8 Tips for Improving Your Diet - Nutritional Advice for Eating Healthier

I’m always asked “How can I lose weight”? My answer is the same – but I don’t think they like what I say… LOL

Here are the basics. Print and put on your frig – on your bathroom mirror and learn them – then follow them!!!! Walla – You will lose weight!!

Basic Diet
Invest some time and effort to improve your diet and reap the reward of good health and excellent energy. Following these eight tips is a great place to start!

1. Drink plenty of water each day: Water to keep your cells hydrated and protected, to eliminate waste and ensure the health of your mucus membranes. Adequate hydration will improve a number of health problems including sinusitis, constipation, inflammation, allergies, fatigue, joint pain, headaches and many other afflictions. Drink more water and less soda, coffee, tea or juice.

Your body cannot adequately eliminate waste products without enough water. If toxic chemicals or heavy metal poisoning is at the root of your health problems you will have a much easier time getting better when you are properly hydrated.

2. Eat plenty of vegetables: Plenty means that at least ½ to ¾ of the food you eat (by volume). Vegetables are very high in fiber, vitamin C, folic acid and minerals. They provide you with many health benefits, such as the following:

• Fiber in vegetables slows the absorption of fat and toxins. One of the best ways to lose weight is to eat plenty of fiber. Eating adequate fiber can help normalize cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
   
• Vegetables nourish normal flora, which in turn nourish the lining of the GI tract, produce vitamins and inhibit yeast and other undesirable organisms.
   
• Vegetables speed up bowel transit time, which reduces bowel toxicity and prevents irritation of the GI lining.
   
• Vegetables contain folic acid, which is necessary to produce serotonin (preventing depression and overeating), increases energy and helps reduce the chances for a heart attack.
   
• The minerals in vegetables help prevent osteoporosis. (Other nutrients besides calcium are important for healthy bone.) Minerals are also important enzyme co-factors, so most major functions of the body are dependent on minerals.
   
• Eating vegetables can reduce the risk on some diseases and many other health problems.
   
• Eating vegetables helps to alkalize the diet.

Corn and potatoes don't count as vegetables. Fruit is also good for you; it is a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Eating vegetables is stressed here because when people are told to eat more fruits and vegetables, they tend to increase fruit intake but not vegetable intake.

3. Avoid deep fried food, Trans fats, partially hydrogenated oil and hydrogenated oil: As time passes, we keep finding more bad things about hydrogenated oil and fried foods. Hydrogenation is the food industry's way of turning liquid oils into solid fats. This gives packaged foods a longer shelf life than if they were made with natural oils. Hydrogenation produces trans fats, which have been linked to a number of health problems such as the following:

• Cancer: Women with higher levels of Trans fats in their cells are much more likely to develop breast cancer than women with low levels of Trans fats.
   
• Pain and inflammation become much worse for patients who consume hydrogenated oils. They chemically prevent the formation of natural anti-inflammatory substances that are normally produced by the body. If you suffer from chronic pain or have recently been injured, strictly avoid hydrogenated oil.
   
• Heart disease: High levels of Trans fats create platelet aggregation, which is the beginning of the plaque associated with coronary heart disease. Lately a lot has been written linking inflammation with heart disease.
   
• Trans fats are incorporated into the cells and make them less resistant to chemicals, bacteria and viruses. This could be a source of immune system problems.
   
• There may be a link between Trans fats and ADD, depression and fatigue. Brain and nerve tissue have a high content of fat. Some researchers believe that when Trans fats are incorporated into the nerve cells they affect function, creating problems like ADD and depression.

Muscle fatigue and skin problems are also linked to hydrogenated oils. Most chips and fried snacks contain hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenated oils are found in a lot of packaged foods like crackers, cereals and even bread. They are often found in margarine mayonnaise; and a lot of bottled salad dressings. Read labels.

Not all fats are bad for you. Permissible fats include raw nuts (not roasted), virgin or extra virgin olive oil and avocados.

4. Avoid refined sugar: The average American eats 150 pounds of refined sugar per year. Compare that to seven pounds per year consumed in England in 1750. Refined sugar increases insulin and adrenal hormone production and can cause the following health problems.

• Increased production of adrenal hormones causes the body to excrete essential minerals.
   
• Sugar consumption increases the body's need for vitamins B and C.
   
