Believe in the Power of Yoga

About seven years ago, I fell in love with yoga — and have been feeling the benefits ever since. It's a centuries-old tradition that connects the mind, body, and spirit for a deep, stretching workout that leaves you feeling centered and calm. There's also research that has shown yoga to be directly linked to weight loss. What's not to love?

I often hear people say they're intimidated by yoga or afraid that they're not flexible enough. The truth is, yoga is less about bending your body into a pretzel than it is about holding your body in controlled placements, or poses. You can find a variety of these poses in online. Start with a few beginner poses, such as the Cobra Stretch, and concentrate on holding them for a few moments while breathing deeply. Once you're used to yoga, your body will really start to look and feel different.

Remember, flexibility can (and should!) be developed with practice, and yoga is the perfect way to get started!

Aspirin Therapy for Preventing Heart Attack and Stroke

You may have heard about studies linking a daily dose of aspirin with a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. Is aspirin therapy right for you?

Aspirin appears to lower the risk of blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke, and research has shown that people who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease can benefit from a low dose (75 to 325 mg) taken daily. Aspirin therapy seems especially helpful for those who have already had a heart attack, a stroke, or some other evidence of atherosclerotic vascular disease, or those who are at significantly increased risk because of abnormal cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

However, for people at lower risk, the benefits of taking aspirin are less clear — and may be overshadowed by an increased risk of bleeding, a side effect of aspirin that can be quite dangerous. The risk of bleeding is also increased in those who take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (brand name Coumadin).

The bottom line: Talk to your doctor to see whether low-dose aspirin therapy is right for you. Have the doctor assess your cholesterol level, blood pressure, and other factors to determine your heart disease and stroke risk. Don't forget to mention any other medical conditions you have and any other medications or supplements you take on a regular basis (including nonprescription products).

And remember, the other healthy lifestyle changes you are making — including eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fiber and whole grains, avoiding unhealthy weight gain or losing weight, and getting regular exercise — also cut your risk of heart problems and stroke in the future.

Do a Real Balancing Act!

You've probably heard of — and maybe tried — many different diet strategies. Some diets encourage you to cut starches entirely and stick with just veggies and meat. There are diets that won't let you have even a tiny bit of fat. Still others ask that you balance your meals by eating precise percentages of different foods. Really, though, eating a balanced, nutrient-packed meal is simple! You can do it any night of the week, without a graph or a scale, with almost any kind of food you enjoy. Just follow a few rules of thumb when you're planning your meal.

• Variety counts! Are you eating the most nutritious foods from several food groups? Always go for the basics — whole grains, a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. This strategy can help you get as many different nutrients as possible without loading up on calories!
• Portions are key. Use the Nutrition Facts label on foods to get a sense of what a real portion is, then stick with it! Another good rule of thumb is to fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with a single serving of protein, and another quarter with a healthy starch. That's really all there is to it!
• Balance high-calorie foods with low. You can have an occasional sweet or a cheesy casserole! Just be sure to factor it into your entire day's calorie intake: If you splurge at one meal, stick to a simple salad or some other low-cal dish at another. You can do it!
• Focus on fruits and veggies. This is timeless advice! Fruits and vegetables are amazing sources of nutrients, and researchers are proving that they can fight all kinds of diseases! Shop for crunchy greens, sweet red berries, all colors of bell peppers — the sky's the limit! Make these the foundation of all your meals and you'll take a big step toward better health!

The Weight-Depression Connection

Did you know that in any given year, around 18 million American adults deal with depression or a related condition? Depression is more than just persistent feelings of sadness or being "down in the dumps" — it's an illness that affects your body, your mood, and your thoughts. It's a leading cause of disability, and experts think that many people who experience depression do not receive a diagnosis or treatment. That's a shame, since treatment helps 80&37; of people recover from episodes of depression within a year.

While the connection is not yet understood, experts have noticed a link between obesity, lack of physical activity, and depression. The relationship between depression and weight gain can be likened to the chicken-and-egg scenario. Sometimes depression strikes first, leading to weight gain and an inability to muster the motivation needed to tackle the problem. Other times, excess weight gain leads to depression, which then makes tackling the weight gain even harder.

In any case, it's important to know that safe and effective treatments for depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy (either alone or in combination with prescription medications), are available. Medical studies have shown that regular exercise, along with other treatments, can also help to relieve the symptoms of depression.

Help is out there — but to get it, you must take the first step. In addition to eating well and getting regular exercise, talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your mood. If you have depression, facing it will only make all your life struggles — including the one with your weight — much easier to face. So don't delay.

Bike your way to fitness

Stationary bikes just aren’t what they used to be. They’re better. A low-impact exercise, stationary bikes don’t put stress on your joints, so they can be a great replacement for the treadmill when your knees are aching. Over the years, stationary bikes have seen many improvements. It’s a classic type of fitness equipment that has lasted for decades because it works.

It’s simple
Stationary bikes provide a great workout and are pretty simple to use. Just pedal. The motion involves little thought, so you can catch up on reading or television as you work out. It’s perfect for somebody with little time to devote to exercise and needs to multitask. Unlike a regular bike or treadmill, it doesn’t demand much balance or coordination, so there is little chance for falls. This makes it ideal for those carrying a little extra weight.

Better than ever
As technology has advanced, so have stationary bikes. Many come with a digital monitor that will track distance, time, calories burned and rotations per minute, so you’ll have a visible record of your workout. You can easily change resistance settings for more of a challenge, usually with a simple push of a button. Some models even incorporate an arm workout with push/pull handlebars. The seat is also shaped to be comfortable with padding. Just make sure that you’re not leaning over while you pedal; this can lead to lower back pain.

There are basically two different types of stationary bikes: recumbent and upright. On a recumbent, you sit lower to the ground with back support, with your legs extended out in front of you. While this relaxed position minimizes stress on the knees and lower back, it also tends to encourage a slower, less intense workout . When riding an upright bike, your body is positioned just as it would be on a regular bicycle. You pedal downward and move more freely, so it can be a more intense workout. The downside, though, is that it provides no support for your back.

Improve your bod
There are specific benefits from incorporating a stationary bike into your workouts. First, they provide a great cardio exercise, one of the keys to healthy living. The cardio will therefore help you burn a lot of calories, especially if you really push yourself. You’ll tone your legs, and for those bikes with handlebars, arms as well. Bikes are great for beginners, but also can be a challenge for someone in better shape.

Piece of cake
There are many ways to include a stationary bike as part of your usual workout routine. Start off at a low level of resistance and speed, no matter your fitness level. You need to warm-up before pushing your muscles too far. As you progress, you can increase the resistance from the bike, depending on what type of workout you want from it. Again, a lower level can be used as a warm-up. A mid-level of resistance provides aerobic training and will build your endurance. And, a high level of resistance is considered power training and will build strength. Look for a balance in your workouts to obtain the full benefits of a stationary bike.

Get Active as a Family

If your time-crunched day leaves you feeling like you have to choose between fitness and family time, here's some good news: You can combine the two!

The benefits of making family time active time go far beyond physical fitness. Being active as a family also promotes family bonding, encourages time outdoors, and reduces time spent on sedentary activities like watching television or playing video games. Active family time is a great opportunity for you to model a positive attitude toward fitness for your kids and teach them healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. It's also a chance for you to have some fun and play as if you're a kid again!

Need some ideas for activities that everyone will enjoy? Here are some to get you started:

• Go for a bike ride.
• Take a swim at the pool or lake.
• Walk around a local track.
• Hike a wilderness trail.
• Walk along the beach.
• Take a trip to the local rink for roller-, ice-, or in-line skating.
• Play a game of catch or touch football.
• Play at a local playground.
• Jump rope or play hopscotch.
• Walk around at the zoo.
• Play tag, hide-and-seek, or keep-away.

Once you start brainstorming, no doubt you'll find there are all types of active pastimes you can enjoy as a family. So go ahead, ask your kids out on a "play date." You will be able to check exercise off your to-do list and enjoy spending quality time with your kids to boot!

Give Your Diet a Little Shake Up

You start a new diet. You see some fantastic results pretty quickly. The struggle, of course, is then maintaining this weight loss. Changing eating patterns for a short period is different than sustaining them. This is the area people seem to have the most problems with. Once frustration and boredom sets in, once dieters have reached that plateau, it becomes so easy to just give up in disappointment.

Dig Down Deep
When you are in a rut, don’t give up! That’s the worst thing you can do. Boredom might be leading you back towards your old habits, but fight back! What’s vital to overcoming this sense of apathy is to set goals. Not just in the beginning of your diet, but throughout it. Goals should be specific, yet flexible. They should allow for some minor setbacks, and yet encourage you to keep moving forward.

As an example, say your goal is to lose 50 pounds. Great! But how are you going to get there? Is it by eating a specific amount of calories? Perhaps by eating enough servings of fruits and vegetables? Are you going to try to work out a few times a week? Be accommodating to yourself. Realize that you are not perfect and you might splurge on something tasty every now and again. Don’t view this as diet failure.

Keep it Fresh
One of the biggest things that can be seen as contributing to diet boredom is a regimen that is so specific; it eliminates certain things from your diet, such as a low carbohydrate diet. These diets are not inherently bad, but it limits the variety of food options. So do your best to keep it fresh.

