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These days, with an estimated 60% of the US population being overweight, it seems as if everyone is trying to lose weight. When I ask my friends about strategies for shedding pounds and healthy living, most of them say, “I don’t eat bread, sugar, rice, or pasta. I’m cutting back on the carbs.”   

Weight loss occurs when you consume fewer calories than what you burn off during the day. So should you cut out carbs to lose weight? Hmmm…It depends on which dietary sources of carbohydrates you eat. Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy so trying to cut them out completely is unhealthy. Carbohydrates are found in grains, fruit, vegetables, most dairy products, and sugary desserts. Most foods that are good for you contain carbohydrates and are fundamental to a healthy diet.  

So what carbohydrates should you take out of your diet? Cut carbohydrates that add extra calories with little or no nutritional value.  These include candy, soda, sugary desserts, and fruit drinks. Drinks that contain 100% juice have some nutritive value. Fruit drinks that are made with mostly sugar and water, such as Kool-Aid or Hawaiian Punch contain little nutritional value and add empty calories that should be avoided if you’re trying to lose weight.  

So go ahead, eat your whole grain bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta without guilt! Most foods that contain carbohydrates are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Carbohydrates do not make you gain weight. Overeating and lack of exercise does.

Carla Hardy MS, CSCS
Fitness and Exercise Instructor
Ashworth University

It’s June and I’m seriously ready to restart a fitness and wellness routine. It’s always nice to know you can get a fresh start at the beginning of a new month. I’ve been putting it off for way too long, and I’ve constantly felt like I need to really change for way way too long. I’ll admit, I’m really not happy with how I look, no matter what anyone else says to me otherwise. 

I recently read some tips for starting and sticking to a fitness/wellness plan and here are some of the ones that I felt applied to me (and may apply to someone getting back into it all, too). 

1. Prepare

I think this is the most important because just like anything in life, it’s better to plan. You can think of this as an appointment in your calendar, like a doctor’s appointment or an important meeting. Mark it on your calendar or planner. Create an alert on your cell phone so you can’t forget. 

2. Start Slowly

Just because you know you’ve ran 3 miles before doesn’t mean you can do it as simply if you’ve been out of it for awhile. It’s probably better to start out slowly and gradually build up your distance and even speed. 

3. Be Positive

Think about the gold at the end of the rainbow. Preparing and making a goal, and sticking to it is really hard! I know because I’ve been there, and I personally battle with this myself. Hard work reaps great reward and you should constantly remind yourself with that. (more…)

It’s well chronicled that the leading cause of Cardiovascular Heart Disease is high cholesterol, yet the statistics indicate that a staggering 20 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease, therefore one must at least partially conclude that, despite the amount of educational materials, informational resources, and medical support available to the public at large; the message may be being heard, but people are generally not listening.  One explanation I believe carries some weight is that most people simply do not understand how to apply the indirect messages they are hearing directly to their everyday lives and diet. 

             Thanks to B Baltimore for permission to use this Photo.

I’ve provided the following two videos to help you directly apply the aforementioned messages in a safe, simple, and healthy way.  In the first video, the characteristics of heart disease are defined, so that we can first identify the nature of this deadly disease and its’ manifestations before developing misinformed prevention plans.  In the second video, a certified fitness coach provides a concise analysis of what factors contribute to high cholesterol levels and also offers some practical exercise tips you can take advantage of while conducting your daily routine.  I hope you enjoy these brief, but informative videos and begin applying the knowledge you have gained.  I’m interested in hearing about some of the heart disease related challenges that either you or your family have faced over the years.  Please feel free to share your experiences with the Ashworth student community. I’ll talk to you again soon.  In the meantime, stay focused on your program studies and achieving your goals.  Take care.

Kathy Carter
Nutrition, Diet, And Health Science Instructor
Ashworth University

 
                    Thanks to joelogon for permission to use this Photo.

It’s cookout season again!!  The time of year we eat good barbecue.  From pulled pork to ribs to meaty steaks.  We pack in the food, enjoy the taste, and also pack on the pounds.  This Spring And Summer, I want you to try some healthy alternatives to make your cookout experience “A Healthier One.” 

