Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Photo by Diego Ph on Unsplash A stroke, an event that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted either by a blood clot or bleeding, is something we often associate with aging adults. Essentially, a stroke is a “brain attack” that can leave …
Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash It’s no secret that stress is part of our lives, but how we manage it is what makes the biggest difference in our health. If we don’t find ways to manage our stress, we run the risk of creating …
By early next year, more than 20 chain restaurants will be required to post calorie counts on their menus. Although the goal is to let consumers know exactly how much food they consume in the hopes that customers will make smarter portion choices. Unfortunately, recent research shows that eating behaviors may not change much.
For many people, knowing for sure how many calories their meal will cost them may help prevent overeating. Calorie count is definitely something we should all consider, especially when it comes to fast food. For example, two slices of pizza contain about 700 calories, which takes over an hour of cardio to burn off.
To test the new plan to fight obesity in the US, researchers posted different types of informational signs around six stores in Baltimore. One type of sign posted the number of calories in a regular bottle of soda. Another type posted the amount of sugar in the same bottle. A third type of sign showed either the number of minutes someone would have to run, or the number of miles they would have to walk, to burn off those 250 extra calories.
Overall, the study authors found that providing any calorie information encouraged more teens to purchase water or diet soda instead of a sugar-sweetened beverage. In addition, the signs that displayed physical activity information had a stronger effect than the other types of signs. This shows that people are mostly affected by the work they will need to put in to burn off their meal; understanding exactly what you are putting into your body and what you have to burn off to maintain your weight is crucial for keeping your body at a healthy weight. If you’re looking to drop a few pounds, consider this: 3,500 calories make up one pound of fat. Simply cutting 500 calories each day from your diet (either through diet or exercise) can result in a one pound weight loss at the end of the week!
By 2015, with major food chains using physical activity descriptions to give consumers a better idea of just how much exercise is needed to burn off that Big Mac, the US may see a change in food choices and exercise habits. Hopefully, these efforts will help decrease the serious issue of obesity in the country.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/16/health/understanding-calorie-info/index.html?hpt=he_c2
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that it’s definitely time to get your flu shot! We are just about in the full swing of flu season and taking precautions to …
Photo by Rex Pickar on Unsplash With so many people coming down with the flu this time of year, we’re all trying everything we can to fight off the nasty virus. Of course, getting the flu shot is highly recommended, especially for the elderly, pregnant …
This time of year, many of us get stuck in a mental rut – less sunlight, colder temperatures, and added stress from school, the approaching holidays and more can all contribute to feeling a bit low. You don’t have to suffer through the winter, though. Try some of these mood-boosting tips to stay upbeat through the cold season.
Make your workout “winter-friendly”. The cold, darkness and snow can make it tough to get to the gym and work out regularly. Gear up to face the elements and exercise outside, if you can since being outdoors is always an instant mood-booster. Make yourself a regular workout schedule, and give yourself small rewards for sticking to it.
Check on your Vitamin D. The low sunlight level in the winter months means your body is getting less Vitamin D, or the “sunshine vitamin.” This can lead to a Vitamin D deficiency. Ask your doctor for a simple blood test to see if you’re deficient in Vitamin D, and consider a supplement if you are. In addition, with less sunlight, your body is susceptible to lower serotonin levels (the “happy” chemical) and higher melatonin levels (the “drowsy” chemical). With more melatonin, you’ll likely feel sluggish, so be sure to spend time outside whenever the sun peeks through.
Eat the right mood-boosting foods. Cold weather can have us all craving fatty, starchy comfort foods, but try to resist! Highly refined carbs and sugar can put your blood sugar level off-balance which can leave you feeling cranky, says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Eat Your Way to Happiness. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, good carbohydrates (i.e, whole grains and vegetables), protein, and B vitamins can all help boost your mood. You could also try getting some extra vitamins and supplements to boost your body and mind during those cold times.
Don’t hibernate. Humans are social creatures by nature. So even though the cold temperatures might make you want to crawl into bed, be sure to set aside time to spend with your family and friends. Socializing is a very powerful way to boost your mood, says Esther Sternberg, MD, author of The Balance Within.
Appreciate the little things. Even if you hate the cold, there are some definite aspects of the winter that can be pleasant! Shift your thinking towards the positive – ice skating (which doubles as a great workout), hot toddies, and even just taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the snow can all lift your mood in the winter.
Bundle up. Staying warm enough is absolutely crucial for maintaining your mood! “Winter’s cold can make you feel sluggish because of the increased energy demand on your body,” says Vincent Pedre, MD, a clinical instructor of medicine at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City. To keep your spirits up in the cold weather, always wear gloves, a scarf, a hat, and anything else you need to stay warm! When you’re inside the house, make sure to have the heating on.
What are your secrets for boosting your mood over the winter? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Health.com: Secrets to a Super-Happy Winter