So you've been exercising regularly, and cutting back on your calories to meet your weight loss goals. Everything is going great with your new changes but you notice the number on the scale isn't moving much and your body isn't changing shape as quickly as you'd hoped. There may be one more habit interfering with your weight loss efforts- -alcohol. Perhaps you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, have a couple of beers while watching the big game, or even cocktails on a Saturday night with friends. All common practices but they may be getting in the way of your weight loss efforts.
Alcoholic beverages have been enjoyed throughout recorded history. For some, a drink with dinner may be relaxing. Others may enjoy the inhibitions that alcohol can create to "let loose" with friends. Many people drink for the health benefits. After-all, evidence shows that moderate drinking, especially red wine, may lower the risk of heart disease. No matter what your reasons are for drinking, alcohol can interfere with your weight loss goals.
Alcohol is a product of fermenting carbohydrates- both sugars and starches. This means it does provide calories. Specifically it provides 7 calories for every gram compared to 4 calories per gram of carbohydrates and protein, and 9 calories per gram of fat. Drinking 4 (12 ounce) beers will supply 600 calories. To burn those calories, a person would need to walk non-stop for 3 hours. Skipping the cab ride and walking home may be a strategy but for most of us a 3 hour walk is a bit daunting even when we are in good shape.
Although wine contains fewer calories than beer, this can also lead to extra calories. Having a glass of wine provides 100 calories, but this is dependent on the glass size. A serving size of wine is 5-ounces. The larger wine glasses hold about 10 ounces turning your one glass of wine into two glasses. To put this into perspective, drinking two glasses of wine each night with dinner will add an extra 200 calories each day. If these calories are not burned through exercise and daily activity it can lead to a 20 pound weight gain in a year.
Adding juice, creams, and sodas to cocktails will increase the calorie level beyond what the alcohol is already providing. Be careful of what you are drinking. In some cases, one drink provides more calories than an entire meal! Here are the drinks that top the scales for most calories-
Long Island Iced Tea: 780 calories Margarita: 740 calories Pina Colada: 644 calories White Russian: 425 calories Sex on the Beach: 356 calories Mai Tai: 350 calories Lemon Drop: 223 calories
Besides adding calories, alcohol may affect your weight for other reasons. Some evidence suggests drinking alcoholic beverages may stimulate your appetite and cause you to eat more than you normally would. It also decreases your inhibitions so you don't care how much more you are eating. How many times have you enjoyed chips and salsa with your margaritas while out with friends? How many chips did you eat? Who knows- all you remember is the waiter bringing three or four refills of the chip bowl.
Another factor to take into account is that your body processes alcohol first, before fat, protein, or carbohydrates which may slow down the burning of fat. There is also evidence that drinking too much seems to increase fat carried in the stomach area- otherwise known as the beer belly. Studies show that people with a higher amount of fat in the abdominal region are at a greater risk of heart disease.
Ok, this is looking dreary but it doesn't mean you can never enjoy alcohol again. It just means that it is time to take inventory to see how much you are drinking and pay attention to how many calories your favorite drinks supply. Learn how to enjoy alcohol in moderation so you don't end up sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
� 2005, Meri Raffetto
About the author: Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She specializes in weight management and cardiovascular nutrition and offers online programs to help people reach their weight loss and health goals. For more information or to sign up for a free newsletter visit http://www.reallivingnutrition.com.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Why Are High pressure Tanning Beds Are Safer And More Effective?
If you don't fancy being trapped in a small, claustrophobic bed, high pressure tanning beds allow you to get the great tan you want without the headaches. High pressure beds are engineered with open sides so that most of the space around you is open. Additionally, these beds are engineered for people of all different skin tones.
High pressure beds allow people with different skin tones to get the ultimate tanning experience by staying in the bed for the needed amount of time. Thus, instead of only staying a few minutes because you're skin is pale, you can tan for twenty minutes like everyone else. However, high pressure beds can be extremely expensive.
By purchasing used commercial tanning beds, you can save yourself money.
Keeping Your Customers Happy
Buying used can save you hundreds of dollars. Although you may buy used tanning beds, you should still buy the highest quality tanning beds such as Sunquest, ProSun, and Sunvision.
