, her goal was let women know that they can lead healthier lifestyles by making minor changes in their lives. This campaign did not focus as much on losing the pounds.

About Curvation Lingerie

The Curvation line of intimate apparel, which is part of the Vanity Fair lingerie family, is appealing for many reasons. For starters, it's quality at reasonable prices. It's also designed to make you feel good about yourself while wearing it. It's really that simple. Most of the undergarments come in beige/nude, black or white and in sizes up to 2x for bottoms and shapewear and 44DDD for bras. Because several discount department store chains sell the apparel, it can be found online or in person. The collection includes:

Bras come in a variety of styles, each serving its own purpose:

Minimizer: Helps reduce bust size up to one-and-a-half inches
Side Shaper: Enhances natural breast definition
Back Smoother: Smooth out the bumps in your back with this style
Stay-Up Strapless: This bra stays in place with the help of an elastic neckline
Uplift: Provides lift without adding bust size or additional cleavage
Front Smoother: Gives your body a more defined, natural look
Shapewear helps women flatten the flaws and highlight the assets, all while giving you the most natural look possible. Styles include:
Tummy Shaper Cami: Defines and shapes your body to the hips
Body Shaper: Provides all-over control including underwire bra cups
Tummy Shaper: Brief that offers moderate tummy control
Tummy Shaper Boy Shorts: Allows for full coverage while smoothing a troubled tummy area
Midriff Minimizer: Long line bra design with tummy control
Waist Nipper: Long line style with front closure

Plus Size Cocktail Dress - Huge Selection Of Plus Size Dresses Search For The Best Deals Around. FreshDeals.com

Living XL® Official Site - www.livingxl.com

Sweet & Sexy Tops. - www.boutiques.com

Shopping for the Queen Latifah Clothing Line of Lingerie
The Queen Latifah clothing line of intimate apparel is available in most department stores and online. Prices are reasonable, with most pieces selling for less than $20

Curvation undergarments can be found at:

Wal-Mart
Kmart
Girly Nights Intimate Apparel
The Lingerie Chest
Bigger Bras
Hoisery Street

Unused Posts From 2010..A look back

2011-01-02T09:40:00.001-08:00

A New Year A New Me!!

Last year I made an attempt to loose weight, get firm and healthy. I consistantly ate well and exercised for two months straight. Then I fell ill which kept me in the bed for about nine days so there went my routine. However I must say I did loose 16 lbs and gained a lot more energy. Here I am a year later and planning on making it work this go round. As you can see by the timer in my blog I've given myself 5 months to loose 30 lbs.

Tools I Plan to Use:

1. Wii Workout
2. Fruits and Vegetables
3. Exercise Ball
4. Yoga
5. Fish, Chicken and Turkey
6. 5lb Weights
7. Water
8. The Belly Fat Diet
9. Cut Out Sugar and Fat
10. Keep a Daily Journal

I'm pumped to get started, wish me luck

Not a Full Life

Afraid to leave my house can't defend myself...my body has it's own schedule. I can wake up feeling well rested (which is seldom) by late morning the stiffness, pain, fatigue and swelling kicks in. This makes it almost impossible to schedule or keep appointments. That's when guilt, depression and frustration sets in. What a miserable mix my physical and emational self attacking me. For those days that all 18 points are flared in pain I can barely walk no less run. Can't lift my arms no less fight off an attacked. That's when paranoia kicks in. This Fibromyalgia is a enemy with many layers. The worst part is that our loved ones really don't understand or believe it's all in our heads, which then kicks up resentment.

I have decided this is my life because I refuse to take any of these new medications that are currently on the market. Have you heard the side affects to these ads? One of them even says that muscle pain is a side affect. What's the point if I'm trying to stop pain?

It's a new year 2010 so I'm gonna try losing weight and exercise let's see what happens. Til next time.

Ten Ways to Eat Healthier — One Meal at a Time
By Robert Alan Anderson, CPT

For many of us, learning to develop healthy eating habits takes a little more discipline than it does for others. But by making small changes with every meal, you can start developing healthier eating habits in no time. Here are a few small steps that can lead to giant leaps for you and your family's daily diet.
The Power of Choice
Begin with the types of foods that you choose to buy. In most cases, you'll eat what you buy — if the cookies or chips are in the house, trust me, you'll have more of a tendency to snack on them than on a piece of fruit.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 1
Start by changing the "snack ratio" in the house. Slowly and gradually have more fruit and healthier snack choices around, rather than the typical, higher-calorie junk food. For instance, have three types of fruit (apples, oranges, grapes) to replace some of the small bags of chips or candy bars. Or simply start replacing unhealthy snacks with alternative choices, such as oatmeal bars, granola bars or peanuts and yogurt.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 2
When shopping at the grocery store, spend more of your time in the outer aisles. That's where you'll find the healthier foods, such as fresh fruits, fish and vegetables, which are naturally lower in fat and cholesterol and have not been filled with sugar, salt and other preservatives that add on the pounds.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 3
Begin reading the labels of the foods that you eat. Foods that are labeled "low in fat," or "light," are not always the healthiest choice. Many times, if a product is lower in fat, it may be higher in sodium, or, if it's lower in sugar, it may be high in fat. Start reading the "Nutrition Facts" chart on the back of the box, can or bag.
I will admit, it's hard to read the label of every food item while you're shopping. A better way to start is with your favorite packaged foods and snacks at home. Soon you'll start to notice the differences in the amounts of sodium, carbohydrates, sugar and calories per serving between the different foods that you've chosen. The next step is to slowly begin making adjustments in your shopping choices, and to look for alternatives with fewer calories, sodium and fats.
Don't get caught up in the calories
"Everyone zeroes in on the calories," says registered dietitian Claire LeBrun. "I even catch myself sometimes doing it; you gotta look at the portions and calories per serving size." The gotcha that gets a lot of consumers with the nutritional facts charts is the number of calories per serving size. Most consumers read the number of calories and assume that's the number of calories for the entire package, rather than the number of calories per serving — buyer beware.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 4
Develop a healthy habit of selecting sensible-sized food portions. If your plate has a serving of rice that can't fit into the cupped palm of your hand, then, in most cases, the amount of food you've chosen is too much. Using this "cup of your hand" technique is a good way to mentally measure the amounts of foods that go onto your plate. Some people use the size of their fist as a measurement. The size of your fist, or a cupped hand, is about the same size of one measuring cup.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 5
Retrain your taste buds and retrain your brain and attitude toward good food choices. The natural sweetness of an orange or apple can't compete with the sugary taste of a candy bar, but you must retrain, and relearn, the goodness of what's good for you. Start choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables as snacks or as replacements for some of the fats that you would tend to add onto your lunch tray or dinner plate — you and your taste buds will get used to it.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 6
Learn basic alternatives to fattening foods. Learn to speak the second language of food — the language of healthy food:

Choose mustard over mayo (mustard naturally has less calories/fat).

Choose brown rice, whole wheat, rye or oat bread over white bread (brown foods don't have extra fats added to them to change their color).