When struggles of tediousness come, counterattack! Change the types of food you eat. Don’t have the same dinners every week. Try new things out. It might take a little extra effort in the kitchen, but creativity in the kitchen can be fun. One way to do this is to splurge on a new healthy cookbook. Try out a new recipe once a week. Also, get your family involved in healthy cooking. Perhaps each family member can have a night of the week, not only to help cook, but to help pick out a recipe. You can also do a healthy recipe exchange with friends.

Above all else, a diet is nothing without combining other aspects of healthy living. Drink plenty of water, as always. This will keep you from munching throughout the day. Also, eat around 5-6 times a day, but in smaller portions. Finally, concentrate on fitness aspects as well. You won’t lose weight effectively if you do nothing to train your body. So, with your diet, you’ll be able to build some great healthy habits, but this can lead to plateaus. Add some spice to your diet and you’ll continue seeing success.

Don't Get Frustrated With Your Scale

What the Scale Is Not Telling You

It happens all the time. You've stayed on top of your workouts AND watched your diet every day, but then — Bam! — you hit that dreaded weight-loss plateau and can't get the scale to budge. Instead of getting angry at what the scale is saying, take a minute to think about what the scale is NOT telling you — like what a strong and healthy individual you're becoming. Do you have more endurance? Have you lost inches from your waist? Do you look better in your clothes? Don't be a slave to the scale. Weigh in only once a week, and the rest of the time just take note of the difference in how you're feeling.

Here's the thing: the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You have to take baby steps and start off slow that way you can stick with it and not get discouraged. The weight didn't come on overnight and it's not coming off overnight. Your habits and lifestyle didn't get this way overnight, and they're not going to change overnight. It's a struggle, but that's what we are all here for, to help and encourage each other along the way. You are here on the message boards asking for help, and that is a BIG first step. You can do it — I KNOW you can!!!

The keys to establishing life-long habits

Don't Neglect Your Body as You Develop Your Mind

Establish Life-Long Habits at a Young Age

For college and high school students, fall brings a lot of activity. Between fun stuff (like football games, parties, dances) and much harder things (like midterms and research papers), it may seem like there is not much time left to exercise and eat right. It is not uncommon for students to let their health slide. Before you know it, it's January 1 and you're trying to figure out how to lose 20 pounds before going on Spring Break!

There is a better way to do this. By establishing some simple, healthy nutrition and fitness habits, you can avoid gaining weight and even have more energy for school and everything else.

On the nutrition side, focus simply on making the right choices. This can make all the difference. For example:

• Eating a good breakfast will give you energy well into the day and will cut down on cravings later.
  
• For late-night study snacks, try fruit or nuts instead of pizza or potato chips. By preparing ahead of time, you’re less likely to resort to unhealthy fast food when you’re in a pinch, and the healthier foods you eat will stabilize your energy levels throughout the day (and night).
  
• Drink plenty of water. Water helps your body remove waste and even helps you lose weight by metabolizing fat. It also helps reduce hunger. Try to keep a water bottle with you all day and drink that in class instead of high-calorie drinks like soda.

It can be hard to find time for fitness. Some options include:

• Use your school’s facilities with a friend. Most schools now have comprehensive fitness centers, so you might as well take advantage of them while they’re free (or close to it). Finding someone to go with will make you accountable so you’ll be more likely to keep going. Also, the gym can be a great place to meet new people.
  
• Walk as much as you can. If you're on your way to lunch or class and have the time, walk instead of driving. Even if you’re running late, increase your speed. Not only will you make it to class on time, you’ll also be getting aerobic benefit.
  
• Take breaks from studying to do some quick exercises for refreshment. Jumping jacks, crunches, push-ups, lunges, climbing stairs, or walking around the building can all be done in just a few minutes. Exercise breaks will also make your mind more alert and your studying more effective.
  
• Play a sport. You don't have to be part of the school's team. Anyone can play pick-up games or participate in intramurals or club sports.

Remember, don't get down on yourself if you miss a week of exercising or need to eat pizza a few nights in a row. School may be a stressful time, but it can also be the best time of your life—and one of your healthiest. Just try to remember the good habits presented here and other ones you learn along the way.

As you practice them more, you’ll be more consistent. Plus you’ll have plenty of energy and reduce the stress that comes with school. High school and college are times when healthy habits are made, so put forth the effort now and reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life.

-- By Dave Heilmann

Get Skinnier with These 2 Small Changes

Turns out you don't have to completely overhaul your life in order to fit into your jeans better. Researchers recently pinpointed two simple strategies that could do the job.

Part 1: Just walk an extra 500 steps every day. Part 2: Trim a mere 100 calories from one meal each day (that's roughly equivalent to eating one less tablespoon of butter, drinking three fewer sips of soda, or leaving three or four bites at a meal). Pretty simple, right?

Succeed at Weight Loss Without Trying
In a study, overweight people who were coached to do exactly that ended up doing big favors for their waistlines. Not just because they removed a few extra calories from their day, but because embarking on this simple plan inspired them to make even bigger changes. They turned into overachievers, cutting 300 calories a day from their diets and walking an extra 1,450 steps per day. That translates into shedding about a pound every 10 days or so. And it was their commitment to baby steps that really got the ball rolling.

Really Simple Slimmers
Bottom line: If the thought of big change keeps you firmly glued to the couch, think about smaller changes you can make to help your body be healthier. You never know, the "no big deal" approach might be the perfect way to start yourself off in the right direction. And if things snowball from there, so be it, right? Need more help busting through your diet excuses? Try one of these on for size:

• Too hot, too cold, or too dark out? Start a simple walking program
• Too hungry? Try Healthful, small snacks.
• Can't stop the cravings? Try adding more eggs to your diet

Savor the Simple Things

Have you ever noticed how easily most children are made happy? Simple things — a colorful sticker, a trip to the park, hugging a cuddly puppy — make them squeal with delight and smile for hours.

Naturally, it's not as easy for adults to be so easily satisfied. While simple things should make us happy, life has gotten more complicated. Cute as they are, puppies just won't do it anymore — our happiness too often comes from big paychecks and expensive purchases. We've got less time to enjoy life and we're more stressed out. It's enough to make you wish you were a kid again!

What's making you happy these days? Is it all about getting shiny new things, or are you finding value in feeling healthy and energetic? Maybe being on my program has made you feel peaceful and in control of your life. Contentment feels good, too — learn to savor and appreciate the feeling, which costs nothing but your own determination and discipline. Good for you!

This week, focus on taking pleasure in the simple things life brings your way! Bring a snack to your local park and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, take a walk through a pet store, or bring freshly picked flowers to an elderly neighbor. You won't spend much money, and the reward of simple pleasures will last all day!

Using Meal Replacements

You've probably seen shakes and bars designed to be drunk or eaten in place of a regular meal. You may wonder, Are they a good choice for weight loss?

In general, it's better to learn how to choose healthy foods and eat them in reasonable portions than rely on a shake or bar to do it for you. However, meal replacements can be a good choice if you use them to replace a meal, such as breakfast, that you would normally skip. They can also be a healthy choice if you're caught in a pinch or need to eat on the go.

While meal replacements can be a convenient way to cut calories, it's important to keep in mind that not all products are created equal. Check the Nutrition Facts panel and make sure that the number of calories and other nutrient values fit in with your meal plan. At the Duke Diet & Fitness Center, we often recommend brands like Slim-Fast and Glucerna.

Also keep in mind that drinking a shake or eating a bar may not be as emotionally or physically satisfying as eating a well-balanced meal containing the same amount of calories. For example, compare drinking a 220-calorie meal replacement shake with eating a breakfast of one cup of fresh strawberries, four ounces of low-fat yogurt, and a slice of whole wheat toast. The second meal has the same amount of calories, but it would probably leave you feeling much more satisfied.

So make time for "real" food whenever you can, and use meal replacements as a backup plan. Remember, a meal replacement may be a better choice than a burger and fries, but there's no substitute for learning to make healthy food choices for life.

Feel Full With This Quick Salad!

This tuna salad is full of protein and top-quality carbs, the kind that will keep you going all afternoon. And best of all, it's got a lot of flavor and is really filling.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Ingredients
2 cans (6 ounces each) water-packed tuna, drained
1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 large red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 jar (4 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped
1/3 cup coarsely chopped sweet red onion
10–12 kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, crushed through a press
Preparation
Place the tuna in a medium bowl and flake with a fork. Add the chickpeas, bell pepper, artichoke hearts, onions, and olives. Toss to mix well. Add the lemon juice, oil, and garlic and toss until blended.
Makes 6 cups
Per 1 1/2 cups: 330 calories, 26 g carbohydrates, 26 g protein, 14 g total fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 5 g dietary fiber, 790 mg sodium

Find the Key to Weight-Loss Success

Question:

Do you recommend cutting carbs or cutting fat to lose the most weight?

Answer:

I'm honestly more into cutting calories, because I like a well-balanced eating plan that includes such good, healthy carbs as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables and about 25 percent good fats, such as lean chicken, fish, avocados, and olive oil. My Meal Plan provides you with low-calorie recipes that incorporate these recommendations.

Remember, weight loss is all about how many calories you eat versus how many you burn through daily movement and exercise!

Try Some Tantalizing Tofu!