• Eating a lot of sugar aggravates many of the problems we associate with emotional stress.
   
• Sugar stresses the adrenal glands.
   
• Sugar feeds yeast and other one-celled organisms found in the bowel, causing them to multiply. These organisms produce toxins, irritate the lining of the GI tract and take the place of normal, more beneficial flora, thus removing the benefits of helpful bacteria.
   
• Eating sugar causes blood sugar swings. Blood sugar increases immediately after consuming sugar, prompting the body to produce insulin. Excess insulin creates more sugar cravings.
   
• Eating sugar creates insulin insensitivity. More sugar is eaten, more insulin produced, etc. This stresses the pancreas and sets the stage for adult-onset diabetes.
   
• There is a connection between sugar consumption and high cholesterol. Patients with Syndrome X (high cholesterol, high LDL, low HDL and high triglycerides) often have the problem because of consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates.
   
• Sugar consumption can make pain and inflammation worse.
   
• Sugar can cause or aggravate allergies, sinusitis, asthma, irritable bowel, Candidiasis, migraine headaches, fatigue, depression and even heart disease.

5. Avoid refined carbohydrates: The average American gets 50% of his or her calories from refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates are grains that have had the fiber, vitamin E, B vitamins, bran and germ removed. In other words, the nutrients have been removed and you are left with the starch. They create all of the same health problems created by refined sugar.

Refined carbohydrates fill you up-but not with vitamins and minerals. This stresses your digestive system and your endocrine system. Eating refined carbohydrates uses up precious vitamins and minerals.

Often people eat refined carbohydrates because they are low in fat and mistakenly think that because they are "complex carbohydrates" that they are actually good for you.

Refined carbohydrates include white bread, white rice, and pasta that are not labeled whole grain. Read the labels on bread. Brown-colored bread labeled wheat bread isn't usually whole wheat. If the label says enriched, white flour on it you're not getting a whole grain. Use brown rice instead of white rice.

6. Avoid chemical additives: Avoid processed foods and chemicals. The average American consumes 10 pounds of chemical additives every year. This has had a devastating effect on our health. The FDA tests single additives, but no one has any idea what combinations of additives do to us. Stay away from packaged foods with chemical additives.

7. Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly: Ideally, chew your food until it is liquid. You will be satisfied with less food and you will have better digestion. Your saliva has enzymes that facilitate digestion. Also, it is easier to digest small particles than large ones. Not chewing well stresses your digestive system and can lead to poor absorption of nutrients, digestive problems like gas and bloating and promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.

8. Never skip meals: Skipping meals stresses your adrenal glands. If you are trying to lose weight, not eating is a poor strategy because your metabolism will slow down to accommodate the reduction in calories. As a result you become fatigued and will ultimately gain weight.

Most "diets" will cause you to lose weight but be very careful- they cause you to lose muscle and water- two things that you need more of. And, to make matters worse, when they’re gone and you go off your calorie restrictive ridiculous diet, your metabolism is diminished because of the muscle loss (remember muscle equals metabolism) and you will gain even more weight.

Most "diets" will cause you to lose weight but be very careful- they cause you to lose muscle and water- two things that you need more of. And, to make matters worse, when they’re gone and you go off your calorie restrictive ridiculous diet, your metabolism is diminished because of the muscle loss (remember muscle equals metabolism) and you will gain even more weight.

Grandma was right when she told you to "eat your beans and cornbread." These foods are excellent sources of fiber. The only trouble is that fiber has long had the bad rap of tasting like cardboard. But you can learn to love fiber- not only for its benefits, but also for the easy, tasty ways you can incorporate it into your nutrition program.

What can fiber do for you?

Bulking up on fiber has many health benefits:

Weight Management
Fiber-rich foods may help you keep a trim body. Since they take longer to chew, you may eat more slowly, becoming aware sooner that you are full. Fiber also helps you feel full and slows the emptying of your stomach, which means that you fill up before you overeat. Fiber itself cannot be fattening because it isn't digested!