Choose the white meat of turkey or chicken over dark meat, red meat or pork (most of our fat intake comes from animal fat; white meat contains less fat).

Choose baked or broiled over fried, battered or breaded.

Choose water over juice and soda. Some juices contain just as many carbs and calories as a small bag of potato chips. Try slowly weaning yourself off caffeinated soda with [herbal] tea or water — have two glasses of water, or cups of tea, per every can of soda. (Also, don't drink your calories — those 100 calories of juice could be two pieces of fruit or a cereal bar, a more filling feeling for you and your stomach.)

Choose low-calorie sauces and ask to have sauces and dressings served on the side. (Usually more sauce is poured on than is needed. Dip your fork into the sauce, then dip your fork into the food. This will give you the flavor with every bite, but without the extra, unnecessary fat.)

Choose fat-free milk and cheese made with skim milk, as opposed to whole milk (again, most of our fat intake comes from animal fat).

Choose vegetables as side orders over fries and chips. Steamed veggies are preferable over creamed veggies (vegetables naturally carry less fat).

Choose to pack fruit and nuts to hold you over to the next meal, rather than opting for fast food or snacks from a vending machine. Fruit snacks will help you get to the next meal, as they allow you to eat more, more often and without the extra fat intake). Fruits like bananas and oranges are convenient and have their own protective packaging.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 7
The more color on your plate, the better. Not only does this keep things interesting and exciting for you and your taste buds, but it's healthier. The nutrients that create the different colors in our fruit and vegetables, represent different nutrients for your body. Feed your body as many varieties as possible, the fight against the common cold, cancers and other illnesses can be prevented by having variety in you diet. Trying new fruits, vegetable combinations and dinner choices will keep your family on their toes.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 8
Don't skip meals (especially breakfast). Skipping meals, or starving your body will cause it to go into a starvation mode — it will start to hold on to fat rather than burn it. In fact, allow yourself to snack a little more, just make them healthy snacks. Your metabolism will actually pick up steam and start to burn more of what you're giving it — especially with an accompanying daily exercise program.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 9
Don't eat more than two and a half to three hours before bedtime. Give your body a chance to digest and burn the last fuel of the day. A lot of weight loss success stories profess this good habit as a key element to their weight loss journey.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 10
Keep it all in perspective. Realize that you're making a lifestyle change, NOT going on a diet — don't put yourself in food prison. According to registered dietitian Claire LeBrun, it's about balance and listening to yourself. Ask yourself, "How has your day balanced out? What's this snack going to do for you?" We all have different schedules, and we must find what works for us individually. The types of foods you choose are just that — choices. Your goal is to keep them as choices by making the right food decisions a majority of the time. When a doctor tells you that you have to make a lifestyle change, you are no longer making it a choice. Learning to eat healthy doesn't happen overnight, but it can happen, and you can do it!! One meal at a time.

Robert Alan Anderson is an AFAA certified personal trainer and martial arts instructor working out of the Washington, D.C. area. Claire M. LeBrun, M.P.H, R.D., L.D. is a registered dietitian specializing in weight management working out of the Washington, D.C. area.

Thanks to Discovery Fitness

-- Post From LadySway's Iphone

-- Post From LadySway's Iphone

A New Year A New Me!!

2010-01-11T14:02:00.001-08:00

Last year I made an attempt to loose weight, get firm and healthy. I consistantly ate well and exercised for two months straight. Then I fell ill which kept me in the bed for about nine days so there went my routine. However I must say I did loose 16 lbs and gained a lot more energy. Here I am a year later and planning on making it work this go round. As you can see by the timer in my blog I've given myself 5 months to loose 30 lbs.

Tools I Plan to Use:

1. Wii Workout
2. Fruits and Vegetables
3. Exercise Ball
4. Yoga
5. Fish, Chicken and Turkey
6. 5lb Weights
7. Water
8. The Belly Fat Diet
9. Cut Out Sugar and Fat
10. Keep a Daily Journal

I'm pumped to get started, wish me luck

Black Heads and Dark Spots

2010-01-11T14:00:00.001-08:00

As I get older the more I discover something else fading. Here recently in the last few years my skin has gotten really bad. I will be the first person to say, "I am not conceited but very vain. In my early 30's I started noticing blackheads which has gotten so much worse, it looks disgusting! To make matters worse I now have dark areas in the corners of my mouth and nose. What can I do? I've tried fade creams to no avail. As we get older the beauty we once had disapates which makes it harder to age gracefully.
In a desperate attempt to clear my skin I went on the Internet to find home remedies for blackhead removal, after reading through the hundreds of reccomendations I settled on toothpaste, mostly because that's what I had in the house at the time. When I say it burned the daylights out of me I mean it took 2 weeks to recover. I basically had a low budget chemical peel. Speaking of chemical peels I wonder if my insurance would cover that. I'm gonna do some more research and come back with what I hope to be a remedy.

-- Post From LadySway's Iphone

Not a Full Life

2010-01-07T07:24:00.001-08:00

Afraid to leave my house can't defend myself...my body has it's own schedule. I can wake up feeling well rested (which is seldom) by late morning the stiffness, pain, fatigue and swelling kicks in. This makes it almost impossible to schedule or keep appointments. That's when guilt, depression and frustration sets in. What a miserable mix my physical and emational self attacking me. For those days that all 18 points are flared in pain I can barely walk no less run. Can't lift my arms no less fight off an attacked. That's when paranoia kicks in. This Fibromyalgia is a enemy with many layers. The worst part is that our loved ones really don't understand or believe it's all in our heads, which then kicks up resentment.

I have decided this is my life because I refuse to take any of these new medications that are currently on the market. Have you heard the side affects to these ads? One of them even says that muscle pain is a side affect. What's the point if I'm trying to stop pain?

It's a new year 2010 so I'm gonna try losing weight and exercise let's see what happens. Til next time.

-- Post From LadySway's Iphone

Health & Beauty Base

2009-12-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

Types of Hair Loss Treatments – Those That Have Been Backed by Scientific Researches
in Hair Loss

There are so many hair loss treatments but only a few are backed by science. Why are we trying to assert the importance of science in getting a solution for hair loss in men and in women? Well, obviously, we want to make sure that we are getting a safe product for our plight.

What do we actually mean by a hair loss treatment that is backed by science? The product should undergo a series of studies and have been given the accreditation by experts. Some may also be backed by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA. And of course, the product should have been extracted from a proprietary blend of ingredients.

Four Major Kinds of Hair Loss Treatments

The following are the four major kinds of hair loss treatments that can prevent hair loss in women and men. These treatments are all scientifically studied and proven efficient putting a stop to the hair loss problem. Find out if which one is suited best for you.