If you're looking to increase your protein intake, boost your heart health, and cut your food budget, try tofu! Tofu is soymilk curd, pressed and packed into a spongy food that's bursting with protein, heart-healthy fiber, and unsaturated fat, as well as vitamins and minerals. And tofu is affordable, especially compared with animal proteins like beef, chicken, and fish. Tofu is so versatile, it's a cinch to incorporate it into your diet! Substitute firm tofu for chicken, fish, or meat in your favorite stir-fry recipes; because tofu has little taste on its own but is very absorbent, it soaks up the flavors of all the foods and spices it's cooked with, leading to a delicious, savory dish! Try blending soft or silken tofu in smoothies, dressings, dips, or desserts like mousse. You can even scramble it for egg-free "scrambled eggs." You can also buy preseasoned or marinated tofu at the supermarket — it's great with rice and veggies for a balanced, healthy, and delicious meal!

If you haven't tried tofu yet, challenge yourself to switch one of your animal-protein meals in the week ahead to tofu. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!

A heads-up about soy products in general: Because of the estrogenlike properties of soy, the jury is still out on whether soy products are safe for women who have a high risk of breast cancer to consume in large amounts. If you are at increased risk for breast cancer because of your personal or family history, choose soy products only in moderation, avoid soy supplements, and speak with your health care provider for specific recommendations.

Keep "Me" a Priority

As you continue your lifelong journey toward health and fitness, remember to keep putting yourself and your needs on your to-do list!

It's so easy to let the demands of family, work, friends, and other commitments take precedence in your life. For example, time for working out may get replaced by the need to chauffeur your kids to and from their scout meetings and dance classes. Or time for preparing healthy meals may get supplanted by a work project that requires extra hours — leading to more last-minute trips to the drive-through.

While shortchanging ourselves and our goals to meet the needs of others often seems like the right thing to do, it isn't a good long-term strategy. Eventually, without your own needs being met, you get depleted — and when you're empty, you can't fill up anyone else. Making yourself a priority isn't selfish — it's necessary to keep you from burning out and becoming ineffective.

One of the best ways to safeguard time for yourself is to learn to set limits. That might mean turning down other people's requests for your time. Saying no can be difficult at first — we all want to please the people we love or the people we work for — but it's a necessary skill. Rather than immediately saying yes, you could consider "let me think about how I can participate and get back to you." Then, rather than take on the whole job, you could take a piece of it. "I can work with the caterer if you can find someone to handle renting the tables and chairs."

Even in situations in which you don't feel you can say no, there may be room for compromise. You may not want to keep your kids from doing the activities they love, but that doesn't mean you have to be the one to drive them back and forth each day. Perhaps you can organize a carpooling system so that you can share the responsibility with other parents. And of course, saying no to a work project may not be the best idea for your career, but you could talk to your boss about your needs and ask for some control in scheduling those extra hours.

This week, spend some time this week writing in your journal about ways you can put yourself first. It's good for you — and good for everyone who depends on you.

Let Laughter Into Your Life

When was the last time you had a good giggle attack? Laughter is not only fun — it has proven health benefits as well. By laughing more often, you automatically improve your mood (and the moods of those around you!) reduce stress and nervousness, and lower your blood pressure. It's hard to stay stressed when you're chuckling away, right?

Laughter can also improve your relationships — research shows that most couples place high value on each other's sense of humor. A shared joke with a co-worker can help bond you as friends.

How can you let more laughter into your life? The next time you reach a weight-loss goal, reward yourself by renting a funny new movie or meeting a friend at a local comedy club. Call a friend and reminisce about a funny story from your past. Organize a silly group activity — a board game or scavenger hunt — for your kids and their friends, and be sure to play along! Finally, don't forget to laugh at yourself — especially on the days when everything seems to go wrong. Laughter just may get you through your next bad day. When all else fails, switch on the TV and watch a funny show. Relax, enjoy, and let the laughs flow!

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder most commonly characterized by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. As many as 20 percent of American adults suffer from this painful and sometimes embarrassing condition.

While researchers are still working to understand what causes IBS, they suspect malfunctioning nerves, hormones, stress, sensitivity to certain foods, or a combination of these factors.

In many cases, IBS is treated with medications that help to control constipation, gas, or diarrhea. If constipation is the main problem, gradually increasing the amount of fiber in your diet or taking fiber supplements can be beneficial. Lifestyle changes, like eating smaller meals, cutting down on foods that cause gas and on drinks with caffeine, and reducing and coping with stress, conflict, and emotional upsets, can also help to relieve symptoms. Increasing physical activity can help to relieve stress.

Although effective treatments exist, an estimated 70 percent of those with IBS suffer in silence. If you suspect that your frequent stomach distress may in fact be IBS, schedule an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation. Because some medications can lead to increased gas and bloating, be sure to mention any drugs or supplements you take on a regular basis.

The Importance of Warming Up and Stretching

A warm up is the act of preparing for an athletic event or workout by exercising or practicing for a short time beforehand. Warming up helps reduce your risk of injury and the aches and pains that come with exercise. The physiological reason to warm up is to assist your circulatory system in pumping oxygen-rich blood to your working muscles. The idea is to increase circulation throughout the body in a gradual manner. A proper warm up safely prepares the body for the increased demands of exercise. Cold muscles do not absorb shock or impact as well, and are more susceptible to injury.

A warm-up helps you prepare both mentally and physically for exercise and reduces the chance of injury. During a warm up, any injury or illness you have can often be recognized, and further injury prevented. Other benefits of a proper warm up include:

• Increased movement of blood through your tissues, making the muscles more pliable.
  
• Increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. This prevents you from getting out of breath early or too easily.
  
• Prepares your muscles for stretching
  
• Prepares your heart for an increase in activity, preventing a rapid increase in blood pressure
  
• Prepares you mentally for the upcoming exercise
  
• Primes your nerve-to-muscle pathways to be ready for exercise
  
• Improved coordination and reaction times

A low impact exercise, such as biking or walking or using an elliptical or rowing machine is the best way to warm up.

Stay Strong With Vitamin Supplements

Getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet is key when it comes to staying healthy. Ideally, we should all eat enough healthy grains, fruits and veggies, and lean protein to get all the vitamins we need, but sometimes that's just tough to do! If you're like me, and you spend a lot of time on the go, a supplement is a good way to boost your vitamin and mineral intake.

First, invest in a good, complete multivitamin. Multivitamins usually have all the basics — including vitamins A, C, and D, folic acid, and vitamin B12 — and are often tailored to age groups or gender. An additional calcium supplement, especially for women, can protect bones. I also take a vitamin E supplement for my heart health. No matter what combination you choose, always remember to eat a wide variety of nutrient-packed foods! That's the best foundation for total health!

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Learning to cope with stress is an important part of managing your weight. Uncontrolled stress can have many unhealthy side effects — it may zap your energy, reduce your motivation, and increase your appetite, prompting you to relapse into unhealthy habits.

This week, we want to show you a stress-reduction technique called progressive muscle relaxation. It's a helpful tool to turn to when life's pressures mount. To begin, find a quiet place to be where you can comfortably lie or sit down and free of any distractions. Then follow these steps:

Tense the muscles in your toes for 5 seconds, and then relax them for 10 to 30 seconds. Next, tense and relax your calves, then your thighs. Focus on the sensations of tensing and relaxing each group of muscles. Inhale as you contract, and exhale as you release.

Continue to work your way up the body, tensing and releasing the muscles in your buttocks, abdomen, and chest. Feel the tension draining away.

Next, tense and relax your fingers. Work your way up your arms, tensing and relaxing your forearms, biceps, and shoulders.

Finally, tense and release the muscles in your neck, jaw, face, and scalp. Let go of any remaining tension and rest in this state of complete relaxation for as long as you like. Focus on the experience of being completely comfortable and relaxed.

As you practice this technique, your body responds by decreasing your heart rate, slowing your breathing, and lowering your blood pressure. Many people with insomnia find that practicing progressive muscle relaxation at night can help them fall asleep.

Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation help you learn to use the power of your mind to bring wellness to your body. While it may feel awkward at first, in time you'll master the art of letting go.

Sports Drinks: Do You Need Them?

Have you ever wondered if sports drinks really hydrate your body better than water? In short, the answer is no. There's still no substitute for clear, fresh water when it comes to replacing the water in your body that's lost when you exercise. And with zero calories, it's the thirst quencher of choice for people who are trying to manage their weight.

However, that doesn't mean sports drinks don't have their place. Sports drinks contain minerals called electrolytes (including salt and potassium) that your body loses when you sweat. Electrolytes are necessary for carrying out many functions in the body, so replacing lost electrolytes with a sports drink can be beneficial when you're exercising for more than 60 minutes at a time or when you are sweating excessively, as in hot weather.

Sports drinks also contain carbohydrates (in the form of sugar) for energy, which can also be beneficial if you're working out for more than an hour. But be aware that with energy comes added calories. While sports drinks are lower in calories than fruit juice or soft drinks, they still contain about 50 calories per 8-ounce serving, which can add up quickly if you drink, say, an entire 32-ounce bottle over the course of your workout.

The bottom line? Go ahead and have a sports drink to help yourself rehydrate and refuel during long, strenuous workouts. But for shorter or less intense workouts, make water your sports beverage of choice.

Signs and Symptoms Your Thyroid is out of Whack

When Your Thyroid Goes Awry

Does fatigue drag you down day after day? Do you have brain fog, weight gain, chills, or hair loss? Or is the opposite true for you: Are you often revved up, sweaty, or anxious? Your thyroid gland could be to blame. This great regulator of body and mind sometimes goes haywire, particularly in women. Getting the right treatment is critical to feel your best and avoid serious health problems.