High pressure beds allow your customers to get a great tan without feeling closed in; this is especially important for people who may be claustrophobic. Commercial high pressure beds are becoming more diverse and creating better tanning than traditional beds. High pressure beds release fewer ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) waves so that tanning is safer and more effective.
One great alternative to high pressure beds is canopies. Canopy beds allow customers the same opening feeling and can cost less especially if you buy used. Wolff offers a great selection of canopy beds available both new and used through many providers. You can even choose a product like Pedi-Tan to help customers get tans only where they need them. Tanning is a high pressure business, and you want to get the most customers possible.
When choosing a high pressure bed, canopy, or other commercial bed, consider buying your new tanning bed online so that you can save money and still get a great tan
About the author: Jon Butt hosts www.the-tanning-bed-guide.com A large advice site featuring how to choose your perfect tanning bed, where to get the biggest online discounts, which lotions and accessories will make tanning easier and safer, along with tan-thru clothing, sunless tanning advice and skin care to keep you looking like a goddess
High pressure beds allow people with different skin tones to get the ultimate tanning experience by staying in the bed for the needed amount of time. Thus, instead of only staying a few minutes because you're skin is pale, you can tan for twenty minutes like everyone else. However, high pressure beds can be extremely expensive.
By purchasing used commercial tanning beds, you can save yourself money.
Keeping Your Customers Happy
Buying used can save you hundreds of dollars. Although you may buy used tanning beds, you should still buy the highest quality tanning beds such as Sunquest, ProSun, and Sunvision.
High pressure beds allow your customers to get a great tan without feeling closed in; this is especially important for people who may be claustrophobic. Commercial high pressure beds are becoming more diverse and creating better tanning than traditional beds. High pressure beds release fewer ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) waves so that tanning is safer and more effective.
One great alternative to high pressure beds is canopies. Canopy beds allow customers the same opening feeling and can cost less especially if you buy used. Wolff offers a great selection of canopy beds available both new and used through many providers. You can even choose a product like Pedi-Tan to help customers get tans only where they need them. Tanning is a high pressure business, and you want to get the most customers possible.
When choosing a high pressure bed, canopy, or other commercial bed, consider buying your new tanning bed online so that you can save money and still get a great tan
About the author: Jon Butt hosts www.the-tanning-bed-guide.com A large advice site featuring how to choose your perfect tanning bed, where to get the biggest online discounts, which lotions and accessories will make tanning easier and safer, along with tan-thru clothing, sunless tanning advice and skin care to keep you looking like a goddess
Exercise And Quitting Smoking
When you plan to stop smoking, bring about other changes in your life style as well. Take a look at all those things that have become a kind of routine and break that routine. Try to do things differently and will make a lot of difference.
What we are trying to do as part of this exercise is that we are trying to create a new environment for you. It is not possible for you to shift to a new apartment so bring about a few changes in the way things are as part of your exercise to quit smoking. Let every thing have a new feel about it. If there was a favorite chair in which you used to sit when you smoked, change the upholstery of the chair or maybe you could stash away the chair into a corner.
Try to set a new routine. Try working out or going to the gym. If that is not possible, try waking up a little earlier and go for a short morning walk. If you can make that a run or a jog, it is going to be very stimulating and is going to be the best way to start your day.
Exercise does not necessarily mean pumping metal. If you do have the time to go to a gymnasium everyday, then that is well and good. But I suppose most of us do not have the time for a regular work out in a gym. So what is the other alternative? Do it at home of course.
But whether it is at home or at a multi-gym, there is something that I want to tell you. Regularity is the rule of the day. It is not getting started that is the difficult part, it is sticking to a regular exercise routine that is difficult and this is what proves to be the stumbling block for most people.
Most people have a wonderful start. In fact it is truly spectacular. They buy track suits and gym-wear, running shoes and a whole lot of other gear. Their first day at the gym is almost a celebration. Then as the days go on, they find it increasingly difficult to meet the domestic and professional demands and so their routine slows down and finally comes to a complete workout burn out.
One mistake that many people make is that they choose the evenings or a work out. If that can suit your lifestyle, then that?s fine. But for most of us, by the time the evening lifts up its curtains we are completely pooped. We find ourselves physically and mentally drained. And at that time our bodies will be just too tired for a work out. So it is best to set aside some time for exercise in the morning itself.