Hair loss in Women
Hair loss treatment with DHT Inhibitors. The function of this hair loss treatment is to lessen the amount of DHT in your scalp through preventing its development. This does not merely result to a reduced DHT. It also supports the functioning of the follicles. DHT inhibitors are associated to impeding the source of hair loss and are considered as the introductory element in remedying the problem.
Growth Stimulants. Although this is considered as an efficient treatment for hair loss, it contains both advantages and disadvantages. Even though growth stimulants have the capacity to develop new hair, it cannot do anything to prevent the source of hair loss and its further development. It is considered that utilizing growth stimulants can be a rising struggle, meaning you will have to experience two paces onward and one pace backward in treating hair loss. Growth stimulants can be efficient if your will use it together with DHT inhibitors. Using these two together can produce a wonderful synergistic result by preventing hair loss source and accelerating new hair development.
Antiandrogens. While the function of DHT inhibitors is to get rid of DHT, antiandrogens work to obstruct the DHT from getting in touch with the follicles. This process prevents complete side effects of depleted DHT amounts and it is considered as an amazingly efficient method of preventing the complete hormonal procedure from a new point of view. If you really want a comprehensive way to attack the problem, you can use DHT inhibitors, growth stimulants and antiandrogens together.
Anti-Inflammatories. The function of this kind of treatment is to lessen irritation, itchiness, redness and peeling due to the hormonal and immune system responses that is moving on in your scalp while you are undergoing a hair loss treatment. If you will not incorporate anti-inflammatory products to your hair loss treatment, your medication will not work. Anti-inflammatory products are available in the market.
Notes on How to Choose the Right Hair Loss Treatment

Prior to treating hair loss, you have to consider some factors that can help in the process. First you must know the type of hair loss problem you have. Next you must consider getting hair loss treatments right when you know that you already have a problem. Hair loss medications can only be effective if you use them at the onset of the condition. If you are not going to treat hair loss immediately it is most likely that it will be more difficult for you to reverse the condition.

Lastly, you must also consider the quantity of hair you have lost. This is a very big factor to consider in making the right decision to treat hair loss. This will also be your guiding factor to know whether a certain product will work for you the same way it worked for others.

Now, if you are in the verge of thinking about seeking one of the best hair loss treatments, you may consider using Provillus. This one comes in two formulations that are both backed by science – Provillus for Men and Provillus for Women. These products underwent thorough studies before they were launched in the market. They contain DHT inhibitors that are known to solve the hair loss problem.

Ten Tips on Eating Healthy, How to Choose Health Equipment & More!

2009-12-08T12:43:00.001-08:00

Ten Ways to Eat Healthier — One Meal at a Time
By Robert Alan Anderson, CPT

For many of us, learning to develop healthy eating habits takes a little more discipline than it does for others. But by making small changes with every meal, you can start developing healthier eating habits in no time. Here are a few small steps that can lead to giant leaps for you and your family's daily diet.
The Power of Choice
Begin with the types of foods that you choose to buy. In most cases, you'll eat what you buy — if the cookies or chips are in the house, trust me, you'll have more of a tendency to snack on them than on a piece of fruit.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 1
Start by changing the "snack ratio" in the house. Slowly and gradually have more fruit and healthier snack choices around, rather than the typical, higher-calorie junk food. For instance, have three types of fruit (apples, oranges, grapes) to replace some of the small bags of chips or candy bars. Or simply start replacing unhealthy snacks with alternative choices, such as oatmeal bars, granola bars or peanuts and yogurt.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 2
When shopping at the grocery store, spend more of your time in the outer aisles. That's where you'll find the healthier foods, such as fresh fruits, fish and vegetables, which are naturally lower in fat and cholesterol and have not been filled with sugar, salt and other preservatives that add on the pounds.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 3
Begin reading the labels of the foods that you eat. Foods that are labeled "low in fat," or "light," are not always the healthiest choice. Many times, if a product is lower in fat, it may be higher in sodium, or, if it's lower in sugar, it may be high in fat. Start reading the "Nutrition Facts" chart on the back of the box, can or bag.
I will admit, it's hard to read the label of every food item while you're shopping. A better way to start is with your favorite packaged foods and snacks at home. Soon you'll start to notice the differences in the amounts of sodium, carbohydrates, sugar and calories per serving between the different foods that you've chosen. The next step is to slowly begin making adjustments in your shopping choices, and to look for alternatives with fewer calories, sodium and fats.
Don't get caught up in the calories
"Everyone zeroes in on the calories," says registered dietitian Claire LeBrun. "I even catch myself sometimes doing it; you gotta look at the portions and calories per serving size." The gotcha that gets a lot of consumers with the nutritional facts charts is the number of calories per serving size. Most consumers read the number of calories and assume that's the number of calories for the entire package, rather than the number of calories per serving — buyer beware.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 4
Develop a healthy habit of selecting sensible-sized food portions. If your plate has a serving of rice that can't fit into the cupped palm of your hand, then, in most cases, the amount of food you've chosen is too much. Using this "cup of your hand" technique is a good way to mentally measure the amounts of foods that go onto your plate. Some people use the size of their fist as a measurement. The size of your fist, or a cupped hand, is about the same size of one measuring cup.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 5
Retrain your taste buds and retrain your brain and attitude toward good food choices. The natural sweetness of an orange or apple can't compete with the sugary taste of a candy bar, but you must retrain, and relearn, the goodness of what's good for you. Start choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables as snacks or as replacements for some of the fats that you would tend to add onto your lunch tray or dinner plate — you and your taste buds will get used to it.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 6
Learn basic alternatives to fattening foods. Learn to speak the second language of food — the language of healthy food:

Choose mustard over mayo (mustard naturally has less calories/fat).

Choose brown rice, whole wheat, rye or oat bread over white bread (brown foods don't have extra fats added to them to change their color).

Choose the white meat of turkey or chicken over dark meat, red meat or pork (most of our fat intake comes from animal fat; white meat contains less fat).

Choose baked or broiled over fried, battered or breaded.

Choose water over juice and soda. Some juices contain just as many carbs and calories as a small bag of potato chips. Try slowly weaning yourself off caffeinated soda with [herbal] tea or water — have two glasses of water, or cups of tea, per every can of soda. (Also, don't drink your calories — those 100 calories of juice could be two pieces of fruit or a cereal bar, a more filling feeling for you and your stomach.)

Choose low-calorie sauces and ask to have sauces and dressings served on the side. (Usually more sauce is poured on than is needed. Dip your fork into the sauce, then dip your fork into the food. This will give you the flavor with every bite, but without the extra, unnecessary fat.)

Choose fat-free milk and cheese made with skim milk, as opposed to whole milk (again, most of our fat intake comes from animal fat).

Choose vegetables as side orders over fries and chips. Steamed veggies are preferable over creamed veggies (vegetables naturally carry less fat).