Tip 1:  Decide On One Healthy Meat 

Many time at barbecues people want to sample everything, so if you have three or four different meats, your guests are bound to try them all—even if they don’t have the room!  For example, chicken breasts are great for grilling.  Spice it up by having three different flavors: lightly seasoned, favorite barbecue sauce, and secret recipe… 

Tip 2:  Prepare Two Healthy Vegetable Options 

With such a variety of vegetables, it’s hard to go wrong with choosing.  You can choose your favorite or try something new.  For example, a nice romaine lettuce and spinach salad with tomatoes and red onions pairs well with many protein options.  Add some grilled corn on the cob and you’re really in business… 

Tip 3:  Prepare A Fruit Filled Dessert 

What’s a cookout without dessert!!!  Well, cut up your favorite fruits: strawberries, watermelons, bananas, cherries, pineapples, etc…and layer them with whip cream…PRESTO!!!

Carla Hardy MS, CSCS
Fitness and Exercise Instructor
Ashworth University

Photo courtesy of Jo Guldi

It is truly alarming the number of people around the world who are overweight these days, and it is really no wonder. After all, we as a people have become so lazy and so dependent on sugary, fatty foods and beverages. There are also other reasons why people are overweight however, such as to control their emotions or make themselves feel better. Emotional eating is perhaps one of the most dangerous problems in terms of your weight, especially if you live a very emotional or hectic life.

Sometimes the strongest longings for food happen when you are at your weakest point emotionally. If you are sad or lonely, angry or depressed, you may notice that you begin craving certain foods, perhaps some of which you never even really considered before. Eating as a way to suppress your feelings, such as stress, anxiety, boredom and even confusion, can really sabotage your weight loss efforts. The good news is that if you are someone who is prone to emotional eating, there are things that you can do to get over these habits and get back to eating healthy and looking and feeling your very best.

Find the Problem

It is important that you take the time to try and determine the actual root cause of your emotional eating. Sure you know that you are eating as a way to help yourself deal through the tough times, but there must be a more significant underlying cause. Major live events such as unemployment and health problems, for instance, may have triggered the onset of your emotional eating problem and this is what you are going to have to deal with.

Also know that there are certain foods which seem to have particularly addictive qualities. These are the foods that most people tend to crave when they are down or upset, and which you should be especially careful with. This includes chocolate and candy, and when you eat these foods what happens is that your body releases trace amounts of mood hormones which is why the foods seem like a sort of reward, because you think that they are making you feel better. They may help temporarily to relieve the feelings of tension or stress that you are experiencing, but even just a few moments after you eat them you will feel even worse than you did to begin with. (more…)

              Thanks to Lee Gillen for permission to use this Photo.

A recent episode of 60 Minutes featured a timely report on the possible link between lack of sleep and obesity.  I describe the report as timely because it’s been widely documented that human beings are getting less sleep than ever, a particularly troubling fact when you consider that we’re also working more intensive schedules, and balancing this imbalance with drive through diet practices.  The resultant obesity effect is simply another in a long line of health problems related to sleep deprivation; the most dangerous being heart disease and diabetes.  Alright, so this isn’t the sunniest subject to discuss at the dinner table, but it’s a dialogue that must begin between families if this crisis is to be scaled back before reaching the epidemic stage.  Check out the following “Science Of Sleep” video to learn more about the implications of your potentially harmful sleep patterns.  Go to bed early tonight!  Take a nap tomorrow!

Ryan Rode
Interactive Services Manager
Ashworth University Health Care Program

 
             Thanks for lucianvenutian for permission to use this Photo.

Exercise Tip:  Get the Most From Your Workout!! 

When using the treadmill, increase the incline/grade a bit.  Every 1% grade increases the calories you burn by 10%.  For example, a 150lb. person burns about 100 calories per mile walked (or ran).  At a 1% grade this increases the calories burned to 110 calories per mile, 2% to 120 calories per mile. 

10 Reasons To Lose Weight Now!! 

When you look good, you feel good.  So, not only does slimming down make you look and feel your best, it’s the best thing for your health, too.  You can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, back pain, joint problems, and more.  In other words, you can maximize all the good things that life has to offer.  Here are 10 important reasons to get serious about losing weight…. 

