Monday, January 31, 2011
Fact Or Fiction: You Burn More Calories Exercising In The Cold
Lots of runners hit the streets rather than the treadmill in the winter, thinking that exercising in the cold kicks up their calorie burn. But is it actually true?
In a word: no. That is, not unless it’s so cold that you’re actually shivering while you’re exercising — in which case, we’d urge you to hoof it inside, pronto.
So if you’ve been running outside because you enjoy the scenery, by all means continue. But if you’ve been doing it just for the extra calorie burn? Come into the gym, where it’s warm.
Source: American College of Sports Medicine
Stretch For Strength
Most of us hit the gym for cardio, weights, and classes, but if you’re skipping stretching sessions you’re missing out on more than you might think. For one: you’re not maximizing your muscle strength. That’s because, like lifting weights, stretching causes tiny little tears in the muscles, and repairing them makes muscles stronger—so adding stretching to your strength training routine will make it even more effective.
But stretching is good for even more than maximizing muscle. Here are five more reasons to hit the mats.
Healthy Fries
Yes, we said fries. Well, they’re not exactly fried, but this version made from sweet potatoes is so crispy and tasty, you’ll never miss all that grease. And did we mention they’re healthy, too?
Starting with sweet potatoes instead of white ones means you get loads of carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. And with just a touch of heart-friendly olive oil, this recipe fits right into any healthy diet.
Sweet Potato “Fries”
Curcumin Relieves Pain and Inflammation for Osteoarthritis Patients
A study shows that a formulation of curcumin (Turmeric Root) can relieve pain and increase mobility in patients with osteoarthritis. It can also reduce a series of inflammatory markers.
100 patients with osteoarthritis were divided in two groups — the first group was given the “best available treatment” and the second group was given the same treatment plus 200 mg of the curcumin formulation each day.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
15 Superfoods that Won’t Break Your Budget
Are you afraid that trying to eat healthily will drain your wallet? Not to worry — some of the healthiest foods in the world are actually very, very cheap. Planet Green lists a number of foods that are great for your body but won’t break the budget:
Kale
It’s loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B, and calcium, and costs just over a dollar a bunch.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Winning the Battle of the Bulge
Practical Solutions to America’s Growing Problem with Obesity
New Year’s is the time when people make resolutions to improve their lives. One of the most commonly made {and broken} New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight. It’s a hard goal to stick to, especially when so many modern foods stick to us, but in this issue of Sunshine Sharing we want to help you resolve to lose those excess pounds, and succeed in your resolution. We also want you to keep the weight off.
It’s no secret that Americans have a problem with excess weight. In just three decades the prevalence of severe obesity has quadrupled. About 60% of Americans are overweight and about 30% are obese. Seventeen percent of children and teens aged 2-19 are obese, as well. The problem is so bad that the Centers for Disease Control says, “American society has become ‘obesogenic’, characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, non-healthful foods, and physical inactivity.” Clearly changes need to be made.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Stop Getting Sick (video)
Cleanse and detoxify your body - Dr. Rallie McAllister
Featured Products:
New Study Shows Lack of Vitamin D Linked to Strokes
Low levels of vitamin D, the essential nutrient obtained from exposure to sunlight, doubles the risk of stroke in Caucasians, according to a new report. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
The research team says its results fail to explain why African Americans, who are more likely to be vitamin D deficient, also suffer from higher rates of stroke, but apparently not due to lack of vitamin D.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Healing starts with a positive attitude
Healing starts with a positive attitude and the support of family, friends and the community at large.
Get the whole family involved!
- If you have children, don’ let them become couch potatoes.
- You will be an example to them and send a powerful message.
- Habits children develop now may stay with them and influence their health years from now.
- Let kids try new classes to find a physical activity they enjoy.
- Suggest karate, ballet, soccer, little league, or bowling for kids.
World’s Healthiest Food
A 2010 opinion article in the New York Times named micro-nutrients, especially folic acid as the world’s most luscious food. Find out why.
Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin. Since 1988, it has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by federal law. Foods that are naturally high in folic acid include leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce), okra, asparagus, fruits (such as bananas, melons, and lemons) beans, yeast, mushrooms, meat (such as beef liver and kidney), orange juice, and tomato juice.
Folic acid, also called folate or foacin is essential for numerous bodily functions including helping to synthesize DNA, repair DNA and methylate DNA as well as act as a cofactor in biological reactions involving folate.