Choose to pack fruit and nuts to hold you over to the next meal, rather than opting for fast food or snacks from a vending machine. Fruit snacks will help you get to the next meal, as they allow you to eat more, more often and without the extra fat intake). Fruits like bananas and oranges are convenient and have their own protective packaging.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 7
The more color on your plate, the better. Not only does this keep things interesting and exciting for you and your taste buds, but it's healthier. The nutrients that create the different colors in our fruit and vegetables, represent different nutrients for your body. Feed your body as many varieties as possible, the fight against the common cold, cancers and other illnesses can be prevented by having variety in you diet. Trying new fruits, vegetable combinations and dinner choices will keep your family on their toes.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 8
Don't skip meals (especially breakfast). Skipping meals, or starving your body will cause it to go into a starvation mode — it will start to hold on to fat rather than burn it. In fact, allow yourself to snack a little more, just make them healthy snacks. Your metabolism will actually pick up steam and start to burn more of what you're giving it — especially with an accompanying daily exercise program.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 9
Don't eat more than two and a half to three hours before bedtime. Give your body a chance to digest and burn the last fuel of the day. A lot of weight loss success stories profess this good habit as a key element to their weight loss journey.

Healthy Eating Tip No. 10
Keep it all in perspective. Realize that you're making a lifestyle change, NOT going on a diet — don't put yourself in food prison. According to registered dietitian Claire LeBrun, it's about balance and listening to yourself. Ask yourself, "How has your day balanced out? What's this snack going to do for you?" We all have different schedules, and we must find what works for us individually. The types of foods you choose are just that — choices. Your goal is to keep them as choices by making the right food decisions a majority of the time. When a doctor tells you that you have to make a lifestyle change, you are no longer making it a choice. Learning to eat healthy doesn't happen overnight, but it can happen, and you can do it!! One meal at a time.

Robert Alan Anderson is an AFAA certified personal trainer and martial arts instructor working out of the Washington, D.C. area. Claire M. LeBrun, M.P.H, R.D., L.D. is a registered dietitian specializing in weight management working out of the Washington, D.C. area.

Thanks to Discovery Fitness

-- Post From LadySway's Iphone

Fibromyalgia is Winning

2009-12-01T08:12:00.001-08:00

Fibromyalgia is Winning

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 6 years ago, at which time I would have a flair up every 3 months or so. My how things have changed, I don't know a day that I am pain free, the only difference is the severity of pain from one day to another. I am getting to the point that I cannot keep up. With work, family, friends, entertainment or exercise. It's becoming more and more depressing, feeling as though I'm 80 years old as oppose to my actual age of 43. I can't make plans because I never know how I'm going to feel from day to day. People who don't have this syndrome blow you off because they don't understand that someone who looks healthy can possibly be in this much pain and have such lack of energy. It's getting worse and I'm getting scared, how am I going to be able to support myself, will I loose my friends and family because I just don't show up. Well that's it for now got to try to get ready for work which is a chore in it's self, i won't even go into how hard it is to commute through the subway system. Having to I climb steps, stand for entire ride or walk up ramps is torture on some days. The other part of this illness is that it attacks my immune system so I'm always sick with colds or infections I need help. Anyone have information please comment below.

Note, not all these fibromyalgia symptoms will apply to all patients. Common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Morning Stiffness
Fatigue
Vision Problems
Nausea
Sleep Disorders
Urinary and Pelvic Problems
Weight Gain
Dizziness
Chronic Headache
Cold Symptoms
Temperomandibular
JointDysfunction Syndrome
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndromes
"Fibrofog": Cognitive or Memory Impairment
Skin Complaints
Chest Symptoms
Anxiety
Depression
Dysmenorrhea
Aggravating Factors
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Muscle Twitches and Weakness
Memory Loss
Weather Changes
The Menstrual Cycle
Troubles Breathing?

-- Post From LadySway's Iphone

2009-07-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

Heart health

Cholesterol is a part of animal cells and is found in all animal products. Beef, pork and lamb have cholesterol similar to chicken, fish or turkey: 70 to 80 mg cholesterol per four-ounce serving. Given that the American Heart Association recommends less than 300 mg of cholesterol a day, small portions of red meat can certainly fit those requirements.

Fatty meats such as greasy hamburgers, pepperoni, juicy steaks and sausage are the dietary no-no's. Lean meats such as London broil, extra-lean hamburgers and top-round roast beef have only six to 12 grams of fat per four-ounce serving and can appropriately fit into a heart-healthy 25 to 30 percent fat diet. (Most athletes are allotted 45 to 70 grams of fat per day.)

Protein

Beef, pork and lamb are excellent sources of high quality protein. So are chicken, turkey, fish, tuna and lowfat dairy foods, such as yogurt, cheese and milk. Vegetarian sources in proper combinations can also offer the protein needed to build and repair muscles. However, athletes have to be sure to eat enough beans, peanut butter and tofu. Men with big appetites can do this more easily than calorie-conscious women. A skimming of peanut butter on a lunchtime sandwich and a sprinkling of garbanzo beans on a dinner salad fall short of meeting the approximate 50 to 70 grams of protein needed by female athletes and the approximate 70 to 90 grams needed by males.

Iron

Adequate iron in athletes' sports diets is important in preventing anemia. Without question, the iron in red meats is more easily absorbed than that in popular vegetarian sources (eg., beans, raisins, spinach). Even 50 mg of iron from pills is less effective than 15 mg of iron from meat. Studies have shown that even athletes meeting the RDA of iron are may have depleted iron stores because the iron just isn't absorbed well enough. Sometimes eating chicken and fish isn't good enough.

Zinc

Important for healing both the minor damage that occurs with daily training as well as major injuries and ailments, zinc is best found in iron-rich foods (i.e., red meats). Diets deficient in iron are probably also deficient in zinc. Like iron, the zinc in animal products is absorbed better than that in vegetable foods or supplements.

Amenorrhea

Athletic women who have stopped getting menstrual periods commonly eat no red meat, as studies have shown. The question remains: Are these amenorrheic athletes simply protein deficient, or is there a meat variable that affects hormones involved with menstruation? Given that amenorrhea is a sign of poor internal health, athletes who do not menstruate should carefully evaluate the adequacy of their diets and acknowledge that red meat may reduce the higher risk of stress fractures that coincides with the loss of menses.

Hormones in meat

Fears abound regarding hormones given to cattle to enhance their growth. The USDA claims the amount of hormones used is far less than one might get in the birth control pill -- or even in a cup of coleslaw for that matter. Athletes can always buy all natural meats to be on the safe side.

Grapefruit has many micronutrients that are beneficial to one’s health. Grapefruit contains vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, folate and many B-vitamins.

One of the many health benefits of grapefruit is that it aids in weight loss. Grapefruit is low in sodium, high in fat burning enzymes and has a high water content. All these things combined speed up the metabolism.

What are pomegranates good for? Researchers report that they are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2000). This degradation of LDL seems to be an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.

Does this make any difference clinically? More recent research has found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for three months improved the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle of patients with coronary heart disease (American Journal of the College of Cardiology, Sept. 2005). Other researchers report that long-term consumption of pomegranate juice may help combat erectile dysfunction (Journal of Urology, July 2005).