There are two advantages of setting apart time in the morning. The first advantage is that in the morning our bodies are fresh and full of energy. Now over here I want to make one point clear.
Many people believe that exercise depletes the body of energy but the case is just the opposite. Exercise pumps up more blood through the different parts of the body and warms up the body, so in fact, after exercise we feel more charged and ready to face the challenges of the day.
The second advantage is that in the morning we can plan for the whole day without letting the exercise routine affect the rest of our activities.
What about those of us who have never worked out before? In such cases you might need to start off under the personal supervision of an instructor and that may require that you go to a gym. But what I would suggest is that there are two simple things that any one can do for which you do not need the help of any instructor.
You know what these are? They are walking and swimming. Any body can walk and those of you who know how to swim can swim. For these two activities you do not need much gear and experts say that these two exercises have no side effects and are excellent stress busters.
So in the morning wake up just half an hour earlier, put on your walking shoes and hit the roads. Most roads will be less crowded at this hour and less polluted too. It is a wonderful way to start a day.
Take a break form coffee and try tea instead. If you are moving around the house, try playing music. Redecorate your room by adding a few pictures here and there preferably of scenery. And while you are redecorating, do what I mentioned earlier that is get rid of every thing that even remotely reminds you of smoking.
Plan your day in such a way that you have something enjoyable to do at the end of the day. It does not have t be something that involves money. We do not want you end up bankrupt. It can be something as simple as spending some time with the family playing a board game or something. Or it can be going out for a walk together.
But I would like to add that watching television just does not fit into this list. The reason is because T.V is not something that demands too much of our attention. We can easily do something else while we are watching TV and what can be easier than taking a smoke while our eyes are glued to the T.V. While you are working on breaking the habit of smoking, you need to move about with people. You need the company of people who can take your mind off that craving and TV doesn?t help you do that.
Make a list of those things that build up your stress. Try to steer clear of them. If that is not possible try to find out some stress busters and use them. Do not use stress as an excuse to start smoking. There are a hundred other methods of beating stress. As mentioned earlier, you could try breathing exercises, mediation or even music. There is another excellent way of beating stress and that is using the distressing ball. If you do not have one of those, try wriggling your fingers and toes. That too is a natural method of beating stress.
The point that we are trying to drive home over here is that you need a break from whatever you have been doing for this exercise of quitting to work. Since it is impossible to change your job or your home, you have to bring about as many changes as possible to get that whole new feeling.
About the author: Are you ready to kick the habit? Don't go at it alone. We have well over 20 FREE tips, tricks, and suggestions to kicking the smoking habit once and for all! Come to http://www.yoursmokingsite.co m today!
What we are trying to do as part of this exercise is that we are trying to create a new environment for you. It is not possible for you to shift to a new apartment so bring about a few changes in the way things are as part of your exercise to quit smoking. Let every thing have a new feel about it. If there was a favorite chair in which you used to sit when you smoked, change the upholstery of the chair or maybe you could stash away the chair into a corner.
Try to set a new routine. Try working out or going to the gym. If that is not possible, try waking up a little earlier and go for a short morning walk. If you can make that a run or a jog, it is going to be very stimulating and is going to be the best way to start your day.
Exercise does not necessarily mean pumping metal. If you do have the time to go to a gymnasium everyday, then that is well and good. But I suppose most of us do not have the time for a regular work out in a gym. So what is the other alternative? Do it at home of course.
But whether it is at home or at a multi-gym, there is something that I want to tell you. Regularity is the rule of the day. It is not getting started that is the difficult part, it is sticking to a regular exercise routine that is difficult and this is what proves to be the stumbling block for most people.
Most people have a wonderful start. In fact it is truly spectacular. They buy track suits and gym-wear, running shoes and a whole lot of other gear. Their first day at the gym is almost a celebration. Then as the days go on, they find it increasingly difficult to meet the domestic and professional demands and so their routine slows down and finally comes to a complete workout burn out.
One mistake that many people make is that they choose the evenings or a work out. If that can suit your lifestyle, then that?s fine. But for most of us, by the time the evening lifts up its curtains we are completely pooped. We find ourselves physically and mentally drained. And at that time our bodies will be just too tired for a work out. So it is best to set aside some time for exercise in the morning itself.