1.  Slow down the aging process and actually look and feel younger

2.  Keeps your mind sharp

3.  Boost your immunity

4.  Increase energy level

5.  Reduce risk of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke

6.  Breathe easier

7.  Manage menopause more easily

8.  Reduce stress

9.  Live to see your grand-children

10. Feel Fabulous

Carla Hardy MS, CSCS
Fitness and Exercise Instructor
Ashworth University

             Thanks to freeparking for permission to use this Photo.

There are many physiological changes that occur in a woman’s body and in the fetus during pregnancy. Many of these changes create a need for more nutrients. By being well informed of her options, a pregnant woman can meet her own nutritional needs and those of her baby. The bottom line is that proper nutrition plays a major role in reducing health risks during pregnancy. You’ll discover, too, that a woman’s nutritional needs post-partum (after the separation of birth) may actually be greater than they were during pregnancy.

With her doctor’s approval, a woman can and should engage in regular physical activity during the months when she is expecting. A friend of mine was marking chalk lines on softball fields the day before she gave birth, and another was teaching aerobics right up to her ninth month. The difference between an active, healthy pregnancy and one marked by serious health concerns may well be the woman’s overall nutritional status. Is her normal diet providing all the nutrients a healthy woman needs? Is she a smoker? Does she consume alcohol? Is illegal drug use threatening the future health of mother and child?

Pregnancy brings a whole new set of worries to all women, no matter how healthy and active they have been. While some health risks are unavoidable because they are hereditary or simply unforeseen, the nutritional status of most women is largely within their control. For instance, the majority of women in America appear to make conscious choices about what they eat and drink. However, it’s also their choice whether or not to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or take illegal drugs. If women choose a healthy diet and lifestyle, they shouldn’t have to worry about the effects of poor nutrition and unhealthy personal habits when they become pregnant.

Moderate physical activity has many benefits for a pregnant woman. For example, mild walking will help tone the mother’s muscles and will not put stress on her body or the growing fetus. However, experts recommend that someone who hasn’t been exercising prior to pregnancy should not begin a vigorous exercise routine on her own once she learns she’s expecting. Her growing baby has enough adaptations to make without also having to adapt to unaccustomed exercise. The general rule is this: Before beginning any strenuous exercise program, a pregnant woman should consult her physician to make sure her exercise plan is appropriate to her physical condition. (more…)

 
                   Thanks to Joey for permission to use this Photo.

We have a running debate chez Freberg regarding the best diet strategies. Mr. F dines on absolutely the same Jenny Craig options every day (Complete Start Cereal, Turkeyburger, Meatloaf, and Chocolate Cake). His motto for dieting has always been “Boring is Good.” I like variety, and order a bit of this and a bit of that for my weekly menus.

Caroline Goukens and her colleagues may have shed some light on our differences [1]. They demonstrate that hungry people react differently to menu choices than satiated people. In their experiments, hungry people (who hadn’t eaten for four hours before being tested) were more likely to crave variety in their snack choices than satiated people (who ate a piece of cake at the beginning of the experiment).  So does this mean that I’m hungrier most of the time than Mr. F? (more…)

Tea and coffee are the major sources of caffeine in our diet, but there are significant amounts to be found in less likely foods such as cocoa, chocolate bars, drinking chocolate, cola, sports drinks, some desserts and ice creams. Caffeine is also important ingredient in some cold and pain relief medications. Without doubt, caffeine acts as a stimulant, which can stave off fatigue and enhance mental performance when we are feeling sluggish. It stimulates the heart, open the airways and can even aid digestion by stimulating gastric juices. However, there is another side to this most acceptable of drugs.

Stress And Stimulation

Caffeine acts like stress on the body, causing the physical symptoms of the ‘flight or fight’ response. It stimulates the adrenal glands to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol which, in turn, cause the liver to break down its store of glycogen and release it as glucose into the bloodstream. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps deposit the blood glucose into the body cells. As calcium is needed to increase the heart rate, improve muscle contraction and thicken the blood, this mineral is mobilized from the bones. In short, the body prepares for action.

The problem is that when we drink or eat caffeine, we are rarely preparing for any physical action. We are usually sitting down, eating and drinking, or having a cup of tea, coffee or cola at our desks to keep us going. In effect, the body has responded to a false alarm but the physical results of this state of alert remain the same. If caffeine were the only stressor in our lives then perhaps it would be less of a problem. However, the combination of stressors we all live with can make caffeine detrimental to our health. (more…)