Category Archives: healthy

Get To Work On Your New Flat Stomach


http://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/77/be/89/77be895ce6e5d4e3432bd955385e8862.jpg

Posted by Nicole Carrie – Ab Workouts. #abs #fitness #exercise #workout #weightloss #health

How To Get A Flat Stomach The Truth

Almost everyone wants to lose weight. Some people more than others. I can tell you right now that the weight I have on my body isn’t that bad. But, there is one place I would love to make a dramatic improvement. That’s my stomach.

I know that’s its extremely hard to get supermodel type abs. Some people can’t even achieve this no matter how hard they try it’s just in their genetics. But what you can do is flatten those abs that you do have. It doesn’t take a $300 dollar exercise course or a personal trainer to do this. With the right exercise and dedication anyone can get a flat. The time frame depends on how dedicated you are and how far you have to go.

Do that right exercises. After doing much research I have found that doing sit ups alone will not give you the dream abs or flat stomach you want. There is no point in toning up your abs if you have a layer of fat covering it. The exercise that you need to focus on is cardio running, swimming, biking, even walking. Anything that involves heavy breathing, sweating, and getting your heart rate up.

Also take in to consideration the amount of calories you’re in taking. If you start to increase your output with cardio then mix in some ab exercises like weight lifting or crunches you’re on the right track. But, if you eat more food to compensate for the extra effort you are making then the chances are you won’t lose any weight at all. You may even gain a few pounds.

The weight won’t come off of you in a matter of days or weeks either. It will take some time to actually even notice a difference. The main point here is consistency. You want to be as consistent as possible. If you lose 2 pounds per week for the first 3 weeks then plan on losing 2 pounds per week for the rest of the time you exercise. You never want to try and lose a little weight faster than 2 or 3 pounds per week. If you do chances are you will be effecting your overall health and you could even do some damage to your body.

Work your way up to more and more time exercising each day. If you spend 10 minutes per day for the first 10 days that’s great. Then you can move up to 15 then eventually 30  or more. Than main thing with this is have a little patience and don’t overdo yourself or you will end up in worse shape than when you started. Everyone can do this just dedicate and get started now. Good Luck!

Why Are Avocados Good For You?


http://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/41/e0/ef/41e0ef712d99915e5f6abb879027bf57.jpg

Posted by Jenny O’Leary – Health Benefits of #Avocados #Weightloss

If you are new to all this what, you may very well ask, are Super Foods?

Well amongst the better known are blueberries, kale and salmon. No doubt you will have heard countless times about the nutritional benefits of these everyday ingredients, commonly labelled “Super Foods.”

There’s no official scientific definition of a Super Food, but it’s generally accepted that Super Foods contain high levels of much-needed vitamins and minerals. They can also be a source of antioxidants, substances that shield our bodies from cell damage and help prevent disease.

While there are a number of common foods that provide these nutrients, there is also an array of more exotic and less mainstream Super foods that are worth getting to know. These include Kefir, Acai, Maca and mangosteens but more about these next week.

Today we are going to focus on one of the best known and loved Super foods the Avocado.

As super foods go, they don’t come much more versatile than the avocado. The soft, creamy consistency and the mild, nutty flavour pair with just about anything, adding a generous portion of healthy fats, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin K and folate to your plate. Delicious at breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time, it’s little wonder that avocados are one of the most popular and widely grown fruits around the world.

To celebrate the avocado in all it’s smooth, buttery glory, here’s a list of 16 ways to use them.

Enjoy!

1. On their own, with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Himalayan Salt. An excellent energy boosting snack!

2. Paired with scrambled eggs and bacon for a classic paleo breakfast!

3. With tomatoes: Avocados and tomatoes pair exceptionally well together, and as it turns out, that’s no co-incidence. When paired together, avocados increase the absorption of lycopene, the cancer-preventing antioxidant found in tomatoes. In a study by the University of Ohio, pairing avocado with tomatoes improved lycopene absorption by 400%!

4. Cut into wedges and added to almost any salad

5. Guacamole: Mash two ripe avocados with the juice of half a lime, half a clove crushed garlic, two finely chopped spring onions, one red chilli (optional), salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Ideal for Mexican dishes, burgers and salads!

6. Added to smoothies for extra creaminess

7. Sliced on top of a home-made chilli

8. Coconut crusted avocado fries. Need we say any more?

9. Added to burgers, along with caramelised onions

10. Paired with grilled chicken and a dash of cayenne pepper

11. Avocado pesto: For a twist on the classic pesto, mash a ripe avocado together with pine nuts, fresh basil, a squeeze of lemon and a little garlic.

12. Halved and topped with a generous splash of hot sauce

13. Raw chocolate making: Believe it or not, avocados are fantastic for making healthy desserts – especially those that involve chocolate! Use them in brownies, chocolate mousse, truffles and cakes to add a wonderful creaminess.

