There is much in the news about the importance of antioxidants, and how they can not only boost your immune system but fight free radicals in the environment. Studies have shown they may reduce the risk of cancer causing agents, cardiovascular disease, aging and much more.
So first of all what are antioxidants and how do they work? As you may know, every cell in your body needs oxygen to function normally. Sadly, the use of this oxygen produces harmful by-products called free radicals that come from environmental pollution, certain chemicals, chlorine in water, processed foods, food preservatives, smoking, and ionizing radiation. Also, recent studies have shown increased free radical activity following strenuous exercise.
Here are some diseases and antioxidant supplements that may protect against:
• Cardiovascular disease – Findings from some studies suggest that vitamin E, C, and selenium may reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing the LDL-cholesterol oxidation.
• Cancer – Studies have also shown that vitamins E, C and selenium and beta-carotene may protect against some cancers.
• Macular degeneration – Scientific studies report that a daily mix of antioxidants may slow macular degeneration in people who already have the disease. These include extra E, C, beta-carotene, and zinc.
My favorite antioxidant can help with joint pain, inflammation, allergies, healthy cholesterol levels, building up your immune system and more, it is called, OPC3. This powerful antioxidant has Pycnogenol which is derived from a maritime pine bark tree. Pine bark extract is an all natural combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids.
Resveratrol is also a potent antioxidant which contains red wine extract and wild blueberry. It maintains cell health and promotes normal cell cycle activity. It has been shown to have anti-aging benefits.
Of course, if you eat foods rich in antioxidants such as, organic blueberries, cranberries, cherries and dark leafy green vegetables, these will also help you fight free radicals. Unfortunately, you will not get all that you need from even organic fruits and vegetables because of the depleted nutrients in our soil and environmental pollution.
These are only some of the benefits of antioxidants. I suggest doing a search on the internet or talking to a doctor who has training on integrative medicine. Besides doing Transitions Lifestyle presentations, I also do health presentations on supplements. Contact me for more information.
My next Transitions Lifestyle overview will be April 7th at Spirit of Life Church, Martinsville. Please RSVP if you’d like to attend.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Keeping the Weight Off For Life
Is it possible to lose weight and keep it off? Many of my clients ask themselves this question, but doubt it’s possible because they have yo-yoed up and down most of their lives. I am here to tell you it is possible; however the journey required takes time and effort.
Many of my Transitions Lifestyle clients have tried to either lose weight on their own or have tried several other diets, and have not maintained their weight loss. Why is this? There are several reasons. I will list a few that could be your dilemma:
• You were following a temporary solution. In your mind you tell yourself this is temporary. In reality you are not going to eat just vegetables and fruit only or eat prepackaged food or drink meal replacement drinks every day of your life. This is a quick fix and it’s what attracts most people. What they don’t realize is they are hurting themselves more than helping themselves.
• You revert to old patterns. For example, your thoughts focus on failure, your feelings on disgust, unhealthy guilt, and self pity. When you fail, you feel hopeless and helpless. Yet, if you can realize the signs of relapse early on, you will know when you are in the danger zone so you can get back on track. You must assess your situation and be mindful to the warning signs to avoid relapse.
• You become complacent. This happen when you stop doing what you know works and revert back to your old habits. This can happen because you get bored; tired of trying to make changes, or begin to believe you can’t make the necessary changes required for a healthier lifestyle.
• You become confused. You begin to doubt that anything works or will make a difference. You become double-minded. The issues connected to losing weight and leading a healthy lifestyle is doubted and you settle back into your old thinking patterns.
• You don’t have an accountability partner. You keep trying to do it on your own without anyone who will offer support and guidance, or give you that boost you need. Others in your life may discourage or ridicule your efforts.
It’s time to make a lifestyle change! You will then be on your way to not only transforming your body but your life! Transitions Lifestyle is not just for those who need to lose weight but also for those who need education on learning to eat healthy. Contact me if you would like to find out more. My next overview is April 7th, 6:30pm at Spirit of Life Church in Martinsville.
Many of my Transitions Lifestyle clients have tried to either lose weight on their own or have tried several other diets, and have not maintained their weight loss. Why is this? There are several reasons. I will list a few that could be your dilemma:
• You were following a temporary solution. In your mind you tell yourself this is temporary. In reality you are not going to eat just vegetables and fruit only or eat prepackaged food or drink meal replacement drinks every day of your life. This is a quick fix and it’s what attracts most people. What they don’t realize is they are hurting themselves more than helping themselves.
• You revert to old patterns. For example, your thoughts focus on failure, your feelings on disgust, unhealthy guilt, and self pity. When you fail, you feel hopeless and helpless. Yet, if you can realize the signs of relapse early on, you will know when you are in the danger zone so you can get back on track. You must assess your situation and be mindful to the warning signs to avoid relapse.