Investigators are also excited about the possibility that pomegranate compounds might prevent prostate cancer or slow its growth. In mice, treatment with pomegranate extract delayed the development of tumors and improved survival (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Sept. 26, 2005). Other research reports suggest that pomegranate juice might help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

1.It protects cholesterol related heart diseases. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2.It is used both in prevention and treatment of prostate and breast cancers. Scientists have proved that a toxin in avocado kills the cancer cells. So-called toxin has a great effect on the tissues, particularly heart muscle tissues.
3.Avocado includes necessary minerals like potassium, calcium, vitamin C and K, folic acid, copper, sodium and dietary fibers. These are used to provide the mineral necessity of the body. People who live in hot climates have great mineral and water loss. So, avocado is suggested strongly by the medicals.
4.Oleic acid in avocado can be used to lower cholesterol level in the blood.
5.Potassium in avocado regulates pressure of blood.
6.Sodium reduces the risk of high blood pressure and stoke.
7. It improves the ability of the body to absorb carotenoids.
8.Avocado is used to help people who have sexual problems.
9.It is a good antioxidant
.
10.It can be used in the treatment of skin disorders.
11.It is used to heal people who suffer from digestive and circulatory problems.
Don’t forget that one avocado a day keeps the doctors away.

Shrimp is lean, high in protein, and free of carbohydrates—some might say the ideal food. If that isn't a convincing enough argument for eating shrimp, here are some other reasons that highlight why shrimp is as wholesome as it is delicious:

Part of a Heart-Healthy Diet

Shrimp raises HDL, or "good" cholesterol, which decreases quantities of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, in the bloodstream. Lowering LDL significantly reduces susceptibility to heart disease. People with high blood cholesterol have higher levels of LDL and lack the HDL to counterbalance the effects, making them more prone to heart disease.

No Fat

Even some of the leanest meats and skinless chicken contain fat—approximately three to nine grams per serving. Foods high in saturated fats can raise the level of harmful cholesterol in your blood. Contessa shrimp, because it is farm-raised and fed a high-protein fishmeal and vegetable diet, contains zero grams of fat.

Lower in Calories

Three ounces of Contessa cooked shrimp contains only 60 calories. Lean beef and skinless chicken can contain twice as many calories.

Contains No Added Preservatives

Contessa shrimp contains no preservatives (like sodium bisulfites), which are often used to mask unsavory appearance and to extend shelf-life.

Easier to digest

The protein derived from meats or poultry contains fats that are often difficult to digest. Because it is fat-free and—like other seafood—has little connective tissue, Contessa shrimp is generally more agreeable to the digestive system.1

Strawberries contain a range of nutrients, with vitamin C heading the group. They also contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. These antioxidant properties are believed to be linked to what makes the strawberry bright red.

So what are these weird free radicals? Free radicals are elements that can damage cells, and they are thought to contribute to the formation of many kinds of cancer.

In addition to vitamin C, strawberries also provide an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

The Health Benefits of Yoga

2009-06-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, and currently, close to 11 million Americans are enjoying its health benefits. Yoga can hardly be called a trend.
Most Westernized yoga classes focus on learning physical poses, which are called asanas. They also usually include some form of breathing technique and possibly a meditation technique as well. Some yoga classes are designed purely for relaxation. But there are styles of yoga that teach you how to move your body in new ways. Choosing one of these styles offers the greatest health benefits by enabling you to develop your flexibility, strength, and balance.

Yoga benefits: Flexibility
When some people think of yoga, they imagine having to stretch like a gymnast. That makes them worry that they're too old, unfit, or "tight" to do yoga. The truth is you're never too old to improve flexibility.

The series of yoga poses called asanas work by safely stretching your muscles. This releases the lactic acid that builds up with muscle use and causes stiffness, tension, pain, and fatigue. In addition, yoga increases the range of motion in joints. It may also increase lubrication in the joints. The outcome is a sense of ease and fluidity throughout your body.

Yoga stretches not only your muscles but all of the soft tissues of your body. That includes ligaments, tendons, and the fascia sheath that surrounds your muscles. And no matter your level of yoga, you most likely will see benefits in a very short period of time. In one study, participants had up to 35% improvement in flexibility after only eight weeks of yoga. The greatest gains were in shoulder and trunk flexibility.

Yoga benefits: Strength
Some styles of yoga, such as ashtanga and power yoga, are more vigorous than others. Practicing one of these styles will help you improve muscle tone.

But even less vigorous styles of yoga, such as Iyengar yoga, which focuses on less movement and more precise alignment in poses, can provide strength and endurance benefits.

Many of the poses, such as Downward Dog, Upward Dog, and Plank pose, build upper-body strength. This becomes crucial as people age. The standing poses, especially if you hold them for several long breaths, build strength in your hamstrings, quadriceps, and abdominal muscles. Poses that strengthen the lower back include Upward Dog and Chair pose. When practiced correctly, nearly all poses build core strength in the deep abdominal muscles.

Yoga benefits: Posture
With increased flexibility and strength comes better posture. Most standing and sitting poses develop core strength. That's because you're counting on your deep abdominals to support and maintain each pose. With a stronger core, you're more likely to sit and stand "tall." Another benefit of yoga is the increased body awareness. This heightened awareness tells you more quickly when you're slouching or slumping so you can adjust your posture.

2009-06-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Honeyed Chinese Chicken Breasts

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 143 per serving
Percent from Fat: 9%

Food as MedicineSM Tip
For centuries, honey has been used in the topical treatment of wounds.

Culinary Taste Tip
The flavor of honey is determined by the type of flowers the bees use when collecting pollen.

Culinary Technique Tip
When honey is added to a marinade there is a chance of it burning during grilling. Adding it to the reserved marinade for a dipping sauce is a sweet solution to the problem.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or puree
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each), organic preferred
1 tablespoon dark honey
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

Preparation
Prepare charcoal or gas grill or preheat your oven's broiler. Combine oyster sauce, ginger and chili garlic sauce; mix well. Transfer 1 tablespoon of the mixture to a small bowl; set aside. Spread remaining mixture over both sides of the chicken; let stand 5 to 10 minutes.

Grill or broil chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile, add honey and soy sauce to the reserved oyster sauce mixture; mix well. Serve as a dipping sauce for the chicken.

Substitutions
Bottled minced ginger root may replace the fresh.

Nutritional Analysis
Total fat (g): 1.4; Fat calories (kc): 13; Cholesterol (mg): 66; Trans fatty acids (g): 0; Saturated fat (g): 0.4; Polyunsaturated fat (g): 0.3; Monounsaturated fat (g): 0.3; Fiber (g): 0.1; Carbohydrates (g): 5; Sugar (g): 4; Protein (g): 26; Sodium (mg): 434; Calcium (mg) 14.