What Is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that control the speed of your metabolism -- the system that helps the body use energy. Thyroid disorders can slow down or rev up your metabolism by disrupting the production of thyroid hormones. When hormone levels become too low or too high, you may experience a wide range of symptoms.

Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss

An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is far more common.

Symptom: Swelling in the Neck

A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid. It can also be due to a cause unrelated to the thyroid.

Symptom: Changes in Heart Rate

Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and can influence how quickly the heart beats. People with hypothyroidism may notice their heart rate is slower than usual. Hyperthyroidism may cause the heart to speed up. It can also trigger increased blood pressure and the sensation of a pounding heart, known as heart palpitations.

Symptom: Changes in Energy or Mood

Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

Symptom: Hair Loss

Hair loss is another sign that your thyroid hormones may be out of balance. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to fall out. In most cases, the hair will grow back once the thyroid disorder is treated.

Symptom: Feeling Too Cold or Hot

Thyroid disorders can disrupt the ability to regulate body temperature. People with hypothyroidism may feel cold more often than usual. Hyperthyroidism tends to have the opposite effect, causing excessive sweating and an aversion to heat.

Other Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can cause many other symptoms, including:

• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Numbness or tingling in the hands
• Constipation
• Heavy menstrual periods

Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can also cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Muscle weakness or trembling hands
• Vision problems
• Diarrhea
• Irregular menstrual periods

Thyroid Disorder or Menopause?

Because thyroid disorders can cause changes in your menstrual cycle and mood, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for menopause. If a thyroid problem is suspected, a simple blood test can determine whether the true culprit is menopause or a thyroid disorder – or a combination of the two.

Who Should Be Tested?

Everyone should be screened for thyroid dysfunction every five years, beginning at age 35, according to the American Thyroid Association. People with symptoms or risk factors may need tests more often. Hypothyroidism more frequently affects women over age 60. Hyperthyroidism is also more common in women and in people over 60. A family history raises your risk of either disorder.

Thyroid Neck Check

A careful look in the mirror may help you spot an enlarged thyroid that needs a doctor's attention. Tip your head back, take a drink of water, and as you swallow, examine your neck below the Adam's apple and above the collarbone. Look for bulges or protrusions, then repeat the process a few times. See a doctor promptly if you see a bulge or lump.

Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders

If your doctor suspects a thyroid disorder, a blood test can help provide an answer. This test measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a kind of master hormone that regulates the work of the thyroid gland. If TSH is high, it typically means that your thyroid function is too low (hypothyroid). If TSH is low, then it generally means the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroid.) Your doctor may also check levels of other thyroid hormones in your blood. In some cases, imaging studies are used and biopsies are taken to evaluate a thyroid abnormality.

Hashimoto's Disease

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease. This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the thyroid gland. The result is damage to the thyroid, preventing it from producing enough hormones. Hashimoto's disease tends to run in families.

Other Causes of Hypothyroidism

In some cases, hypothyroidism results from a problem with the pituitary gland, which is at the base of the brain. This gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells the thyroid to do its job. If your pituitary gland does not produce enough TSH, your levels of thyroid hormones will fall. Other causes of hypothyroidism include temporary inflammation of the thyroid or medications that affect thyroid function.

Graves' Disease

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. This is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland and triggers the release of high levels of thyroid hormones. One of the hallmarks of Graves' disease is a visible and uncomfortable swelling behind the eyes.

Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can also result from thyroid nodules. These are lumps that develop inside the thyroid and sometimes begin producing thyroid hormones. Large lumps may create a noticeable goiter. Smaller lumps can be detected with ultrasound.

Thyroid Disorder Complications

When left untreated, hypothyroidism can raise your cholesterol levels and make you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. In severe cases, very low levels of thyroid hormones can trigger a loss of consciousness and life-threatening drop in body temperature. Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause serious heart problems and brittle bones.

Treating Hypothyroidism

If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor will most likely prescribe thyroid hormones in the form of a pill. This usually leads to noticeable improvements within a couple of weeks. Long-term treatment can result in more energy, lower cholesterol levels, and gradual weight loss. Most people with hypothyroidism will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives.

Treating Hyperthyroidism

The most common treatment for hyperthyroidism is antithyroid medication, which aims to lower the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid. The condition may eventually go away, but many people need to remain on medication for the long term. Other drugs may be given to reduce symptoms such as rapid pulse and tremors. Another option is radioactive iodine, which destroys the thyroid gland over the course of 6 to 18 weeks. Once the gland is destroyed, or removed by surgery, most patients must begin taking thyroid hormones in pill form.

Surgery for Thyroid Disorders

Removing the thyroid gland can cure hyperthyroidism, but the procedure is only recommended if antithyroid drugs don't work, or if there is a large goiter. Surgery may also be recommended for patients with thyroid nodules. Once the thyroid is removed, most patients require daily supplements of thyroid hormones to avoid developing hypothyroidism.

What About Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is uncommon and is among the least deadly. The main symptom is a lump or swelling in the neck, but less than 10 percent of thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous. When thyroid cancer is diagnosed, it is most often treated with surgery followed by radioactive iodine therapy or external radiation therapy.

Courtesy of: WEBMD

Half the fat! Fiber-filled Gaucamole!

Ready In: 6 minutes

Serves/Makes: 2

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

1 cup frozen lima beans, thawed
1 haas avocado
1/2 a fresh squeezed lime
1 roma tomato
1 jalepeno, sliced (optional)
1 tbsp of chopped red onion (optional)
a little cilantro
sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

Make sure the lima beans are thawed by placing frozen ones in warm water and letting them soak for about 5 minutes. Then drain all the water and process them in food processor or blender until minced well. Add whole avocado, lime juice, jalepeno and onion, and sea salt and black pepper. Process until smooth. Finally add tomato and cilantro and just pulse a few times to keep nice healthy chunks of tomato floating around! Makes two servings with only 1/2 an avocado being a serving size along with 1/2 cup of lima beans. Enjoy dipping with veggies like - bell peppers, celery, jicama, cucumber slices rather than chips for a healthy dose of vegetables. Vegan friendly, low fat, gluten-free, and delicious!

Make Time for a Family Meal

Eating a meal with your family is a great way to share healthy foods and stay up to date on what's happening in one another's lives! But did you know that it's also good for your family's health? A recent study found that girls who ate five or more meals a week with their families had a lower risk of developing unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders. Other studies have linked regular family meals with lower rates of obesity, drug use, smoking, and suicidal thinking among adolescents. With all the benefits you and your family can derive from eating together, how can you afford not to?

Get started this week with these tips:

• Set a time for the meal — just remember who has basketball practice or dance lessons on which day!
• Share food preparation and clean-up duties — your kids will love helping you prepare the meals, and if everyone is involved in cleanup, no one can complain about it!
• If they're old enough, let the kids help wash, peel, and cut up vegetables.
• If your kids are too young to help cook, they can still be involved — by choosing what vegetables they want at dinner, for example, or by stirring ingredients in a bowl.
• Don't let anyone opt out of the meal. Including everyone emphasizes the importance of the family's time together.
• Turn off the TV and computers — focus on eating and talking!
• Eat slowly and enjoy the food, the conversation, and the laughter.
• Keep mealtime conversation positive and avoid sensitive subjects. The point is for all of you to enjoy yourselves — not argue!

With a little practice, your family mealtimes will become something you all look forward to. Give it a try!

Green Tea and Weight Loss

You may have noticed ads for products containing green tea or green tea extract that promise easier weight loss and a higher metabolism. But do these products work? The short answer: No one yet knows for sure.

First, you need to remember to be wary of any product that promises a quick and easy path to weight loss. These magic bullets just don't exist! No pill or potion can replace the need for a balanced diet and regular exercise in your effort to lose weight and keep it off.

However, that doesn't mean green tea has no place in a healthy diet. Research suggests that this beverage may have some healthy advantages. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants called polyphenols, and preliminary research has linked it to a decreased risk of cancer and heart attack. Some research suggests that compounds in green tea known as catechins might also help aid weight loss. However, the research so far is inconclusive, and more studies will need to be done before nutrition experts understand the effects of green tea on health.

That said, green tea is a calorie-free choice, and a hot cup serves as a soothing treat that contains about as much caffeine as black tea or slightly less. So brew yourself a cup, flavor it with lemon or ginger if you like, and enjoy!

Cook Up a Guaranteed Kid-Pleaser

I've been making this slimmed-down version of Sloppy Joes for a while, and it's always been a hit. My favorite part is putting extras on top — for instance, some low-fat shredded cheese, pickle slices, chopped sweet onion, even some sweet pepper rings. I appreciate these Slim Sloppy Joes because they're filling while being figure-friendly. Note: This recipe makes enough for two meals, so put half in the freezer for a rainy day.

Slim Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

12 ounces lean ground beef (round or sirloin)
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
2/3 cup frozen corn kernels
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Whole-wheat hamburger buns

Preparation

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Crumble in the beef and cook, stirring often, until it loses its pink color, about 5 minutes. Drain the beef in a colander and wipe out the skillet.

In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 3 minutes. Return the beef to the skillet and stir in the tomato sauce, corn, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Bring just to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

Serve on whole-wheat hamburger buns with add-ons like chopped onion, pickled peppers, pickle slices, low-fat grated cheese, tomato slices, or whatever other toppings you like.

