-
Is Organic Really Healthy?
We think of organic food as healthy, but is organic really healthy? It offers certain advantages for sure, but if we believe it to be universally “healthy”, we’re being a bit naive. Much of food labeled “organic” is still processed food, so here are several reasons why organic foods may not necessarily be a guaranteed healthy choice. First of all, what’s the definition of organic? Organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. It usually means the food or the ingredients in the food have been grown without synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge (yes really! gross, but true!!), genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or ionizing radiation. In…
-
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables give you a ton of health benefits! Encompassing a broad variety of nutritious foods, the cruciferous family is recognized for its exceptional dietary and therapeutic qualities. You may be wondering which veggies are cruciferous. They include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, radish, rutabaga, turnip, arugula, bok choy, collard greens, watercress, mustard greens, and kohlrabi, to name just a few. Power Packed, They Have Tons of Benefits! These power-packed vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and provide a wide range of vitamins, such as Vitamin A, C, E, and K, and minerals like calcium, iron, selenium, and zinc. They are also excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids…
-
Healthy Eating and Getting Your Energy Back
Two of the most important improvements you can make in your life are healthy eating and getting your energy back. Let’s discuss each topic and what to do about them. Finding the Motivation to Eat Healthier Healthy eating is often made to be much more complicated than necessary. There is so much conflicting evidence about what a “healthy diet” even consists of, let alone finding the motivation to follow through with it. Here are some easy ways to eat a healthier diet without the unnecessary struggle. Take Weight Loss and Aesthetic Goals Out of it While your long-term goal might be to eat healthier in order to shed a…
-
Managing Obesity – What Works and What Doesn’t
Many things come into play when it comes to managing obesity. Increased physical activity over time, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes are all important. They must be combined and are all part of a new or a renewed commitment to a healthier lifestyle. When you embark on a weight loss and then weight management journey, the first thing you’ll want to do is be realistic about your expectations. It’s vital for your long-term success you acknowledge that the results you crave will not happen quickly. It takes commitment, effort, and time to transition to a healthier lifestyle that is sustainable. It’s also essential to be prepared there will be times…
-
You Have Prediabetes – How Terrified Are You?
You’ve just been told by your doctor you have prediabetes. You’ve left his office armed with all the tools traditional medicine has to offer you. You have your test kit with your lancets so you can prick your finger twice a day and draw blood, your glucose meter and very likely a prescription for a drug like Metformin. Maybe this diagnosis explains why you’re fatigued all the time or why you’re suddenly drinking so much water or even why that cut on your foot just won’t heal. It could explain a host of other symptoms too like your blurry vision. You get home and get on the innerwebs to find…
-
Diabetes and Prediabetes Symptoms
Did you know one of the most common diabetes and prediabetes symptoms is chronic fatigue? It’s true, and it’s because diabetes prevents your body from using energy properly. Instead, it stores glucose (your body’s favorite energy source) in your blood rather than letting it get to your cells where it’s needed. When you have diabetes, it’s common to feel as though you never have enough energy. Even after pounding back a few cups of coffee and getting lots of rest, you may feel exhausted after doing little or no even physical activity. Here are a few of the other more common symptoms of diabetes. Overweight and obesity Frequent urination You…
-
Healthy Productivity and Personal Growth
“In order to be knowledgeable in these changing times, we must pursue a constant program of self-improvement, a never-ending journey into new fields of knowledge and learning.” – Og Mandino Healthy productivity and personal growth can take many forms. These forms and focuses will change during our lives depending upon goals we set and challenges we experience along the way. Paramount for me, on more than one occasion, personal growth showed up in the form of healthy eating; first when I was twenty-eight years old and then again in 2012. When I wanted to write a post on healthy productivity and personal growth, I decided to invite a few friends…
-
Are You on Fire? What are the Different Types of Inflammation?
These days we hear so much about inflammation. Avoid it, reduce it, don’t do things that inflame your body and your mind. But, what exactly is inflammation; what are the different types of inflammation is it truly harmful to our health, and if so, why is it so harmful? Very simply put, inflammation is the body’s reaction to infection or tissue damage. Our bodies respond the invader to send agents to the offended/damaged site in an effort to eliminate the problem and to heal your body. Inflammation in its true and intended form is a good thing; in fact, it is a protective mechanism designed to protect you and save…
-
Are TV Commercials Making You Sick?
Healthy TV commercials? The unfortunate reality is if you see it advertised on TV, chances are pretty darn good whatever they’re advertising is not truly good for you… Seriously, think about these three things and what you see on television: food, drugs, personal care products. Let’s talk about them one at a time and see what might or might not be good about them. Food Food…what do we see advertised on TV that is healthy for us to eat? Can you think of one thing? When I think of food on TV, I am hard pressed to come up with anything other than fast food, junk food and the like.…
-
6 Ways to Stay Focused On Sound Nutrition
Let’s just admit it, in our world, gas stations offer more snacks and sodas than they have fuel for your car! It also seems there’s a drive-thru fast food place on just about every corner. It sure can be hard to focus on good nutrition. The temptation is everywhere! Time is short and you’re tired and stressed. It’s easy for all of us to give in and get fast food. Let’s talk about some simple ways you can stay focused on sound nutrition without obsessing! Make a plan Plan in advance when you go out to eat. Almost all big chain restaurants will have a menu available online to show…