2009-06-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Nine Simple Ways to Add Fitness to Your Day

•Healthy Living Tips By Age
•Exercise Today for a Healthy Heart
•Getting Thin and Staying Thin is Not an Impossible Dream

The first, and easiest, change to make on your journey to fitness is to add "lifestyle physical activity" to your day. This means being more physically active as you carry out your usual daily activities. Here are nine suggestions for ways to add fitness to your day:

•Park in a faraway spot and briskly walk to your destination

•Take the stairs instead of an elevator

•Rake leaves instead of using the blower

•Play tag with the kids instead of computer games

•Go golfing, bowling or dancing for fun

•Walk down the hall instead of using the phone or e-mail to discuss an issue with a colleague

•Take a walk during a morning or afternoon break — and ask a friend to go with you

•Do indoor chores — wash the windows, scrub the bathtub or reorganize your closet, for example

•Do some active outdoor chores — mow the grass, work in the garden or wash the car

Making these changes is an easy way to improve heart and respiratory fitness, mood and muscular fitness and to reduce body fat.

2009-05-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

How Often Should I Work Out?
Fitness expert Greg Shealey answers common questions about diet and fitness:Q: How often should I work out?

A: The amount of exercise you need depends on the type of lifestyle you want to maintain. For beginners, most experts recommend at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week. These 20 minutes can be a combination of four 5-minute sessions of exercise, two 10-minute sessions or 20 continuous minutes. Just doing something is better than no exercise at all. Remember, 20 minutes is considered the minimum prescribed amount of exercise for one day. As your body adjusts to this level of exercise, you should increase the amount of exercise that you are doing to continue receiving the maximum benefits. There are five principle ways you can increase fitness output. These are as follows:

Frequency
Once your routine becomes too easy, increase the number of days that you work out. You can do this by increasing your weekly number of fitness training sessions. For example, if you are pacing yourself correctly, it is OK to increase your exercise sessions from three times a week to four or five times a week.

Duration
Maximize your fitness output. To obtain maximum benefits, increase the length of time that you work out. Gradually try to challenge yourself to extend the period of your workout sessions. For example, if you began your fitness routine walking for 20 minutes a day, after three or four weeks try 25 minutes. Once that becomes too easy try 30 minutes.

Intensity
This means to work harder! To benefit from this principle you must understand your current fitness level. The correct intensity will differ from person to person. For example, if you are used to brisk walking three times a week, try jogging one or two times a week and walking the remainder of the days. Over a period of time, this will increase your aerobic output.

Progression
Progression can mean a variety of different things. You will progress in workouts then you gradually increase the amount of work you do. For example, if you are doing aerobics for 25 minutes, try 30 minutes, or if you lift weights to increase upper body strength, try leg weights to increase your lower body strength.

Overload
Challenging your fitness level is very important.Too little work may have little effect on your body, therefore causing you to waste your time. For each type of exercise, there is a maximum level of force that your body produces. Your current fitness level determines the amount of force you can produce. The overload principle encompasses each of the principles listed. Ultimately, overload means to work harder. Whether you are a beginner or expert, you should always try to work harder than your normal comfort zone. When this occurs, you will be increasing your frequency, duration, intensity and progression.

Note: As always, consult with your health-care provider before beginning any fitness program.

Protein Shacks Don't Have to Be Boring

2009-05-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Protein Shakes

As interest in health and nutrition grows, more and more people are checking out protein shakes as a way to lose weight or enhance their sports performance. What do protein shakes consist of, and what are their true benefits? Here's some information to guide you.

What Are Protein Shakes?
Protein is one of the body's main building blocks for muscle, bone, skin, and other tissues. Used often by athletes, protein shakes come in many combinations of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. They can range from 100% protein to mostly carbohydrates with a little added protein and fat. Protein shakes come in a variety of flavors in powder form or in ready-to-drink packages, such as aluminum cans or foil packs.

What Are the Benefits of Protein Shakes?
Safe for people who are healthy and fit, protein shakes are used mainly by athletes who need nourishment right after their workouts, says Jose Antonio, PhD, FACSM, CSCS, chief executive officer and co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). "Most people can't make a meal immediately post- workout," he says. "So these ready-to-drink shakes are really your best alternative."

They're a safe way to ensure enough protein, when used as part of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, according to the ISSN, countering the view that protein shakes can be harmful to kidneys or bones.

Although research hasn't proven their role in sports performance and muscle strength, protein shakes may offer certain benefits.

An endurance athlete may find it easier to train with the help of protein shakes, says Antonio. That's because they help the body recover from intense exercise. Protein shakes do this mainly by restoring muscle glycogen, a fuel source for exercise, which gets used up during workouts.
For the strength athlete, protein shakes can also help repair damage to muscles that can occur with serious bodybuilding.

The general fitness enthusiast who works out hard but doesn't want to be a marathon runner or bodybuilder may also benefit, says Antonio. This is the kind of person who might run twice a week and lift weights twice a week.

Some research shows other benefits as well. For example, a study of 130 U.S. Marines looked at intense exercisers who supplemented their diet with 10 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fat. They had fewer infections, less heat exhaustion, and less muscle soreness. Some protein shakes may help with weight management, as well. But more research is needed to confirm this.

How Much Protein Do You Need?
Almost all people can get the protein they need from whole foods and beverages in their diet. The recommended daily allowance for healthy men and women ages 19 and older is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or about 46 to 56 grams of protein a day.

for more..check WebMD

Depression

2009-05-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Are you clinically depressed?

If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.

1.You can’t sleep enough or you sleep too much
2.You can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
3.You feel worthless and hopeless
4.You can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
5.You have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
6.You are constantly irritated or become enraged even at small things – and this is new for you
7.You have thoughts that life is not worth living, or have a plan for how you would end it (Seek help immediately if this is the case)

I have been struggling with bouts of depression for the last 3 weeks. It's getting worse. This would not be the first time in my life that I have suffered from depression or anxiety. I have this very nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach which is one of the most scariest emotions I have had to deal with.

I am a recovering addict who used drugs to stop these feelings in the past. I've been clean for 7 years and when this feeling comes about now I have to find new ways to work through it. Currently I am quietly stressed about finances, job, family and a since of feeling stuck. To add to this I feel as though I'm letting myself down with my weight loss journey that I have let go in these past 3 weeks. Depression is a viscious circle. All I want to do is sleep and eat, there's no motivation what so ever. All these feelings work against what I'm trying to accomplish. I 'm just going to hold on until it pass, hopefully that will be soon. I don't believe that I have clinical depression because it comes and goes, which I experience about 4 to 5 times a year.

Clinical Depression is Distinguished From Situational Depression by Length and Severity

Feelings of Helplessness and Hopelessness
A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

Loss of Interest in Dailly Activities
No interest in or ability to enjoy former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex.

Appetite or Weight Changes
Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

Sleep Changes
Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation
Either feeling “keyed up” and restless or sluggish and physically slowed down.

Loss of Energy
Feeling fatigued and physically drained. Even small tasks are exhausting or take longer.

Self-Loathing
Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Harsh criticism of perceived faults and mistakes.