Constipation, Hemorrhoids, Diverticulosis
Fiber absorbs water, helps the stool to pass through the digestive system more quickly and easily, and helps prevent constipation. As a result, you're less likely to strain with bowel movements and therefore to develop hemorrhoids -- helping you avoid two common pregnancy discomforts at the same time! Fiber is standard therapy for the treatment of diverticular disease, a painful condition that occurs when the tiny sacs in the intestinal wall become weak and infected. A high- fiber diet helps to keep these sacs from becoming inflamed.

Heart Disease
Studies have shown that people who consume a high-fiber diet are less likely to develop heart disease. Certain types of fiber may help lower LDL-cholesterol, the bad stuff. Fiber also helps bile acids that are made of cholesterol pass through the intestines as waste. Therefore the body absorbs less dietary cholesterol.

High Blood Pressure
Fiber-rich foods are also a good source of potassium and magnesium, two minerals needed to help regulate blood pressure.

Diabetes
Water-soluble fiber helps regulate blood sugar by delaying the emptying time of the stomach. It slows sugar absorption after a meal, thus reducing the amount of insulin needed.

Cancer
Following a high-fiber diet regularly may help prevent certain cancers, such as colon and rectal. Fiber absorbs excess bile acids that are associated with cancer and speeds up the time needed for waste to pass through the digestive system. This allows less time for harmful substances to come in contact with the intestinal wall. Fiber forms a bulkier stool, which helps to dilute the concentration of harmful substances.

What is fiber? Fiber is found only in plant foods, such as dried beans and peas, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It's a type of carbohydrate that gives plants their structure. Because it's not digested or absorbed into your body when you eat it, you ingest no calories. There are two types of fiber, both beneficial in different ways:

Soluble fiber helps lower blood cholesterol levels, as well as delaying the absorption of glucose and helping with diabetes control. Sources include oats, seeds, beans, barley, peas, lentils, apples, citrus fruit, carrots, plums, and squash.

Insoluble fiber keeps the digestive system running smoothly, minimizing constipation, hemorrhoids, and other digestive problems. It may help prevent certain types of cancer. Sources include bran, whole grain products, the skins of fruits and vegetables, and leafy greens.

Yoga - Starting Sept 5th at 7:15pm

Bring water and a towel or mat. (I also have mats available).

Fitness Rule #10:
Surround yourself with winners. - One of the key qualities of successful people is that they avoid negative individuals. Instead, they choose to spend the majority of their time surrounded by those who have already achieved what they seek to achieve. So if your goal is to weigh 135 pounds through healthy eating and active living, then seek out others who already live a healthy lifestyle and have achieved their weight loss goals. Hanging out with people who just talk about getting in shape, but who never take persistent action, will increase your chances of never reaching your goal.

 One of the best ways to ensure your fitness success is to dig deep and ask yourself "WHY do I work out?" It's rarely about loosing weight or putting on muscle. It's more about feeling confident in a bathing suit, keeping up with your kids, being faster on the field or waking up every day full of energy. "Dig deep" and tell us the REAL reason you work out, lets hear it!

Total Preparation Time: 1-1/2 hours

1 beef tri-tip roast (1-1/2 to 2 pounds)
2 medium red bell peppers, cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking barley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup lime juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 medium mangoes, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 large Boston lettuce leaves (optional)

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 425°F. Place bell peppers on metal baking sheet; spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Press 1 teaspoon paprika evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast. Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425°F oven 30 to 40 minutes for medium rare; 40 to 45 minutes for medium doneness. Roast bell peppers in oven with beef about 30 minutes or until tender. Set peppers aside to cool.
3. Remove roast when instant-read thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)
4. Meanwhile, cook barley according to package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.
5. Cut beef into 1/2 inch pieces; season with salt and black pepper. Whisk lime juice, oil and 1/2 teaspoon paprika in small bowl until blended. Toss with beef, barley, roasted peppers, mangoes, green onions and cilantro in large bowl. Serve in Boston lettuce leaves, if desired.

Cook’s Tip: To quickly cool barley and prevent it from clumping, spread on metal baking sheet.

Cook’s Tip: Mango adds an interesting punch to this salad, both with its sweetness and with a boost of vitamin C.

Nutrition information per serving*: 309 calories; 9 g fat (3 g saturated fat; 4 g monounsaturated fat); 60 mg cholesterol; 246 mg sodium; 35 g carbohydrate; 4.3 g fiber; 26 g protein; 8.4 mg niacin; 0.8 mg vitamin B₆; 1.3 mcg vitamin B₁₂; 2.3 mg iron; 27 mcg selenium; 4.7 mg zinc.