• You become complacent. This happen when you stop doing what you know works and revert back to your old habits. This can happen because you get bored; tired of trying to make changes, or begin to believe you can’t make the necessary changes required for a healthier lifestyle.
• You become confused. You begin to doubt that anything works or will make a difference. You become double-minded. The issues connected to losing weight and leading a healthy lifestyle is doubted and you settle back into your old thinking patterns.
• You don’t have an accountability partner. You keep trying to do it on your own without anyone who will offer support and guidance, or give you that boost you need. Others in your life may discourage or ridicule your efforts.
It’s time to make a lifestyle change! You will then be on your way to not only transforming your body but your life! Transitions Lifestyle is not just for those who need to lose weight but also for those who need education on learning to eat healthy. Contact me if you would like to find out more. My next overview is April 7th, 6:30pm at Spirit of Life Church in Martinsville.
Monday, March 7, 2011
How Low Glycemic Foods Impact Weight-loss
Research has found that eating low glycemic foods not only reduces the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, but also can help manage a healthy weight. The opposite is true of high glycemic foods which contribute to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
According to experts, eating a lot of high GI foods can be detrimental to your health because it pushes your body to extremes. If you are overweight and sedentary, this can be particularly true. Switching to eating mainly low GI carbohydrates that slowly trickle glucose into your blood stream keeps your energy levels balanced which causes you to feel fuller for longer between meals. (www.glycemicindex.com).
So what are low glycemic foods? Here is just a few you can begin to incorporate into your diet:
• Whole grains such as, whole wheat breads that contain complex carbohydrates, wild rice, whole oats
• Low glycemic fruits - apples, grapefruit, berries, etc.
• Vegetables – broccoli, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, etc.
• Legumes – lentils, beans, chickpeas, etc.
I tell my clients the easiest way to recognize high glycemic foods are by their color. For example, white rice, white potatoes, white sugar and white flour. If these are mostly removed from your diet and more vegetables, fruit and whole grains are added, your overall health should improve immensely.
Studies show that diets high in dietary fiber can significantly reduce the risk of several illnesses. Fiber is the number one way to lower the glycemic load. Eating a low glycemic impact diet focuses on eating more high fiber, found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It is important to understand the affect carbohydrates have on the body; not remove them from your diet completely.
The glycemic impact is a measure of how a food raises blood glucose levels and elicits an insulin response. The theory of this diet is to increase blood sugar gradually instead of rapidly by eating foods with a low glycemic index. When you eat high glycemic foods, your blood sugar rapidly increases which causes your body to store fat.
In my Transitions classes I teach the impact of high glycemic foods and how to determine what foods are low glycemic. This is most important to losing and maintaining weight-loss. Of course, changing behavior and exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, which are the other two important areas we work on.
The next Transitions overview will be March 14th at 6:30pm at Spirit of Life Church in Martinsville. (Note: The March 10th overview is cancelled). This is a free overview to the public. Please RSVP if you would like to attend.
According to experts, eating a lot of high GI foods can be detrimental to your health because it pushes your body to extremes. If you are overweight and sedentary, this can be particularly true. Switching to eating mainly low GI carbohydrates that slowly trickle glucose into your blood stream keeps your energy levels balanced which causes you to feel fuller for longer between meals. (www.glycemicindex.com).
So what are low glycemic foods? Here is just a few you can begin to incorporate into your diet:
• Whole grains such as, whole wheat breads that contain complex carbohydrates, wild rice, whole oats
• Low glycemic fruits - apples, grapefruit, berries, etc.
• Vegetables – broccoli, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, etc.
• Legumes – lentils, beans, chickpeas, etc.
I tell my clients the easiest way to recognize high glycemic foods are by their color. For example, white rice, white potatoes, white sugar and white flour. If these are mostly removed from your diet and more vegetables, fruit and whole grains are added, your overall health should improve immensely.
Studies show that diets high in dietary fiber can significantly reduce the risk of several illnesses. Fiber is the number one way to lower the glycemic load. Eating a low glycemic impact diet focuses on eating more high fiber, found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It is important to understand the affect carbohydrates have on the body; not remove them from your diet completely.
The glycemic impact is a measure of how a food raises blood glucose levels and elicits an insulin response. The theory of this diet is to increase blood sugar gradually instead of rapidly by eating foods with a low glycemic index. When you eat high glycemic foods, your blood sugar rapidly increases which causes your body to store fat.
In my Transitions classes I teach the impact of high glycemic foods and how to determine what foods are low glycemic. This is most important to losing and maintaining weight-loss. Of course, changing behavior and exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, which are the other two important areas we work on.
The next Transitions overview will be March 14th at 6:30pm at Spirit of Life Church in Martinsville. (Note: The March 10th overview is cancelled). This is a free overview to the public. Please RSVP if you would like to attend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)