Concentration Problems
Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

Women and Finance

2009-04-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

Mind Body and Soul Rehab was created to envoke a sense of peace and happiness with who I am. As I grow older I become more and more comfortable with who I am, I remember in my teenage years and early 20's being very concerned with how others see me. Now that I am 43 my main concern is how I see myself. Whenever this thought crosses my mind I find a few areas of my life that I need to change, which are: weight loss, spirituality, healthy living and finances. As you can see I am striving to live healthier and lose weight, which is my first act. And really feel that I'm on my way. Now I am focused on my finances; Is it just me or do a lot of us live check to check? Saving money seems to be the hardest thing for me to do, my hours have been cut and I live beyond my means, it's time to learn how to cut unnecessary spending. Suze Orman has been brought into my life due to my job having a major event in NYC with Suze as one of the keynote speakers. I have caught her show a few times and found it to be interested but for the episodes I watched I didn't feel as though she was talking to me. With this latest event I thought may be I should take a second look to see if she could be helpful to my situation.

2009-04-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Is Seafood Good For Health

Food as MedicineSM Tip
Ten ounces of fish weekly reduces ulcerative colitis disease activity. And your risk for sudden death from heart disease.

Culinary Taste Tip
Cooking the mussels in a dry white wine lends the shellfish enough acidity to play off the richness of the olive oil and create balance.

Culinary Technique Tip
Fresh mussels should be fresh right up until the time you cook them. If the shell is closed that means it's still fresh. If it's open just tap it a bit and it should respond by closing. If it doesn't close, don't cook it and throw it out.

Ingredients
2 lbs. fresh live mussels
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Soave or Arneis
1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
1 each: bay leaf, dried red chile of choice
1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
1/4 cup chopped basil or parsley
4 whole wheat dinner rolls, warmed

Preparation
Rinse mussels in cold water; remove any beards with a sharp knife. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large deep saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes. Add wine, herbs and chile; stir. Add mussels. Cover; steam until mussels open, 5 to 6 minutes. Add tomatoes; heat through. Discard chile and bay leaf, transfer mussel mixture to four shallow bowls and top with basil. Serve with rolls for dipping into sauce.

Substitutions
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes may replace the whole dried chile if desired.

Nutritional Analysis
Total fat (g): 11; Fat calories (kc): 98; Cholesterol (mg): 32; Trans fatty acids (g): 0; Saturated fat (g): 1.7; Polyunsaturated fat (g): 2.0; Monounsaturated fat (g): 6.3; Fiber (g): 3.2; Carbohydrates (g): 26; Sugar (g): 5.9; Protein (g): 17; Sodium (mg): 598; Calcium (mg) 80.

Thanks to ChefMD

Affects of Stress

2009-04-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

Types of Stress

Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psychological strain. However, not all types of stress are harmful or even negative. There are a few different types of stress that we encounter:

Eustress, a type of stress that is fun and exciting, and keeps us vital (e.g. skiing down a slope or racing to meet a deadline)

Acute Stress

A very short-term type of stress that can either be positive (eustress) or more distressing (what we normally think of when we think of ‘stress') ; this is the type of stress we most often encounter in day-to-day life (e.g. skiing down said slope or dealing with road rage)

Episodic Acute Stress

Where acute stress seems to run rampant and be a way of life, creating a life of relative chaos (e.g. the type of stress that coined the terms ‘drama queen’ and ‘absent-minded professor’)
Chronic Stress, the type of stress that seems never-ending and inescapable, like the stress of a bad marriage or an extremely taxing job (this type of stress can lead to burnout)

The Fight or Flight Response

Stress can trigger the body’s response to perceived threat or danger, the Fight-or-Flight response. During this reaction, certain hormones like adrenalin and cortisol are released, speeding the heart rate, slowing digestion, shunting blood flow to major muscle groups, and changing various other autonomic nervous functions, giving the body a burst of energy and strength. Originally named for its ability to enable us to physically fight or run away when faced with danger, it’s now activated in situations where neither response is appropriate, like in traffic or during a stressful day at work. When the perceived threat is gone, systems are designed to return to normal function via the relaxation response, but in our times of chronic stress, this often doesn’t happen enough, causing damage to the body.

Stress and Health: Implications of Chronic Stress

When faced with chronic stress and an overactivated autonomic nervous system, people begin to see physical symptoms. The first symptoms are relatively mild, like chronic headaches and increased susceptibility to colds. With more exposure to chronic stress, however, more serious health problems may develop. These stress-influenced conditions include, but are not limited to:

depression diabetes
hair loss
heart disease
hyperthyroidism
obesity
obsessive-compulsive or anxiety disorder
sexual dysfunction
tooth and gum disease
ulcers
cancer (possibly)

In fact, most it’s been estimated that as many as 90% of doctor’s visits are for symptoms that are at least partially stress-related!

Thanks to About.com

2009-04-22T08:32:00.001-07:00

What is the Acai Berry?

NBC’s Matt Laurer – Acai in the AmazonNBC’s Matt Laurer finds out about the energy benefits of the acai berry along with it’s more..interesting qualities.

Acai Berry Benefits
Acai isn’t called nature’s perfect food for nothing. Below are just some of the health benefits that research has shown you can get from consuming the acai berry.

Acai Berry Increases Energy & Stamina
Jiu-jitsu fighters and soccer players in Brazil often have a large meal of acai berry pulp before a competition. Why? Aside from being a perfect source of nutrition and carbohydrates, the high levels of antioxidants in the acai berry lead to a drastic increase in energy levels and stamina. Taken on a regular basis, the acai berry strengthens the immune system to the point where the body isn’t constantly fighting off infections and disease. This frees up even more energy for other uses.

Acai Berry Fights Cancer & Disease
Free radicals are nasty little molecules that come from pollutants, pesticides, cigarette smoke, etc. They attack the cells in the body, cause diseases, and can even damage DNA. Antioxidants are the body’s fuel for strengthening cells and fighting off free radicals. As you know by now, the acai berry is jam packed with these powerful antioxidants.

There are some exciting studies regarding the acai berry’s ability to fight cancer. See the Acai & Cancer page to read more.

Acai Berry Fights Obesity
The acai berry's natural combination of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, and amino acids work together to help your body function better, process food easier, and burn fat more efficiently. It's one of the best things you can put into your body to keep it healthy. Subsequently, when your body is healthy and well-balanced, it will be much easier for you to reach your perfect weight.

Acai Berry Boosts the Immune System
The powerful antioxidants in the acai berry antioxidants in the acai berry, combined with the essential fatty acids, work as an anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent while simultaneously boosting the immune system.

Acai Berry Maintains Good Cholesterol & Fights Heart Disease
The essential fatty acids and antioxidants in the acai berry fight bad cholesterol (LDL) while simultaneously maintaining good cholesterol (HDL) and fighting heart disease. The same fatty acids also aid in the absorbency of necessary vitamins like Vitamin A, E, D, and K.

The acai berry also contains phytosterols, a group of plant phytochemicals that reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Studies show that these plant compounds can reduce cholesterol in humans by up to 15%

Acai Berry Improves Vision
British pilots in World War II reportedly ate large amounts of bilberry jam before dangerous missions as they swore it drastically improved their night vision. Billberry is also popular in Japan where it is used to relieve eye strain from excessive staring at computer monitors. Modern scientists have tracked these results down to a rare type of antioxidant in the bilberry called “anthocyanins”. Not surprisingly, these antioxidants are also found in the acai berry.