Makes 4 cups

Per 1/2 cup: 150 calories, 21 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein, 3–5 total fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 3 g dietary fiber, 470 mg sodium

Find Out Why It's Easy to Be Green

Have you "gone green" yet? There are many steps you can take to give back to the environment so we can all continue to enjoy our beautiful planet! Doing something positive for the environment is not as hard as it may seem. Here are a few simple ways you can show our planet your love — and save money and calories too!

• Carry your own bags. Invest in solid canvas bags you can take with you on your weekly shopping trip so you don't have to use paper or plastic. Some stores even offer a discount if you bring your own bags.
• Bring your own bottle. Instead of shelling out a buck or more for a bottle of water at the gym, fill up an aluminum water bottle at the fountain. Keep a mug or glass on your desk at work to refill at the cooler.
• Pack your lunch. Cut down on restaurant take-out packaging by bringing last night's leftovers for lunch in a washable container. You'll save on calories, fat, and sodium, too!
• Ride your bike — or walk! Save on gas and reduce emissions by biking or walking to work or to run errands. Public transportation is an environmentally friendly option as well. If you must drive, at least combine your errands so you can do them all in one trip. You'll save time too!
• Wear a sweater. Turn the heat a few degrees lower in the winter — and a few degrees higher in the summer — to save energy. Stay warm — or cool — by dressing for the season.
• Sort your garbage. Set aside paper, magazines, aluminum cans, and plastic and glass bottles for recycling. Contact your sanitation department to find out about pickup options or where to drop the recycling off. In many states, you can recycle bottles and cans at local supermarkets — and get back a deposit for each one!
• Make your own gifts. For birthdays, holidays, and other occasions, create unique gifts at home instead of buying something (typically with disposable packaging) at the store. Bake or cook a special treat, give a nice piece of clothing or jewelry that you haven't worn in a long time, or write a poem on a homemade card — it's really the thought that counts!

Make it an Earth-friendly week! Try one of these suggestions on two days in the week ahead — or come up with more ideas of your own to protect the environment. The possibilities are endless!

When Motivation Lags

At some point in your journey toward eating better and becoming more active, it's inevitable that you'll face a lapse in motivation. After all, at the rate of 1 to 2 pounds a week, weight loss can seem like a slow journey. But as the old fable of the tortoise and the hare illustrates, slow and steady wins the race. Week after week, those pounds will add up sooner than you might think! After all, 2 pounds a week is 26 pounds in three months and 52 pounds in six months! In the meantime, try these tips for keeping your eyes on the prize:

• Look for inspiration. Draw motivation by reading inspirational quotes or the biography of someone who faced her weight battle and won.
• Buddy up. Find another person who shares your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Challenge each other to keep going.
• Write in your journal. Turn to your journal to see how far you've come, remind yourself why you're doing this, and clarify what obstacles might be getting in the way.
• Switch it up. Perhaps boredom is the cause of your slump. If you always walk for exercise, try swimming or biking instead. Experiment with some new healthy recipes. Keep it fresh.
• Try a coach or trainer. These professionals can help you reconnect with your vision and how you'll get there.
• Make a list. Write down all the pros and cons of stopping your weight-loss efforts now. Do you really want to go back to your old habits?
• Shop for new gear. A new pair of shoes or workout outfit might be just what you need to get back in the groove. You deserve it!
• Remember the positive. Think back on all of the compliments you've received as a result of the changes you're making. Write them down so you'll have them to look at the next time your motivation lags.
• Set a new goal. Consider training for an upcoming race, walkathon, or other sports- or fitness-related event.
• Seek support. When you're feeling discouraged, make an extra effort to surround yourself with positive people.
• Use visualization. Reconnect with your goals by visualizing the future you want and what it will take to get there.

Remember, motivation is a feeling that comes and goes. Persistence, not perfection, will get you where you want to go. Don't give up now!

Share the Joy!

Have you ever heard one of my favorite sayings: "The joy is truly in the journey"? Learning about yourself and taking pride in your small accomplishments along the way is all part of the experience. Sure, there are tough times, but it's all part of the effort to change your life for the better. I encourage you to soak up as much of the experience as you can and to include the important people in your life in your journey as well. That's right — share the joy!

Whether you have a large group of family and friends or just a close circle of a few special people, your social ties play an important role in many aspects of your life, including your fitness. Research has shown that friendship not only makes your life more enjoyable but protects your health too. People who have good mental health and good social relationships tend to be the happiest — and the most fit!

One way to keep your friends close right now is to include them in this important journey you've undertaken. How can you reach out? Here are a few ideas:

• Set up an "exercise date." Call a nearby friend to reconnect and do something good for your bodies at the same time. If there's a class or activity you've wanted to try, taking the plunge with a friend can make it feel less daunting. Or simply take a walk with your friend instead of going out to eat, and use the time to catch up. You'll save money and calories!
• Make a phone date. Catch up with a friend or family member who lives far away. Block out some time for it so that you won't be interrupted. Your friend or relative will surely be thrilled to hear from you — and you'll get to talk about the changes you're making in your life. It'll be uplifting!
• Reach out. Get back in touch with a friend or family member who seems to have slipped away. Whether you reach out by phone, e-mail, or letter doesn't matter; the only thing that matters is showing that you still care.

Share the joy of the journey with those who matter most in your life. You have the power to inspire and uplift!

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking

If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, you no doubt have heard of the risk they pose to your health. Smokers face an increased risk of premature death and disability from heart attack, lung cancer, lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and stroke, among other ills. Being overweight also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, creating a health-risk double whammy when smoking and overweight are combined. But no matter how long you have been a smoker, it's never too late to quit and start reversing the damage tobacco use can cause.

If you need more inspiration, here are some additional benefits of quitting smoking:

• Reduced risk of mouth, throat, esophageal, bladder, and cervical cancer
• Reduced risk of peripheral artery disease (impaired circulation to the lower body)
• Fewer signs of premature aging of the skin
• Fewer breathing problems and coughs
• Fewer colds and other illnesses
• More energy
• Elimination of smoking odors and mess
• More money
• More control over your life

While quitting smoking is difficult, today there are more treatments and resources to help you do it than ever before. Talk to your doctor about your options, which include nicotine replacement patches or gum, behavioral therapy, support groups, and prescription medications like Zyban and Chantrix. There is excellent help and advice available at no charge from the National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines at 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669) and from the following Web sites:

• www.smokefree.gov
• www.cdc.gov/tobacco
• www.quitnet.com

I like Dr. Robert Shipley's Quit Smart program. If you wish to purchase the Quit Smart Stop Smoking Kit, you can do so at www.quitsmart.com. On that Web site you can also find a certified Quit Smart instructor offering classes near you.

As with other healthy lifestyle changes, like eating better or exercising regularly, the desire to make this change needs to come from you. If you don't feel you can make a firm decision to stop smoking, try making a list of the pros and cons that tobacco adds to your life. Ponder the negative aspects of smoking, and imagine the positives you'd gain by quitting. Start to visualize your life minus tobacco. This type of self-examination can often help you build motivation to take the next step.

Discover Quick Lunch Ideas

When you're on the go during the day, you can still have a healthy lunch! Here are some quick (and tasty!) options for brown bag and store-bought lunches. And if you don't have time to make a complete lunch at home, bring some of the ingredients with you and purchase the rest during the day. It's simple!

Here are five lunches to bring from home, and five to buy, if you're on the go:

Bring:

• Leftover soup, hummus, and cut-up veggies
• Cooked chicken breast on whole-grain bread, and low-fat cottage cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs, and berries or other fruit
• Peanut butter and jelly on whole-grain bread, cheese slices, and grapes
• Lean turkey wrap, a few tortilla chips, and salsa

Buy:

• Side salad with balsamic dressing and soy chips
• Miso or vegetable soup and a whole fruit
• Grilled chicken salad and a 100-calorie snack pack
• Small tuna salad on greens or spinach, and fruit-flavored yogurt
• Sashimi or sushi and fruit salad

Keep this lunch list nearby so you always have some healthful, on-the-fly ideas!

Eating With Awareness

We all have them, those irresistible foods that we can't seem to eat enough of. If we're not paying attention as we eat them — perhaps because we're watching TV or doing work at our desks — we may look down to find we've eaten three helpings of lasagna or an entire bag of chips.

One way to prevent this kind of overeating is to practice eating with awareness, or "mindfully." When you eat mindfully, your aim is to focus solely on the here-and-now experience of eating — the sight, flavor, texture, and aroma of the food, plus the thoughts and feelings you have as you eat.

This week, use the following tips to help you practice mindful eating:

• Eat only when you are seated at your kitchen or dining room table. Don't eat while watching television, reading, standing by the sink, driving, lying or sitting in bed, or doing anything else that requires your attention.
• Keep the focus on the food rather than the conversation. Of course it's nice to chat with company while you eat, but don't get so wrapped up that you forget to notice and enjoy your food. Consider eating alone a few times until you get the hang of it. Then, add in conversation with others.
• Before you start eating, take a few deep breaths. As you eat, put your utensil down between bites. Take time to really savor each mouthful.
• Take a moment to assess your hunger. Are you a little hungry? Moderately hungry? Ravenously hungry?
• As you eat, pause to check in occasionally with your hunger. Aim to stop once you feel satisfied rather than eating until all the food is gone. Push your plate away, and give your body 15 to 20 minutes to register whether or not you are still hungry before you eat more.