14. Avocado ice cream: Blend an avocado, a frozen banana, 200ml coconut milk and a dash of vanilla extract. Leave in the freezer for 3-4 hours, mixing every hour or so. Allow to thaw slightly before serving, topped with fresh berries!

And they’re not just for eating, either…

15. As a face mask: Great for dry and sensitive complexions, avocado face masks are an excellent way to provide your skin with much needed hydration and nutrients. Avocado oil is used in many of the leading anti-aging moisturisers and treatment lotions – but to save yourself some money, use the whole fruit instead! Our favourite avocado face mask combines three tbsp mashed avocado, one tsp raw honey, and one tsp macadamia oil. Apply to face for 10 – 15 minutes once a week for a serious complexion boost!

16. As a hair mask: Avocado is amazing for dry hair. Combine half a mashed avocado with an egg yolk and a tablespoon of olive oil. Massage into hair from root to tip, then leave to set for 30 minutes before rinsing. When avocado is combined with egg yolk and oil, it acts as a humectant, infusing moisture deep into the hair cells.

How do you use your avocados?

Sources: https://etd.ohiolink.edu/rws_etd/document/get/osu1354735735/inline

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/james-haskell/ways-to-use-avocados_b_8739802.html

7 Superfoods You Can Add Immediately!


http://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ca/7b/55/ca7b550006f1298cf639092177154c70.jpg

Posted by Waly Cardona – 7 Superfoods for Your Health #Superfoods #Weightloss

Why Flax Seeds Are Good For You


http://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/65/64/df/6564df1f4922ecfe50ca05e9b3312857.jpg

Posted by Rosie Stermer – Health Benefits of Flax Seeds #Weightloss #Flaxseeds

Symptoms Of Gluten Related Celiac Disease

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/b6/ab/55/b6ab5514200ba959e35f8a0e5ce748dd.jpg

Posted by Veronica Joiner – Here is some information on the Symptoms of Celiac Disease

If you suffer from any of these symptoms or believe you may be at risk for Celiac disease, please contact your doctor for testing.

 

1. No Symptoms

Unfortunately, many people who suffer from Celiac disease have no symptoms. This is particularly dangerous as intestinal damage can occur even when no symptoms are present. With new screening techniques, people are being diagnosed without ever suspecting they have the disease. It is important for people with no symptoms but a positive diagnosis to eat properly, as they are still at risk for serious complications of Celiac disease, such as cancer.

2. Bloating

Many people who have Celiac disease suffer from painful bloating. For days after consuming gluten, the stomach may be distended and filled with gas. This can be quite painful. Many people complain of intestinal pain and the feeling of being “6 months pregnant”. They may also suffer from excessive gas and flatulence. Bloating can be symptoms of other dietary conditions, so look for it in conjunction with the consumption of gluten.

3. Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea is a common symptom of those afflicted with Celiac disease. The episodes may be smelly, explosive, and painful. The color of the stool may be pale or white, and typically floats on the surface of the water. Even solid stools may present these conditions. Related symptoms to chronic diarrhea include hemorrhoids. These can occur when there is not enough substance in the stools.

4. Constipation

While diarrhea is common in Celiac sufferers, some people may be afflicted with constipation. This if from the body sluggishly moving the contents of the bowels. The body may be trying to pull all the nutrients possible from the food as the damaged villi will not work as efficiently. The constipation may be marked by periods of heavy diarrhea as the person consumes gluten. The constipation may cause pain and bloating.

5. Weight Loss or Gain

Many people who suffer from Celiac disease lose weight as their body reacts to the missing nutrients. The diarrhea caused by gluten may stall the absorption of calories from the food, purging the body from its fuel. Conversely, a sufferer may in fact gain weight instead of lose it. Their bodies may be screaming for nutrients, so they eat in excess to achieve proper nutrition. They may have a hard time losing weight until they restrict gluten from their diet.

6. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common complaint of those affected by Celiac disease. Undiagnosed Celiac suffers may have their bodies suffer from malnutrition caused by absorption issues. Their body will respond with extreme fatigue and malaise in response. They may crave sugary foods and drink excessive caffeine just to stay energized. After diagnosis and the removal of gluten from the diet, fatigue may be the first symptom to be eliminated.

7. Trouble Concentrating

People who suffer from Celiac disease may experience something called a “brain fog” in relation to the consumption of gluten. This symptom exhibits immediately after eating gluten and can persist for days. The feeling that it gives is confusion, trouble concentrating, and short term memory loss. A sufferer may forget to pick your children up from school, or even forget what they are writing mid sentence. Thankfully, this symptom does not persist as a person removes gluten from their diet. It may even make them feel finally awake after years of fogginess.

