Living Naturally Healthy
Be Great in 2008Archive for exercise
Not All Energy Drinks Are Created Equal
We all know that it is important to exercise, but it is equally important to stay hydrated while doing so. As we exercise we increase the internal temperature of our body. The process of sweating is our body’s natural cooling system. Sweating, which is the process of the loss of water equals the loss of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, all vital to keep our systems running properly. Energy drinks are useful in the quest to replenish these lost nutrients.
Consumers need to be aware that all energy drinks are not created equal. Next time you are at the store looking for an energy drink take a look at the label. Amazing isn’t it, how much sugar is present in something that is supposed to be good for you? Additionally these drinks are rather high on the carbohydrate count which can be devastating to those trying to maintain a low carbohydrate diet.
It is often recommended that unless you are an athlete participating in extremely intense physical activity that you only drink water to replenish the fluids lost during exercise. However it the taste and convenience of energy drinks is something that you crave, you should consider the following factors when choosing the best energy drink :
Calories: Beware some energy drinks contain more calories than were actually burned during exercise
Serving Size: Look at the serving size and number of servings per container. Most energy drinks contain more than one serving per bottle, being unaware of this fact is one of the sneaky little ways extra calories sneak up on you.
Sugar: On average a can of soda contains 9 teaspoons of sugar! You might find it surprising that some energy drinks contain an equal amount if not more!
Don’t Let Cold Weather Keep You From Exercising
by Susan Patterson
As fall and winter settle in, many new dieters have to move their exercise routines indoors to keep up with their weight loss success. Many people find this difficult, as they think they will finally have to face the reality of working out in a gym. People who are severely overweight may be extremely uncomfortable with this idea and give up entirely. But don’t despair; just because you exercise inside does not mean you have to go to a gym to do it. Follow these suggestions for moving your workouts indoors.
Can Internet Dieting Work For Me?
by Susan Patterson
The internet is a great tool for gathering information. In recent years it has become a powerful ally in weight loss due to the ability to connect with others from around the globe quickly and easily. Diet plans have sprung up all over the web, and many major programs like Weight Watchers are now completely available online. But how well do they really work? Should you spend the money? The answers to these and other questions depend on a number of factors.
Overcome Mental Barriers to Exercise
by Susan Patterson
Many people know what they should do to lose weight, but for obese women, there are several mental blocks that keep them from exercising. A study at Temple University of 278 women showed that women who were severely overweight had a hard time exercising because of several reasons. Among these were the feel that they were too fat to exercise, fear of injury or failure, thinking their health was too poor, having aches and pains and feeling self-conscious. Women were given follow-up questionnaires at three and twelve months, and these attitudes prevailed over the entire course of the study for those who were overweight. But you can overcome these attitudes and lose weight. Let’s look at them in more detail.
Create a Longer, Leaner Body with Pilates
by Susan Patterson
Many women do not like weight training for fear of bulking up. Unlike men, most women want soft features and toned bodies without bulging muscles. For some of us, the high-energy gym atmosphere just isn’t our thing. Others prefer to engage their mind as well as their body. If you are looking to create a toned body through low-impact exercises in a more serene setting, Pilates may be for you. The gentleness of Pilates makes it popular for those who feel intimidated by a gym setting. But make no mistake, this doesn’t mean that it’s easy.
Three Life-Saving Health Habits
by Susan Patterson
Habits can be good or bad, and while a lot of focus is put on habits that ruin your health, it’s important to take a look at what’s good for you as well. Everyone knows that eating right and exercising is part of a responsible lifestyle, but there are specific measures you can take in these areas to increase your chances of a long, healthy life. Take a look like what you should eat, as well as how much and what type of exercise is good for you. A third habit involving your mental and emotional health rounds out these choices to ensure a balanced outlook.
Three Bad Health Habits That Will Cut Your Life Short
by Susan Patterson
Though many habits are harmless, three in particular are the leading cause of death and tend to begin early. Cigarette smoking and excessive drinking are a given. Everyone knows the damage that is caused to the lungs by smoking and to the liver while drinking. But lack of physical activity and poor eating habits is the third killer, and over half the population is overweight. While it can be hard to break habits that are so deeply embedded, there is hope. Learn more here about the dangers of these activities and what you can do to stop them.
Three Ways to Flatter Abs By Strengthening Your Core
by Susan Patterson
While there is no way to spot reduce fat through exercising or diet alone, one of the best ways to ensure a flatter stomach is by strengthening your core. In recent years, several forms of exercise have become popular that address this group of muscles, which are located in the abdomen, lower back and pelvis. They’ve been endorsed by Hollywood celebrities and models, who tout the longer, leaner look they’ve achieved through these low-impact exercises that are popular for their flowing, graceful movements and ease of practice. Many can be practiced at home, though some may require special equipment. Pilates, yoga, and use of an exercise ball are the most popular examples of these core exercises.
Warning Signs You May be Anorexic
by Susan Patterson
Anorexia affects more than 1% of teenage girls in America, but many young adults also suffer from this eating disorder. People with anorexia are obsessed with their weight and usually undertake dangerous methods to get thin. Distorted body images cause people to believe that they are fat when they are actually underweight, and up to 10% of the teenagers who develop anorexia will die as a result of it.
Do I Have an Eating Disorder?
by Susan Patterson
No one knows why some people cross the line and others don’t. But when it comes to weight loss, there are some who will take things so far that they develop an eating disorder. Many times it becomes obvious to the people close to them before the one who has the disorder, but when weight transforms from a goal to an obsession, there is definitely cause for alarm. As every person is different, there is no way that one person will exhibit the same behavior. Check out the following descriptions of the most common eating disorders and their symptoms.