Over time, learning to eat in the moment will help you break free from mindless eating and make your meals more enjoyable and satisfying.

Become a Stair Master!

Keeping up with your exercise sessions — a walk, a bike ride, a strength-training workout, a fitness class — is great and goes a long way toward burning calories and making you feel fit. But don't forget the importance of working more physical activity into your daily routine! One easy way to remind yourself is to think about every little step you take!

Simple choices, like regularly taking the stairs instead of the elevator, keep your body burning calories all day long. Short bursts of activity like that can really add up — which is especially important on days when you can't find time to work out. Here are some tips on stepping your activity up a notch:

• Climb on. Take the stairs instead of elevators and escalators at home, at work, and anywhere else you can. In addition to burning more calories, you'll save time — a University of South Carolina study once showed that waiting to ride an elevator takes 20 seconds longer than climbing up one flight of stairs. And you've probably seen people zip past you on the stairs while you've been stuck standing on a crowded escalator.
• Split it up. If you need to go up several flights and can't climb them all, try a combination of the stairs and the elevator. Remember, every step counts!
• Take it down. Don't forget to take the stairs on the way down too. One study of hikers in the Alps found that hiking downhill (similar to going downstairs) had unique health benefits — it helped lower blood sugar levels (whereas going uphill lowered cholesterol).

If you're used to skipping the stairs, think again (unless, of course, you have knee problems or other health concerns that make stair-climbing unsafe for you). Today, see if you can take the stairs at least once when you normally wouldn't. Then tomorrow, do it twice. In no time, you'll be a stair master!

Exercising When You're Away From Home

When you're traveling for business or pleasure, don't let being away from home become an excuse to take a vacation from fitness. While you may not be able to do the same routine you're used to doing at home, there are still plenty of options for staying active when you're on the road. Try the following strategies:

• Bring a pedometer and a pair of walking shoes with you. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. If you're sightseeing, this will probably be easy!
• Pack a resistance band. It will allow you to do strength training in your hotel room.
• Ask if the hotel you're staying in has a fitness center. Nowadays, many hotels do.
• Swim laps in the hotel pool.
• Bring along a fitness video, or ask if the hotel has any available to use.
• Take advantage of layovers and waits in airports by walking through the terminal.
• Plan activities during your trip to add movement to your day. If you're in a rural area, plan hikes or kayak trips; if you're in a city, take a bike tour or just wander and explore the local streets and shops.

If you're having trouble getting motivated to exercise on your trip, try thinking of it as an opportunity to break out of your usual routine. Think about how great you'll feel once your workout is done. Tell yourself you'll just start with five minutes of exercise and then see how you feel. Chances are, once you start moving, you won't want to stop!

Remember, there's always something you can do to stay active no matter where you are. With some creative planning, you can make sure travel doesn't get in the way of your fitness goals.

Aim Not for Perfection but to Please Yourself

Like me, I'm sure you always try your hardest to stay on top of things, but sometimes you get derailed. An unexpected phone call makes you run 15 minutes late. One of your children stays home from school with a cold, and you need to stay home, too. Or you have lunch with a friend and taste a few bites of her chocolate mousse. Then what happens? You get angry with yourself.

You aim for perfection and then get upset when you miss the mark. And that's negativity you just don't need! We all make mistakes (it's human!), but you can't let those slipups get the best of you. Don't get discouraged if you fall off your diet or miss a workout — and certainly don't throw in the towel! Plan to do better tomorrow: Do an extra 15 minutes of cardio and a few extra reps of each exercise in your strength-training workout, or walk a little bit further.

Remember: One failure doesn't have to stop your progress or take away from all you've achieved until then. Put in a little extra work later, and relax and enjoy your day.

Coffee: Good or Bad?

To drink coffee or not to drink coffee: That is the question. Over the years, we've received many conflicting messages about this popular and addictive beverage. Concerns that it may lead to high blood pressure and heart disease once prompted some health-conscious folks to give it up, but a few recent studies have shown no link to heart disease in healthy people. In fact, some research indicates that coffee can actually decrease the risk of certain chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

Although researchers are still learning about the effects of coffee on health, many experts agree that most people can safely enjoy it in moderation. However, you should keep in mind that only black coffee is calorie free. The calories in cream, sugar, and coffee flavorings can add up fast — and be easily overlooked. Likewise, lattés and other espresso-based drinks can be surprisingly high in calories — up to 400 per drink! Stick to the old fashioned drip coffee, doctored with skim milk and artificial sweetener if you must add anything.

Keep in mind that coffee can have bothersome effects if you drink too much. If you have trouble sleeping, feel restless or irritable during the day, or have frequent headaches, nausea, diarrhea, or abnormal heart rhythms, it may be time to try cutting back on the joe. Try replacing some or all of the coffee you drink with decaffeinated options like decaf coffee and herbal teas. They provide the warmth and comfort of coffee without the adrenaline jolt.

With a healthy diet and regular physical activity, you might find yourself relying less on caffeine to help get you through the day and more on the natural, abundant energy that comes from living a healthy lifestyle.

How the West Was Really Won

This scramble has a kitchen sink's worth of ingredients — meat, cheese, and veggies galore. If your family doesn't like bell peppers, you can get creative with substitutions: Spinach or zucchini would also be good. If they don't like ham, add crumbled-up cooked turkey sausage instead. And try adding some herbs — some flat-leaf parsley would be tasty, as would basil or thyme (or sage, if you're using sausage). If you can cook the potatoes the night before, the dish will come together even more quickly.
Western Scramble
Ingredients
1small red or white potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1/2 medium green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup extra-lean ham, finely chopped
2 large eggs
4 large egg whites
2 tablespoons low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Put the potato in a medium saucepan. Add cold water to barely cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, partially cover, and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring often, until the peppers are tender and the onion is lightly golden, about 8 minutes. Stir in the ham and potatoes and cook, stirring often, until the mixture is just starting to brown, about 2 minutes.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, egg whites, cottage cheese, black pepper, and salt until well blended. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet over the vegetables and ham. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, turning often with a heatproof spatula, until eggs are just set, about 2 minutes.
Serves 4
Per serving: 170 calories, 14 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein, 7 g total fat, 115 mg cholesterol, 2 g dietary fiber, 400 mg sodium

Make Time to Enjoy Life!

Do you sometimes feel as if you're living in fast-forward, trying to stay one step ahead of the craziness we call life? I know I do! There's the work project that's due next week, the preparations for your weekend dinner party to attend to, or the study session to help your son or daughter (or grandchild) get ready for a test — but there doesn't seem to be any time for fun! And just when you think you finally have it all under control — here come some more tasks and responsibilities!

Time out! The nonstop roller coaster of life might not cut you any slack — but you can give yourself a break. It's time to start living for today! If not, you're going to turn around one day and wonder what you've been busy with your whole life, and when you get to start enjoying it. We all need to take a step back and let ourselves relax and recharge — and make time for the things that are really important.

What I want you to focus on in the coming week is slowing down your forward thinking, just a little. Invest a little time in the here and now to enjoy yourself. Sit down and read to your child or grandchild, pick up the phone and call that friend you've been meaning to call for months now, or just sit by a window and watch the beautiful sunset instead of rushing right by it. All your tasks and responsibilities can be taken care of in due time, you'll see.

It's just a half hour — you can afford a daily 30-minute break to just enjoy yourself! In fact, you can't afford not to. At the rate you're going, you're headed for burnout. This half hour will allow you to restore your energy so you can hit your to-do list with newfound vigor!

Take Care of Your Smile!

Your smile is so important! Are you taking proper care of it? After all, it's what most people — a whopping 94 percent — say is the first thing they notice when they meet someone new. That's a great reason to maintain a pearly white smile you're proud to flash!

Taking care of your smile isn't hard. First, if you haven't been to the dentist in more than six months, schedule a cleaning and exam ASAP. At that time, be sure to raise any questions you have about your teeth. Dentists are the best professionals to advise you on such issues as teeth whitening, proper care, crooked or broken teeth, and other common problems. Also, be sure to follow your dentist's orders when it comes to brushing, flossing, and which staining foods to avoid. If you drink too much coffee, it might be time to cut down, and if you smoke, it's definitely time to quit!

Keep your smile nice and bright; after all, they say a great smile can open many doors! It can also make a friend's day, as well as brighten your own. So go ahead — get grinning!

Metabolic Syndrome

In recent years, health experts have become increasingly interested in a collection of risk factors known as metabolic syndrome. They have found that people with metabolic syndrome are at an elevated risk for developing cholesterol deposits in the walls of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which causes most heart attacks and strokes. Metabolic syndrome also raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Because these illnesses are among the leading causes of death in the United States, preventing or treating the individual conditions that make up metabolic syndrome could save many lives. People may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if they have three or more of the following conditions:

• Increased abdominal fat: a waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women
• Elevated blood pressure on several measurements: 130 mm Hg or greater systolic (top number) or 85 mm Hg or greater diastolic (bottom number)
• Elevated level of triglycerides (blood fats): 150 mg/dl or higher after a 12-hour fast
• Low level of HDL (the "good") cholesterol: lower than 50 mg/dl for men or 45 mg/dl for women
• Elevated blood sugar levels: 110 mg/dl or greater after a 12-hour fast

While researchers are still investigating why these factors often occur together, they suspect a gradual resistance to insulin in the body may be to blame. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells use the glucose supplied by food. If the body doesn't use insulin efficiently, cells can't take up as much glucose, so it accumulates in the blood. In response, the body makes more insulin, overloading the blood. As a result of the excess insulin, triglycerides and other fats build up in the blood, increasing the risk of abnormal cholesterol. At the same time, kidneys become strained by the additional load, leading to high blood pressure.