8. Problems Falling and Staying Asleep

Recent studies have found that patients with Celiac disease  commonly suffer from disordered sleeping, regardless of if the rest of their diet is healthy or not. Sleep disorders are more common to those suffering from Celiac disease vs. the rest of the general population. The disordered sleeping can be shown through an inability to fall asleep, and being unable to stay asleep. The study found that the causes of the inability to sleep well include depression, fatigue, and anxiety.

9. Numbness and Tingling 

Many Celiac sufferers exhibit neuropathic symptoms. Problems with the neuropathic system can affect gross and fine motor control and sensory nerves. An undiagnosed Celiac disease sufferer my find their extremities exhibit nerve problems. This can include a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, ranging from mild to “fallen asleep”. Conversely, they may not feel anything in their hands and feet, as numbness is a common complaint. Other parts of the body may be affected, such as the facial muscles and body nerves.

10. Depression

Unfortunately, depression and suicide rates are higher in people with Celiac disease. Studies have found that even eating a gluten free diet, the rates of depression are much higher than the general population. One study found a connection between disordered eating and depression in women who suffer from celiac disease. As they closely monitor their foods for gluten, disordered and restrictive eating can develop. For suicide risk, it seems that once diagnosed and with dietary changes, the suicide risk is greatly reduced.

Do You Have A Gluten Related Disorder?

Posted by Jessica Evans – Possible symptoms of gluten-related disorders #Weightloss #GlutenFree

8 Signs You May Have Gluten Intolerance

Almost anybody can tell you at least a little bit about gluten, as it has become quite the villain in today’s dietary world. In reality, gluten intolerance is a very serious issue and, although it may be up on the radar recently, it is more than just a passing fad.

Most people tend to consider gluten intolerance to be a food allergy or they may equate it with celiac disease. It is neither. It is a condition that occurs in the gut and if it is not cared for properly, it can affect your lifestyle in many ways.

When gluten proteins remain undigested in the gut, they are considered a foreign invader by the body and treated as such. As a result, your gut can become irritated and the absorption of food is reduced significantly.

Gastrointestinal issues can cause a number of uncomfortable problems, including pain, diarrhea and vomiting. When it comes to gluten intolerance, however, the signs may be similar or they could be quite different. Unfortunately, an issue with gluten intolerance often goes undiagnosed because most people continue to eat gluten and simply ignore the symptoms they are experiencing. Doing so can lead to additional diseases and autoimmune problems that could last a lifetime.

The following are 8 common signs that could point to gluten intolerance. If you are experiencing these symptoms with any severity, your doctor should be consulted.

1. Stomach Pain – One of the most common signs of gluten intolerance is stomach pain, along with other gastrointestinal issues. Those issues can include bloating, diarrhea, gas and constipation. When you eat foods that contain gluten, it can irritate the lining of the small intestine and can affect your ability to absorb vitamins and minerals from the food you’re eating.

2. Dizziness – Although most people would ignore this issue or consider it to be something else, gluten intolerance can often lead to disorientation, brain fog and feeling as if you are off-balance. Those issues are more likely to occur after you eat foods that contain gluten.

If you constantly have a cloudy feeling, don’t consider it to be normal, it isn’t! After you removed gluten from your diet, you may feel as if the cloud has been lifted from your thoughts.

3. Mood Swings – It is true that many different issues could lead to mood swings but gluten intolerance is one of those issues that should not be ignored. Many people that have such an intolerance feel as if they are anxious, irritable and upset for no reason after eating gluten.

4. Migraines – headaches can occur for many reasons as well but gluten intolerance can lead to chronic migraines and it should be considered a warning sign. Typically, the migraine will occur anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes after you eat.

5. Skin Itchiness – Due to the fact that your gut is having a problem processing gluten, inflammation is likely to follow. Your skin may also experience problems as a result of the inflammation, and it can show in a number of different ways. When your gut is unhappy, it can lead to dry, itchy skin and issues such as psoriasis and eczema.

6. Fibromyalgia – Approximately 4% of the population in the United States, mostly women, suffer from fibromyalgia. There are some rheumatology experts who feel as if gluten sensitivity may have a lot to do with the prevalence of fibromyalgia. It may not be directly related to it, but the gluten sensitivity could cause health problems that would lead to a secondary form of fibromyalgia.

7. Chronic Fatigue – When there are problems in the body, you are likely to feel mentally and physically exhausted. Even though you may be getting plenty of sleep at night, you still wake up in the morning feeling as if you are drained. This also has a lot to do with inflammation and the energy your body is expanding while it tries to manage the gluten proteins that you should not be eating.

8. Lactose Intolerance – The symptoms of gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance are very similar to each other. That is why it shouldn’t be surprising that individuals who have a problem with lactose may be more likely to have a problem with gluten proteins. In addition, dairy can lead to acid reflux and in turn, that can be a large part of gluten intolerance.

http://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fb/ab/ba/fbabbaa257a675ad0e98b7a766a477ba.jpg