*This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, selenium and zinc; and a good source of fiber and iron.

Spring has sprung. So, there's no time like the present to get movin' on your health and physique. Committing to run a 5K can do just that. You may never have pictured yourself wearing a race number and standing in a huddle at the starting line, but life shouldn't be a spectator sport.

If you've been walking, it may be time to kick things up a notch and progress to running. It's the things in life that you DON'T do that you regret, so read on to find out how you can train for your first 5K.

First, find an event. There's no shortage this time of year. Search web sites like www.Metrosports.com or www.Runnersworld.com for event listings. You may want to select one based on the sponsoring charity, location or date. Give yourself at least eight weeks to prepare mentally and physically. Once you have your date, you can focus on training with a new purpose. You may even want to enlist a training buddy.

A 5K is 3.1 miles. How much do you need to train to be able to run your first 5K race? If you possess a reasonable level of fitness, you can probably run three miles on very little training. You might be sore for a few days after the race, but you still could finish.

The Training Sessions

In order to avoid injury and make your first 5K a good experience, here's a simple plan for beginners featuring 30 minutes of exercise every other day. You may see walking as the enemy when trying to build up to running, but continuous walking will gradually prepare your legs for running.

If you're a beginner, start with one full week of walking for 20'30 minutes per session. Start by thinking in terms of seconds and minutes, not miles. Walk out the door and go 15 minutes in one direction, turn around, and return 15 minutes to where you started.

After your first week of walking 30 minutes, strive to walk for the first 10 minutes of your workout and the last 5 minutes. During the middle 15 minutes of the workout, jog for 30 seconds, walk until you recover, then jog 30 seconds again.

Repeat the jog, walk, jog sequence until the 15 minutes are up. In the beginning, it may take you up to four minutes to recover from 30 seconds of jogging. Eventually, adapt a 30/30 pattern: jogging 30 seconds and walking 30 seconds repeatedly for 15 minutes. Follow this 30/30 pattern for 30 sessions. Do what your body tells you. Everyone is different in his or her ability to adapt to exercise. When you're beginning, it's better to do too little than too much.

If you continue this 30/30 routine for 30 days, you will finish the month able to cover 2-3 kilometers walking and jogging. You're now ready to progress to the next stage of your training as a beginning runner. If you train every other day, it will take you two months to be able to run continuously for 30 minutes.

Building up to the 5K

Gradually, begin to increase the jogging time and decrease the walking time. For example, run for 45 seconds and walk for 30 seconds. Then, progress to a ratio of 60/30, then 75/30 or 60/15.

Vary your routine. Work a little harder one day, then make the next session an easier one. Build in a weekly rest day, where you do no activity and give your body a chance to recover. Without rest days, you won't improve. Running a 5K won't happen overnight, but it can happen in two short months -- and along the way you will see gradual improvements in your physical fitness.

Even when you build up to continuous running, remember to begin and end each workout by walking five minutes. This pattern of warming up, training hard and then cooling down is one used by runners at all levels.

Once you've mastered running for 5K, you can continue to train by increasing .25 miles each week for another month and then begin to incorporate speed intervals. If the training seems too difficult for you, either repeat the week you have just completed or drop back to the previous week before continuing.

Only you can judge whether you are pushing too fast or too slow, but it's best to err on the conservative side.

What To Wear

It's essential that you treat yourself to a new pair of running sneakers when you increase your running time. Cushioned socks will also help prevent blisters, calluses, corns and ingrown nails. They help keep the feet dry, so they don't move as much inside the shoe. Specialty socks are available for running. Choose loose-fitting garments or tight-fitting Lycra clothing, as they both work equally well. Bright-colored clothing helps ensure safety in high-traffic areas.

Unless you've done it, you'll never understand the feeling of accomplishment training for and competing in a physical event can bring. It's one of the greatest senses of accomplishment you can have to push your physical limits. Once you've run your first 5K, there's no reason you can't continue to compete at that race distance. You may enjoy it so much, you may want to increase the distance and try the 10K.

Building up to running can be fun, but don't make the mistake of doing too much too fast. The more you enjoy your training, the more encouraged you'll be to become a pacesetter.