In some cases, the cause of insulin resistance may be genetic or environmental. But most of the time, overweight and inactivity seem to be the culprit. Metabolic syndrome occurs in only 5 percent of adults of normal weight but in 22 percent of those who are overweight and 60 percent of those who are obese. Lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight, exercising, and quitting smoking can help to prevent or treat metabolic syndrome. If you suspect you're at risk, ask your doctor to evaluate you for this serious condition.

Dinner Party Dos

Heading out to dinner at a friend's? You can still stick with your eating plan! Just follow some simple strategies and you're good to go!

• Pick and choose: When dinner is served, focus on veggie dishes, salads, and meats. Politely pass on anything that's smothered in sauces, cream, or mayo. If you do decide to indulge in a rich entrée or a dessert, stick with a single, sensible portion.
• Bring your own dish: If dinner is potluck, bring your own nutritious dish! You'll have something "safe" to eat, and you'll be sharing the gift of health!
• Stay focused: Stay alert during the conversation before and after dinner. If there are munchies within your reach, be sure to have only a single small portion instead of repeatedly reaching for the bowl. You can do it!
• Watch your beverages: Alcoholic drinks can be loaded with calories. Have a glass of white wine or a wine spritzer — half wine, half seltzer — instead of a sugary cocktail.

With some simple preparation and a bit of discipline, dinner at a friend's can be an enjoyable — and diet-friendly — experience!

Self-Awareness and Mindfulness Meditation

One of the healthy habits we encourage at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center (DFC) is self-awareness or mindfulness — the act of paying attention to what you experience in the moment. Mindfulness can contribute to your overall sense of well-being in many ways, one of the most significant being that it can help to reduce stress.

As part of our self-awareness programming at the DFC, we teach our clients a technique called mindfulness meditation. Developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center's Stress Reduction Clinic, mindfulness meditation is a method of paying attention to the present moment, without letting your mind drift to the past or future or judging your every thought and feeling.

You can practice mindfulness meditation by carving some time out of your day, finding a quiet place where you can be alone, and then turning your attention to your breath or to some other sensation in your body. As thoughts, emotions, or other sensations arise and compete for your attention, you simply observe and acknowledge them without judging, analyzing, or trying to suppress them. Just give the thought or feeling a little bit of space, and eventually it will pass.

This very simple process can prove quite challenging. Most of us have never tried to train our minds to gain mastery over where our attention is from moment to moment. The solution is to practice.

This week, set aside some time to practice mindful meditation. Make a point to focus on what you are experiencing. Let the feelings flow. See what emerges. After a period of regular meditation practice, you may find that it's easier to be mindful in other situations in your daily life. Next week, we'll show you how to be mindful when you are eating.

Get Moving Outdoors!

Early fall is a great time of year, partly because of the cool, crisp weather. It's a great time to start gearing up to take your workouts outside, if you haven't already!

Exercising outdoors is one of my favorite things to do, and I highly recommend it. It's a great change of pace that will get your blood pumping and your senses engaged, and you'll soak up all that fresh air and vitamin D from the sun. You'll also get in touch with your surroundings, and maybe learn your way around a park you've never visited or an unfamiliar part of town. In addition, outdoor workouts are free — no gym memberships or class fees to worry about!

To make the most of your outdoor workout:

• Dress for the elements. Wear a hat and jacket if it's cool outside, and no matter what the temperature, wear sunscreen and sunglasses to avoid sun damage.
• Drink plenty of water before you start and after you finish. If you're going to work out for more than 30 minutes, carry a water bottle with you or stop for a drink during the workout.
• Dress in layers, peeling them off as you warm up.
• Wear reflective gear if you exercise before the sun rises or after it sets.
• Bring music — you can carry an iPod with headphones — to keep you pumped up. Or, if you can, bring a friend!

Go on — take your workout on the open road! You'll be glad you did.

Yoga and You

The practice of yoga was developed in India roughly 5,000 years ago to encourage emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. While it's an ancient art, the popularity of this form of exercise continues to this day. It's easy to see why — yoga not only improves balance, flexibility, and muscle strength, but it also can help to relieve stress.

Yoga is composed of a series of very specific movements, or poses, aimed at building strength and balance. Yoga moves can be done quickly, to build up heat in the body, or slowly and contemplatively to focus on flexibility. Meditation, breathing exercises, and chants may also be featured. There are many styles of yoga. Different styles emphasize different aspects of the practice, and some are more strenuous than others.

If you've never tried yoga, consider signing up for a class. You may want to start with hatha yoga, a style that tends to be slower paced and is good for beginners. Choose an introductory class where the instructor will teach you the poses involved and observe you to make sure you're doing them properly. After a few sessions with a good instructor, you can continue practicing yoga with a group, alone, or along with a yoga videotape.

You'll want to wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows you to move easily. Yoga is done barefoot, so you don't have to worry about buying any special shoes. You'll need a mat that prevents you from slipping while you do poses, and these can be borrowed or rented at most studios or gyms that offer yoga. If you decide to continue practicing yoga, you may consider buying your own mat.

If you've never done yoga before, let the instructor know it's your first time. Remember, others in your class may have been doing yoga for years, so don't compare yourself to them. In time, you, too, will become comfortable with the poses, and you will begin to experience the benefits.

Celebrate the Small Victories!

When was the last time you watched a movie with your kids after dinner? When was the last time you and your spouse had an adults-only night out? When was the last time you ran yourself an old-fashioned bubble bath — just because you felt like it?

Life is too short not to celebrate the many wonderful reasons we have to be happy! We're all too ready to get down on ourselves for cheating on our diets or skipping a night at the gym, but we forget about celebrating the many positives in our lives, as well as the small victories we achieve all the time. Congratulating yourself along your weight-loss journey — every time you complete a difficult workout, lose a pound, or stay strong and stick to your diet during a tempting situation — will help keep you motivated, and it's a great habit to share with your family and friends. If your son gets an A on his social studies test, why don't you celebrate? If your spouse has an especially good day at work, celebrate!

Promise yourself that you'll congratulate yourself on some of the smaller achievements you make on the way to reaching your goals, as well as some of the smaller but just as important day-to-day reasons to be happy. Celebrations don't have to be big and elaborate. They can be small surprises that say, "Job well done!" or "Good for you!" (or "Good for me!"). Try to take time from your busy life to be happy and to share your happiness with others. Do something fun and unexpected, and the day will be twice as memorable!

Lighten Up Family Favorites

Remember Mom's rich brownies? Or Grandpa's five-alarm chili? They're in every family — sacred recipes that get passed down through the generations. The problem is that family favorites often aren't as healthy as they could be. But with a few alterations to the recipe and cooking methods, you can still enjoy the tastes you love while cutting out excess fat and calories. Try the following tips:

Spray, don't pour: Coat pans and baking dishes with cooking-spray butter, margarine, or oil.

Go nonstick: A nonstick pan can reduce the need for fat when you sauté.

Reach for broth: Sauté vegetables in low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock for great flavor minus the fat.

Strip the skin: Cut calories by always removing the skin from poultry and trimming visible fat off meat.

Soak up the flavor: Leaner cuts of meat can be less tender. Use a low-sodium marinade to add flavor and help tenderize.

Switch tactics: Bake, boil, or broil meats and other foods you'd normally fry.

Cut back: Cut the amount of cheese and other fatty ingredients in your favorite recipes by one half, or replace them with low-fat versions.

Get saucy: Try replacing some or all of the fat in baking recipes with applesauce.

Go veggie for a day: Replace meat in dishes with beans or meat substitutes like tofu or vegetarian crumbles.

Slow cook: Use a slow cooker to turn lean meats, vegetables, and beans into delicious soups, stews, and casseroles without adding fat.

Spice things up: Add flavor but not fat to foods with dried and fresh herbs and spices. From the sweet and citrusy flavors of basil and lemongrass to the distinctive flair of cilantro to the richness of curry, a world of flavor awaits your exploration.

Get to know yogurt: Replace the sour cream on your table with low-fat plain yogurt. It makes a great topping for baked potatoes.

And remember, no matter what you're cooking or baking at home, always keep portion control in mind when you sit down to eat it. Moderation is a key to success!

Little Shrimp, Big Flavor

This dish is fun to eat and easy to make. I bet you already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! You can buy the shrimp already peeled and deveined, or you can buy them fresh at the fishmonger and set one of your kids up to do the dirty work. If you're using frozen shrimp, which is perfectly okay, thaw them in a bowl of cool water, drain them, and pat them dry. Using a premade coleslaw mix is another time-saver. And if you're really feeling pressed for time, you can use bottled cocktail sauce instead of making it fresh.

Shrimp Shack Special

Ingredients

For the shrimp:
1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp, thawed if frozen
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)

For the slaw:
2 tablespoons reduced–fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups prepared coleslaw mix
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

For the shrimp sauce:
1/4 cup ketchup
1–2 tablespoons prepared white horseradish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Preparation

To make the shrimp: Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the shrimp in a mound on the pan and mix with the lemon juice, pepper sauce, oil, and salt (if using). Spread out on the pan. Let stand for 10 minutes while you prepare the slaw and the sauce.