On a somewhat related note, other antioxidants in the acai berry fight various eye related diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Acai Berry Helps With Digestion
The acai berry contains enzymes and other vital nutrients that aid in the digestion process. A functioning digestive system will not be plagued with acid reflux and other ailments. Acai also contains a healthy amount of fiber which helps your digestive tract process food.

Acai Berry Promotes a More Peaceful Sleep
Your ability to sleep can be frequently affected by stressed muscles. Acai contains amino acids that relax your muscles and allow for a more restful sleep. It also contains Vitamin B which helps to regulate the dopamine and serotonin (both neurotransmitters that impact sleep) production in the brain.

Acai Berry Diet & Weight Loss
Firstly, the acai berry isn’t some “magic key” to weight loss. It’s not an “amazing weight loss secret from the Amazon” that will cause you to lose “20 pounds in one week” as some marketing hype might try to lead you to believe. Ever since the acai berry diet was mentioned on Oprah, crazy products and claims are popping up everywhere.

Such claims are rarely backed by scientific studies and proper research. Like the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

However, combined with proper diet and exercise, the acai berry can be an excellent weight loss aid. Its natural combination of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, and amino acids work together to help your body function better, process food easier, and burn fat more efficiently. Let’s break down how the acai berry helps people reach their perfect weight…

Acai Berry Boosts the Metabolism
The acai berry contains Omega fatty acids – the same medically recommended fats found in fish oil, olive oil and flaxseed. These fatty acids can’t be produced by the body, and must be obtained from the food we eat. Instead of being stored as fat, they are used by the liver to “kick-start” the metabolism. If you’re a slow starter when it comes to losing weight, or if you’ve reached the frustrating “plateau” phase of weight loss, adding some form of acai to your diet might be just the ticket to get over the hump.

Acai Berry Aids Digestion
The acai berry contains a generous amount of fiber which promotes a healthy digestive system and helps cleanse your system of fatty foods.

Acai Berry Suppresses Appetite
As mentioned above, the acai berry has a generous amount of fiber. High fiber foods like acai help you to feel fuller faster and cut down on nagging cravings, needless snacking, and late night trips to the refrigerator.

Acai Berry Builds Muscle Tone
The acai berry is rich with amino acids, which your muscles need in order to function properly and grow from exercise. These amino acids combined with the fatty acids in the acai berry allow your body to burn fat more efficiently and help your muscles grow. Muscle, of course, makes your body look fit and toned. In addition, the more muscle your body has, the more calories you will burn, and the faster you’ll lose weight.

Acai Berry Increases Energy & Stamina
Jiu-jitsu practitioners and soccer players in Brazil often have a large meal of acai berry pulp before a competition. Why? Aside from being a perfect source of nutrition and carbohydrates, the high levels of antioxidants in the acai berry lead to a drastic increase in energy levels and stamina. If it gives a Jiu-Jitsu fighter enough energy for a competition, it’s going to really help keep your energy level up for cardio and exercise.

Final Word on Acai Berry & Weight Loss
Although it’s not the miracle weight loss solution that some claim, the acai berry has been medically and scientifically proven to contain ingredients that aid in weight loss. Not only does it provide a valuable boost to the metabolism, it also suppresses appetite, helps build muscle, and gives a much-needed shot of energy and stamina for those fat blasting workouts.

Acai Berry & Cancer

The popularity of the acai berry is growing every day. As a result, more and more nutritionists and scientists are researching its unique nutritional qualities and healing abilities. It was only a matter of time before someone ran experiments regarding the acai berry’s ability to fight cancer.

The exciting results of that experiment are below, but first let’s cover a few things that may help you understand the acai berry’s cancer fighting abilities a little better.

Free Radicals & Antioxidants
Free radicals are nasty little molecules that come from pollutants, pesticides, cigarette smoke, etc. They attack the cells in the body and can even damage DNA. Free radical damage within cells has been linked to a range of disorders including cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.

Your body, of course, has a way to fight back. It does so in the form of antioxidants, which strengthen cells and fight off free radicals.

ORAC Attack
The USDA has a method of measuring the levels of these antioxidants in foods. It’s called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity score (ORAC for short). Where does the Acai berry measure up on this score? Well, it pretty much blows away the competition.

Useful Exercise Information

2009-04-22T08:14:00.001-07:00

If any of you are like me and use swiss balls to workout, then maybe you should take a look at this video

This I Must Share

2009-04-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

Today is April 22 and I haven't posted since the 14th, this means I haven't worked out in 7 days. I went away 6 days ago and had a blast, however I ate things I shouldn't have and didn't exercise so I am feeling some guilt. My goal is June 1st which I have mentioned before and I hope I didn't cause too much damage. As long as I am home I have no problems sticking with my plan but once I am in a new invironment I seem to have problems maintaining.

With that said it's time to get back in the groove, no since of crying over eaten sausages. Throughout this process I am constantly looking for more and more information to living healthy but what can't find is a healthy way to detox my body. So I am going to step away from work today for about 3 hours to exercise for an hour and a half, for the second hour and a half I will find a detoxification plan that suites me that I will share with you. My concern is cleaning out my system so that all the fruits, vegetables and vitamins absorb into my body and not be blocked by fat and grease. That's it for now.

How To Stay On Track Away From Home

2009-04-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

Staying on track is really easy when I am home but it becomes extremely hard once I leave. This weekend past was Easter and my nephew's birthday. So I spent the weekend in Jersey to celerate both which means ther was a lot of food. My sister cooked lasagne and fried chicken which is not part of my healthyeating diet. So I went out bought a whole rotisserie chicken a just ate that without the skin. Don't get wrong I wanted to take those fried chicken wings out the frame but proud to say I showed restraint. The next day was Easter Sunday and my father took a large portion of our family out to brunch. I had an omlette with turkey sausage, wheat toast and fruit. Once again the belgian waffles and bacon were calling me...but I resisted. The last part was a gather later on that day at my cousin's house and oh boy was there some good food there. This was the hardest part EVERYBODY was eating all around me but I decided that messing up all my hard work was not worth it. So I had just some collard greens and a spoonful of stuffing.

With all of this food and traveling going on I didn't have a chance to exercise. which leaves me feeling guilty so I'm going to do twice the workout today.

This is a crying shame!

2009-04-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

I am determined to fit these jeans by June 1st. As you can see I have a long way to go. Wish me luck!

My Weigh In

2009-04-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

My first weigh in a week and a half ago.
Today I weighed in to find that I have lost 8.2 pounds. I see some progress which is good for the morale.

Still Learning How to Cook Healthy

2009-04-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

Here's my dinner from last night: Catfish (baked) Brown Rice (no salt added) Fresh Vegetable (Broccoli, aspargus, carrots and cauliflower) Put everything in the same pot and seasoned it with Mrs Dash (garlic and herb), Montreal Seasoning and (butter flavored) PAM spray. Cooked it at 450 degrees it turned out rather good.