There are two advantages of setting apart time in the morning. The first advantage is that in the morning our bodies are fresh and full of energy. Now over here I want to make one point clear.
Many people believe that exercise depletes the body of energy but the case is just the opposite. Exercise pumps up more blood through the different parts of the body and warms up the body, so in fact, after exercise we feel more charged and ready to face the challenges of the day.
The second advantage is that in the morning we can plan for the whole day without letting the exercise routine affect the rest of our activities.
What about those of us who have never worked out before? In such cases you might need to start off under the personal supervision of an instructor and that may require that you go to a gym. But what I would suggest is that there are two simple things that any one can do for which you do not need the help of any instructor.
You know what these are? They are walking and swimming. Any body can walk and those of you who know how to swim can swim. For these two activities you do not need much gear and experts say that these two exercises have no side effects and are excellent stress busters.
So in the morning wake up just half an hour earlier, put on your walking shoes and hit the roads. Most roads will be less crowded at this hour and less polluted too. It is a wonderful way to start a day.
Take a break form coffee and try tea instead. If you are moving around the house, try playing music. Redecorate your room by adding a few pictures here and there preferably of scenery. And while you are redecorating, do what I mentioned earlier that is get rid of every thing that even remotely reminds you of smoking.
Plan your day in such a way that you have something enjoyable to do at the end of the day. It does not have t be something that involves money. We do not want you end up bankrupt. It can be something as simple as spending some time with the family playing a board game or something. Or it can be going out for a walk together.
But I would like to add that watching television just does not fit into this list. The reason is because T.V is not something that demands too much of our attention. We can easily do something else while we are watching TV and what can be easier than taking a smoke while our eyes are glued to the T.V. While you are working on breaking the habit of smoking, you need to move about with people. You need the company of people who can take your mind off that craving and TV doesn?t help you do that.
Make a list of those things that build up your stress. Try to steer clear of them. If that is not possible try to find out some stress busters and use them. Do not use stress as an excuse to start smoking. There are a hundred other methods of beating stress. As mentioned earlier, you could try breathing exercises, mediation or even music. There is another excellent way of beating stress and that is using the distressing ball. If you do not have one of those, try wriggling your fingers and toes. That too is a natural method of beating stress.
The point that we are trying to drive home over here is that you need a break from whatever you have been doing for this exercise of quitting to work. Since it is impossible to change your job or your home, you have to bring about as many changes as possible to get that whole new feeling.
About the author: Are you ready to kick the habit? Don't go at it alone. We have well over 20 FREE tips, tricks, and suggestions to kicking the smoking habit once and for all! Come to http://www.yoursmokingsite.co m today!
Exercise The Right Way - The Seated Row
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuiders' training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we'll take a close look at the seated row using a machine.
MUSCLES TARGETED: latissimus dorsi, teres major, middle trapezius, rhomboids
PREPARATION
Grasp the handles with a closed, pronated grip.
STARTING POSITION
Sit down on the seat facing the chest pad of the machine. Place the feet on the foot supports. Sit erect and press the torso against the chest pad. Extend the elbows fully. This is the starting position for all repetitions.
BACKWARD MOVEMENT
Pull the handles towards the chest. Maintain an erect torso position and keep the elbows next to the ribs. Pull the handles as far back as possible. Keep all movement smooth.
FORWARD MOVEMENT
Keep the elbows next to the ribs and allow the handles to move back to the starting position. Keep the torso in the same position. Repeat or finish set.
About the author: Rick Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.
In this article we'll take a close look at the seated row using a machine.
MUSCLES TARGETED: latissimus dorsi, teres major, middle trapezius, rhomboids
PREPARATION
Grasp the handles with a closed, pronated grip.
STARTING POSITION
Sit down on the seat facing the chest pad of the machine. Place the feet on the foot supports. Sit erect and press the torso against the chest pad. Extend the elbows fully. This is the starting position for all repetitions.
BACKWARD MOVEMENT
Pull the handles towards the chest. Maintain an erect torso position and keep the elbows next to the ribs. Pull the handles as far back as possible. Keep all movement smooth.
FORWARD MOVEMENT
Keep the elbows next to the ribs and allow the handles to move back to the starting position. Keep the torso in the same position. Repeat or finish set.
About the author: Rick Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Vitamins For Female Hair Loss Prevention
In today's image conscious society, physical appearance is more important than ever to a woman's self-esteem. Imagine the heartache caused when a woman notices her hair thinning? It is estimated that over 25 million women experience thinning hair in the United States. Many are genetically predisposed to the condition. Most wonder if there are any natural remedies to help or prevent their female hair loss.
Several vitamins have been found to be very effective in supporting female hair health. Of course, many factors may contribute to female hair loss but proper nutrition can help prevent further thinning and more loss.
Vitamin A has been found to support the healthy development of tissues and cells in the body and also supports healthy hair. This important vitamin promotes healthy hair follicles by keeping the root of the hair lubricated. Vitamin A can be found in green vegetables, particularly the leafy ones, red, orange and yellow vegetables, liver and eggs. Many good multivitamins contain the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, so don't take additional supplements without a physician's supervision. Overdoses of vitamin A can be dangerous.
A healthy scalp is also essential to healthy hair. Vitamin E supports a healthy scalp by helping to increase the oxygen supplied through the blood. Americans rarely suffer from a vitamin E deficiency, but increasing one's intake of green leafy vegetables, fortified grains and cereals and nuts can help ensure that this important nutrient is adequate. Vitamin E supplements are also available for this matter.
The B vitamins are also important for hair health. Regulating the amount of iron in the blood, these vitamins also help oxygen flow through the lungs to the tissues. Of course, a B vitamin deficiency would damage the hair and scalp by limiting the amount of oxygen that these tissues receive. B vitamins are available as supplements and in several foods, including proteins and soybeans, cereals, nuts and wheat germ.
If a proper nutrition that involves essential vitamins and minerals helps in hair loss prevention and a good healthy scalp, then paying extra attention to the food and supplements that you eat is well worth the time and effort!
About the author: Kathlene Capelle's site includes information on female hair loss, male hair loss, cause of hair loss, hair loss remedy, hair loss prevention, natural hair loss treatments, etc. Please visit http://www.hair-loss-remedy-central.com.
Several vitamins have been found to be very effective in supporting female hair health. Of course, many factors may contribute to female hair loss but proper nutrition can help prevent further thinning and more loss.
Vitamin A has been found to support the healthy development of tissues and cells in the body and also supports healthy hair. This important vitamin promotes healthy hair follicles by keeping the root of the hair lubricated. Vitamin A can be found in green vegetables, particularly the leafy ones, red, orange and yellow vegetables, liver and eggs. Many good multivitamins contain the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, so don't take additional supplements without a physician's supervision. Overdoses of vitamin A can be dangerous.
A healthy scalp is also essential to healthy hair. Vitamin E supports a healthy scalp by helping to increase the oxygen supplied through the blood. Americans rarely suffer from a vitamin E deficiency, but increasing one's intake of green leafy vegetables, fortified grains and cereals and nuts can help ensure that this important nutrient is adequate. Vitamin E supplements are also available for this matter.
The B vitamins are also important for hair health. Regulating the amount of iron in the blood, these vitamins also help oxygen flow through the lungs to the tissues. Of course, a B vitamin deficiency would damage the hair and scalp by limiting the amount of oxygen that these tissues receive. B vitamins are available as supplements and in several foods, including proteins and soybeans, cereals, nuts and wheat germ.
If a proper nutrition that involves essential vitamins and minerals helps in hair loss prevention and a good healthy scalp, then paying extra attention to the food and supplements that you eat is well worth the time and effort!
About the author: Kathlene Capelle's site includes information on female hair loss, male hair loss, cause of hair loss, hair loss remedy, hair loss prevention, natural hair loss treatments, etc. Please visit http://www.hair-loss-remedy-central.com.
Health is Your Greatest Asset
If you are like many people who take the entrepreneurial plunge, you do so most successfully when you are approaching or entering into middle age. Your middle-aged years are also ironically around the time many people start to suffer problems with eroding health and weight problems. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have the best of both worlds: financial freedom and optimal health?
I once heard Dr. Dennis Kimbro http://www.denniskimbro.com say on a television interview that most millionaires fail a few times in business, and suffer some bankruptcies before they become successful. Another salient point he made is that most of people become millionaires around fifty years of age. Why this is the case I don't exactly know, unlike Dr. Kimbro I can only speculate on these matters.
My observation of many people makes me think perhaps the middle-age launch into business ventures has to do with people finding the confidence later in life. You have to have self-assurance to risk business ventures. Usually people don't have this type of business confidence until after they have run other peoples businesses.
Or at least they feel more confident once they have worked for other people.
Andrew Morrison, the owner of Small Business Camp, http://www.smallbusinesscamp.com once alluding to the book "Think and Grow Rich" said that many men become more successful in their middle years because they are less focused on sexual pursuits. I can relate to this because when I was in my twenties I would be too focused on dating, to have the focus to run a viable business.
However, what would be the point of having a successful business if we don't have the health to enjoy it?
Most people would agree business is a very competitive and challenging. It also stands to reason you should try to be at peak performance when undertaking a business venture. This is why you should seriously consider investing in your health to afford you the extra push -- to drive you to business success.
Some of the major reasons you may want to bolster your health and overall fitness are because:
- Studies show exercise helps relieve stress
- Exercise helps elevate your mood
- Exercise will help you think more clearly
- Resistance training will help increase your muscle and bone density which tend to decrease with age
- Stretching after exercise will to help keep you flexible which also tends to decrease with age
- Regular strenuous exercise can help you increase natural hormones in you body like testosterone which will increase muscle mass, sexual desire, and overall health
These are just some of the many well-known benefits you will achieve with a regular exercise program. It is no wonder that I find many people who are successful in business come from athletic or sports backgrounds. Many successful entrepreneurs have a regular fitness programs.
If you are a woman who has had children and find yourself with some undesired pounds good balanced workout programs could be considered from people like Denise Austin http://www.deniseaustin.com or Donna Richardson http://www.donnarichardson.com . For men you may like the workouts of people like Billy Blanks and his TaeBo system.
According to fitness trainers like Denise Austin, the focus of your workout should be on the balance of strength training, aerobics, and flexibility.
Most fitness experts like Jason Martin of the BODeStore.com http://www.BODeStore.com make the point that strength training as alluded to earlier "will increase bone density and muscle mass, aerobics will burn fat and give you more cardio fitness, and yoga or martial arts will help counter the inflexibility associated with age".
One thing you may experience as you age is you don't obviously have the natural energy you had when you were sixteen years old. Another problem you may experience is pain in your joints like your knees.
If you notice pain in your knees and elbows especially on damp or humid days you may be experiencing the on-set of arthritis. Arthritis can be demoralizing when you are trying to obtain optimal health. It is definitely something you didn't have to worry about or contend with when you were in your twenties. Don't let arthritis totally derail your pursuit of health in your most productive midlife years!
Seek the help of your doctor and perhaps explore some alternative remedies of relief. Personally I have found that some alternative treatments to be superior to pharmaceutical drugs. I hear good things about the supplement Phosoplex� in helping with arthritis and other joint problems.
The most important thing is to remember when embarking upon a health and fitness program is to do so with moderation. Don't overdue it and risk injury. Make sure you invest in good fitness shoes with good heel and ankle support. In Denise Austin's words "avoid boredom by doing various physical activities that you enjoy with your family". If you are quite a bit over weight maybe start out with walking more.
In the end what does if profit you to become a millionaire, but you are totally unfit to enjoy your investment? Like the saying goes "your health is your greatest asset".
Kamau Austin is a stay-at-home dad and health advocate. You can see more of his health insights at www.HealthandFitnessVitality.com .
About the author: Kamau Austin is a stay-at-home dad, health advocate, and publisher of http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com
I once heard Dr. Dennis Kimbro http://www.denniskimbro.com say on a television interview that most millionaires fail a few times in business, and suffer some bankruptcies before they become successful. Another salient point he made is that most of people become millionaires around fifty years of age. Why this is the case I don't exactly know, unlike Dr. Kimbro I can only speculate on these matters.
My observation of many people makes me think perhaps the middle-age launch into business ventures has to do with people finding the confidence later in life. You have to have self-assurance to risk business ventures. Usually people don't have this type of business confidence until after they have run other peoples businesses.
Or at least they feel more confident once they have worked for other people.
Andrew Morrison, the owner of Small Business Camp, http://www.smallbusinesscamp.com once alluding to the book "Think and Grow Rich" said that many men become more successful in their middle years because they are less focused on sexual pursuits. I can relate to this because when I was in my twenties I would be too focused on dating, to have the focus to run a viable business.
However, what would be the point of having a successful business if we don't have the health to enjoy it?
Most people would agree business is a very competitive and challenging. It also stands to reason you should try to be at peak performance when undertaking a business venture. This is why you should seriously consider investing in your health to afford you the extra push -- to drive you to business success.
Some of the major reasons you may want to bolster your health and overall fitness are because:
- Studies show exercise helps relieve stress
- Exercise helps elevate your mood
- Exercise will help you think more clearly
- Resistance training will help increase your muscle and bone density which tend to decrease with age
- Stretching after exercise will to help keep you flexible which also tends to decrease with age
- Regular strenuous exercise can help you increase natural hormones in you body like testosterone which will increase muscle mass, sexual desire, and overall health
These are just some of the many well-known benefits you will achieve with a regular exercise program. It is no wonder that I find many people who are successful in business come from athletic or sports backgrounds. Many successful entrepreneurs have a regular fitness programs.
If you are a woman who has had children and find yourself with some undesired pounds good balanced workout programs could be considered from people like Denise Austin http://www.deniseaustin.com or Donna Richardson http://www.donnarichardson.com . For men you may like the workouts of people like Billy Blanks and his TaeBo system.
According to fitness trainers like Denise Austin, the focus of your workout should be on the balance of strength training, aerobics, and flexibility.
Most fitness experts like Jason Martin of the BODeStore.com http://www.BODeStore.com make the point that strength training as alluded to earlier "will increase bone density and muscle mass, aerobics will burn fat and give you more cardio fitness, and yoga or martial arts will help counter the inflexibility associated with age".
One thing you may experience as you age is you don't obviously have the natural energy you had when you were sixteen years old. Another problem you may experience is pain in your joints like your knees.
If you notice pain in your knees and elbows especially on damp or humid days you may be experiencing the on-set of arthritis. Arthritis can be demoralizing when you are trying to obtain optimal health. It is definitely something you didn't have to worry about or contend with when you were in your twenties. Don't let arthritis totally derail your pursuit of health in your most productive midlife years!
Seek the help of your doctor and perhaps explore some alternative remedies of relief. Personally I have found that some alternative treatments to be superior to pharmaceutical drugs. I hear good things about the supplement Phosoplex� in helping with arthritis and other joint problems.
The most important thing is to remember when embarking upon a health and fitness program is to do so with moderation. Don't overdue it and risk injury. Make sure you invest in good fitness shoes with good heel and ankle support. In Denise Austin's words "avoid boredom by doing various physical activities that you enjoy with your family". If you are quite a bit over weight maybe start out with walking more.
In the end what does if profit you to become a millionaire, but you are totally unfit to enjoy your investment? Like the saying goes "your health is your greatest asset".
Kamau Austin is a stay-at-home dad and health advocate. You can see more of his health insights at www.HealthandFitnessVitality.com .
About the author: Kamau Austin is a stay-at-home dad, health advocate, and publisher of http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com
Healthy cooking for those with little time
Everyone who has ever juggled home, family and kids knows how difficult it is to create healthy meals when pressed for time. Cooking healthy, delicious meals can be difficult, but some advance planning can allow you to make the most of your cooking time.
One way to cook healthy meals that are easy to prepare is to plan your meals around several key foods that can be prepared in large quantities and used in several different recipes on consecutive nights. This method of making meals last is totally different from the usual strategy of making a huge batch of food and living on leftovers for the rest of the week. Your family will certainly appreciate the difference.
There are some key elements to cooking this way. The first step is to promptly separate and refrigerate the portion that will be used for the next days meal before you place tonight's meal on the table. Refrigerating the unused portion of the prepared meal is important to preventing food borne illnesses, especially when serving meat, poultry, seafood or any meal containing eggs or dairy products.
The foods that have been prepared ahead of time should be stored in shallow containers to allow it to cool more quickly in the refrigerator. Thicker foods like stews, puddings and meat slices should be stored in bowls no deeper than two inches. The food should be stirred occasionally as it cools.
The left over refrigerated foods should be used within one to two days. If the food is to be stored longer than that, it should be frozen for later use and thawed overnight in the refrigerator. Thawing food at room temperature should be avoided, since it can be a gateway to food borne illnesses and other pathogens.
One of the easiest examples of the leftover strategy is chicken breasts or turkey cutlets. Poultry works great for this strategy, since it is easy to cook large quantities.
Start by cooking extra chicken breasts or turkey cutlets. Half of the chicken or turkey should be refrigerated overnight for use the next day. The remaining half can be topped with your favorite spices, sauces and seasonings and served right away.
The brilliance of this strategy will become apparent the next evening, when the other half of the turkey or chicken can be used in an entirely different way. One great way to use the other half is to cut it into strips, add lettuce and salad dressing and create a delicious Caesar salad. Thus one staple food becomes two delicious and totally different meals.
Rice is another great staple that works well for planned ahead meals. The rice dishes start with cooking and preparing a large quantity of rice. While the rice is cooking, add some ground beef or ground turkey to tomato sauce and flavor it with some Italian seasonings. Pour it over the rice and serve your family a great meal.
On the second night, take the remaining rice, fry it in a skillet and mix it will your favorite vegetables and perhaps a can of shrimp or crab for another, totally different rice based meal.
The leftover rice can also be saved and combined with turkey, chicken or beef from previous meals to create different flavor combinations, including casseroles and soups.
Rice makes a great staple for nay meal preparation plan. In addition to its versatility, rice is also easy to freeze. After the cooked rice has been cooled in the fridge, it is easy to transfer to freezer bags and saved for future quick, easy and healthy meals.
No matter how short of time you are, it is still possible to create delicious, nutritious meals in no time. Making a week's worth of meals in only a few hours will give you more time to enjoy your food and your family.
One way to cook healthy meals that are easy to prepare is to plan your meals around several key foods that can be prepared in large quantities and used in several different recipes on consecutive nights. This method of making meals last is totally different from the usual strategy of making a huge batch of food and living on leftovers for the rest of the week. Your family will certainly appreciate the difference.
There are some key elements to cooking this way. The first step is to promptly separate and refrigerate the portion that will be used for the next days meal before you place tonight's meal on the table. Refrigerating the unused portion of the prepared meal is important to preventing food borne illnesses, especially when serving meat, poultry, seafood or any meal containing eggs or dairy products.
The foods that have been prepared ahead of time should be stored in shallow containers to allow it to cool more quickly in the refrigerator. Thicker foods like stews, puddings and meat slices should be stored in bowls no deeper than two inches. The food should be stirred occasionally as it cools.
The left over refrigerated foods should be used within one to two days. If the food is to be stored longer than that, it should be frozen for later use and thawed overnight in the refrigerator. Thawing food at room temperature should be avoided, since it can be a gateway to food borne illnesses and other pathogens.
One of the easiest examples of the leftover strategy is chicken breasts or turkey cutlets. Poultry works great for this strategy, since it is easy to cook large quantities.
Start by cooking extra chicken breasts or turkey cutlets. Half of the chicken or turkey should be refrigerated overnight for use the next day. The remaining half can be topped with your favorite spices, sauces and seasonings and served right away.
The brilliance of this strategy will become apparent the next evening, when the other half of the turkey or chicken can be used in an entirely different way. One great way to use the other half is to cut it into strips, add lettuce and salad dressing and create a delicious Caesar salad. Thus one staple food becomes two delicious and totally different meals.
Rice is another great staple that works well for planned ahead meals. The rice dishes start with cooking and preparing a large quantity of rice. While the rice is cooking, add some ground beef or ground turkey to tomato sauce and flavor it with some Italian seasonings. Pour it over the rice and serve your family a great meal.
On the second night, take the remaining rice, fry it in a skillet and mix it will your favorite vegetables and perhaps a can of shrimp or crab for another, totally different rice based meal.
The leftover rice can also be saved and combined with turkey, chicken or beef from previous meals to create different flavor combinations, including casseroles and soups.
Rice makes a great staple for nay meal preparation plan. In addition to its versatility, rice is also easy to freeze. After the cooked rice has been cooled in the fridge, it is easy to transfer to freezer bags and saved for future quick, easy and healthy meals.
No matter how short of time you are, it is still possible to create delicious, nutritious meals in no time. Making a week's worth of meals in only a few hours will give you more time to enjoy your food and your family.
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