To make the slaw: In a salad bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, chili powder, pepper sauce, and salt. Add the cole slaw mix and beans and toss to mix well.

To make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice.

Preheat the broiler. Broil the shrimp 3 to 4 inches from the heat until pink and just opaque in the thickest part, about 5 minutes.

Serve the shrimp with the sauce and the slaw.

Makes 4 servings

Per serving: 240 calories, 23 g carbohydrates, 25 g protein, 6 g total fat, 155 mg cholesterol, 5 g dietary fiber, 660 mg sodium

Make Fitness a Family Affair

Question:

After years of being inactive, I decided I was sick of feeling sluggish all the time and decided to start exercising regularly. Now I'm hooked! How do I get my husband and 10-year-old daughter moving, too?

Answer:

Congratulations! Realizing the importance of exercise is one thing, but actually making the commitment to get fit — and healthy — is truly commendable! And it's fantastic that you'd like to encourage your family to exercise as well!

Don't worry, getting your family fit shouldn't require begging or bribes. Exercise doesn't have to mean going to the gym! Check out fitness DVDs that everyone can do together. Or pick out something that taps into their interests. For example, if your husband is a golfer, he might like a sport-specific DVD that features stretches and workouts that'll help improve his swing. Or maybe a weight-training DVD would be more up his alley. And if your daughter likes to dance, there are plenty of DVDs she can try.

You can also engage in some friendly competition. Go to the park and see who can speed-walk or run the fastest from point A to point B, or play a game of volleyball at the beach or pool.. You can also go biking together, throw around a Frisbee in the backyard, or go ice-skating. As long as the activity's fun, getting everyone moving will be a snap!

Resisting Temptation at Work

Has this ever happened to you? You're walking past the lunchroom at work and notice a coworker has brought in some chocolate cake. Even though you know you aren't hungry, you stop and dish up a piece. After eating the cake, you realize it wasn't even very good — in fact, it was a little stale! Yuck.

Welcome to the minefield of eating well at work. From vending machines full of junk to free food left in the lunchroom to treats on the receptionist's desk, temptation looms around every corner. And when you consider how many waking hours you spend in the office, it's easy to see why the work environment can pose many hazards to healthy eating.

Try using these techniques for sticking to your plan at work:

Make time for meals. Studies show that when people eat in front of a computer, they eat more and feel less satisfied. Plan some time into your workday to take a break, get up from your desk, sit at a table, and really focus on your food.

Pack your snacks. If trips to the vending machine are tripping you up, bring an assortment of healthy snacks to have on hand when the afternoon munchies strike.

Walk it off. If you're a desk potato, make efforts to add movement into your day. Take the stairs. Park further away. Deliver that memo in person. Take power walks during breaks. Any movement is better than none.

Change course. If you just can't resist the goodies in the lunchroom or vending machine, alter your path so you don't have to walk past them. You won't know what you're "missing."

Think it through. Before helping yourself to junk food or sweets at work, make yourself wait ten minutes. It's likely that the urge will pass.

Let 'em have it. Chances are, during your ten-minute delay your coworkers will polish off the free food before you get there. Problem solved!

This week, pay attention to the food traps at your workplace. Spend some time thinking about how you can face these situations going forward.

The Truth About Carbohydrates

It’s true. A carbohydrate-rich diet can inflate appetite and girth. Low-carb diets do promote short-term weight loss, but are accompanied by some severe dangers. So what should you do? The truth is, you can have your carbs and eat them too—you just have to know how to choose them.

The Truth about Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are the body's ideal fuel for most functions. They supply the body with the energy needed for the muscles, brain and central nervous system. In fact, the human brain depends exclusively on carbohydrates for its energy.
• Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy products, foods made from grain products, and sweeteners such as sugar, honey, molasses, and corn syrup.
• The body converts digestible (non-fiber) carbohydrates into glucose, which our cells use as fuel. Some carbs (simple) break down quickly into glucose while others (complex) are slowly broken down and enter the bloodstream more gradually.
• During digestion, all carbohydrates are broken down into glucose before they can enter the bloodstream where insulin helps the glucose enter the body’s cells. Some glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for future use, like fueling a workout. If there is extra glucose, the body will store it as fat.

All carbohydrates are not created equal.
There are basically three types of carbohydrates:

1. Simple carbohydrates are composed of 1 or 2 sugar units that are broken down and digested quickly.
   
   Recent research has shown that certain simple carbohydrate foods can cause extreme surges in blood sugar levels, which also increases insulin release. This can elevate appetite and the risk of excess fat storage.
   
   
2. Complex carbohydrates (also referred to as starch) are made up of many sugar units and are found in both natural (brown rice) and refined (white bread) form. They are structurally more complex and take longer to be broken down and digested.
   
   Complex carbohydrate foods have been shown to enter the blood stream gradually and trigger only a moderate rise in insulin levels, which stabilizes appetite and results in fewer carbohydrates that are stored as fat. Unrefined or ‘whole grain’ carbohydrates found in products like brown rice, whole wheat pasta and bran cereals are digested slowly. They contain vitamins, minerals and fiber which promote health. Fiber and nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and beans which are carbohydrates also have many important functions for the body and are important for good health.
   
   
3. Indigestible carbohydrates are also called fiber. The body is unable to breakdown fiber into small enough units for absorption. It is therefore not an energy source for the body but does promote health in many other ways.

Simple carbs, complex carbs, and fiber are found in many foods. Some provide important nutrients that promote health while others simply provide calories that promote girth.

• Sugar, syrup, candy, honey, jams, jelly, molasses, and soft drinks contain simple carbohydrates and little if any nutrients.
• Fruits contain primarily simple carbohydrate but also valuable vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
• Vegetables contain varying amounts of simple and complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
• Legumes such as beans, peas, lentils and soybeans contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
• Milk products contain simple carbohydrates along with protein, calcium and other nutrients.
• Grain products contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. The amounts vary depending on the type of grain used and the amount of processing. Selecting whole grain options whenever possible is recommended.

What You Should Know About Low-Carbohydrate Diets
Following an extremely low-carbohydrate diet is disastrous, dangerous, and above all—boring! Carbohydrates are NOT the enemy. Including the appropriate amounts and types of carbohydrate-rich foods in your diet is essential for long-term health and weight loss/maintenance.

The Body’s Immediate Reaction to Very Low Carbohydrate Diets
When there is a severe deficit of carbohydrates, the body has several immediate reactions:

• With no glucose available for energy, the body starts using protein from food for energy. Therefore this protein is no longer available for more important functions, such as making new cells, tissues, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies and the regulation of fluid balance.
• When carbohydrates are lacking, the body cannot burn fat in the correct way. Normally carbs combine with fat fragments to be used as energy. When carbs are not available, there is an incomplete breakdown of fat that produces a by-product called ketones. These ketones accumulate in the blood and in the urine causing ketosis, which is an abnormal state. Ketosis does cause a decrease in appetite because it's one of the body's protection mechanisms. It's an advantage to someone in a famine (which the body thinks it's experiencing) to lack an appetite because the search for food would be a waste of time and additional energy.
• Due to the lack of energy and the accumulation of ketones, low-carb diets are often accompanied by nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, bad breath, and dehydration.
• Because of dehydration and a lack of fiber, constipation can result.
• Exercise and fitness performance is reduced on a low-carb diet. Do not be surprised if your energy level is so low that you cannot make it through your normal workout routine.

The Long-Term Effects of Low Carbohydrate Diets
When you severely restrict carbohydrates, your consumption of protein and fat increases, which has several long-term effects:

• The risk of many cancers increases when fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and beans are eliminated from the diet.
• Protein foods are also high in purines, which are broken down into uric acid. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood may lead to needle-like uric acid crystals in joints, causing gout.
• Kidney stones are more likely to form on high protein, ketosis-producing diets.
• Over time, high protein diets can cause a loss of calcium and lead to osteoporosis.
• The risk of heart disease is greatly increased on a low-carb diet that is high in protein, cholesterol, fat, and saturated fat. A temporary reduction in cholesterol levels may be experienced, but this is common with any weight loss.

The Million Dollar Question
How do you include carbohydrates in you diet in a safe, effective, and controlled way? The “Please KISS Me” (Please Keep It So Simple for Me) plan for carbohydrate control is a wonderful tool that only contains 3 simple rules:

RULE 1: Include the following in your diet:

• Fruits: 2-4 servings daily
• Vegetables: 3-5 servings daily
• Whole grain breads, muffins, bagels, rolls, pasta, noodles, crackers, cereal, and brown rice: 6-11 servings daily
• Legumes, beans and peas: 1-2 servings daily
• Low-fat and non-fat dairy products: 3 servings daily

RULE 2: Limit the following to less than 2 servings daily:

• Fruit Juice
• Refined and processed white flour products (bread, muffins, bagels, rolls, pasta, noodles, crackers, cereal)
• White rice
• French fries
• Fried vegetables

RULE 3: Eliminate the following from your diet or eat only on occasion:

• Sugary desserts, cookies, cakes, pies, candies
• Doughnuts and pastries
• Chips, cola and carbonated beverages
• Sugar, honey, syrup, jam, jelly, molasses

That’s it! A simple, effective carbohydrate-controlling plan that, when combined with your SparkDiet, allows you to reap the countless benefits of complex carbohydrates and fiber while enhancing your health and maintaining a healthy weight. The long term result will be a healthy you!

By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian