tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66379618825145882132024-03-05T03:19:16.127-05:00365 Days of WellnessFiona Gathrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16948908579589267411noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-24031161526009503842013-06-25T14:47:00.000-04:002013-06-25T14:47:00.225-04:00Buyer Beware: Don't Let Food Companies Fool You!<a href="http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2013/03/green-food-labels-make-nutrition-poor-food-seem-healthy" target="_blank">A recent study conducted at Cornell University</a> suggests that even the most meticulous label-readers can be fooled by something as simple as a food label’s color.<br />
<br />In the study, 93 college students were asked to compare candy bars with equal calorie content but differing label colors (red or green) and decide which was healthier. <b>The majority viewed the green-labeled candy bar as the healthier choice.</b><br />
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A similar online study was conducted with a follow-up question to gauge how health-conscious the participants were. Surprisingly, the more health-conscious the participant, the more likely they were to be fooled by the green label!<br />
<br />This study is very timely as manufacturers of packaged foods are choosing to display their “front-of-package” nutrition labeling in numerous hues of green, regardless of the product’s healthfulness.<br />
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<b>So what can you do?</b><br />
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Avoid packaged foods when possible, but if you find yourself scanning a box, bag, or can, be aware of the tricks companies are utilizing to sway your decision. Read the ingredients and nutrition information and base your decision on these objective measures rather than the package decor or front-of-box claims.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-38725848169401161122013-06-18T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-18T06:00:10.995-04:00Natural Remedy: Tumeric for Arthritis PainAlong with lending curries their trademark yellow color, turmeric is also an intelligent choice for those wishing to improve the symptoms of arthritis. Its medicinal use dates back millenia in India, China and Indonesia.<br />
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Several research studies have shown that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis properties. One such study showed a greater improvement in rheumatoid arthritis from curcumin than a common arthritis drug!<br />
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Turmeric is safe, has a mild flavor, and adds beautiful color to foods. Throw it in soups, stir-fries, or vegetable sautes. There’s no reason not to explore the many culinary and medicinal uses for this powerful spice!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-30615450384818647082013-06-11T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-11T06:00:06.056-04:00Digital Spotlight: MapMyFitness Mobile App<a href="http://www.mapmyfitness.com/" target="_blank">MapMyFitness</a> is one of the biggest and best of all fitness tracking apps. Plan, map, track, log, record your routes and workouts for all sorts of activities from walking, running and hiking to cycling. The app uses your smartphone’s GPS to create a map of your workout as you’re doing it and tell you valuable stats like speed, pace and total distance. Map your route ahead of time and the app will give you directions to follow during your workout in real time. Connect with friends and share you workouts with the entire MapMyFitness community.<br />
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All data syncs to the website where you can manage your stats in depth. I think it's pretty cool, so check it out!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-55859785019615907592013-06-06T14:57:00.000-04:002013-06-06T14:57:00.057-04:00Recipe: Quinoa Tabbouleh SaladEarlier this week, I suggested trying quinoa if you're looking for gluten-free options. Quinoa makes a great replacement for bulgar wheat or couscous to make traditional cold summer salads gluten-free and much healthier!<br />
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<i>Adapted from <a href="http://theshiksa.com/2011/08/15/quinoa-tabbouleh-salad/" target="_blank">Shiksa in the Kitchen, August 2011</a>.</i><br />
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Place quinoa and water into a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked but not mushy, then remove from heat and cool. In a large bowl, combine parsley and mint, then add the cooked and cooled quinoa. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop.<br /><br /><i>155 Calories, 8g Fat, 1g Saturated Fat, 15mg Sodium, 17g Carbohydrate, 2.5g Fiber, 4g Protein</i><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup cooked Quinoa</li>
<li>2 cups water</li>
<li>2 ½ cups chopped flat-leaf parsley</li>
<li>¾ cup chopped mint</li>
<li>2 fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced</li>
<li>1 clove garlic, very finely minced (optional)</li>
<li>¼ cup chopped scallions</li>
<li>¼ cup extra virgin olive oil</li>
<li>¼ cup fresh lemon juice, or more to taste</li>
<li>Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-33099886703879402382013-06-04T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-04T06:00:10.339-04:00Need to Avoid Gluten? No Need to Worry!More and more people are avoiding gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and related grains. An estimated 2 million people in the United States have celiac disease and an alarming 20 million suffer from gluten sensitivity. With these disorders, eating gluten can cause an array of health problems, from indigestion and bloating to anemia, osteoporosis, fatigue and depression. Unfortunately, the only treatment is eliminating gluten from the diet. (<a href="http://www.celiac.com/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read more about celiac disease.)<br />
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Gluten is not just in bread, cereals, and pasta anymore. With modern food processing, it is being used as a thickener, stabilizer, and seasoning, finding its way into unsuspecting foods like soy sauce, pasta sauce and even candy.<br />
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<b>So what can you eat on a gluten-free diet?</b> <br />
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Avoiding gluten definitely requires some time for careful shopping, reading labels and planning meals. However, there are still plenty of delicious healthy options! Not only are fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, dairy, meat, poultry, and fish all naturally gluten-free, there are plenty of naturally gluten-free whole grains as well. One trendy and easy option to try is quinoa: this light, fluffy grain is nutty in flavor, packed with protein and cooks in 10-15 minutes! <br />
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From waffles to cookies, the selection of gluten-free products in the store is expanding rapidly. <b>Remember that gluten-free does not necessarily mean healthy.</b> A gluten-free cookie is still a cookie! Whether we are gluten-free or not, we all want to get our carbohydrates from unrefined whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-51263964518686045242013-04-24T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-24T08:00:19.252-04:00From Fine Cooking Magazine: "Create Your Own" Recipe BuilderIf you’re a strict "recipe follower" in the kitchen, the <a href="http://www.finecooking.com/collections/cyor-landing.aspx" target="_blank">"Create Your Own" Recipe Maker</a> f<span id="goog_1198425297"></span><span id="goog_1198425298"></span>rom Fine Cooking magazine is for you!<br />
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With this interactive tool, Fine Cooking does an amazing job of breaking down the structure of a recipe into distinct steps and ingredient groups, with tips and tricks to guide you along the way. From frittatas to salads, vegetable soups, stews -- and yes, even cheesecake, although I wouldn't recommend it -- choose your ingredients and create your own dish. The tool turns your selections into an easy-to-follow, printable recipe.<br />
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Have fun!<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-13254465288722289522013-04-16T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-16T08:00:04.825-04:00IBS and Digestive HealthAn estimated 20% of the adult population lives with some level of <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106" target="_blank">Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) </a>on a daily basis. Triggers and symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people aren’t even aware that the bloating, gas, and cramps they feel are medically significant. There are a variety of dietary modifications you can experiment with to see what foods affect you, and learn ways to keep your days IBS-free!<br />
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April is national IBS Awareness Month, devoted to promoting this particular health concern and the health professionals who can help you battle it. If IBS is a concern for you, we recommend reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/IBS-Free-Second-Edition-Elimination-ebook/dp/B007R7SPYM" target="_blank"><i>IBS: Free at Last!</i></a> by Patsy Catsos, MS, RD, LD. It contains one of the most effective approaches to date -- the FODMAP elimination diet<br />
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For more great health information from the health coaches at <a href="http://www.wellnesscorporatesolutions.com/" target="_blank">Wellness Corporate Solutions</a>, follow @WCSCoaches on Twitter!<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-44550175191021280422013-04-11T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-11T08:00:03.666-04:00Workout of the Day: Yoga!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yoga is a great practice in flexibility, strength and stress relief. Try this basic beginner’s sequence to get a feel for the “flow” and stretch out the muscles that have been sitting all day! (Learn more and create your own flow sequence at <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/">www.yogajournal.com</a>.)<br />
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Take a moment to center yourself. Breathe deeply and rhythmically. Pay attention to breath, moving on inhalations and exhalations.<br />
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<ol>
<li>Begin standing with hands at your heart in prayer position.</li>
<li>Reach arms up and bend slightly backwards.</li>
<li>Dive forward, hinging at the hips.</li>
<li>Step one foot back into a lunge. Start with right <u>or</u> left. You’ll switch in the next round.</li>
<li>Step second food back into a push-up position.</li>
<li>Bending arms, lower slowly down to hover just above the floor.</li>
<li>Straighten arms and lift your head and chest toward the ceiling for an abdominal stretch.</li>
<li>Press back into Downward Dog, stretching heels toward the floor.</li>
<li>Step the same foot (from Step 4) back up in between your hands to a lunge position.</li>
<li>Step the second foot back to meet it and fall into a forward fold at the hips.</li>
<li>Fly your arms upward toward the ceiling, arching back.</li>
<li>Return your hands to prayer position in front of your heart. Repeat using other foot first.</li>
<li>Complete 4-6 rounds. </li>
</ol>
If all this doesn't quite make sense in words, <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/6IUyY9Dyr5w?rel=0" width="460"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-84911916746359634892013-04-09T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-09T16:24:46.417-04:00In the News: Calcium and Cardiovascular Disease Risks<a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.f228" target="_blank">A recent study published in the British Medical Journal</a> looked at the impact of dietary calcium intake on cardiovascular disease. Results suggested that women consuming more than 1400mg of calcium per day were at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and death from all causes, when compared to women consuming 600-1000mg per day. Further, of those women consuming more than 1400mg per day, those who took a calcium supplement (as part of the 1400mg) had an even greater risk -- more than 2.5 times the risk of death from all causes.<br />
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The Recommended Dietary Allowance for Calcium from the US Food and Nutrition Board is 1000-1200mg per day for healthy adults.<br />
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Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is naturally found in the following foods:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.)</li>
<li>Fish: salmon (bones in), sardines</li>
<li>Soy milk (fortified)</li>
<li>Orange Juice (fortified)</li>
<li>Tofu</li>
<li>Kale, Cabbage, Turnip Greens</li>
<li>Broccoli</li>
<li>Cereals (fortified)</li>
</ul>
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It is essential for a variety of daily body processes: <br />
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<ul>
<li>Bone health</li>
<li>Vascular (blood vessel) contraction and dilation</li>
<li>Muscle function</li>
<li>Nerve transmission</li>
<li>Hormonal secretion</li>
</ul>
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The key take-away: More calcium is not necessarily better for your health. Aim to get your daily calcium needs from a varied diet with plenty of calcium-rich foods and refrain from taking a calcium supplement unless specifically prescribed by your primary care physician.<br />
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<i>Read more about Calcium at the <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank">NIH Office of Dietary Supplements</a>. </i><div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-60937006046228849252013-04-04T09:38:00.000-04:002013-04-04T09:38:12.666-04:00Try Cinnamon for Blood Sugar Control and More!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5X8wu8JqBPlrvzLKBxjfPoSCThSPL6CVT8Zmjgmd3TN_tbnh27eLed1YHGM3w6D0v-erh4fMdv2vnK4f9DVw27HEyHx_Za6F8Xw18D7XGOtghPvdW79SuA2VMMbaY4Yb4Trr2t34W2Fd/s1600/cinnamon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5X8wu8JqBPlrvzLKBxjfPoSCThSPL6CVT8Zmjgmd3TN_tbnh27eLed1YHGM3w6D0v-erh4fMdv2vnK4f9DVw27HEyHx_Za6F8Xw18D7XGOtghPvdW79SuA2VMMbaY4Yb4Trr2t34W2Fd/s200/cinnamon.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
The pairing of cinnamon and sugar in so many classic desserts (think apple pie) may be more ancient wisdom than simply palate-pleaser.<br />
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While the research is still inconclusive, there is <a href="http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/12/3215.long" target="_blank">strong evidence</a> to suggest that cinnamon may <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/news-research/research/access-diabetes-research/cinnamon-extract-improves.html" target="_blank">support blood sugar control</a> -- potentially easing the impact of that sweet hit on your metabolism. In the ancient healing traditions of Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine, cinnamon is valued for its energizing and warming qualities, in addition to anti-microbial properties.<br />
<br />With so much to gain and no safety concerns at standard food doses, why not expand the role of this delicious spice in your diet? Experiment with adding cinnamon to soups, stews, meat spice-rubs and vegetable stir-fries. It’s not just for oatmeal anymore!<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-60952339376957937812012-10-08T15:01:00.000-04:002012-10-08T15:01:09.041-04:00The New Superfood: Oat Straw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvzyUgLWTuhV7WR0FleTx8R3gATW_b6cVLqJwCEeM-LEV0iDD9v4BG7Zcdem4VSop9iSPeC9pdX_ecIRu0zUz1BKsKeni_OOff74RPEe6KWJL0Y6A5j0HQrm_fgVlddW1It34brGWGzAj/s1600/oatstraw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvzyUgLWTuhV7WR0FleTx8R3gATW_b6cVLqJwCEeM-LEV0iDD9v4BG7Zcdem4VSop9iSPeC9pdX_ecIRu0zUz1BKsKeni_OOff74RPEe6KWJL0Y6A5j0HQrm_fgVlddW1It34brGWGzAj/s1600/oatstraw.jpg" /></a></div>
It seems there’s always an emerging <a href="http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/nutrition/eat-healthy-america-52-superfoods-25519">superfood </a>in the world of wellness. Whether it’s blueberries, blackberries, acai berries, or ginger root, many health-conscious individuals seek general well-being through a carefully monitored, antioxidant-heavy diet. This is certainly an effective way to boost immunity and maximize longevity, but it’s important to pay attention to the research rather than blindly following marketing claims.<br />
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Despite it's popularity, POM recently faced <a href="http://www.inquisitr.com/240774/pom-juice-lawsuit-2012-ftc-deceptive-ads/">a catastrophic lawsuit</a> which attacked the company for exaggerating health claims associated with POM's products.<br />
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Today, oat straw (Avena Sativa) is quickly gaining recognition for its wide range of wellness benefits. Those familiar with the herb tout it as the Next Big Thing for its role in improved sleep, <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21711204">mental acuity</a>, cholesterol management, and anxiety reduction.<br />
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Though many are familiar with the benefits of oatmeal in relation to skin treatments, oat straw is the green oat grass in its "milky" stage before the oat matures. <br />
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Oat straw is high in calcium and minerals which can lead to strong teeth and bones. Some believe it to have cholesterol lowering properties. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21563962">Studies show</a> individuals demonstrate improved cognitive performance when they consume Avena Sativa prior to conducting mentally taxing tasks.<br />
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Finally, the herb contains <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/">Vitamin B</a>, which research links to alertness, increased energy, and anti-anxiety properties.<br />
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Interested in learning more about this potential superfood? Check out <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/034830_oat_straw_calcium_bone_health.html">Natural News</a> for a thorough overview of oat straw's health benefits and tips for incorporating it into your diet. <div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-40715490663953589722012-09-20T16:26:00.003-04:002012-09-20T16:26:24.297-04:00Job Strain Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRK77xQPTMCc6aVnfscmqI0-WR3AxWBvoIJ1WI3-xqgVP8DvE6wSEkhyJ3e9zln_hc3zjR1PsCGlBILuZ7BQiEqDngpFM7CfQfjPBIktc-HnO1NlV4NvyPLCPrnlNit_BpAoNc0b___JU/s1600/1maleheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRK77xQPTMCc6aVnfscmqI0-WR3AxWBvoIJ1WI3-xqgVP8DvE6wSEkhyJ3e9zln_hc3zjR1PsCGlBILuZ7BQiEqDngpFM7CfQfjPBIktc-HnO1NlV4NvyPLCPrnlNit_BpAoNc0b___JU/s200/1maleheart.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2812%2960994-5/fulltext">Studies show</a> that work stress can lead to an increased risk of heart attack. Though the link was associative rather than causal, the researchers behind the data suggest that <b>3.4%</b> <b>of study subjects could have prevented a cardiovascular event if they had reduced their workload or practiced stress management techniques</b> prior to the incident.<br />
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Levels of job strain among European men were analyzed over a 20 year period. Of the sample group (which included tens of thousands of men), <b>15% reported experiencing significant levels of daily stress related to work responsibilities</b>. <br />
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Though we cannot extrapolate beyond this initial research, one can imagine that American workers (who spend, on average, longer hours at the office and take fewer days off than <a href="http://ideas.repec.org/p/iza/izadps/dp3846.html">their European counterparts</a>) experience this effect even more strongly.<br />
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It can be difficult to find a moment to relax when work picks up, but it’s absolutely crucial to do so. Despite our type-A tendencies to power through obstacles and work around the clock, we actually put ourselves at a disadvantage when we try to do too much. <b>Working under stress leads to decreased productivity, lowered morale, and <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22982515">a depressed immune system</a>.</b> You’re much more likely to get sick and compromise your efforts entirely (and those of your coworkers!) if you try to do too much, than if you take short breaks to clear your head and focus on specific tasks ahead.<br />
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Try some <b>deep breathing exercises</b>, <b>a walk around the block</b>, or <b><a href="http://tabatatraining.org/">a quick tabata session</a></b> to blow off some steam at your desk. If your corporate culture is not conducive to exercise breaks, try closing your eyes and focusing inward for one full minute at your desk.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-80388689571602956772012-09-12T09:56:00.000-04:002012-09-12T09:56:03.152-04:00Prevention and Public Health Fund Strives to Reduce Obesity and Improve Health Nationwide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbud1WSVglFJebiO5x7kL5fuHhTodV-NsCClxCPqzY84p1Mma2JPkCNkPxImHDT51qyz29X459fNDTmXJYg7wiM3W4msQBs7QVpyznUMehgsvt4niza1rs5SZ9HS-zOBJKJZ4fvKrhlGt/s1600/1moneymeasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbud1WSVglFJebiO5x7kL5fuHhTodV-NsCClxCPqzY84p1Mma2JPkCNkPxImHDT51qyz29X459fNDTmXJYg7wiM3W4msQBs7QVpyznUMehgsvt4niza1rs5SZ9HS-zOBJKJZ4fvKrhlGt/s200/1moneymeasure.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Although each region of the United States has shown a rise in obesity rates over the past decade, none so much as the South. <b>Mississippi</b>, <b>Alabama</b>, <b>West Virginia</b>, and <b>Louisiana</b> suffer from disproportionately high rates of obesity among adults and children alike.<br />
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Now, as part of the <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/law/index.html">Affordable Care Act</a>, $10 billion has been allocated for the <i>Prevention and Public Health Fund</i> which focuses on widespread community health efforts based on <b>prevention</b> rather than simply <b>disease management</b>.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/11/health/door-to-door-in-oklahoma-city-preaching-healthy-living.html?_r=1&ref=health">first of such efforts</a>, discussed in <i>The New York Times</i>, details the work of Michael Bailey (dubbed something of a <b>nutritional missionary</b>), who offers education and support on an individual level. He works within his community - the poorest zip code in Oklahoma - to help drive those around him towards healthier habits.<br />
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Though many are skeptical of government interventions, this more personalized level of preventative service seems to be off to a good start.<br />
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With <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2012/t0507_weight_nation.html">almost 10% of US medical costs tied to obesity</a>, public health initiatives with a focus on prevention seem like a reasonable way to help bring those escalating costs under control.<br />
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Like smoking, obesity rates will not plummet overnight. It will take years of government oversight, education, awareness, and behavior change models to improve the weight of the nation, but it’s not impossible. Programs like this one in Oklahoma suggest that with proper funding and guidance, health changes can be made individually that reflect positively on the country as a whole.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-89316992383806955412012-09-10T12:38:00.001-04:002012-09-10T12:38:27.524-04:00A Discussion of Healthy Habits and Workplace Culture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAWyC4XLt13GD2GX5OyhPoUhGzaWFqszCrG5ABKSbLG2VkFj9_F-MMV19bZVB70LThViFZ4sLy09VvztZUT0IIdW5SUWm3XUhRb_1_LK6P8WD5D6zxaH7HTYHMB8nP9FgdK9BeLJjE3GU/s1600/1tweet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAWyC4XLt13GD2GX5OyhPoUhGzaWFqszCrG5ABKSbLG2VkFj9_F-MMV19bZVB70LThViFZ4sLy09VvztZUT0IIdW5SUWm3XUhRb_1_LK6P8WD5D6zxaH7HTYHMB8nP9FgdK9BeLJjE3GU/s200/1tweet.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>How does the culture of your office make (or break!) your healthy habits? </b><br />
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Join the <a href="http://www.wellnesscorporatesolutions.com/">Wellness Corporate Solutions</a> coaching team (<a href="https://twitter.com/corpwellness">@corpwellness </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/WCSCoaches">@WCSCoaches</a>) for a 1 hour #fitatwork tweet chat this <b>Wednesday, September 12th</b> at <b>1 pm EST</b> to discuss work-life wellness culture and ways to change the office environment for the better.<br />
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WCS dietitians <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/julietrodman">Juliet Rodman</a>, <a href="http://dietitianontherun.com/">Heather Calcote</a>, and <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredrice">Jared Rice</a> are leading the first chat in a series of workplace wellness twitter conversations, along with York Common Cents health blogger, <a href="https://twitter.com/MissEClare">Emileigh Clare</a>.<br />
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Let’s get the dialogue flowing (in less than 140 characters!) and get to the heart of this issue. No matter your place in the office hierarchy, we’d love to hear your ideas, see what health initiatives you currently have in place at <i>your </i>office, and offer easy, actionable suggestions for improvement.<br />
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Spread the word!<br />
<br />
<b>#fitatwork </b><div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-18316397335669374682012-08-30T11:48:00.001-04:002012-08-30T11:48:14.880-04:00Hy-Vee Grocery Stores Provide Onsite Dietitians - Set Standard for Supermarkets Nationwide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A third of Americans are obese; another third are overweight. Some 26 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes and an additional 79 million more are pre-diabetic.
With <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/obesity.htm">Americans growing increasingly larger</a> and unhealthy habits taking a toll, <b>supermarkets and national grocery chains are finally starting to offer onsite wellness consulting to improve shoppers’ diets and boost customer satisfaction. </b><br />
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For those Americans suffering from allergies or chronic disease, it can be a challenge to find foods that fit their constraints. It can be difficult for <i>anyone </i>to pick out nutritious options at the grocery store, but for those customers with specific dietary needs, <b>it often takes an expert to help them fill their cart with the best food options. </b><br />
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Even individuals who are generally healthy and eat well can usually benefit from an expert’s advice when it comes to preparing daily meals for themselves and their families.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wellnesscorporatesolutions.com/services-health-coaching.html">Enter the RD’s</a>. Dietitians are <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/25/business/dietitians-pay-off-for-supermarkets.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&ref=health">increasingly being employed by grocery stores</a> to consult with customers, assist with healthy shopping, and provide tips and recipes for those looking to lose weight.<br />
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It’s surprising it took so long! Grocery stores can be an overwhelming experience. Combine the sheer number of options with Americans’ taste for <b>sugar</b>, <b>salt</b>, and <b>fat</b>, and it’s obvious why the obesity crisis is hurtling along at full force. When a customer walks into a retail shop, there is nearly always a sales person greeting the shopper, offering assistance, and ultimately guiding the individual towards the best options for his or her lifestyle. Finally, shoppers can experience something similar at grocery stores.<br />
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Despite the barrage of food options, <b>an onsite dietitian can steer shoppers towards the most healthful fare.
</b><div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-31600586701711887442012-08-16T15:51:00.003-04:002012-08-16T15:51:45.092-04:00Flavonoid Intake Can Improve Bone Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you think of strong bones, you probably think Calcium! Milk! Dairy! And of course, in the past few years, Vitamin D has received its fair share of positive press for bone strengthening properties; but what about <a href="http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/Flav/flav.pdf">flavonoids</a>, those naturally occurring plant pigments with antioxidant properties?<br />
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<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20096093">Flavonoids</a> – compounds found in foods like fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, dark chocolate, and wine – have been shown recently to have <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22888840">a significant impact on bone health</a>. Researchers are currently unsure which properties of the compounds allow for enhanced bone formation and decreased deterioration, but they agree that flavonoids appear to have a more positive effect on bone than fruits and vegetables alone.<br />
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Although the cellular processes responsible for improving bone structure require further examination, these initial studies of flavonoids' role in disease prevention offer hope for potential bone promoting resources in the coming years.
As the baby boomers age, this type of research will prove invaluable. <a href="http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/">Osteoporosis and skeletal weakening</a> are quickly becoming critical issues in healthcare. Providing options for optimal bone strength beyond calcium and vitamin D could prevent numerous bone breaks and fractures and minimize cost of care down the line.<br />
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Additionally, <a href="http://healthiswealth.net/index.php?/wellness-database/archives/antioxidants_and_omega_3_fatty_acids_may_benefit_athletes/">athletes who refuel with flavonoid-rich foods</a> are less prone to injury and experience quicker recovery. The antioxidant properties of these compounds have been found to reduce inflammation and prevent chronic oxidative-stress related diseases.<br />
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While earlier studies suggest flavonoid consumption protects individuals against inflammation and cancer, breakthrough research demonstrates the role of flavonoids in improved bone health.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-3236581040141241022012-08-14T22:05:00.001-04:002012-08-14T22:05:10.450-04:00The Dietitian's Overview of a Detox Cleanse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>What can a cleanse do for you?</i> At <a href="http://www.wellnesscorporatesolutions.com/">WCS</a>, we had to find out!<br />
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An original skeptic of detoxification processes like the popular <a href="http://blueprintcleanse.com/">BluePrintCleanse</a>, Kat, <a href="http://www.wellnesscorporatesolutions.com/about-our-team.html">an employee at WCS</a>, decided to undertake the three day Renovation cleanse to see what all the fuss was about.<br />
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Kat is a healthy, active woman in her mid-20’s so there were no major concerns going into the cleanse. She did not consult with a doctor, but rather decided to approach the process carefully and check-in frequently with the health and wellness professionals available in our office. The goal of the cleanse was to discover if she truly felt healthier, energized, and toxin-free.<br />
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Although many decide to try cleansing as an attempt at quick weight loss, that is not the purpose of the BPC. This is an important distinction between BPC, and other well-known cleanses (Beyonce’s <a href="http://themastercleanse.com/master-cleanse/celebrities/beyonce/">dramatically slimmed down physique post-MasterCleanse</a> was certainly not an example of healthy, sustainable weight loss). The BluePrint mission promotes a balanced, healthful, and sustainable lifestyle. The founders claim that the juices are one way to feed your body with whole foods and natural produce to help maintain good health for life.<br />
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Based on Kat’s height, weight, age, and lifestyle, we calculated her <b>protein</b> needs at between 43 and 56 grams per day. The BPC Renovation cleanse falls far short of this number, clocking in at 15 g per day. Although this makes the cleanse an unrealistic long-term option, for three days, there is little harm in low protein intake (especially for a healthy, young woman).<br />
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The <b>sugar</b> content of the Renovation juices is quite high, but the sugars are all natural rather than artificially added.<br />
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The extraordinary amount of <b>vitamins and minerals</b> in the juice is the most positive part of the cleanse. Despite a relatively healthy lifestyle, Kat struggles to consume enough leafy greens and likely does not reach daily requirements for many important <b>nutrients</b>. During the cleanse, she received a big boost in <b>antioxidants</b> in addition to drinking far more water than usual. Even if these actions are not entirely sustained post-cleanse, her awareness of nutrient intake and optimal hydration levels can motivate her to incorporate these healthier behaviors into her daily routine.<br />
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Ultimately, there were no significant changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or glucose, but Kat's <b>weight dropped by 5 lbs</b> during the cleanse. Additionally, her <b>waist measurement decreased by a full inch</b> between the first and last day. These might sound like “vanity perks” but there is a benefit to them nonetheless - both physically and mentally.<br />
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One week post-cleanse, Kat reports that her weight is still down 3 lbs from her start weight and she is working hard to keep fruit and vegetable intake high and minimize red meat and carbohydrate consumption.
Cleanses are not meant to continue long-term or serve as a means to quick weight loss. They can, however, act as a jump-start to healthier eating habits and rejuvenate the individual inside and out. Though there is a certain degree of willpower and “mind-over-matter” reasoning involved in abstaining from solid food for the duration of the cleanse, three days is a manageable amount of time to go without.<br />
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The science supporting cleanses is weak, so individuals should proceed with caution, however, Kat appears to have reaped the benefits of her Renovation Cleanse. She believes it helped her re-evaluate her personal attitude towards food and encouraged the concept of mindful eating for the long haul.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-69851612680351145102012-08-04T09:41:00.000-04:002012-08-04T09:45:53.380-04:00BluePrintCleanse: Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s amazing what a difference a day makes! Yesterday I felt drugged, like I ought not to be operating heavy machinery, but today I feel... perfectly normal and alert and great. <br />
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My coworkers tell me I’m glowing but I’m dubious because I gave up wearing make-up (and lotion and deodorant, shhh don’t tell!) as part of my personal detoxification regimen. I figured I wasn’t exactly sure how these alleged toxins planned to escape my body so I didn’t want to impede them in any way by plugging up my pores.<br />
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Day 3 of the BluePrintCleanse was the best of the whole program. I’m not sure if that’s because I know it’s all over soon, or if I really do feel rejuvenated. I don’t feel hungry, I don’t have a headache, I went to the gym in the morning, AND the juice drinking seems like less of a burden. <b>Green Juice</b> after my workout felt way simpler than making eggs or oatmeal or my other, non-cleanse breakfasts.<br />
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Also, I’m down 5 lbs. <i>This is unheard of for me</i>. I assume this is mostly due to water weight but even so, I haven’t seen this number on my scale in months. My stomach also looks much flatter. I took “before pictures” which showed a little belly pooch but this morning when I woke up I had almost an entirely flat midsection. So, from a vanity perspective, the cleanse works…<br />
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Two major factors kept me going: <b>1. the cost of the cleanse</b> (why waste $200 on juices you don’t drink?) and <b>2. accountability</b> (the very public blogging each day forced me to complete the three-day detox cycle – even when I really wanted to cave). Both of these were crucial for my personal success. I would recommend anyone curious about cleansing to commit to it this way. Tell your friends/family/coworkers/etc what you’re about to do (let them call you crazy – it will inevitably happen) and it will be much harder for you to back out.<br />
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<b>A few notable things:</b> My lips didn’t feel chapped at all during the three days (even without my usual chap stick application) which makes me think I was perfectly hydrated throughout. My skin was clear, which is a good sign, but my circulation felt inadequate. My fingers got freezing and turned white after holding a cup filled with ice for just a few minutes.<br />
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Overall, I like how very black and white the cleanse is. I never worried “<i>can I eat this?</i>”, “<i>should I eat that?</i>” I just followed directions and drank juices. Not that complicated. Also, there was no prep required on my part (in terms of purchasing fruits and veggies or juicing things myself). I placed an order online and the cleanse arrived on my chosen delivery date. So simple. And now that I’m in the home stretch, I’m feeling pretty proud of myself. I can be kind of a Type B, occasional underachiever so the fact that I successfully stuck with this for 3 days is something of a personal triumph.<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-11801132965375649512012-08-03T10:19:00.000-04:002012-08-04T09:43:53.397-04:00BluePrintCleanse: Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 2 is undeniably the hardest day of the cleanse because it’s sandwiched in between the first and final day. On Day 1, all the juices were interesting - an experience, if you will - and by Day 3, I imagine I’ll be looking forward to winding down, but Day 2 feels endless.<br />
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I slept well (got up twice to use the bathroom but slept soundly from 9 pm – 6:30 am). And headed to the gym for a light workout (about 30 minutes on the elliptical followed by resistance work). I felt a little weak during cardio but powered through and drank plenty of water. When it was time for my oh-so-delicious breakfast (<b>Green Juice</b>) I poured it over ice and drank it as quickly as possible.<br />
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My stomach rumbled a bit throughout the morning but I don’t feel starving. I'm not 100% focused (I would not feel comfortable, say, giving a presentation at work right now) but I’m perfectly comfortable and not too cranky. Mostly, I just feel bored. I appreciate not having to think about food, but obviously, eating behaviors are so ingrained in our culture that I just feel anti-social with my juices. I think that’s the most difficult part about this cleanse. If my roommate or friends or coworkers were going through this with me, it would be a lot easier to stay focused on the goal and indifferent towards normal food routines. Without support, it's hard.<br />
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Around noon I feel like I’m crashing. Despite the <b>P.A.M. Juice</b>, I’m so tired, I can barely keep my eyes open. It helps to write about it if only to distract myself and give me something to do other than bite my nails or gnaw on the inside of my mouth. I daydream at my desk about going home, getting in bed, and sleeping my way through the next day and a half of this cleanse. Not realistic for those of us with desk jobs but maybe that’s how the celebrities get through it? On to <b>Green Juice </b>Part II now.<br />
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My temperature keeps fluctuating. Not sure if that’s typical of a detox but I’m hot then cold then freezing then fine. I keep taking my sweater on and off. Could just be the air in my office, but it seems worse than usual.<br />
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Bam. Made it through #4 – <b>Spicy Lemonade</b>. Poured it over ice again and it was actually tasty. My headache got worse though and the fact that there is no end in sight makes me pretty grouchy. Time for beet juice. Wahoo.<br />
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<b>C.A.B. Juice </b>is fine. Mostly my body just feels unhappy. My stomach is gurgling weirdly (is it hungry? Is it hurting? Is it confused?) and I have a splitting headache. Day two is every bit as hard as I envisioned. I’m not sure if all this is normal or if I have less willpower than the people who normally do cleanses. This is just a very strange way to go about life. Very isolating.<br />
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Sixth and final juice of the day and I’m officially 67% done with this cleanse. I went for a walk with a friend after work which tired me out so despite how gross the <b>Cashew Milk</b> was on Day 1, I found myself looking forward to it today. Breast milk never tasted so good. My body was craving the thicker, sweeter consistency of Juice 6 and I found that I could almost pretend I was chewing if I let some of the grainier cashew pieces linger near my molars before gulping it down.<br />
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My body feels exhausted but sleep comes easily. Can't wait for Day 3. Let's wind this thing down!<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-89960286504539707892012-08-02T11:22:00.000-04:002012-08-02T15:52:53.911-04:00BluePrintCleanse: Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's do this journal-style!<br />
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<b>Juice 1 (GREEN JUICE)</b> tastes like lemony grassy apple juice. It smells much worse than it tastes. Despite the cute, non-threatening bottle, it’s just so much darn liquid - took me about an hour to get it all down. I put it over ice in a fun, yellow cup so I didn’t have to see just how green it was and the ice kept it cold for the hour-long sipping sesh. Also, the cubes were a much welcomed crunchy treat at the end.<br />
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<b>Juice 2 (P.A.M.)</b> is delicious! I’d drink this on a regular day instead of iced tea. It’s a refreshing combo of pineapple, apple, and mint. Unfortunately, it’s also got 45 g of sugar! I know it’s “natural” sugar and not artificially added, but still. That seems like a lot, and just knowing what’s in it makes my teeth feel a bit grimy. (Bathroom break).
No seriously, it’s crazy how many trips I’ve taken so far. Before noon I racked up 6 visits down the hall. Really putting a damper on my productivity. Also, feeling a bit unfocused and distracted. Not hungry exactly but not un-hungry. Tired and spacey.
My tongue doesn’t feel great after the last juice. Sipping water gives me some relief but it just makes me have to use the restroom and frankly, I’m tired of getting up to pee every ten minutes. Feeling discouraged and haven’t even made it halfway through day 1.<br />
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<b>Juice 3 (GREEN JUICE</b> - again!). This one is rough getting through. I’m tired of beverages.
Really starting to think of the cleanse thing as a way for celebrities to publicly starve themselves with minimal backlash. I don’t feel “full of energy!” or “glowing!” I feel tired and kind of weak.<br />
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<b>Juice 4 (SPICY LEMONADE)</b> has definitely got some zip! It’s surprisingly light and tasty and not too sweet, which I like. I should probably increase my water intake but the juices are so much liquid on their own, the thought of adding a glass of water in between each one seems impossible. At this point in the day, I’ve now made nine trips to the bathroom which I’d say is about triple my usual count. The time spent away from my desk in the restroom though is regained by not taking a lunch break or running across the street to buy snacks. In fact, the only time I’ve been away from my desk today has been bathroom breaks and one neighborhood walk. So maybe I’m being more productive after all. Getting nervous for Juice 5…<br />
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<b>Juice 5 (C.A.B)</b> is bright pink! If you like beets, it’s pretty tasty and luckily I LOVE beets but it’s also got a great gingery kick. A pleasant shift from the spicy lemonade. I’m not hungry anymore either. That completely vanished around 4 pm. I feel a tad bit shaky though and my mouth feels weird. I’m not thirsty exactly but my saliva feels different than usual. Kind of a gross thing to notice but it’s the biggest change (besides non-stop bathroom breaks) that I’ve noticed.<br />
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<b>Juice 6 (CASHEW MILK)</b> was the drink I was most looking forward to because I'd heard such great things. I'm going to be honest - it tasted like breast milk. Or at least, how I imagine breast milk would taste. I gagged my way through it and only managed to choke it down after putting it over ice and not breathing through my nose (the smell was the worst). I'm not a big milk fan and I'm totally grossed out by soy milk and almond milk so I'm not sure why I thought I'd like this but it just seemed like it would be a nice change of pace. Unfortunately, I was imagining milkshake deliciousness and this was merely sweetish, mucus-y nut water.<br />
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Having tried all six juices now, I'm curious which ones will be "favorites" and which ones I'll dread tomorrow. I have to say, the green juice was a lot better than I would have expected (maybe the key to this cleanse is low expectations...) but I'm not exactly looking forward to drinking it for breakfast tomorrow. Maybe if I get hungry enough, it'll start to seem crave-able.<br />
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Overall, I'd say it was an exciting first day with many strange feelings and tastes. I feel hungry but not starving. I'm not headache-y, but I was yawning more than usual on my drive home and I crawled into bed around 7:45 pm (with the last of my cashew milk). I'm curious to see how well I'll sleep during the cleanse and if I have energy to wake up and go to the gym as usual. Oh - and perhaps most interesting... when I weighed myself before bed on Day 1, I was a full pound heavier. Definitely surprising. <br />
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More updates tomorrow!<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-31387420769953215662012-08-01T09:21:00.002-04:002012-08-01T09:21:30.908-04:00BluePrintCleanse: The Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoXH-2hafZhpA8v50diak6KPH8pZWlj8_lY6x8EBZ8rcSB_pJk4KgTdV8XRsuXwap8JHUHGjKSFJPdIEY2FhmyhcwXYdv_-HBf6090c3NyPPrWa81AhwT0pshXofpVKzwLEjJuLsIda6P/s1600/1BPC1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoXH-2hafZhpA8v50diak6KPH8pZWlj8_lY6x8EBZ8rcSB_pJk4KgTdV8XRsuXwap8JHUHGjKSFJPdIEY2FhmyhcwXYdv_-HBf6090c3NyPPrWa81AhwT0pshXofpVKzwLEjJuLsIda6P/s200/1BPC1.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
Today I kick off my three day cleanse. I opted for the BluePrintCleanse (BPC), Renovation, or Level 1, because this is my first time venturing into the world of juices and I didn’t want to bite off more than I could chew (or sip?)<br />
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I’m nervous because, honestly, I don’t really like juice. I know the BPC drinks most likely won’t taste like your average glass of Tropicana, but I’m just not a big fan of beverages other than water.<br />
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Also, I love food! Maybe too much. Maybe ten pounds in two years too much. So, one goal of this cleanse is to jumpstart healthier eating habits and keep my total calorie consumption in check (at least for the next couple of days).<br />
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I followed the pre-cleanse directions as closely as possible but due to a family birthday dinner last night, I might not start off on the best foot.<br />
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In order to gauge the effect the cleanse has on my system, I thought it would be prudent to keep track of as much personal health information as possible. Although I doubt three days can make a real difference in overall health, I'll report back with any significant changes on Day 3.<br />
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This cleanse should be a hilarious experience but I know if I feel sick or "off" at any point, I can and will stop. I'll listen to my body. So without further ado...<br />
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Cheers!<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-4498746319972713252012-07-31T12:22:00.000-04:002012-07-31T13:29:53.458-04:00Can You Jumpstart Wellness with The BluePrintCleanse?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamhPcoJpSJW4rkHrUAQFnQI29Arjcfx63ZcvjuvCP__jmMYX297JPHjqlqiG6VPCqMvoKBj-RJuBwuqmnSS1na5Cs_s0SNzkiUNuX-gyscwEqOO_T3sLJlVq1r9g55QAYhJiyv9-2D7Qs/s1600/1bpcleanse.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamhPcoJpSJW4rkHrUAQFnQI29Arjcfx63ZcvjuvCP__jmMYX297JPHjqlqiG6VPCqMvoKBj-RJuBwuqmnSS1na5Cs_s0SNzkiUNuX-gyscwEqOO_T3sLJlVq1r9g55QAYhJiyv9-2D7Qs/s320/1bpcleanse.png" width="320" /></a></div>
When a diet becomes trendy, people often ask – <i>will this work for me</i>? Whether it’s <a href="http://community.atkins.com/registration.aspx?mcid=dig2012semggl?utm_source=google&utm_medium=PPCsrc&utm_content=Off2wkKit&utm_campaign=branded&gclid=CKec1IqnxLECFYio4AodChsAyg">Atkins</a>, <a href="http://www.southbeachdiet.com/diet/">South Beach</a>, <a href="http://thepaleodiet.com/">Paleo</a>, or the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_Cleanse">Master Cleanse</a>, there’s always a new “breakthrough” approach to weight loss on the market.<br />
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Recently, I’ve received a lot of questions about whether cleanses can actually remove toxins from the body, re-energize the system, and <a href="http://www.thecelebrityworkout.com/2012/05/top-5-celebrity-diets-the-blueprint-cleanse/">promote weight loss</a>. Celebs like Gwenyth Paltrow, Beyonce, and Sarah Jessica Parker have all come forward to rave about their positive cleanse experiences, so it seemed time to do our own experiment here at WCS to review the potential benefits and risks of this style of dieting.<br />
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As a dietitian, a cleanse would never be my first recommendation for weight loss. Eating well day in and day out is the optimal approach to total well being, but sometimes, from a mind/body standpoint, a cleanse offers individuals a way to emotionally readjust their approach to food and can set them on a path towards more mindful eating and improved health behaviors.<br />
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Our office volunteer will complete the three day, Level 1, “Renovation” <a href="http://blueprintcleanse.com/">BluePrintCleanse</a>. This is the highest calorie, highest fat cleanse available through BluePrint so it seemed like the safest way to start.<br />
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Stay tuned for daily updates about the three day cleansing adventure and the official RD's analysis upon conclusion.<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-84119801234028661482012-07-30T15:37:00.000-04:002012-07-31T09:22:52.064-04:00How to Eat Healthy without Breaking the Bank<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu8s3xTv4fVagYUsrnE6Uhn-Vz2m-oHu_GJqTbq8tQR6AJ_QCXbe6cipMdNpj4Pyjy5-cMi7lTHN1j6vB2paKEBHdOI6-6L8IZy_DnLNbOZH5krtNQI4ZqXXF6ESRI_1l9oH0jqffXUcR/s1600/1grocery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu8s3xTv4fVagYUsrnE6Uhn-Vz2m-oHu_GJqTbq8tQR6AJ_QCXbe6cipMdNpj4Pyjy5-cMi7lTHN1j6vB2paKEBHdOI6-6L8IZy_DnLNbOZH5krtNQI4ZqXXF6ESRI_1l9oH0jqffXUcR/s320/1grocery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Eating well is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, but for many, it can be a struggle. A nutritious diet lowers the risk of chronic disease, increases productivity, boosts energy, and helps build muscle when paired with an active daily routine. Though <b>prep time</b> and <b>cost</b> are the most often cited barriers to eating well, they don't have to be.<br />
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Healthy food is not always more expensive than junk food, despite what many think.
In fact, the boxed, processed, preserved foods most often found in the middle aisles of the supermarket consistently rank as worse for your body <i>and </i>worse for your budget! (If not short term, then certainly in the long run due to the cost of poor health.)
So, without further ado, here are <b>9 ways to eat well for cheap.</b><br />
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1. <b>Eat eggs</b>. Eggs are inexpensive, delicious, and chock full of healthy nutrients. Worried about cholesterol? Eggs are still an option! Dietary cholesterol is not bound to blood cholesterol, so you can get all the benefit of the protein and vitamins and none of the risks.<br />
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2. <b>Drink water.</b> No one needs soda, no one really needs iced coffee beverages, and no one will perish without smoothies or juice. We do, however, need water. Ditch soda for good and bring a water bottle with you wherever you go. Sip <i>before </i>you feel thirsty to stay hydrated all day long and keep your body functioning at peak levels. Drink water because it’s cheaper and better for you than any other beverage on the planet.<br />
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3. <b>Opt for tap water.</b> Bottled water companies don’t actually get their product from icy springs in the mountains. They bottle their water in factories using the same liquid that comes from your kitchen sink. If you don’t trust the quality of tap water or don’t like the taste that your pipes might leave behind, get a filter. Try a <a href="http://www.brita.com/products/water-pitchers/slim/">Brita</a>. One $12 pitcher can provide up to 40 gallons of crisp, filtered water. Bottom line, tap water will always be cheaper than bottled water. And, it’s better for the environment!<br />
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4. <b>Buy generic.</b> When you’re shopping for groceries, opt for the generic version. The box might be less attractive, but you can use the money saved to purchase pricier fruits and veggies you might otherwise shy away from. Brand-name food will always be more expensive, and you’re paying for the name! Buy generic to cut costs and free your money for where it matters.<br />
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5. <b>Don’t buy junk food.</b> Food that comes in a box or plastic wrapper is
almost guaranteed to be nutritionally lacking and more expensive than
whole, natural foods. Surprised? A Snickers at our local market is
$1.29, a banana is $0.69. Hungry? Grab a Sn…banana!<br />
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6. <b>Invest in a big freezer.</b> Buying in bulk might be more expensive at the cashier, but it’s cheaper in the long run. Shopping for food in bulk usually gets you a discount per item, saves time, and saves gas (fewer trips to the grocery store). Frozen vegetables are easy to find and can be stored in the freezer for months so you don’t waste money on rotten produce. Lots of freezer space allows you to have healthy, whole foods on hand year round without having to worry about scheduling meals around seasons and freshness.<br />
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7. <b>Rotate your food.</b> Sounds strange, but place fresh veggies towards the back of your fridge so you consume the older produce first and prevent waste. Rather than shoving produce and leftovers towards the back, rotate items around so the older veggies are consumed first and all leftovers are enjoyed. This will dramatically cut down on waste and help you get the most out of your grocery shopping.<br />
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8. <b>Eat leftovers.</b> Prepare healthy dishes at home and bring leftovers to work. Buying lunch on a regular basis is expensive and unhealthy. Double whammy. Make extra food for dinner, portion out a single serving in Tupperware and stick it in the fridge to heat up for lunch the following day.<br />
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9. <b>Eat less.</b> The less you eat, the lower your grocery bill. Think about the cost of your food as you consume it. Eat the appropriate portion to maintain a healthy weight – no more, no less.<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-60192217322370359532012-07-19T11:00:00.000-04:002012-07-31T09:17:46.716-04:00FDA Approves New Weight Loss Drug, Qsymia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE9mol3kh0yRo1LUp_hCDmF0A1H1GdzavshTLwi8TMcL1yZdPmwc6u4pmb9pgX3Dzwka10RXIdmEFmnCKugpTlisCGxyDEyJ6uKV2Fr0pIu6rHujTillHL8BgVr_5N4bu6soBDibtrLWc/s1600/1qsymia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE9mol3kh0yRo1LUp_hCDmF0A1H1GdzavshTLwi8TMcL1yZdPmwc6u4pmb9pgX3Dzwka10RXIdmEFmnCKugpTlisCGxyDEyJ6uKV2Fr0pIu6rHujTillHL8BgVr_5N4bu6soBDibtrLWc/s200/1qsymia.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm312468.htm">FDA has officially approved</a> two new <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2012/07/18/qsymia-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-diet-pill/?iid=hl-main-lede">weight loss drugs</a> for carefully controlled use among overweight and obese Americans with a BMI of 30 and above (or 27 and higher if they currently suffer from an existing weight-related condition such as hypertension or diabetes). This is exciting news in the world of weight loss because diet pills rarely make it to market due to the inherent risks involved with the targeted consumer. Before <b>Qsymia</b> (phentermine/topiramate) and <b>Belviq </b>(lorcaserin) were approved this past month, the last diet pill to go to market was <b>Xenical</b> (orlistat) in 1999.<br />
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Qsymia, Vivus Inc.’s drug that was pushed through this week, is a combination of two existing drugs: an appetite-suppressing stimulant, and an anti-seizure medication that has been shown to promote satiety.<br />
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Although this sounds like a promising way to shed pounds, diet drugs come with a wave of controversy and significant questions about safety.<br />
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If an individual is artificially suppressing his appetite and increasing his satiety as Qsymia intends, then three key issues arise:<br />
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1. Why/how would the user ever learn to eat healthy foods that can actually do these things naturally? <br />
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2. Why would the user ever learn to avoid the sugary, refined carbs and salty foods that promote continual binging and overconsumption?<br />
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3. Why would the user ever deal with the emotional and psychological issues that truly underlie an individual’s poor eating habits?<br />
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If a drug can take care of the “hard” stuff, then the individual never learns to tackle the fundamental cause behind excess weight head-on.
Obesity aside, what about the other dangers associated with poor diet and lifestyle? What about cancer and heart disease? Weight loss should be, <i>needs to be</i>, a learning process. As you’re losing weight, you have to learn how to healthfully maintain your new size.<br />
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If someone is going to use a weight loss pill to assist their weight loss process, it <i>must </i>be in conjunction with some form of weight loss program, or provision of <a href="http://wellnesscorporatesolutions.com/services-health-coaching.html">education/guidance/counseling</a> for diet and exercise.<br />
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For many, weight loss can seem an insurmountable hurdle, but after years in the healthcare industry, I’ve found that if you give someone a pill, they often stop trying.<br />
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Best case scenario, this new drug can help an overweight or obese individual jump start weight loss, but then comes the rest. The approval of Qsymia is not going to make a huge impact on the obesity epidemic as a whole but some people may find it helpful.<div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637961882514588213.post-79296776610072955592012-06-26T14:29:00.002-04:002012-06-26T14:29:47.923-04:00Breaking Fast and Craving Carbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrUyLxLvjK-e9R601D-Uv2acMi3e7e4yeli5bGcU8iSQke5DqH1uvBZ0XuDYAUsIg91XAS6zd6VknRACaYN60yqaIKtLvLsDh18D1uvwxOLyrB9OP6kNkExwRu-4-0aRwftu3Fj4HGuub/s1600/cinn_rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrUyLxLvjK-e9R601D-Uv2acMi3e7e4yeli5bGcU8iSQke5DqH1uvBZ0XuDYAUsIg91XAS6zd6VknRACaYN60yqaIKtLvLsDh18D1uvwxOLyrB9OP6kNkExwRu-4-0aRwftu3Fj4HGuub/s200/cinn_rolls.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Breakfast has long been associated with pancakes, waffles, and other items of starchy goodness, so it comes as no surprise that breaking a fast, literally, leads us to reach for simple carbohydrates.<br />
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A <a href="http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1195521">new study</a> conducted by researchers at Cornell University's Food and Brand Lab found that after an 18-hour period without food, individuals were <b>31% more likely to reach for carbs</b> than their non-fasting counterparts.<br />
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Participants were divided into a fasting group and a control group to study the types of food consumed rather than simply net calories under fasting circumstances. The findings suggest that individuals who engage in food deprivation (because of doctor’s orders, strict dieting, or hectic schedules), are more likely to crave starches that provide the body with an instant energy boost.<br />
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Additionally, researchers found that the foods that were eaten <i>first </i>were generally eaten the <i>most</i>.<br />
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Overall calorie consumption per meal mirrored the caloric value of the first foods selected and those who chose starches generally ate more than those in the control group who opted for a more balanced plate.<br />
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This study offers support for small, balanced snacks throughout the day to keep metabolism in check and prevent cravings from kicking in. Even relatively mild food deprivation can alter the foods people choose to eat, potentially leading them to eat starches first and most.<br />
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<b>So what’s the take-away here?</b> Dieters and individuals in situations of food deprivation would be wise to keep carbohydrate-laden snacks tucked away and make veggies and lean proteins more accessible and visible.<br />
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If you feel a carb craving kick in, try munching on vegetables first, and only give in to the craving once your initial hunger has been suppressed. You might find the <a href="http://biggestloserclub.com.au/food-fitness/kick-cravings.html">craving disappears</a> altogether!<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>Juliet Rodmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06368439710550479598noreply@blogger.com0